Hard Times Cafe, located at 1117 Nelson St in Rockville, has temporarily closed for extensive repairs. While the signage on the front door indicates a closure for the remainder of the week with the promise to reopen as soon as possible, the restaurant has been closed for several weeks, and there is currently no specified timeframe for reopening. Hard Times Cafe is renowned for its chili offerings, featuring variations like Texas, Cincinnati, Terlingua, and vegetarian options. Menu highlights include the Chili Bubba, Chili Mac, Frito Chili Mac, chili dogs, chili burgers, and chili fries. The restaurant also offers non-chili dishes such as salads, wraps, and chicken tenders.
Established in 1980, the Hard Times Cafes are designed to evoke the ambiance of a southern depression-era chili parlor, utilizing polished red oak and terra-cotta tile in a simple and honest design. Photographs showcasing day-to-day western life from circa 1930 adorn the sand-textured walls. The Rockville location opened its doors in 1984, with the first Hard Times Cafe debuting in Alexandria, VA. Despite the closure, the restaurant plans to reopen soon. Additionally, there are other Hard Times locations in Alexandria, Fredericksburg, and Springfield, VA.
