Finding a Groove at CityWalk’s Hard Rock

The Hard Rock Cafe’s Universal CityWalk branch is a mecca of sorts for those with a rock ‘n’ roll heart. The ambitious venue has been open since January, and it continues to be CityWalk’s biggest draw. The building itself is a stunner--a domed, two-level structure outfitted with such notable landmarks as a giant neon electric guitar outside the entrance. Inside, past the perpetual mob of merchandise customers, a chandelier made of saxophones hangs above the entryway into the club.

What comes next is pretty impressive: One of the first displays contains Nirvana memorabilia, including Kurt Cobain’s famous white sunglasses, a flannel shirt and his Fender Musicmaster II guitar.

Clearly, the owners pulled out all the stops when decorating this Hard Rock. An Elvis karate outfit is framed under the King’s classic “T.C.B.” acronym (“Taking Care of Business”). A shiny, salmon-colored ’57 Cadillac hovers over the middle bar.

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Although the props don’t reflect any sex discrimination--check out the red leather jacket from Garbage’s Shirley Manson--the loud music piped through the excellent speaker system clearly favors the men of rock ‘n’ roll.

If you’re going to eat here, get ready to yell your order to the server, because the volume is cranked up to 11. Although the venue plans to begin booking bands regularly next year, guests can currently satisfy their rock ‘n’ roll urges with the cafe’s mix of old and new artists. Regularly spun acts include ZZ Top, the Black Crowes, Soundgarden, Tom Jones, the Beatles and Nirvana.

Now if they’d only add a dash of Hole, Chrissie Hynde and Joan Jett to the soup, this place would really rock.

* Hard Rock Cafe, Universal CityWalk, Universal City. All ages, no cover. (818) 622-7625.

The Buzz: This year’s Halloween Ball, thrown by promoters Mannie X, Eddie X and Bryan Anthony, will be held at Cafe La Boheme in West Hollywood on Oct. 31, with a costume contest at 11:30 p.m. Eddie X will deejay the affair. . . . Politics and music mix at the House of Blues on Monday, when Groove Radio teams up with the National Un-Convention for a get out and vote party. The event features a set by Electric Skychurch as well as a performance-art fashion show. Whatever that means.

* Halloween Ball, (213) 650-3038 or (310) 718-7863. House of Blues, (213) 848-5100.