I'm saddened by the fact that the Hard Rock at Yonge/Dundas is going to get pushed out after 40+ years in business for yet another drugstore. That's capitalism for you.
Although I didn't have the chance to try it in the past, I finally made up for it by convincing the family to go a week ago. I had received tickets for a show at the Elgin Theatre down the street and wanted to visit the Hard Rock before they close in a couple months. I was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere and quality of food.
I've always been a stickler for fish and chips - you know a restaurant has hit the mark when they have good fried fish. The plate I ordered here had massive portions, the good kind of creamy coleslaw and a heaping handful of beefeater fries for $17 - well worth the money, and the taste was great. My mother and aunt went for the veggie burgers, and were both impressed with the quality. It's difficult to get a veggie burger right, so any place that nails it is one well worth visiting.
If there's something I wasn't really keen on, it's the "commemorative" glasses they sell if you order certain drinks. While I get that they're selling it as a marquee experience and want you to feel like you're taking home a souvenir, I'm not spending $7 extra on a cup for my drink. I think they're pushing this aspect relentlessly because the restaurant is closing soon.
That said, the shop inside the restaurant had a lot of interesting items to buy, and the memorabilia was quite impressive. We ended up sitting at a booth near a guitar signed by Nickelback (lol) and a blazer worn by Gord Downie of The Hip. Quite a cool ambiance.
I'd definitely recommend checking out the Hard Rock before it closes. Great food, great atmosphere. Can't ask for much more than that.