New local dining experience serves up unique decor

(Above) The Surf District Rock ‘n Roll Grill, located in the former District 619 Restaurant at 619 Buddy Holly Place, features a rock ‘n roll themed atmosphere featuring music and memorabilia from artists who have performed at the Surf Ballroom.

[caption id="attachment_22442" align="alignleft" width="270"] This photo of country superstar Miranda Lambert and the tamborine she donated to the Surf, is just one of about 75 artifacts on display in booths and on the walls.-Reporter photos by Chris Barragy.[/caption]

Good food, with a side of one-of-a-kind musical artifacts, is now being served up in Clear Lake.

The Surf Ballroom & Museum and MNG Restaurant Corp. have collaborated to create a Clear Lake dining experience unlike any other.

The Surf District Rock ‘n Roll Grill is located in the former District 619 Restaurant building, just north of the Surf Ballroom. The newly remodeled restaurant has a Rock ‘n Roll themed atmosphere featuring music and memorabilia from artists who have performed at the Surf Ballroom.

Laurie Lietz, executive director of the Surf Ballroom explained the Surf had been exploring concepts to find additional ways to showcase the many artifacts in its archives, as well as to further tell the story of the Surf and its history. The concept of a Rock and Roll themed dining experience seemed like a natural fit for the organization.

“Since we became a non-profit (in the 1990s) we took it upon ourselves to collect artifacts from artists who came through and take photos of every act without really having a plan for them,” explained Lietz.  “We felt it was our duty to continue to record the Surf’s history.”

With the exception of one artifact (a guitar and top hat provided by rocker Slash), none of the memorabilia on display at the Surf District Rock ’n Roll Grill has been previously displayed at the Surf.  Approximately 75 items are on display; pieces may be rotated in and out of the restaurant periodically.

Those dining will enjoy seeing photos and memorabilia provided by more recent Surf Ballroom acts, ranging from Alice Cooper, to Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town and Willie Nelson, to name a few.

Surf District Rock ‘n Roll Grill Owner Grant Maulsby says the décor, atmosphere and menu chosen for the restaurant compliment the already great dining offerings available in Clear Lake.  The business offers a varied menu ranging from onion rings and pretzel bites with beer cheese dip appetizers, to burgers and wraps, and even steaks.  The meals are complimented by a full bar.

MNG Restaurant Corp. will own and operate the business and will showcase a portion of the Surf’s memorabilia through a licensing agreement.  The restaurant seats 134 and has a capacity of 190.

One aspect of the decor which locals and regular visitors to the site may recognize is a montage of the faces of famous musical

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artists.  The artwork, first painted on the walls of previous business operations in the building, date back to the early 1990s. About 85 percent of the images were preserved and relocated to form a unique backdrop to a stage at the center of the building.

The west side of the building has the capability to be turned into a private party space by simply drawing down a glass garage door between the area and the remainder of the building.

The Surf District 619 officially opened for business Monday, Jan. 9.  It is open 4-10:30 p.m. daily.

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