DEF DINING\Hard Rock Cafe's new CityWalk location has Universal appeal ...\if you like loud music, long wait.

Byline: Jenifer Hanrahan Daily News Staff Writer

The place: Hard Rock Cafe 

Where: Universal CityWalk.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. [phone].

What it is: Burger joint meets rock 'n' roll museum.

What it's like: Rock memorabilia adorns the Valley's first Hard Rock Cafe, which opened last weekend in Universal City. President Clinton's autographed saxophone, Barry White's slippers, Cher's leather jacket and Ringo Starr's first drum set are all on display. So are outfits worn by Bjork, the Beastie Boys and Jimi Hendrix, as well as Nancy Sinatra's red patent-leather boots and Johnny Cash's leather ones.

The dining experience is chaotic and loud; but to people who enjoy listening to the Rolling Stones and the Beatles blare as they down a burger and fries, it's fun.

"It's upbeat," said Christina Schlender of Santa Clarita, who was waiting for a table with her boyfriend and another couple. "When you're with a group, you don't want to go candlelight."

Said Andrew Schwartz, 20, of Woodland Hills: "You can't hear what anybody says, but that's why I like it." Outside, a 60-foot plexiglass guitar lit by neon beckons the patrons. Inside, a psychedelic light show is beamed onto the white-domed ceiling. A refurbished '57 Cadillac revolves above a circular bar in the restaurant's center.

In addition to collections of rock artifacts, Hard Rocks are known for attracting tourists. After all, that's why Peter Morton, president of the Hard Rock chain, chose the site as the 15th addition to the chain that began in London in 1971.

What they're wearing: Don't worry about it. With all the walls have to offer, who's going to look at you?

The people: Lots of young couples on dates and plenty of tourists. Howard Plant, who was visiting from London, compared this Hard Rock to London's. "It has the same atmosphere, but like everything thing in America, it's bigger" he said.

The service: On opening weekend, hungry CityWalkers waited a half-hour just to give their name. Once they did, hosts handed them a pager that vibrated when their table was ready. Although the wait was well over an hour, getting the food took only minutes. Waiters and waitresses pride themselves on being able to identify every guitar, album and leather jacket in the place, so if you have questions, go ahead and ask.

House specialties: Beef burgers, although in this age of healthy eating, turkey burgers and chicken sandwiches also are on the menu. A burger with fries and a salad is $5.95. A domestic draft beer is $2.75.

Last call: If you bring your kids, be prepared for them to ask for a T-shirt with the Hard Rock Cafe logo. As you sit down to eat, servers will present you with a menu of items offered in the retail shop. There are sweat shirts, hats, mugs, key chains and boxer shorts for sale. Prices range from $5 for a pair of drumsticks to $260 for a leather jacket.

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Photo (1) Universal CityWalk's new Hard Rock Cafe sports a circular bar under a rotating '57 Cadillac and light show. Musical artifacts on display include President Clinton's saxophone and Ringo Starr's first drum set. Gene Blevins/Special to the Daily News (2) Burgers and beer highlight the menu, but the Hard Rock's real attraction is its memorabilia, including ample displays of the stars' guitars. Gene Blevins/Special to the Daily News