The Rock Wood Fired Kitchen

Reviews 4

BI

BigRiverification

After hearing rave reviews from some of our friends and neighbors, my wife and I decided to treat some out-of-town friends to dinner at The Rock. I should premise this review with the fact that I am extremely tolerant of bad food / service, but our experience warrants the following: Our first impressions were all positive. The Rock has a good atmosphere, we were seated quickly, and our server was both nice and knowledgeable about the menu (which had just changed). The menu was diverse, the drink selection was extensive, and the prices seemed fair for what we expected to receive. We ordered a variety of food and drinks: two kinds of wings, cheese bread, a burger, the steak sandwich, a pizza, and a type of chicken sandwich. The server specifically asked us if we wanted our drinks and appetizers before our main food, and we said yes. At this point, we were still very much enjoying our experience. We waited about 25 minutes to get our drinks (beers and a margarita) and another 15 minutes for the wings and cheese bread. It was obvious the server was behind - she avoided contact with us and was extremely bashful when we asked for an update on our drinks. When she finally brought them, she apologized many times over. While waiting 40 minutes for drinks and appetizers was a bit odd, our crew was still in good spirits. Another 20 minutes went by, and no one had checked on us or given us an update on our food. When we finally flagged someone down (by getting up and chasing a different server down), we were told that our food should be out shortly. It wasnt. It took another 25 minutes before our food began to arrive (thats almost an hour and a half from the time we ordered). We immediately began eating the food, which was, without a doubt, the worst food Ive ever had at a restaurant (including fast food). I had a hamburger, which was small, cold, sloppily put together, and missing two of the main ingredients listed on the menu. As I said before, Im not one to complain, so I ate it. Unfortunately, it also lacked any seasoning, so it was like eating a cold ball of ground beef smashed between two halves of a bun - with some random crap thrown on. My wife ordered a personal-size Hawaiian pizza. It was also cold, which is understandable considering that the bottom dough was still raw (so raw you could pull on it and it would stretch without breaking). Each person at our table tried a bite; none could finish it. The pizza had obviously been rushed into the oven and pulled as soon as the cheese began to melt. The sauce felt like it had just been taken from the refrigerator. My wife sent the pizza back and ask if they could finish cooking it. It was better when it came back - but not much. My friend Joe ordered a steak sandwich that the menu had described as having thin slices of steak with a variety of fixings. What he received was a bun (cold) with three thick-cut pieces of rare red meat that had absolutely no seasoning. Joe is a large, good spirited Italian who will eat just about anything and knows good food when he tastes it. He could not finish more than two bites of the sandwich before taking the meat out, cutting it up, and dipping it in the blue cheese that came with our wings. My friend Greg ordered a chicken sandwich, which we all agreed was pretty good. And we all agreed the wings were pretty good as well. However, I spent over $150.00 when it was all said and done, and we were treated to one of the worst meals of my entire life. I have never complained to a restaurant or sent an order back for a serious reason, but I was very tempted to send it all back and ask for explanation. I understand that they were behind in their orders and that they were rushing to get our food to us after a ridiculously long wait, but if Im going to spend that kind of money on food just apologize for the wait and make sure the food comes out right. Honestly, despite all the good things Ive heard from others, I will have a hard time giving The Rock a second chance after this experience.

JA

Jaime Deptula

While I havent tried the pizza, the food that I have gotten was subpar. The appetizer that I ordered, the queso nachos came with soggy chips and a skimpy amount of cheese to dip them in. The first drink that I got the lava lamp was marked on the menu as limited to two drinks per person, so I ordered this drink thinking that one of these would leave me feeling pretty good. However after I finished it, I felt nothing. This is the first time I have ever ordered a mixed drink, especially one as large as this, and not gotten even a slight buzz. It was extremely disappointing and I was honestly left wondering if there was even any alcohol in it at all. The next drink I tried was a mojito and while that one did at least taste good, I was left with the same feeling afterwards. The second time that I visited this place the bartender accidentally knocked over my drink onto a friend that I was with and while he did seem sorry and apologized for what had happened, my drink was not replaced. Instead we each received a free jello shooter. Which was strange and awkward because it was not the drink that I paid for. I decided not to make a fuss about it though as I just wanted to enjoy the rest of the evening with my friends without conflict, but I was disappointed. I feel like this place is just skimpy on the things they serve. The quality of the food, drinks, and service simply did not match the atmosphere and the price.

A

A Private User

First, if Google map show location off SE Grady WAY, IT"S WRONG! Its at the Landing Shopping Center. OK, Ive had lunch at the Covington location, and the pizzas taste consistent. However, at Renton, they are slow to make pizzas and refill the salad bar. This is not acceptable for a buffet. Sure, its a little busy at this location, but they should know that. I hate standing and waiting for pizza! The atmosphere is cool, but the tables towards the back are so dark, due to the color bulbs. I like this type of wood fired pizza over all else. Round tables is my next favorite but its dull in there. Rock is totally cool with the rock music and LCDs to watch sports! Its open late at night so Im sure its the coolest place to grab pizza and drinks! Overall, I love the pizza crust, but the manger should do a better job of making sure everything is perfect...could have earned a 5 star! To sum it up, great food, but service is lacking and attention to detail should be made by managers.

CH

Christopher Lombardo

Food was ok - just ok. Service is wretched. Walked in there was no line waiting for seating, and the bar area was full, so we asked the hostess how long for a table. She looked a little overwhelmed and she said she had no idea how long, the whole restaurant was in "gridlock"! When we got seated about 5 minutes later we noticed there were lots of empty tables and booths in the back of the area where we were seated. Waited 10 minutes for our waitress (Nikki) to take our order and another 40 minutes before our appetizer of sweet potato fries came out - COLD! The booth behind us arrived and placed their orders about 30 minutes after we did and they got all their food before us! Our pizza arrived about 10 minutes later - barely warm. Might have tasted better if it was actually served hot. Recommendation: skip this place and go somewhere that has a better trained staff.