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Hard Times Cafe: Restaurant Reviews

14389 Potomac Festival Plaza, Woodbridge, VA 22193
703-492-2950
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Ranked #68 of 89 restaurants in Woodbridge
Price range: $5 - $12
Cuisines: American
Good for: Families with children, Bar scene, Dining on a budget
Dining options: Lunch
Restaurant details
Good for: Families with children, Bar scene, Dining on a budget
Dining options: Lunch
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6 reviews from our community

33% Recommend
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Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Woodbridge, Virginia
Top Contributor
58 reviews 58 reviews
52 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“Always good for once every two years”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed January 31, 2013

I can say for something different go to Hard Times, but not as a steady--honestly, the food now is just average.

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Woodbridge, Virginia
Top Contributor
50 reviews 50 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 38 cities Reviews in 38 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
“Way too smokey”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed October 1, 2012

In some ways it has come a long way from the smoke-filled billiards parlor that also served food. I stopped to get a carry-out order and was directed to the bar. I am a cancer survivor and will not enter there again. Second hand smoke kills too and ruins the aroma of otherwise good food. I love their Cincinnati Chili mix but won't buy it from the restaurant again. I'll simply order it online. In fairness, if one dines in they can stay in a non-smoking area that is pretty well separated from the blue haze but not so for carry out orders. Good food. Smoke kills.

Visited March 2012
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Newburgh, New York
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
“Terrible”
1 of 5 stars Reviewed August 21, 2012

This is the only time we had horrible food on our trip! I would never go back here again! The service was adequate but would not advise anyone to choose this restaurant. Crackers in basket were stale, and some were put back opened.

Visited August 2012
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Layton, Utah
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
11 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“Not Your Average Bar - Amazing Chili!”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed July 13, 2012

Hard Times has a very well-patronized bar presence for locals, providing plenty of pool tables, music, and great local beers. Don't overlook the restaurant though - they are known for their amazing chili recipe. Try the "Terlingua Red" - it's a Texas chili with no beans, but great spice. It's served over spaghetti and very delicious!

Visited September 2011
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Woodbridge, Virginia
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
12 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“Favorate Chili Mac”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 13, 2012

Cold beer, hot Texas style chili and cornbread. What more do you need! Oh yeah fried pickles. Always fast friendly service and a large selection of very cold beer. Prices are very good and the have a daily special. Worth the trip.

Visited May 2012
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