In September, we reported that Hard Times Cafe at 1117 Nelson St in Rockville temporarily closed due to plumbing issues. In March we spoke to owner Bob Howard, who told us that the exterior construction/plumbing repairs have been completed and the restaurant was working to fix the damage done to the inside of the restaurant. A new message on the restaurant’s answering machine states that they are cleaning and hiring ahead of reopening, though an exact date is not yet known.
Hard Times is known best for its wings and chili with variations that include Texas, Cincinnati, Terlingua, and vegetarian. Menu items include the Chili Bubba (chili over corn bread), Chili Mac (over spaghetti), Frito Chili Mac, chili dogs, chili burgers, and chili fries. The restaurant also serves non-chili dishes, such as salads, wraps, and chicken tenders.
According to its website, “The Hard Times Cafes are designed to recall a southern depression era chili parlor. Its design is simple and honest, making use of polished red oak and terra-cotta tile. Photographs of day-to-day western life, circa 1930, are featured on the sand textured walls.” The first Hard Times Cafe opened in Alexandria, VA in 1980 and the Rockville location opened in 1984. There was previously a Hard Times Cafe at 13032 Middlebrook Rd in Germantown, which closed in 2014, and others outside of Montgomery County. There are currently additional Hard Times locations in Alexandria, Fredericksburg, and Springfield, VA.