HAVING spent many a night sampling beverages from the bar, I thought it was about time I gave the food at the Chicago Rock Cafe a try.

The cafe/bar is well known as a top party spot but with its bar, dance floor and restaurant area, it has a wide appeal attracting lunchtime customers and friends wanting to catch up over a snack and a drink to the more energetic clientele wanting a lively venue to celebrate or just have a fun night out.

The restaurant menu didn't have the greatest selection of food to choose from but I wasn't put off as sometimes it actually makes life easier as it narrows down the decision process.

Chicago Rock claims its burgers are world class and they did look delicious but I passed up the temptation as I didn't feel at my hungriest and feared my jeans wouldn't be able to take the strain.

For starters I chose the BBQ baby back ribs but they didn't taste quite as good as they sounded on the menu. They were certainly edible but lacked the wow factor.

My friend opted for the chicken wings and she had no complaints. The portion was so generous she struggled to finish.

For the main course we both opted for Chicago's "famous" fajitas, although I chose the chicken fajitas and my friend went for the fillet steak option.

The meal was tasty and well presented but it could have done with a little more meat and a lot less onions.

The dessert menu had a good range to choose from but being chocolate lovers we both went for the chocolate fudge cake, which was served with two scoops of vanilla ice-cream. If we felt at bit let down by the previous courses then the cake more than made up for it. It was chocolate heaven and if we hadn't been in a public place, we would probably have even licked our plates.

While the food wasn't exactly gourmet, the portions were hearty and freshly cooked. It was also well presented and reasonably priced. The service was impressive as we had a waitress on hand and we never seemed to have to wait long before our courses arrived.

And as we chatted over our food, there was music on the large screen to keep us entertained.

To find out more about Chicago Rock at the Festival Leisure Park, Basildon, look up its website at www.chicago-rock-cafe.co.uk or call on 01268 531 1005.

Food 3/5 Atmosphere 5/5 Decor 5/5 Value 4/5 What we ate: Starters Chicago's Buffalo Chicken Wings tossed in buffalo hot sauce and served with a cool blue cheese dressing - £4.95 Half a rack of BBQ Baby Back Rib, covered with hickory smoked BBQ sauce - £4.45 Main Course Chargrilled Fillet Steak Fajitas, with a platter of onions and peppers, guacamole, chunky salsa, grated cheese and sour cream. - £9.95 Chargrilled Chicken Fajitas, with a platter of onions and peppers, guacamole, chunky salsa, grated cheese and sour cream. - £7.45 Dessert Classic Chocolate Fudge Cake served with vanilla ice cream - £2.95