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Category: American (Traditional) [Edit]
Neighborhood: Near North Side$5 Bloody Mary (build own gourmet drink with more than garnishes (think grilled shrimp, hot giardiniara, pepperocini);
$5 Mimosas
Grand (Red)
Merchandise Mart (Purple Express, Brown)
State/Lake (Orange, Brown, Purple Express, Green, Pink)
Mon-Fri. 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.
Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 a.m.
Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.
Sun. 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.
"Blue Frog is what it is and loves what it is: A Dive Bar with games everywhere and karaoke at night! If Blue Frog was a human it would be…" read more »
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After being turned away a few weeks ago from this bustling bar/restaurant, I wanted to find out what the fuss was about. I made reservations on Open Table and the four of us dined there last Thursday night.
From the pictures on the Rockit website, I had to have the 'famous' Rockit burger which was rated #1 on Good Morning America. Wife and I ordered both the Rockit Burger and Lobster Burger and split them. Frankly, the lobster burger won the taste test. At $19 I expected the Rockit Burger to set new standards for burgers. It was quite good, but I have had better. When I return to Rockit, and I will, I will try other things. Service quite attentive, good and tasty drink selection, fries (truffle and sweet potato) very good and plentiful. Hip, younger crowd and lots of energy.
A few friends and I entered RockIt for the UM game, as this bar has recently converted itself into a "umich" bar. A chill relax place to watch a sports game, I liked it, as I didn't have to yell over the noise of a normal bar.
In terms of food though, the food was quite tasty. As I didn't try too much, what I must say I LOVED about this place was the sweet potato fries. Just the right amount of potato-ness, crispyness, saltiness, friedness. MMMM. Additionally, I had the "Rockit Pockits", consisting of thinly cut steak pieces with mozarella cheese, wrapped in a shell, like that of an egg roll. It was GOOD, as I dipped it into a ketchup consistency. My other friends got the brunch items- some kind of egg sandwich consistency.. but the food was good.
I would like to go back for drinks sometime, though! They had the most unique drink list, which I've seen in a long time. I did, however, get the "312" beer, as it is distinct to Chicago. I normally like dark beers; however, this was more of a medium, only more refreshing beer.... almost like a heavier amstel light. But it was good, nonetheless.
Yum yum. For a chill place to watch a sports game, this is a great place to be. I wasn't a fan of the wait saff, as they kept trying to keep taking away our food plates and drinks, AS we were still working on them.. but it was still a good place, overall. Additionally, as were upstairs, there were pool tables to just chill at..., just an overall cool sports bar to hang out at.
Service=Excellent
Great for Lunch!
Bad for Vegetarians!
Look Rockit...I'm going to write a letter to your menu makers or chefs of veggie crap as well, but you cANNOT...I REPEAT CANNOT use PARSLEY like lettuce on a grilled veggie sandwich. I have never seen a larger mound of spice take the place of spinach or romaine in my life!! It tastes BAD! NOBoDy desires a parsley sandwich for lunch! It belongs in soups, dried as a sprinkle of flavor, or as decor on the side of a plate. That sandwich needs some serious HELp! I've tried a couple of salads minus the flesh as well, which were ok. However, while I'm at it, I'd like all restaurant owners to consider that a Vegetarian should NoT be charged the menu price for a salad that normally comes with meat that the so said Veg opted out. It just isn't good business.
Soooo, ... I do like Rockit for a drink or to hang with friends, but it just doesn't have a decent Veg menu down for all us Vegetarians. You WILL find yourself eating fries for dinner.
The truffle fries from this place made me a believer...
And so did the pork chops...
Rockit is a bit upper scale than most restaurants, but the food backs it up. A friend ordered a burger when we were there and it was outstanding.
I want to try the Wrigleyville version to see if it keeps up with the downtown location!
Had a pretty good time here for brunch this past Saturday.
I had the famous burger - it indeed was very good, but I asked for medium and it was basically cooked rare. I didn't feel like complaining because our waitress was busy enough, but I wasn't thrilled. The fries that came with it were good, just a little heavy on the truffle oil.
Bloody Marys were awesome, and you can personalize them with a bloody mary bar they have (everything from shrimp to celery to slim jims). And they were only 5 bucks, so major points there.
The service was fine at our end of the table (went with a big group), but at the other end orders were forgotten or came out totally wrong. They comped our entire bill 20%, so it's not like they didn't make up for it, but not the best service I've ever had (obviously).
Definitely recommend you go and they are accommodating for a big group. Don't miss out the fabulous Bloody Marys!
I've been to Rockit several times for food, and a few more for "going out" (please don't judge).
The food is pretty good. Really. I do love the truffle fries, and the cobb salad I demolished yesterday did the trick (although come on, I'm paying $14, is it too much to ask that you slap a chicken breast on the grill before serving...I really don't enjoy cold, cut up chicken...especially if I'm paying so much for a frickin' salad). Cold chicken aside, the salad was yum.
There does tend to be an air of pretension up in here. Not entirely sure if it comes from the people patronizing the place, or the staff, or a little bit of both. That being said, our server yesterday was a sweetie and she got everything done without us having to sit around and wonder where she was.
All in all, Rockit does bar food pretty well, albeit a bit pricey. And I probably wouldn't head back for a night out, cuz well, I just know better now. Not my scene.
Really, probably three stars over all, but I gotta give it four stars. The people watching is numero uno, and I loves to stare.
Ok so there are some disclaimers I should add before my review. Only been there once and it was an open bar, sponsored night by Absolut
So the drinks were free flowing, and typically would never step inside a place like this. Went with my friends, and were the only guys not in suits or sport jackets. I wasn't sure if the place had a dress code or if I would get in. Cause I was wearing Doc Martin boots, hoodie, NIN shirt. More dressed to go to Neo then here. Once in we owned the dancefloor. No one danced :( Though when the DJ started spinning some Depeche Mode and the like we owned the place. I had a complete blast. Not my crowd but I have no shame and will dance no matter what or where (drunk or not) as long as the music is good and the DJ was able to figure out our tastes. He seemed happy to see us finally dancing.
Made the observation with said friend "Its reverse Neo" like how all those yuppies from time to time come in Neo and look out of place or like Patrick Bateman. Well it was bizzaro land. We were the ones out of place
Would be an interesting experiment to return. Maybe if its under the same circumstances.
Ok, so....I only had drinks here. I've been wanting to come here for I don't know how long, and after a date with my bf (where he didn't choose Rockit for dinner) he agreed we could go check it out.
For now, all I can say is that the bartenders were nice...and the menu looked awesome. It was a Tuesday night I believe so pretty quiet in there, but looks fun!
Will be back soon! And this time I am over-serving myself with not only drinks, but food as well.
I love this place, I have been here a couple times before my yelping days and just went back recently, the truffle fries are AMAZING! I can't stop eating them! I also got a chance to enjoy the amazing tuna burger and their world famous rockit burger again, the sweet potatoe ff are great, the burgers are great everything is GREAT!
I went on a Monday night and it was a decently packed house, but we got right in and food was fast and service was friendly!
Great place to eat and enjoy a cocktail!
Bah! Not my scene AT ALL. Not my hood, either. Even with three of my best girlfriends who were all already a little bit drunkersons, just not into the blond-dress up, boy-band lookalike crowd. Having clearly stated my bias, on to the review...
The host let us sit at a comfy booth (reserved for one hour later by another party) when we were just ordering cocktails. My $10 dirty martini with three blue-cheese stuffed olives was worth every penny. The attendant in the ladies room was totally unnecessary and weird. Rockit's boxes of matches are really cute - I took a handful.
I won't go back, but that was one damn good martini.
Star deduction. Let's relive a Monday evening at Rockit, when I had promised Stacey the best cheese fries ever (I still stand by this, by the way, for cheese fries this place ie amazing):
We enter and attempt to find a table. The server asks if we're just having drinks and appetizers - and tells us that because we are, we may only sit in the miniscule and ill-equipped area in front of the bar. There is a vast swathe of tables - including the ones that line the widnows, optimum bar seating - which are completely unoccupied and really, are not going to be by any time soon on a Monday night.
More annoying than this is that the server really didn't understand why this was so stupid and why we were so shocked. She was like a 'you can't sit there' robot.
Anyway, we had to have the fries and the half price wine so we had to stay, so we took some seats at the bar and asked for the wine special meny. The wine special that has been advertised on every table at Rockit, and on their website, and in their window, for months. The wine special that inexplicably the server knows nothing about.
Really - get some better staff and get rid of a ridiculous seating policy which will lose you custom. As we left, at 8pm, was there a bustling dining room full of people eating full price dinners and voluntarily drinking full price wine? Oooooh i'm getting mad just thinking about it.
*big sigh* I'm so so happy. I have found my new local. Well, it's a tie with Rossi's, so it very… Read more »
To be true and honest. This is really a four star rating of this place, yet I really don't want to return. Why? Let's chat about the night.
I met several friends for dinner here the other night, now its not my favorite neck of the woods in Chicago, but no biggie. We traverse in, joining my friends who have already been sat. The place is loud. The exposed brick against the dark wood gives a great look, but when the place is popping, you need to pop in the hearing aid to hear your friend two feet away. The service was really good, no real complaints there. Our server was all over at other tables, but always made sure to keep our drinks flowing and that all our problems were taken care of. One of the girls at our table said that her pork chop was over cooked, tasty but very tough to eat and cut. It was promptly replaced and changed to a burger. Everyone was happy.
The food for the most part was tasty. The double dip, (hummus and goat cheese in a tomato sauce), was lacking in flavor. The Rockit cheese fries were good, (and for those who love a large smattering of brie, you my friends have found a plate calling your name). My turkey burger was good, but could have used a smattering more of flavor, but still pretty tasty. I will say pretty much everyone was happy. The menu has a lot of variety, something for everyone plus always an opportunity to upgrade and kick it up a few levels.
Plenty of drinks options. Wine? Covered. Beers? More than a six pack. Mixed innovative cocktails? More than you can shake a stick at.
So why oh why do I not want to come back? The scene. Not in to it. Rather stay out of it when I can. I will leave it at that. Not a bad place, but not for me.
A true go-to spot for nearly any & every event.
Perfect place to take out-of-towners. Perfect for happy hour. Dinner. Drinks. Brunch. Heck, even just people watching.
I'm seriously obsessed with the southwest salad and the turkey burger. The truffle fries could be the end of me.
If River North is your destination, Rockit is a must-do.
The best truffle fries in Chicago!! The sweet potato fries here are also awesome!! If you're a fries person you will love the fries here! Other than the fries lol I had the lobster burger and my friend had the tuna burger. Both were amazing I really think the tuna burger serves as a great, lighter substitute for a beef patty!
Rockit you rock!
I have been to Rockit many a late nights, but was really not in the state to be writing reviews on the place, if ya know what I mean. So. I actually was able to sort of start of the night here when I attended their Maxim party. Although I was perplexed as to why there was a line outside, eberyone was friendly was not to stuck up. I did not try any of the food, so this review is on atmosphere, service and drinks, which I can say were yummy. A little pricey for drinks, but well worth the price.
I came back here yesterday for the first time in a loooong time. My friend was treating me to a birthday lunch, so I knew I wanted some good food to prep my stomach for a day of drinking. Enter Rockit.
As always, service was outstanding. Our server was friendly, attentive, and had a sense of humor. When I ordered my usual - Stoli and sprite - she informed me they no longer carry Stoli. I was completely dismayed. She commiserated with me, and then suggested 3 Olives vodka. I had never had it before, and I'm a total vodka snob, but I trusted her advice and was so glad I did. My very generously poured drink was delicious! I am SO adding 3 Olives vodka to my list of "yum." Thanks, Rockit!
The food was amazing as always, and I think it may have actually gotten bigger. The burger on a pretzel bun rocked my world, and the fries have been tweaked a bit since I was here the last time and they taste even more amazing. My friend ordered the veggie sandwich, and it was so huge she couldn't fit it into her mouth and had to cut it up and eat it. As is always the case when I eat here, after tacking half my plate here I was stuffed.
Overall, a great pick for a great meal - I've been coming here for years, and it just keeps getting better. I've reached the age where I wouldn't be caught dead upstairs in Douchebag Land, but if you stick to the restaurant downstairs you are guaranteed to have delicious food, well poured drinks, and excellent service.
Amazing food! Love the pretzel buns on the burgers, and they have those awesome steak fries. I… Read more »
Big thanks to Collette (aka Unibomber), Shy Kim, #1 Booty Shaker and the rest of the gang for a great time last night!
You were all great sports putting up with our Dice rolling antics!
I haven't written a review in months. Why I decided to do this one since I was here about 3 years ago, I have no clue.
I refuse to wait in line at a bar unless I have a reason to go. I was in attendance for my buddy's brothers moving to Texas going away party. That is the only reason I stood in the freezing winter. Not my type of bar at all. Nice and clean, but more tools than a Home Depot in this place. The biggest tool of all just happened to be David Schwimmer who had the entire pool table section and surrounding booths to himself. Since "Ross" had half the bar to himself, my whole group had to stand in a jam packed upper area of booths. My friend Lori was in awe and got to see her beloved actor David, so her review would read quite differently.
Now I guess I will add a couple good points. This was the first place I had Goose Island Matilda. It blew my mind. Second point, for how packed this place was the bar staff was doing a great job. I really didn't have to wait too long to get a beer, but there was a 80% chance some dousche would bump into me and spill it after I got it.
Final point, the music was not bad for how trendy and Hubbardy this place was.
In all, I will not go back just because it's not my scene. In retrospect it wasn't the worst popular bar I've been to, but there was a friggin line.... oh, and I got a free box of matches!
Absurdly expen$ive, over priced drinks. Check. A plethora of white trash. Check. Flooded with overweight bachelorette party skanks carting around blow up penises. Check. A fat girl wearing a tight black dress excessively flirting with me, even after I rudely informed (Recommended) her that she needed diet pills & plastic surgery. Check. I'm an asshole. Check.
No desire to return!
If my last burger on earth had to be either the Rockit kobe beef burger or a McD's big mac I'd go for the latter without a doubt.
Wait. Did we just order 2 apps, 2 burgers, and 2 beers and have a $50 tab with a 50% industry discount??
.......
I'd only go back for truffle or sweet potato fries.
Yes, I'm new to Chicago. Yes, I haven't (yet) figured out all of the local "hot spots." To me, it's about the taste of the food, the ambiance comes second. Trend-setters and suits alike filled this place for lunch. Yet, I feel Rockit is either on the edge of potential, or peaked a couple of years back and never regained its potency.
During my virgin visit to this trendy Chicago spot, I was pleasantly surprised by the upscale urban decor. We were seated near the open doors to the street, which I enjoyed. There was also plenty of outdoor seating for the location.
After a closer look, though, things seemed to show off the signs of "wear and tear." The barstools were slightly cracking, the beverage glasses were petty warn and the menus were basically falling apart. I actually had missing pages because the person with whom I was eating ordered items I didn't even know existed. Not so great for a first impression.
My counterpart said they're known for their burgers. I opted for the reuben, simply because the weather was hot and a burger would have sat like a rock in my stomach. The sandwhich was decent, but nothing "off the hook." I could've hit up a local deli for a few dollars cheaper. The sandwhich came with the standard side of fries, but I thoroughly recommend upgrading to the white truffle fries. Well worth the $2.
The service was good but I felt a bit rushed. After the server placed a bread basket on our table (which we didn't touch and then the busser may or may not have "recycled"), the food arrived shockingly fast. Neither one of us had time to taste anything before the server was asking how it was. Kudos for her promptness, but at least allow me to get a bite in edge-wise.
One of my biggest peeves is not keeping drink glasses full. I waited tables for a long time and realized it's usually the simple things that keep people happy. It's not that hard folks...if a patron's glass is less than 1/3 full, attempt to refill it. It takes two seconds and the worst someone can say is, "no thanks." It's a soft drink - not an 81 year-old single-malt scotch.
My first experience at Rockit was, if described in one word, average. I will definitely try it again. Perhaps I'll hit up the Lakeview location for dinner. It definitely deserves a second look. I guess I was slightly disappointed because the place was pretty hyped by my friends and it just didn't deliver.
Meh.
I've been here twice. Once for a work event, which was OK, and most recently just to chill.
Most recent experience:
- Beer was overpriced.
- None of the pool tables were in use, but still it was $15/half hour. SRSLY?
- The people who work there were kind of tools.
I'm only giving this 2 stars because I was with someone who made me forget about how annoying everything was.
Met some friends here for drinks before catching our reservation over at Frontera. It wasnt too crowded, though it was a Wednesday. Came in at 5:15 and immediately got a table.
I didnt try the food, but my friends ordered the cheese fries and said they were amazing- they use brie :)
Went here with a large group of people and we were seated right away. I loved the menu and it took some serious decision making skills when trying to decide what to order. Being the yelp fanatic I am, I went with what they are famous for, the Kobe beef burger with brie.
And it was good....I mean REALLY GOOD. But after about 2/3 of if I started to get sick of the strong brie taste. The meat (medium rare, of course) was perfectly cooked and the bun was so soft. The truffle fries were a bit disappointing, I would have liked a bit more truffle oil but that's always my issue.
I think it is overpriced by about $3...but the service is quite good. The waitress brought us our check when we were very obviously finished but assured us we could order more drinks and stay as long as we wished. She also let us pay our check with cash and 5 credit cards and didn't make a face or complain, always appreciated.
Very cool atmosphere but alas the prices are a bit high.
Tip: They don't take "same day" reservations
Hate the scene (I'm getting old ;) but they do have great upscale bar food. As mentioned by other reviewers, love love love the truffle fries. I think their fries may have been what turned me on to truffles in the first place. (B-day party here years ago when they first opened and I was a barely out of college baby)
The cocktails are mediocre (they are pre "hand crafted" violet hour era, and of course, they are catering to a different clientele), but, having eaten here maybe a dozen times over the years, the food has always been great. I personally love getting their burger on the pretzle buns and then "upgrading" to the truffle fries. Bad for the diet, great for the soul!
Probably more like 3.5 stars (when will yelp give us the half star option??).
Today, I went to Rockit Bar & Grill for lunch with a intern from work. I sent that text to that number in RedEye to get a coupon. DUDES!!!! $10 off!
So, I had the Tuna Burger with a Wasabi mayo, some other sauce, and pickled Ginger. Can I just say, this tuna burger was yummy! Yes it was! No joke, I wouldn't like to you. It was MONEY! It came with the sweet potato fries. They were okay, but I've had better homemade sweets. My friend had the black Angus burger, she said it was good. I tried one of her regular fires, it was pretty good.
Ultimately, I think this is a good spot. The only issue I have, is the $20 price tag on the Tuna Burger. What? Yep, I was thinking the same thing, but it only came with one burger.Our total was $27 after the $10 coupon.
I'll return.
I do heart Rockit - but only when it's not crazy busy full of people trying to be pretty. I don't like the weekend crowd but don't mind the afterwork crowd at all!
I came here last night to enjoy their BURGERFEST promotion and was SOO happy that I found a 20% off coupon in TOC magazine which was great since there were six of us! Their feature was the Burger Oscar - black angus beef (cooked medium) topped with bernais and lump crab meat.
To be honest, it was just ok. I felt like it was no fancier than a gourmet burger from Red Robin - HOWEVER, the truffle fries (as they always have) completed my dish! The burger itself was ok - it was cooked perfectly, I'll give them that - but I couldn't taste the crab or bernais much! I even resisted adding ANYTHING to my burger (including ketchup) so that I could enjoy the burger as it was meant to be served. In the end, since I really couldn't help but add the ketchup to my patty since the lump crab meat and bernais didn't do much for my burger.
I will however, return again for their Kobe Beef burger (which I love) sometime in the future - when I get a full paycheck again! (cuz it's about $20!!!)
My burger was dry and the pretzel bun, though delicious, was overwhelming. Sweet potato fries though? Yummo. Given another chance though, I'd pass this one by.
I've been here a few times, and it's a perfect place to get late-night food and drinks. They serve sweet potato fries, which is a plus, and their cocktails menu is fun and inventive.
However, if you're not dining here.. you're sent upstairs, which has really loud music, crowded bar area, and no cocktails menu to choose from (though I guess you could ask...). I remember paying some ridiculous amount for a grey goose + tonic, too.
I still don't plan to go back to this place after 7pm because I hated the bar but I must say that I went here during brunch on Saturday and absolutely loved the food.
I had a turkey burger with avocado and chipotle mayo on a pretzel bun and it was the shizz...seriously. And the truffle fries were ridiculously good. How Good? so good that I tried to finish them although I was already stuffed (don't do this by the way).
I was happy to walk in and find that they had live music during the brunch hour and those guys were pretty good. We were also able to have normal table conversation without screaming.
We didn't have to wait to be seated, our waitress was attentive, menu pricing was better than I expected so overall I had a pretty good experience at Rockit this time around.
Oh, and the $5 Mimosas and bloody Mary bar is worth mentioning.
The vibe in this place was just not cool.
Not a very diverse crowd,
the music was lame,
drinks were…
Read more »
I've heard this restaurant/bar/grill/club?/pickup joint/lair of pretentiousness described as, well, pretentious and annoying, and also cool, hip, and fun. I decided it'd be a good place to go for the then-BF's birthday, and it really was.
My cousin, my friend, and the BF were stopped before we entered Rockit. Look, I know Rockit is a bar and club and whatever else, but it also SERVES FOOD. You don't need to be 21 to eat (I know we're a nation of obesity but that's verging on ridiculous) - so I don't know what the bouncer's problem is. It was about 6:30 or 7pm, yet he asked us for IDs. "Uh," said my cousin (hey Jacob F hey!), salvaging the situation. "We're not 21 but we're just here for dinner...we have reservations." The (admittedly attractive) man shrugged his shoulders, grunted, and let us in. Gee thanks, man!!!
Aside from that blip, as well as feeling like the embodiment of fugliness next to the rest of the clientele, the evening proceeded smoothly. Rockit is not as pretentious as so many people make it out to be! Our waiter was friendly enough and helped us decide what to order. I ordered what I ordered the last time I went here (too long ago for me to Yelp it, haha). And that was the southwestern salad. Let me tell you, it tastes as good as I (sort of) remember it. I like my salads chopped, interesting, and full of ingredients and flavors. The southwestern salad does not disappoint. The chicken is not dry, and it's very tender. The dressing is a creamy Ranch with a noticeable kick to it. There's some cheddar, spicy peanuts, and other stuff I can't recall, and it's also the size of a small nation. SO GOOD.
Jacob F got the Kobe burger (if I remember correctly). He was nice enough to let me try a bit, and I must say, it's delicious. I'm not a huge fan of Brie, but other than that, the flavors came together much better than they would on a typical burger. I've heard the lobster burger is pretty amazing, so I guess I have to give that a whirl the next time I go...which is as soon as I want to go people-watching and eat upscale bar food packed with flavor. Yep, I'm coming back, and next time, let's hope no one snarls at me for looking twelve!
I loved the vibe that I got from the atmosphere inside RockIt! I came here to meet up with my stripper friend, Carmen...it had been a few years, but oddly enough, we both planned Chicago vacations at the same time!
What RockIt had to offer me:
1. The hook-up place- easy to find!
2. Atmosphere: I associate happy drunken feelings with this bar!
3. Good appetizers
4.Great music.
They didn't have swanky lounge chairs or poles for dancing/entertainment but when in town, I'd return for sure!
Went for Sunday brunch for a birthday and unlike my usual self, I was 10-15 min late. The rest of the diners were ready to order so the waitress took their orders and when she got to me I told her I needed a few minutes but she can put in the rest of the orders and it would be ok if my food came out later. She said NO - they'll all have to wait if I don't order now. Pressure, much????
I made a hasty decision and went with the Rockit Burger. The kobe beef was divine, but maybe too medium rare when I ordered medium. The brie was overwhelming and the shallots added too much sweetness to the burger. They tried to make a fancy burger that they could charge you $20 for - I should've ordered the regular burger.
The truffle fries made me feel better - yummers!
What made our trip to Rockit worth it was the bloody mary bar. For $5, you get a glass of the good stuff, as well as unlimited access to the 15+ variety of toppings they offer. SO AWESOME! It included shrimp, different cheeses, cold cuts, a variety of olives...omg! AWESOME!
The atmosphere was calm but lively and they had 2 great musicians strumming away. I will only come back if I have to but I wouldn't object to going. I'll just have to order something else to go with my great bloody mary.
What a boob am I. A big, nonplussed boob. To think, I paid 30 dollars for two drinks (double vodka cranberry and rum and coke), sweat my face off with a gaggle of merrymakers while listening to a booooorrrrrriiiing cover band, and I actually STOOD IN LINE for these privileges. When is Yelp going to come out with an Android application that let's me know when I'm walking into a trap like this?
I just recently visited Chicago from Boston, MA and this is one of the first places my friends and I were recommended to hit for the best burger in Chicago. The Rockit Bar & Grill did not disappoint as their savory hand made burgers were very succulent and was complimented nicely by the seasoned fries, which were simply amazing to say the least. My burger experience was topped off nicely by the live acoustic performance that adds to the atmosphere an edge of originality and authenticity. Let me not forget the excellent Chicago (Goose) Summer Ale on tap that my bartender, Gina recommended as her service was also excellent and made me feel right at home.
I don't want to make it look like it is easy to give 5 Stars. However, while no place is really ever perfect, this place deserves every 5 pronged symbol that I could give it. I have had better burgers, but the burgers in this place are STILL amazing. I have had better beer, but the Chicago Summer Ale is STILL delicious and refreshing. I've heard better live music, but the atmosphere was glazed over PERFECTLY by the acoustic performers. To be perfectly honest, as a burger joint, this place really "only" deserves 4 STARS, but the nightlife atmosphere here throws it into the top tier.
If you need a place to enjoy lunch, this is your place to go. If you need a nice and chill place to go at night to relax, spill beer, and play pool, THIS is your place to go. I did both experiences as the next time I am in Chicago, I will definitely pay this place another visit for the food as well as for some chill nightlife fun.
I have been here 3 times so I guess it is time for a review. The atmosphere for drinking is great. Love happy hour here. Ate outside twice. Great location and scenary.
The first time we had dinner here everything was amazing. The bf loved the Rockit Burger and fries and I was equally as happy with my Seafood Cobb Salad. Service was fast and we were very satisfied.
We came here for brunch this past Sunday and again, the food was great. Service however was horrible. Our waitress was clearly overwhelmed but a simple "I'm sorry, it's very very busy" goes a long way (former waitress speaking). I ordered pancakes and had to ask for several refills of syrup. I feel like when someone orders pancakes, syrup should be readily available. Instead, I had to go several minutes more than once during my meal to wait for more syrup before I could eat any more of my pancakes.
We will definitely be back for dinner & drinks, but after the service during brunch, unless it is an aboslutely gorgeous day and we must be outside, we will not be returning on a Sunday afternoon.
My first time at Rockit was less than enjoyable. After attending an opening of another establishment down a few blocks on a Thursday night, I went to Rockit at the suggestion of my GF. We headed upstairs (see John B's comment about the stairs...hilarious!) and I noticed pool tables. We decided to play a game and have a few drinks and inquired to the tables.
ME: How much is it to play pool?
HOSTESS: $20 an hour.....
ME: I see a table available, can we play?
HOSTESS: Yes.
And so began a few rounds of pool with a GF that swore she wasn't a good player...........HA, more like a bad liar...she was sinking pool balls like a pro...YIKES!?!?!
The upstairs space is open and allows a good view of folks from just about anywhere in the bar area. There are 4 pool tables, which after bumping into folks the entire hour made me realize there are 2 too many pool tables for this bar...they should only have 2 tables and folks would have a more enjoyable time playing.
I was drinking a beer (draft) and we had secured a small booth by the pool table where we laid my coat and her purse along with our drinks in the booth. Half way through my drink a server/busboy up and took my glass..........WAY TOO EFFICIENT. So I just lost my drink.....arrrgghh...I head over the hostess...
ME: Hey, the busboys just took my half filled glass for beer? You need to tell who is ever in charge of these folks not to do that again - they are cleaning up too soon.....my beer wasn't even close to being finished....
HOSTESS: Ok...........(blank look on her face....)
I go back to the bar, get another set of beers and head back to the pool table to finish up our hour of pool playing.
Around 5 minutes before we are wrapping up our game the damn busboy does it AGAIN! Takes my half glass full of beer....at this time, we decide to end the pool playing a few minutes early and head back to the Hostess to cash out, but this time I want to talk to management about this issue....more like expensive issue.....
ME: I need to pay for the pool, plus my second glass full of beer was taken again before I was finished with it....I want to talk to a manager....
HOSTESS: Ok......(see above for blank look....)
An older woman with dark hair starts to pass by the Hostess and the Hostess grabs her, saying something I can't hear due to the music playing loudly in the background.
MANAGER: ......Yes..........
ME: Yes, the busboy keeps taking my beer when it is half empty....I asked the hostess to correct this problem and they just did it again!
MANAGER: We'll give you the pool game for free...
ME: I'm not asking for a discount....I'll pay for the pool, I want to know what you'll do about this issue?
MANAGER: (turns and walks away from me)
ME: (see blank look above....)
HOSTESS: Here is your credit card, have a nice night......
ME:............................(probably never returning to Rockit bar, particularly if they have that type of management running the place)
As much I hate what this place stands for, I love their food - enough to keep me coming back over and over and over again.
Love the sweet potato fries (the brown sugar salt totally makes all the difference in the world!!!)
Love the macaroni and cheese
Love the truffle fries
Love the burgers on pretzel buns
Both the kobe burger and the regular burger are delicious. If you're looking to splurge, go with the kobe burger served with brie and fried shallots. It's amazing. If you're a little tight on cash, then the regular angus beef burger is also excellent.
Love love love!
You won't see me here hanging out on the weekends, but it's a great place to go for dinner.
Kobe burger here is top notch. The onion bun, truffle oil fries and brie covered Kobe make a great combo. Its a little overdone on the AC, but pretty solid atmosphere and holds up well as a high class sports bar.
Decent selection of beers, but nothing to write home about.
This place was much more decent than expected.
We did not eat, we just met up with some people here and had a few drinks. I think it was a Friday or Saturday evening.
We spent most of our time upstairs. The music up there is much louder and there are much more people up there. Nonetheless there were still tables and seats available near the pool tables. Cocktail waitresses kept coming by to make sure we had enough to drink as well and that was appreciated. No dancing though, but considering how some of the people up there were dressed I am sure that seeing them dance would have been much worse...
Whenever I wanted a drink and the cocktail waitress was not right there I went to the bar downstairs and ordered. It was convenient as I am not too lazy to walk down a flight of stairs and the bartender downstairs was quick, attentive and not slammed with patrons.
I think the redeeming factor for this place was that it was busy but not busy to the point where service was impacted in a negative fashion.
One thing I noticed is that the men's room on the upper level had a line. Waiting in a line for the toilet is nothing short of madness. I went downstairs and there was nothing but solitude in which to process my digested alcohol and wash my hands (it is amazing and digusting how many guys still don't wash their hands in the men's room).
There is no particular reason as to why I did not give Rockit 4 stars or more; I suppose it just was not unique enough to warrant a higher rating but by no means should my rating reflect negatively upon this establishment. I think I just have a general preference overall for lounges more so than bar oriented venues...
On a side note, this placed is owned by the folks who own club Underground but there is no imposition of a male to female ratio requirement here...
Six Bucks Before Six
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Neighborhood: Lakeview
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Nightlife
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Lounges
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Irish
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Pubs
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Pubs
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