Traveler's Must-See in NYC: Planet Hollywood and Hard Rock Cafe in New York City

Okay, I'll admit it. When it comes to Planet Hollywood and the Hard Rock Cafe, I'm a major tourist. As I have mentioned in previous reviews, I collect the pins from the restaurants that I visit. I don't like to cheat, although a friend of mine lives in Japan and got me the Planet Hollywood- Tokyo pin, which I graciously accepted. After all, I don't think I'll be going to Tokyo anytime soon.

But, I digress.

You have to go to the Hard Rock Cafe - New York at least once, especially if you're a tourist. This is the best one I have ever been to, and I have been to a lot. This one is the most fun and has the most ambiance.

Upon approaching the restaurant, you see a big tail end of a Cadillac sticking out of the side of the wall. This Caddie used to be pink, but has been painted black. There is no way you can miss it.

Often times, especially on really nice days, you'll have to wait in line for a while. If you've never been there, it's worth the wait. If so, you might want to try a different restaurant. A long wait outside means slow service inside at the Hard Rock.

Once inside, you can either chill out at their bar for a drink or two, or sit at your table. The tables are pretty close together in the downstairs dining room, so try to request a table in the balcony. On your way to your table, you can look at various music history displays. There's one of the costumes that Elvis wore, Richie Sambora's drumsticks, and countless Beatles albums. People constantly look over your shoulder while you're eating just to see what you're sitting by. This is very annoying, should you be seated next to something really cool-- It never fails that tourists will interrupt your meal and ask you to move so they can snap a picture.

The food is pretty good. My personal favorite is a simple hamburger and french fries-- I still have yet to find a better burger than at the Hard Rock. The fries are great, too. You simply must start out with a plate of Homemade HRC Nachos, though. It's enough for 4 people to share! Whatever you do, don't eat the green pepper that comes with it. (Dionne25 and I dared my sister, Julie713, to and she turned really red, then completely white.)

There is a sandwich they have called the "Pig Sandwich," which comes with a slogan that says, "If you haven't had a Pig Sandwich, then you haven't been to the Hard Rock." Know what? Pass on the Pig Sandwich. I have had it in NY, CA and Niagara Falls. It's terrible, unless you really like vinegar. My mom and husband don't particularly like it, either.

The deserts are alright, though you can find better ones elsewhere. I like the Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie. It's a big, warm hunk of a chewy, chocolate-chip cookie with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge. My suggestion? Dinner at Hard Rock, dessert at Planet Hollywood.

Be prepared for loud music. Most conversations are shouted at one another, and they won't lower the music-- No matter how much you ask. (My grandmother found this out the hard way.) Just ask them for one of the "quieter areas" and they'll sit you somewhere you won't have to shout to one another. However, you will still hear the music very well.

They have a lot of neat alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, too, most of which are served in a souvenier glass. Sometimes a "shooter girl" will come to your table and attempt to sell you ready-made shooters in a HRC shot glass. My favorite HRC drink is the Blue Hawaiian: Malibu rum, Blue Curaco, and Pineapple Juice. Very sweet, but very good.

The Hard Rock Cafe - New York has the best HRC staff I've ever met. Seriously. They are friendly, energetic, helpful, and really seem happy to be there. You will find that you have terrific conversations with your server and the bartender! Plus, none of them seem to mind taking your photo when you ask them to.

The Hard Rock Cafe is a great place to go at least once. And, don't forget to visit their gift shop!