Oct 2 '17 at 4:51
Keeping it brief: My family and I traveled for 30 minutes to celebrate my mother's birthday at Blue Plate @Hard Rock. (Strike 1) When we arrived (with cake in-hand*), we were told we could not sit at a booth because, as the hostess put it, "That area's closed;" however, immediately after we were seated in a less-private area, the same hostess began seating other guests (non-brown skinned guests) in the same area she'd told me was "closed." (Strike 2*) After 30 minutes, we were notified that we would be charged $5 a person if we attempted to cut the birthday cake we brought with us. When I asked the manager-on-duty about that, she told me the policy's been in place since she began and "well it's the Hard Rock."
My family and I have dined at this restaurant many times over the years, and we have never felt so reduced and unimportant as guests. My suggestion is this: Go to Blue Plate for a quick in-and-out meal (though the menu is extremely limited now), but DO NOT go to dine with family. The atmosphere does NOT encourage family get-togethers, even if you're staying at the Hard Rock. You will be disappointed. Try the Hard Rock Cafe next door instead. At least there, they don't charge you to cut a dam* cake you brought in yourself.
