Rocket To Venus Awards

Rocket To Venus Restaurant Review:

This Hampden eatery has a great back story. In 1928, a trio of Hampdenites built a backyard rocket and attempted to pilot it to Venus. Their efforts failed, alas, but the intrepid wannabe astronauts lived to tell the tale. Their visionary spirit also lives on in this former corner bar’s retro-futuristic décor (complete with spaceship-style portholes) and a menu that’s loveably offbeat. Where else in town are roasted Brussels sprouts a menu star? Who else would serve fried pickles as an appetizer? Entrées range from Korean beef gyros to Southern shrimp and grits with chorizo sausage, and there are plenty of choices for vegetarians. If you find the house specialty dessert --- a batter-fried PB&J with ice cream --- a little loopy, have a slice from Dangerously Delicious Pies, a local fave. And be sure to check out one of the coolest jukeboxes in town.