Hard Rock Café Orlando vs. House of Blues Orlando
If you’re planning on visiting Orlando sometime in the near future, you’ll have two iconic music-themed dining options to choose from House of Blues or Hard Rock Café. If you’re not sure how to choose between them, we’ll highlight what sets each spot apart and help you figure out which one is right for your trip.
Hard Rock Café
Orlando boasts the biggest Hard Rock Café location in the world. Located in the CityWalk complex of Universal Studios Orlando, you’ll immediately recognize it from the giant guitar out front and Roman Coliseum-inspired pillars that set it apart from the rest of the surrounding buildings. This multi-level location is so iconic you can even take a virtual tour before your visit to get a taste of what you’ll experience. What’s more, this specific location was listed as one of America’s 50 most kid-friendly restaurants in the country back in 2019, making it the perfect all-ages destination.
Meanwhile, the interior décor is just as eye-catching as the outside. The first thing you’ll notice is a giant hot pink Cadillac hanging over the bar, an homage to classic rock iconography.
Get a Taste of Rock and Roll Memorabilia
Without its iconic music memorabilia lining the walls, it wouldn’t be the Hard Rock Café, and the Orlando location is no exception. In fact, it has more pieces of music memorabilia than any other Hard Rock Café in the world.
Step into rock and roll history while you admire the suit Elvis famously wore in the iconic movie Viva Las Vegas, take in hand-painted Beatles posters, and peek through Buddy Holly’s iconic black glasses. They even have Pete Townshend of The Who’s 1973 Gibson Les Paul custom guitar – or rather, what’s left of it. (He iconically smashed it half an hour into a show at the New Castle Odeon).
Whether you’re a rock and roll super-fan or just want to pass the time while you wait for your food, you’ll find an over-the-top Rock and Roll themed interior packed with memorabilia to browse, making it the perfect place for music lovers and food lovers alike. The trademark décor certainly makes for a visually striking place to grab a bite.
A Menu as American as Rock and Roll
True to the rock and roll theme, expect classic American cuisine on the menu. Try one of their specialty Legendary Burgers or other American classics like baby back ribs. We highly recommend grabbing one of their signature cocktails. Each one comes in a collectible glass that you can take home to remember your visit (though you’ll still want to stop by their merch section after your meal to browse their rock and roll-inspired t-shirts, sweatshirts, denim, and even backpacks).
Hard Rock Café is big on its limited-edition menus, which means there’s always something unique to try, whether this is your first or your fiftieth visit. And they even have a special gluten-free menu, which will be a relief for people with dietary restrictions.
Events and Extras
The location also boasts a 3,000-person concert and party venue. Book the spot for your wedding or special occasion.
But even if you’re just heading there as a small part of your trip, there’s always something fun in store. Pop in on a Friday or Saturday night for live music on the Rock Bar Patio. Or book their Backstage and Burgers memorabilia tour on the weekends, where you’ll get an in-depth look at all the iconic memorabilia lining the walls while you munch on a delicious meal.
House of Blues Orlando
House of Blues located at Disney Springs is slightly less well-known than the Hard Rock Café, but that fits its vibe just fine. The exterior has the feel of a classic southern juke joint dive – you’ll know it by the water tower out front. The décor has a moody, shabby-chic feel. Inside, you’ll find blues-inspired imagery that’s much less in-your-face than that of Hard Rock Café. House of Blues feels less like a vacation destination and more like an old, comfortable pair of jeans – that fit just right on a Saturday night.
Southern-Style Cooking
True to the blues and southern rock theme, the feel of the restaurant at the House of Blues is a little less frenzied. The Southern-inspired menu has a little more laidback and a slightly more authentic feel. You’ll find Southern classics like gumbo, BBQ nachos, jambalaya, blackened chicken, shrimp and grits, and fried chicken. Try one of their classic juicy burgers or their golden fried New Orleans shrimp po’boy. If perhaps you’re in the mood for something a little heartier with a decidedly larger portion, grab a smokehouse platter piled high with favorites like BBQ pulled pork and smoky brisket.
And don’t forget about their happy hour drinks deals! If you make it for weekend brunch, you’ll enjoy bottomless drinks, the perfect chance to relax, drink in the atmosphere, and sip on a few refreshing cocktails.
Events and Live Music
Like Hard Rock Café, House of Blues caters private events like weddings and parties, perfect if you’re commemorating a special occasion during your trip to Orlando. And they offer reservations so you can skip the wait – which might be more important for House of Blues than at Hard Rock Café since House of Blues isn’t literally filled with memorabilia to keep you occupied while you wait for your table.
Head back to the laidback patio dining area to take some live music or possibly the front porch or house band area near the bar. Stages are located throughout the venue, and you may see multiple acts playing depending on the time of year and day of the week you choose to visit. If you’re dying for some dancing after dinner, check their calendar before your stay to make sure you catch one of their in-house concerts – at the adjacent live event venue, you never know what act you’ll be able to catch!
If classical gospel music is your speed, you’ll want to make time for gospel brunch every Sunday. Eat to your heart’s content from their all-you-can-eat southern breakfast buffet while enjoying spirited live gospel music performances. It’s the perfect combination of music, spirituality, and delicious food. It’s just as entertaining as it is worshipful, making it perfect whether you’re devoutly religious or just have a strong appreciation for gospel music’s contribution to Southern culture (and music culture!). Even better, a portion of ticket sales for Sunday Gospel Brunch go to charity, Specifically the Music Forward Foundation.
So, Which One Should You Visit?
Honestly, there’s no right answer. Both have a great atmosphere, especially for music lovers, and offer live music if you plan your visit at the right time. They both offer a fun, comfortable place to gather with friends and family to celebrate being together during your trip – whether you’re celebrating a special event or just gathering with friends for a meal. And both take reservations, so you won’t have to worry about a long wait (though you’ll want to plan for a little extra time to take a look around Hard Rock Café).
But keep in mind the two restaurants have very different draws and vibes. Hard Rock Café is undeniably an iconic musical museum and restaurant, especially if you’re into classic rock, American food and are traveling with kids. If you want the experience of visiting a classic American pop music-themed restaurant, it’s a no-brainer. Hard Rock Café has been around so long that it’s developed a bit of its own culture. If you want to be a part of that, head right over.
Head to House of Blues if you want a more authentic Southern Soul-inspired experience. The décor is less in-your-face and more atmospheric than Hard Rock Café. At times It feels almost as if you have traveled back in time and could see Chuck Berry or the Allman Brothers Band come out on stage at any moment. And if you’re a fiend for souvenirs, the House of Blues selection can’t be beat – you’ll find apparel, drinkware, and a wide range of accessories like keychains, patches, and even jewelry, which in our opinion, have a slightly more authentic vibe than the over-the-top souvenir merchandise at Hard Rock. Either way, you can’t go wrong!
Have you been to Hard Rock Café and House of Blues? Which did you love more? Tell us why in the comments!
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Photo: digboston via Flickr
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