The Rock & Roll Cafe is proof, if any was needed, that rock is alive and wailing. True to its name, this is a rock ‘n’ roll bar, pure and simple. Simple decor, mostly wood paneling. A loud, live house band complete with men working control boards and spotlights, plays original tunes and cover songs. Typical dress is jeans, T-shirt and cowboy boots.
There is no food available, and no credit cards or tabs are allowed — keeps things simple. Let’s not forget the purpose here. Remember the name.
Many of the men have shoulder-length hair, the women may sport tattoos. Some of the utilitarian, vinyl chairs are ripped, shedding their foam pads. The floor is parquet, and the lighting in the high-ceilinged, large main room is dim. The Rock & Roll Cafe could be used as a recreation hall during the day. But woe to the granny who shows up at the wrong time hoping to win a bingo game. This isn’t a bar that tolerates mere pop rock. This is hard rock. If the name already hadn’t been taken, they might have called it Hard Rock Cafe.
But there’s no snooty nationalism here, no pretense. There isn’t a ‘formal’ dance floor, and customers aren’t much inclined to dance to the Led Zeppelin, Ratt or Def Lepperd songs the disc jockey plays anyway.
You come to the Rock & Roll Cafe to drink, listen to rock and drink. You won’t burn a hole in your pocket, unless you’re addicted to any of the video, pinball or other games in the back.
The cover charge is only $3. On Fridays and Saturdays, the cafe admits 18- year-olds, whose cover charge is $5. Drinks are in the $3 range, whether beer or cocktails. There also is a large, smoke-filled pool room off the rear bar, and it is about the only part of the cafe that is truly crowded, even on a weekend. Even though there are six tables, chances are you’ll have to wait. The customers are a happy, friendly sort though, so don’t be surprised if one asks you to join in.
There also is a small, attractive bar at the front, off the stage, but conversation is almost impossible because of its proximity to the Texas band, the Shyboys (who aren’t). The bartender wears earplugs.
The Rock & Roll Cafe is not a yuppie pickup place — many patrons seem to know each other already. This is a bar for a good ol’ boy’s night out, or where couples can get together and express their affection openly.
On Sundays, the cafe changes character a little. From 7 to midnight, it hosts Blues Jam.
The cafe also gives customers a chance to show their true rock colors with Rock & Roll Cafe lighters, T-shirts and other garments. And as you leave, you’ll hear a cheery “y’all take care now.”
NIGHTLIFE NEWS
Set aside May 21 if you like live folk, traditional and modern music. That’s the program beginning at 2 p.m., at the Central Branch County Library, 3650 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach. And it’s free. Call 686-0895.
— There’s a new ’50s style band at The Ark Restaurant and Lounge, 2600 Lantana Road. The group is Headliner and itperforms from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. on Tuesday through Saturday. Good news for night owls with growling stomachs — The Ark serves a late night menu until closing.
— While few people think anything is happening in Palm Beach proper during the off season, Montesenos, a restaurant just north of Worth Avenue, has a nice little lounge and does a pretty good after-dinner weekend business. There’s generally a piano player singing his heart out to a room filled with well-dressed appreciators of contemporary jazz.
— Where not to try for live entertainment in Palm Beach: The 264. The atmospheric, trendy dining room used to be known for its late night jazz, but the sound of music is gone for the summer.
— They don’t leave it to pot luck. From 5 to 8 p.m. every Friday, the Shamrock Club in Lake Worth has an evening of dining and dancing. There’s even a cash bar. The dinner costs $5 for adults and $2.50 for children. Interested? Call 582-2012 or 790-2834.
ROCK & ROLL CAFE
308 N. Dixie Highway Lantana 586-8854
Music: Rock ‘n’ roll, blues (Sunday nights)
Hours: 4:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Closed Mondays
Cover: $3 weekends; $5 for 18- to 20-year-olds
Minimum: no
Valet parking: no
Dress: casual
