The Hard Rock Café is one of the most well-known restaurants in the Big Apple, and it most certainly lives up to the hype. As a symbol of New York City and American music, there is very few times that it isn’t packed with people wanting to get a glimpse of artifacts from famous musicians, like Tom Petty’s shirt or Slash’s guitar- but that’s just part of its overall charm.

When we first walked in, we found ourselves in a gift shop that leads into the restaurant. Then before we were seated, the hostess gave our party guitars and microphones and took our picture in front of the famous Hard Rock Café symbol that can later be bought in a picture package-for about $50.

While waiting for our food, we watched one of the multiple televisions stationed around the restaurant that play music videos from back in the day, and we were able to get up and walk around the restaurant to see their collection of musical relics that are around every corner.

For example, they have an Elvis display, a Beatles display, and instruments from many music legends like Slash, Kiss, Kurt Cobain, and ACDC, along with articles of clothing and the original papers that singers and bands wrote lyrics to their famous hits on. However, they don’t just have the oldies but goodies on display, they also have a section dedicated to the more modern stars of the music scene including Adam Levine of Maroon 5, Katy Perry, and Justin Timberlake, albeit that display is near the bathrooms (hm…).

Those displays are the reason the majority of people decide to eat at the restaurant, but the food is also a big deal. Everything is pretty overpriced, but in New York City, what isn’t? They have a large selection of appetizers, burgers, and entrees that all sound and look delicious. On top of the great food that they serve, the waiters and waitresses are very upbeat, fun, and diligent, and they fit the theme of the restaurant quite well, making it an even better restaurant as a whole.

So if you’re ever in New York City, eating at the Hard Rock Café is a must, and make sure to look around at all of the musical history that surrounds you.