Overall: Great venue, once you get there. Hard Rock Live is located in Universal City Walk so you have to pay to park. If you park before 8pm it is $15, after $3. I remember when it used to be free after 6pm. After parking and walking to the venue, you have to wait outside to enter. I really don't mind waiting outside, but it was raining the night my friend and I went. I went inside to ask if we could use the side entrance because I remember using this entrance previously. The woman guarding the entrance said with an attitude, "Do you need something?" LOL, no I just wanted to talk to you honey. So I asked her if this entrance was open because it was pouring outside. Guess what she said, she said I will have to go outside. Gee thanks. So we waited for about 30 minutes in the rain and headed straight to the bar once we got in. We both got doubles for $12 each with a reusable plastic cup and the refills were $6 each. Not bad. The venue is great, as other Yelpers have noted. Everywhere you stand you can see and hear everything on stage. I have seen a lot of concerts/comedians here so I am sure I will be back. read more

I've been to Hard Rock Live for many concerts over the years and it's really my favorite larger music venue in town. (The other theme park venue is smaller and has annoying columns that always end up blocking my view.) It's a bit of a hike to Hard Rock from the parking garage. Keep in mind if you've never been before that you should give yourself probably an extra 15 minutes from the parking lot. Since I'm pretty short I prefer balcony seats when I can get them. They are pretty fantastic seats and you are guaranteed a good view of the show. Plus, you still have the option of going down to the floor for your favorite song and return to your seats when you need a break. It's cool. The only seats I'd suggest avoiding are the row right behind the walkway, just because you'll have people passing in front of you the whole time, and that gets old fast. Upstairs has better bar access too, there is a bar at either end and the lines aren't as bad as the downstairs. Drinks are stupid expensive though, so budget for that if you're the drinking type.They also have tables you can reserve on the sides of the balcony. The catch is you have to buy all four seats. I've done that once or twice with friends and didn't love it. The perk is you have your own bartenders but the view from the side isn't as good and one seat has to turn awkwardly away from the table to watch the show. Staff at Hard Rock is good. I was amazed by the usher at the concert we just attended. He looked like a scary goth guy but was super courteous and smiled at everyone. He was fun to watch. Overall, good place. I've seen some of my all-time favorite bands here and have never been disappointed by the venue. read more

Hard rock cafe is available @ city walk outside of universal studios. Guests can request for photographer to take souvenir picture before being seated. Beverages can be served in souvenir glasses available for purchase. We waited for our server to obtain our drink & meal orders; finally ordered steak fritas; oranges & beets salad; beers & fruit smoothie. Steak fritas was delicious & flavorful. Oranges & beets salad was fresh & filling. Filthy restrooms are available downstairs; also accessible via elevator. read more

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I'm giving it 3 starts because my kids like the atmosphere here but the food simply sucks, Burger King would be better! Their "legendary" burger was a gross gray formed frozen patty that was overlooked. My mom and I both said the same thing as we left,oh well actually she said that burger wasn't very good and I said wtf that burger sucked! Kids pizza was as large and thin as a piece of paper. Chicken tenders okay but too spicy for kids and tasted like they were fried with fish. Maybe have dessert here but not a meal. read more

I have attended this venue for several concerts, and it is cool how they can add and take out seats depending on the demand from the event. I was able to easily stand in the front row of a concert I went to see with Todrick Hall. The employees are hilarious and chill. Security is strict; However, they are also the friendliest security crew I have met. The atmosphere is a little dry, especially when the Hard Rock Cafe is so full and detailed. House of Blues definitely sets a better tone for concerts regarding atmosphere. House of Blues seems more inviting to everyone to be unique and inclusive in sharing a good experience, while the Hard Rock Live is just a venue. read more

Definetly dropped a lot in my restaurant rank. Went to hard rock this year with my little cousin, 2 years after the last time I was there. The service is definitely great, the environment is excellent, but they have lost their essence ! Food ! The food is expensive and fatty, not worth. Outdated, I am sure is not up to the trends, it might attract turists because of the environment but will need a huge work to attract locals to the restaurant constantly read more

Loved this hard rock location! Everyone was very friendly from the people who sat me down, to the cashiers at the gift shop. The food was delicious and the portions were a great size. Everyone there was very personable and ready to have a conversation; not too pushy at the same time. read more

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Went for the Lewis Black show and had a great time. The overall facility really was comfortable and made our time there even better. Sight lines and acoustics were great and hats off to the bartenders they were exceptional. read more

This venue is appealing to the eye, with all of it's decorative grandeur and stage lighting.... but having seen a dozen or so bands here over the years I have to say that live shows are a huge disappointment to the ear. The sound is awful. Time after time, the bass drum ENGULFS the live mix so badly that you honestly cannot even tell what a bass player is doing for the better part of a concert. It's a mudfest. However, if you walk into the restroom where the mixing board channels that live sound into the ceiling speakers you will hear one of the BEST mixes ever! That's right. Take away the oversized venue and it's poor acoustics, and the music mix is magical. It is literally night and day. In other words, you can't have the best of both world, audibly and visually. Either watch the band on the floor or go listen to them in the pisser. In the sound board engineer's defense, it isn't his fault the band sounds like crap. It's the room. Watching a comedy act might be a different story, however. Staff is okay, but do local people go here enough to get to know them? Non-smoking, which is a plus for me. Beers are overpriced and the draft tastes horrid. But local band showcases are typically free if you get a hold of some tickets, usually disseminated around town at local hotspots (stardust, park ave cds, backbooth, etc). read more

We came for my birthday to see the Impractical Jokers. Even though everyone had reserved seats, I was surprised to see that there was a line set up down by the water. We were told the doors would open at 10:00 for the 10:30 show. So we had to wait about 40 minutes in line. But......the doors didn't open at 10:00. It was more like 10:15. Once inside, the chairs and rows were very squeezed in. I couldn't see a lot of the show because the drunks in front of me were so close and always putting their arms up to take videos. I had been here years ago for a general admission concert. That was ok, but not great. I don't think I'll be doing any more reserved seats here unless I can get really close. read more

This is a great concert hall, good acoustics and not a bad seat in the house. It's nice to have a great venue in Orlando like this. Lines tend to get a bit long at the Snack Bar, but hey, you can eat at the Hard Rock Cafe before the show, or one of the many other restaurants in CityWalk. The photos on the walls are wonderful to look at and a great way to kill some time while waiting for the show to start. read more

I love this venue! It is a great place to see Stand up or a Concert. Hard Rock Live is located just outside of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in the City Walk area. It is next to the Hard Rock Café and Blue Man Group. I love this venue for a concert because it is indoor and air conditioned, which is always a plus in Florida. Also, it isn't too big, so the show feels more intimate. It is also a great venue for stand up because there really isn't a bad seat. Even in the back row of the balcony you can hear/see the person you came to see. For most concerts I've been to the floor is standing room GA with actual seats on the balcony and bar tables on the sides of the balcony. For most stand up I've seen, they put out seats on the floor, but the balcony is the same setup. I've been backstage for a few concerts here and they have a nice set up for meet and greets with artists. The only downside of Hard Rock Live is the price of the drinks. $15?! Geez, but what do you expect? read more

Get here early, security always makes entrance slow. Drinks are meh' and, apparently they will keep serving them to some folks long after they should have been cut off. This venue has some great acts, just saw cheap trick there Friday night. However, the sound quality is mediocre at best. Unfortunately, the sound is better upstairs in the balcony section. Downstairs has a lot of echo and distortion. So, if you want great views of the band sit, or sometimes stand, down on the floor. Or, sit upstairs in more comfortable seats and have a better listening experience. Classic albums live series is starting up here soon, check 'em out! read more

This venue is just OK. It's a pretty intimate setting (in a good way though). The seats are pretty tight and a little bit uncomfortable. The floors are a bit sticky and not the best air ventilation, and we were there for Wanda Sykes. It is a bit of a trek from the parking garage (unless you valet...), so give yourself plenty of time. read more

Review for Postal Service at Hard Rock Live Orlando: Was able to cross something off my bucket list... seeing Postal Service live! I had a fantastic time and enjoyed every second of it. Only complaint... why was NO ONE dancing?? Seriously the only people dancing was my meager group of 4. Such a shame. If there was ever a band to see live and dance along wildly to each and every song (besides This Place is a Prison) it would be THIS BAND! After my initial shock of zero body movement from anyone around me, I was able to fully enjoy the show and bask in knowing that I was experiencing an amazing event. All in all, one of the best times of my life! read more

Had a absolutely awesome experience last night and and even better meal. The aged cowboy ribeye was slammed with flavor and cook to perfect mid rare which i was almost concerned about ordering but it was perfect. Twisted mac was delicious too. Most impresive part of the restaurant besides the amazing rock and roll scenery was our server Anne Marie. She was the most personable server ive ever dealt with and being a chef myself i have a sort of automatic disposition against servers but i never felt any type of way about this one at all. All good times and such a beautiful person all around Im sure. Thanks again Anne Marie! read more

Hard Rock - Dont forget to look up from the plates.. I know its hard - Desserts Near Me - Orlando, Florida

This is such a great venue. My daughter and I went to see So You Think You Can Dance on tour here and as always it was so nice. The sound is always good and the lighting is top notch. There's really not a bad seat in the house. It's a smaller venue so it's easy to get around. The bar tenders were very nice and accommodating and the drink prices were decent. The only bad thing I have to say and it has nothing to do with Hard Rock Live....the parking at Universal the night of Nov 2 was INSANE. Valet was sold out very early and we literally waited in a VERY LONG line for about 30 minutes to be able to park, we still had to walk from the parking garages all the way to Hard Rock Live and we were worried we'd miss the opening. The good news is we got there right on time and SYTYCD didn't start on time either, the started at about 8:10. read more

Went to see the cast of "Impractical Jokers" last weekend and had a great time... Good venue to see a show... Drinks were a little pricey and apparently it depends on what bartender you go to as each one had a different price. They have snacks (hot dogs, pretzels etc.) for sale which was good because we were late and needed something to soak up the alcohol! There is Valet Parking at Universal, which also is pricey, but worth it when you need to find your car after a long night! ... By the way... If anybody finds Larry... tell him I said, "Hi!" read more

Hard Rock Live would be a great venue if they weren't so strict in regards to conduct at their facility and didn't care about customer service so they can just cram as many people in as they can. They book bigger acts than someone like House of Blues can, which is great. Its nice that some bands have a venue they can go to and get the audience sizes that they want. With that being said, they do not allow "moshing" and will remove people for doing so. The reason I say "moshing" in quotes is because in their eyes, doing any type of moving is considered moshing. I went to see Reel Big Fish and Less Than Jake a little while back, and the fans had a circle pit going. The end result was people being grabbed and dragged out for not even touching anyone. No warning, no nothing, just straight pulling people out. I went to see Dethklok and Chimaira a little while back as well, and the energy for a metal show is really just sucked out of the room when people aren't able to mosh. Chimaira showed their displeasure by getting mad on the mic, but of course to no avail. Maybe the Hard Rock will be better one day, they should really take a look at House of Blues policy of keeping a few security guards around the pit to make sure people stay safe (which most people look out for each other anyway in the pit) and allow them to have a bit more fun. I also went to see Louis CK at the Hard Rock last night, and I must say, if they could have squeezed in another 20 chairs, they would have. Is it really necessary to sit people 5 feet from the side exit doors? If you ask them, then yes. read more

Hard Rock Live sees a variety of artists on a weekly basis. The main focus is rock (duh) with a lot of artists that have been around for awhile. Many bands from the 80s and 90s make a stop here. Sort of an in between venue for Orlando, It is certainly bigger than the Beacham but nowhere near the size of Amway. Park at the City Walk garages and then walk from there. Parking is free for Florida Residents who show their ID at the parking booth after 6pm. The venue has 2 concert viewing levels: the floor for standing room only and an upper balcony with seats. There are a few bars on the first floor with the main bar right when you walk in. They first drink will kill you at about $13 but refills for you plastic cup run about $9. There is no reentry so don't try to leave for cheaper drinks then come back for the main act. Security is easy to spot in bright yellow polo shirts. Great for when you have someone super drunk falling on the floor in front of you. Someone else from the crowd was kind enough to flag a big guy down to haul Mr. Wastedpants away. True story. Bathrooms are downstairs. Hopefully you don't have too many of those $13 beers or you'll be getting your cardio in while you're here. read more

I was invited to see the Swell Season at HRL. It's a shame City Walk itself is dying a slow, lonely death because HRL is a fantastic venue for live shows. Being able to grab a drink the moment I walk in? I'm interested in this. Lighting and sound dudes who know exactly what their doing? You only notice screw ups. Making the focus the stage with nothing blocking or obscuring your view? Yeah, really. read more

Visited Hard Rock Live to see the Wilco concert a few days ago, and I was really impressed! Venue is very nice, big open space without the pillars and stairs (Orlando House of Blues has) to get in the way of your view. They have the option for balcony seating upstairs which is nice if you don't want to brave the crowds on the general admission floor area. I was impressed with the layout and lobby area, as well as the multiple bars areas and even food options available for purchase. Bathrooms were even super nice and clean which is usually not the case at concert venues! read more

Yet another great venue in Orlando -small with awesome vantage points throughout. I've seen several shows here - music and comedy events and have always been pleased. I've been on the floor and in the balcony and always has a great view. It's also in a great location - plenty of restaurants to choose from. Hard Rock is right next door (duh) and a great place to grab a drink after the show. read more

Went here for a show to see Stephen Lynch. It was in December, and the inside was really hot. They put shitty chairs out on the floor in front of the stage. It was quite uncomfortable, and you really get to know the person sitting next to you pretty intimately because the seats are small and crammed together. I don't think they bothered turning the AC or any fans on because it was December, but it was really stuffy and uncomfortable all around. The show was entertaining, so if none of that stuff bothers you, you'll probably like the place. read more

So I have waited to write a review for Hard Rock Live because I wanted to experience it a few times. Well now I have been there 5 times and I can say its okay for what it is... a overpriced venue at a overpriced theme park. The shows I have seen are great (kids in the Hall and just recently Chris Hardwick for example) and the theater area is nice. I like choosing a seat up in the balcony because it is small enough that I don't feel that far away from the stage and I get some great un-obstructed views. The sound system is good and I can always hear no matter where I sit. Here is my complaint... and the reason I can't give it 5 stars... the booze prices. I know the theme parks do a fine job of robbing us blind with food and booze but Hard Rock goes out of their way to make their drinks super expensive. They of course would never allow you to bring anything in so if you want to enjoy a show with a buzz, you have to buy their over priced drinks. $15 for a tall beer? $9 refills? Really? $18 Call brand drinks? I am sorry but NYC is not that expensive. They seem to want to make all their profit from selling drinks. Oh well... This is the only reason I hesitate to go to Hard Rock for shows. Even the new Dr Phillips venue is cheaper than them. I have to say that the staff is super nice and I almost feel like they are apologizing while telling you about the prices of their drinks... So If you have to see a show that is only at the Hard Rock, go and have a good time but be prepared to bring lots of money if you want to drink while watching a show. read more

I'm a huge fan of small venues, and Hard Rock Live doesn't disappoint. I saw Kylie Minogue (and plan to see the Deftones) general admission. Usually I'm really high maintenance when it comes to general admission/standing room, but I actually didn't mind it. It was cool enough so that I wasn't sweaty and icky. I would, however, like to request that other concert-goers wear deodorant before going here. Yup, I'd really appreciate that. My friends and I were able to have a few drinks and appetizers at the Hard Rock before the show, and walked in just as the show was starting. It was perfect. Yay Hard Rock Live! read more

This trendy restaurant was great for a pre-concert dinner the service was speeding and friendly I ordered the big cheeseburger and had several slices of cheese on it and a side of french fries and was delicious the atmosphere is really cool with relics from all your favorite rock stars everywhere I highly recommend taking a walk around and spending at least half an hour looking at all of the memorabilia around the facility they also offer a tour of all of it as well which I will come back and do in the future read more

Great venue and intimate enough that any place you stand has a pretty decent view. The sound quality has always been excellent. They do have an upstairs, but it's not always open. Depends on how many tickets they sell for the event. The venue is located right right between Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios, so afterwards there are plenty of places to eat and grab a drink. You have to park in the theme parks' garage, but a plus is it's free for Florida residents in the evening! I love seeing concerts at this venue. I highly recommend it. read more

I've been to HRL multiple times for shows over the years. It is a nice venue with a big balcony and large floor space. Each time I've been to a show the floor has left open as general admission. There is usually plenty of room to roam around but on a few occasions it has been packed. The last show I was there for was jam packed and it felt like the AC wasn't working right. I almost thought we'd have to leave! We moved to another part of the building where we could get some air and stayed for the remainder. The line at the bar can be REALLY long sometimes and of course your are going to pay more for your drinks. The bathrooms are down a long stairway which can be tricky to negotiate after a few drinks and in heels. They have plenty of stalls though and they always seem pretty well stocked and clean. Overall I really like this venue. It is big but not too big that you feel overwhelmed by the size. I also love the fact that it is at City Walk with plenty of dining and clubbing options as well as 3 great hotels only a boat ride away. read more

Great small venue to see bands. There are no bad seats in the house. There are elevators to the balcony second-floor and VIP elevators to the third-floor back row read more

Watched Ron White last Friday. Very disappointed that there was not transparency with the fact that there was an opening act. Show started 7:30 over at 9:00 pm. That means Ron Whites act was less than an hour. Not worth the $360 for 2 tickets. In addition, we arrived early and ate at the restaurant prior to show. Wow! It sucked!!! We ordered the Flat Bread that was more cardboard than anything, the nachos were even worse, cubed chicken with no cheese sauce and the club sandwich was supposed to be "thinly sliced" chicken was chicken chunks. Obviously the restaurant staff cares less for the food they are serving. Terrible! Will never eat there again. read more

Solid venue. I'm curious as to where the discrepancies occur when your ticket says something different than the actual times. Ticketmaster at fault? The venue? Either way, was quite disappointed that doors were at 8p, despite a printed concert time on my ticket of 8p. We arrived at CityWalk early to eat dinner, but were left with a lot of extra time to kill for this reason. Oh well. Had seats in the balcony for the Queens of the Stone Age show. The setup worked very well, bars on both sides of the second floor and a nearby bathroom. The seat-side bar service was almost unnecessary given the 20 steps it'd take to get to the bar, but it was a nice touch once the place started filling up. Prices were decent too - got a giant mixed drink for $12 and the refill would have only cost $8, as long as I brought back the same cup. Great acoustics and comfortable seats, even if I didn't spend much time in mine. I'd definitely come back for another show here. Side note: to the crotchety old woman who walked past my section before the show and shouted "where the f* were all of you at the 2007 House of Blues show..." - I was in Michigan, loving QOTSA as much as I do in 2014. I can't speak for anyone else. read more

I've been to the Hard Rock Live in Orlando twice. The first time I was there, it was a nightmare as security was cracking down. There was such a line-up going into the venue. The 2nd time I was there, something must've changed as the line-up going in was quicker. I find the seats are too squished together. It gets tiring after a while. The concerts I've seen here are EXCELLENT 'cos they were Clay Aiken concerts! read more

Recently saw Lisa Lampanelli here. So much fun. While most events I had attended had been GA/Standing room only events, it was nice to actually have an assigned seat so that we could show up when we want, not three hours early. Pay attention and show up during 'happy hour' parking, especially if you're a FL resident. The only downside to this venue is the walk from the garage all the way around City Walk to the venue, so do plan that right so you don't have to run around the park. read more

I took my daugher to the Miranda cosgrove concert . it's a smaller than what I'm use to . But itwas intimate and I was sitting next to the bar (always a plus) read more

Intimate venue. Drinks are pricey. The acoustics are horrible, and no moshing (moving). read more

This venue is certainly comfortable. When the venue fits with the band playing, its fantastic! However, when the band doesn't fit, it's awkward. For example, the velvet-covered chairs seem fitting for listening to jazz or perhaps a theatre performance, but when I want to dance to the music, this venue does not allow me to do so, which may be a good thing for those I go with (yikes). I much prefer standing at concerts, but here I felt awkward. I recently saw the Beach Boys here, well two members of the Beach Boys, with John Stamos filling in. The sound was great, even from the balcony, although there were a few audio glitches (feedback) that made everyone cover their ears. I would definitely recommend Hard Rock, depending on who is performing. If it makes you want to dance, but you're okay being forced to contain it, then go for it! read more

I've been here twice now. First for a comedy show and then for a concert. It's a pretty nice spot and stage considering the size and location. It looks really nice inside. I definitely prefer when they have seats set up though. For certain concerts if you buy entrance tickets and not balcony you are standing the whole time. read more

The burger are great! Tasty for sure had a atomic Burger spicy and sweet sooo good! The cauliflower wings bbq were tasty too! Fries were well seasoned read more

My family and I enjoyed Hard Rock last evening. The food and service were great, however, the music was so loud we could not talk lower than a scream. After a long, tiring day at Universal parks it would have been nice to have good food and good background music. I have eaten in other Hard Rock Cafes and I will say they are just as loud. I understand rock music is a must there but please remember the customer would like to talk to their dinner companions. read more