April 9, 2011

In the Neighborhood: BBQ in DC (and MD, and VA)

For the best BBQ in the (DC) area, you've got to go to Rocklands.  I always go for a pulled pork (they call it chopped pork) sandwich, but the beef brisket is also delicious.  The BBQ chicken is also very good...and that's about all I can say about the meats.  I haven't tried the others.  Really, it is impressive that I ever made it past the pork.  As for the sides, Rocklands offers pretty standard BBQ options, and they are done very well.  The Texas corn pudding is their specialty, and it is very good.  The collard greens (I love green leafy vegetables!) are respectable (though sadly not as good as those at many Southern restaurants, they will satisfy your craving).  The side that is not to be missed, however, is the mac and cheese.  I have left many restaurants disappointed that the mac and cheese was not better than the version I make at home.  But this is not one of those restaurants.  Condiments abound at Rocklands; there is plenty of extra BBQ sauce, should you find yourself needing more (you probably won't NEED it, but you'll want it!), as well as a healthy selection of hot sauces, in case you want to amp up the spice. 

Last night was my first time visiting the Rocklands in DC (it is in Glover Park, and it is actually the original location), and any potential future visitors should be forewarned that it is very small.  The location in Arlington (the one that got me hooked!) is bigger and offers a lot more seating, so that is something to keep in mind if you are looking for a (very casual) sit-down meal, and especially if you have a large group.  Rocklands also has restaurants in Rockville, MD, and Alexandria, VA, and all of the locations offer take-out, so you can enjoy the experience at home as well!

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