California, Florida, Hawaiʻi, New Jersey, Oklahoma

Rock Out and Fill Up: Restaurants with a Rock ‘n’ Roll Soul

States:
Florida
New Jersey
Hawaiʻi
Oklahoma
California

What if your favorite musicians started a restaurant that served food as good as their tunes?

You’re in luck at these rockin’ restaurants around the USA. Whether you’re into country twang or punk rock, there’s a tasty eatery with the perfect ambience to suit your style.

Rock N Roll Ribs – Coconut Creek, Florida

Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain combined his musical talent with his insatiable love of ribs to create a restaurant fit for a “Trooper” (Maiden fan). The ribs are, of course, the main attraction. Cover them with the finger-licking barbecue sauce – you won’t be disappointed. True metalheads will be especially excited to see Trooper and Hallowed beer on the menu. These brews were concocted by none other than Iron Maiden’s lead singer Bruce Dickinson and Robinsons Brewery.

Saucy ribs, the menu star at Rock N Roll Ribs in Coconut Creek, Florida

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Rock N Roll Ribs

Experience

Hear the Rock ‘n’ Roll

JBJ Soul Kitchen – Red Bank and Toms River, New Jersey

JBJ Soul Kitchen defies all expectations on what a restaurant is supposed to be. First, despite the name, soul food isn’t served. And second, you won’t get a bill for your meal. Instead, this nonprofit community restaurant established by mega rock star Jon Bon Jovi offers farm-to-table meals on a pay-what-you-can basis. The three-course menu changes according to what’s in season and locally available and can include anything from fresh salmon to vegetarian stir fry. At the end of your meal, you’re presented with a suggested donation, payable with money or volunteer work. Now that’s a kitchen to feed the soul.

Paying what you can for meals served at JBJ Soul Kitchen in New Jersey

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JBJ Soul Kitchen

Ole Red – Tishomingo, Oklahoma

Country singer Blake Shelton’s first Ole Red restaurant – the second is in Nashville, Tennessee – may seem out of place for small-town Tishomingo, but Shelton was born just 45 minutes north in Ada,Oklahoma. If you’re exploring area attractions like the Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge or Chickasaw Indian landmarks, stop in for no-nonsense comfort food, such as bison burgers, thick chili or fried meatloaf with macaroni and cheese or collard greens. The drink menu sticks mostly to ice-cold U.S. brews like Budweiser and Coors with specialty cocktails served in mason jars and wines also available. After dinner, head to the Ole Red store that sells logo T-shirts, camouflage gear and candles that smell like cornbread and apple pie.

Country singer Blake Shelton onstage at Ole Red in Tishomingo, Oklahoma

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Ole Red – Tishomingo

Rudy’s Can’t Fail Café – Oakland and Emeryville, California

The funky, foot-tapping Clash song “Rudie Can’t Fail” was the inspiration to name this restaurant, opened in 2002 by Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt. Both locations feature quirky décor, including a collection of Barbie and Ken dolls, full bar and budget-friendly menu. Some of Rudy’s most popular dishes are diner classics perfect for a hearty appetite or late-night munchies – juicy burgers, Southern fried chicken and huge breakfast omelets. Watching your diet? Look for gluten-free and vegetarian dishes, and families are more than welcome with a generous children’s menu. Have your air guitar ready for the Ska, Punk and ’80s Rock playing in the background.

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Rudy’s Can’t Fail Café

Rock & Brews – Multiple Locations

In the late 1960s, brothers Dave and Dell Furano worked as concert promoters and merchandisers for legendary bands like The Rolling Stones, the Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan. After a couple of serendipitous meetings with the founder of Hard Rock Café and band members from KISS, Rock & Brews was born. As the name implies, Rock & Brews combines cool Rock ‘n’ Roll decor with an extensive beer selection that changes depending on the location. And the food? Expect tasty, lip-smacking takes on American favorites like giant burgers, spicy wings and creative salads.