From 1990-1996, I lived on Wisconsin Ave, and frequented Rocklands which was 1/4 away. to date, it is the best bbq I’ve had in the metro DC area. in 1996, I moved to Greenbelt, MD where I stayed for a few years before moving to Ward 4, where I’ve been for for 10 years. I’m not loyal to most restaurants, but this one was the exception. The location has not deterred me from making the ocassional drive to Rocklands. They also have a store at Rockville’s Wintergreen Plaza, located at 891 Rockville Pike.

The only other q-joint I’ve enjoyed is Capital Q on H St, but the parking is ridiculous!

I used to have Softball league games across the street at Guy Mason Field. The field has a parking lot with probably over 100 spots that’s has signage stating it’s use is only for park patrons. However I imagine if you’re only getting takeout at Rocklands your car would be fine there for 20 minutes.

Yeah, it’s the best.

Parking in the rec center lot is OK, too, despite the signs saying you’ll be towed. I’ve even left my car there overnight for a couple of nights with no problem.

Rocklands is excellent but you have to know what you’re doing. Many people head right for the ribs, thinking (correctly) that a good bbq place should have good ribs. Rocklands does not, but don’t let that deter you from the many things it does well. The pulled chicken is delicious, and somewhat unusual. The chopped pork is very good. The fish is good, the sides are tasty. The atmosphere is excellent (if limited in size).

If you do get the ribs, be advised that unlike other places here the baby backs are distinctly inferior to the regular pork ribs. Do not make this mistake. Get the pork ribs. I’m not sure about the beef ribs.

If you really want good ribs you have to go to Dixie Bones.

I wish they would open one on mtp street.

rocklands? really? this thread is going to make me cry

love this place. used to live behind the russian embassy, maybe 3ish blocks away. every time i’d walk outside in the summer i could smell the woodsmoke from Rockland’s and it’d get me thinking about ribs.

I love BBQ, but I’m not crazy about Rocklands. The only saving grace was the sauce. It was pretty tasty!

The ribs, however, were no good at all. I’ve also had the pulled pork sandwich. It wasn’t horrible, but certainly not the best in the area.

Rocklands is definitely the best BBQ in the city. The brisket is phenomenal. I do notice a difference between the Arlington Rocklands and the Wisconsin Ave location, so maybe the Rockville one isn’t as good as the Wisconsin Ave spot either. Wisconsin ave is consistent, low-key, and you can call ahead and pick it up–perfect for parking illegally in the Pearson’s lot before they notice!

I really like their grilled lamb, and their brisket’s OK, but in my experience — borne out by these comments, I think — the ribs are really inconsistent: sometimes good and sometimes really poorly done. Also their side orders menu could stand some updating. Also, in the past they’ve had a really maddening tendency to lock their doors 15 minutes or more early, which I find nearly unforgiveable in a carryout place.

Bottom line is that it’s OK to have in your neighborhood but not worth a trip from somewhere else. I feel sure that there’s better BBQ east of the park.

Let’s not forget that when you finish your bbq – Rocklands is one of the few places that sells Baltimore based Berger’s cookies (basically chocolate fudge globbed on vanilla cake cookie) OH SO GOOD!

I miss the Grog and Tankard.

It saddens me, but DC just has weak BBQ. Rocklands, Red, Hot & Blue, Rib Pit, et al – average. Bubba’s Bar-BQ in Falls Church isn’t bad (and the owner is a trip) but I wouldn’t make a pilgrimage for it.

Unfortunately, never found decent BBQ in DC or surrounds. I’d kill for some decent Eastern NC pork bbq.

Next time you’re driving down Indian Head Highway (say, on your way to Ft. Washington, Waldorf, La Plata or taking the scenic route to the 301 south bridge) try Dale’s Smokehouse. Great meats, big portions.

Rocklands is inconsistent. It’s upsetting too, because as a Glover Park resident, I smell the place all the time. I just wish it always tasted as good as it smells when we walk by.

I’m with fellow Texan, Anon 9:48. If you want good bbq in DC, order from home or buy a smoker.