During our November, 2024 trip to the Philippines, we visited Hard Rock Cafe Manila with Tita Loida on Sunday night of November 17, 2024.
Situated at Level 2 of S. Maison, a separate shopping destination located within the SM Mall of Asia complex, specifically the first two floors of the Conrad Manila Hotel, we walked through a brightly lit, pristine looking mall to the rock 'n' roll-themed restaurant & bar. Entrance to the venue brought us immediately to the gift shop, then to the eatery with a high-energy vibe. The entire area was very clean and tidy on the evening of our visit. Arriving around 7:15PM, we were seated right away to a front row table from the stage.
We paid a ₱395 cover charge per person since we arrived after 7PM, but the fee was inclusive of a beverage. Mom ordered the APPLETINI (₱475 if not covered in the entrance fee) which was too sour for her liking and I had the STRAWBERRY LEMONADE DAIQUIRI (₱455 if not included in the cover charge) which I found to be too sweet.
Hard Rock Cafe serves burgers & American classics, but this Manila location also has some Asian food offerings. I was delighted to be served a free small bowl of kropek (fried shrimp crackers) upon seating. We also ordered the ALL-AMERICAN CHEESEBURGER FLATBREAD (₱695) for the four of us to snack on while watching the show, not bad.
WENDY'S PROJECT and HYPERBEAT were the live bands that performed. Again, not bad, but not the best. During the show and even while the DJ was playing, they had a young guy leading everyone to follow his dance moves. It was almost like watching an aerobic dance class. Those who participated seemed to have a ball. I guess that is what makes Hard Rock Cafe Manila different from others, at least compared to those in the United States. It definitely helped to liven up the dance floor.
Would I return? Only if Tita Loida wants to, otherwise, most likely no...because I would prefer to do something more traditionally Filipino rather than American while in the Philippines. read more