You'll have to forgive us in the Upper Midwest for all of the head scratching we've been doing over the last couple of years.

A Hard Rock hotel and casino?

In Sioux City, Iowa?

Really?

Well, over the weekend the project became a reality with the grand opening of the 40,000-square-foot casino, complete with 25 table games and 839 slot machines.

And in typical Hard Rock fashion, there was no boring ribbon cutting with those freakishly over-sized scissors.  This grand opening featured a guitar smashing!

Once the doors opened, it didn't take long to see that rock and roll was the focal point of nearly every square foot of the place.

One of the cool things about any Hard Rock property is the treasure trove of rock memorabilia at nearly every turn, and Sioux city is no exception.

I was especially impressed with a display devoted to late Sioux City native Tommy Bolin, who no doubt would approve of a cool live music venue (with indoor and outdoor stages) taking up residence in his hometown.

Hard Rock Sioux City features an indoor music venue, Anthem, which will also feature food and drinks, and an outdoor venue, The Backyard.

Food wise, there are a few choices.

Hard Rock Sioux City
Fuel - 24/7 - Hard Rock Sioux City. (Photo by Jeff Harkness/B102.7)
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'Fuel American Grill' is a 24/7 food counter featuring burgers, sandwiches, and pizza.  There's also a selection of desserts and pastries, ensuring that your taste buds are satisfied at whatever time of day or night.

I tried their classic rock and roll cheeseburger and onion rings and they were really good.  One note: if you are a traditional sesame seed bun person, you might be disappointed by the 'toast' the burgers are served on.  I thought they were great, but I know how particular some people are when it comes to their burgers!

Hard Rock Sioux City
World Tour Buffet - Hard Rock Sioux City. (Photo by Jeff Harkness/B102.7)
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For those of you who like to belly up to a buffet, they've got you covered with the World Tour Buffet, which features a number of different stations.

Sadly, for whatever reason, management decided not to open the World Tour during the grand opening, which was disappointing for those of us more than willing to pay to eat there.

Oh well, next time...

There's also Main + Abbey, which features gastropub fare.

The 54-room Hard Rock Hotel is on the old Battery Building.  Rooms at the boutique hotel feature wood beams and exposed brick.

Nightly rates start at $129.

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