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"Nice little cozy place. You hear alot about the price but I feel that you get what you pay for. Very authentic, I have been several times…" read more »
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Was on a trip with my then boyfriend and close friend for the weekend. Flew to Portland, then road tripped to see their old college buddies in Tacoma. The Rock was where our mob of friends met up- and I had only been 21 for about a week.
The "bucket" was a fantastic introduction to the world of drinking. I can see why they limit you at two, its one wild concoction, and I wish I could remember all the things that the buckets made my friends say. One got into his really snug eskimo sleeping bag on the floor and said "I am going to sleep a caterpillar, and when I wake up, I shall be a butterfly!"
I also recall a dance party in the lobby, and just generally feeling owned by the amount of alcohol in my body. Delicious pizza and way too many to choose from! I always like that! And-- tons of good friends and good laughs [fantastic college spot and party atmosphere] made for one killer evening! I'll be back, Tacoma!!
We missed our ferry to Seattle so we decided to drive around and grab some lunch in Tacoma instead. I'd been wanting to try this place for quite awhile and my boyfriend is always up for pizza so we swung in here around noon on a Sunday. Parking was easy to come by and there were only a few other tables dining while we were there. We decided to share a pizza so we ordered the Crazy Little Thing veggie pizza. It was really good but heavy on the garlic (we both love garlic so it wasn't a problem). Our service was great. I bet if I come back for future visits I could easily upgrade to a five star review.
Best pizza I've had in years. The crust is that crunchy-toasty-chewy perfection Catch the 'Crazy Train' pizza and you're in for a great, spicy ride.
The ambience is a rough-and-tumble décor with 70's rock blasting. If you can chow down to 'My Sharona' then this place is for you.
finally was able to comeback. I love the brown sugar garlic bread, it is one of the greatest things invented and the pizza aint to bad also. I got some cherry lemonade and loved it
i came here a few years ago and i still think about the sugar and cheese bread. i even searched for… Read more »
The lunch buffet is rockin'. The all you can eat wood-fired pizza (pretty much a whole different selection every time you head back for more slices) is supplemented by pasta and salad. I always eat too much and regret it, but I won't dock them a star for my own lack of self-control.
Their plethora of rock music-themed pizzas from the menu are also good. If you're having trouble deciding, the restaurant's soundtrack might help you out--I couldn't decide one day, but as Queen was playing when the waitress came by, I ordered the Bohemian Rhapsody. Delicious.
They also have a selection of their own beers, which are decent. I haven't tried out the bar since it's been remodeled but will have to check it out. Another big plus: it's one of the few restaurants in the south downtown area around UWT that's still open and serving food after 10 p.m.
Came here for my brothers birthday on Friday. I was a first-timer. We had a large group and our server, Mel was really accommodating! She was very sweet about giving several checks, did not auto grat (which to me, meant a bigger tip!). We had come from a family dinner earlier so I did not eat but a few people in our group got pizza and burgers and they looked great. I love the idea of the "bucket" of booze and the syringe of jello shots. The prices on alcohol were great! There is an area in the back called 'the cave' that was a cool spot for a group of people to have some privacy.
I like the food here, I really do. The brown sugar cheesy bread is a must-have appetizer, the calzones are killer, and the sambuca cream sauce with ravioli is super yummy. But I am a stickler for good service, and it never happens at the Rock.
The girls working in the bar appear to only see the men who are waiting for a drink...it took me a half hour to flag down one of three cocktail servers one night. Another visit, the server carried out my diet coke by holding the top of the glass with her fingertips. And didn't even bring me a straw. What bothers me the most is the amount of people who are working in there at any given time, and it is still hard to get even passably good service.
But like I said, I do like the food...so I am willing to forgo the service issue now and then to get my fix of the brown sugar cheesy bread. And a bucket, of course!
We came into Tacoma late at night, like 10 pm, and needed a place to eat. As we walked up, I was afraid it was more of a bar, but they welcomed our family and showed us a table. Our waitress, Bria, was new, but she was comfortable and friendly and it was like she had worked there forever. The pizza was AWESOME, and the spirits weren't bad either! If you're in town and get a chance, this place is worth a stop.
If Guitar Hero were a restaurant, it would be The Rock Wood Fired Pizza & Brewery. Everything from the music to the decor feels like it came straight out of the game. With its classic rock attitude, The Rock serves up pizza, pasta, and salads. The lunch buffet is where it's at. A wide selection of great pizza and pasta and add a bucket-o-drink to go along with it (the soda must come in 40oz cups with free refills - you wont go thirsty!)
If you like pizza, check this place out. And give the White Christmas a try - it's one of my favorites!
Since the Rock first opened I have been championing them with everyone I know! I love the fact that it's not traditional and they truly think 'outside the box'.
I have tried many different pizza's and I am never disappointed. With the addition of the sugar & cheese bread, I'm in heaven. Who would have thought sugar & cheese went together!?!
Drinks are pretty good. Their signature, The Bucket....is well worth a try! Not to mention, you get to keep the pail & shovel, making a great souvenir.
The pizza is pretty good, but the beer is way better!
My family and friends have been going for every year on December 24th. It's a tradition that started in California and as we moved up here many years ago, The Rock was the place to go to continue this tradition. Simply put it is good pizza, great atmosphere, great service, the only thing that could use some work is the buffet set up, today they had 20 people waiting in line to pick through the 4-5 pizza they have out at a time.
If you end up ordering your own pizza it's well worth the wait. They come to your table piping hot and the waiter will put a slice on a plate for every person at the table. We will clearly go back for many more years.
Stopped by here on our way home from Seattle on a Saturday evening. Downtown Tacoma is eerie around 6pm, honestly the whole town was dead, no one walking around no cars on the road, very strange.
Overall, fun atmosphere, decent pizza but mediocre breadsticks. Locally brewed beer wasn't half bad either. I wish I wasn't driving because the rum buckets looked like a lot of fun.
If I was in Tacoma again for some reason with a group of people I would come here again.
Word of warning though, the waitress did say that they were going to be closed for a few months as they remodel. So watch out, this place might not be open. Their website is less than helpful in determining this.
While it's not classic "Chicago style" pizza, it's good. If you're looking for old-school standard pizza, there are better places around town. That being said, this is still my favorite place to go. Why? Specialty pizzas. As mentioned in another review, the Bat Outta Hell is amazing. They have plenty of other non-traditional pizzas that are very good. Overall, if you're looking for classic pizza, go elsewhere. If you're in the mood to for something different, definitely hit it up and go with one of the many specialty pizzas.
A note on atmosphere - the lighting in there is horrible, especially at night. Since they remodeled, they put in way too many red lights. I get that it's supposed to be like a concert/live show. But it turns out feeling like you're sitting under a heat lamp. Everything (including your food and the person sitting across from you) is bathed in red light. It gets annoying - especially at night when there's no natural light to counter the glaring red stage lights everywhere.
Over-played, played-out, all act.
I guess, I've rarely felt more like a chump walking into a restaurant than I did at the rock, both times I've been there. I'm struggling to explain this, but I guess, have you ever met someone who really thinks they're the shit, but only that shmoe and his mom really believe that myth? Yeah, the Rock just comes off like the restaurant incarnation of that...
The whole vibe is of a place that just tries too hard -- like the freshman who just discovered cologne and used a bucketful or something (see, I'm struggling here...)
I dig that other people like the food -- I really just wasn't impressed. I'd take a pizza from PSP or even nick and willy's over the rock's any day. The last time we were there, the pasta a friend had tasted downright synthetic -- just awful.
When I saw the sign and decor I thought "oh please, another cheesy theme restaurant with subpar food and an extensive mix drink list" Though I was right about the extensive mix drink list I was wonderfully surprised by the service and food.
First the dirty of it... yes the menu and decor does look like it was designed by a bunch of friends who watch pro-wrestling while listening to Whitesnake, make sacrificial offerings to an Axl Rose shrine and spend hours stretching their lips to be like Steve Tyler but personally I find it charming.... plus it reminds me when I did the same when I was a kid.
When you open the menu you are faced with an array of choices and drinks (I have yet to try the "Rocktail" which is simply a plastic bucket of hard-liquor and juice. Why it comes with a tiny shovel I have no idea but the concept is great and I'm sure only for the sophisticated). If you like bar food this menu will no doubt make you drool. I have had several of their appetizers and salads and have not been disappointed yet.
Now the pizza, Im from NYC so as mentioned in other reviews, Im a snot. The pizza here is actually pretty damn good! The wood fired stove creates a wonderful texture that is pliable and crisp and when you add that to the enormity of available toppings its a friggin treat!
To boot the beer selection is superb and the staff is friendly, courteous and availble. The crowd itself has alot of down-to-earth folk who enjoy singing along to the great music that plays in the background but is not overpowering.
I was surprisingly surprised (for the lack of creative juices) at the quality of their pizza. I always thought pizza is pizza, but they somehow found a way to take it to another level. They have creative dishes and alcoholic beverages and is a great place to go with friends or a date. I have to say The Rock was a little intimidating at first - filled with a bunch of biker looking skin heads and chap wearing bar brawlers - not really my scene. Other than that, the location is perfect in downtown tacoma by the waterfront. Lines can get long though, especially in the evening.
Their chicken BBQ ranch pizza was really good! I really like the fact they actually make their pizza in a firestone oven.
so i'm in fircrest for the holidays - my bro and his family live there. he frickin teases me telling me the one of the best burger places in the seattle area is a 1/2 mile from his house ( he knows i luv da burgers ! ) so we decide to try it frday, post x-mas. of course the frickin' place is closed !! we decide to hit Rock wood cuz my bro says i'll like it and they have a lunch buffet - $10 and it includes a brewskie - i'm game !
they have a few salads - i opt for the caesar - not bad
2 pastas - i try the pesto cream - very rich but tastes good.
they have 4 pizzas - i try a sausage with bacon and i believe sun dried tomatoes, the pepperoni, and a veggie - they all rock ! crispy crust bottom but still has a chewiness to it - great flavors - tried the hef beer then the red - both decent.
you know, tacoma ain't all that bad when you have a pizza joint like this !!
I gotta say that the pizza's been easily superseded by Puget Sound Pizza for me, but this place is still fun. The pizza is good (sometimes a little overcooked for my tastes) and the pasta dishes I've had have been acceptable as well. Service is always prompt (once you've been seated).
Downsides? It's really loud in here, waits can be long, and there is better food elsewhere. I'm wavering between three and four stars, but I decided to round up. Sometimes, a good slice and some sensory overload are all you really need.
Go there and order the cheesy garlic bread with the brown sugar!!!! NOW!!! :) I wish I could EVERY day. It's AMAZINGLY YUMMY. I took my cousins from LA there and they wished that's all they had ordered! The pizza is GREAT as is the pasta dishes, but that bread alone is worth the trip!!!!! YYYYUUUUMMMERRSS. :) As for the lunch buffet, as with any buffet, you gotta watch for the new dishes that come out so sit close, otherwise, NOT GOOD. :) Once my friend and I ate so much at the buffet that we BOTH skipped dinner. heheheh. My kids love going there because the kids get pizza dough to play with!! :) It's a must hit spot for out of towners, especially if they like/LOVE pizza!! :) Oh, yes- they'll find all the creative dish names fun as well.
Are you still reading this? Get some of that bread!!
How many buckets can I have before I get cut off???????
--the give you a bucket with a shovel and it's filled with sweet sweet lucky............. ---
The pizza was good.. not amazing.....
THE FRIES WERE AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!! OH MY DEAR BESTFRIEND THE FRY!
The wings were decent..... but that lunch buffet.. oh baby I do love buffets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it's the buffet or popeye's you choose!!!!
Go for the lunch special! All you can eat pizza, pasta and a beer is $7.50! Or at least it was when I was going to UWT 4 years ago. Jesus- 4 years already!
I love their salads, and I love that their menus are album covers and the pizzas have classic rock-related names. Good for families or for friend!
A nice place to grab a pie!
Close to a really cool records store and the Swiss, the 'Rock' has some street parking as we as a lot.
Come early or late, or be prepared to wait.
The pizza is what you came for. The Garlic bread is pretty yummy. When going, the Founder's Pie is to be a surefire hit, the Ricotta really sells the pizza.
The decor is pretty laid back, with lots of brick, and that feeling of a old school pizza parlor. Also the space is oddly shaped, which adds to the uniqueness of the place.
I love the pizza, although I have not tried PSP , which after reading most of these reviews I HAVE to try , because Rock pizza is pretty damn good so anything better is just unreal !
Love the bucket drinks, i always take my friends from Cali here when they visit , they all say it's the best pizza they've had, I 'm totally taking them to PSP with me the next time they come so we can all experience it for the first time together..
One cool thing about The Rock is that if they get anything wrong with your order , they go to the extreme to ensure that all is made right again , I won't go into details.
I also love the fact that it is next door to a cool indie music/video shop , you can totally go in there and shop while you wait for your seat ,and the staff will go in the shop to let you know your order is ready.
Lets see, you take a nice part of Tacoma, add in a well designed and cool looking restaurant and perfect pizza and you have a winner. The wait staff are attentive without the annoying high school server chatter and food comes quick.
And as to whether this is the best pizza in town. Yes. Yes it is. I could live on their white Christmas pizza everyday for the rest of my life, and the brown sugar garlic fries rock the world. Their drink selection is great. This is really the place to go with a group of friends and have a great time for a couple hours. If i could, i would go everyday.
Very good pizza, and decent pasta dishes. The menu is a fun read and the decor has plenty to keep you entertained. My only real complaint is the noise - the place is crazy loud. To be fair, I didn't notice this before we had kids but now...
My daughter loves the place, she calls it "the gnocchi restaurant" and always asks to go. The staff is always great with our kids.
And yes, the lunch pizza buffet is a great value.
My friend recommended this place to us because of the price and portion and that it was near The Loft. So my husband and I decided to hold our group dinner here before heading out to our joint Bachelor/Bachelorette party. ( We had a separate one the following night.)
Since they didn't take reservations, I remembered going 1/2 hour early to get us a table of 11. I thought the place was kind of cool. Just like an Applebee's or TGI Friday restaurant. The pizza were pretty large for their prices so that was nice. It was good pizza but I don't remember it being spectacular. Maybe I didn't order the right pizza. Service was prompt and professional. Restaurant was fairly busy so I take it that business was good since people actually knew where this place was. Parking was pretty accessible. Overall, we all had a great time.
Food is great, service is good, drinks are great! Do not pass on the Bucket!!! its rum-a-licious! I rarley go to the rock because of the it being over crowded. Like stated in other reviews its not worth waiting outside in W. Washington weather for on a weekend for this food. BTW there is better pizza in Tacoma.
Try Neos!
Probably the best pizza place around. I like to consider myself a pizza aficionado (not really, but I love pizza) and I dont know if it can get much better than this.
Rock!
Nice place to chug a beer and grab some pizza. They brew their own beer and have thomas kemper root beer on tap. They do a good job of taking care of you. We were there with a large group and they made sure we always had clean plates (i was surprised for being a pizza joint) and served us our pizza by slice request. They even gave us a free pizza because the first one was odd shaped. Nothing great about their except for the amount of types and the price is a little steep side for ordinary pizza. Not sure if I would go back but if someone else wanted to go, I wouldn't object.
I have always had a pretty good time at Rock Pasta (thats what the old timers Tacomans call it). There are many choices on the menu, almost to many. Pizza is pretty good. I am more of a PSP man but Rock Pasta is only 4 blocks away down the hill so it is close. The first review mentioned it is corporate. They have a few places around the Puget Sound but hey it is Tacoma grown. That is the first one! (sorta like the Ram, the first one was in Lakewood, 2nd on Ruston Way) Service has always been great. Cups are huge which is nice because you don't want to wait for refills all the time.
PSP is king and this place is queen IMO of the Tacoma Pizza World
Meaty, creamy, yummy goodness. And then I add the bacon. The rock is not for the faint of heart, literally, but it is a fantastic place to eat, drink, and be merry. When you're in T-town, add this stop to your adventures.
PIZZA:
I have togive credit to these guys for trying new and innovative recipes for pizza - you wont find any standard fare here. If you want to experiment this is the place for you, however, if you're looking for traditional pizza, just pass this one by.
I have eaten here easily 20 times + (I work downtown, so coming here is more for convenience) and I have yet to be impressed by any pizza here. The flavors are at best subtle and at worst boring - I find myself covering the slices with red pepper flakes, just to make it worth my time.
PASTA:
Here is where they DO a great job. Most pastas have great flavor, and are well worth the trip.
If you're looking for some unique, but finger-lickin good pizza you must try this place! I'm happy to say that there's also one in South Hill Puyallup now! For those of you who like a little kick in your pizza you must try the "Bat Outta Hell"! My husband and I are addicted to this pizza! It's got pine nuts, jalapenos, ricotta cheese....yum! They have a great all-you-can-eat pizza/salad/soup lunch buffet for $8.99, but that could be very dangerous! It's a great place to go with friends for good food and beer!
their pizza is good and they can make it vegan. and their drinks are good, like the shooter "slippery elf nipple" and they give you a free shot on your birthday. and the bucket is always great. but they attract a stupid, loud crowd. once there was some gross, sexist, middle aged guys appraising a younger woman and i still regret not telling them off.
The Rock tries too hard. The only reason in my opinion to go there are the rum buckets. There is usually a huge wait but I don't see why. There is better pizza in town at PSP and the Hub.
I recently went here with my family and loved it. I don't usually like CPK types of places, but the atmosphere in here was fun. It's a great place to take young ones, as it's loud and they can be as loud as they want to be. The pizza is great, and their "buckets" are awesome. I haven't had a chance to check out the lunch buffet, but from the sound of it, I will be soon ;)
Nightlife I am not so sure of...$8.99 lunch buffet is awesome, 4 different types of pizza, soup, salad and two pasta's. Came here on evening and enjoyed two buckets (the max allowed per patron, its there uber strong punch served in a small beach plastic bucket) and Jello shots out of huge syringes. Not many other people were there. Good pizza though.
Not much parking, and if you have trouble with steps the curb is murder, but the food is to die for, the wait staff is uber friendly and the atmosphere is a bit urban, a bit bohemian, and a lot of fun!
REAL REAL REAL REAL good pizza. I haven't been here in 3 years but I still remember it. Decent pasta and all that BUT THE PIZZA, amazing. Get people together and get a pie. The lunch buffet was always pretty good too (I remember a few years back you could get a pint for a buck extra, talk about a good lunch). Drinks...ehhhh, not impressive. Beer is good though!! Best pizzeria in a 20 mile radius.
Tacoma, WA
Category: Pizza
Tacoma, WA
Category: Mexican
Tacoma, WA
Category: Argentine
Tacoma, WA
Category: Local Flavor
Ruston, WA
Category: Restaurants
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