Hard Rock Café

The night before our wedding, we hosted a casual Meet n Greet (after our rehearsal dinner) at the Hard Rock for any wedding guests who were in town. We had about 40 guests show up, and the Hard Rock was super easy to work with. Of all the restaurants I called to find a location for this event, the Hard Rock had the least amount of strings attached and provided us with a private gathering space. Usually, if you’re hoping to have a gathering of this size, the restaurant would require a deposit of $ 500 — $ 1000, in addition to a very limited menu selection. Not the Hard Rock! All of our guests were able to order right off of their menu AND they split the checks. Our guests, being new to Detroit, enjoyed being in the Compuware building (or One Campus Martius building) and being so centralized located in the downtown area. The food was on point, as were all the drinks. It provided the perfect backdrop for us to mingle with friends and family.

Very so so. If its busy service is no good. Sysco type food. Many better places in Detroit.

Honestly the customer service at Hard Rock is unbelievable! The waitress was very helpful selecting a drink for my picky girlfriend of course. They unfortunately forgot our appetizer, so we told them that we no longer want it because our entrees were already out. They gave us the app anyway, didn’t charge us and the manager came and apologized to us. The food and service was absolutely delightful! Highly recommend this place!

Standard Hard Rock Food, the local burger did not sound appealing at all being chicken, really? Small tiny store in front and very small for a HRC. Cool Kiss mural stained glass but nothing to cheer over. Friendly good staff got them a 3…

Same as most Hard Rock Cafes. Cool guitars and music history items on the wall.
Staff was super friendly. Very helpful.
We had the heavy metal buffalo wings and they were great. The blue cheese dressing had big chunks of cheese, the sauce was spicy and flavorful, the wings were cooked very well.
I also had the tandoori chicken burger off their new menu. I paired with poutine fries. The fries were ok… kind of bland gravy. The burger had no flavor. I though bc he was Indian flavoring, it would have tons of flavor. Nope! The mint mayo did but the meat and cheese were so bland… sort of like oatmeal. The bun was a good quality and my dinner companion had a burger they said was delicious so I probably didn’t order a good flavor.

Amber was our waitress and she was absolutely amazing! She was fast and efficient, our drinks were fantastic (hey bartender) and the food was out of this world! Larry came over to give us a quick history lesson on some of the older buildings and the bartender was very friendly every time she walked by. We had a great time for a Sunday at 11 am
Thank you !

Photo testimony of my experience, with Ms. Katie hosting.

Sloppy Mojitos made with minimal effort, dry pork sandwich and a few minimal relics from artists like Bob Segar, Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper and some dude from puddle of mud. Compared to New York, Los Angeles and even Four Winds casino in a remote corner in southwest Michigan, this Hard Rock was a deflating disappointment. Especially considering all the other cool places within walking distance.

We’ve been here a few time and love it… this was hubby’s order… he said this Burger was delicious… the drinks are great and the prices are also good… easy to get to. great parking… definitely a great spot to go!

Fantastic lunch menu, easy parking and beautiful atrium area seating. Mark (host) and Crystal (server) are professional and made our lunch even better!

The only reason to pay this place a visit is decent drink pricing during happy hour, which is the only time I visit. Service and food here are both nothing to bring you in. Unless you luck out you’ll probably be waiting 10 minutes just for someone to take a drink order if not longer. So do yourself a favor, grab a few drinks and then go across the hall for some good food or to one of the many great restaurants in the area. This location is obviously very badly managed because it’s always the same. The bathrooms are usually dirty because apparently people can’t throw trash in the garbage and prefer it on the floor and the staff obviously doesn’t clean them or refill the toilet paper. So good luck and check before sitting down ladies. Sitting outside in the summer provides an opportunity to take in the city sites which is a positive this place offers if you don’t mind the slow service.

Nice location inside the Compuware Building in Downtown Detroit, walking distance from Cobo Hall and many other popular entertainment venues like the Opera House, Greektown, and office buildings. Ice rink is across the street.
We ordered two draught beers, beef and shrimp fajitas. Service was good, the waitress was very accomodating and attentive. However, I went to the Men’s bathroom before paying the bill and it was a disaster! Upon entering, the floor was wet near and around each urinal. Toilet bowl in one of the stools had toilet paper all over the bowl, yellow with urine and hadn’t been flushed One urinal was out of order. Obviously no one bothered to maintain the bathrooms even on a busy Sunday during the Auto Show. It was disgusting. Not a very good impression.

Saturday night during the Auto Show and a Wings game, we were told 45 minute wait but only happened to be 30. Waitress was very prompt and friendly, food was great. The drinks were not good, however. I got the margarita flight and they were not mixed well, one was super strong and another would be almost without any alcohol. If coming here for the food, I’d recommend it, but the drinks, not so much.

The best thing about the Hard Rock is that you can get your parking validated and take the shuttle to and from games. Anytime I have eaten here our service has been amazing. The food is mediocre but what do you expect from a major chain? There’s nothing that they offer to eat or drink that makes me excited to go here.

Yes it’s quite a landmark here in Detroit. Before Detroit became ever so fashionable. Back when people thought just walking around downtown Detroit meant that they were gonna get murdered. This guy stood his ground strong and hard.
Food is a little on the OK side, it isn’t really anything to brag about. Just your average, garden variety pub food that pairs very well with beer or whatever boozy drink you’re drinking.
I really wouldn’t know what else to say about a Hard Rock Café… it’s just some place where people meet where there’s food and booze. I mean, there’s a gift shop and a bunch of TVs that show sports and music videos.
Even though the service was a bit so so, we somehow still had a pretty good time chit chatting with friends and family. Don’t forget to browse their gift shop, this is what makes a Hard Rock, The Hard Rock!

This is the 4^th Hard Rock Café I have visited, and I can safely say this is easily the worst experience I’ve had at one. It essentially ruined what was supposed to be a nice holiday evening.
We came down to Campus Martius to go ice skating. It was about 6:45, the wait was long, so we decided to eat first. Went to Hard Rock Café and they said there was about a 40 minute wait.
This was my first visit to the Detroit location. It is the smallest I have been to. As always, there is a decent collection of memorabilia on the walls from various artists. This one had a Detroit touch to it with many bands that started in Michigan. Good atmosphere and quick service at the bar while we waited.
We had a party of 12, so I expected that we would wait a while and that service wouldn’t be as quick as I would expect with a smaller group. We were sat down just past the 40 minutes we were originally told. It took FOREVER just to get waters after the waitress finally showed up 10 minutes after we sat down. It took ages after that to order, and even longer to get our food. To top it off, several orders were messed up (burgers ordered medium well came out rare, someone’s food was cold, etc.). The server was not apologetic about the wait at all and never once said a thing. By the time we sat down, the restaurant was starting to empty out, so I don’t accept the excuse of being busy (even though that really should never be an excuse).
Most of the food was good, for what it was. Typical for what you would expect from a Hard Rock Café. Prices were a bit high, but you are supposedly paying for the experience, which was sub-​par at best in this case.
We finally got our bills and got out of there at about 9:45. Skating closed at 10. What was supposed to be a meal that was done at 9 at the very latest stretched so long that we didn’t even get to skate.
The most I’ll ever do if I decide to return is stop in for a drink at the bar because they’re reasonably priced, but that’s a long shot. There are so many better places within walking distance of this place. Great local establishments that care about their patrons because they’re not just a brand name. Pass this place up and go somewhere else.

Went to the Hard Rock Café because I received a coupon for a buy one get one free for my birthday. My wife and I got the original legendary burger done medium. The burgers were cooked perfectly. We have been to this location several times before and every time we come service is good. It’s convenient to dine here before a sporting event because they have a shuttle that takes you to your event (don’t forget to tip your driver). You also get free parking when you make a purchase. The savings on parking alone makes your purchase well worth it.

Poorly managed Hard rock, turned away over thirty people while I was waiting to be seated!

I have only been to the Hard Rock maybe twice and it wasn’t good or bad. But recently I went with a friend on a whim while being in the area and I will totally go back. The drink I had, Bahama mama I think was so delicious I will probably go back just for the drink. My friend loved her raspberry margarita also. We both had burgers which I must say were very good! I will definitely be going back as I am downtown a lot.

Arrived late at night to half empty restaurant. Got seated immediately, then waited aimlessly for 10 minutes for waiter/​tress, who were busy right next to us sloooowly cleaning a table. We left, hungry, but probably healthier than if we had eaten there.
Thank you Hard Rock for saving our health with your non-​existing service.

After all these years of being here, we finally visited on Sunday night. It was slow, due to some rain, but the service was excellent and the wings were good.
Of course, the décor is cool, it’s Hard Rock. I happened to be facing a gold dress worn by Diana Ross. It’s a great location, and there’s plenty of space. LADIES BEWARE: the floor is quite slick for heels.
The wings were a little salty, to be honest, and they have this… bologna flavor to them. That’s the best way I can describe it. Not bad, just… particular. The sauce was good, most people would be perfectly happy with them, I’m just a wing nut.
All in all, I’d come back, and that surprises me. A good representation of the brand.

This was an unexpected dinner due to my hotels mess up. I ordered the pulled chicken sandwich and it came with fries. When I got my meal I noticed it had beans and coleslaw as additional sides. I devoured everything except the coleslaw. I would definitely recommend this Hard Rock Café.

Good place for happy hour. Drinks are cheap. I haven’t had the food.

There were several things to like: our waitress, Jess, was funny and the food was pretty good. I’m no seafood expert but really liked my salmon dinner. We came back later and got their nachos which while not exactly a huge test of a chef’s culinary skills were pleasantly coated with toppings throughout all the layers. When poorly done I hate it when just the top layer has the good stuff and it is pretty much just plain chips underneath. Several others with us liked the onion rings in particular. Two, happy hour from 4 – 6 pm had draft beers half off. All of them, not just 2 – 3 that you might not even like. So if that time fits for you to be there it is hard to beat a pint for around $ 2.50. Third, they have a free shuttle to downtown events, in our case this meant a free ride to and from Joe Louis Arena for a concert. The décor is like any other Hard Rock Café I’ve been to so nothing out of ordinary there.
I’m not a real hard rock music fan so, to me, one negative was when we came back after the concert the music after 11:00, anyway, seems VERY hardcore rock (Mastadon, Disturbed, etc) that I didn’t care for after hearing a bit lighter fare earlier of more traditional sounding rock.
We will definitely return when in downtown Detroit for an event.

Do not waste your money here. The food is gross, the bathrooms were not clean, and everything was way overpriced.
Went during the winter blast, took about 40 mins to get a table. No place to wait, bad food, subpar service.
Just keep looking!
Thank you Dan. I will consider your offer.

My fist time at a Hard Rock Café and there’s not too much to report.
Headed here before a Wings game as it’s right by the Cadillac Center People Mover station, which is the stop before Greektown, where EVERYONE gets on. We didn’t know this at the time, but they’ll validate your parking in the Compuware visitors garage and they offer a free shuttle to and from games/​events. We didn’t take the shuttle, but the free parking was a bonus.
Despite the crowd, we were seated promptly, and treated to good service. Our server was nice and efficient, and did a very good job during a busy pre-​game service.
The food was good, but not great. Everything was served hot and it was presented well, but it didn’t «wow» me. The menu seemed rather limited, and nothing really jumped out at me as a must try, however, I can attest that the «small» version of The Texan sandwich is more than enough food and it wasn’t half bad.
This location has some decent craft beer offerings, and at $ 3ish a pint during a happy hour that ends at 7, that’s a big plus.
I really have nothing to complain about, but I wasn’t completely blown away. We had a decent pre game meal and a few drinks for under $ 40, so overall, a good, but not great, experience.
I’d recommend this as a place to go before an event for maybe appetizers and a few drinks during happy hour. The free parking alone is worth $ 10 at least, and you’re right near a People Mover station if you don’t want to take the shuttle. Otherwise, if we were milling around downtown, this wouldn’t be in my top five places to eat, and it’s not worth a special trip down.
Pro tip: For Wings games, as mentioned above, the Cadillac Center station is a good choice to get on, as the Greektown station is PACKED. You’ll likely get a good seat before the rush.

It’s…a Hard Rock Café.
If you’re not looking for a souvenir shotglass or shirt with a logo and the city name on it to round out your collection, pass.
It’s not atrocious or anything, but it just is what it is… and there are so many better places within walking distance.

Let’s Rock and Roll. There isn’t any better music. Rock on!
I don’t know why the rating average is so low here. This restaurant chain has been around a long time. It started long after I lived through the sixties and seventies, we’re not going to talk about the eighties. The last of us Baby Boomers really knew how to rock and still do.
My daughter and son-​in-​law treated her father-​in-​law and me to an evening of dinner and baseball game (hey so I’m getting caught up on my reviews). Since they both work at QL they arranged for us to meet up here before the game. I arrived early and had a couple of domestics before everyone else arrived. The waitress (sorry, forgot her name) was outstanding. Very friendly. Once everyone arrived we ordered. I ordered the ORIGINAL LEGENDARY® BURGER Topped with smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, golden fried onion ring, crisp lettuce and minus the vine ripened tomato at our waitress recommendation. This was a very good and juicy burger. Bacon was crispy, cheese mild, lettuce crisp. Everybody else seemed to enjoy their meal as much as I did mine. Once we we finished we got the as another Unilocaler wrote «Added bonus: they will validate your parking stub for free parking in the gift shop!» Then we jumped on the shuttle to the game.
I don’t think I’ll be going to another Tiger game without going through this routine. Good food, good friends and family, good game, good time!
Thanks sweet pea for a great great evening!

I don’t frequent here often. Why? Well, because there are too many other spots around that aren’t large international chains with a reputation that peaked 20 years ago and is now looked upon as nearly just corny. (Was that harsh? Maybe that was harsh. Tell me it’s not accurate, though.)
But, I have managed to find myself here now and again when they’ve hosted particular events I had interest in attending. And I must say, I’ve never had a bad experience! The menu is standard American fare but most of the dishes, from pastas to sandwiches to appetizers, have some kind of an updated spin to them that makes them tastier and more appealing that I expected. The drink menu is impressive and not too pricey — the coconut mojito and Hurricane are two of my favorite speciality cocktails, there’s a good number of beers on draft, and the standard cocktails are poured surprisingly strong. I’ve always received excellent, friendly service. And there’s been a couple of times I’ve stumbled upon a happy hour crowd that was way more happenin’ than what any other local spots had going on at the time. Color me surprised.
So, the moral of this review is, I need to lay off the judgement of Hard Rock for what I’ve perceived them to be, and appreciate them for what they are — a pretty great spot for a bite and a drink.
I’ll still skip the souvenir tshirt though ;)

Better than I expected, but my expectations are low for chains. I have to remind myself that I need to review this restaurant with the chain mentality in mind. By no means would I consider the hard rock a 4 star restaurant experience to my standards, but in comparison to other similar gimmicky places, it earns a 4 star review.
Pros: drinks and burgers. Food seems a little more… well… fresh/​real than in the past.
Cons: chain stigma. I would eat other places near by. Coconut Mojito
Hard Rock Café has made massive improvements, but it is still a chain and that is hard for people to get over. I had an amazing strawberry vodka lemonade that had a press in it. It was excellent and I hate vodka. It was on the pricey side, to the point where I was taken back. I would order it again though as it was delicious and strong. Don’t let the price tag fool you. The burger patties seemed like they were handformed and made from decent quality meat. Possibly not frozen!
Avoid the mac and cheese, it is more like alfredo sauce.
There was one guy with a thick beard who was amazing. Very helpful, fun, and had a great sense of humor. I talked with another waitress about him and I think she said he has been there since the doors open. He is definitely an asset to this restaurant. I feel like they also really captured the spirit of rock and roll in detroit. Perhaps they would also try and hit a little bit more of the motown vibe as well, but the name is the «hard rock»
My experience was really a 3 star experience by my standards. I wouldn’t go out of my way to hit it as a destination with my wife or friends. If I had some elementary/​middle school aged kids with me that would be a different story because I feel they would enjoy the atmosphere.
I’d honestly really appreciate if they could do that,. because I strongly dislike having children around me at the places I do frequent. So for all families out there… this is a 5 star can’t miss place! ;)

On foot downtown — this is the place to stop for good eats.
My favorite thing about the Hard Rock is the great drink selection and fun atmosphere. Nice menu for all palettes, when visiting with a group, and for all ages.
I had the mushroom Swiss burger. It was cooked to order, with a nice char, large and plenty of toppings. Service was outstanding. Try the Twist & Shout Shake with a burger. It is spiked with I don’t know what, but it was a nice twist on the classic burger and shake combo. The nachos were huge and a hit at our table.
We were in the comfortable dining room that doesn’t feel closed off from the bar. Open floor plan allows you to see most walls and memorabilia without having to leave your seat. Private dining room available, as well as, patio seating that is still inside the main building. TVs are everywhere, so no one will miss the streaming videos.
Plenty of parking, just a short walk away from the front door.

Wir waren auf unserer Americarundreise für einen Tag auch in Detroit. Das HRC ist nicht besonders groß aber sehenswert. Da sind natürlich Dinge von Eminem ausgestellt unter anderem aber auch das Essen war durchaus empfehlenswert. Der Shop war leider sehr klein und auch nicht wirklich gut bestückt. Das Personal war so freundlich und zuvorkommend. Es hat für uns nach dem Essen den Rockshop sogar noch mal aufgemacht. Das ist mal ein HRC was empfehlenswert ist.