Happy Hours in Rockville

1093 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD  20852 301-738-8181 Themes/Styles:  American / Restaurant w/Bar Parking Accessibility:  Easy Just over 2 miles from I-270 Exit 5, Plenty of free shopping center parking.
Metro Accessibility:  Annoying The Potomac Grill is 1 mile north of the Twinbrook Metro station (Red Line) along Rockville Pike.

What is Potomac Grill?

The Potomac Grill is an unassuming restaurant located along Rockville Pike in a small strip mall. The inside contains a main seating area, a small bar area with a few tables, and a private dining room. The theme and decoration is very light: a few baseball-related decorations at the bar, and an easy-to-miss nautical theme throughout. But the watered-down decorating does not disappoint; in fact, the lack of gaudiness allows the overall style of furniture and fixtures project a strong feeling of being a high class establishment. Outside Area:  No. Entertainment:  Yes.  Trivia question sheets are offered, with winners getting bar deals.

Our Review

The Potomac Grill is the kind of place that can easily draw you into coming back. The main reason for this is the friendliness of the staff. For the bartender, knowing every customer’s name seems to be just as important as serving the drink. I don’t believe this is just the result of an overly good day for someone; the website itself beckons you to come “get to know them.” To back up my claim further, it seemed everyone else in the place is a regular. But not in a cliquish way…non-regulars are quickly embraced and encouraged to come back again. Not a bad proposition: the appetizers are actual meal portions at discounted prices, and the menu offerings are refreshingly different and inviting. The rail drink deal is pretty standard, and the pour isn’t too skimpy. The house wine deal could be touch-and-go since only one red and one white are offered. The overall atmosphere has its pros and cons: the music playlist ranges from jazz to classic rock at a perfect volume for both conversing and finger tapping; but the small bar area with your back up against the rest of the restaurant make certain seats a little less relaxing.

The Run Down

If you’re looking for a place where you feel included and want to be a regular, the friendliness and deals make The Potomac Grill a good choice. If you care more about a hopping young scene with a lot of mingling, this local spot just won’t satisfy.

Reviewed by Lee on Wednesday, June 25, 2008.