Martorono's at the Hard Rock

The Hard Rock Cafe Experience is not for eveyone. My little group, four adults 2 children 9 and 12, went to "celebrate" my daughter's 40th. We went to Martarano's Cafe in the Hard Rock location. There is another location in Oakland Park. .

First of all parking puts you quite a walk from the area despite advertisements telling you additional parking is available. We didn't find it.

Once inside the restaurant you will notice the noise level, quite high. Expect to be shouting your conversations. We were seated near the bar,not a great location. Banquets are available long the walls. Screens showing movies like The Godfather or Grease play with subtitles. When there is violent killing the sound goes on.People watching is definitely interesting. There is quite the mix and attire goes from t shirts and board shorts to mini mini skirts on women or skin tight with 9 inch heels back to shorts and flip flops. No need to worry about how to dress for this place.

The sevice is impeccable with friendly, charming, knowledgable wait staff.

Prices are enough to make you take out a second mortgage. Pizza, $19.00. Thin crust, tasty. We ordered it for the kids they didn't like it. We also ordered Mac and Cheese with wings. That was a hit but be aware the wings are very spicey. Luckily one of the boys likes hot foods. There is no children's menu and no substitutes. There went an easy $40.00.

The menu is a hard bound tome with many pages of wine. The first two pages are food selections like appetizers, eggplant stack, shrimp, fried Mozzarella. Again, the prices will blow your mind. Salad is $16.00 with one salad being $19.00. A m ain course can run in the $25.00 to $42.00 dollar range for items like Spagetti and meatballs, fish and other items. There is an off the menu selection that the waiter will recite for you with no mention of price per item. Mozzerella Bar choices run $16.00 to $18.88. Pizzas are $16.00 to $18.00 for a medium, thin crust pizza. Salads are up to $23.00, mostly $16.00 to $19.00. Desserts are Tiramisiu or Brownie with Ice Cream for $12.00. You can make reservations for parties of over 4 and they accept AX, DS, MC & VIsa. It is wheelchair friendly, especially outside.

Hours are 5:30-11 Tues through Thursday. Sun 5:30 to 1:00. Friday and Saturday the bar is open until 2:00 a.m. The restaurant seats 300 people inside and out. I'd suggest outside for a lower noise level.

I didn't pay but I figure this was over $200.00 with the tip and only two of us actually had a dinner. Hubby and I split two appetizers. None of us had drinks.Friends of ours dropped $400.00 the night before for a party of three but they had a bottle of wine. A glass of wine is $10.00./glass. There is an off the list corkage fee of $45.00.

The food was good but I've eaten at many restaurants where the food was outrageously good for much less. I prefer quiet, elegant restaurants where you can have a conversation. The place was packed so it definitely appeals to a large range of people.

Be prepared to bring money to the ladies room there is an attendant.