Rocky Vander's

Me Thinks Not.  Enough Said.

Ok, I'll elaborate...
It was ADVERTISED - FREE COVER BEFORE 10PM on Saturday March 16th on their website, on their facebook invite, and on their facebook page.  We showed up at 9:30pm to see the band, NOT the UFC fight which they were charging for...and sure enough, they were charging a $10 cover at the door.  FALSE ADVERTISEMENT, PEOPLE!!!

I can see if it was like...9:57pm, cool, I'd let it slide but charging a half hour early?  No.

Here is the best part...someone in the band told me that they were told from the guys at the door that they started charging early because the place was getting busy.  Way to falsely advertise and to rip people off. Unreal.

In addition, domestic bottles are $4 - this is Prospect Heights, not downtown Chicago...this might be right up some people's alley - DJ, glow sticks, lazer lights...high end prices for the damn SUBURBS but not me...Yes, I do live in the SW burbs and I came out to see the band (which didn't go on till after the fight and played from 12-2am)  The rest of this place is NOT for me, and that is based on personal opinion.  If you're looking for a club-type place and looking to pay club prices...this is your place!

Lucky for me I got comped at the door from someone in the band that I know after the fact and after I refused to pay based on what was advertised and what they were doing.  Boo-Yah.

I hear they are no longer having bands at this dump...good, because either way I had NO plans to return.

Been here many times and never had have a problem with this establishment. They have good food and decent service. However charging $10 for a cover charge at 1 am when the band stops playing soon after is complete BS.  Not only do they contract unknown local bands to up the entrance fee,  but it is total BS when the party of 3 that came in right before you is been charge $5 for entrance.
Rocky Vanders a little advice, charge everyone the same price! Bring decent local bands and maybe you will see my business again.  I don't come here to listen to garbage unknown musicians, I come here to drink. If I wanted to dance or listen to music,  I would have gone to the City. You are a RESTAURANT and a LOCAL BAR not a NIGHTCLUB!

A 3 star for good BAR food,
1 star for the CUSTOMER service.
And a 1 star for the overcharging at the door for poor musicians who are barely getting up on their feet. We the people should be paid to listen to your poor practice inside an establishment and the damage you have cause many ears.

One word summarizes this "joint"

Ridiculous. For the location and confused identity. One last piece of advice from a well establish yelper, please tell the new GO GO dancers that chicken legs and kangaroo bellies isn't the popular look for the 2013's.

Meet me at Gatsby's...

My review is based off of Friday/Saturday nights.

I came here for the first time in a while and it is completely different.  Let me rephrase that, the decor inside the bar is completely different.  The people that come here are exactly the same.  

Rocky's used to be a sports bar with a lot of high boy table seating with wood finish.  Now when you walk in it has been turned into a mini night club.  With thousands of dollars spent on lights, lasers,and strobes you would think this was a twenty something club.  

Unfortunately, the crowd is very much the same as always.  Older crowd maybe in their 30's and 40's.  There is nothing wrong with this but it may be a turn off for some.  

I personally enjoy coming here as the DJ's are very good.  They play top 40 and even the older crowd can appreciate it by getting down on the dance floor.  I'd rather come here with an older crowd and music that I like than go to a place with people my age and lousy music.  

They have yelp check in deals so make sure to check them out.  When I was there it was 10% off your entire tab.