Rocklands Barbeque & Grilling Company
| Address: | 3471 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201, USA |
| Phone: | +1 703-528-9663 |
| Site: | rocklands.com |
| Rating: | 4.2 |
| Working: | 11AM–9:30PM 11AM–9:30PM 11AM–9:30PM 11AM–9:30PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 9
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A Private User
If you need a BBQ fix then this will work but, as is the case with several genres of food in the Ballston/Clarendon area its subpar compared to most other regions. (Try to find a good take out Chinese place!) Notable is the free pulled pork sandwich with the purchase of a beer from the bar. So, basically, for $10 you can get two beers and two sandwiches which makes for a very reasonable dinner. For the dedicated BBQ fans youll most likely be disappointed. (full disclosure: Im originally from Kansas City and have experienced all the regional varieties - KC, Memphis, Southern, Texas) The pulled pork is overly fatty and greasy and while the wide selection of sauces are impressive, it just does not make up for poorly prepared meat. The atmosphere is decent and the location is easy to find (right across from the Giant grocery store). The food is served very fast and the wait staff were excellent. Truthfully, if they improved the actual BBQ this place could be a winner. Bottom line: it works in a pinch, but there are better BBQ places out there.
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A Private User
The smoky aroma that fills the parking lot is the only clue you need that Rocklands is the real deal. I dont know how the retailers next door manage to get through the day without craving brisket. Love the BBQ spare ribs. Love the BBQ brisket. Love the sides like bread pudding and collard greens. Even the french fries are great. Love the food. Love the atmosphere. Most of all, love the service. On a recent big carry out order, we got home and unpacked everything and were sure there was a pound of brisket missing. Called Rocklands to tell them, and rushed back over to pick it up -- the manager was waiting with the brisket plus a half-dozen more complimentary free sides. Well done! (so to speak) Rocklands is THE BEST. P.S. - Some reviewers have complained that the meat doesnt just completely fall off the bone. These people are obviously used to parboiled ribs from chain restaurants. If you want real smoked ribs with actual pork flavor and a little bite to them, this is the place.
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Rocco3x
Ive read some of the owners responses to some reviews, and I understand that they want to do a "DC style" and unique BBQ. I was raised in the DC area for most of my life, spending 5 years in Atlanta at one point. Maybe if I had never gone South Id like this, but like some others have said, this just isnt the kind of BBQ Im used to. I have been multiple times, and tried the pork, brisket, and pit beef. The pit beef hit the mark, but the other two missed. The sides are decent. I tried the mac&cheese bites as well. Im not sure what "extra" was added to them (beer in the batter?) but they tasted just a little bit "off". And what I thought was ranch dressing that was served with them, wasnt. That totally threw me off. The atmosphere is good and the service is friendly. For the cost, Id go other places, but if a group from work was going, I would tag along and get the pit beef.
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Adam Callahan
We were in Arlington on business, and actually looking for a different barbeque restaurant, and found out it was closed. This popped up next, and Im glad we stopped here. The prices are very reasonable, the food was great, and the staff were extremely friendly and courteous. My father and i both got sampler platters and we were impressed with the taste and quality of food, especially the brisket and grilled corn, and mac n cheese. They even gave us a piece of cornbread free because it was our first time there, and we were from out of town( it normally cost). My favorite thing about them is that on each table they put about 5 different bottles of hot sauce to try with your meal, and if you like a particular one, you can buy a fresh bottle take with you, which i did lol. We will definitely be back, as we have family that live in dc we visit often. Keep up the Great Work!
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Evan St. John
I ordered a Texas Style Brisket Sandwich. The meat itself was more fibrous than I would have liked (it should do everything short of dissolve in your mouth on contact) and the smoke permeation wasnt great, but overall the flavor was pretty good. They have a variety of sauces available to use, and I added some Gator Sauce to moisten the whole thing up. Definitely satisfied with my meal, but by no means is this my favorite barbecue joint in the DMV. Merely pretty good. I have, however, had their inhumanly delicious Rocklands Pearl (Meat, BBQ and baked beans in a KFC-bowl-esque food nightmare). I would eat that every day for a year and then probably die (but die happy). Im looking forward to going back to try their original brisket sandwich or a meat platter .
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Phillip McCready
I was going to give it three stars but that would imply average. This was not average. It could be partially my fault because, being from North Carolina, I was hoping to find some good, southern barbecue. Instead I found a place that sold decent meat with crappy, watered down sauce. I had the baked beans, also made with the same sauce. And the corn pudding was nothing more than baked, gooey corn bread. The chopped pork was okay since it wasnt drowning in sauce and the bar was nice, as long as you consider Blue Moon a high dollar beer at $6/pint. The one good thing was the overwhelming selection of hot sauce, providing plenty of opportunities to disguise the taste of everything else.
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Lauren R
The best Macoroni & Cheese!!! If you like creamy, cheesy, & extra cheesy this is the place to come! The Brisket & sliced pork are really good. We mostly cater every time we go here. Its perfect bc they put all of the food in dishable containers, extra bbq sauce, & utensils. They put everything in a box, so no spills in your car. We have catered from 5-50 people from here & it always works out. Everyone always rants & raves about the Texas corn pudding as well! Its a tad pricy, but its so good if your get the right stuff! The staff isnt the most friendliest & helpful when it comes to questions on the menu. So, take your time & get what you know you like.... BRISKET!!!
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A Private User
The best Macoroni & Cheese!!! If you like creamy, cheesy, & extra cheesy this is the place to come! The Brisket & sliced pork are really good. We mostly cater every time we go here. Its perfect bc they put all of the food in dishable containers, extra bbq sauce, & utensils. They put everything in a box, so no spills in your car. We have catered from 5-50 people from here & it always works out. Everyone always rants & raves about the Texas corn pudding as well! Its a tad pricy, but its so good if your get the right stuff! The staff isnt the most friendliest & helpful when it comes to questions on the menu. So, take your time & get what you know you like.... BRISKET!!!
ME
Melanie Ackerson
I am unbelievably impressed with this place. My husband and I ordered online, and our order was sent to the wrong location. Instead of being treated like crap for making them do extra work late at night, they were so polite and accommodating with making sure we remedied the situation as well as giving us a free sandwich for the mixup. Besides the fact that the entire staff is so kind, the smell of the place is delightful, and the food is sheer heaven! I am having pregnancy cravings for just a damn good, authentic bbq meal, and this has hit the spot in every way possible. I would rate higher than 5 if possible. They will for sure be seeing us very soon!
