Hangin’ Out at the Rockit Bar & Grill

I have to admit I never just go to the Rockit Bar & Grill. I mainly go there because it’s right by the Metro, and I need something to eat before I go to the show. So this is one of those places I don’t really consider to be a special destination–I happen to be in the neighborhood, it has tasty food, I like the album-cover menus and whenever I do go I have a good time. That’s pretty much all there is to it.

Actually, I’m downplaying this a little. What I enjoy about the food at the Rockit is the gourmet twists it gives to regular American upscale bar-style cuisine. The macaroni and cheese is baked with four cheeses. The signature burger is made with Kobe beef, brie, shallot and medjool date aioli on a red onion brioche bun; the fries that come with your burger are cooked in truffle oil. I love the sweet potato fries, which arrive dusted with brown sugar salt and with a chipotle mayo dipping sauce. The NY strip steak, which I have admittedly never tried, is served with a worchestershire caramel sauce. Even the house salad is spruced up with candied pecans and a balsamic hazelnut vinaigrette.

Rockit serves salads, soups, a kids’ menu, “rockcorn” shrimp appetizers, flatbread pizzas, sandwiches and more, so even though the menu isn’t extensive there’s still something for everyone. And there’s a selection of well-mixed “Rocktails,” designed to ease your way into the evening. It’s become a regular spot for me and whoever I’m taking to the Metro that night because it’s got exactly the right atmosphere–it’s a comfortable sit-down restaurant, but casual and on the loud side, with plenty of TVs to watch the game and just enough of those high-class culinary touches to make it feel like a special night.

Rockit also offers brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, along with karaoke Friday and Saturday DJ mash-ups, if you’re into that sort of thing. And even though I always to go to the Wrigleyville location, there are two in Chicago.

Rockit Bar & Grill
www.rockitbarandgrill.com

22 W. Hubbard St., Chicago
(312) 645-6000

3700 N. Clark St., Chicago
(773) 645-4400