Rock is an eye-catching part of the décor at the appropriately named OnThe Rocks Bar and Grill, the latest entry in the downtown Florence restaurant scene. High on the wall teetering above the metal wrapped kitchen is what appears to be falling boulders; a nod to the kitchen crew flipping steaks and burgers below. Brought downtown by hip, young restaurateurs, On The Rocks has set up camp across the street from the long established Ricatoni’s Italian Grill, a popular eatery for locals and out-of-town guests alike. Hoping to capitalize off the hungry crowds downtown Florence is known for, you might ask, what makes On The Rocks different? It’s all about the twist. While it might appear just another menu at first glance, inspect it more closely and you will find all the usual suspects with a special On The Rocks twist. Order a plate of nachos and prepare your tastes buds for sensory delight. Your plate will be piled high with fresh baked chips, seasoned steak and chicken, spicy jalapeños, warm chili, diced tomatoes, lettuce and homemade cheese dip. Also starring on the menu are potato skins stuffed full with chicken and drenched in a sweet and smoky BBQ Sauce topped by shredded cheese and sour cream, perfecting the flavor.
Every dish is carefully researched and tested before being allowed on this concise and appetizing menu. Once included, the proprietors are quick to describe each item’s fresh and handmade preparation, like the hand battered, southern fried chicken tenders. Each tender is carefully battered and fried so that its crispy exterior melts in your mouth with each new bite but its thick meaty center is sure to fill any growling stomach. If your mouth’s not watering yet, each entrée is served with a choice of tantalizing side items which include rich and creamy macaroni and cheese, crispy, crunchy onion petals, smooth buttery mashed potatoes, golden friend French fries, potato skins, and crunchy home-style chips. Don’t worry, if you’re watching your waist they also serve fresh steamed broccoli, rice, and salads. To the delight of patrons, On The Rocks also serves up a new flavor to Florence with its Torta, a Mexican sandwich, originating in the Mexico City. Simply put, the torta is a combination of ingredients that include fresh avocado, warm refried beans, diced tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, shredded cheese with your choice of steak, chicken or mahi mahi all surrounded by a wall of bolillo bread.
If you can make it all the way to dessert, get ready for some big-time temptation when the friendly servers present you with a choice of sweet selections. The creamy New York style Cheesecake served with taste bud tingling strawberry sauce is a smooth and fresh choice but for chocoholics, the Mile High Chocolate Cake is simply a cocoa dream! Sinfully rich, the larger than life slice of decadent chocolate cake is covered in smooth chocolate icing and completes each meal with chocolate perfection.
On The Rocks’ theme evokes the experience of a hip Colorado bar and grill, with the warmth and casualness of the locale. For a more metropolitan feel, look to On The Rocks’ liquid entertainment. Stretching almost the full length of the restaurant, On The Rocks is completed by a hand bent copper bar offering selections to quench anyone’s thirsts. From their variety of beers on tap to their signature Rockin’ Tea, ask any bartender for their favorite drink and you are sure to get as many responses. On any given night, follow the sounds of live music up the stairs to find a more intimate second story bar that is sure to become the place for friends to gather after a long day. Join On The Rocks from 3-7 pm daily to enjoy their ever changing Rockin’ Hour specials or stay the entire evening to savor nightly drink specials to complement your flavorful entree.
