The Rockefeller, a new bustling gastropub now open on Pier Avenue, serves a variety of market-fresh American fare as well as a wide selection of unique wines and craft beers.
The Rockefeller was designed around a concept that “made sense” based on the location, said Chris Bredesen, the restaurant’s general manager.
“We would only serve beer and wine, focus on being a restaurant, and not be like the Pier,” Bredesen said. “There are enough 2 a.m. bars already; we wanted to be different.”
The kitchen serves dinner seven days a week, with a menu that features a variety of burgers, sandwiches, tacos, salads, wings, and desserts.
Exciting assortments of “sticks,” such as Kennebec potatoes (signature french fries) and haricot verts (skinny green beans prepared french fry style or sautéed naked) accompanied by choices of chipotle mayonnaise, roasted garlic aioli, or saffron-lemon aioli are popular side items to the many entrée choices.
The Rockefeller is open for brunch and lunch on weekends—offering a selection of omelets, breakfast burritos, or whole buckwheat pancakes.
Out of all menu items, Bredesen told Patch that his personal favorite is the Ahi tuna tacos.
“The prosciutto wrapped shrimp has been a big seller but by far, the burger Rockefeller has been a hit—a unique blend of prime chuck and hanger meat—you will not see that blend anywhere in the area,” he said.
To wash down a burger, The Rockefeller bar menu features 33 beers and 22 wine choices, which rotate frequently, Bredesen said.
“I’m more of a beer guy so I would recommend the Paulaner—the beer that started Oktoberfest,” he said. “Other popular choices are the La Trappe, the only quadruple on draft and for the Bud Light drinkers, we have a great beer called Mamas Little Yella Pils.”
An outdoor patio, large bar, visible kitchen, and separate dining area outfitted with cozy booths shape the look and feel of The Rockefeller.
Large flat screen televisions are attached to the dining area walls, and chalkboards scattered throughout the restaurant announce the specials of the day as well as happy hour deals (from 5 to 6:30 p.m.)
“I would say in terms of ambiance that the place speaks for itself, very comfortable, like a nice home, inviting with attention to detail,” Bredesen said.
Since opening this week, The Rockefeller has been well on its way to becoming a favorite local eatery. The restaurant hosted a grand opening party Thursday night.
“We are getting the same feedback everyday: ‘thank you for opening such a great new place,’” Bredesen said. “This is exactly what Hermosa needed.”
The Rockefeller at 418-422 Pier Ave. is open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
