Highlighted a DC & MD established restaurant, now onto a VA established one. Hard Times Cafe started in Old Town Alexandria, VA in 1980, and the original is still there with an old truck in front. See my 4-star review from July 2018. I also reviewed a location that used to be in Clarendon, Arlington, VA in September 2012, which was a 3-star. Today, there are 4 locations: 3 in VA (the original in Alexandria I've been to) & 2 I haven't as well as the only location in MD, which I have been to their Rockville location on Sunday, October 26, 2025. My girlfriend's parents love Hard Times Cafe. They used to go to the one in College Park, but it closed so they occasionally will drive much further for them to Rockville. My g/f & I were in Gaithersburg that afternoon, and her parents mentioned inviting us to dinner at Hard Times, which we agreed. It had been a while since I had been there and got samplings of the various chili. I thought I liked their signature Cincinnati chili the best, but I think I realized I liked the Texas even more. Terlingua chili was great too. I got a beer, which was good too. Service was friendly & prompt. I got a chili dog with Texas chili & fries, which were great. We also split chili nachos, which were good too. Hard Times Cafe isn't necessarily a place I'll go out of my way for, but it's a place I enjoy when it works out. read more

Hard Times Cafe - Delicious Texas chili dog & fries - American Near Me - Rockville, Maryland

I've been Jonesing for a bowl of red from Hard Times Cafe for while. I tried to get my fix a few weeks ago on my way back from the airport, but forgot that they were closed on Mondays (my bad). I was able to stop in today after another trip - my good! My go-to since my first visit in 1985(!!!) has been their Terlingua Red. It's a little spicier than their Texas Chili, not as sweet as their Cincinnati Chili. I always get it with jalapeños and onions, and get a serving of beans on the side. (Not in the chili. My momma raised me right). Served with a soft and sweet piece of cornbread it's a tasty, quick, and inexpensive meal. Hard Times opened - and closed - a shop in my hometown a few years back, and I don't get down the road as often as I used to. Today's meal gives me incentive to make the trip more often in the future. read more

This restaurant has been around for something like 40 years, which is amazing. This visit was my first since going meatless a few years ago, so when I ordered my Frito Chili I specified Vegetarian. It did not disappoint. Just as flavorful as any other version. Great service, too. read more

Hard Times Cafe - Frito Chili Pie - American Near Me - Rockville, Maryland

This place is consistently good at a reasonable price. We went on a Friday night and they had a band there so that's the first time we were able to listen to music. We ordered the chicken sandwich with bacon, onion rings, wings, and nachos with Cincinnati and vegetarian chili. Everything was excellent, perfect flavors and the jalapeños on the notches were not too hot. I would also say everything was very fresh. Our server was very friendly and accommodating. We definitely will be back. read more

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It's been a long time since we have been here. The service was terrific. It's a casual neighborhood hangout. I wished I liked the Chili Mac more but it was just ok. The Jalapeno Pepper Popper was good with a dipping sauce. The Sante Fe Eggrolls could be a little more crispier. The Grilled Wings (original Texas) were delicious. We would return just for the grilled wings. read more

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As always, the Rockville Hard Times Cafe is great! Our group of 6 was seated immediately even though it's the lunch hour. Drinks hit the table as fast as we could ask for them. Apps came out almost as fast, with perfectly done meals soon after. I prefer a modified Frito Chili Pie, with beans instead of sour cream or tomatoes, with the Texas chili. Definitely the best chili in the DC area, if not the whole state! read more

Hard Times Cafe - American Near Me - Rockville, Maryland

What makes this place wonderful is Dave, his kid and nostalgia PLUS employees in general. Food is good, Bar food guys/gals... Chili, fries, wings and fried OK? One visiting tip: Military discount UNLESS Quart/Pint containers of chili, wing specials and booze. read more

Our food--three-way Cincinnati style chili and a chili cheese dog--was very good. Ever since remodeling, the restaurant has much less by way of decor and vibe than it used to. It was also obnoxiously loud given the small number of people inside. Our server was friendly but truly clueless, and she couldn't have shown much less care for doing her job if she actually tried. read more

Service is quick and friendly. Dad was shocked that the fish and chips was served as a proper singular flank of fillet rather than a handful of tenders. Portions are generous and the price is reasonable. Some of the surfaces are sticky but that's not unexpected in "old fashioned" establishments. read more

We love hard times!!! Fantastic chili--the best in the area for sure. Delicious options, good prices, casual environment, good service. I always get the 5-way with vegetarian chili with the delicious cornbread they make. Go to Carmen's next door for dessert! read more

Hard Times Cafe - American Near Me - Rockville, Maryland

I tried the chili and the Southwest burger -- overall a solid meal with a few notes. The **chili had a rich, smoky flavor** that I really enjoyed. I would have preferred the beef to be a bit chunkier for that classic Texas-style texture. Traditionally, Texas chili doesn't include **tomatoes or beans**, but I added beans to mine, and I'm glad I did -- it helped balance out the saltiness, which was just a bit on the heavy side. The **Southwest burger** was fine -- nothing to complain about, but also nothing particularly memorable. Just your standard burger. I'd come back for the chili, especially with a few tweaks. Good atmosphere and service, too. read more

Hard Times Cafe - Southwest Burger - American Near Me - Rockville, Maryland

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I was very surprised at the lack of customer service today. I walked in to place a takeout order. I stood at my appropriate position and waited. There were two staff members behind the bar talking and serving a few bar guests. They saw me as I waited. Two outside guests arrived past me and took a seat. One of the staff members approached them and began chatting with them... This is not how you treat guests to your business... I walked out. There are many other establishments that serve food... I am a local and have supported Hard Times for many years. You got to do better to earn the respect and support of our Woodley Gardens neighborhood. read more

Reviewing Hard Times Cafe is kind of like reviewing your mean sister who is always nasty to you. You know she is a bitch but you love her anyway because she is "family." Hard Times is a difficult place to eat. The staff is not so good. The dining room is dirty. For example, the floor was so greasy that I felt like I was skating (and I had tennis shoes on). Even the other patrons are difficult to take. But the food is so good that those bad things just don't matter. I will continue to go back to Hard Times - no matter how bad it gets there - because I love the chili. Last night, I had the Greek chili 4 ways and I loved it. I could have eaten 2 orders! But the table was dirty, I never got a straw despite asking twice and the waiter only stopped by 3 times. Once to take my order, once to deliver my order and once to drop the check off. So, don't go to Hard Times for the impeccable service because they don't have that. And don't go to Hard Times for the pristine cleanliness of the surroundings because they don't have that either. Go to Hard Times because you want a great chili and you don't want to cook it yourself. Do I recommend Hard Times? Hell yes! read more

How many restaurants have you known that have closed for ELEVEN months...and actually reopened?? Maybe not any. But Hard Times Café in Rockville did exactly that! After plumbing problems and landlord negotiations, Hard Times reopened yesterday. And except for the fact that there are no pictures on the walls...it's like they never left! They rearranged the seating a little, same booths, same plates and glassware. We got there early, about 5:30, and were seated immediately When we left an hour later, a line was just beginning to form. The menu is identical (maybe the prices are a little higher [but not much, I don't think]) The grilled Texas wings tasted the same as I remember them. My son's girlfriend (a chef) said the burger was perfect. I'm glad they're back! read more

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My steak quesadilla was delicious. My husband had a burger that was ok. Next time he will order the wings again - they are the best. The children had Mac and cheese and a hotdog with fries and they both enjoyed their meals. The hostess was friendly and accommodating. She gave us a great booth next to the front window. The waitress was brisk and very to the point. Atmosphere is cozy. I would have given a 5 but this time the waitress was not friendly or service oriented. Maybe there wasn't enough help but the first time he went to this restaurant our service was impeccable. read more

Hard Times Cafe - Steak quesadilla. - American Near Me - Rockville, Maryland

I tried the chili and the Southwest burger -- overall a solid meal with a few notes. The **chili had a rich, smoky flavor** that I really enjoyed. I would have preferred the beef to be a bit chunkier for that classic Texas-style texture. Traditionally, Texas chili doesn't include **tomatoes or beans**, but I added beans to mine, and I'm glad I did -- it helped balance out the saltiness, which was just a bit on the heavy side. The **Southwest burger** was fine -- nothing to complain about, but also nothing particularly memorable. Just your standard burger. I'd come back for the chili, especially with a few tweaks. Good atmosphere and service, too. read more

If you want some tasty homemade chili, check out Hard Times Cafe. I heard about this spot through a friend and as we know, we don't gate-keep here. It was a perfect chilly weather day too. There are so many good options on the menu, we wanted to order it all. We started with the jalapeño poppers, and loaded chili fries. Can't go wrong with either. Our choice of chili for these were the Texas and Cincinnati chili. These were amazing. For the entrees we got a Hard Times Chili dog with Texas chili because it was a hit. The highlight of the meal was the 4-Way Chili Mac with Cincinnati chili. This was so good! Don't get it twisted when you see it has spaghetti noodles. It is chefs kiss and perfect with the Cincinnati chili. For the sweet tea lovers, they do have yummy sweet tea. You know you can't find sweet tea (without the sugar packets easily up North) so chase your food down with some refreshing sweet tea. Staff is friendly and service is quick! We will be back to try more chili items! read more

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First glance, seems like a small and old pub with food. But head inside ans take a second glance... the staff takes great care of you, and the prices are fair and the food is very good... Loved the salmon salad. No happy hour. But prices are good! read more

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There are four way Cincinnati Chile is just out of this world and really great service

I want to like this place. Friendly service, but super slow. I have been 3 times and still haven't found a menu item I want to have again...open to menu recommendations! read more

Good place to go for a beer and some chili, wings. Inexpensive and everyone working there was super friendly.

Delicious food and a fun ambience that hasn't changed in over 30 years. Highly recommend!

This is a must when I come back home to visit. I came by for weekday lunch. I wanted to come for wing day on Wednesday night but family made other plans for me. I dragged my dad thinking I could get two flavors of wings... but he ended up getting a burger so I just got an order of chili lime. He liked his bbq bacon burger. Fries were meh, limp. I loved my grilled wings and draft root beer (as expected) but I was quite sad at the value. I think they do it by weight and I only ended up with 8 wings. So expensive when I math it out. Honestly, I will still return when I can, but if I move back to the area, it will be a wing day stop only. Service was fine. Cleanliness is a bit of an eyebrow raise. There were four sets of silverware laid out when we were seated. Two sets looked like they had utensil that didn't get cleaned well. Server took two sets away since it was just two of us. One of the remaining sets had marks on the fork. I wasn't going to use anyway with my meal so whatever this time, but it was clearly visible and they didn't seem to care. read more

Hard Times Cafe - American Near Me - Rockville, Maryland

If you are craving for some chili, this is the place to go. It's that American restaurant, with the food sticks to your rib comfort food type of place, that you seek, this is the place. From chili, chili macs, great wings, nachos, and burgers. They have good happy hour wings special (can't recall what day of the week it was), but man when I was at College Park, we always made note of their Wing day. I miss their Bethesda location, which closed years ago. Next to their chili, you have to get some wings, when you are there. They have a variety of chili to choose from. I like their Texas chili, but it is a bit too greasy, so I prefer their Cincinnati chili, but that's my preference. Have to get the chili mac, with noodles, cheese, and onion, when eating chili. It's a must. For apps, besides their wings, their nachos are massive; good to feed 3-4 people. Good beer selection too and place to watch some sports. read more

If you love old school neighborhood bars, Woodley Gardens HTC hits the bullseye! Cozy atmosphere with super cool staff that care about you having best possible experience. Food is top quality with fresh ingredients and never waver on the classic (bean free!) chili recipes. Chili Mac is always great but my fave is delicious 1/4 lb dog loaded with toppings that is a challenge to finish. Nice selection of icy cold draughts and also liquor selection for cocktail options. Been going here for decades, not frequently but enjoy each return trip like jumping out of Docs DeLorean. read more

Good chili is hard to find. However, Hard Times Cafe has never disappointed me when it comes to delivering quality chili! Whenever my friends or I need a chili fix, I always suggests Hard Times Cafe. Frankly, I don't know if there is another restaurant in the area that offers chili as high-quality as Hard Times Cafe. I was disappointed when the Fairfax location closed as I thought it was the only location but I was happy to find there are other locations in the DMV area If you are ever unsure as to which chili you like best (as many of my friends are), be sure to ask for a chili sampler with some cornbread read more

We stopped into hard times for a late lunch yesterday. Host seated us quickly. We had a very nice server to go along with the best onion rings in the DMV. We had a Texas chili and order of wings. Everything was excellent. Will he back soon. read more

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Just a great local neighborhood spot. The best chicken wings I have ever had. Very good burgers and the chili is second to none.

We went to Hard times to watch the Commanders clinch their division. They stayed open late to accommodate the large crowd.Food and service was excellent Thieir Chili is spot on , burgers fries , wings, salad. The servers were great! I recommend that you give it a try. read more

Best wings by far in the entire area! Not to mention the chili, onion rings and cheese fries. Outstanding service as well. Love this place! read more

Really wasn't expecting much but a friend likes so we went along with him. The place is really showing its age and needs a refresh. Wait person efficient but wanted to hurry us thew the menu did not check on us for refill of drinks. Tried the various chili samples, reminded me of Hormel from a can, they were dry and lacked flavor. I got the fish and chips, fish fried hard like a rock, onion rings must have been fried beforehand as they were so overcooked the onions were like thin paper and fell apart as soon as I touched them. Unbelievable someone would serve them to anyone. Tater tots were okay but how do you mess them up. Seems may be favored by locals but I would not recommend nor return visit. read more

My family took me here for the first time tonight, and boy am I glad. I had the chili Mac four way but I also added jalapeños (Cincinnati style). Without the jalapeños, it was a little boring, but with them it was incredible. Please note: before tonight I thought I didn't like chili. It turns out I have just never had chili worth eating. So good. Corn bread is incredibly moist. Delicious! My fiancé had the chili bubba style with teralingua and vegetarian chilis, and he cleaned his plate. Will we be back to this restaurant? Not a doubt in my mind. So good!! read more

Let me start with prior positive thoughts. We've been coming to this HTC location pretty regularly, for living in Laytonsville - about once a month, since the Germantown location closed several years ago. Pre-pandemic, the service (from the bartenders/cooks) was always friendly and fantastic and the food was consistently better than bar food. I've pretty regularly evangelized that hard times makes the best chicken on the planet - the guys are masters on the grill. The chili and wings get plenty of positive feedback, but their chicken is really stellar (usually). Since they've reopened indoor dining, however, the bar staff and some management seem to have a chip on their collective shoulders for the COVID rules in restaurants. Blatant disregard for the (simple) mask rule in the county and no longer any friendliness (the bar/cook staff also seem to be different from the guys pre-pandemic - side note: there was an Awesome cook who left for a job at Harley Davidson - he is dearly missed...). Recent experience on Saturday, 15Jan2022: We arrived between lunch and dinner, around 3pm-ish and were seated at a bar table per our request. We ordered an appetizer, which was 86, so moved on to ordering our late lunch, a simple 3-way chili and the texas chicken salad, grilled. Our order took a long time... I saw a large order of wings on the grill and a solitary piece of chicken in the mix with them. The chicken breast stayed the full time of the wings, then stayed, and a couple, three orders served later, our order finally arrived. As expected, the chicken was overcooked and dry - Totally Out of Character, but I watched it happening... I told our waitress and agreed yes when she asked if I'd like it remade. She took it to the drinks counter and discussed with the manager (seemingly - older dude; not the usual very tall manager, who is always friendly and checks on tables). He stood there are stared at me for a while, probably an uncomfortable 2 minutes, then came to the table to say that he wanted to confirm that I said the chicken was overcooked. As if their cooks couldn't possibly make that mistake. I said it looked like they were backed up behind a large order of wings and suffered from that and he snorted back at me: maybe. Then mumbled something about them experiencing difficult times (pandemic related? who knows?) So, another prepped salad went up on the bar, chicken went on the grill. When the chicken was about to go on the salad, I heard one of the cooks very loudly say: "that chicken is raw, right?" I asked the waitress if they were joking about my chicken being raw, and she replied: not to my knowledge. In any case, with the texas sauce on the chicken there was no way to know visually whether they had, in fact, deliberately undercooked the chicken without trying it, and I was not going to risk poultry food poisoning for their shitty attitudes and beyond unprofessional joking. So, I had no lunch, my husband finished his drink, we paid and we left. There was no subsequent check by the waitress or the manager to see if round two of my salad was any better. No surprise there. Oh, and per so many other reviews: no cornbread was served with my husbands chili mac, we had to ask for it - how hard is that to remember, seriously? I'll mourn the previous awesome staff and good times there, but won't likely be back. read more

There's a difference between a casual restaurant and a restaurant that takes cleanliness and food service casually. Ordered a steak and it was served on a broken plate (2 large chips out of the rim - top and bottom) that had been in circulation so long the ceramic had turned grey with age. They gave me a fresh plate (and I lost the steak juices sadly) but this never should have made it to the floor in the first place. Gah, will try a different location next time I feel like Hard Times......or are they running into Hard Times?? read more

Hard Times Cafe - American Near Me - Rockville, Maryland

If there were a lot of attractive people in here, then there really would be some Hard Times. Hard Times Cafe is a wonderful Alexandria institution. It's not as popular and perhaps not as spectacular as it used to be, but the fact that it franchised itself all over Northern Virginia was a really good sign. Unfortunately most of the franchise locations are not nearly as good as the original. This one is pretty decent and the chili mac comes fairly close to the original brilliance. But it still doesn't have that same feel and saloon decor, and it's another case of the original really being the best. It seems like it's closed down now, but if you're ever fortunate enough to visit one of these locations, order the Terlingua red chili mac. Trust me. read more

Hard Times Cafe - I have a lot of hard times myself. If you know what I mean. - American Near Me - Rockville, Maryland

Will not be returning. The staff were incredibly rude to my family and not accommodating when we were confused by the menu online. They made us so uncomfortable our entire dinner and after receiving our food, came by 10 minutes or so later asking if we were ready to have containers and get our bill! So horrible rude. We were quite literally still eating. Who does that?? It wasn't even busy to the point that all tables were full so they didn't need our table cleared. They just wanted us out. Our kids were being relatively well behaved especially after all meals were served except one of the kid's meals and no apology was given, but the chickens nuggets showed up about 5 minute after everyone else's food had. They bothered us again about 5 minute after we said we e were still eating and not ready for the bill yet asking us yet again if we wanted the check. We will not be back. Horrible service and management. One of the orders was wrong too. Food was meh. Do not come here. read more

I and my wife went out for a date and decided to try a new restaurant our server TS was very professional, attentive, and easygoing. I would recommend Hard Times Cafe to anyone looking for great food, and service and enjoy a modern but trendy dinner I would suggest Hard Times.( We loved TS our waiter) Great guy a local guy. read more

There is comfort food and a comforting experience. Hard Times Cafe excels as both. This is my Happy Place. I first visited many years ago when there was one lone bumper sticker on the kitchen hood. That grew to the point where the thing had no stainless steel left exposed until a county inspector made them scrape it off in the last two years. The Chili here is fantastic. If you have never been before I recommend asking for the free tasting flight so you can choose your best match. For me it is a combination of the Texas and the Cincinnati. I enjoy my chili via a Hard Times specialty called a Chilli Mac. I get mine three ways with Cheese & Onions on top of the Chilli on top of the most tender spaghetti. The rest of the menu is great too. The grilled wings are a can't miss and the chicken wrap is special too. The service is always just good people happy to spend time with you. Do them a favor - visit soon and visit often. It is well worth it. read more

Love this old school type restaurant with phenomenal chili and grilled wings. Shoutout to Antonio on the grill - he's the best! Come here with friends and family for a GREAT time read more

Hard Times Cafe - American Near Me - Rockville, Maryland

A no-frills honest restaurant which focuses on impressive food rather than impressive ambiance. This is Cincinnati Style Chili. If you haven't tried this style of chili then do yourself a favor and try it. It has a unique flavor with subtle hints of cocoa and cinnamon. Served on a bed of spaghetti noodles this is the ultimate comfort food. read more