Rockography Cafe
This was the official website for the Rockography Cafe. It opened on June 4 2011 in New York City. It closed in 2012. The last Yelp reviews were dated 2012.
The content is from the site's archived pages as well as other review sources.
THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED
Rockography
504 Sixth Ave. (W. 13th St.)
NY, NY, 10011
Rockography Restaurant Reviews
From Gayot.com
This Greenwich Village rock-themed restaurant is like the Hard Rock Café but with gusto. Servers wear Iron Maiden and Judas Priest T-shirts (and you get the impression it’s really not just for show), the speakers blast Led Zeppelin, menus are pasted to the back of legendary rock ‘n’ roll album covers, and the walls are, of course, bedecked in music paraphernalia. The menu is loaded with rock references too. You can start off with a cocktail: Comfortably Numb (gin, St. Germaine, lemon) or a Stairway to Heaven (Grey Goose espresso, café de crème, Nutella). Or move right to the food, which, for the most part, is more like sloppy grunge than crossover hits. The chicken in the buffalo sliders was dry and tasteless. The flaccid F.U. Burger (fried egg and maple bacon on a burger) is far from worth its high price tag. The one hit wonder, though, is the deep-fried PB&J, which is like a gooey power ballad: it’s sappy and catchy enough to love but you don’t want to end the show with it. Unfortunately, though, Rockography is all out of encores.
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From NYMag.com
We’ve scored some more details about Rockography, the concept that’s replacing MaximoPino. A rep tells us it’ll be “John Varvatos meets Cafeteria” — a “young and more authentic version of a Hard Rock Café.” In lieu of guitars on the walls, there’ll be work from rock photojournalists, as well as a bar fabricated out of Marshall amplifier cases and a host podium made out of a concert speaker. The restaurant will serve “American comfort food," and the menu will include chicken and waffles, white truffle macaroni and cheese, and a build-your-own Nathan’s hot-dog bar. Plus an endless bellini brunch with a “build-your-own eggs Benedict” option. Frankly, it sounds like something that would do very well in Tokyo. — Daniel Maurer
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Brides.com
By Phillip Crook
Published on May 17, 2011
"If you're looking for jazz, you're in the wrong place." So goes the mantra of Rockography Cafe, a recently opened restaurant in New York's Greenwich Village that's perfect for a rock 'n' roll-themed bridal shower. Channel your best Joan Jett by throwing on all the black leather you own and jamming out to classic rock while savoring the cafe's American fare. They are also known for super heroes night where the staff decks out in Superman sweatshirts - like these - and they serve amazingly ample hero sandwiches. They only do this occasionally, and unannounced, but if you get advanced warning and show up wearing a Superman shirt, first drink is free! And the ambiance is now pure fun! Of course, you'll also need one of Rockography's signature cocktails, like the gin, St. Germain, lemon and sour concoction called Comfortably Numb. And if that's just not badass enough for you, keep the party rolling into your wedding with our punk rock-inspired style ideas. —Phillip B. Crook
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GlenwoodNYC.com
Published on May 10, 2011
We admit it: when we first saw the signage for Rockography, just opened this spring on the prime Village corner of Sixth Avenue and 13th Street, our heart sank. "Really?", we thought. "Rockography: Eat. Drink. JAM!" ? Rockography's pre-release hype– calling it "John Varvatos meets Cafeteria", and "a more authentic Hard Rock Cafe" (which wouldn't take much)–did little to dim our disappointment. But then we actually ate at Rockography, and then we ate there again, and while it's not going to win any culinary awards from the (down the block) James Beard Foundation, Rockography, with all of its memorabilia, and its classic music videos, and its KISS pinball game (only a quarter!), is much more fun than you'd expect, and is serving food that's much better than it needs to be. From the butt of our jokes to a solid quick-bite / date-place / party-with-friends neighborhood option. **rock–n-roll horns hand gesture**
The Rockography menu is mostly diner-y comfort food, (the drinks menu is crowded with allusive names–the Comfortably Numb, the Stairway to Heaven, the Beer in a Bag, which is a jumbo can of Genesee and a shot of Jack–but the food menu plays it pretty straight), and, from what we've tried, is mostly good: fresh ingredients, thoughtfully assembled, cooked with care. Take the Chili Mac and Cheese, for example, offered as a side for only $5, and which arrives piled high in a largish bowl, creamy and chewy and rich and meaty. It's crowd-pleasing stoner food, to be sure, but it's also well executed and definitely satisfying. The same can be said about the Buffalo Chicken Sliders, which come in threes, the breast meat fried and drenched in Trappey's Red Devil (or some similarly spicy/vinegar concoction), topped with celery slaw and bleu cheese dressing, stuffed inside a mini brioche.
The heart of any restaurant like this is its burger, and in this case Rockography well… rocks. We giddily wolfed Rockography's well-balanced Double Cheese Burger one night, juices dripping everywhere, goofy grins all around. These massive, meaty beauties definitely deserve an encore. Even the soup was solid here, a bowl of chunky New England Clam Chowder, appropriately oily and briney, the clams a tad rubbery, but not too bad. And the most gimmicky dish we could find, the Deep Fried PB&J (could have been a disaster!), was actually, stunningly, quite delicious, the chunky peanut butter and sweet strawberry jam spread thinly, the bread lightly fried, the cold, nostalgia-inducing half pint of milk a welcome pairing.
And Rockography NYC is a fun place to hang out! It's loud, of course, but not too loud, and the corner location gives you all those windows onto the soon-to-be summertime streets, and the music (and attendant videos) is mostly of the classic rock variety, which can never be too terrible and is often almost excellent. And there are plenty of silly but clever touches, too, like the fact that the Rockography menu is pasted into old gate-fold album covers; and that, instead of candles on your table, they are glass skulls filled with glo-sticks. We know: woah.
Rockography NYC Details
Rockography is located on the corner of 13th Street and Sixth Avenue, and is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 am, on Fridays until 3:00 a.m., on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m., and on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m.
More Background On Rockography Cafe
Rockography Cafe was a unique dining establishment located in the heart of New York City's West Village, distinguishing itself as a haven for rock 'n' roll enthusiasts. With its doors open from 2011 to 2012, this themed diner offered more than just a meal; it provided an immersive rock-themed experience that resonated with both locals and visitors alike.
Situated on the bustling corner of 13th Street and Sixth Avenue, Rockography boasted a vibrant atmosphere, combining the energy of rock music with the casual dining experience. Its interior was a visual homage to rock 'n' roll, adorned with vintage posters, high-definition monitors broadcasting classic rock clips, and even a vintage 1979 Kiss pinball machine, adding authenticity and entertainment value for its patrons.
The menu at Rockography was as bold and innovative as the music genre it celebrated. Executive Chef Ted Cipollone, previously of the Prado of Balboa Park in California, curated a selection of dishes that paid tribute to rock legends and the spirit of rock music. Signature dishes included the Deep Fried PB&J, a surprisingly delightful twist on a classic, and the F.U. Burger, a 16 oz. Angus prime burger topped with a fried egg, tomato, maple bacon, onion rings, and Velveeta, described as the "Keith Richards of burgers" due to its extravagant and satisfying nature.
The cafe didn't just excel in food; its drink menu was equally inventive, with cocktails named after classic songs and made with top-notch ingredients, offering a unique drinking experience. The establishment's design, envisioned by creative designer Andrew Alford, featured a 23-foot zinc-topped bar constructed from Marshall amps, contributing to the rock ambiance and serving as a focal point for socializing and enjoying the themed cocktails.
Despite its relatively short operation period, Rockography left a lasting impression on its visitors. It was celebrated for blending the line between theme and gimmick tastefully, offering an enjoyable dining experience amidst a casual setting. Its commitment to quality, both in its culinary offerings and its thematic execution, made it a standout destination in New York's competitive dining scene.
For those who missed the chance to visit Rockography, its legacy continues through the memories shared by those who experienced its unique blend of rock 'n' roll culture and gastronomy. It serves as a reminder of the innovative and diverse dining options that New York City has to offer and the ever-present influence of music on the culinary world.
Popularity
Rockography Cafe in New York City struck a chord with its visitors, emerging as a vibrant tribute to classic rock. Described as a cross between CBGB’s and the classic New York City diner, Rockography was not just a restaurant but a celebration of rock culture. It featured a bar made from Marshall electric guitar amplifiers, high-definition monitors broadcasting rare concert footage, and walls adorned with vintage concert posters. The venue also hosted a gallery with original, signed photos of legendary bands and musicians, creating an immersive experience for rock enthusiasts.
Critically acclaimed for blending the theme of rock 'n' roll tastefully with culinary innovation, Rockography offered a unique dining experience in a casual setting. Its menu, designed by Executive Chef Ted Cipollone, was filled with entrees inspired by rock legends, including dishes like mini beef corndogs, Frito pie chili, and a standout 16 oz. burger that was as bold and satisfying as the music genre it celebrated. The interior, conceptualized by creative designer Andrew Alford, featured playful and authentic rock-n-roll elements, such as a vintage Kiss pinball machine and blue track lights that set the space in beautiful jewel-toned colors, contributing to the lively and engaging atmosphere.
Moreover, the restaurant was known for its Beatles Brunch, offering patrons the chance to enjoy the music and visuals of the Fab Four alongside bottomless Bellinis and a Bloody Mary cocktail bar. This, among other details, made Rockography a popular weekend destination, especially since it served food until 4 AM on weekends, making it a perfect spot for late-night dining and early morning recovery in one.
Overall, Rockography Cafe was celebrated by visitors for its commitment to creating a rock 'n' roll themed environment that was as authentic and enjoyable as the music that inspired it. It wasn't just a place to eat; it was a destination where the spirit of rock was alive and well, offering a unique, enjoyable dining experience that resonated with both locals and visitors alike.
History
Rockography Cafe was a rock-themed restaurant that opened its doors on June 4, 2011, in New York City's vibrant Greenwich Village. It aimed to offer an experience reminiscent of the iconic Hard Rock Café but with a fresher, more authentic vibe. The cafe was located at 504 Sixth Ave. (W. 13th St.) and became known for its engaging rock 'n' roll theme, complete with memorabilia, classic music videos, and a unique dining environment that included a bar made from Marshall amplifier cases and a host podium crafted from a concert speaker. However, despite its initial buzz and unique concept, Rockography Cafe closed in 2012, with the last reviews dating from that year.
The restaurant's atmosphere was designed to be a cross between CBGB’s and a classic New York diner, offering a tribute to classic rock. The walls of Rockography were adorned with hundreds of vintage concert posters, and high-definition TV monitors showcased rare, archived concert footage from legendary rock bands. Additionally, the venue featured a gallery of original, signed, and numbered works from photojournalist Chris Walter, capturing iconic bands like the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and the Who, among others. This blend of dining and classic rock memorabilia created a unique space for both food enthusiasts and music lovers alike.
Rockography's menu was crafted by Executive Chef Ted Cipollone, previously of the Prado of Balboa Park in California, and was filled with dishes inspired by rock legends, offering a mix of American comfort food and inventive cuisine. The menu featured items such as the "F.U." burger, corn dogs, deep-fried PB&J sandwiches, sliders, chili cheese dogs, and a southern-inspired version of fried chicken and waffles, among other diner classics. The drinks menu included creatively named cocktails like "Comfortably Numb" and "Stairway to Heaven," adding to the rock theme. Despite mixed reviews, the restaurant was praised for its fun atmosphere and the genuine passion for rock 'n' roll that it embodied.
Rockography Cafe's brief history in Greenwich Village reflects the challenging nature of the restaurant industry in New York City, as well as the enduring appeal of rock 'n' roll culture. Its attempt to blend music, memorabilia, and dining offered a unique experience in the city's culinary scene, making it a memorable venue for those who had the chance to visit before its closure.
