It’s been a six year process, but the auto-themed restaurant, Hotrods Old Vail, is open at last.
After being at Hotrods Old Vail for five minutes, I understand why so many people are here. This restaurant is heaven for car enthusiasts, but could easily be a good time for anyone who has the slightest bit of a lead foot. I’m no automobile aficionado and I was pretty entranced by the checkered floors, the sleek garage that’s connected to the restaurant, the dozens of framed car pictures along the walls, and of course, the real custom cars neatly lining the building.
This place is unique in that “it’s a destination concept,” said general manager Matt Hallinan at the opening event. You can eat and then immediately leave, but hanging around a while is what this place was designed for.
Yes, there is food. And a bar…but you don’t get to watch custom cars come alive when you dine at McDonald’s. While munching away on a burger at this restaurant, a glass wall can be all that separates you from restless hot rods and muscle cars.
Photos from the grand opening, below the cut:
This article appears in Jul 12-18, 2012.
Terrible service, terrible food, waste of time and money. Tried several times hoping it would improve. Not trying again.
How is this place still in business? Are they laundering cartel money?
Almost. It’s actually sugar money.
We are/were regulars at Hot Rods and we always give them the benefit of doubt. I would like to know why after so many years of going there that I could NOT take my puppy upstairs to the patio to enjoy our Friday night get together and was told by the owners wife that I could NOT go back and join my family and friends. My group ended up paying the bill and we went across the street to Native. I have seen dogs inside the restaurant on a few occasions and they are NOT SERVICE DOGS, I guess unless you are a ‘Hells Angel”, Ride a motorcycle, or Carry a hand gun you can’t have a pet on their patio. Once again, we have spent a lot of time and money at Hot Rods and felt kicked in the gut. Of course the food is not that good but we enjoy our Friday night get togethers. The backers for Hot Rods (THE MARS FAMILY), should consider getting rid of Steve since he’s the one running it into the ground.
The Mars people Funding this Business need to Cut ties. The owners are the reason this place can’t keep it together. This place will never be anything good. They have blown too many chances to provide Good service, Have outstanding Employees. Unfortunately, Every facet of this place, Food, Service, management, Entertainment just suck. The owners couldn’t close an umbrella! Much less Run a business. Unless it’s run into the ground. Close it up and let someone else do something GREAT with it! HR’s is NOT salvageable. It’s a real shame!