Hard Rock Cafe - Washington, DC

3.9

1159 Reviews

$30 and under

American

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2 people

11 Jan 2025

19:00

Booked 11 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for groups
Lively
Charming

Hard Rock Cafe is a global phenomenon with 185 cafes that are visited by nearly 80 million guests each year. The first Hard Rock Cafe opened on June 14, 1971, in London, England, and from there the brand has expanded to major cities and exotic locations around the world.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

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Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:00 pm
Phone number
(202) 737-7625
Website
https://cafe.hardrock.com/washington-dc/#utm_source=rest_of_network&utm_medium=Yext&utm_campaign=Listings
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
Give your guests the rock star treatment with our specially designed all-inclusive menus that are perfect for student groups. Groups of 15 or more can choose off a limited menu that includes a beverage. Take a look at our Group Menus. We also offer breakfast for groups of 25 or more. If you have less than 25, please call the cafe directly.
Private party facilities
Looking to host a private event? Hard Rock Cafe Washington DC is the perfect place for your next important event. Our Sales team can help you plan an amazing customized event from a Casual Get Together with passed hors d'oeuvres to a Formal Black Tie Event.
Private party contact
Sales Department : (202) 737-7625

Location
999 E St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Area
Downtown
Cross Street
10th St. NW
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Conveniently located near Metro Center and Gallery Center Metro stops.
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

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Experiences

2 x $25
1 Jan 2025 - 31 Jan 2025
We’re starting our new year off with savings! Enjoy our delicious entree options with our 2 for $25 limited time offer. Pick 2: Caesar Salad with chicken or Salmon Classic Burger with Fries Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Fries Southwestern Chicken Bowl Available Monday – Thursday, from 11 AM – 3 PM.
For the Free Spirited
7 Jan 2025 - 31 Jan 2025
Join us for a month of flavorful exploration and embrace a healthier lifestyle with our Dry January offerings. Embark on a refreshing journey with our exclusive limited menu, designed to elevate your spirit while embracing a mindful approach to wellness. Our carefully crafted non-alcoholic beverages are perfect for those looking to enjoy delightful flavors without the buzz. Cheers to new beginnings!
Happy Hour + Karaoke DJ
16 Jan 2025 only
Join us for extended Happy Hour specials from 4 PM to 7 PM, featuring a live DJ to keep the energy high! During happy hour, enjoy: $1 Off Draft Beer $5 House Pours $6 Select Cocktails $6 House Wine This weekend only, don’t miss our special $10 Red, White, and Blue Cocktail, along with rotating $5 shooter specials. **Available in the bar only. Seating in the bar is first come, first served.**

Popular dishes

CLASSIC NACHOS
Crisp tortilla chips layered with ranch-style beans and a four-cheese sauce blend, topped with fresh pico de gallo, spicy jalapeños, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, pickled red onions and scallions, served with sour cream on the side. Add Guacamole, Grilled Chicken, or Grilled Steak for an additional cost.
ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK SPICY SHRIMPTM
Crispy shrimp, tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce, topped with scallions, served on a bed of coleslaw.
THREE-CHEESE & ROMA TOMATO FLATBREAD
A blend of Mozzarella, Parmesan and Romano cheeses, topped with Roma tomatoes and fresh basil, drizzled with cilantro pesto.
SOUTHWEST CHICKEN FLATBREAD
Grilled fresh chicken, avocado, melted Italian cheeses, fresh pico de gallo, diced red peppers and scallions, finished with guacamole ranch.
PEPPERONI FLATBREAD
Melted Mozzarella, Parmesan and Romano cheeses, layered with sliced pepperoni and traditional pizza sauce, topped with a sprinkle of grated Romano cheese.
WINGS
Our signature slow-roasted jumbo wings tossed with your choice of classic buffalo, sweet & spicy tangy, or house-made barbecue sauce, served with celery and blue cheese dressing.
BONELESS WINGS
Crispy chicken thighs tossed with your choice of classic buffalo, sweet & spicy tangy, or house made barbecue sauce, served with celery and blue cheese dressing.
ALL-AMERICAN SLIDERS
Three mini-burgers with melted American cheese, crispy onion ring and creamy coleslaw on a toasted brioche bun.
BRUSCHETTA
Balsamic-marinated Roma tomatoes and fresh basil topped with Romano cheese. Served with toasted artisan bread drizzled with basil oil and a side of shaved Parmesan cheese.

LEGENDARY® STEAK BURGERS

All Legendary® Steak Burgers are served with fresh toasted buns and seasoned fries. Upgrade your fries to loaded cheese fries for more.

ORIGINAL LEGENDARY® BURGER
The burger that started it all! Fresh steak burger, with Applewood bacon, Tillamook® cheddar cheese, crispy onion ring, leaf lettuce and vine-ripened tomato.
BBQ BACON CHEESEBURGER
Fresh steak burger, seasoned and seared with a signature spice blend, topped with house-made barbecue sauce, crispy shoestring onions, Tillamook® cheddar cheese, Applewood bacon, leaf lettuce and vine-ripened tomato.
THE BIG CHEESEBURGER
Three slices of Tillamook® cheddar cheese melted on our fresh steak burger with leaf lettuce, vine-ripened tomato and red onion.
DOUBLE DECKER DOUBLE CHEESEBURGER
A tribute to our 1971 "Down Home Double Burger" Two stacked steak burgers with American cheese, mayonnaise, leaf lettuce, vine-ripened tomato and red onion.
THE IMPOSSIBLETM BURGER
100% plant-based vegan patty, topped with Tillamook® cheddar cheese and a crispy onion ring, served with leaf lettuce and vine-ripened tomato.
SURF & TURF BURGER
Our signature steak burger topped with One Night in Bangkok Spicy ShrimpTM on a bed of spicy slaw.
COUNTRY BURGER
Two smashed & stacked burgers seasoned and seared medium-well, with American cheese, leaf lettuce, vine-ripened tomato, red onion, pickles, house-made burger sauce and served with a side of sweet relish.
SWISS MUSHROOM BURGER
Two smashed & stacked burgers seasoned and seared medium-well, with Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms, leaf lettuce, vine-ripened tomato, and Dijon mayonnaise.
SPICY DIABLO BURGER
Two smashed & stacked burgers seasoned and seared medium-well, with Monterey Jack cheese, pickled jalapeños, leaf lettuce, vine-ripened tomato, and spicy mayonnaise.

SANDWICHES

Served with seasoned fries or upgrade to Cheese Fries with Applewood Bacon.

BBQ PULLED PORK SANDWICH
Hand-pulled smoked pork with our house-made barbecue sauce, served on a toasted fresh brioche bun with coleslaw and pickles.
GRILLED CHICKEN SANDWICH
Grilled fresh chicken with melted Monterey Jack cheese, Applewood bacon, leaf lettuce and vine-ripened tomato, served on a toasted fresh brioche bun with honey mustard sauce.
FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH
Crispy buttermilk-marinated chicken breast with leaf lettuce, vine-ripened tomato and ranch dressing, served on a toasted fresh brioche bun. Spice it up with our classic buffalo sauce upon request!
BUFFALO CHICKEN SANDWICH
Buttermilk-marinated fried chicken tossed with our classic buffalo sauce with leaf lettuce, vine-ripened tomato and ranch dressing, served on a toasted fresh brioche bun.

SALADS & BOWLS

GRILLED CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD
8oz chicken breast, grilled and sliced with fresh romaine tossed in a classic Caesar dressing, topped with parmesan crisps, croutons and shaved parmesan cheese. Substitute Grilled Salmon for an additional cost
STEAK SALAD
8oz grilled steak on a bed of fresh mixed greens tossed in a blue cheese vinaigrette, with pickled red onions, red peppers and Roma tomatoes, finished with crispy shoestring onions and blue cheese crumbles.
GRILLED SALMON NOODLE BOWL
Ramen noodles tossed in a sesame-soy dressing over a bed of mixed greens topped with edamame, julienned carrots, red peppers, cabbage, and scallions, served with grilled Norwegian salmon.
SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN BOWL
Fajita-spiced chicken, quinoa corn salad, pico de gallo, seasoned black beans and red cabbage served on mixed greens tossed in a guacamole ranch dressing.

SPECIALTY ENTRÉES

BABY BACK RIBS
Seasoned with our signature spice blend, then glazed with our house-made barbecue sauce and grilled to perfection, served with seasoned fries, coleslaw and ranch-style beans.
COWBOY RIBEYE
USDA Choice 16oz bone-in ribeye grilled and topped with herb butter, served with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables. Enjoy Surf n' Turf style with One Night in Bagkok Spicy ShrimpTM for an additional cost.
NEW YORK STRIP STEAK
USDA Choice 12oz New York strip steak, grilled and topped with herb butter, served with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables. Enjoy Surf n' Turf style with One Night in Bagkok Spicy ShrimpTM for an additional cost.
FAMOUS FAJITAS
Classic Tex-Mex-style fajitas, served with fresh pico de gallo, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, house-made guacamole, sour cream and warm tortillas. Available with: Grilled Chicken, Grilled Steak, Duo Combo, or Veggie Fajitas.
TWISTED MAC, CHICKEN & CHEESE
100% all-natural grilled chicken breast, sliced and served on cavatappi pasta tossed in a four-cheese sauce blend with diced red peppers.
SMOKEHOUSE BBQ COMBO
Slow-cooked Baby Back Ribs and hand-pulled smoked pork served with our house-made barbecue sauce. The perfect combination of our smokehouse specialties, served with seasoned fries, coleslaw and ranch-style beans.
CEDAR PLANK SALMON
Grilled Norwegian salmon, served on a cedar plank with sweet & spicy mustard glaze, served with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables.
TUPELO CHICKEN TENDERS
Crispy, fresh chicken tenders served with seasoned fries, honey mustard and our house-made barbecue sauce.

SIGNATURE COCKTAILS

HURRICANE
Our signature cocktail and a 1940s New Orleans classic! Bacardi Superior Rum, a blend of orange, mango, pineapple juice and grenadine, finished with a float of Bacardi Black Rum and Amaretto.
CLASSIC CARIBBEAN MOJITO
A treasured favorite with a little extra jazz! Bacardi Superior Rum, house-made mint syrup, fresh squeezed lime juice and sparkling soda, with a premium Bacardi Añejo Cuatro floater and a powdered sugar sprinkle.
PASSION FRUIT MAI TAI
A Tiki classic invented in the 1940s in California! Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, passion fruit and a blend of traditional Tiki flavors, topped with a pineapple wedge.

JAM SESSIONS

BLACKBERRY SPARKLING SANGRIA
A signature blend of red wine, the fresh flavors of blackberries, cranberry juice and squeeze of orange, topped with bubbly Riondo Prosecco.
ROCKIN' FRESH RITA
Milagro Silver Tequila, fresh lime juice and agave nectar, finished with our signature sweet and savory rim.
ULTIMATE LONG ISLAND ICED TEA
Tito's Handmade Vodka, Bombay Sapphire Gin, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum and Cointreau Orange Liqueur with sweet & sour and a splash of Coca-Cola.

ALTERNATIVE ROCK

(ALCOHOL FREE)

STRAWBERRY BASIL LEMONADE
A refreshing lemonade muddled with fresh strawberries and basil.
PROUDLY SERVING COKE PRODUCTS
Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Sprite, Fanta Orange, Dr Pepper, Mello Yello, Fuze Raspberry Tea, Bottled IBC Root Beer, Red Bull® Energy Drink, Red Bull® Sugarfree, Hard Rock Energy Citrus

DESSERTS

HOT FUDGE BROWNIE
Warm chocolate brownie topped with vanilla bean ice cream, hot fudge, chopped walnuts, chocolate sprinkles, fresh whipped cream and a cherry.
NEW YORK CHEESECAKE
Rich and creamy NY-style cheesecake served with thin layers of chocolate and caramel sauce, finished with sprinkles of toffee-almond crunch.
HOMEMADE APPLE COBBLER
Old-fashioned apple cobbler with warm Granny Smith apples, baked until golden brown and topped with vanilla bean ice cream and caramel sauce.
ICE CREAM
Choose from Madagascar vanilla bean or rich chocolate.
DINER-STYLE MILKSHAKES
Your choice of Madagascar vanilla bean or rich chocolate ice cream blended thick and finished with fresh whipped cream.

PREMIUM SIDES SERVED À LA CARTE

SEASONED FRIES
FRESH VEGETABLES
TWISTED MAC, CHICKEN & CHEESE
GOLDEN ONION RING TOWER
YUKON GOLD MASHED POTATOES
SIDE CAESAR SALAD
SIDE HOUSE SALAD

What 1,159 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

3.9

3.9 based on recent ratings

3.9Food
4.1Service
3.9Ambience
3.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Hard Rock Cafe in Washington, DC is celebrated for its "phenomenal service," with standout servers like Derrick and Marty. Guests enjoy "delicious food" amidst a lively atmosphere filled with music and memorabilia. However, some have experienced delays in service or reservations, highlighting areas for improvement. Overall, a great spot for music and dining enthusiasts.

1,159 Reviews

A
Alba
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great day at Hard Rock Cafe. Excellent service!!!
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A
Amy
San Francisco
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on 2 January 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
We had a highly disappointing experience at this Hard Rock Café. Despite making a reservation in advance, it wasn’t acknowledged, and we had to wait. The hostess was rude, on her phone the entire time, and made no effort to greet us or apologize for the delay. She seated us at a terrible table just inside the front door, crammed in a corner next to the gift shop. The table was too small for our party, and when we asked for another option, she dismissively told us, "That's all we have," even though the restaurant wasn’t busy. We were excited to visit, traveling all the way from California, but the ambiance was nonexistent. Instead of enjoying the typical Hard Rock vibe, we were practically sitting in the gift shop with our plates overlapping. The DJ and speakers placed directly next to us made it impossible to have a conversation. Our reservation included a note about celebrating our daughter’s birthday, but it was completely ignored. This was supposed to be a special experience, but it felt like an afterthought. While the burgers were tasty, the side portions were laughable—as if they’d run out of fries. The lack of hospitality and organization ruined what should have been an enjoyable evening. To top it off, we didn’t even get to see the restaurant or any of the rock memorabilia that Hard Rock is known for. It felt like a wasted visit, and we won’t be returning.
Hard Rock Cafe - Washington, DCResponded on 3 January 2025
Hello Amy, On behalf of our team, I extend my sincerest apologies for the subpar service, ambiance, and overall experience you had at Hard Rock Cafe, falling short of our standards. Our hostess's failure to acknowledge your reservation and her rudeness were unacceptable. I'm also deeply disappointed that we missed the opportunity to celebrate your daughter's birthday. As a token of apology, I would like to offer a full refund for your meal and invite you and your family back for a complimentary dining experience. We want to show you a true "Rockin" experience! Please give us another chance to ensure your next visit is exceptional. I apologize again and appreciate your feedback. Regards, Stewart Shoemaker Assistant General Manager 251-680-7858
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L
Lizabeth
VIP
Washington DC
161 reviews
5.0
161 reviews
Dined on 2 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The perfect place to have a holiday lunch while touring DC with out of town friends. The kids loved seeing the decor and hearing about the stars. The staff was friendly and professional.
Hard Rock Cafe - Washington, DCResponded on 3 January 2025
Hello Lizabeth, Thank you so much for the 5-star review! We're thrilled to hear that you and your family enjoyed your holiday lunch with us. We appreciate your kind words about our staff and decor. Come back and rock with us again soon! Best regards, Elizabeth Fiddler Sales and Marketing Manager
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m
marcos
New York City
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on 1 January 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Hard Rock Washington ruined my New Year's Eve party. Canceling my reservation on the day was horrible. I was at the restaurant and only found out at the time. I thought Hard Rock was more responsible with its customers because I booked well in advance. I will never go to the restaurant again.
Hard Rock Cafe - Washington, DCResponded 5 days ago
Dear Marcos I am writing to sincerely apologize for the disappointing experience you had with your New Year's Eve reservation at Hard Rock Cafe. Notifying you at 3 pm was unacceptable, and we acknowledge that our communication was not timely. We should have been more considerate, especially since you were on vacation and had made the reservation well in advance. Please know that we take full responsibility for the disappointment and dissatisfaction caused. We value your trust, loyalty, and regret that we failed to deliver the experience you deserved. If you're willing to give us another chance, please let us know a convenient time, and we'll ensure that your experience is nothing short of exceptional. Sincerely, Stewart Shoemaker Assistant General Manager 251-680-7858
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A
Angélique
Greater Boston
11 reviews
1.0
11 reviews
Dined on 31 December 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Une catastrophe ! À peine assis, nous voulions repartir. Obligé de nettoyer les chaises et les verres avec les serviettes qui n’ont pas été remplacées. On a attendu une bouteille d’eau… je ne sais combien de temps ! Un restaurant sale comme jamais vu! On a halluciné ! Pour notre dernière soirée dans la capitale américaine on a rêvé mieux… Restaurant pas recommandé du tout
Hard Rock Cafe - Washington, DCResponded on 31 December 2024
Angelique, I am very sorry to hear that your experience was not what we strive to achieve here at Hard Rock DC. We would like to hear from you and discuss your meal in more detail. Please email us at the link in our website so we can find a way to try and make it right. Thank you. -Angela Thomas, Assistant General Manager
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M
Matthew
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 30 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had reservations, we were seated right on time, food was good, server was great.
Hard Rock Cafe - Washington, DCResponded on 31 December 2024
Matthew, thank you so much for choosing to dine with us. We are thrilled that the experience lived up to the expectation. We appreciate your business and hope to see you again in the future! You Rock! -Angela Thomas, Assistant General Manager
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K
Kristin
Washington DC
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 19 December 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Service was Excellent! I just wish the food was a little better and new menu options were added. My chicken was a little dry and way too thick for portion size. Fries were good but needed a little less salt for sure! Again, this has nothing to do with the service, because the service was excellent! The issue is the same bland menu that we see every time we go to a Hard Rock Cafe! Please add some new foods and appetizers!
Hard Rock Cafe - Washington, DCResponded on 22 December 2024
Hi Kristin! First, I would like to say thank you for being willing to recommend us even though the current menu is not your favorite. We appreciate that more than you know. Super grateful your server was able to take such awesome care of your table and keep the vibe high. We do hope you choose to come visit us again the next time you are in DC, especially during the second half of the year. I think you might be pleasantly surprised at how much our menu just might evolve! Don't get me in trouble, I'm not blowing whistles; just spilling the unconfirmed "tea." :) In all seriousness, there are supposed to be some very exciting things in the works from what we hear. We are excited to experience them and share them with awesome guests like yourself. We hope to see you again in the future!
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L
Lindsey
San Diego
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on 14 December 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Poor service and 30 min wait despite reservation. Food was sub par
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D
Debra
Washington DC
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on 14 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Good place to go before a show. Great service and tasty food, prepared as requested.
Hard Rock Cafe - Washington, DCResponded on 20 December 2024
Hi Debra, Thank you so much for your kind review! We work hard to give everyone a memorable experience, so we are so glad you had a good time with us -- we hope to see you again soon! Thank you, Stewart Shoemaker Assistant General Manager Hard Rock Cafe DC 202-737-7625
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S
Stacey
Washington DC
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 13 December 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Drinks took way too long to make and out of ingredients needed. So overall bar experience was very bad!!
Hard Rock Cafe - Washington, DCResponded on 20 December 2024
Good Morning Stacey, I am so very sorry to hear about your experience at our cafe -- that is not an acceptable level of service and I want to make this right as soon as possible. If you are comfortable, I can reach out to you so that we can have you back to our cafe for a VIP experience on the house. Thank you, Stewart Shoemaker Assistant General Manager Hard Rock Cafe DC 202-737-7625
1 person found this helpful

FAQs

Hard Rock Cafe - Washington, DC offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 737-7625.

Hard Rock Cafe - Washington, DC is rated 3.9 stars by 1159 OpenTable diners.