Rocklands Barbecue and Grilling Company - Founder/Owner John Snedden's Local Grilling Company In Several Area Locations

[Heather]

Rocklands is opening a new location in Wintergreen Plaza on Rockville Pike. Any reason for me to get excited about this, or should we continue to get our 'cue from Urban?

The only Rocklands we're tried was the Glover Park location and that was at least 7-8 years ago. I remember nothing about the meat, but their corn salad was pretty good.

The new Rocklands would be about 3 minutes from our house, rather than a trek down the Pike.

[Sthitch]

I have not been to Urban, but I can say that there is nothing to get excited about at Rocklands. All of the times I have been there I have found that the Que has promising smoky smell, with no smoky flavor. Also they seem to rely on sauce for moisture, because their meat sure does not have any. It is quite sad to say, but I would rather go to Red, Hot and Blue, than Rocklands, and I would rather go without Que than go to Red, Hot, and Blue.

[TinDC]

I absolutely love Rockland's corn pudding. As for the 'cue, eh, it's fine. My husband really likes the brisket sandwich.

[silentbob]

I've only been to Rocklands once, but would definitely drive the extra 10-15 minutes to Urban.

[MUD]

I've only been to Rocklands once, but would definitely drive the extra 10-15 minutes to Urban.

My thoughts exactly!

[JLK]

It's a shame really. When I exit my Glover Park gym, the smell of Rocklands permeates the entire block. And it smells so darn good. But how does it taste? Eh.

[MelGold]

Their Arlington location inside Carpool closed over the weekend. Seems they're opening up a new location soon...

[starfish]

Their Arlington location inside Carpool closed over the weekend.  Seems they're opening up a new location soon...

i was there recently and it beared a vague resemblance to what i recalled was a cool joint with decent service and good que. i am not shedding any tears over thier closing.

[TinDC]

Jenny, we go to the same gym! No wonder we are both such fans of Max's

So, my latest beef with Rockland's is that the last two times, some of my BBQ has been raw. Yes, raw meat. The first time, I had a pulled pork sandwich and tried to remove the uncooked parts, but still didn't feel so good later on that night. The last time I ordered a minced chicken sandwich and the exact same thing happened.

I keep giving Rockland's chances because it is so convenient, but I may have to move on to other options.

[rbh]

The new Rocklands (Wintergreen Plaza on Rockville Pike) is now open.

Anyone from the Rockville Pike lunch crew interested in a foray?

Since I moved down into DC, I haven't been keeping up with the openings and closings on Rockville Pike; so exactly which storefront did Rocklands take over in Wintergreen Plaza (i.e. what was there before)?

I hope Ten Ren is still there for bubble tea. Also, fyi - the Oriental Market there has the best prepared foods, imho, of any of the local chinese grocery stores. The smoked chicken is almost as good as A&J's. the rest of the market is pricier and has less selection than Maxim and Kam San.

[perrik]

Since I moved down into DC, I haven't been keeping up with the openings and closings on Rockville Pike; so exactly which storefront did Rocklands take over in Wintergreen Plaza (i.e. what was there before)?

I hope Ten Ren is still there for bubble tea.  Also, fyi - the Oriental Market there has the best prepared foods, imho, of any of the local chinese grocery stores.  The smoked chicken is almost as good as A&J's.  the rest of the market is pricier and has less selection than Maxim and Kam San.

Rocklands moved into the space formerly occupied by i.Cream - which also served bubble tea (not as good as Ten Ren's) and Asian-style shaved ice. It's more or less next to Oriental Market.

[Heather]

Tried out the brand spanking new Rockville Rocklands tonight. Tonight's carryout order:

Half rack of pork ribs Dried out and tough, smothered in a too sweet sauce. Red Hot & Blue may be soulless corporate 'cue, but at least the pork is tender. These were not, NOT good.

Hot Wings I was expecting something like Buffalo wings. These were cooked, then drowned in a slightly spicier version of the rib sauce and grilled until the sauce turned black.

Mustard Greens were tender but oddly flavorless, with a watery pot liquor. They had chunks of leftover shredded pork in them instead of bacon or fatback.

Mashed Potatoes not notable in any way. Needed butter, cream and seasoning.

Macaroni & cheese was indistguishable from the Velveeta shells & cheese an old roommate of mine always whipped up for himself when stoned. They would probably taste better in that state of mind.

Grilled catfish Ordered for the kids. This was on the specials board, but they failed to note that it was a sandwich instead of an entree, so there was not quite enough to split between the two little Shorters.

Total bill = $44.00. Despite being 2 minutes from my house I doubt we will be back. I'd rather go to Urban or R,H & B. The food sucked and there's no kid's menu or portions offered.

[collije]

Hmmm...and I was all excited to have another Q place in Mont. County.

I've had Rocklands near GTown, thought their ribs were similarly dried out. Hoped that was an abberation, makes me think there might be a trend.

Been hearing good things about Smokey Hollow BBQ in N. Laurel [off 29 I think] from a co-worker. Maybe a Saturday trek is in order?:

 

[dinwiddie]

If I remember correctly, the guys who own Urban BBQ used to work at Rocklands and decided to open their own place. IMHO, they do a much better job.

[Heather]

I feel I should update my previous post. Anne Chapman from Rocklands contacted Don with an offer for me because I was dissatisfied. I don't want to take her up on it now, but the offer is appreciated and perhaps we will give them another chance down the road.

[jasonc]

what about good ol' rocklands? i've always had good barbeque there. you are a good person for taking your boyfriend for ribs on his bday.

[The Doctor]

Thanks for the feedback, Everybody! Based on the responses, I've decided to get carryout and some checkered tablecloths and throw a little ribs buffet (his building has a roofdeck). Probably be Rib Pit, although Rocklands is pretty close to his apartment...

And one weekend, we'll definitely trek out in search of the good stuff.

That sounds like a great idea. I've found Rockland's to be hit or miss. Usually I find their ribs too chewy.

[ICD]

First time poster, long time voyeur. The family went to Rockland's in Rockville last night because we wanted to try something new (we usually go to Urban BBQ) and had a coupon for a free bottle of citrus bbq saude (still unopened). The good news: the Texas corn pudding was quite good. The okay news: the potato salad and mustard greens were acceptable, if a bit under-salted (and i like things under-salted). The bad news: that's some of the worst chopped pork I've ever had. I don't claim to be an expert, but I went to school in North Carolina and have smoked my share of pork butts. We ordered a pound a pork to go and the abovementioned sides because with only stools in the restaurant , there was no way we could eat there with a two-half year old and a 11-month old. The pork came unsauced, which is normally a good thing because you can taste the quality of the bbq. The pork was an unappealing gray color with no hint of a pink smoke ring. Some bits were a little gristly. The worst part was the smokey taste. I don't mind smoke, but this was almost acrid. My mouth still feels like I've smoked a cigarette, and I don't even smoke. We ended up putting their tangy-sweet tomate bbq sauce, which helped make it at least palatable. Oddly, enough my youngest was the one who enjoyed it most. I hope they get their act together with someone more experienced at smoking, but for now I won't be returning until I hear better reports.

Ignacio

[monavano]

Well ICD, I'd like to tell you something good, but I can't bring myself to do it particularly in light of the prices there.
DH picked up some take out on his way home from work yesterday. I thought it would be a nice switch up from our usual Chinese and since we've only tried Rocklands once before ( to wit I totally agree with your assessment of the chopped pork) I thought we'd give it another try. My tasters were ready for some 'cue as well.

We got the pork ribs, which were so chewey my jaw hurt after 4 or 5 ribs. The slaw is fresh and crunchy, yet lacking flavor from the too thin dressing. The beans were OK actually. The greens were limp and wadded up. I can't tell you exactly what it is that was "off" about the flavor, but lets just say I can ingest a week's worth of sodium by eating a pint or two of good greens or even canned greens. I love them that much. I ate about 2 bites of thier greens and told DH to just toss the rest.

 
For $41, it was a costly misadventure.

[Baccala]

Looks like the new location on Washington Blvd will be opening soon after a long delay ( thanks to the county). It is located in the old Pica Deli location. Looking forward to having it back in the area. Hopefull the food will be a bit more consistient.

[Apples & Bananas]

Looks like the new location on Washington Blvd will be opening soon after a long delay ( thanks to the county). It is located in the old Pica Deli location. Looking forward to having it back in the area. Hopefull the food will be a bit more consistient.

Where exactly on Washington Blvd?

[Baccala]

Where exactly on Washington Blvd?

3471 Washington Blvd across from the Giant

[Scott Johnston]

So is the wintergreen location closing? They are pretty close to each other.

[dcs]

So is the wintergreen location closing? They are pretty close to each other.

Wintergreen is in Rockville. Close? As Borat would say, not so much.

Here is a link to the status of the Arlington store.

[hm212]

So is the wintergreen location closing? They are pretty close to each other.

If they closed it would be no loss. I had some BBQ from there a few weeks ago - yuck - Drive the mile to Urban.

[lmnop]

Jenny, we go to the same gym! No wonder we are both such fans of Max's

So, my latest beef with Rockland's is that the last two times, some of my BBQ has been raw. Yes, raw meat. The first time, I had a pulled pork sandwich and tried to remove the uncooked parts, but still didn't feel so good later on that night. The last time I ordered a minced chicken sandwich and the exact same thing happened.

I keep giving Rockland's chances because it is so convenient, but I may have to move on to other options.

TinDC--it's interesting that you say that about uncooked food. My husband usually goes to Urban when he wants barbecue but we were running short on time one day over the summer so I convinced him to try Rocklands. I don't remember exactly what he had, but I had the salmon sandwich and found it completely raw when I got to the middle. We brought it to the staff's attention and they threw the (half-eaten) salmon back on the grill to cook it all the way through. If I had wanted sushi I would have gone to Niwano Hana

[dcs]

Looks like the new location on Washington Blvd will be opening soon after a long delay ( thanks to the county). It is located in the old Pica Deli location. Looking forward to having it back in the area. Hopefull the food will be a bit more consistient.

The website says the Arlington store opened yesterday.

ARLINGTON STORE UPDATES

WE WILL BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5 FOR LUNCH!
Monday - Thursday 11-10
Friday - Saturday 11-11
Sunday 11-9
We have big screen TV's!

[Chris Cunningham]

Rocklands is so inconsistent that I really never care if I go back again. The only rdeeming option they have is that some of them carry Berger Chocolate Cookies from Baltimore....SO Frikin Good

[dcs]

Rocklands is so inconsistent that I really never care if I go back again. The only rdeeming option they have is that some of them carry Berger Chocolate Cookies from Baltimore....SO Frikin Good

I was never a big fan of Rocklands at Carpool. But where can I go for takeout BBQ in North Arlington that is not Red, Hot and Blue? I am hoping this new Rocklands will be better.

[DonRocks]

I was never a big fan of Rocklands at Carpool.

Not even the corn pudding? I admit to having liked their grilled fish sandwich (often salmon) with that little spring onion draped across the top.

What I don't like is the name Carpool!

But I can, in fact, kick everyone's ass here in 9-ball. You too, Danny Boylen. So there!

ETA: In the interest of full disclosure, I haven't had Rocklands in several years now.

[jparrott]

What I don't like is the name Carpool!

Whaaaaaat? Would you rather it be Crap Loo?

[DanielK]

If we decided not to go to places that were deemed inconsistient there are a few board fav's that would not have business. I think it only fair to check the new place out, like we do when new chef show up to wash away past sins. I do agree they have had issues, but this is a different location.

But if experiences at the other locations have also all been reported as crappy, how many chances do you give?

No more, IMO.

[Sthitch]

I think it only fair to check the new place out, like we do when new chef show up to wash away past sins. I do agree they have had issues, but this is a different location.

If a chain of restaurants produces horrible food (and I have never had anything that was not gag worthy at Rocklands) why would anyone assume that adding another location improves the quality of food? If a new Burger King opens down the street from me I am not heading to see if the Whopper sucks less at the new shop than at one of their existing crapholes? Yes, fine Rocklands is a much smaller chain than Burger King, but frankly I find the food to be just as soulless and as bad but for quite a bit more money.

Until someone I trust tells me that Rocklands has improved I don't feel any obligations to spend my time and money to find out if they have washed away their past culinary sins, no matter how many new locations they open.

[synaesthesia]

This place is actually not inconsistent. It is consistently bad. Every time I've gone I have regretted it. I would absolutely drive the extra amount of time and face the hassle of the Pike to go to Urban if I wanted BBQ that much.

[synaesthesia]

Rocklands is hardley a chain and yes with small operations, sorry to say, there could be differences. It seems all to common on this board for people to get on the compain gravy train without having either been there, or been back recently.

Well you might also consider... since when has an already tenuous restaurant's expansion ever spawned anything superior to the original. It's like making a photocopy. Each copy is a degraded version of the original. I can't think of many places where an additional branch has made it better. I don't view this as being prejudiced, but rather from experience.

[monavano]

I'm with the naysayers here. No matter what size your franchise, you strive for consistency- to give the exact same product at all locations. That's the goal. I hope someone takes one for the team and checks it out. I'm sorry to say I'm just expecting the same ol' same ol'. Not good que with bad sides for too much money.

 
If it turns out to be good....well then lucky for those who are nearby. The one by me in Alexandria saw my last business over a year ago. Believe me, I so wanted it to be good because it's so close to me. I tried. I really did. And I always choose local establishments in order to support them so they stay around. But when I feel I get a poor product, I spend my money elsewhere.

[KeithA]

Despite all of the shitting on this franchise lately, I disagree. I'm not a BBQ expert, but I've had plenty in my life and I've eaten on several occassions at two different locations (Wintergreen and Glover Park) and usually enjoy it. I'll admit I've been less than blown away by their chicken, but I do like their beef brisket. I can't speak to the rest of their menu. Overall I'd rate the place a B, mostly because I wish their sauce was better. I just wish their wall of sauces was not mostly hot sauces, but actual BBQ sauces so you had more choice. So I say if you've read all of these rants, go try it yourself and see what you like - everyone's taste is different.

[B.A.R.]

I like Rockland's. Like it a lot, actually. Is it the Salt Lick north of Austin? Why, no. But it'll do in a pinch.

And, if anyone tries to dispute the tastiness of the corn pudding, I will have to invoke Godwin's Law.

[lackadaisi]

A little over a month ago, on the way home from the hospital with my new baby, I ran into Rocklands to pick up some food while Jlock and the baby waited in the car. As I was insanely hungry, I picked up a large quantity of food of varying types thinking that we would probably appreciate having it around during the next few days. I had never been, so I had no idea what to get. So, I got brisket, ribs, pulled pork, cole slaw, baked beans, cucumber salad, cornbread and a couple other things. Jlock was fairly surprised when I returned to the car carrying over a $150 of food (for two- and, I didn't notice that the prices were high, I just had no self-control) when I said that I was going to run in for a couple sandwiches. This should teach people to never let the new mom pick up fatty food without any idea of what to get - the decision-making process becomes a bit skewed.

Anyway, the experience gave us ample opportunity to try a wide variety of the offerings, and our final determination was that the brisket is good. Not the best, but pretty good, and we plan to get it again.

Everything else was affirmatively bad (and this is from someone that had earlier that day fawned over the hospital food, determining that - once we added salt - it was the perfect reminder of simpler times). I love pulled pork, but I could only eat a bite or two. It just wasn't good. I don't remember the last time that I determined that any pulled pork was not worth the bother, but we threw most of it away. We ate all the ribs, but there was nothing interesting about them at all, and only the small ones that had a bit of char had any flavor. The sides too were bland and pointless. I had never seen a coleslaw that Jlock didn't like until he tried Rocklands' version. And, I usually love baked beans, but not these. The cornbread was so dry that I threw most of it away. The cucumber salad was, oddly enough, probably the best of the sides.

In summary, the brisket is pretty good, and the rest pretty much sucks.

[monavano]

It seems that the brisket is consistently good and the corn pudding is well loved. Enough for me to give these a try.

I had the same experience. Bought ribs with lots of sides to give a good sampling. The coleslaw is SO fresh and crunchy (as I like it) but it had absolutely no flavor. Now here's a sidedish that you could really put your stamp on- really play with. No effort there. I thought the beans were pretty good. Mr. MV, a cornbread lover, was unimpressed. The collards, which I could eat by the pint, were inedible. Cooked. To. Death.

My mind is still open to what others find worthy and consistent. So far- brisket and corn pudding. Anything else?

[TinDC]

Hmmm, I know many on this board disagree, but I am a fan of the mac and cheese (Glover Park location). I had some tonite, in fact. I am pretty picky about mac and cheese too. I HATE bland mac and cheese. I find Rockland's version to be both creamy and cheesy and they seem to use a variety of cheeses (though I couldn't begin to distinguish which ones).

[dcs]

Not even the corn pudding?

We dove in tonight. Arlington location. Take out. Pork ribs are all smoke but little flavor. Corn pudding good. Baked beans good. Potato salad OK. Service was pleasant enough. Overall rating is "fair." I would eat it again, and probably will given its proximity, but I will not be rushing back.

[Baccala]

Had a chance to swing by this past weekend and to put it mildly the wife and I were not impressed. We ordered the pulled chicken and pulled pork sandwich with beans and potato salad, however what we got was a pulled chicken sandwich, three meats platter, large order of mac and cheese, corn pudding and corn bread. I did not notice the order was wrong until I got home. The chicken was ok, but had a strange aftertaste, like lighter fluid. The same taste was evident in the three meat sampler I had. The meats were pork, chicken and brisket. The pork had to much residual water and seemed parboiled, the chicken was ok. The brisket had potential. All the meats suffered from what I think was lighter fluid. The mac and cheese was a flavorless clump of pasta and cheese with a lot of grease. The corn bread was raw in the center. The corn pudding was good, I think it was the only redeeming part of the meal.

The build out of the space is nice; however the food was simply not good. Unless the comments and reviews change I am not going back.

[hmmboy]

This place is actually not inconsistent. It is consistently bad. Every time I've gone I have regretted it.

I'm gonna have to come to Rockland's (res)cue. I have only been to the one in Glover Park, but the sliced brisket sandwich with a grilled scallion, Rockland's BBQ sauce, and a little extra heat has consistently - over the course of many many years - been absolutely delicious. Their baby back ribs and baked beans are also more than passable. I am thrilled to have the DC Rocklands on that convenient little strip of Wisconsin for an occasional lunch or late dinner take out, and that delicious whiff of smoking meats when I'm stopping into Pearsons. Think I'm gonna head over now.

[cjsadler]

I'm gonna have to come to Rockland's (res)cue. I have only been to the one in Glover Park, but the sliced brisket sandwich with a grilled scallion, Rockland's BBQ sauce, and a little extra heat has consistently - over the course of many many years - been absolutely delicious. Their baby back ribs and baked beans are also more than passable. I am thrilled to have the DC Rocklands on that convenient little strip of Wisconsin for an occasional lunch or late dinner take out, and that delicious whiff of smoking meats when I'm stopping into Pearsons. Think I'm gonna head over now.

I have to defend the Glover Park Rocklands a bit as well. The sliced (not the chopped/pulled) pork sandwich, which is the only thing I get there, is usually quite tasty.

[blakegwinn]

If a chain of restaurants produces horrible food (and I have never had anything that was not gag worthy at Rocklands) why would anyone assume that adding another location improves the quality of food?

Disagree when it comes to BBQ. So much is dependent on whoever is minding the pit as well as the pit itself. Case in point is my favorite back home in KC. Arthur Bryants on Brooklyn is WORLDS better than Arthur Bryants at their other locations. Just saying...

[pidgey]

I have only been to the one in Glover Park, but the sliced brisket sandwich with a grilled scallion, Rockland's BBQ sauce, and a little extra heat has consistently - over the course of many many years - been absolutely delicious.

I've only been to the Glover Park location too, and I have a real problem with them reheating the brisket on the griddle, making it pick up the flavor of old food. I wish they would just give me the brisket, and I keep meaning to ask them not to re-heat it but either I forget or I just get shy.

My husband likes Rocklands' bbq much more than I do--and we're both from Texas. I'm not a fan of the mac and cheese, which he loves. He's planning on ordering some ribs for our New Year's Day football watching party, and I'm trying to come up with alternative places for us to get them from. If only we could somehow fit a big bbq pit in our condo.

[KMango]

Hit up the Washington Blvd location today after collecting more hiking paraphernalia at Casual Adventure.

Ordered the chopped pork, cole slaw, and collards to go. My order was ready to go within a minute in a half, impressive for prime time pacing.

The pork almost put me to sleep. Lots of smoke flavor, but low quality meat lacking depth of anything, abhorrently boring.

The cole slaw was a borderline celebration for me--two kinds of cabbage (green and red), fresh green peas, carrots, and whole caraway seeds (and did I taste fennel seed in there, too?). Outstanding.

Collards avoided any bitterness, with heavy handed salt probably emanating from the bacon, overall OK.

Place was hopping with many happy diners at lunch time today, a wide variety of small groups on office breaks. I probably won't be back, but it looked like lots of regulars will fill my void.

[ktmoomau]

I eat at the Ballston location from time to time because it is near the house and I can meet friends with dogs there. I do like their on tap root beer- not as good as Lost Dog, but close. And I like that they give it to you in a frosted mug. I do like their red beans and rice and their mac and cheese (tastes a lot like velveeta shells and cheese in a good way, a bit better but in the same thick creamy cheese way). Their greens normally are pretty good too, although I had them once when they were way too salty. I dislike very much their BBQ chicken mainly because the sauce is terrible- way too tangy. Their ribs are so-so. I have had much better, but I will eat them and they are better than RH&B, but they are pretty fatty and again the sauce just isn't great. Their pulled pork to me is dry and therefore requires their sauce to be good to resurrect it a bit, but then again... I am not sure what they use for the pulled pork- maybe it just sits too long, but it is very dry. I think if they worked on improving their sauce they could improve a good number of things, but it is normally decently busy so what do I know!

[cjc196]

I seriously love this place.

Have you tried the Rocklands Pearl? So delicious. Baked Beans, Mac N Cheese and Pulled pork?!? For $6.00!

That is a steal.

They also have a doggie happy hour on Thursdays.

[DanielK]

I don't think Rocklands is any bastion of great BBQ but I would much rather enjoy their onion rings and a sandwich than set foot in Red Hot and Blue.

Maybe they also vary by location, but the Rockvile location of Rocklands is even below the Gaithersburg RH&B. Nothing edible there.

[Davo99]

Can't speak to any location other than Arlington, but great sides, including the unconventional coleslaw (peas, carrots, cabbage) and mac and cheese. While the pulled pork can be both dry and watery (how do they do that?), the house barbeque sauce is pretty tasty - tangy with a touch of heat - and perks up the offering considerably.

[Sthitch]

While the pulled pork can be both dry and watery (how do they do that?),

Dry = Overcooking
Watery = Steam Table

[wristband]

I agree with you and ktmoomau. Chicken is best avoided. The dry and watery comment comports with my experiences. Still, Rocklands is a nice addition to the neighborhood if expect nothing special. And the sauce is good. Certainly better than RedHBlue. At least for me, the present location is far easier to roll in and out of in my Bentley as compared to the prior site which offered demolition derby ingress/egress.

The outside mural is kinda cool.

[StarStraf]

Coming from the land where BBQ prefrences have lead to friendships ending (Kansas) I will tread lightly.

I'm not a Carolina BBQ fan, nor am I a fan of very spicy BBQ - this is a personal failing on my part but it is my prefrence.

So I'm much more into the cooking of the BBQ then the sause, a good slow cooked rib with a nice flavorful but not spicy rub is just what I want.

We saw a sign for Rocklands BBQ on the way home a few weeks ago (Just off Duke Street near Quaker in Alexandria) so the other night when Pooch had to work late enough that his bus had stopped running and I picked him up we swung by and grabbed some to go home.

They started out with a bonus point for the "Ask us about dog bones" so the dog Teddy Bear thinks this is the best place ever since we had to let him try.

We go a half slab of both the pork and the beef ribs. The beef was a bit fatty for me (Pooch's was supposidly bettter) but the Pork - wow - I have found my rib place I can stop looking now.

Grabbing a half slab of port ribs on the way home will be come a regular addition to our food rotation.

Star

[thetrain]

Its game week at Rocklands - Bison steak sandwich, Ostrich Burger and Elk Sausage on collard greens. Had the sausage, pretty good, even though it was a little too charred for my taste. It was packed on Monday, although that's probably due to Monday's free pulled pork sandwich with purchase of a beer deal.

[ktmoomau]

Wow! The elk sausage with collard greens were great! I mean fantastic!!!!! Please put this on the menu more often!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I met up with friends and enjoyed the patio with our dogs (and the rain held off). I had the elk sausage with a side of red beans and rice and it all tasted very good with a nice cold root beer. The elk was nicely grilled a little spicy, but not really spicy. The collards were cooked blissfully with a little bacon and had wonderful savory flavor, while retaining the strong flavor of collards. And the red beans and rice soaked up all that goodness and added just a little bit more savory goodness to the whole thing. I would come back again for this, often. Now I wish I could have tried more of the game menu. I think game is something that is a little harder to find in this area and it would be lovely for Rockland to have it often. Really seriously Ballston Rocklands, I live a couple blocks away, I would be there much more often if that was a regular thing.

[tbantug]

I agree that Rocklands BBQ isn't the greatest, but for what it is it's pretty good. The atmosphere, the sides, the sauce... I like it. It's a good BBQ experience for what you get around here. I've never been to Urban in Rockville, so I can't compare. I've been to Rocklands numerous times, and it never disappoints.

[TheMoonwalker]

I've only been to the Ballston location once. The pulled pork sandwich was extremely moist, but also extremely tasteless. I tried adding some of their BBQ sauce to it, but it was just an unhelpful self-served soup.

The fries were overly salty for my taste as well as limp.

The mac n cheese was also very unspectacular in any kind of regard.

The decor is very fun and lively though, and the food comes out so quickly.

[eatdrinkmore]

I was not a fan of their game week. I had the bison steak sandwich. It was tough, and for $12.00 it was not a large portion, just the sandwich for that price.

I think the Ballston location has gone downhill a bit.

I am still a fan of the Rockland's Pearl - Pulled Pork, Mac & Cheese and Baked beans.

[ktmoomau]

Went to Rocklands in Ballston last night and had the hot and spicy wings. These and the Pit Beef are my favorite things here. I wouldn't say they were all that spicy though, more umami actually. They had a sauce on them that wasn't terriyaki, but was like that flavor mixed with some BBQ flavor. But very good and meaty wings. And a fairly decent portion for the price.

[SeanMike]

It's their "Grills Gone Wild" again this week.

They have:
Grilled wild Alaskan halibut - served with caramelized onion rice and mango salsa
Wild boar sausages - on collard greens with honey mustard
Snapping turtle chili - with honey jalapeno cornbread and sherried sour cream
Muskrat poppers - served with curried red pepper cream

The turtle isn't in yet so they're offering:

Venison Half-Smokes with Cheese, "All the Way" with Kraut, Chili and Onions

My goal was to head over there for lunch and split some of the things with my brother - I especially want to try the muskrat as a) I'm a big Dork Tower fan and I've never eaten muskrat. I figured we'd try the wild boar and venison as well.

[ktmoomau]

SeanMike,

Thanks for putting the word out, I always like this weekend.

[deangold]

Grilled wild Alaskan halibut - served with caramelized onion rice and mango salsa

FYI The wild Alaskan Halibut season opens March 12 at noon. THe first fish wont be in DC for at least 2-3 days.

[SeanMike]

FYI The wild Alaskan Halibut season opens March 12 at noon. THe first fish wont be in DC for at least 2-3 days.

Interesting, because they were trying hard to sell me some over the phone at the Arlington location. Okay, okay, they were just misunderstanding my order, but there was no indication that it hadn't arrived yet (unlike the turtle chili)...

But I'm not a huge fish guy and so I didn't order it. (Though I may have, had I seen your post first, just to see.)

I got 2 venison half-smokes all the way, 1 order of the wild boar sausage, 1 order of the muskrat poppers, and a couple of sides at the Arlington location and took it over to my brother's house for lunch (and so I could pick up Girl Scout cookies and extra parenthesis to use in my DR.com posts (since I'm always running low on those)).

He immediately devoured a venison half smoke and declared it good. It came with a side of cole slaw which he didn't care for much, but I never got around to trying it. I couldn't finish my half-smoke, but thought it was good, though brutally messy (why oh why did I wear a white shirt?). The half-smoke itself was a bit tough but not horribly so and had good flavor to it in my opinion. The kraut I barely noticed. I wouldn't mind trying this dog again just plain, like I eat most of my hot dogs (NO JOKES PLEASE).

Before the half-smoke, however, I had to try the muskrat poppers. I'd hoped they'd be just small nuggets of muskrat so I could call them muskrat balls and laugh "tee hee hee" to myself repeatedly because I am 12 years old. However, instead of that preparation (I guess I was imagining alligator bites at Claire and Don's for some reason) these were jalapenos stuffed with what appeared to be smoked/barbecued muskrat meat. (I did not dissect the poppers, I ate them!)

They had good heat to them - enough for me to say "oh, hey, there's some heat to them" and for my brother to say "OH NOES" and gargle water because he doesn't have me slipping red pepper into his food anymore when he's not looking to help toughen up his wussy side. I liked them, though there were only three of them in the order - I don't feel like that's too bad of a deal, as they came with a huge heapin' mess of soggy fries, but not enough to go out of my way for more muskrat.

(Unless John Kovalic was visiting town.)

The wild boar came over collard greens with honey mustard. It was fine. The greens were a bit on the "meh" side but I attribute that to two things: one, like the fries, I don't think the wait to eat them (i.e. them sitting in the restaurant waiting on me to remember that I was going the wrong way on Washington Boulevard (dear god, I hate Washington Boulevard sometimes) because I didn't bother to double-check where the hell I was before just blindly turning and then being picked up and driven to East Falls Church) helped them at all and two, I was getting pretty golly darn full by this point.

Looks can be deceiving, I can't eat as much as it might appear.

For the sides we had the baked beans (which I quite enjoyed, though when I make my own I like more spice), and the cole slaw (sigh, not knowing it came with the half-smokes, and which we didn't really touch).

All of that was about $35 - way too much food for the two of us, really, so not bad if we'd had three people.

All in all it was mostly for novelty value, but it wasn't BAD - I don't think it was good enough that I'd try to go back this week (except I really want to try that chili!) (and to investigate the halibut (tee hee hee I said butt)). I am happy I tried it, and now I will mark another animal on my "you are in my belly!" list.

(That is a very important list for me. Almost as important as my list of parenthesis suppliers.)

BACK TO EATING SOMOAS FOR ME! BACK TO WORK FOR Y'ALL!

[dchildsbrown]

FYI The wild Alaskan Halibut season opens March 12 at noon. THe first fish wont be in DC for at least 2-3 days.

Hi Dean - You were right, our wild line caught halibut is Pacific, not Alaskan. (We'd love to have you come taste it!.) Thanks for the correction. Debbie

[DonRocks]

Hi Dean - You were right, our wild line caught halibut is Pacific, not Alaskan. (We'd love to have you come taste it!.) Thanks for the correction. Debbie

Can there be a better exchange than this? Makes me respect Dean AND want to go to Rocklands.

[FunnyJohn]

Hmmm...wonder what the provenance of the muskrat is?

[ktmoomau]

So after a couple other trys... their pit beef seems to be one of the better options. I also like their sausage and collard green mix that they do when they have their wild game menu, I wish that was a full time item.

Was there for the Doorways fundraiser and they were cooking a whole pig. Unfortunately the part that I got was more like eating pork chop sandwich rather than pulled pork, but it was ok. And all for charity, so that was nice.

I continue to like their coleslaw which isn't very mayonnaise-y. Their fries were way over salty the last time I had them I couldn't eat very many. I continue to think that their sides are better than their meats. The greens, red beans and rice, coleslaw, cornbread, etc. are all good.

I had their ribs again and didn't add sauce and they were better, but still not great, but I find the sausages and pit beef and non-bbq items seem to hit it off more with me. And I love their draft root beer. I also love the outside patio and dog friendliness which is why I end up there more often than not.

[hoosiereph]

For the first time in years, we were in town, playing host for Thanksgiving tonight. A few weeks ago, we looked at our busy Novenber calendar, shrugged our shoulders, and said: "looks like the family will be eating a takeout turkey," and after considering several options in VA, we settled on Rocklands. It was delicious.

Swung by the VA Square location yesterday and picked up a (pre-ordered) small (10-12 lb) smoked turkey, and sides of cornbread stuffing and bacon-chive mashed potatoes, to which we added our own sides, veg, and dessert.

At $45, the turkey was a steal. No comparison to the blah prepared birds from groceries, even the fancy one we were served from Wegnan's a few years back. As it reheated in the oven, the whole house filled with the delightful aroma of smoked meat. The skin came out dark, glossy, and crisp, the flesh moist. My mouth waters now thinking of tomorrow's leftovers. The sides were decent -- not amazing. A Thai chili sauce they served to accompany Was a little too sweet but tasty, and the gravy got few takers, but the bird was worth it.

If you have company coming for a holiday meal and can't do the cooking, put this down as one of your options.

[ktmoomau]

Friday night we walked with the Pup down to Rocklands.  I got a lamb sandwich with potato salad and cucumbers.  What always happens here is I like the sides way more than the meat.  When they have had their game nights there have been sausages I really like.  I don't know why they don't have sausages (except for an Italian one) on the menu regularly.  The lamb was actually pretty good.  They asked me how I wanted it cooked and it really didn't matter as they don't cook it to you preferred temperature.  But it was fine.  Still their cucumber salad is fresh and really good.  The potato salad was good too.  I always wonder why their meats just aren't my thing.  Maybe it's their sauce.  

[thistle]

We had lunch there today, before doing the tour at Port City, & I think that was our overall assessment, too. J got the blue plate special, pulled pork & 2 sides, & said the cucumber salad & slaw were very good, & the pork was OK. I had a grilled chicken sandwich, & it was carbonized, left on the grill a minute or 2 too long, but the fries (which were also overdone) were ok. The tour & beers at Port City were wonderful.

[DaveO]

The above 2 posts had me thinking about Rocklands.  Need to visit.  For about 2 years, as part of a meet up group I visited the Arlington location probably every 3 months or so.   What it was ....was fun.   Barbecue, sides, beer, good cheer and meeting different folks with different ideas, experiences, and knowledge bases.  Then for the last 12 months this group switched locations and I haven't been for a while.   The meetup group was pretty large and fairly well known in its niche, and the Rocklands aspect of it became a major selling point and important reference.

Then today I was at the bar school working on some items and a call came in from an employer.  It was the catering side of Rocklands.  They need staff.  The school is great for needs and places like that and I'm sure by early next week they will have more applicants than they anticipated.  Then I thought about all the bbq's and events and dinners I'd had catered at our house on occasion and the times I've been to other's events.

BBQ is great for parties and events.  ....and while I see references here to other BBQ places, including ones that are lauded and most recently this thread about Dave's BBQ in Laurel   I'm going to contact some of the participants at those past meetings and see if we can do a get together at Rocklands/Arlington again....b/c it was fun, hearty, and conducive to good cheer.

In the meantime...I'll probably hit it up on the spur.  I miss the brisket.

[ktmoomau]

Well it was a good walking night with the dog, so we ended up at Rocklands.  In my attempt to try to find some meat I really like there I got the chicken and ribs plate.  I have noticed that the menu here has changed and is a bit awkward.  You can't get just two or three meats that you choose, you have to order from one of their set combos.  Matt wanted brisket and pit beef, to get those together I had to get a sandwich platter and add on another sandwich.  Not sure why you can't just have an option of choosing what meats you want when they sell them by the pound.  I thought the ribs that came with my platter would be pork ribs, but they ended up being spare ribs.  I thought they were particularly fatty and tough and hard to eat with plasticware.  The chicken was fine.  Again the sides outshined the meat.  Next time I will follow my instinct three accompaniment plate.  I also couldn't find the appetizers on the menu, they were only on the board which made it a bit hard to order.  Anyway I am sure I will be back because it's a great place to go with Max, but it's never a rush back place.  I wish they had a hot dog or non-Italian sausage on the menu.

[darkstar965]

Well it was a good walking night with the dog, so we ended up at Rocklands. In my attempt to try to find some meat I really like there I got the chicken and ribs plate. I have noticed that the menu here has changed and is a bit awkward. You can't get just two or three meats that you choose, you have to order from one of their set combos. Matt wanted brisket and pit beef, to get those together I had to get a sandwich platter and add on another sandwich. Not sure why you can't just have an option of choosing what meats you want when they sell them by the pound. I thought the ribs that came with my platter would be pork ribs, but they ended up being spare ribs. I thought they were particularly fatty and tough and hard to eat with plasticware. The chicken was fine. Again the sides outshined the meat. Next time I will follow my instinct three accompaniment plate. I also couldn't find the appetizers on the menu, they were only on the board which made it a bit hard to order. Anyway I am sure I will be back because it's a great place to go with Max, but it's never a rush back place. I wish they had a hot dog or non-Italian sausage on the menu.

I'm not 100% certain but pretty sure the term "spare ribs" refers to the part of the rib cage versus the type of animal. So, can be either pork or beef but generally a lower grade of rib. I think this because, growing up, spare ribs were the option du jour in all the mediocre Chinese American restaurants and those were pork. Think I also read or heard it from a quasi source or two.

Haven't been to Rocklands in at least a year mostly because we felt other places had eclipsed them, especially in the District between DCity Smokehouse, Back Alley Pitmasters, Hill Country, KBQ, Urban and even Fat Pete's. Not as sure how/if the NoVa 'Q scene has evolved in the past few years.

[ktmoomau]

Spare ribs are larger ribs than your other ribs, they are are at the front of a pig.  They tend to be fattier, as well.  I make spare ribs at home, but I tend to do them in a braise because they are a tougher and fattier part of meat than your back ribs, in addition there is a different bone structure and they are larger.  Normally when you order "ribs" at a bbq place it is implied you are getting back ribs, normally when getting spare ribs they use the word spare ribs. Rocklands on their menu says pork ribs, but doesn't say spare.      

[darkstar965]

Spare ribs are larger ribs than your other ribs, they are are at the front of a pig.  They tend to be fattier, as well.  I make spare ribs at home, but I tend to do them in a braise because they are a tougher and fattier part of meat than your back ribs, in addition there is a different bone structure and they are larger.  Normally when you order "ribs" at a bbq place it is implied you are getting back ribs, normally when getting spare ribs they use the word spare ribs. Rocklands on their menu says pork ribs, but doesn't say spare.

My understanding too. I was just reacting to this part: "I thought the ribs that came with my platter would be pork ribs, but they ended up being spare ribs." since that implied spare could only be beef. Not a big deal. Just caught my eye since I wasn't certain and spare can refer to beef or pork.

More significantly, not so cool Rocklands is doing that but guess higher margins for them that way.

[DaveO]

Ran into a Rocklands food truck today in Arlington.  Had no idea they were around (where have I evidently  been for the past 5 years?).   I enjoy Rocklands and have for some two decades even as I've found better bbq around town.  That is okay.  BBQ is usually okay in my book.   

The potato salad and corn bread hit the spot, pulled chicken ...meh, sort of dry.  Way too saucy, way too little good bbq cooking.   That is okay.  Now that I know its around I'll hit the brisket sandwich; its always been my favorite sandwich over there.  Better yet, its time to visit Arlington or DC.  Been a long time

[NolaCaine]

I am not a BBQ expert or a Rocklands devotee but it's good, satisfies the itch and is quick and easy.

However, I must point out two new discoveries that I made recently:
1. On Thursday nights, with a beer purchase at the bar, received a free egg roll. but get this: IT'S A BBQ-PORK-FILLED egg-roll. !!! It's good if you like barbecued pork deep fried and served with chili sauce...and a side of beer.

2. there's a free #1 Sons fermentation bar now. I love that stuff and frankly wish they would just sell full orders of it b/c i'd purchase.

[saf]

Got takeout from here last night. We usually get catering from them for our July 4th party, but with no party this year, and them closing early on the 4th,  I didn't have it for the 4th. But I kept wanting it, so we ordered last night.

Smoked pulled chicken, corn pudding, baked beans, cornbread. Sauce came with. Quite tasty. Chicken was a little dry. But really, that corn pudding is soooooo good.

I wish Max's was still next door to get dessert from.

[saf]

Takeout from here Friday - chicken, corn pudding, and baked beans. Supplemented with salad and applesauce from home. 

Sadly, they ran out of corn pudding before I got there, so we had mac and cheese as a sub. It was fine, but the corn pudding is WAY better.

Still miss Max's.

[DonRocks]

I went to the Arlington location today for the first time in … 20 years?

I’d forgotten how pleasant the interior is, and just how seriously they take their beer program. I would go out to dinner here.

But instead, I got a Pit Beef Sandwich ($8.95) to go (the unflattering picture is with mustard sauce and with the raw onions ripped off - it was a lot better than it looks), It was very tasty, but my one grunt is that is was little bit “small” for the price - I was still hungry after finishing it.

Still, I’d rather pay $8.95 for this than $6.39 for a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder with Cheese.