Hype. Sometimes we fall for the "hype", and then that is all that a restaurant/bar has to offer. Then they don't last. However, there is that rare occurrence when an establishment can live up to the hype. Rockit is that place. It is one of my favorite places in the city, I have been there often over the years. It is the concept of Rockit Ranch partners Billy Dec, Arturo Gomez and Brad Young.
The name itself sounds like it would just be a place for beers, burgers, and babes, with loud annoying music, but that scenario couldn't be farther from the truth. The atmosphere is elegantly masculine, even though that sounds like an oxymoron. Designed by Nate Berkus (of Oprah Winfrey fame), wood, wrought iron and leather abound. The chandeliers are made from antlers, and actual dried tree trunks for cocktail tables. It has dim lighting, but not so dim you can't read the menu. The upstairs is roomy and plush, yet not at all clubby. It boasts pool tables on one half, and booths and a long narrow bar on the other half. It has several flat screen TVs, great for watching games and having a few beers. And of course, they only play rock music. It's a great room to hold an event, and they host many.
How does Rockit live up to the hype? With their food and drink. I have been to many great restaurants in Chicago, but Rockit never, ever disappoints. The Bomb Pop cocktail is one of my all time faves, it is reminiscent of those childhood Bomb Pop popsicles you would get from the ice cream man, but it is definitely for adults only. The Rockit Punch is also pretty tasty. While they don't have a huge beer selection, they do offer a decent variety.
Billy Dec's Sweet Potato Fries are the best I have ever had! The key is the brown sugar they are tossed in after frying, and the chipotle mayo to dip them in. I don't think I've ever gone there and not had them. The Rockcorn Shrimp is also a wonderful appetizer to try, the chili dipping sauce gives them a kick.
The Black Angus Burger is served on a pretzel roll, and is excellent. Rockit changes their macaroni and cheese dishes seasonaly, and right now they are offering Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese. In a word, decadent and firey. Lobster Ravioli is also a great choice, the ravioli are lightly fried, and you can definitely taste the fresh lobster. If you are looking for a salad here, the Southwestern Chopped is one of my absolute favorites, you can't go wrong with it.
My love affair with Rockit will not end here. It's one of the longest relationships I've ever had, and I intend to keep it going for many more years!
22 W Hubbard
Chicago, IL 60654
312-645-6000
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11:30am to 12:30am
Thurs-Fri 11:30 to 1:30am
Saturday 11:30 to 2:30
There is also another Rockit location at 3700 N Clark, Wrigleyville, Chicago, IL 60613
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