THE HARD ROCK CAFÉ – A CULT RESTAURANT IN THE HEART OF MUNICH

A bright sign of the Hard Rock Café in Munich in the shape of a guitar.

The Hard Rock Café is known worldwide for spicy burgers in rocking atmosphere. Nearly every significant world metropolis has a branch of this popular American chain. The chain now has 149 stores in 53 countries around the world. The concept has had enormous success in Amsterdam, New York, Paris, London, Berlin and Munich. Other Hard Rock Cafés in Germany are in Cologne and Hamburg. But the location of Munich’s branch in the historic old town directly across from the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl makes Munich’s Hard Rock Café something unique. Here you can get authentic American cuisine with an original Bavarian touch.


History

Americans Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton opened their first restaurant at London’s Old Park Lane on 14 June 1971. Their regulars at the time included Eric Clapton, who let them hang a guitar over his normal spot to reserve it. This idea appealed to other artists and the guitar collection in the London branch just grew like weeds. The two businessmen enjoyed so much success that they opened more stores, especially in the U.S.. After several changes of ownership, the chain is now owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The organization operates premises both under its own management, especially in the U.S. and Europe, as well as franchise operations, especially in Asia.

The company’s success not only includes the Hard Rock Cafés, but also the chain’s hotels and casinos.

The Concept

Hard Rock Cafés are beloved around the world, not just because of the traditional American cuisine. Many visitors like to come especially for the restaurants’ unique atmosphere. More than 70,000 pieces from acclaimed music legends are owned by the chain. 150 of the greatest music-related memorabilia can be seen at the Munich Hard Rock Café on Platzl. The pieces are personally made available by musicians and hang on the walls of the cafés. Signed guitars, costumes, rare photos and gold records are part of the restaurants’ inventory.

The various Hard Rock Cafés have gift shops available in addition to their dining rooms. Visitors can buy souvenirs and clothing with the chain’s logo and the name of each city. These were especially popular in the 80s and 90s and were considered a fashion trend. Also on offer are cups, teddy bears, lighters and glasses which bring in collectors and visitors from around the world.

The Hard Rock Café in the heart of the Bavarian capital

The Hard Rock Café has been on the Platzl for 9 years already. In addition to its rock music and modern equipment, the restaurant also offers typical Bavarian elements. Since March 2011, the restaurant presents has had some new items on display such Madonna’s famous white bustier from her 1985 world tour. Memorabilia from German artists such as Jan Delay, Gentleman and Silbermond have also found a place of honour in the Munich restaurant. The restaurant seats up to 180 people. The lounge can also be rented for private events celebrated in a special setting. And the menu offers all sorts of culinary delights to suit every taste.The Hard Rock Cafe Munich offers both traditional American favourites such as burgers, ribs with homemade barbecue sauces as well as Bavarian versions of American cuisine such as the “Bavarian cheese burger”, all washed down with a frosty beer or a cocktail. For the right mood,there are regular live concerts and in the adjoining gift shop, visitors can buy their souvenir of their visit to the cult restaurant.

It’s just a few metres from Platzl Hotel Munich to the Hard Rock Café, just across from the Hofbräuhaus.

Opening hours:
Restaurant:
Sunday – Thursday: noon to midnight (kitchen closes at 11)
Friday and Saturday: noon to 2 am (kitchen closes at midnight)

Sales:
Monday – Sunday: 10 am to midnight