The Hard Rock Cleveland was founded in July of 1998 and retains some of the old-school rock charm which the city is known. The restaurant is ornately decorated with ample amounts of classically-stained wood and brass.
During the month of October, Hard Rock Cafe has added a number of menu items that capture the spirit of the Oktoberfest season. We stopped by to experience the full Octoberfest spread, which permeates beverages, appetizers and entrees. There are a number of different alcohol-free frozen drinks that are available at the Hard Rock Cafe.
Of particular note this month is the Wildberry Smoothie ($11.99), linking together pina colada mix, frozen bananas, Monin wildberry puree and orange juice; a portion of the proceeds from this drink goes to finding a cure for breast cancer.
The Sam Adams Octoberfest Schnitzel Burger ($15.95) is jam-packed with an incredible chorus of flavors; ample portions of pork schnitzel are topped with Sam Adams beer cheese sauce, sauerkraut, mustard, arugula and smoked bacon. A cup of fries round out this meal. Pair the sandwich with Sam Adams Octoberfest or one of the numerous Great Lakes offerings (at this time, Commodore Perry, Dortmunder Gold, and Eliot Ness were available). The beers paired nicely with Hard Rock’s baked soft pretzels ($10.95). 
There is a good chewiness and smaller salty element that pops when one dips the twisted treat into the included Sam Adams cheese sauce or whole grain mustard.
The local legendary burger ($14.95) is a mouthful, tying together the Hard Rock Cafe’s burger blend with a sweet kielbasa and an ample amount of cole slaw. This cole slaw is a solid inclusion as it (along with a tangy and mildly-spicy sriracha mayo) provides just enough in the way of creaminess to the burger, rounded out with the inclusion of cheese and French fries.
The Chocolate Molten Cake ($7.95) provides individuals with ample portions of vanilla ice cream, soft and airy cake, and a river of liquid chocolate that bridges the gap between the two elements. The desserts are kicked into high gear with the oreo-studded cheesecake ($7.95) that includes Oreo cookies in and on a New York-inspired cheesecake. A liberal amount of chocolate sauce provides further complexity to the dish, without reaching too far in either a savory or sweet direction.
The amount of rock ephemera that is on the wall is astonishing, whether it be a show-worn Misfits shirt, a drum head signed by The Smashing Pumpkins’ Jimmy Chamberlain, or a set list scribbled down by no other than Sid Vicious (The Sex Pistols) himself. The two levels of the Hard Rock Cafe Cleveland will give those visiting a deep look into the history of rock and roll, along with walking off some of lunch or dinner.
The Hard Rock Cafe Cleveland is open from 11 AM to 11 PM from Sundays to Thursdays and 11 AM to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Ample parking is available around the restaurant and in the Tower City Center garage.
Hard Rock Cafe Cleveland / 230 W. Huron Road / http://www.hardrock.com/cafes/cleveland/ / https://www.facebook.com/hardrockcafecleveland