Rock & Rolls Sushi Lounge

Disappointing Experience at Rock ‘n’ Roll Sushi – Padre Island I rarely take the time to write reviews, but my recent visit to Rock ‘n’ Roll Sushi on Padre Island was such a letdown, I feel compelled to share. To start, the vegetarian sushi roll I ordered was by far the worst I’ve ever had. It arrived smothered in a mound of old seaweed salad, clearly an attempt to cover the visibly brown, oxidized avocado underneath. One bite confirmed my suspicion—it tasted metallic, almost like rust. Fresh ingredients are the bare minimum at a sushi bar, and this was unacceptable. While waiting a staggering 20 minutes for a single cocktail, I couldn’t help but notice the lack of professionalism behind the sushi bar. Staff stood around laughing while dishes piled up and guests waited. The atmosphere behind the counter felt chaotic and careless, not what you’d expect from a place that charges full price for subpar food and service. To be fair, our server was pleasant, though clearly overwhelmed and working without adequate support. The bar itself looked like the end of a long, messy night—glasses stacked, no bar staff in sight, and not a manager to be found. Nothing was taken off the bill, no apologies were offered, and no one seemed remotely concerned about the guest experience. In short: avoid this location. There are far better spots on the island where you’ll be served fresh food with at least a modicum of pride.

I went here Sept.24. The waitress saw us watching my employee on camera at my shop. We all joked about the fact that she was sitting down and on her phone yet she was ignoring my texts. So I said “watch this.” And I activated the alarm. My employees know that when I do that it means get up and look at my text. And she did. A few minutes later I get a phone call and little did the caller know that my cell phone is my shop number. She thought she was speaking to my employee and she told her (Me) that her bosses were at the sushi restaurant nearby and they were watching her on camera, which seems like an invasion of her privacy and that we were so annoying and she just wanted her to know that she was being watched on camera. I asked the bartender for a manager and she said she was the manager. I told her what just happened and she said “I will discuss this with her after her shift.” I said why don’t you discuss it now and then I paid my bill and left, even though we had not had our main course yet. On the way out, I told the waitress I hope she doesn’t find counting my money to be annoying. And then the bartender shouted across the restaurant “stop harassing my employee!” Everyone at the bar turned around and watched me walk out the door. Unbelievable. I then looked at the Facebook page and saw the long message from the previous owner. Now I see why that restaurant is the way it is.

We sat down to get sushi and ordered an appetizer. Waited an hour and had to ask at the front about the food and if we could order now. Appetizer did not come until twenty minutes after that. No one came to check on us or refill our drinks at all. Food was really good but the service was so bad and prepare for a long long stay for a small amount of sushi. Was so bad I’m writing this review. Oh and another twenty minutes for the check after we asked for it how fun. Chef was great no notes

So we decided to go here for dinner. The parking lot was packed, and we thought that the crowd was for the other restaurants surrounding this place. No it wasn't. We walked in and the place was full of people. The hostess asked if we had reservations, we didn't, and we began to worry that we wouldn't get to eat here. In the end they made room for us and sat us down. The place has a couple of options for the people who don't like seafood, so there are options. The place has rolls that had names of rock and roll bands or artists. I ordered the dark side of the moon. Another person ordered the Rainbow and a 3rd ordered a roll with beef and shrimp. The 4th person ordered a slider and fries. Let me say that all looked amazing and all tasted great. The rolls were bigger than I expected. We will definitely make it back here to try other rolls. Pictures don't do it justice, but I will post them anyways.

I rarely ever put reviews on restaurants but after this experience I felt like I needed to. We came for a birthday dinner, our server darian was off putting, short, and disengaged. We never received refills and when we received something we didn’t order we were met with an attitude telling us thats what I heard. Our server was more preoccupied with their bigger table rather than their other tables which only showed us she cared more about making money off that big party. Very disappointed for our first experience based off service. Only gave two stars because the food was good.

Over the years I have made reservations where I had to still wait 20 to 30 minutes to be sat, waited a good 45 minutes to an hour every single time for food to make it to the table even in the off season, they never seem to be able to answer a phone when you call to make reservations or ask questions, the food is great but honestly all the other factors make it not even worth eating here especially considering how expensive it is. I literally just go next door to Costa Sur, which is one of my favorite places to eat on the island anyways. They are right next door, cheaper, faster, just as good, great ambiance inside, have great drink specials, and offer way more interesting items including sometimes sushi.

Chef David Lee gave my Partner and I an exclusive off-menu dining experience to showcase his incredible restaurant. We made reservations, which I highly recommend to anyone as the establishment isn’t large and is very popular in Corpus Christi, especially for those living on Padre Island. Upon arrival we were greeted by the friendly staff and seated and we ordered cocktails. Chef Lee joined us at the table and kindly spoke with us for a while, then recommended sending various dishes out. We agreed to that, and the culinary journey lasted for the next couple hours with our server presenting great dishes. The various creations are included in the pictures. Chef Lee isn’t always at this spot because he has other establishments he runs, so we were treated to a very exclusive opportunity to try his wonderful creations. I highly recommend Rock & Rolls. Enjoy the photos.

First time here last night and I loved it ! I'll be back for sure !