My favorite pizzas here are the prosciutto and black mission fig and anything with pesto (including the veggie and chicken pesto). For starters, I've tried the cream of crab soup, which was pretty good (very rich), the mini burgers (which come with a huuuuuge heap of onion strings) and some mahi-mahi tacos (very big and enough to share among a couple people) that were a special of the day but that we turned into an appetizer. I like the spaciousness of the Rockville location, especially since it's easy to fit big groups. I'd like to try sitting outside in the warmer months.
(4)
PureClass M.
Waiter and food were awesome! We enjoyed the MatchBox pizza and sliders...those little ones were amazing! A great upscale place to go in the local area.
(5)
Willie T.
Great food and ambiance really enjoyed the meal. Are the breakfast pizza and it was fantastic!
(5)
Emma W.
This parking lot is a little tricky, but this place is visible from the road. There are flames.... There is a lot of outdoor seating at this location, and can accommodate big parties. The largest I've been apart of is around 15. I like the pizza here. The spicy is not too spicy, and you can add Rd pepper flakes if necessary. They add an ample amount of pepperoni and meats... and good flavor combos. Nothing I haven't liked so far. I Would say its best to share so you can part take in the desserts. Yummy fresh made donuts with an espresso sauce.... I can eat the whole thing! And 6-7 mini donuts is not trivial. Also they have a trio sampler.... the brownie--- chocolate lovers rejoice! So coming soon to the menu is a lamb sandwich. So good, and well I was starving, I didn't get a picture. But think-- flatbread with lamb meat and cucumbers... AND chickpea fries!!!! Don't laugh, since they are amazing....
(4)
Christina S.
From the friendly greeting at the door, to our AMAZING server Brandon, who gave honest and delicious recommendations for food that will rock your taste buds!! This is the place that must be tried!!! Promise you will keep coming back!
(5)
Yolanni S.
I went to Matchbox for the first time over the weekend and I really didn't know what to expect. Walking into the restaurant we were welcomed and seated immediately. While sitting and waiting for the drinks to arrive at the table I watched as servers delivered food to other tables. I couldn't help but to notice how delicious all the food looked. Literally everything that I saw pass by looked oh so tasty. As we were on a double date we ordered 1 order of the sliders with Gorgonzola cheese and the other order with mozzarella cheese. I wish I had taken a picture of the sliders they were perfectly portioned with a heap of thin fried onions. Omg they were so good. Then we wanted a sweet treat so we ordered the matchbox trio that came with homemade donuts (to hard for my liking), a fudge brownie with ice cream, and a trio sorbet (it was supposed to be three different flavors however we were only given to favors of sorbet. The lemon basil one happened to be my favorite! All in all the food was delicious and I would definitely recommend it!
(5)
Kamer K.
We went Matchbox with my quests from Europe on a Thursday night. It was very crowded and noisy. The sliders and the onion fries we had was vey tasty and juicy. My sangria was ok. My friend loved the Spicy margarita. I liked the fig and bacon pizza so much. But the vegetarian pizza was very greasy. I recommend chocolate chip bread pudding. It was very rich and yummy. Enough for 4 people!
(4)
Harris H.
Went for Mother's Day with my wife. We were a few minutes early for our reservation but were promptly seated. Server was great and we have always had a good experience. However, against my better judgement I ordered a half and half pizza. One half was meat one and that was average. Little taste and very forgettable. Honestly, I would have rather eaten Domino's instead. The other half was the smokey one and it was horrible. It literally tastes like chili or cayenne pepper and nothing else. I will never get their pizza again. We did have a great time so that is why 4 stars. My wife loved her crab cake.
(4)
Brandon G.
Went here tonight with my girlfriend. When we first got there, we were impressed with the ambiance of the restaurant. Really organized and clean. Not busy too busy for a saturday night. Reminded me of a Las Vegas restaurant. Service: The hostess promptly let us know how long the wait was. The wait was only about 3 or 4 minutes then we were seated. The waitress was nice. Sat us in a nice spot by the bar(inside). Menu: Not too intimidating. Not like the cheesecake factory where everything in life is on the menu. You know exactly what you're going to be getting there. I ordered the pepperoni pizza. Ordered a Lemon quencher cocktail. Basically a spiked sweet tea. That was good as well. Food: The pizza was REALLY good. My girlfriend's pizza was great as well. She enjoyed hers probably more than I enjoyed mine. She's the true "foodie". Overall experience was good. Definitely will be going back!
(4)
Elizabeth W.
It's definitely 3.5 stars, but closer to 4. Matchbox is a beautiful place with an upscale aura. I have never been here before but we came during happy hour time so no one was around. It was a perfect time to come. I took a recommendation from my friend and got the Mini Triple as a meal, while she got the Matchbox Meat Pizza. I also enjoyed the Matchbox punch which was delicious! The triple includes 2 scallops, 2 crabcakes, and a bunless burger. It was so good! The big complaint was the server. She wasn't horrible, but she didn't really check on us that much and my water cup went dry. She never asked me if I wanted another drink and then disappeared after she gave us the check. We were in the bar and it wasn't that busy. I honestly wasn't impressed with her but the food is definitely what gives this place the 4 stars. I'd come back once in awhile.
(4)
Liale B.
The service wasn't the best. I had to ask for a glass of water. I should not have to ask, should be at the table without question. Half of my party received food before I even made my orders for drinks. To get the waitress attention I had to raise my hand like I was in grade school. Hands down NYC has the best customer service.
(1)
Trina L.
When will Matchbox kill the pounding, headache inducing music that consists mostly of a beating drum? We avoided the restaurant for years, after they instituted the music, but recently heard it is quieter. Wrong. Unfortunately, "the beat goes on". Too loud to enjoy talking at the table.
(2)
Natasha J.
I would give it less than one if I could. I have not been for months with no plans to return. I was not going to post because I hate giving bad reviews. The service was horrible. I came here with a friend from out of town. A waitress came over. We placed our order after waiting ten minutes for her. The waitress disappeared for another ten minutes or longer. Then, we received our food. Waitress disappeared again. We needed water and wanted more drinks. I had to get up and ask for another waiter to find our waitress. Then, they told us that they were confused by who was suppose to service us. We paid for the food and left. I have not been back since. I live close and travel to Matchbox in DC. I would not recommend. Poor service and it was not busy. The restaurant looks okay too.
(1)
B. M.
Had dinner and drinks last night with my co-workers. I haven't been to matchbox in 3 years and was craving their delicious table dough bread. I almost left the restaurant because the hostess (a pretty Asian girl) almost beat me up!!! (Not literally, but she was highly upset!). She took us to a table and I had asked for a booth, so I kindly repeated myself at the table, "can we have a booth please?" And she slammed the menu shut, and gave me the look of death, rolled her eyes furiously and said, "Sure, fineeee!" A table nearby stared at her and shook their heads. My bad for asking??? Anyway, Katie was an amazing server and she made up for the bad feelings. AWESOME JOB KATIE! Maybe I'll go back soon and ask for Katie, in hopes the hostess doesn't change my mind at the door. Managers: PLEASE recognize Katie for a great personality, impressive food & drink menu knowledge and great recommendations. Tip: talk to your hostesses; after all, they are your restaurants first impression. :)
(3)
Nhi T.
The interior was nice. One of the walls inside looked like a bunch of ends of matches. Pretty neat and there was also a open kitchen feature. I sat just far enough to be able to watch the kitchen work away! But I will say, it was super chilly inside. I am kind of sad, we were not asked if we wanted to sit outside! Looked so neat when we were leaving. There was a round table with a fire in the middle. I am totally a gimmicky person and that was astounding to me! It was pricey for what it was I thought. My boyfriend ordered the spicy meatball pizza and he loved it! The crust was a bit blackened, but it is written in the menu as a warning prior to ordering your pizza. I got the seared salmon, which had a nice presentation, but was bland tasting, in my opinion. Lastly, the service was subpar. The waiter forgot about us. He didn't give us a refill until after we were sitting there with empty glasses for several minutes and waiting for the check took forever. We could have literally walked out without being noticed. But I still give it a 3/5! The service may have been better if we would have gotten a better server.
(3)
Heather J.
I'm a fan of the Matchbox restaurants in general, and this one is no exception. Our server was incredibly friendly, almost exceedingly so, and the food was as good as any of the other locations I've been to. We started with 3 sliders, each one with a different cheese. The one with gorgonzola was my favorite. Then we got the spicy soppressata salami and wild mushroom pizza. It was really good, and I love the crispy thin crust. I wouldn't hesitate to return to this location.
(4)
Hillary C.
I visit this Matchbox location semi monthly for a networking group meeting. The food is consistently good and the servers are quick and friendly. Extra bonus when they have a seafood special. Today's fish tacos were delicious!
(5)
Karen R.
Great lunch. Expertly crafted wood-fired pizzas and lots of good food to satisfy the most discerning palate. Atmosphere, friendly staff, good libations and really good pizza.
(5)
Mike Y.
Matchbox Rockville is the second Matchbox that I've been to in the DC/MD/VA area, with the first being the one in DC. The matchbox website states that it is the largest of the three Matchboxes. The food as many reviewers have mentioned is very consistent. However, the it still tastes freshly made versus having come out freezer-bagged from a central distribution facility. Despite Matchbox's reputation for pizzas, our plans for a big dinner in the evening relegated our Friday lunch to salads and sandwiches. Lunch crowd was mainly local professionals grabbing a quick bite. To sit it was a 5-10 minute wait. No biggie. We started with the crab and avocado tower. The word "tower" I felt was a bit misleading as it was more a puck. But I guess "crab and avocado puck" doesn't sound too appealing. It tasted as it sounds...crab and avocado. Not really seasoned but I guess it doesn't really need to be? For some reason my plate only came with four crostinis. We had to ask for more. Because...I mean...really. How are you going to offer a dip with only four chips? Moving on...I ordered the sweet and tangy calamari salad. The SO went heavier ordering the a crispy MB chicken sandwich. The sweet and tangy calamari salad was...interesting. It tasted like a mediterranean-thai fusion. Not terrible, but just an interesting combination. Imagine....thai sweet chili sauce + mixed green + olives and banana peppers + fried calamari. Funny thing about it though, there is no not sweet chili sauce in the salad its actually a ginger miso vinagrette, which leaves me wondering wheres the sweet coming from? The crispy chicken sandwich was definitely the better choice. Bread was soft and brioche-y. Chicken was crispy and well fried and breaded. The buttermilk sauce added the moisture to keep it from being a mouthful of dryness. Fries were good too. The waiter we had seemed disinterested in his job and although not terrible; didn't really try. Hope it was an off day. I wanted to go 4-stars, but after writing the review I realized it was just an 'okay' experience. The food didn't really knock my socks off. The waiter was underwhelming. However, if you're looking for lunch options on Rockville Pike you could do worse.
(3)
Don V.
Upside: The food. If you're looking the standard American fare such as pizza, sliders, salads you can't go wrong here. Those items are usually on point. The atmosphere was also pretty nice - it has an upscale wooden decor look with medium mood lighting for a good balance for a date or a night out with friends. There is also an outdoor patio seating area with its own dedicated bar and a fireplace. Downside: The service towards the end. Well specifically last night...on our anniversary night. Our waiter apparently left to go home before either closing us up or transferring us to another waiter. We ended waiting 25-30 minutes before my girlfriend had to flag down a manager of some sort. Eventually another waiter came to box up our food as well as provide us a check. I was hoping for a simple apology (which would have sufficed) for the misstep but received none from either person. Unacceptable. Result: The lapse in service caused us to miss getting dessert at the next venue as they closed by the time we finished sorting out our bill (30 minutes). In conclusion a simple apology from anyone would have resulted in NO negative yelp review and an understanding from our part because everyone has a bad night once in a while. Instead no apology was offered. Matchbox Rockville ruined what should been a special night for my girlfriend and I. And we missed dessert at her favorite place.
(2)
Ray C.
To give a 5 star rating I have to be totally blown away by both the food and experience. Sadly- although the service was great and the atmosphere up beat - if you ask me in a week what I had for dinner I probably won't remember. My waitress Stephani was great - very attentive and took the time to explain the menu. I had a half pepperoni and half prosciutto pizza and felt my cells shrivel up from the salt- almost inedible. After dropping $15 on a small pizza I should have been more impressed. It was Stephani and the environment that saved this rating from a 3 star but the chef (I think he was wearing a toga holding a spear yelling "pizza pizza" ) that kept the rating from a 5 star.
(4)
Lindsey G.
So, I'm biased, because I live right across the street from this place and it's super convenient for me. However, that doesn't make the food, ambiance, and service any less top-notch. Even though Matchbox's specialty is pizza, they also have delicious non-pizza items. I'm on a fairly strict diet and don't eat bread, so when I come here I'll get either the veggie black bean burger that they prepare wonderfully with sliced avocado, chipotle mayonnaise, and their house-cut fries, or the crabcake sandwich, served with fries and a tangy sauce that I love. Their salads are also a yummy alternative for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions. The house, simple salad and apple/pear salad are light and refreshing, and next time I dine here, I'm going to try the ahi tuna salad. The only frustrations I've experienced here is long wait times on popular nights when I didn't make a reservation. Some of the table seating is a bit close, but the staff are always willing to re-seat if you aren't comfortable. I love this place! :)
(4)
Steve L.
Excellent bloody mary burger. Kind of pricey but it was really good. I will have to save up to come back with the family. I sat at the bar and service was excellent. Available drafts were a very nice selection. Was told all the food is fresh and no freezer in the back so I will have to try the fish next time if I can get out of a burger mood. Okay. I have to add the tissue on the way out the bathroom door to grab the handle is a really cool touch.
(5)
Sakeeeennnnaaa H.
The food is consistently good at this place. I've been here several times with my best friend. We really like the sliders they come piled high with these delicious fried onion straw things topped with Parmesan. The breakfast skillets are tasty. The food is always fresh and hot. Server are courteous, prompt, and attentive. If you do decide to get an appetizer they are big enough to share.
(4)
Cristine C.
I have been to almost every Matchbox location in the DC area and this one was not exception to what I'd expect. The food and service was great, consistent with the other locations. I've been here for both lunch and dinner and while it was full and energetic, it's never too loud.
(5)
Megan H.
Whiskey Smash is Matchbox's rendition of a whiskey sour - most satisfying whiskey sour to date! Granted, the majority of my whiskey sours have been enjoyed at casino floors or club settings, so there's not much competition to compare to. The mint infused bourbon gives this beverage the mystery X factor that keeps you coming back for more. I've been here enough times to have tried a majority of the items on their menu and I've never been disappointed with any of my selections. To be fair, I haven't quite been blown away either, but I like the reliability of this restaurant to deliver good food and a very vibrant social ambiance, which is why Matchbox ends up being my "go-to" place for random dinner meetups with friends and family. Bonus points to the spinach salad, ribeye, sliders, and prosciutto & black mission fig pizza!
(4)
Michael Y.
I have been to Matchbox many times since I moved down here 2 years ago. One thing I could say then, and I can still say now, is that their food is consistently on point. I have had everything from pizza to crab cakes to steak and eggs. Every time, a home run. Normally, I dive into the crab cake sandwich, easily the best I can find. When they say "jumbo lump," they mean it. No filler, no fluff. And it comes with a perfectly zesty remoulade sauce. This, of course, is prefaced by the best sliders in town. Listen to me! Get the sliders! Every time I order them medium, which restaurants ALWAYS overcook. But every time, they come out cooked a perfect medium. They also come out with a pile of crispy onion straws sprinkled with Parmesan. Pro tip: Get the Gouda!! Alas, with food this consistently good, I thought I would explore a sandwich outside of my normal Sammy Circle. On tonight's visit, I got the Spicy Korean Pork Sandwich. Yum much?? The pork was tender, the spicy-sweet flavors of the sauce was great, and it came with a generous serving of french fries. Another tip: if you want the flavor without most of the spice but you forget to ask for no jalapeños, they are lined on the bottom of the roll. Easy to take them off and enjoy! So why 3 stars? Just as consistent as the food is, the service is equally inconsistent. There are times I wish I could tip the kitchen directly. On this particular visit, the server didn't approach us for 15 minutes, and when she did, she was inattentive and rude throughout the meal. The manager did his normal service check-in, and we told him what was up. The server then proceeded to get worse, clearly thinking she should give up on any chance of getting a tip. The service was good once, but it seems like it gets worse with each visit. So, final word? Kitchen: 5 Stars Service: 2 Stars (started at 5, working it's way down)
(3)
Alexander A.
One of the best places in Montgomery County. Great food and excellent drinks. The outside patio has a great feeling with fireplace. The people are very professional and friendly.
(5)
Kat A.
ALERT! Be forewarned! They changed their menu in September 2014 and as frequent diners for many years (since back when they only had one location!) we are so not impressed with the changes. Many of the best items have been taken off the menu and have been replaced with dishes that are simply too expensive for this place. We used to eat here at least once a month and after our most recent visit we could care less about returning. Most importantly - the chopped salad on the menu now is nothing like the old one!! The fact that it's still on the menu as a chopped salad is deceiving. No more pasta ringlets and creamy herb dressing. Now it's chickpeas, red peppers, and fennel salami with an oregano vinaigrette. Euccch! The old chopped salad had me coming back for years. Even if I was just in the area I'd stop in to get a salad to go. Not anymore! Our waitress said a lot of people have been complaining about it so we weren't the only ones. What a let down as the old salad really set them apart from other restaurants in the area. Otherwise, the food is generally good but nothing spectacular. Certainly not worth the price and the wait time and lines they create to boost their egos (Chinatown location especially!) Other changes to the menu include new appetizers - a "ginormous meatball" for $14 and crab and avocado tower for $17. Sadly, they also did away with the pepperoni and meatball roll we used to get (with our beloved chopped salad!) They also got rid of the Caesar salad and added a wedge salad with "artisan romaine" instead of iceberg lettuce. I've never seen a wedge salad with artsy leafy greens in my life! Seriously, whoever was in charge of salads on the new menu really dropped the ball. As for the sandwiches, I haven't gotten one here in many years but it seems like they added new ones and did away with others. The pizza seemed more or less the same (types and prices thank god) however, the pepperoni pizza we shared was definitely more spicy than usual. The entrees also changed a bit with mostly seafood options (I believe all but 3 are seafood) and the ribeye is now $31...a bit much for a place that's not a steakhouse. In terms of service the kitchen seemed just as confused as we were with the menu changes. It wasn't busy at all but the food was taking unusually long to come out and wasn't paced well at all. Matchbox is known for getting food out abnormally quick so for those of us who are used to that it was again another letdown compared to what we're used to. Overall, as regulars since the olden days when they only had one location, my family is beyond disappointed with the changes made to the Rockville restaurant. Sometimes restaurants just need to stick with the food that made them successful in the first place and honor the customers who helped get them there. Straying away from what you're best at isn't always a good thing and I'm sure others will soon agree.
(2)
Maria P.
Props to Hanna for making sure we had a pleasant guest experience after my boyfriend didn't enjoy his salad. It was taken off the bill despite us not saying a word. Drinks and my entree salad were great. If in the MoCo area and you're looking for a simple, fresh approach to Italian cuisine head here!
I like the lofty ambience of this place. The pizza was okay, not the best, and slightly overpriced. Overall, a fun place to go, but not necessarily for the food.
I had a really great meal here! The service was phenomenal! I wish I remembered our servers name so I can give him allll the props he deserves! A couple friends of mine came here on a Monday to catch up. We got seated at 5pm, for a very early dinner, the restaurant was pretty empty. Since I hadn't seen my friend in several months we were just chatting and kind of ignored the menu. Our server came back 3 times before we ordered but was really nice about it. So, my friend decided to ask "What do you recommend?". Whenever I've asked this most servers respond with the "depends on what you like", so I've basically given up on asking for recommendations. BUTTTTTT our server went into every part of the menu and suggested things he liked from the sandwich section, the pizzas, apps, etc. Which I thought was great. A good wide range, so my friend could decide on her own. We had some crab cake sandwiches (YUMMMM), and some pizza (black mission fig & a veggie). Delicious! Overall, the experience was really positive. No one rushed us out. They let us catch up, have our time, and didn't push us to get desserts (even though we wanted it). I also have to mention, they didn't force a check on us to try to clear us out, which is something I feel like a lot of the busier restaurants have adopted as an acceptable practice.
(4)
Trish J.
I do not get the hype. This place is always swarming with people but for what I have yet to figure out? Poorly made drinks? Overly complicated pizza? Oh, oh! I know! The ridiculously uncomfortable seating! Yeah, that much be it.
(2)
Brittany T.
Love this place. Nice atmosphere, spacious, great pizza. They have a great outdoor space with a bar and fire pit when the weather is nice. The Tuna Tartare is outstanding - fresh, a little spicy with black and white sesame seeds and malanga chips. It's delicious! Pizza is always great, prepared in their wood-fired ovens. They are super accommodating if you want to split a pizza or customize your own, too. I love their Oven-dried tomato & fresh mozzarella pizza (I usually add arugula) but all of the options look great. They have something for everyone. I hear they have a great brunch, but I haven't been yet. You have to try the Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding..trust me.
(4)
Janelle J.
I highly recommend the pear and apple salmon salad. It comes with candied nuts, sliced apples and pears and Gorgonzola cheese. It's also topped with a vinaigrette dressing. Since I'm not a fan of cheese on salads, I asked for it to be omitted. It was light, fresh and really hit the spot. It comes in two sizes unlike the Cobb which only comes in large
(4)
Shelly J.
I finally had the patience to come here. This place is always packed during the weekend. waiting time for more than 30 minutes is definitely, not worth it. I came here with co workers during the middle of the week and at lunch time. we were hungry and the wait wasnt long. We all decided not to get pizza and decided to get other stuff thats isnt so common. I got crab and avocado tower with crostini. It was very good. I was looking for something that was semi healthy and light. This was the perfect balance. Then I got the apple & pear salad. That was good and it had a good balance of salad, fruits, nuts and cheese. The honey balsamic dressing was okay. A little tangy. The service was good. Our waiter was good. Our food came out in time. There are so many things to try here. So I will definitely come back & order a drink to go with my meal.
(3)
Jennifer M.
Half onion and sausage and the other half sun dried tomatoes...nommers! No need to go into detail....I love pizza, especially pizza from Matchbox! If you haven't been, go! There are multiple ones in Maryland now, so you have no excuses!
(5)
Mel A.
On the very rare occasion that it's in the mid-70s in the DC area in the dog days of summer, take advantage of dining al fresco. A buddy wanted to meet somewhere casual halfway for lunch and I thought of Matchbox in Rockville. They have outdoor seating, and although you're several feet away from busy 355, the street noise isn't too bad. In cooler months, they have heaters above. There are a lot of decent choices on the menu, but I'm gonna go straight to dessert. Rarely do I save room for dessert because portion sizes are always larger than what they need to be. But when I'm at Matchbox, I always finish off with their coffee and doughnuts. 8 or 9 (I always lose count) of these hot cinnamon doughnut holes coated in powdered sugar come out with an espresso Kahlua crème to dunk them in. Delish. Do yourself a favor and order some doughnuts for dessert.
(4)
Boris S.
Mini Trio $18 (4/5 NOMs) Why not have it all. Sometimes you just can't pick one, so why not go with three different on one plate. You get the two of pan seared scallops, mini crab cakes and mini burgers. Each one is even more amazing then another. My favorite is still their bun-less mini burgers topped with fried onion strings. Meat patty is so juicy and flavorful, its like they put crack into it. Its simply addicting. Ask for some buns and you can make some super yummy mini burgers. Sweet & Tangy Calamari Salad $12 (4/5 NOMs) Dive into the greens. Making healthier choices in Rockville, one of DC metro suburbs. This was a right choice to satisfy our craving something light and healthy. It maybe a salad, but its all about the crispy calamari. It looked as if they packed a whole bag of calamari in there. Th fact that every bite we could taste the freshness made it so much better. Calamai tasted so good and fresh that you could mix them into anything and it will taste good. Salad came packed with a whole lot of field greens, banana peppers and roasted red peppers. Combination of balsamic vinaigrette and kalamato olives gave it a nice kick. Excellent order for any salad lover out there. Cobb Salad $13 (3/5 NOMs) I'm all cobb with prosciutto on my salad. Not just another cobb salad, but with a unique touch that Matchbox brings to every dish. Oh the yummy avocado, prosciutto, egg and gorgonzola. Very strong flavor ingredients, but none outshines the other, was a perfect flavor combination. Tasted very healthy and light. So why 3 you ask? Well, the portion just didn't match the price. With so little you just have to order extra meat on top. Just didn't feel like a lunch portion for a hungry nomster.
(4)
Katie H.
I love matchbox! Can't say I've ever had bad service, food is delicious and the bar drinks are awesome. Try the matchbox punch, whiskey smash or toasted Manhattan. I've actually never tried their pizza which is their speciality, but they have so many great other items on the menu! So recently I had the bistro burger - ahmazzzzingly thick & juicy. The blue cheese crumbles with the bacon & mushrooms compliment eachother so well. Today I was feeling edgy & gave the veggie burger a try. I've only had maybe three veggie burgers in my life, and was maybe only impressed with one. THIS ONE IS SO GOOD. It's a patty made from scratch with black beans, corn, onions & red pepper topped with avocado, chipotle mayo & thinly sliced tortilla strips. Hands down best veggie burger I've ever had! Besides burgers & sandwiches they have plenty of pizzas. My boyfriend had the crispy half chicken which was delicious:) The atmosphere is nice too. Dim lights, modern & cozy feel.
(5)
Vicki C.
Good service and food! Atmosphere is great! Can get loud on a busy night in the dinning rooms. Outside seating is sweet with a fire pit/bar that you can sit around at during happy hour. Food came out fairly quickly and there are lot's of choices to choose from. The fire and smoke pizza is pretty spicy! Not for the weak! Will return!
(4)
Katrina C.
After not visiting Matchbox for probably three years, I found myself at the Rockville location twice in two weeks. Holy moly I had forgotten how good their pizza was. I got the same thing both times, the personal sized chicken pesto pizza, which is covered in their housemade pesto sauce, herb-roasted chicken, and mozzarella. So, so, tasty! The chicken was juicy and well seasoned, and there wasn't too much cheese or sauce. Everything was well balanced. On both visits, the service was pretty lackluster. Plates were not cleared from the table in a timely matter before moving onto the next course, and on my second visit when we ordered dessert, it took 20 minutes for it to show up. On that note, the dessert we ordered was delicious. We ordered the cinnamon doughnuts with kahlua creme sauce, and they arrived in a cone container with a little container of the sauce. The doughnuts were still hot when we received them, and there was just enough sauce for dipping - a perfect sweet after dinner treat. I love the atmosphere in this restaurant, especially when sitting upstairs. It's so fun to people watch all the tables downstairs, and it really didn't get too loud when we were up there. When warmer weather returns, they have great outdoor seating with a fire pit.
(4)
Chris H.
I have visited matchbox plenty of times but I've always teetered between 4 and 5 stars. I've finally decided after my last visit that it's a 4 with the caveat it will average more at 3.5. Sorry for being complicated but ratings are serious! Anyways, it is a solid choice as a place to eat and/or drink. They have a good enough variety of beers and a full bar so that never is an issue. The food is solid and varies from okay to very good. My most memorable experience was brunch. The cinnabuns stood out the most, they were banging. My last visit I made a custom pizza which surprisingly I REALLY enjoyed. I am pretty good at picking ingredients though, so it's probably mostly me (sarcasm). Service: 4.5/5. Solid, very friendly. They were trained very well and are very attentive despite how busy they get. Atmosphere: 5/5. This place is so awesomely decorated. When I went for brunch, I sat in the top balcony area and it was great. The industrial theme really hits my preference. Food: 3.5/5. Like I said, it goes back and forth but you can expect between 3.5-4 depending on what you get. Drinks: 4/5. Solid selections and full-bar.
(4)
Sara J.
They recently have changed their menu for the better. Now serving steak, French fries and sandwiches as well as a new desert line up. For appetizers we got 3 sliders. They come on a bed of crispy onion straws which are crispy and nice to munch on. The sliders were prepared well and juicy. For entree I ordered the large pizza with pepperoni and sausage. The pizza is a little pricey. $20+ for the largest size with toppings. 2 -3 people can share it. Crust was crispy and the pepperoni provided plenty of flavor. I recommend. My friend got the chicken sandwich with fries. A good sized sandwich but it is small in comparison to cheesecake factory's chipotle chicken sandwich. Sandwich was crispy and wasn't dry or over cooked. Fries were homemade and are similar to the 5 guys french fries. Fresh cut and fried to a good crispness. Service was good although it did take the waiter a good 15 minutes to bring me the check after we finished eating. Not a fan of the desserts here. I would skip them entirely.
I would like to try more of the pizzas, but I'm hooked on the prosciutto & black mission fig one. It's so flavor-tastic and I love the thin, flavorful, and nutty crust. The apple pear salad is delicious, and the highlight of this salad is the honey-balsamic dressing. I also enjoy like to dip my pizza crust in this dressing.
(5)
K B.
This is definitely a go-to place for me. I have been here a few times with the hubby, a couple girls' nights out and a few special occasions. This place is usually on point. The only thing I don't really care for is that the music can be a little loud in the evenings.
(4)
Sonia C.
My boss took me to this place and swore that I would love the fried chicken sandwich. Which I did and it was amazing and will be back again. You need to try this sandwich. Onion rings are HUGE so make sure you share.
(5)
Michelle B.
Spicy meatball pizza was delicious. The kids gave MB a 10 out of 10 for food, service and decor.
(4)
David D.
Food was very nice. Service was great. Beer selection was small, yet varied. Vast selection of wines by glass or bottle. Woody sensual smoky smell & interior was great. Pricier than thought.
(4)
Karena J.
I really love the ambiance and atmosphere. There are outdoor fire pit tables and bar area/ tables under heat lamps. This area is especially great in early spring or fall. There are two indoor bars. No happy hour specials. Bummer. Wine list is pretty good. Draft beer list decent with plenty of rotating craft beers. Food is okay but not memorable. The sliders are tasty. The pizza is decent but not as good as Sugo or Pizza CS. Chopped salad was nice, fresh, with soft avocado. Service is underwhelming and twice, we actually had drink orders that never came. Odd. Still a great place to meet friends.
(3)
Julie O.
My husband and I were driving by and decided to grab dinner on a Friday night. We did not have to wait long to be seated. We looked over the menu and asked the waiter to tell us about the pizzas. He said the small is about 8 inches and the large is 13 inches. No other description. We decided to get the Matchbox Meat pizza. We told our waiter our order for the pizza and said we might want to order something else but asked if he could go ahead and place our pizza order. We had decided to get a large simple salad but before we could order it, our pizza arrived. It is a thin crust, which I enjoy but my husband would liked to have known before hand. The waiter came back by after our food was delivered but didnt bother to ask if we wanted anything else. We decided the pizza was enough and so we didnt order anything further. The pizza itself had good flavor and lots of cheese. It had a decent amount of mini pepperoni and small sausage but not enough to justify the price. I started eating my pizza with a fork as it was a little hard to pick up the entire slice with the heavy cheese and thin crust. But halfway through the slice I put my fork on the big platter that the pizza came on. Once we were on our last slice, our waiter returned and proceeded to pick up my fork and move it to my small plate and then remove the serving dish. I think it was pretty unprofessional, not to mention probably not protocol to touch a customers utensils when they are still using them. He was young and seemed like he was new. Overall it was decent pizza but perhaps not thrilling enough to return. Service was ok but could use improvement.
(3)
Kristin J.
The cram of crab soup...... Out of this world. Highly recommend this one. Had the sliders as well, there's a reason these are a top seller here. Definitely come here with your credit card in hand. The prices are a little high but the food is quality noms.
(4)
D J.
I've only eaten here once, but overall I would say it was a good experience. I went with a friend on a busy Saturday night. It was difficult to get a drink at the bar while we waited for our table. The restaurant is a bit loud. Not sure I would go for a romantic date, but for dinner with a friend the atmosphere was okay. We had the sliders as an appetizer. The burgers were really tasty. Delicious. I liked the onion straws, but the burgers came with way more onions than anyone needs to eat in one sitting. If that's your thing, you'll be happy. For dinner I had the ahi tuna salad, and I loved it. It was flavorful, a little spicy, full of ingredients that complemented each other really well. A delicious salad. I would eat here again, absolutely.
(4)
Denise L.
My fave pizza restaurant! This place does everything right. Pizza, salad, veggies, seafood and burgers! The cocktails are also great. Be sure to try the pepperoni and meatball pizza roll (amazing cheat day treat), the trio (great mix of meat and seafood) and the 3-6-9 burger...yummy! You can't go wrong with this place. Great for date night and girls night out.
(5)
Madison L.
I visited with a friend, my first time and the food was good, bit pricyish, very spacey and nice interior. But our server Katherine, whose name I got off our check..stopped by our table twice, once to take order and once we called over for refills. We had to ask another passing server for napkins, which she graciously brought over right away, was not able to catch her name. I did not think our server would stop by our table again so we asked for the check early. When she brought the check, she said thank you have a nice rest of weekend..and that was the longest phrase she uttered. For the price of food we paid, I thought we deserved more attention then what we experienced. I could eat pizza somewhere else~
(2)
Dave H.
Brunch on Mothers Day, with a reservation, we were seated right away. The brunch menu has some nice options and you can also order from the regular menu. From the attractive layout of the restaurant and the quality menu choices, why only 3 stars? It's all in the execution of the dishes and lackluster service. My kids both ordered the Captain Healthy, a great selection of munchables for a kid, but when asking if we could substitute the peanut butter for something else, the waiter was useless. How about ranch dressing to dip the carrots and celery? He tells us they don't have it. No biggie, but come on. I had the BLT Benedict, which was tasty, but lacking... maybe they are rationing the hollandaise and arugula? I mean, why else skimp on it? My wife had the huevos rancheros, which was tasty but cold. Cold eggs take away from a dish, and a great solution is to plate the food on a prewarmed plate. Our plates were cool to the touch. Tsk tsk, seems pretty basic. But wait, there's more! Our server was friendly, but lacked the knowledge that you keep returning to offer coffee refills before the customer has to ask. Okay, okay, but it wasn't that bad. We decided to order the cast iron cinnamon rolls to share for dessert, he tells us they're out. It's 11:45am, and they're out. He tells us its busy, they usually last longer (newsflash -its Mothers Day, a day families traditionally flock to brunch... make extra!). A collection of minor issues come together to leave us with a sour taste. I'll be back, I like their pizza, but really, there's no rush.
(3)
Ana P.
I really love Matchbox. This was my first visit of their second location and I was very pleased. BP and I splurged one day when we were supposed to oh to the gym... Ha ha ha, best decision EVER! We ordered a pie each since we could not decide on one together and shared. For dessert we continued the indulge-Fest and got the dessert platter with all of the dessert options. The sherbet was amazing and were the donuts. I can't wait to go back. The restaurant is so beautiful. It would be so cool to rent it out for a special occasion... 10 year anniversary? I'll start saving now!
I've eaten here twice this week because I'm staying at the hotel nearby for a business trip. I'm impressed! While I was ordering a simple salad earlier this week, I made the comment that I didn't see a Caesar salad on the menu. The waitress said, "oh we can make you one." Sweet! I asked for grilled salmon to top it off. The salad had the perfect amount of dressing and the salmon was hot, fresh, and cooked perfectly. I think I tasted a hint of sea salt on top. Very nice flavor. I deducted one star only because the brownie dessert is not good. The brownie under that ice cream is hard and cold. If they replaced that brownie with a warm, moist one they would get 5 stars from me. Tonight I ordered the Matchbox Meat pizza. Anchovies are not on the menu but I took a chance and asked, expecting a NO. I was wrong. They added anchovies to my pizza and it was fantastic. I finished it off with the Angeline Pinot noir. Very satisfying!
(4)
George M.
So, 4 stars....hm....don't know how to do 3.5. I have to say to their benefit, since each RedBox is a little different inside, you never get that dreaded sense of sameness. Food if ok, but not to die for. Reasonable mid-priced wine selection; their food didn't seem to me to be overly "bad", in the sense you go to some places and you eat a weeks worth of calories without even realizing it. Their flatbreads compare to Seaons's 52 which in my humble opinion are the best of the best. It's a very good choice for a good quality dinner.
(4)
Elsa M.
Matchbox Rockville is just a fabulous as the Matchboxes in DC, and, I have to say, that is saying something. Nestled near a bunch of chain stores, you would think that the restaurant would have lost some of its "cool factor" in the 'burbs, but not the case - and more importantly, it didn't lose any of the fabulous foodie flavor either. As usual, I opted for a variation of a Margherita Pizza and was not disappointed. My husband got crazy-dense Cobb Salad and a friend of ours order the grilled calamari salad. Every single bite was worth oohing and ahhhing over for sure. Matchbox is perfect for a date night or a night out with friends, and you can rest assured that the service will be stellar and the ambiance will be welcoming as well. It's definitely a place you want to sit and have a long, leisurely meal.
(5)
David C.
Yeah apparently my wife daughter and I were invisible. We waited 15 to 20 minutes before we left due lack of service. We watched servers walk by multiple times no one even asked if we wanted anything to drink. As we were leaving a server apologized that we were not served due to a "miscommunication". That shows that even though they knew we were there the chose not to serve us anyway. At least the food smelled delicious.
(1)
N - Pyranhadoc - W.
Surprising good! Excellent service in a very interesting and well designed restaurant. Soup, salad & pizza were first rate. I agree the the prices are high but they match the quality of food & service. Recommended highly. Please note, we were in for brunch and there were only a few folks in the place but I could see how sound levels would escalate if it was packed.
(3)
Ani J.
I love Matchbox. There are tons of vegetarian options, and the vegetarian options are flavorful and delicious. The difference between Rockville location and Merrifield location is that Rockville provides outdoor seating, which is great for the summers. I also feel that service at Rockville is subpar when compared to Merrifield. Here is what all I have tried: - Mozzi Carrozzi: Delicious. Initially, I thought this was something like bruchetta, but its totally different. This is some sort of bread that is fried, stuffed with mozzarella, and served with tomato sauce. I am not a cheese person at all, but this appetizer was soo good. - Black Bean Banh Mi: OMG - this is DELICIOUS. I highly recommend you try this out. I was expecting a black bean burger, but this is not a burger. The black bean patty is freshly made in the restaurant (not something that is frozen and heated). Its served on a ciabatta bread along with some salad. I chose to get Chickpea Fries instead of the salad. The Chickpea Fries are amazing. This is my absolute favorite at this restaurant. - Fire & Smoke Pizza: Now I cannot handle spicy food, but for some reason, I always tend to order this pizza. Yes, this pizza is that good. Of course I drink water after each bite and mouth is on fire, but I just love this pizza. If you can handle spicy food, I highly recommend this pizza. - Veggie Pizza: This is decent. Honestly, I would choose the above options over the Veggie Pizza, but its good to have a vegetarian pizza on the menu for people who want pizza and can't handle spicy. The ambiance is great. In the evenings, this place is packed and reservations are hard to get. I love their food and variety of veggie options. Thumbs up from me!!!
(4)
LaToya E.
I chose Matchbox as the location for my birthday dinner so I put together a small group of my friends to enjoy the experience, after hearing such great things about the place and reading all the reviews I couldn't wait to give it a try for myself! I first deduct a star because they don't take reservations over ten at peak hours.. I guess that's good for them but sucks for people in the threshold of over ten but not 15 (party size). I gave the star back when they were willing to let me call ahead (two hours early) for the table so it would be ready at arrival. When I got there I noticed how beautiful and large the restaurant was, unfortunately two people and my group were on crutches and they offered no accommodation for those who it would be difficult for them to climb the stairs (-1 star) Our waitress was extremely accommodating and very knowledgable of the menu, she even had pictures of some of the dishes! The food was great (I tried a few pieces of pizza around the table) and the drinks were great tasting! They even put candles in my dessert for my birthday! I will be here again to try other things on the menu!!!
(4)
Matt S.
The reason I give Matchbox 5 stars is because it is the most consistent and best restaurant chain I've ever been to. Whenever my family has a reason to go out to celebrate, which is about almost anything, we usually end up at the Rockville Matchbox. I've catered a happy hour with Matchbox sliders and pizzas which are all great. But, usually when I'm there for dinner I go with one of their entrees. I usually start off my meal with a small chopped salad which is great. When last there I had their rainbow trout with butternut squash and green beans. The combination of the buttery green beans along with the sweet squash and delicious trout made for an enjoyable meal. I also tried the creole pork tenderloin. Also a great tasting dish. These along with most of the other entrees are all great choices. I would highly recommend all of the Matchbox locations within the area. If you're looking for a great meal with a great ambiance for either a date or for a group, go to Matchbox.
(5)
myra f.
Not sure I get the attraction to this place. Our service was lackluster. Servers seemed like they were unhappy being there and actual service was spotty. Especially at the end, coffee no spoons, coffee spilled all over the cups when served. Food was tasteless. Especially the pizza. I liked the thin crust, but toppings had no taste. Q pizza and meat one and veggie would not order again. Salads expensive for serving size. Crab & avocado tower yuck, crab was not fresh and brown avocado, really? Tuna Tartar just okay.
(3)
Janelle H.
If you are a fan of thin crust grilled pizza this is the place to go! We got the Fire & Smoke and it was delish! Friends that came with us got the chicken pesto and meatball, everyone said how good their pizza was. Super trendy atmosphere with upbeat music. There isn't a kids menu but what kid doesn't like pizza?! Various craft beers as well as specialty drinks. The only issue was the waiter (David.V) wasn't very attentive and we had to ask what the specials were and to continually refill our drinks. Giving 3 stars due to the unwelcoming server and price for pizza was a little high for the size per pie.
(3)
Elaine D.
The first time I ate at Matchbox was shortly after they opened, and although the server was very nice, our appetizers came out after our entrees and there were various other glitches. Okay. They were new and needed more time. A month or so later, my daughter and I went back and ordered steaks. We were very careful to discuss with our server what medium and medium well meant in their kitchen. We were okay with some pink but didn't want any blood. So, of course, when our steaks came out, they were floating in blood. The server wasn't particularly apologetic and basically started to argue with us about whose fault this was. She went to get a supervisor and I thought certainly the supervisor would offer to recook or replace the meat. Oh, no, she was just as argumentative and unpleasant. Those two experiences made me stay away from Matchbox until today when I was at Congressional Plaza and needed a late lunch. Decided to give them another try. The server was great. I ordered a cup of cream of crab soup and a lamb sandwich. The soup was okay, nothing special for $6. But I was very disappointed in the sandwich. It looked good with feta, sliced cucumbers and onion and sliced lamb on pita. It was completely tasteless and lamb is usually a strongly flavored meat. I had specified that I wanted the topping on the side because I was afraid it would overwhelm the meat's flavor. Well, even without the topping, I could not discern any taste to the meat. The sandwich was accompanied by chickpea fries. Very cute elongated cubes stacked like firewood. Again, absolutely no taste. Needless to say, I will not be a repeat customer at Matchbox. They're always crowded, so I'm sure nobody will miss me!
(2)
Alene Y.
I've had the burgers for lunch and finally made it here for brunch with friends. Everything was delicious, we had the cinnamon rolls, the crab cake Benedict, coffee & doughnuts and many mimosas. Service was also very attentive, I will be back!
(5)
Susana M.
I'm really disappointed with this restaurant. A couple years ago we had a dinner with friends and family and everything was delicious! After 2 years I came back and big surprise, bad service, food needs salt and extras to taste a little bit better, to be honest I was expecting an Incredible pizza but what I got was really close to little Cesar or papa johns
(1)
Christina O.
Oh, what a disappointment. I should've known better than to expect much since it is a chain eatery after all, but having come from a lifetime in NYC and all the amazing Neapolitan pizza joints in Brooklyn, I was almost in tears when I bit into my Matchbox pizza. There was no bubbly outer crust, the bottom crust was rather thick, stiff and dense, and the whole thing was drowning in grease. Oh, Motorino, Barboncino, how I miss thee!! Please send someone over to teach them how to make proper use of their oven.
(2)
Brian H.
I'll start of by saying first that this is a generous three. I would say 2 and half if posible. Second, this is the only Matchbox I've ever been to and friends and coworkers have told me the Chinatown location is better in regards to one of my big complaints but I haven't made it there yet to be able to truly compare. Anyways... on to the review. I'll start with the good; the burger sliders were awesome. They alone would definitely make me consider going back to Matchbox. The pizza was 'good'. I liked it, but I do think it was overpriced. It's maybe like a 6/10 pizza at a price that I would pay for a 9/10 pizza. The atmosphere is where things get weird for me and makes a great transition point from good to bad. When you walk in it's this huge open room, you can see the fire in the pizza oven and stairs going up to the second floor. Impressive and overall nice. Also really really nice was the outdoor patio area that some customers were braving on that 45 degree evening. We however did not brave those temperatures and were brought to a side room with dining tables. I seriously felt like I was eating a meal in some baby boomer's family room circa 2002. Really, please Matchbox, complete the look by adding an oversized leather sectional and a Chevy Suburban parked in a driveway outside. I will happily eat in a dive if the food is amazing and the price is right. I will also happily pay top dollar for great food in a hip and well designed restaurant. What bugged me about Matchbox is that I paid top dollar for good food in a bland a poorly designed space that one must assume the owners think looks good. The lighting was also weird and gave me a headache even with my glasses on. In summary I'd give Matchbox another chance but I would prefer to try the other locations or sit outside at this one on a nice day.
(3)
Kyle F.
I've frequented the Matchbox at the Merrifield Town Center in Fairfax so going to the Matchbox in Rockville was a "no brainer". I'm surprised how much larger this restaurant is than the one in Fairfax--was able to get seated right away. I suspect there's a lot more competition along the Pike. I had lunch downstairs, the service is great and the food is excellent. Highly recommend, even though Matchbox is known for their pizza they have a wide selection of typical American Bar & Grille fanfare. If you want to sit by the fireplace, request to be seated in the fireplace room. It's a smaller intimate setting, especially nice in the cooler months.
Excellent pizza! I had what is considered to be a meat lovers. Was one of the best pizzas I had in DC. The IPA was great to. Think it was called a raving bitch. Service was prompt. Enjoyed the experience.
(4)
Lorena B.
If you happen to read my old review for Matchbox on H Street, you'll know it was once my favorite restaurant. Now I don't go nearly as much because I happen to think the chain has lost a few steps since expanding. This outpost was several steps down from the H St and Capitol Hill locations in previous visits. My favorite spicy meatball pizza is usually good anywhere but when I ordered it here last fall, the meatballs were dry and the dough burned black in some areas. I also ordered a bread pudding to go, which was also dry and flavorless. I resolved not to bother with this location again. Well, after Sunday's awful experience at Mosaic, I decided to give brunch here a try. The huge restaurant was almost empty (except for the patio) so we were seated right away. I ordered the BLT and the bf got steak and eggs, as well as cinnamon rolls to share. We were starving and asked for the rolls to be sent out first. At $6 I think the rolls were reasonably priced but they weren't great. I was expecting them to taste somewhat like Cinnabon but they're more like Pillsbury. Plus, they took foreverrrr to come out! The presentation in a cast iron skillet was cute though. The entrees were pretty damn good. My BLT is actually more like eggs Benedict, but with maple glazed pork belly (!!!!) instead of Canadian bacon, topped with arugula and served over grilled ciabatta, with a side of potatoes. The poached eggs were cooked just right and the sweetness of the pork belly gave it a nice contrast. The potatoes were good but nothing you couldn't get at a diner. His steak was seasoned well and tender, and served in a cast iron skillet like the cinnamon rolls. Maybe the food tasted so good because Mosaic left such a sour taste but I was pleasantly surprised by brunch. I probably wouldn't go out of my way to return but this last visit redeemed Matchbox Rockville for me.
(3)
Joodie T.
Came on a Saturday night and was seated within 5 min which was great considering they were pretty busy. Waiter was good and told us about the specials and we ended up ordering 2 out of the 3 offerings. The baseball sized meatball appetizer was a miss; too much filler and the bread was a pizza crust folded up, baked and sent out as some sort of dipping doodad. The other special we got was a ribeye with mushroom seasoning, blue cheese wedge salad and potato croutons. The steak and salad were delish, the potato croutons were measley and greasy. Blah. I would come back for the tried and true menu offerings and steer clear of the specials which were a bust.
(4)
Steve J.
Pros: Great place to hang out. Staff is extremely good. They have limited but decent selection of craft beer. I also enjoy the food and love the Matchbox Meat pizza. For me, it does not get any better - right balance of bread and meat. They also have nice liquor and wine selection. They never rush you out. Cons: Can't think of any but they could rotate more beer however it is an issue with Montgomery county and not the restaurant. Slightly on the expensive side for the food.
(4)
A V.
We have always enjoyed the food at Matchbox. When I mean food, I am only referring to the pizzas. Our favorite is the Fire and Smoke, very unique, very spicy with an awesome smoky flavor. Never tasted a pizza like it before and the taste has remained consistent over all the years. To top it off, they have a decent selection of beer on draft. If you are looking for a place to chill out, get some beer and eat some tasty pizzas then Matchbox is highly recommended.
(4)
Yaka H.
A friend suggested we meet here for brunch and I was pretty surprised they even offered a brunch menu. I will admit that I was a bit prepared to be a bit disappointed at the brunch fares, but I was pleasantly surprised. The breakfast pizza was alright, I think the biggest regret about ordering it were the eggs. They tasted like the prepackaged mixed eggs, so they didn't have the best texture or taste to them. In addition, it was hard to eat slices without all of the toppings spilling out. Flavor-wise alright with an exception of the eggs. Real eggs cooked with a runny yolk would have been a nice addition compared to the travesty of such scrambled eggs present on the pizza. I also tried the fruit and yogurt, which is quite simple, but the berries were pretty and fresh. Friends tried the waffles (sandwiched with peanut butter, banana, and bacon) and the New Orleans french toast (french bread french toast with candied pecans). Everyone was quite happy with their selections and were quite satisfied. So this isn't too shabby of a brunch choice. In particular, it's a nice place for brunch and they serve up a pretty good bloody mary too. It didn't seem that busy when we went, so it isn't imperative to make reservations for brunch, although, we did just in case. They serve the lunch menu in addition to brunch for those wanting a more savory option.
(4)
Jen C.
The pizza is still cardboard. (But the mushroom prosciutto is the best out of the bunch.) No, Mo's Magical Brownies are not melt-in-your mouth magical. If theirs is magical, then my Betty Crockers are some hypnotic phenoms. The tuna tartar is mashed up now, no longer nice moist chunks. Oh my god, clean out your fryer oil cause the doughnuts are disgustingly overpowered by old oil. BUT-- The ambiance (both indoor and outside) is still amazeballs on the Pike. The drinks are still delectable. And waitstaff always makes me smile. Which makes me still crawl back for more....
(3)
Zach M.
I have always had excellent pizza here, but for some reason, every time I bring friends, they are not impressed. I don't know what they are missing or what I'm loving too much, but this is one of my favorite specialty pizza places.
(4)
Sammy S.
Love this place! The food was good and the customer service was great. My friends and I were visiting from California and we had the privilege of being assisted by a gentleman named Joseph. He was extremely friendly, provided great recommendations, and made us feel very welcomed. I highly recommend this place to locals as well as those visiting from out of town.
(5)
Patrick W.
This place is a must go. There food and service is great. I know this is a good place for pizza but there crispy chicken sandwich is awesome. If you want a real treat get there crab cake sandwich. It's off the chain! If your really lucky you might get BRANDON as your server. This guy goes way out of his way to make the experience memorable. This is a great place to bring a date or just meet with friends...
(5)
Starr C.
I came back to Matchbox Rockville for Valentine's dinner, and I just wasn't feeling it as much as last time. I think that in the future, I will play it a bit safer and stick with their yummy pizzas. We had a reservation and were seated very promptly even though we came in early. My boyfriend had a vase of roses waiting for me, which was super sweet and nice to see when I walked in. Our server was nice, but seemed a little bit not there. Maybe he had other things on his mind on Valentine's Day. :( In general he was nice, but he seemed to be slightly forgetful. We ordered the mini trio appetizer instead of the 3-6-9 because we were trying to expand our horizons and be fancy. The seared scallop and crab cake were good, but the bunless burger wasn't as good as I thought it'd be. I guess I didn't realize it had cheese on it, so this ruined the burger for me a bit. In fact, I think I can argue that I didn't really enjoy my meal because of the cheeses. So I feel a little unfair because a lot of people would probably have loved my food for the very reasons I disliked it. We ordered the fig & prosciutto pizza in an attempt to be adventurous, since I've seen this combination many times before but I haven't tried it before. This was maybe not the best place to try it, because the cheese on the pizza does NOT go with figs. It was extremely difficult for me to eat, personally, because I felt the flavor of the cheese was severely overpowering the toppings. We also got the swordfish, which was tasty on its own, but the sides it came with were so weird. The root veggies it was served with were just kind of..... meh? I don't know what was wrong, but I didn't gobble them up the way I usually do. And it was served on this bed of... rice? Couscous? I don't know what it was, but the sauce was super bizarre to me. I just... couldn't eat all of it. We had ordered drinks when we ordered our food, but those came out kind of late, actually. Our server seemed a bit absentminded that night, but he was SUPER friendly so we couldn't get upset with him. We did overhear him forgetting something at another table also, shortly after he admitted to forgetting to place our drink orders. I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt (maybe his manager was forcing him to work on Valentine's Day and this was his way of acting out!) because he gave us our drinks on the house and was generally really nice. But he was forgetful and not super attentive to us over in the side room of the restaurant for a lot of the evening. Now I had only been 21 for about 2 months when I had this, so I definitely am not very good at enjoying alcohol yet. That being said, my vanilla peach iced tea tasted like cough syrup. My boyfriend ordered the boxcar off the "manly martini" menu. I was not ready for that kind of drank, I'll tell you that. I felt really disappointed with my second visit to Matchbox Rockville. I'm a little bit scared to come back, to be honest, but my first experience still rings true and I hope I have a better time if and when I return.
(2)
K C.
Great waiter, prompt service even though it was packed for late lunch/brunch. 3-6-9 burgers were as amazing as reviews. Angus was super juicy and the seasoning went well with it. Also had the Special Q pizza with roasted garlic added. I didn't really taste the garlic, pizza was ok...sauce needed a little more something. Good experience, would try again!
(4)
Satang L.
pizzas are great .. appetizers are awesome! drinks are solid .. but .. at this Rockville location ... Match Box , you guys seriously need to work on your host staffs .. we dined here last night .. there were a male host and two female hostesses on duty during dinner shift. The male host were nice and polite, so was the cute Latino hostess who greeted us with her beautiful smile. They gave us a buzzer since there's a wait by the time we got there. we waited a little bit, the buzzer was buzzed, we went to the host, here comes the star of the night .. we gave the buzzer to the host, and then another hostess (asian, long hair, skinny) came to us without saying hello, or greetings of any kinds. She told (her tone of voice was kinda not so welcoming) us to follow her. we were seated upstairs, at the very end of the hall which was very close to wet station and storage while there are plenty of tables available elsewhere with much better view. after she rated us, she put the menus down in front of each one of us and guess what happened? She just flicked off! of all these times, she never looked at our face, no smile, no "enjoy" , nada! ... if it's not because of this hostess issue we had, 5 stars isn't enough for this place. unbelievable!!
(1)
Adam G.
Been here countless times. Really good pizza but so many other things as well. The crab and avacado app is delicious. Make a reservation as it can get really busy. Happy hour is busy here and a good time but no specials so can be pricey. Brunch is good, try the cinnamon rolls. They have special menu but regular available also.
(4)
Sara O.
This place is so yummy! The staff is consistently nice and helpful with recommendations. My friend took me here for my birthday and it's become a frequent place to go now. The food is different and very delicious! I've heard people say it can be hit or miss depending who is in the kitchen but I've never been disappointed. A great place to go for an occasion or just to stop by on your way through for a drink.
(5)
Jackie C.
The design of the place is gorgeous, but I'm not paying to eat the decor. Outdoor seating is at a premium when the weather is nice, but there isn't an organized way in which to get a seat fairly. The pizza is... good, but not memorable. The staff is friendly and attentive.
(2)
Eddie K.
I've been here way too many times. I think the quality of the food and drinks have gone downhill since it opened. The last three times I've been here they ran out of most of their draft beers. I don't know how that happens. Yesterday, they were out four draft beers. They need to do a better job of inventory control. The pizzas are still good, but they changed the dough a little bit. It isn't as thin as before and they aren't that generous with their toppings as in the beginning. Also, the pizza came out hard - like a cardboard. The tuna tartar was dry (been sitting in the refrigerator a little too long) and didn't taste fresh. The mini-burgers are still good.
(3)
Christopher P.
When matchbox opened its doors down the street a couple of years ago, I was quite excited. There weren't too many great bars or pizza restaurants around, and it looks like a really cool building. Matchbox does not disappoint. It has numerous types of dining spots inside: two bar areas, an upstairs balcony, a slightly more private side area, the main floor, a pizza bar, and an outdoors patio. Very nice, simple decorations - the east wall is very cool with old wood and backlighting. It does tend to get a little noisy when full, but the atmosphere is lively and not overwhelming, and you can almost always find a spot...but it's always safe to go with reservations. The menu is surprisingly diverse for a restaurant billed as a pizza joint. There is an extensive cocktail selection, numerous (12 or so) beers on draft, and a decent-enough wine list. The beers mostly don't rotate, although there are a few selections that are seasonal, and there are more choices out of bottles. Appetizers range from mini-burgers (which are awesome - served with a big tangle of onion straws) to delicious soups. The main courses feature wood-oven-fired pizzas (with occasionally charred crusts), salads, and several entree and sandwich options. Up and down, the choices are unique and varied - I am particular to the Fire and Smoke, a pizza made with spicy chipotle tomato sauce, smoked gouda cheese, and sausage (I think?) or maryland crab soup. Even the desserts have plenty of options, ranging from fresh fruit to insanely-rich chocolate indulgences. All in all, a great neighborhood place to eat. It can get crowded, and sometimes the waitstaff doesn't know their bar selections, but I've always found this a comfortable and fun place to eat pizza and have a drink or two.
(4)
Andrew F.
Ate here with my wife a while back, and wanted to comment finally. If you want a cool atmosphere (way cooler than we are), and music...go for it. But the pizza here is kinda....watery and floppy.
(2)
Jen R.
Got the matchbox meat pizza, mini trio, guac crab stack and apple gorganzola salad. All were very good as was the pom martini. We will definatly be back again. We sat upstairs and our waiter Charles was great. Wonderful first-time visit.
(4)
Margaret Z.
Definitely make a reservation if you come here for brunch. On that note, this review is ONLY about the brunch... I've been to Matchbox on several other occasions at the other locations and I would say the quality of the food here based on the brunch offerings was still pretty consistent. I ordered the pork belly eggs benedict and my boyfriend got the steak and eggs. The portions are huge! We paired it with Matchbox Mimosas, which I highly recommend - they are tiny and pricy, but delicious and worth trying. The pork belly eggs benedict is AMAZING. I'm a HUGE fan of pork belly, and I would say that this is much tastier than the crab cake EB I had at the Gallery Place Matchbox. The sweetness of the pork belly was the perfect pair to the poached eggs, and the meat itself was so tender. The steak and eggs come out in a cast-iron pan and the steak was skillfully cooked as well. The scrambled eggs were nothing special, but my boyfriend couldn't stop raving about the Texas toast that came with it. The atmosphere here is beautiful - very roomy and great for large groups/families or a date. The service is a little slow but the waiters are extremely friendly. All in all, a great meal!
(4)
Rachel A.
Love Matchbox, it's hands down my favorite place to go for a relaxed dinner. It's loud, so don't expect it to be a place for an intimate dinner, but it's a fun, lively atmosphere. The service is generally pretty good, and the waitstaff are friendly and accommodating. I sometimes go with a friend who needs certain seating accommodations, and they are always very gracious about it. My absolute favorite thing on the menu is the sliders with the onion straws. Try it, and you'll be hooked! Perfectly made, delicious, moist. MMM. I've eaten almost everything on the menu, and I love it all! PS: go for brunch and get the cast iron cinnamon rolls and you'll be dying happily!
(4)
Alan S.
Great meal today. A big step up from last time. We got the Seared Salmon and Ribeye. Both were delicious. Lots of cool sides that really complemented the meats. Not a big fan of their pizzas as they are tp greasy for me. Fruit pizza was okay. Cooks need to chop fruit up more as whole blackberries and strawberries were placed on top. Will try donuts next time.
(5)
Jeneane B.
When this Matchbox location first opened, you couldn't get a table for weeks. Now that the initial luster has worn, it might only take an hour to get a table walking in on a Friday night (which is not bad in Rockville). But if you enjoy a good beer or a nice drink, you can wait at the bar. It's definitely a trendy place, but not overly so. My husband and I have come here for weekend brunch, lunch and dinner and the experience is different at each meal. Service seems to be a bit slower at brunch than it is at dinner. The food has always been good though. We like their specialty pizzas, but find that ones with vegetables tend to be a bit underdone/soggy, so we stick with the spicy meatball, fire & smoke, and Matchbox meat. The sliders appetizer is perhaps the best food item on the menu. They have a good drink menu, with fairly reasonable drink prices - again, for Rockville.
(3)
Rob H.
As always the food was great here. What I really enjoyed about my experience was my server. In fact, each time I've been, my server has been different but the experience was the same awesome level of courteousness and attentiveness.
(4)
Leonard A.
This place really has overpriced pizza. Not to mention that theirs nothing special about the pizza.
(2)
Patrick M.
What a tremendous experience at Matchbox in Rockville. The atmosphere is unique and the drink menu is awesome. Definitely sample one of the few appetizers on the menu -- great taste. The pizza is of excellent quality with lots of great selections for every preference. The outside looks like an awesome spot for happy hour, and it is a great dinner spot, as well.
(5)
Jackie F.
I have came here about 3 times and it is definitely a really nice place to have dinner with friends, family, or a date! Every time I have come here I have gotten the 3 6 9 burgers which are mini burgers topped with onion strings on top! They are very tasteful! I have also gotten the pizzas here and are pretty good as well! Usually I don't have any room for dessert, but I definitely recommend trying their dessert it is really good! The reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because the last 2 times I have tried coming here the wait time is 40 min to an hour! Also, every time I do come and eat here my food takes a very long time to come out! I have gone to other restaurants that are pretty big and busy and do not take this long. Overall the food is pretty good, the staff is friendly and nice, and the decor is lovely and modern!
(4)
Harsh Deep Singh N.
Loved the ambience, and the food, Almost anything you order off the menu will be good, from pizza to steak to grilled fish. One of my favorite restaurants around. Just wish that they had a few more options with chicken though.
(4)
Chaz C.
Really good place, a bit pricey but expected for Rockville now and with the quality of food. I had the cream of crab soup, seared salmon and seasonal sorbet (which was strawberry) and all three items I would recommend. There was a minor issue but talking with the manager he was dedicated to making sure things were right. Good food, lovely atmosphere despite at times getting loud at what might of been happy hour and caring staff. Give this place a try, it is worth it.
(4)
Jeanne K.
I come here all the time with my family. We usually get some combination of a pizza, a 369 slider burger, shrimp & grits, and their doughnuts for dessert. I particularly like their prosciutto and mission fig pizza and their pesto based pizzas. My dad likes the matchbox pizza and the other one with lots off meat in it. We typically order the large and do 1/2 and 1/2. I love the sliders here. You can choose from 3 different cheeses (gorgonzola, gouda, and I think swiss) They come topped with these thing and crispy onion straws (I think that's what they're called). With the patty in sliders being so small, they do a great job in keeping the meat moist. As for dessert, their doughnuts look somewhat like doughnut holes but aren't so round and uniform in shape. They're coated with some sort of mocha powdered sugar, and they are crunchy on the outside and moist and rich on the inside. They come with this espresso/coffee cream, and when you dip the doughnuts in the cream, it's amazing.
(4)
Bill M.
This was probably 4th or 5th visit to Matchbox, 3rd to this location. However this is the first time we opted to eat something other than pizza and sliders. What a disappointment. I had the Turkey Club, no taste at all. My wife likewise found her wood fired lamb sandwich to also be tough and bland. So stick with pizza and sliders. Seems the other food is all an after thought.
(2)
Shawn K.
Doing matchbox with the family. Beat out over mamma Lucia's, everyone got something different. Nice and modern with everyone in black uniforms. Looks professional, no wait and food was fast... And good. Wish everyone here wasn't so young as it doesn't add to the family atmosphere, Mamma Lucia would've better fir that. But overall good place
(4)
Todd B.
Visited here in mid-August. The call ahead feature is useful. Essentially, it's like putting your name on the seating wait list from your home. Host is cagey when it comes to an exact wait-time, but who'd want to leave their table early on a nice evening? No wait for tables inside - but we wanted outside. Wait was about 20 minutes for 4 of us at 7:30P on a Friday, but we were rewarded with their outside upstairs seating. While the view was essentially parking lot - it made us feel light years away from Rockville Pike! Service was attentive and relatively quick despite a large party at the next table. Ordered 3-6-9 sliders and onion straws which are a staple there. Main course was Fire and Smoke pizza for one side of the table and crusted ahi tuna salad for the other. Finish was amazing on both. Wonderful selection of craft brews with good descriptions. Can't recall what was ordered (how's that for a review?) but from NY finger lakes region. Waiter boxed up leftovers and we were pleased with a delightful meal at Matchbox. Will return again!
(5)
Zhuozhen L.
the service was great. but i'd rather get crappy to ok service than crappy to ok food. my friend and i ordered the half and half the matchbox meat and prosciutto white the matchbox meat was good, but tad on the salty side. now, the prosciutto white was super salty side. i'm not sure if they understand that to taste good does not equal to loading up the salt...ricotta on the white was like...one slice. not that i am hating, it was a long piece, but wow i could not chew through that it was mad awk. service was good though. she was super sweet and accommodating to us. kind of wish she'd stop by just to ask how the food was but i get that some people don't dig that. atmosphere was great. we were seated at this corner though. that was kind of awk too....i get you tryna make space but yo there are so many open seats. overall i would probably not come back for the pizza, at least. it was too expensive for mediocre pizza. i heard other stuff on the menu is bangin', though.
(2)
Jose P.
Matchbox!!! mini burgers and pizzas only!!! I have never order anything else. Beautiful decoration, great ambiance. Service is ok. Have fun and enjoy it!!!
(3)
Armin V.
We went there on a Fri night. We got two pizzas (Matchbox Meat & Ham Arugula). Our food was very salty and a little overcooked. but overall it was fine. The Ham/Arugula pizza was much better than the other one. Our server was Okay! I really like the environment of Matchbox in Rockville.
(3)
Jesse W.
Me and some co-workers picked up the 9 sliders for an appetizer. Then shared one of the spicy all meat pizzas. This place was incredible! From the swanky music all the way to the multiple patios with great views. Nothing to complain about and the food was TREMENDOUS! Usually burgers sliders are thawed and so cheaply made. NOT HERE, they were absolutely delictible. I would come back every night of the week if I could! Eat here you won't regret it!
(5)
Karen K.
Good experience today at Matchbox. Our family group have different eating preferences and all were satisfied with the menu offerings. Our waiter, Brandon Metro, was super conscientious, offering,suggestions from the menu, refilling drink glasses without being asked, and bringing more ketsup too when he noticed we were running low. Pizzas and burgers well received all around. The grilled lamb sandwich was good but the lamb itself could have used some seasoning. The accompanying tzasiki sauce and veggies served with the lamb on grilled naan helped but maybe even salt and pepper would have made the lamb more flavorful. The restaurant worked well for the multi-generational group.
I really liked the pizza I ordered at matchbox. I forgot the name of it but it was one of the best pizzas I have ever tried in the dmv area. Our server was attentive, but he forgot the green pepper that I wanted to add to the pizza :(. Other than that the service was nice and prompt. We sat in the outdoor patio, it was kind of romantic with low lights and heated lamps. Great place for pizza and nice atmosphere. P.S. Don't get the brownie dessert, it wasn't that great.
(4)
Eric H.
They have a very good quality pizza but they should not change their menu without informing clients , leave the veggie pizza like it was and make me and others to come back, I recommend them.
(4)
Irene A.
Still love this place just as much as the first time!
(5)
Wayne R.
I didn't eat here so this is not a real review but this came up in a search for "live music." I called to find "we don't have live music anymore" so this is an update.
(3)
Margaret L.
Matchbox is terrific! Great for large groups and it has delicious pizzas! Come for the pizza. Parking here is easy as well.
(4)
Casey K.
Came here for faux happy hour with a coworker, a "Fappy Hour" if you will. I use faux because we were here right after work when any other restaurant has their happy hour in full effect. My coworker and I were seated, we asked about happy hour specials, to which we were told, "We do not have happy hour"...what?!? You could tell the server even thought this was idiotic because she followed up with, "Yeah, we're probably the only restaurant on Rockville Pike that doesn't have a happy hour". So, with that said, expect to pay full price for your after work get-togethers at Matchbox. We ordered our drinks, a pomegranate martini for me, and a cucumber gin and tonic for my coworker. Both were excellent, I highly recommend either. I ordered a large Prosciutto and Black Mission Fig pizza, and my coworker ordered a small Oven-Dried Tomato and Mozzarella pizza. I figured I could take home whatever I did not finish. However, in the end, we both ended up talking for forever and sharing our pizzas. This was actually a good amount of food for two hungry lady's after a hard day of work, we both left very well satiated but not "regret your life" full. The black mission fig has a ton of garlic on it. There is no tomato sauce used, so it is a white pizza. The sweetness of the fig works really nice with the saltiness of the prosciutto. I did not like the flavor that the arugula brought to this pizza, it was a little too bitter for my taste and in the end I picked it off and just ate it separately and not with the pizza. The crust was thin, crispy, and not at all burned. The mozzarella pizza may have been cooked a bit too long, the edges were black in some areas and had that off putting burned taste. To put it into perspective a bit, I had nothing left on my plate from the prosciutto and black mission fig, while with the mozzarella pizza, I had crust left over on my plate. Overall, I could take or leave matchbox, the food was just ok to me with nothing too memorable. Instead of having dessert at matchbox, we actually drove down the pike to have the yummy and ginormous Tiramisu at Timpano.
(3)
Tamika H.
The atmosphere of this place is really nice and great for a date night or just a low key place to sit at the bar and watch sports. I had the chicken pesto pizza which was delish and perfectly cooked. They had different types of cocktails to try. The waitress seemed a little bit off but very nice. I would go back in a heartbeat to try out another dish.
(4)
Rob W.
Someone had recommended Matchbox to me and I'm so glad they did. This is a relatively brand new restaurant built new from the ground up. For a place that specializes in pizza, it's probably the nicest I've ever seen. It's definitely casual but you wouldn't look out of place a little dressed up either. All the pizza here is fresh made to order in a wood fire oven. There is a large selection of gourmet pizzas and so there is definitely something for everyone. The service and food here was excellent. The personal size pizzas are perfect in size - the dough is pretty thin, so if you're coming here with an appetite you should have no problem eating one by yourself. I ordered a salad as an appetizer as well and that was delicious. If you love pizza and want to try something different, this place is awesome. The prices are completely reasonable and you will definitely not be disappointed. I'll be back soon!
(5)
Ashley G.
Went for brunch and sat on the inside patio bar. Server / bartender didn't know the specials, but took our order fast. After taking our order she never came back to check on us. Just to fill water once. Another server had to remove our appetizer plates and someone else had to deliver and bring back the check. The entire time she stood there talking to what if looked like the manager about school. She paid us no mind. I don't know if she was an air head or just doesn't know simple customer service Besides that brunch pizza was amazing!!
(3)
Evonne L.
three stars for two reasons: their sliders and their fig pizza. the other pizzas are decent but really nothing special. the fig pizza is good but only if you like sweeter, drier pizzas. but those sliders- oh man they are the ish! slide into my belly! also, don't get the fish, it's pretty terrible.
(3)
Gina R.
I've been here a few times today the service is a little slow today but the food is excellent. I get the spicy meatball pizza and trio appetizer it's delicious!
(5)
S B.
Loved this place! The mini burgers are excellent and the pizzas are all delicious!! Everything I have tried there has been excellent. Nice atmosphere too!
(5)
Matt V.
I went there, loved everything about it, nice people awesome food and never let me down. This place deserves all stars
(5)
April P.
I went here for my birthday dinner and the food was great! Drinks were a little overpriced and the waiter seemed a little overwhelmed with the amount of people at the table. It was a party of 12 so I understand. However, I wish he would have checked back in a little more often with everyone. The pizza and sliders are great! The design inside the building is really nice too! I want to try the locations in D.C. to see how they are! I recommend this one though!
(4)
Anthony C.
I had wanted to try Matxhbox for while--even though I am not into the whole artisan pizza in a brick oven thing. Tony Kornhieser had said he liked it on his show, and that was enough for me to want to give it a try. (I'm a little.) We had the mini-burger appetizer which was fine. Not the greatest, but the little buns they had for the burgers were worth it all alone. You can order a pizza split, with each half different, which we did. One side was Prosciutto & Black Mission Fig and the other Sweet Sopresatta Salami & Wild Mushroom. Both were very good, but I enjoyed the fig more. It seemed a little silly to do anything resembling a standard pizza: brick oven pizza is not regular, NYC, pizza. We also did a desert, which I recommend: The Trio Dessert: Molten chocolate cake sorbet trio house-made doughnuts. We did not finish any of it, but for $12 it was a lot of food, and you got to sample a bunch of different tastes. The little donuts were like New Orleans beignets. Cafe Du Monde is a tourist trap, pain in the ass: but man those little donuts are good. Matchbox's had these little things done right. Our waiter was very good, and we were checked on several times by other staff. All in all, a good night out.
(3)
P F.
Have been here twice so far. Great restaurant overall. Customer service is always great. Both times I went, I ordered the prosciutto and black mission fig pizza. It is amazing. I highly recommend! My brother ordered the spicy meatball which was equally delicious! Also, make sure you try the 3.6.9 burger sliders for an appetizer. One of the best burgers I've ever had!
(4)
Phi N.
Forget the pizza! I came back here and was very impressed with their mini trio and bistro burger. I actually wanted to just get more mini trios, hahah. But instead, we decided to try the tuna tartare. It was good, but not nearly as good as the mini trio. I still think the pizza is overrated, but these items have upgraded their rating from me. Finished off our meal with chocolate chip bread pudding. It was really good, but who can eat that much dessert?? We even split it and still couldn't finish.. Smaller portion please... **Add-in** The steak & cheese is not worth the order. Go to a real sub shop if that's what you want.
(4)
Jessica F.
Honestly I wasn't that impressed. The pizzas are way over priced for what you get, I don't care how many fancy toppings you put on it. $23 for a pizza that didn't satisfy two people is disappointing. I guess I was paying to look at the re-claimed wood accents than the food.
(2)
Erica G.
I may be in love I don't know. But everything about this place is amazing, the atmosphere, the service, and most importantly the food!! I've had ever burger on this menu and I just can't their that good. Matchbox is a must for anyone who wants to feel like they're in heaven even for a few minutes.
(4)
Donna Y.
Matchbox has made it to Maryland! Finally a great restaurant to take over a spot that has had a stream of restaurants that never succeeded. Believe me, I have dined at each one...from Shelly's Wood Roast, That's Amore to the PGA Tour restaurant. Dined with Duy N and the food was pretty good. Got there around 9:30pm on a Saturday and the wait time was an hour (definitely make a reservation). We stopped by the bar and were able to grab table within fifteen minutes. Mini Burgers: According to Duy N. they were quite good. Meat was cooked to the right temp. and the pickle on the bottom added a nice crunch. The onions or fries on top weren't as good as expected. They were room temp. when they got to the table. Cream of Crab Soup: Very smooth and creamy with excellent flavor. Fire and Smoke Pizza: Duy N. got the fire and smoke pizza which he enjoyed. Not as spicy as he thought, but he can handle really spicy. Veggie Pizza: Nice flavor and the crust was thin and crispy, which I love. All it needed was some tomato sauce. This is a white pizza and I'm not a fan of white pizza. There are three essential ingredients to a pizza: dough, tomato sauce and cheese. Coffee and Donuts: Awful! We decided to order the coffee and donuts based on the great reviews from fellow Yelpers, but they were terrible. I don't know what donuts they were eating, but I had donuts that were dense and chewy, not appetizing at all. It tasted like they threw balls of pizza dough into the fryer and tossed it in cinnamon-sugar. Our server Susan P. was fantastic. She was super friendly and very knowledgeable about the menu. We will definitely return for the food, but not the dessert.
(4)
D M.
I'd prefer to call this place Gougebox. A few friends and I walked in after we found Pizza CS was closed across the street. While waiting for a table, we decided to grab a round of beers. The server recommended a new spring beer from New Belgium. It was a pleasant enough beer, but then the bill came: a whopping $34 for four beers. Without gratuity. No wonder she was so eager to suggest the beer at an $8.50 price tag. They were selling Chimay's tripel for $9 which at least has a higher ABV to justify the price. I found it audacious and insulting. I think Matchbox should realize that it's in Rockville and not Times Square. We sat down and grabbed a few sliders as an appetizer. We nervously laughed at the sticker shock on the menu items. The bill for six tiny hamburgers came to about $20. We paid, gathered our things, and walked over to Armand's across the street. We enjoyed a huge deep dish pizza for $10 and pitchers of beer that cost as much as one New Belgium beer at Matchbox. I'm sure there are people who don't mind Matchbox's higher prices but for all the flair and flash, there's little substance for someone like me. At the risk of insulting anyone who enjoys this place, I feel like it's a ripoff.
(2)
Anthony M.
Earlier I wrote a review telling you to not avoid a blonde server named Chris. This was petty of me bc I was mad at him for something that nothing to do with his job. In fact he is a really good server and you would be lucky to sit in his section. Also, match ox food is great, ( I love the scallops) So try them out, sit in Chris' section.... You'll have a great time! Sorry I was a douche
(5)
Teresa L.
I am always on the lookout for good pizza (which is sadly lacking in this area) so I was pretty happy when Matchbox opened within walking distance of my house. The first time I went was with people from work and we all tried several appetizers, some salads, and pizza. I will say straight away that the onion straws are heavenly and not to be missed. They come with the sliders but you can order them separately as well. Also among my favorites are the crab avocado salad appetizer (which is big enough for a meal and for which they will gladly bring you moar crostini), the tuna tartare, and the calamari salad (also big enough for a meal). My boss' kids go nuts for the sliders Unfortunately the pizza here is just...meh. It is good but it is not great. The crust would be flavorful if it were not so burnt. Saying "wood fired pizza can get a little charred" does not really come to close to describing the extent to which the crust is actually black sometimes. The smoke and fire pizza is delicious but has way too much sauce. Whether you find it to be "very spicy" as the menu claims is a matter of personal fortitude but I think it could use a little more oomph. It is a great mix of flavors though. The veggie pizza is also good and comes with little potato chips on the top, which might sound weird but it works very well. I haven't tried any of the meat pizzas (vegetarian) but I'm told the chicken pesto pizza is good. I'm usually stuffed like a whale when I leave here so I've never tried the desserts. The bar menu is good but a little pricey. Be prepared to spend a fair amount of money here if you want an appetizer, a pizza, dessert, and a couple of beers. I can easily spend $50 here by myself. Which is another thing. I usually dine alone and without fail, the three times I've come to Matchbox the host has tried mightily to direct me to a bar seat. Now..I am sensitive to the concerns of busy restaurants, which is why I tend to go when they are not busy. So each time this has happened the restaurant has been mostly empty. The bar is often loud and usually quite crowded and it's not where I want to eat my meal. While they didn't seem to begrudge me the corner table they eventually led me to, it seemed a bit odd. Perhaps it is a restaurant policy.. Anyways, this is a good reliable place to take friends and/or family, especially if there are lots of different tastes. Their menu has many options other than pizza and quite a few of their daily specials have sounded tempting. When the weather is nice they have a nice patio and a deck for dining al fresco and all the staff have been friendly and helpful. I will certainly eat here again. However, my hunt for good local pizza goes on...
(3)
Susan L.
Went for the first time last month and shared 3 pizzas with 3 other ladies (4 diners total). The pizzas were delicious and were so large that we had lots of left overs. I loved how each pizza has a distinct and unique flavor. Would definitely go again!
(4)
Miki L.
A very large restaurants, with a menu big enough for everyone to find something. I enjoyed the appetizer sampler, with two juicy, fat seared scallops, two mini crab cakes and two mini sliders, minus the bun. Yum, yum. On another visit I totally enjoyed the roasted half chicken. Wow. Can't decide if the smashed potatoes or the chicken were better. Would have liked the grilled corn, but it was on the cob, and I didn't feel like picking it up and gnawing on it. The bar staff is very friendly. I found a nice selection of wine -- by the glass and bottle -- and while they have a handful of average bottled beer, they have a dozen interesting beers on tap. Desserts sound fab, but sadly, not room. And I was told by another diner that the pizzas are amazing.
(4)
Ken E.
Ok, decent food. GREAT beer selection.
(3)
dre t.
Food was ok but service at the rockville location has been terrible the 2 times I've been there. Some of the staff are slow and not professional, menu should offer more which would be nice.
(2)
Melanie Y.
I came here for dinner with a group of friends who raved about the new place with the first one located in chinatown DC. The way the building is set up and the lit sign immediately draws you in making you feel warm and cozy. First off, I do try to be like Rachel Ray and ask the waiter what his fave dish was, but now I think I'll stop doing that next time. Everyone's tastebuds are different, so what could be his fave dish may not be mine at all and this was the case here. I'm not sure why I'd expect anything different. Whoever thought up that concept should be scolded nicely and recommend others not to do it. =P Well, the pizza suggested by the waiter was the chicken pesto, which was just ok, but then again, if I can't remember what I ordered, could that be any good? hmmm. I shared the pizza with my friend, but we both, however, veered towards our couple friend's pizza, which was pretty darn good. I forgot to ask him what he ordered though. Oh and apparently the mini burgers are a must and depending on how many burgers you get, you'll have a mound, and I mean MOUND of onion straws piled on top. That was pretty good, but a bit dry IMO and only bc I believe I ordered mine well-done. I'd come here again if I'm in the area.
(4)
Namataka H.
Decor: I love the decor. It was unique and in the area we sat it was perfect for a couples' outing. The different sections of the establishment brings all kinds of people together from family, friends and couples. Service: We made reservations, so the host seated us quickly. The waiter didn't know the menu fully in and out. If she didn't know she found out for us quickly so I give her pass on that. She checked on us frequently enough to make sure we didn't go without. She got a tip lol Food: AMAZING! The pizza has a distinct taste due to how they are cooked in the wood fire oven. The mini burgers are outstanding! Due to it being a recent location there wasn't a brunch menu but I can't wait to try brunch.
(3)
Debbie H.
It was our first visit to Matchbox 369. We had no idea what to order so we have left our waiter in charge. Let's just say - Mini Angus Beef Burgers with Fried Onion + Apple & Pear Salad + Vegetarian / Q Special (grilled marinated chicken) Woodfire Pizza = Perfect Lunch Munchie!!! All the dishes we ordered were delicious and well priced: The Angus Beef patties were beautifully grilled and extremely juicy. Freshly prepared Apple & Pear Salad with hint of sweetness and sourness really opened up our appetite. The woodfire pizzas were perfect mixture of texture and flavor - definitely not too greasy and not heavy on the stomach. The service was great and very accommodating. And the decor was hip! Definitely a place to hang out and chill after a long day work :)
(4)
Marivic L.
Matchbox has a good, fun vibe, so it's a great place to meet some friends for dinner, which is exactly what I did tonight. We shared a the trio appetizer which included: 2 MINI BURGERS - FYI, these are sans bun. I'm OK with that, but you might not be. They were cooked medium rare, which is how I like them, and they had a good grilled flavor to them. They were topped with battered and fried onions which was a good added flavor and texture. 2 MINI CRAB CAKES - This wasn't jumbo lump crab, of course, but it had good flavor and was slightly crisp on the outside. 2 SCALLOPS - I didn't eat these because I knew I was getting scallops for my entree (Please see SCALLOP ENTREE for the review - haha) Next, we each had a PEAR & APPLE SALAD - Mixed greens, pears, apples and candied nuts. Yes, please. For my entree, I had the SCALLOPS w/mashed sweet taters and pork belly. This is how I felt about the components: SCALLOPS - 4 huge, perfectly cooked morsels. SWEET MASHED POTATOES - Very good, but I'd have preferred it without the sauce, which was very sweet. The pork belly was placed on top of the sauce. PORK BELLY - I honestly don't think the pork was pork belly. It was pork, yes, but not the belly. This was disappointing because it was not as advertised and was tougher than I'd hoped. Also, since it was placed in the aforementioned sweet sauce, it was no bueno. After all was said and done, the "PORK BELLY" and the sauce was left on my plate. I tried really hard to eat every single bit of the mashed sweet potatoes that I could salvage. All in all, I give matchbox 3 stars because it's worth coming back to try more things. I won't let their version of pork belly keep me away.
(3)
Sokha A.
I love Matchbox! The ribs were great, the sea scallops were good but sparse, the Q Special pizza was tasty, the mini trio was a nice sampling, loved the bread pudding; I enjoyed everything I ate there. My kids love the bread dough they got to play with, instead of the typical crayons and paper they get everywhere else, nice touch. A+ on the decor and layout, love that there's large semi-private rooms sectioned off, instead of just one huge room, gives it a cozier feel. If you sit anywhere in the middle, it can be a bit noisy, though.
(5)
E. F.
Have eaten here several times and have always enjoyed it. Can be busy on weekends, but on a Monday night it's just the right amount of busy. :-) My favorites: Mini Trio appetizer. 2 bunless mini burgers (w/amazing marinated mushrooms), 2 tiny crab cakes, and 2 scallops. This works great to split with my pesceterian boyfriend. I eat both the mini burgers and one of the seafood items, and he eats the rest. PROSCIUTTO & FIG PIZZA. Holy crap. You will see it on the menu and be all, "what? figs and honey on a pizza? that sounds weird." IT IS WEIRD. It's the best weird you can put in your mouth. You should do it. The pizza hits all the right notes with the smokey/salty prosciutto, creamy cheese, sweet figs, spicy arugula, and just a drizzle of black pepper honey. It is so, so good. You can go to a pizza place like this and get your ol' standby of pepperoni, or you could give your mouth something insanely awesome to chew. Up to you. The dining area is always immaculately clean, servers are prompt (and help each other out). It's on the pricier side, but two people can split 1 app, 1 small pizza, and 1 dessert and be totally full. (We got a large pizza and took half home for tomorrow.)
(4)
A J.
Everything we've had has been great! The sliders are awesome and fun to share!
(5)
Christopher M.
Smoke & Fire pizza
(4)
CINDY E.
Expensive and well worth it. The ambience is spectacular, the food phenomenal, I love the Italian ham with arugula pizza. Do not miss the pear salad which is the best anywhere. Chimay beer is from Belgium and it tastes like, beer meets champagne! Sit outside at the fire pit.
(5)
Gues T.
Bad salad. Wilted greens. Incomplete order. The car alarms and Rockville Pike traffic will round-out the experience. There are better places in Rockville for great pizza and cold beer.
(2)
Nicole R.
What a gem in Rockville; the area NEEDS a place like Matchbox. This restaurant will be hopping in the spring/summer. I agree with my fellow yelpers; this will be THE place to go for happy hours. I cannot rate their food because I only had drinks here; the mango-mango cocktail was fantastic. The food prices look moderate and I'm sure their pizza is delish. I will definitely be back here and will update my review once I actually try their fare. Great layout; very roomy...two bars, nice bathrooms. This place is cozy and well designed. Parking is ample and the place is easy to get to from the Pike or 270.
(4)
Rosely S.
I've been to match box on 355 a few times now and gotta tell you, the hosts are NOT very friendly. They definitely are not up to help you. I have set at the bar, at the table bar, and at dining area. Dining area was ok as far as service. But other than that, the rest of the the staff that I was approached by are not friendly at all. Had a prosciutto and arugula pizza the 3rd time I went.. And I recreated it! Please go to Oro restaurant in Rockville town square if you want to experience a tasty pizza. Overall the staff at match box should get some training on how to treat he costumers.
(2)
Sonny M.
I went here for dinner at a Sunday night. There was no wait. As for the food, I thought it was good, but the food is really anything unique or adventurous. My girlfriend and I ate the miniburgers and prosciutto and figs pizza. The miniburgers were tasty but a little dry and smaller than most miniburgers that I am accustomed to. Remember to ask for ketchup and mayonnaise for the burgers. Our waiter remember to ask if we wanted it. As for the pizza, the pizza is cooked in a coal fire pit. Our pizza was a white pizza with prosciutto and figs. Figs was something different for a pizza topping. Figs worked really well on top of a pizza. The service was really good. He was quick to serve our needs. When we asked for the aforementioned ketchup and mayonnaise, he quickly went back to the kitchen to immediately give it to us. I would go back again to Matchbox with a group of friends or dinner date. However, I thought the prices were a little high given what it is. I think you pay for the ambiance.
(3)
Vital C.
Great service. We've been here twice. Whenever a waiter was busy, someone else would come check on us for drink orders, etc. Very impressed with how friendly the staff is. Food is quite good.
(4)
Adam L.
Expect a 30+ minute wait w/ no place to sit. Not family friendly. Like previous restaurants in this location, there is limited parking close the building. I really wanted to give Matchbox a great review, but the first few weeks at this location have not been kind. As a new father, "family friendly" is high on our priorities when choosing a restaurant. One our first visit we waited 30+ minutes for a table and when we were finally seated they brought us a high chair that had poop on it. The wait staff was confused, slow and absent minded -- but I gave them a pass since it was their first week on the job. On our second visit we had another 30+ minute wait. However this time, we found that what little wait room seating they had (to the right of the bar) had been replaced by a large dining table. I'll admit, this annoyed the hell of out me and my wife. They seemed to have spent so much time designing a beautiful space, yet they completely ignored customers waiting in the lobby. :-( So.... 30 minute wait in a lobby so crowded that it's standing room only... PASS. Hopefully when the 'new restaurant' excitement dies down this place will be a viable choice. ** If you are looking to a nice place to take a date, there a much nicer places on the pike. Betuccis's at White Flint offers similar pizzas without a wait. ** I promise to update this review after Matchbox has been open for a month (and hopefully the crowd dies down).
(2)
Keny Ñ.
Guaranteed 2have a knowledge of beers/food if u talk to ron or reese. Pep/meatball roll choice pick!
(4)
Rebecca P.
i came in with 3 hungry guys and myself. mediocre pizza... the mozarella appetizer thing was yummy...but an awkward appetizer to share...id rather eat it all myself i cannot comprehend how a place known for its sliders....is not known for its regular sized burger...its the same meat...same toppings and fixings...how is something 3 times as small more famous than the original? like i thought the 3 giant onion ring mountain looked more impressive on the regular burger than the curly mess of fried onions stacked on the sliders. how is the mini version better than the original?! food took foreverrrr to come. but drinks kept being refilled. 2 pizzas, 6 sliders, a burger, and the cheese appetizer came out to be $95 including 20% tip. never again
(2)
r y.
We went here for brunch. I liked the atmostphere and the food. But what I loved most that it was kid friendly and gave the kids pizza dough to play with while we waited for the food. My children are very young and have about 10 minutes max of sit and be nice time. The cinnamon rolls were the best. Very light.
(4)
Justin S.
Great place for a good meal. Food was good and speciality pizzas were great. Brought 2 kinds under 3 and had no problems and the staff was very helpful.
(4)
Michelle S.
Finally, all 3 Matchbox in the area. The service was excellent, the food was great, the space was huge!! It's waayyy out of my way, but I'd definitely go to this location again
(4)
Barry C.
Great pizza, great restaurant. I'll be back! Waitress was great and oh so nice. Had a date and plan on going again. Love the facility in rockville.
(5)
Valarie G.
Came here with friends for the first time the other night. The food is good, though a special request was not honored (friend asked for no pickles and got pickles anyway)...the drinks were good but the bartender was unable to make any unusual drinks (I'm a huge sazerac and blue whale fan) but they have the standards. The decorating was awesome and I can't wait to try out the rooftop area when it opens up for the season. No long waits though and the drinks were kept full. Nice ambiance to the place and not as crowded as some of the other matchbox locations.
(4)
Jay B.
I had heard a lot of good buzz about Matchbox but was not overly impressed today for lunch. When we arrived, there was a 25-minute wait. While we checked for seating at the bar, the servers there said they had lots of tables available (which was clear) but the hostess said the kitchen was not able to keep up so they could not fill those seats. We had salads and split a pizza. The pizza was very good but the salads were quite salty.
(3)
Dee B.
The crab and avocado salad appetizer ($14) is amazing! Calling it a salad doesn't really do it justice though... Essentially it a constructed tower that consists of fresh avocado on the bottom, and that is topped with an enormous mound of crab, which contains some roasted corn and red peppers mixed it. Comes with a side of salty, garlicky crostini.
(4)
Tiffany W.
Bottom line: I want to like this place, but I don't... and after trying it several times, I won't be back. The details: The food is okay- typical thin-crust, wood-fired pizza. Although I don't find the food to be anything particularly special, I generally like it (some things have been good- some things have been not as good) and would probably come back from time to time if it weren't for the bad service. We had dinner at Matchbox last night (a Sunday) and from the time we stepped foot in the door, everything about the service left something to be desired. The hostesses were inattentive and uncommunicative, our waitress was slow (we timed it and it took over 10 minutes from the time we were seated until the time the waitress came over to take our drink orders), and our waitress's attitude was bordering on rude. It was not at all busy in the restaurant (the waitress acknowledged that herself), so I can't even find an excuse for the across-the-board bad service. Maybe everyone was having a bad day (it could happen), but after multiple less than satisfying experiences here, I won't be back to see.
(2)
Sharon D.
Everyone is pleasant, but food is OK at best. Don't understand why this place is always packed when there are so many other cute neighbor like restaurants that are better.
(2)
Elitza K.
Great food and the server was very nice. However, the hostesses were phlegmatic and completely inattentive.
(4)
Steve W.
Had lunch there Sunday. We started with the pear salad. It was tasty and fresh. We ordered a pepperoni pizza. Some of the tables were receiving their pizza as we waited and they looked a bit burned. The menu does state that the pizza may be charred due to their wood oven's high temperatures. They just looked a little too well done. Thankfully ours came out better. The pizza was good. Typical thin crust. The pepperoni was tasty and cut thin, which is the way I like it. I would ask for extra sauce on the pizza the next time I visit. Others around us ordered the mini sliders. They looked really good. They also have a huge outdoor upstairs and downstairs patio along with an indoor bar. They probably get busy for happy hours during the Summer. All in all, a decent experience.
(3)
Allie A.
This place is enormous. I went here with some co-workers. We all sat outside and got the mini-burger sliders, which was perfect to share and absolutely delicious, a must have. Their pizza is also phenomenal- I got pepperoni and was very impressed. The service was fine.
(4)
Susan G.
Very friendly bartender. Great restaurant setup. Food is pretty good. I've had pizzas and salads and all of it is good. Great ambiance and especially fun to sit outside by the fire.
(5)
Kathryn A.
Gotta say "yes" to this one!!! As a Chicagoan, I am picky about pizza; however, I was willing to try this place when it was recommended by a friend. This pizza is unique. If you're looking for NY or Chi-town style, this isn't the place. If you're looking for gourmet pizza...not the CA Pizza Kitchen blah, blah, blah, but something truly different, this is the place. The pizza is nothing short of excellent! The variety is exciting...a change for Rockville. They have added a new happy hour and not only do they offer excellent lite bites, but this is one of the only places around to get a fairly priced import! Our waiter had talent, skill and this too, is rare for the area, where we encounter these young, 20 something, "I'm just here for the summer" wait staff. Instead, you will be served by a person who knows the restaurant business and the best way to present an excellent meal!
(5)
Janet K.
After visiting Matchbox at least 3 times I think I should have a review to post! This is a wonderful beer-drinking place, because of the variety. The price of the entrees and appetizers are a little pricy though. I was here recently and only wanted an appetizer, but found that they were almost as expensive as the entrees. I ended up getting an entree (extra calories!) and my husband got the "sliders." The previous reviewer was correct when she said that the sliders were expensive for what you get! I am sure we could have saved "in bulk" but I wasn't ready to eat all of that. The food was tasty but not the best, I believe they are a 3 to 3.5 star restaurant considering the price. Most likely the reason for that price is their location on Rockville Pike which is very convenient.
(3)
Eva W.
Last summer I had a VSG, which means I can't eat much at one sitting, can't drink alcohol, can't drink any liquids with food. So consider this review background to other, more complete reviews, since what I can eat is limited. I usually order from the appetizer menu, and I was happy with the selection here. I had a trio of two perfectly seared scallops in a butter sauce, two mini-crab cakes with a sauce on top, and two bunless sliders. The fried onions on top of the sliders were great but my medium rare request came out medium well, and it took two tries to get steak sauce for the sliders--I can hear the purists screaming but I can't eat meat without some kind of sauce to compensate for not being able to drink with meals. Also, I walk with a cane, and was seated some distance away from the front door, and up several stairs. It would have been nice for them to notice that I use a cane and walk with a limp, and ask me if I was OK with walking up stairs. Hence, the 4 star rating instead of all 5 stars. It looked nice, and everything was delicious, and except for those two hiccups, the service was good. It's a nice place for pizza night.
(4)
Juliet K.
i've been to the location in chinatown, and really liked it so it was nice to try another location. this one is HUGE in comparison to DC. the decor is very rustic with all the reclaimed wood, but i really liked it. drink menu seems legit. i dont normally order drinks, but there were lots that i would have wanted to try. i ordered some fruity martini .. i forget the name of it, but it was good. a bit sweet, but definitely strong. I could feel it after just ONE drink, not normal for me. ordered: tuna tartare app which was fantastic. the tuna was so flavorful and the homemade chips on the side were very crunchy. matchbox meat pizza was good. i love their dough and crust. cheese is the perfect amount and the sauce is flavorful. also order the coppa italian ham and argula. the argula on top was a really nice fresh touch to the pizza. delish. trio dessert - if i could go back, i would just get the molten chocolate cake. that was the best of the three, then probably the doughnuts, and last the sorbet. the sorbet wasnt anything special. but the molten cake was DIVINE and the doughnuts were warm and soft... yum. solid food and drinks. definitely worth at least a visit.... and some place to go if you are craving non-delivery pizza.
(4)
Ch B.
Pizza is pretty good. Very thin, sometimes too crispy. Sliders are excellent. Brunch is great. Fantastic cinnamon rolls.
(4)
Kim D.
I ate at Matchbox for the first time today, when we had a luncheon for a colleague. There were about 18 of us. We waited a long time for our food to arrive. Two people in our party ordered the grilled prawn and beet salad, and it arrived without beets. They had to ask for them. I ordered the Cobb salad and was very disappointed. The salad *looked* good but taste was another story. I'm not a fussy eater and have never sent a dish back, but came pretty close today. The whole salad was very salty (before I even tasted the prosciutto) and the shredded chicken was tough, almost inedible. I have serious doubts about a restaurant that failed twice on making a salad. Two other reviewers really liked the Cobb salad so maybe I was just there on an "off" day..... but do you really want to go to a restaurant where you have to wonder if it's going to be a good day or a bad day?
(2)
Emily W.
Come here for the epic meal-salads and some great drinks. The only reason it's a 4 star is because the food is a little spotty and lacks that little something to make it sophisticated. Some examples: 1. The crab and avocado salad has plenty of the star ingredients, but no acid or spice to liven it up. It would be so easy to add some lemon or smoked paprika. 2. The "fire and smoke" (smoke and fire?) pizza is gorgeous and truly spicy. I love, love, love spicy food! But it was all spice and cream and no flavor. It needs something green for contrast, like basil or maybe a hefty dose of flat-leaf parsley. BUT it's still pretty good. The folks working the back bar are always friendly and solicitous, which is nearly as important as how the food tastes. They have a good sense of whether you want to be left alone or not, and will bring you little sips of wine to taste and talk about the menu in detail if you want them to. I'll definitely be coming back here, and I'll probably have a glass or three of white wine and a salad, unless I read that they've added some acid to that crab thing. I might be tempted to re-try it, if so. It's a little expensive for what it is. They're charging Dupont Circle prices in a Rockville shopping center.
(4)
L L.
One of my favorite spots for a casual dinner. We usually stick with the same things because they are just so good.... Mini burgers for the appetizer, pizza for dinner. Cocktails are reasonably priced and tasty, too. Only con is it's always so busy but we try to make reservations so it's not a concern.
(5)
Yelppy Y.
Overpriced for dishes that have nothing special. The most insipid pizza i've ever tried. I saw my friend's chicken-something dish and there was nothing amusing for a $20+ meal. No wow factor. Lame. ...just another fancy-looking chain for suburbia.
(2)
Norman H.
I've been here a few times, and enjoy it every time. It's not great if you're on a budget (mini trio appetizer being $15), but it is good every so often. The wood-fired oven is pretty cool, and adds a great flavor to the pizza. Our group had 6 mini burgers, 1 veggie pizza, 1/2 chicken pesto, 1/2 coppa italian ham & arugula, 1/2 matchbox meat, and 1/2 something else. Also someone had the grilled romaine and hanger steak salad; but she gets no say in my review. A few notes: -Onion fries that come with the 3/6/9 burgers are very addictive. Be careful. -The veggie pizza has poblano peppers (tad spicy), and potato chips on it! Both are good ideas!! What sucks are the mushrooms. As our awesome waitress suggested: do a veggie pizza, with no mushrooms, replace it with Italian sausage. This sounds OMG amazing. I will have to get this next time. -The coppa & arugula was very good too, with a healthy amount of spinach on the top of the pizza. -Chicken pesto is a regular that we get because it's just good. Sometimes the chicken can be a bit dry, but I don't complain. For dessert, we had donuts & coffee, and chocolate chip bread pudding. The donuts are like mega munchkins, and bread pudding + rum caramel is really good. The former may not be true so don't take my word on that, as I had a few beers and it probably impaired my perspective on them. But both desserts were very satisfying in the way they're supposed to be. Service is always great there and the waiters and waitresses are very attentive. We did not have to ask to get our water/soda refilled.
(4)
Cj H.
With two new, good pizza places open in the area, Matchbox may face some competition, but I think they can survive. I've always liked their pizza and the way their pizzas come out. They can get a little greasy, but are always tasty. Their best quality would have to be the pepperoni's, which are unique and make their pizza special. That alone might keep my business.
(4)
Paul M.
Since Againn Rockville shuttered I have been looking for a place to grab a quick bite on my occasional forays along MD's Champs Elysee. This place does the trick nicely. Goregous pizza, fabulous beer list - massive and lovely space inside. Does get busy though.
(4)
Xiao C.
Nice place! Won't be disappointing if u are looking for a pizza place.
(4)
MacKenzie W.
Came on a Saturday evening for dinner for the first time and really enjoyed it!! Got the mini burger appetizer and thought it was pretty good....but I never like mini burgers as much as big ones, always seem to be a little dry. Split the strawberry salad--it was AWESOME! A good balance of sweet and sour and savory, yum! For my dinner I got the fig & prosciutto pizza as per some reviews here and I definitely recommend it if you, like me, enjoy sweet/salty combos! My mom got the fire & smoke which wasn't as spicy as the menu warned us, but it was delicious. Split the mo's magic brownies for dessert (thank goodness the waiter told us it was huge because I could've never eaten that myself!!) and they were PRETTY good...I've had better brownies. Overall the atmosphere was good...tons of families and very loud in there...seems like the patio may have been better if you wanted a more intimate atmosphere. Service was good, if not a little slow. Waiter was very friendly and helpful with the menu. I would definitely come back!
(4)
Douglas R.
Outstanding! My wife and I went to Matchbox for New Years Eve dinner and it was a great experience. Our server Ellen G was very attentive and had some great recommendations for dinner, particularly the steak with grilled shrimp and asparagus. I love the pizza with pepperoni, bacon, and spicy Italian sausage - which my wife ordered. But, the steak was a pleasant surprise. Highly recommend pairing the steak with a glass of Evolution 7 Porter. Delicious! Finally, Ellen G recommended the powdered donuts with Kalua dipping sauce, which was tasty. The port choices there are solid too.
(5)
Christine T.
Make sure you have a reservation or expect to age while waiting. The sliders are worth noting- order them by the 3's, 6's, or 9's and they will PILE the onion crisps. I could barely taste the anorexicly thin slice of gouda we paid extra for. As far as the pizza is concerned- there's better out there. The proscuitto style is salty and bland while the Q special has chicken slices awkwardly too big. Conveniently they will let you do halfsies. Came here to see what all the hype was about and will continue the search for better pizza in this area.
(3)
Tochi K.
I am not sure what all the hype is about. The best thing about it is the decor and large open spaces. I've tried to eat at Matchbox 3 times. The first 2 times my husband and I were told the wait would be 1 to 1 1/2 hours so we left. Most recently, we went on a Friday around 5:15 thinking we could take advantage of happy hour and a potentially short wait. We'd planned to eat and drink with 2 other couples. I got there first (1/2 hour early) and was told they wouldn't sit me or put us on a waiting list until everyone had arrived. They also wouldn't let me make a reservation for a later time: they said they only accept a limited number of reservations each night and had met their quota for the evening. This was surprisingly as the place was very empty--only 1/4 of the tables, at most, had diners! The staff was very blase about it all. In the 30 minutes I waited less than a handful of people showed up--they too were made to wait on their waiting benches for a few minutes before being seated. Again, the place was pretty empty! As I waited I reviewed their menu. The menu seemed ordinary and the prices were slightly higher. I asked if they had any happy hour specials and was told no. Our party left the still largely empty place at around 6 pm--we decided to eat elsewhere. The food couldn't be that spectacular and it just wasn't worth it. There are plenty of places around with good food, shorter waits, happy hour deals, better prices, better staff, equally good decor/ambiance, and much less pretentiousness!
(1)
Mike S.
This is officially my new favorite Matchbox location, mainly due to the space. Since it's on Rockville Pike (i.e. Not constricted by row houses), it is pretty large. There is an awesome patio with a bar and two fire pits. Perfect for late summer, early fall weather. Now for the food. Bacon wrapped shrimp with cheese grits (topped with tomato and chopped chorizo). Droool. Seriously get these. I could easily eat these as my meal. I'm getting hungry just thinking about them. The pizza is pretty good too. My dad and I split a pizza that was half sausage and onion, and half sweet soppressata and wild mushroom (Yes apparently they will let you do that). I think I liked the sausage better out of the two. My dad claimed there was a little too much meat on the soppressata half but I guess that's just a matter of preference. Anyway, bacon wrapped shrimp, pizza, mini-burgers. Mmmm. Excuse me for a moment. I have some eating to do.
(4)
Aisha S.
I've been to the Chinatown location a few times before and the Rockville location is pretty much exactly the same except it seems to be bigger. The food is just as good and the setup is very similar. I'm glad that the Rockville/Gaithersburg area is finally getting some popular places like this mixed in with the strip mall restaurants for a change. (Not that there's anything wrong with those.)
(4)
Mark R.
Love this place. I'm a huge fan of the DC location. This is much larger. Has an outside deck with a bar. Same cool service. PS: Breakfast pizza = #winning
(5)
Jorge N.
I've only been here once (on a Thursday night) and it was to go to the bar to have a couple beers and a couple appetizers. My first impression of this place was a good one. It was a breath of fresh air. Usually, to hang out at a place like this, I had to go all the way to DC because Montgomery County didn't offer anything like it. Matchbox is modern, sophisticated, trendy and it seems to attract the right clientelle. It also has nice house music playing in the background, which is my favorite for a restaurant like this. As for drinks, I saw a great selection of craft beers on tap, which is always a plus in my book. I also saw a number of girly drinks in the menu, which I'm sure a lot of people appreciate. The little food that I had was not bad either. I shared a couple appetizers with my friends (some little burgers and something else that I can't remember) and everything was good. On my way in and out, I saw a nice patio. This gives me a reason to come back during the summer. I'm also planning to come back for dinner sometime to see if the food is as good as the atmosphere. I deducted a star because the bartender told me they don't have any happy hour specials. That's just wrong.
(4)
Jeni F.
If I could give this 3.5 stars, I would. The food is pretty consistently good. Never had a problem with their drinks EXCEPT for their bloody mary's which they claim are one of their specialties. I've had all of them and never been fan of any version. My office has had several happy hours in the back bar which is a good place to mingle. I LOVE their crab and avocado salad and pretty much all of their pizzas. The crispy seared salmon and crab crusted rockfish are my favorites off their entrees menu.
(3)
Angela C.
I went to matchbox for brunch and it was an overall pleasant experience. It was 70 degrees that day so we decided to eat on the patio. The inside was really nice but the patio was exceptionally beautiful. Our waiter was the bartender as well which is usually not a problem with me. He was very friendly but a tad awkward and we did have to wait a while for our check. I got the Bloody Mary burger which did not disappoint. My friend ordered a sandwich with fries. Instead, stale potato chips arrived. Not sure if that's their version of fries, if so, we should have been warned and they should have been well executed. Anyways that didn't take away from the overall meal. What did knock off a star was the host staff. They were not very pleasant and being that they are the first people you see,they should be very friendly. This was not the case. One host was also screaming at another one, right in front of us and then rolled her eyes as we walked past.
(4)
Quince B.
I've been to the Matchbox in SE DC, I like this one a lot better. It's twice the size as the one SE and that's a good thing, because I always feel cramped at the other one. Very crowded on the weekend, make a reservation, or expect a 30 minute wait.
(4)
Kelly K.
I went to this location for the first time on Tuesday evening (I've been to the one in Chinatown a number of times). Although the noise level was a little higher than what I'd like at a restaurant, the service and the quality of food made up for it. When we were seated at the table, our server was approaching one of her other tables, but she acknowledged that we were there and said she'd be with us in a minute. She was quick in getting us our drinks and taking our order, and throughout the meal she was attentive and made sure we had whatever we needed. I ordered the small Fire & Smoke pizza and was definitely not disappointed. It has just the right amount of spice to it - the menu says "very spicy" next to it, but if you're used to spicy food its not that spicy. We had a good experience and would come back on occasion.
(4)
Rob G.
Sat down ton Mom's Day w/ the fam.. the atmosphere was cool, with plenty of options to suit your mood. Food was good also - had the ribeye, and also tasted the NY Strip. Could definitely be a hang-out spot for good food and cocktails.
(4)
Barbara W.
I came to Matchbox for an early dinner on a Friday, so it was not too crowded yet. The service was super friendly, and the servers were probably the nicest I've had in a while. They are the reason this place is getting 3 stars instead of lower. The servers really pushed the 3-6-9 mini-burgers on brioche bread as an appetizer with onion straws. I saw them highly reviewed on Yelp as well so decided to order them. However, I felt that they were very dry, and didn't seem unique in terms of flavors. The onion straws were tasty though! We ordered the meatball pizza, and a salad to balance out the meal. The pizza was quite delicious, and the meatballs had good seasoning and held together well. The crust on the pizza was very thin and lived up to its standards. The salad was good, but nothing too special to comment on. I would actually avoid the mini-burgers, but would definitely recommend the pizza. An A-OK place, but not someplace I would return for the sliders.
(3)
Amanda W.
This Matchbox location is perfect for those of us in the 'burbs who don't want the long wait at the Chinatown location. I love the draft beer selection (has some beers from my home, Upstate NY - very cool!) and the pizzas are the way to go. I've had the sliders that everyone raves about, and while they are good - I found them a little salty. Could have just been the shift that night. The Rockville location is big with awesome outdoor seating. The bar is a great hangout for happy hour with friendly bartenders. I have no reason not to go back!
(4)
Key J.
Unlike the Chinatown location, the Rockville Matchbox is HUGE. No line, no wait, no starvation. I got the crab cake sandwich. The boyfriend got the Matchbox chicken sandwich. We shared and we both left full and happy.
(4)
Kelly M.
I very rarely give 5 stars, but this place delivered fabulous food and excellent service for my lunch today and that is hard to come by these days. I've been to the Matchbox in DC a few times, but this is the first time I've been to the Rockville location. It is MUCH bigger than the DC location and there was hardly a wait time. Food was excellent. We had the obligatory sliders with that amazing pile of onion fried goodness. We had the pizza, which is also a must if you go to Matchbox. I added the pear/apple salad which was really tasty as well. Not only was the food fabulous, but our server was friendly, attentive and fast, which is always appreciated. Although we didn't take advantage of it today, they do offer brunch now on Saturday and Sunday until 3pm. Will have to try it next time. I would definitely recommend this place to others if you're in the area. I can't wait to stop by here when it gets a bit warmer out to enjoy their awesome fire pit bar!
(5)
Aya D.
Great atmosphere, friendly wait staff, and the food was great! I went there on a date and the servers didn't bother us too much -which was really nice and refreshing.
(4)
Audrey W.
We ordered three pizzas, mini burgers, onion ring, and crab cake. the onion ring is the best part, not a big fan of its pizza. The food here are generally fairly priced though nothing special, but it's a good place to meet up with friends.
(3)
Ilona K.
The food was ok. Nothing to complain about, but then again, nothing to write home about either.
(3)
Ting W.
To be straightforward, I don't know what all the hype is about with this place. I've been here on several occasions but each time has not improved my opinion of the place. I've tried their 3,6, & 9 burger. It was like any other standard burger I could get at a fast food joint but smaller and more expensive. Their pizzas are ok but do NOT order the pepperoni pizza. Without fail, someone in my group of friends always orders it and I find that their pepperoni pizza is always burnt. Q special pizza is unique and always turns out right though. For the price, I feel like you could go to other places for better pizza and with a much quieter setting.
(2)
Anne B.
Meh. Not that impressed. Very overpriced. No happy hour???? As-IF! It's a showy place- good option if you are trying to take someone out in Rockville. However, it's pricy menu and outrageous beer prices keep me from being a regular there. I'd much rather spend the $30-40 on a pedicure. Best bet- Sliders. They come with a huge amount of onion straws that are delicious. They are cooked to perfection and are quite filling. Best beer- Ayinger. This beer is sent from the Lord above. It is so light and refreshing and is dangerously easy to throw back. The $10 price tag makes it even more dangerous. Tip- If you want to buy this beer and drink it at home for MUCH cheaper, go to Wine Harvest in Rockville and buy big bottles for only $4.50 each.
(3)
J D.
I know I give out a lot of 4-star reviews, but I generally only feel moved to write reviews on places my wife and I really like; I should probably get out of that habit because it would be a shame for people to waste time and money at restaurants not worth the trouble- but this is not one of those places. I first went to Matchbox about a month after it first opened; being from NY I'm generally skeptical about any place that calls itself a pizzeria (which this place does not, but it advertises its pizza so there you have it) so with my co-worker, I and my jaded views went to eat lunch. In fact, I didn't even order pizza- but my co-worker did and I was surprised at how flavorful it was, but I'm getting ahead of myself. This place, being brand new, is clean, with nice lines, attractive decor and seating both indoor and outdoor- the indoor is made up of three seating sections; the main dining room, the upstairs dining room and the bar area. I've been to this place at least a half dozen times since then and I've always received good service and have had zero complaints about the food. To be fair, I've only ever ordered three items from the menu- either the pizza, which comes with a spicy tomato sauce, crisp crust and good cheese, the pepperoni and meatball roll (this is listed as an appetizer, but I usually order this as a meal that my wife and I will share because its so big) - same ingredients as for the pizza and the mini burgers, which are probably their signature dish. I say this because no matter how many your order, they automatically come with crisp-fried onion straws so you don't need to order fries or anything else to go with it; they are always tender and juicy and a delight to the palate! Because of how good these three items are, I find I don't order, or need to order anything else. This little gem is tucked inside the Congressional Plaza shopping center on Rockville Pike and is almost always full during lunch and happy hour. My wife and I went up there on a Saturday afternoon because I raved so much about the place that she had to see it for herself...we sat at the bar and just enjoyed ourselves. The waitstaff are friendly and courteous, and very willing to fix whatever problems may arise. I hope this place sticks around, it is one of the better restaurants to have lunch in if you're in or near the Rockville area, or knock back a few after hours if you're so inclined. It can get a little pricey, especially if you're drinking but to me, it is worth it.
(4)
Cliff M.
Really good pizza, really good beer selection and friendly barkeeps that make the experience enjoyable. A friend and I ate at the bar; this place seems positively rammed at dinner time (even during the week) so the bar might be your best bet if you don't enjoy waiting in line.
(4)
MJ ..
I love this place! The food is excellent and the atmosphere is really cool! Ive been here a lot and the best pizza i think, would be the fire & smoke and the matchbox chicken sandwhich is probably the best thing on the whole menu, hands down. The service is, ehh. They could be a little more quick and reliable, but oh well. However, I defff reccomend this place to anyone who hasnt tried it yet! Love matchbox!
(3)
Bill G.
Decent food but seriously overpriced. Our ten inch pizzas were not worth fourteen dollars. They also seated us in some obscure corner of the place behind a wall. Seems to me like it's bad form to hide customers.
(1)
Martin B.
Make a reservation. I came here at 1PM thinking there'd be room, and there was... on the outdoor deck. Service is friendly and reliable though, which was very important. The food here is the same as the other locations: delicious pizzas and killer miniburgers. The pepperoni pizza comes studded with little circles of meaty goodness, and the charred crust really pops in one's mouth. The onion strings with the miniburgers seemed a little burnt compared to what my memory recalls, but they were still tasty. So why three stars? Because eating on the deck felt like eating in a market in Baghdad (and in fact, accounting for the heat index, it was only 5 degrees hotter in Baghdad at the time that I was eating lunch. No joke!). There are no umbrellas out, no fans, nothing. Just you, the oppressive DC summer sun, and an occasional breeze. And that, my friends, is why that reliable service was so important; I needed to get my glass refilled with water about every two minutes. If you can get a seat inside, or outside on a cool day, this place is awesome. But until they make the outdoor deck hospitable to human life during summer daytime, I'd steer clear if I didn't have a reservation.
(3)
Anna M.
You must go here and try the shrimp and grits, they are the best on the menu following with, well, all of their pizza flavors! I never even get a chance to pay any attention to the help that's how good it is. On the patio there's an outdoor fire pit that makes you feel like you're in Cali or somewhere paradise like.
(5)
Yodith W.
This was my first time at matchbox. I would say that the service was great. I was able to call ahead for seating and they were very accommodating. My waitress was also very knowledgeable of their menu and offered some great recommendations. I gave this place 3 stars because I was expecting so much more from their pizza. I got the sausage and onion on half and meatball on the and I have to say it didn't seem like anything special. The ambiance of the restaurant was nice but the seating wasn't desirable. We were less than arms length from the table next to us which is fine if you don't mind sharing you dinner with your neighbors but I was looking for a bit more space. I would go back but I would try something besides the pizza. Oh yea!. There beer menu is a plus as well!
(3)
Tariq A.
Food and service are always decent
(4)
Mikyla G.
After going to Matchbox in DC i decided to try the new Rockville location. I expected it to have somewhat of the same menu and order my favorite dish.... it didn't. Basically pizzas, burgers and salads is what they have. In the sparse "specialties" section i found Sea Scallops and tried those. WINNER! They were cooked to perfection. The menu description said it came on a bed of mashed potatoes, which i later saw was really mashed sweet potatoes. Slight disappointment. Also, we chose to sit outside which was lovely, except for pesky gnats and flies (maybe invest in some ceiling fans). Anyways, our waitress was fantastic, the bar was fast, and the kitchen was on top of things. But work on that menu!!
(3)
Amani A.
Ok so I had my bday here last summer and totally forgot to review this place... I originally wanted to have a reservation for 25 people but ended up cutting it down to 18 because in order for me to get a table for over 20 it's a min of $2000 WTF no thank you!!! For 2 G's I'll rent my club house and have my dad cater it and have a sick party. I was just trying to do a chill dinner with a few friends sheesh... I ended up having 20 people come and we squeezed people in, it is mind boggling to me though the restaurant was pretty empty we had a whole section with no other patrons sweet!! The reason I gave this place 3 star is bc the food and service is actually really good. Everyone also seem to have a good time and that made me happy in the end. I have also eaten here on other several occasion and really enjoy it as well. Just don't like the reservation rules/ restriction too snobby
(3)
Erin T.
Love it! I have a new favorite :) The appetizer that has 2 mini burgers, 2 crab cakes and 2 scallops is fantastic. I like to sub in an extra 2 scallops instead of one of the others(for an up charge). The pizza is the real wood fire oven type and so far I haven't a topping combo that doesn't rock. They also have some fruit infused liquors the should interest drinkers. Pretty good service and the prices are reasonable.
(4)
Maricris K.
Beautiful interior/decor, great food, comfortable atmosphere.
(5)
Michael M.
Nice job Matchbox...this is definitely not your Chinatown location...think a little more...chainy... but still with some of the comforts of their DC location. The beer selection is phenomenal, and the cocktails are strong. The pizza's are great, we tried three different ones, and they were all fabulous. The tuna tar tar appetizer is really fantastic. And, there's really nothing else in rockville, so big bonus...I mean... are you going to go to Phillips?
(4)
Brett W.
A disappointment. We've driven past ever since it opened--always jammed. When we walked in for the first time, the luscious smell of a wood oven met us. The place is multiple-leveled loveliness. Our waitress was knowledgeable, friendly and kept our water glasses full. The menu promised interesting food. We got their specialty, wood-fired pizza, half sausage and onion, half salami and mushrooms. The pizza arrived quickly, was presented well, and looked good. The disappointment? After all the great build up, the pizza was...well, ok. Very thin crust that was too chewy. Greasy. (The waitress said the thick-cut pepperoni was even worse.) And the "zesty tomato sauce" added absolutely no flavor. My wife said it was too sweet but I didn't even taste that. All in all, great setting and "eh" pizza. Disappointing.
(3)
Jason L.
The Fire bloody mary is awesome. The Bloody Mary burger is pretty yummy too! :-)
(4)
Daniel D.
Great food, atmosphere. Drinks were pricy, but the recommendations from the server panned out fantastically, which IMHO makes a place extraordinary. Fire and Smoke pizza was indeed hot...with a jalapeno-style spice. White pizza was perfect with goat cheese and everything that you'd expect from a gourmet pizza place. Rotating tap was "Southern Hemisphere" from Sierra Nevada...which has got to be one of the best brews I've had in a while, but very hoppy and bitter. Fantastic for my pallet...be careful though. Sliders/mini burgers were fantastic, but the fried onions they are served with made them amazing. Highly recommend reservations...and as early as possible on that! Enjoy!
(5)
Carrie P.
There's nothing too special about this place. The ambience is nice, but it's so hectic in there and the food is so overpriced, that it hardly seems worth it. I've been here twice and the food is not memorable; I've had much better pizza in countless other establishments, so I see no reason to pay twice the price for lower quality. I will say that our waiter was nice and the food certainly wasn't bad. It really just didn't seem worth it. If the prices were about 30% cheaper, I might feel differently. Overall, a rip-off in my opinion.
(2)
Tatiana S.
Great mini burgers but overall the service wasn't great
(3)
D R.
5 stars for the bacon wrapped Shrimp and Grits - ridiculously delicious! Consistently good all the way around. It was strange waiting to be seated. Finally took myself to the bar. Happier there. Feels trendy.
(4)
Miyuki L.
I have eaten here a handful of times and it is just not a memorable experience. I do think they have good mac and cheese. I think it looks nice inside but its just doesnt have anything setting it apart to make you justify high prices for a meh experience.
(2)
Patrick D.
My son I me get down to Rockville on our way back from Dave and buster. He always wants to stop here and get there kids Mac and cheese. They always are friendly to him. I alway get the Pepperoni pizza. Lot of pepperoni good taste. Pizza charred just right. Service in good. Sometimes a little crowded though. But worth the small wait. I also like the open pit fire out front.
(5)
Brad O.
Staffing was great. Food OK ..Noise level too loud. We had a person in a wheelchair, so were seated downstairs. They placed us in the Bar area, which for a outing with the whole family, Aunts, Grandparents etc. was not great.
(2)
Arthur K.
The restaurant definitely has one thing going for it: hype. Does it have much else? We arrived to a bustling dining room - which by the way was pretty impressive. It reminded me a lot of Woodberry Kitchen. Rustic, lots of wood, but modern touches. We arrived on time for our reservation - which was well past normal dinner hour. They said they were running 15 minutes behind. Something caught my eye: a hostess arrived in the lobby serving free hot pizza to those waiting. 15 minutes later, we were told there was one table ahead of us. The hostess with the pizza came around again - and I realized this was to appease the masses of people waiting hours for their table. (The wait for walk-ins was 2 hours at one point). After 45 minutes from our reservation we were seated. I understand long waits for walk-ins. And the hosts/hostesses were friendly. The free pizza was a nice touch. But being seated 45 minutes _after_ our reservation time is completely unacceptable and unprofessional. When our server greeted us, I began to understand why some parties (especially this guy's) were taking forever to get up. He talked to us for about 5 minutes initially. Every time he came to the table he had some story or some in-depth detail he had to tell us in 200 or more words He also told us what he thought was horrible on the menu. He told our friend the beer she picked sucked. Do that stuff on Yelp, not while serving a table. He forgot my soda. Etc, etc, etc. The sliders were tasty. The onion rings on top were a great touch. Stringy onions and crispy batter, seasoned perfectly - a good match for the sliders. The pizza was good. But you can't really go wrong with pizza. My fave was the sausage and onion. The spicy meatball was decent. Not worth the wait. Horrible service. But decent eats.
(2)
Mihae L.
This place is overrated. My old high school buddies and I just ate here last night. This was our second attempt to eat here, and last time the wait was an outrageous 3 hours, and we ended up eating at Fuddruckers down the street, instead. However, last night, it was rainy and dreary outside, which might explain why the six of us were seated at 6:30 PM without a wait or reservation. Now, onto the food. My bf and I split a large pizza, half Fire and Smoke (spicy) and half Tomato and Basil (forget the actual name of the pizza). While the pizza was decent, in my opinion, I have had way better pizza at other places. I definitely enjoy California Pizza Kitchen way better than the pizza here. I probably also enjoy frozen pizza from the grocery store more than I enjoyed the pizza here. Of course, that's just my opinion, and I'm probably making it sound worse than it was, but I guess I just expected a lot more. As for the service, our server was very attentive, precise, friendly, and seemed to really know the dishes well. The interior of the restaurant is also well constructed with warm, wooded notes. My three star rating, one for the food, one for good service, and one for atmosphere. Would I care to come back to eat here, however? No, I really don't see what the hype is all about. My review was pushed to 3 stars mostly for the service.
(3)
Bill P.
Took daughter (13) here cause I told her it would change her life. :) Not sooo much she thought....she liked the mini burgers hers with cheddar and NO pickles but the sea salted parmisian cheesed onion shoe string/ straw fries did not impress her though I LOVE DEM!!!!!! Servers very nice and manager came over and rapped with us a few times......maybe opening location in VA sometime next year? I'll be back definitely. Daughter might have to be conjoled.
(4)
Alicia C.
I'm so happy that one of my favorite DC spots has made it's way to Rockville! Now I won't have to trek as far every time I'm craving some mini burgers... though I may find the cravings hitting more often now! Alicia G and I stopped in on opening night to pick up some mini burgers to go. We had been eagerly awaiting the opening but already knew we wouldn't be able to dine in... so we hatched up a plan to at least stop in to check out the place and get our mini burger fix. Alicia G recognized one of the owners, Perry, and he happily greeted us and offered to give us a little tour of the place while we waited for our food. The space was gorgeous! Same sort of look as the other locations, and it felt very open. There were also spaces that could potentially be reserved for private parties. I for one can't wait to some back sometime in the spring to make use of the beautiful outdoor patio space! A big thank you again to Perry for the tour! The burgers, of course, were amazing. I can't wait to get back here again for a sit-down dinner, or a happy hour, or brunch, or a late night snack... well, you get the idea, I'm just thrilled to have Matchbox a little closer to home!
(5)
Danielle L.
Lovely building but IT IS SO LOUD!!!!! (especially in the main room) And if you have a group, absolutely do not sit at the big round table(s); you'll never, ever hear a word from the people across from you. As for the food, the menu is fantastic. The pizza is pretty good. (Not 2 Amys good, but a few of the combos are worth a trip.) For all of the delicious-sounding dishes, however, i have yet to have a knock-your-socks-off meal. All tend to be on the salty side and several have been disappointing. Oh, and do not bother going without a reservation ( opentable.com ) unless you're willing to wait forever. Plus sides: nice brunch, VERY kid-friendly, attractive patio/outdoor bar area, pretty good service. And some of the dishes really are good. It's been so hit-or-miss, though, and the prices are just high enough to be memorably annoyed at that fact. Annoyed enough that we don't go as often as we might. Do try it; just don't expect to be blown away every time.
(3)
Kevin P.
Pizzas are kinda pricey for how "meh" they tasted and how small the portion was. Looking at the items on the menu, you would think "oh that combination of ingredients looks interesting, i want to try it" - it's a hit or miss, and it just seems like most of the pizzas try too hard to be "fancy" and it just doesnt work out. The interior looked awesome however, and the staff is kind.
(2)
Don S.
After two previous meals we gave it one more try. This was for a friends party. The people are great. Service was ok. Our server was very good. My wife had a hair in her sandwich and my crab cake was so full of dill it was uneatable. The people we were with had pizza - very unremarkable. They chose not to take the leftovers home. I cannot figure out why anyone spends money there.
(1)
Brian G.
Great pizza, fun bar. It's a chain so I won't spend much time on this review. The wait sucks but that's to be expected when the pizza is so good and unique.
(4)
Joie T.
3.6.9! ... 3.6.9! ... 3.6.9! ... WHAT??? ... You see this EVERYWHERE here! On the waiters t-shirts, on the floors, even in the restrooms! And if you did your Yelp research, you'd know what that means! So, we fiiiinally got a seat! Went on a Monday night, and the line-up was still 45 minutes! WHOAH!!! Ordered the famous 3.6.9 and got the 9 platter, with 3 different cheeses (gouda/mozzarella/gorgonzola). And the winner is? Mozzarella! Gouda was good, mozzarella was just right, gorgonzola was too thick & too salty and overpowered the meat & sweet buns. The platter of minis comes with awesome string onion fries piled sky-high! To balance our meal, we ordered the nicoise salad, that came with seared ahi tuna, eggs, potatoes, fish, olives, and greens. Portion size is NOT an issue here! If anything, you can share just ONE dish with someone! Great service, great atmosphere, nice interior. Been @ Matchbox for Lunch& Dinner and it's a great lac
(3)
John K.
Good thing I don't have to drive all the way to DC anymore to go to Matchbox. HOLY CRAP the wait is long! On a weekend, expect 1-2 hours to get a table. Luckily we found two seats at the bar, so we didn't have to wait as long. I hope that the hype will go down after a few months and I don't have to wait as long for a table... I was extremely happy with the bartenders. Usually I have a hard time grabbing their attention, but they were coming to me asking me if I needed anything else. This is with a full bar mind you... Order: Shrimp and Grits - Too salty, if you tell them to go light on the salt, this is a really good dish. Q Special Pizza - Huge pieces of chicken. Very good. If it caught your attention on the menu, go ahead and order it. It's not a bad choice. Doughnuts - Do not get. Not as fresh as I thought (a little cold) and the dipping sauce is too watery. It would've been nicer if it was more like a frosting consistency. I still stand by my stance that the sliders are wayyy overrated.
(4)
Liza A.
I still will give this place five stars for the mini burgers they r just awesome.....pizza is good...service very friendly and prompt. As my tip says I have never stood in line here I come in no busy times and its actually great.
(5)
Mark R.
I think its pretty funny that someone could give this place a negative review because they had a long wait... that could mean one of two things: 1.) The food is really good and there is a wait 2.) Try making a reservation - you are in the Rockville area!!! This place is an absolute hit - just like all the others! Great food, great drinks (great beer and wine selection as well as good mixed drinks), and great atmosphere. If you have never been to Matchbox there are 2 things you have to try, the sliders and the pizza! Both are excellent! Get the sliders medium rare - deff quality meat! The pizzas are cooked to perfection - obviously use fresh ingredients! Perfect place for large groups, just make a reservation. They accept them online. For all you craft beer drinkers: great draft selection!!! Will not disappoint! Enjoy!!!
(4)
Tamu H.
Alright this place is what pizza places were to me as an 8 year old in the 80's! Fancy, loud, popular, and the food was delicious and simple. However, now I'm all growed up, and I want arugula and anchovies and shit on my pizza, not just extra cheese. So, yeah, cool: fancy pizza, cold micro-brew beer for the people who like it. Good wine. Everything priced reasonably and in accordance with the truth is they're still just what Armand's was to those of us who knew about Tranzor Z. I'd go back. I think the hostesses are a little beat-up by the constant barrage of entitled-Montgomery-Countiers constant concerns for their so-called reservation. (I'm sorry but I come from an era where we didn't mind waiting for our seat out of respect for the business, so it pissed me off to constantly see people complaining about their time and other random bs to the hostesses) but the hostesses, in return, are completely tuned out to the world. Our server was bubbly and cool, but I am concerned they're wingin' it on any beer/wine knowledge- we both watched a server give a really ambiguous and arguable description of allagash white, which was pretty funny, but we both felt kinda sad that the girl was giving them the business instead of just manning up and asking the bartender because there's a few real clear words necessary to describe Allagash White and she didn't use any of 'em. That wasn't our server, though, who was cool as a fan and didn't hover and didn't go ghost. We had the tuna tartare as an appetizer, along with a glass of wine for me and my gf had a (I think) Heavy Seas Loose Cannon, which she still loves. We ate the white anchovy with caper pizza along with the roma tomato pizza, and we shared bead pudding for desert.. the bread pudding was dope. All-in-all it was cool, but I'm not all hyped to go back at all, I'd much rather go to We The Pizza if I'm hankering for a slice of the realness.
(3)
Alison T.
Love the place. Love the pizza and the cosmos :) blonde bartender need sto brush up on friendliness, but it's a keeper. Been there a couple of times and will return!
(4)
Jay T.
LOVED IT! such a cool vibe at matchbox. i eat out a lot so i figured id start reviewing the places I've been recently. matchbox is totally in my top 5. great beer, pizza is amazing and some real cool staff. i cant wait to get out on the patio again!!
(5)
B. H.
Decent overall experience. I thought their foods were good and their menu was very broad which is good, however for pizza go across the street to Pizza CS its bound to blow your pizza loving taste buds out of the sky ! Matchbox is still good but having Pizza CS across the street takes the pizza pie business by a long shot .
(3)
Jerry W.
I really enjoyed this restaurant, the inside was really nice and roomy, fast service and good food, I ordered a stake and it was mouthwatering good, had some of there pizza to which was also really good. Definitely worth the money for the great service, atmosphere and food. Thanks Matchbox Staff.
(5)
David M.
As I had expected the wait here was horrendous. Get reservations. Period. Add to this the fact that the humongous host/hostess staff pretty much just stands there looking pretty (or pretty stupid in some cases) and being somewhat rude and waiting sucks. Just call. Make a reservation. Or get lucky and score space in the bar. Speaking of space, this location has good space compared to DC. Bigger, better lit, and less crampy when crowded. Ok,. That's my 1 star penalty rant coming to a close :) When my wife and I came here after a long day of holiday shopping it was, for her, an attempt to redeem Matchbox in my mind. I'd been with her to the Matchbox down in DC and I wasn't fond (see my reviews where I pump up Ella's as being way damn better). After we finally got seated, I have to say I was pleased. We ordered an app (Mazzi Carozzi? Spelling may be off...) that was really good. And our pizza was just as tasty this time around. I think, to be fair, I should say that we ordered a wierd pizza down in DC, so this time around we ordered up something a bit more normal in terms of sauce and toppings. The service made up for the idiots who worked the front end. 2-3 different people took care of us throughout the visit, and all were friendly. Our primary server was great though. I don't remember a name, but he was extremely tall (and I'm 6'5" myself, so you'll know the dude when you see him) and very, very patient, friendly, and attentive. So I'm back on board with matchbox now. I liked it. I like that it's closer to home for us now. And I'll give it another shot. I will just do so with reservations in hand....!
(4)
Brian S.
Overall I had a good experience. Wait staff was good, food came out relatively quickly and was pretty good. I ordered the cream of crab soup which was very rich and flavorful. For my meal I ordered the prosciutto white. The pizza was quite good. The bar was having a problem with beer leaking from the ceiling over top the bar but it would not have effected anyone's meals and the bar tender turned it into a joke to play it over. Maybe a tad bit on the expensive side but overall a very good and I will go back.
(4)
Jayashree S.
I know exactly where we will have brunch if we visit the DC area. YUMMY! We came here to eat and meet our friend's wife- the newlywed during a wedding weekend. After a long night of hard core partying at our cousin's wedding, nutrition was needed (and lots of coffee) to balance the aftermath of the reception. :) So, our friend chose this restaurant as a good place to meet and catch up before we headed back home. The restaurant reminds me of a very hip loft like ambiance. There are two levels and plenty of seating. It has modern and industrial type decor and touches. The brunch menu was simple but had plenty of options to choose from with tons of house special cocktails even. I ordered the Veggie Frittata and my husband ordered the Heuvos Rancheros and our friend ordered their Apple Pecan salad. The portions were generous and filled our bellies and sopped up any leftovers from the partying. The food tasted incredibly fresh, inventive and yummy! The prices were decent and nothing extravagant. We def will eat here again- Hip, fun, and had lots of variety!
(4)
Chelsea M.
I've been here twice last week. The Service was really good. I love the mini burgers the onion straws are YUMMY! But the pizza was OK it's just dry. Went there on Friday around 1pm still have to wait 25 minutes for table for 3.
(4)
Aaron W.
Overpriced. Pizza crust cut with laser beams (not really - that would be cooler). Naked salad. Oversalty entrees. Out $70 for garbage. Ridiculously busy all the time, and I have no idea why. I hated this place, but it doesn't get one star because it wasn't poison, just not very good. I'd never go back.
(2)
J P.
The approximately 3.5 stars you see as an average of everyone's score is spot on. This place isn't bad. However, this place isn't necessarily a place I will "need" to go back to. We went for dinner on a Thursday night. No complaints with the service. My girlfriend and I ordered a herb chicken pizza (the large size). It was good. We each had a drink. They were also good. The dessert however was fantastic. It was their trio dessert. It had three small scoops of different flavored sorbets, a chocolate bunt cake with vanilla sorbet on the top, and house made donuts with a coffee cream dipping sauce. I would go back for this. Their food menu wasn't extensive enough for me. And the prices are way too high for the quality of food. Again, the food IS good, but it's not quite worth the price. If you want a quieter atmosphere, don't get a booth in the bar section; it was very loud. If you think you would order a meal similar to the one I described above, I would strongly suggest you give Facci (Johns Hopkins Road, Laurel, Maryland) a try.
(3)
Michelle W.
Meh, I've had better. Went here for lunch with a friend this past weekend, it wasn't crowded so we went right in and got a table outside. It was a nice open patio. We got the mozzi carrozzi for an appetizer. It was pretty good, however I did find it to be a little on the greasy side. The longer it took you to eat it the greasier it seemed. Since there was only 2 of us and the servings are quite large we both had salads. I had the crab & avocado salad (app) and he got the apple pear salad. I wouldn't recommend the crab avocado salad at all. I'm not sure if the crab was bad or it was the combination of flavors that was just off. In either case, it was not good at all. I pretty much just tried to pick out untainted avocado chunks to eat. The pear salad was decent, the dressing was actually pretty good but otherwise unmemorable. The service was ok, but the longer we were there the less we saw the server and we had to wait quite some time to get our bill. Not really anywhere I have a strong desire to go back to. It was just bleh.
(2)
Stacey M.
Beautiful urban chic decor with tons of texture and interest! I haven't sat outside yet, but the outdoor seating area/bar looks gorgeous. Perfect for meeting up with friends or for drinks after work. Service is always friendly and efficient. I've only ever had the pizza's... they are thin crust, fresh, simple and yet tasty (some could use a little more seasoning), and come served on a raised stand that leaves more room on the table for actual dining. I also like that pizza's are served with sharing in mind and come with a pizza pie server/lift, and all the accoutrement like parmesan and chili.
(4)
Larissa F.
After much anticipation, the new Matchbox has opened just down the street from me. The space is gorgeous and I can already tell it's going to be a hotspot in the summertime. The outdoor patios and firepits are just itching for happy hours in a few months. The inside of the restaurant is open and bright, with both a brick, homey look and industrial feel. The space is huge and includes an upstairs loft and three dining room areas. Great design. Service was impressive for opening weekend. I arrived with a party of 6, and was told there would be a wait, but then a makeshift table was quickly put together for us. I was on crutches, so was thankful to not have to wait too long (though they did offer me a chair while I waited). The room we were in was cozy with a fireplace, and I could definitely see it being a great spot for a party. I expected some snags in either service, food or kitchen timing - especially because the place was packed on a Sunday night. But, was pleasantly surprised that the meal flowed smoothly. We of course started with the sliders which are just as delicious as downtown and were 12 were gone immediately. The tuna tartare was pretty decent, and I was looking forward to my hanger steak salad. The hanger steak salad comes with grilled hearts of romaine, and a wonderful spicy caesar dressing. My fellow diners had the tuna nicoise salad, the roasted chicken, the crab crusted rockfish and crabcake sandwich. All enjoyed their meals, with a few hiccups. The manager was gracious and removed some charges for the meal another in my party did not enjoy, and for a problem with my salad (though I would have been happy to pay). It was nice they were so accommodating given it was opening weekend, and the good service was appreciated. We ordered bread pudding and a dessert trio to share, which was heavenly. I loved the caramelized bananas with the bread pudding, and the little donuts were quite addictive. This place is going to be a huge hit with families and groups alike - - especially if it's true and they will be taking normal reservations. The sliders are a definite, the pizza is hit or miss (but I like it), and the atmosphere can't be beat. My only complaint is that the music was a bit loud and out of place, I think something softer (or none at all) would have been better. I don't think of this as a trendy downtown spot -- it's more of a go-to favorite. The restaurant location may be a "cursed" spot, but I expect Matchbox to do very well. If the crowds this weekend were any indicator - reservations will definitely be a must. Expect me to be back - all the time.
(4)
Bruce H.
Mediocre experience. -Food tasted ok, -service was ok, -price was too much for what was delivered, -venue was pleasing with lots of smart designs. Below my expectations.
(3)
Po W.
I fell in love with this location the moment I walked in. I have been to the Chinatown location and I have to say I like this one much better. The location is great. U don't have to search for parking. The space is huge! Multiple levels, 3 bars (2 inside 1 outside), patio seating, rooftop seating etc. The 3-6-9 sliders are so delicious. And the cocktails are fabulous. I heard the the pepperoni pizza and spicy meatball pizza are great! The menu is extensive and I look forward to trying more selections. The one negative is the wait. It so crowded. Went on a Friday night and waited for about an hour. But, while waiting servers came around with samples of cheese pizza that were great! I will definitely return!
(4)
David A.
I'll preface this review by saying I'm kind of a beer geek, so that will be a large percentage of my review. I went to Matchbox's Rockville location for Valentine's Day. I was a bit wary, due to some of the reviews of the wait times (even with reservations) as well as staff attitude (read "rudeness"). I was quite impressed with the experience. We arrived about 5 minutes before our reservation time (8:30). There was one party at the greeters stand ahead of us; we were seated at a booth in the bar room within 5 minutes. So far so good. They have a decent on tap selection in general, and the prices weren't too bad either ($5-$9). They (usually) have about a dozen beers on tap, including Allagash White, Ayinger Brau-weisse, Heavy Seas Small Craft Warning, Chimay Cinq Cents, Delerium Tremens, Flying Dog Doggie Style, and Smuttynose Old Brown Dog, as well as two rotating taps, one being a Sierra Nevada selection. Last night they had both SN Glissade and to my delight, SN Northern Hemisphere Harvest, which I'd never had on tap before, and very nice, to say the least! (I'm blanking on the other rotating, but it was also interesting.) On the down side, they were out of the Chimay, Delerium and a couple of others, but I blame Mont. Co. distribution for that. (Le Mannequin Pis has the same problem.) The food was excellent - I'd call it "upscale gastropub". As I'd read several reviews raving about the sliders, we ordered three as an appetizer. I think I'm not a slider person, as I thought they were fine, but nothing to rave about. My wife thought they were very good. I will say they were probably the best sliders I've had, but I've only had them at a few places. They also had a special appetizer of fried oysters on chorizo infused couscous with lemon/champagne, which were awesome. There were four oysters, each with a dollop of the couscous; we joked (?) about ordering one or two more orders. For the entree, I had the seared salmon, which was quite good; my wife had the bacon wrapped shrimp appetizer as her entree, which she quite enjoyed. Both were served on grits the consistency of mashed potatoes. They were surprisingly uncrowded considering it was Valentine's Day. When I talked to the hostess about it, she surmised their usual long wait (w/out reservations) scared the date-type folks away. Also, it was a Monday night; I'm sure they're much busier on weekends. The space is very nice; I remember the decor from the original restaurant there (Shelly's Woodroast), which a subsequent restaurant kept to some extent. Now, gone are the log cabin type beams, replaced by a modern, light wood, maybe oak. The ceilings appear to be simply roughed in, and there is an upstairs dining area that wasn't in previous incarnations. The bar is about 15-20 seats long, and the bartender knew what I was talking about when I asked him for clarification on the Sierra Nevada beer (the waitress wasn't sure). For parking, they're in Congressional Plaza, so there's plenty of space. All in all, a positive experience; not cheap, but not as expensive as I'd braced myself for. Beer prices were better than at Againn, which had beer prices up into the mid-high teens (but some may have been for 750ml bottles), and the food was at least as good. I'll be back!
(4)
Muriel H.
The shrimp is grits is my absolute favorite dish that they offer! I wish it was a larger portion because once I was done w/ it I wanted to order another one! The sliders and string fries are also amazing. The pizzas smell to die for. The place is pretty crowded so getting seating is a hassle. Otherwise, I love this spot..
(5)
M D.
Relax at one of two bars with the Watermelon Tease ($8) made with house-infused watermelon vodka, rum, gin and tequila. (Hey, everyone's here!) It is smooth, sweet, and light as summer. If you can't be seen holding a pink cocktail, order the manly Match-hatten ($8) with Maker's Mark bourbon, sweet vermouth and orange. See the complete cocktail menu here. If you want a simple salad ($10), there is mixed greens, pear tomatoes, and dried cherries in a balsamic vinaigrette, topped with a generous parmesan crisp. If you want to pretend to eat a salad, try the Matchbox chopped salad ($10) with crispy bacon, red onions, pasta ringlets, and a creamy herb vinaigrette. Chef Johnny Mack gets creative with daily specials, and is always happy to accomodate special orders. Tonight, a delicious experiment results in a tender, luscious pork belly on a bed of cheese risotto, topped with a poached egg. There are sixteen pizzas to choose from, or you can create your own. If you love cheese but hate Domino's and the USDA, then you'll love the four cheese white ($20), with lots of roasted garlic, ricotta, buffalo mozzarella, pecorino toscano, pecorino romano, but not an ounce of red. The Coppa ($20) with Italian ham, thick pesto, ricotta, Roma tomatoes and mozzarella, topped with fresh arugula, was a unanimous favorite. Not in the mood for pizza? Order the mini burgers ($8-$18, top right), juicy little patties of certified Angus beef on seedless brioche from Lyon Bakery, which also bakes the buns for sister restaurant, DC-3. Served with pickles and onion straws, under a fine dusting of Parmesan cheese. Add your choice of Gouda, mozzarella or Gorgonzola for extra flavor. If you love the taste of barbeque, the braised beef short ribs ($24) are a must-try. Fork tender in a sweet, red Shiraz reduction. For pescatarians, there is the crab crusted rockfish ($22) with parsley pine nut risotto and the kick of whole grain mustard. Always perked up by dessert, I happily dug into the coffee & doughnuts ($8, bottom right), a basket of sugary cinnamon doughnuts, dense and cake-like. The teeny cup of espresso Kahlua crème tastes and feels like melted chocolate ice cream, except spiked.
(4)
Andrew K.
45 minute wait for a Wednesday night? This place is always packed apparently and it is a huge restaurant with 2 levels but I guess it's b/c there aren't that many nice places to eat in Rockville. I got half coppa italian ham & arugala and half fire & smoke. The ham and arugala was good but the fire and smoke was just ok, it is pretty spicy but didn't really like the flavor. I also tried the mini burgers which were ok but nothing special. Overall, I think it's not bad but not worth the wait.
(3)
Bill S.
The long awaited Match Box has opened. The Pizza was great, the service was good and the place was very well done. We went on a Monday night, instant seating. We went back at 8:30 Saturday night at 8:30 and it was an hour wait (we didn't) This is a great place for pizza and a beer!
(4)
Sarah T.
I will write a more in depth review once I have a chance to actual dine here. However, for now - Matchbox has my heart. Went here for my BF's company holiday party and everything from the decor to the food to the staff was perfect! The space is great and I love what they did with the place. The pizza, sliders, and other Hors D'oeuvres were all delicious. The staff were very attentive and friendly - (even after the party had ended) I'm sure I have a bit of a biased opinion since it was open bar and I didn't spend a dime, but free or not the food was good and the wine we had was exceptionally tasty! After the party we made our way to the bar, and the staff there was also very friendly and easy going. When I let the bartender know one of the people I was with didn't think her drink was "strong" enough and tasted a bit too sweet. The bartender didn't hesitate to add in another shot! I'm sure it isn't something they'd do all the time, but she made sure to take care of us. At the end of the evening some other patrons that weren't with our group had wound up with some of the Christmas hats that the office had brought and they were being a bit belligerent about giving them back. (It was pretty pitiful, but I guess the ladies had tossed quite a few back and were being awfully rowdy.) One of the male bartenders saw how rude they were being and immediately stepped in to circumvent anyone from losing there cool. It was handled very well and it was nice to not have to ask for assistance. All in all, we had a pretty great time! I think if the staff remains as attentive and upbeat and the price point remains affordable I will be heading in often... Especially since I am so close I wouldn't even need to drive if I didn't want to! (That's a super perk since I used to live in Downtown San Diego where everything was within walking distance!) Hahaha!
(5)
LEAH H.
Great idea but horrible service. It started going down hill from the parking or lack of because they share parking with several other businesses. Then there was a 25 minute wait. I don't mind waiting but to create a wait to make it appear that there is a demand for the restaurant is RIDICULOUS !!! I found this out after we got seated and taken to a room where there was PLENTY of empty tables. When I brought this up to them they were very rude about this. Ok now let's talk about the food. It was marginal at best. The burgers were just as good as the ones across the street at Fudruckers but double the price. SAVE a half hour of your time and find another place to eat !!
(1)
Mary M.
The Italian coppa ham and argula pizza with pesto is freaking DELICIOUS. The food overall is really good. Love the decor -- for a humongous restaurant it manages to be cozy and comfortable. It's a nice restaurant for any occasion - family dinner, casual dining, a date, a celebration. It manages to be both very casual and a nice night out at the same time. Decently priced and you're likely to have leftovers to take home, which they're used to so you don't have to feel like a fool asking for a pizza box. The long wait and slow, somewhat inattentive service are the only things preventing a 5 star rating from me. The hostesses in particular could be more friendly and welcoming.
(4)
Targi B.
I don't want to sit in your walk way! So this was my third attempt to have a meal here. If I was unable to get in this time I was going to punt on ever eating at this location. When I called to make a reservation, yes a reservation at a pizza place, the first response was they were full...It's almost like a default answer here. But when I explained that I said tomorrow she was able to put in the book. Upon arrival, on time, they attempted to seat me in a walkway. If you've seen this restaurant let me describe where this table was. If the bar is pack (and it will be) and your milling in the alley way that connects the two sides of the restaurant with your back to the door, there is one sad lonely table directly to your left. RIGHT THERE!!! Ok here comes my inner snob. I made a reservation, can I get a decent table. I'm 7 months pregnant, can I get a table that will hold more than just myself! Not to mention there was a booth right behind that. Needless to say I asked to sit somewhere else. At first they tried to explain the other tables were for larger parties...but I think the look on my face explained how little I cared about their plight of no tables. They did seat up in a much better location, back behind the bar on the left. Right next to a window where it seems standard to give you two tables since well one is tiny! One of the biggest reason I was dying to come to matchbox was to try the Lobster bisque. So I ordered that and a pizza. My pizza came, no soup! Disappointment but the waiter promptly apologized and promised up two soups (as we had ordered) free of charge. The soups did come out and was everything I hoped it would be! The pizza was also as yummy as the one I had downtown. Now for the bill, she did come and say she took of one soup (slight change there) but since she has been so nice and I had gone into the restaurant fully prepared to pay for my food, I was fine and thought it was a nice gesture. I would eat here again...when the hype dies down and the outside is open which promises more seating! meanwhile, I'll venture downtown, since well it is the same menu.
(2)
Bryan B.
The waitress was excellent (Laura S). Delightful, easy to talk to and informed about all of the items available. The food was good too. The atmosphere was loud and busy. If you looking for romance this is not the place. If you are looking for good food, great service and a fun atmosphere with friends I think you will be pleased. Great menu selection for food and drink. Many good wines to choose from.
(4)
Preston H.
Very good food and service. I rarely give a four star review but they impressed me. Pizza was good and the sliders were decent.
(4)
Stephan S.
Went here for dinner a few times and for lunch the other day. Personal pizza is very good. I had the scallops for lunch and was very happy. The bar area looks big but not really set up for a happy hour for a large group.
(4)
Chuck O.
Love the food & brews. This is our go-to when we want to get out of Bethesda. Enjoyable atmosphere and is kid friendly.
(4)
Laurie W.
I am the first ever Dutchess of Matchbox Rockville, thanks to Yelp Mobile. What can I say? It's the little victories. This restaurant is huge and beautifully designed. I've seen this building through all of its incarnations, since it was Shelly's ill-fated Wood Roast (game? alligator? possum? I can't remember), That's Amore (a Valentine's Day spot with my ill-fated ex) to the better PGA Tour Grill. I'm glad it's Matchbox now. It's good to have an alternative to the Town Center places (where honestly, aside from the Thai, Indian and Lebanese Taverna I'm not so excited about any of the food offerings), and I SWEAR we can float high-quality, mid-price point places in Rockville. We found seats at the very back service bar, where the two bartenders were very attentive and excited to be opening a new restaurant. As for the food, the sliders and pizza are the staples, so I chose a sopressata and wild mushroom pizza and a salad. The balsamic dressing was so understated I could barely tell what it tasted like, which is the unfortunate opposite of drowning the lettuce. The pizza was very good -- there was a nice spice to the sauce and I'm a fan of thin, crispy crust. Matchbox also has a good selection of smaller-batch beers, including Heavy Seas out of Baltimore, and that's also not common and very welcome around here. The doors to that bar will open up to the patio and offer seating for 100 people when it warms up, which will make it a nice destination for happy hours. There is space for large parties and another big bar in the front (where it was when the building was PGA, but it looks like it's been widened.) When I left I thought this might be the place for my 40th birthday dinner, so that's a good sign. As much as I like to go into D.C., I work in Rockville and live close by, so this is a great alternative for those of us who roam the Pike in search of a nice space to have a beer and a decent meal.
(4)
Jessica R.
Good food, good service!
(4)
Bridget Q.
Went here for Dinner on Thursday. Overall it was a pleasant experience. Our server was very helpful but not overwhelming and annoying. We had to wait about 30 minutes for our table, and then were sat a a high top near the bar....which I felt was not worth waiting 30 minutes for. I feel that the hostess should have asked if we would have liked to sit there.. It was VERY loud and that was distracting. I ordered a side salad and a pizza. Both were excellent and like I said we had a great server. Overall I would say try it out...cool atmosphere...but make sure you either go early or make a reservation to avoid waiting...and the bar.
(4)
Jim C.
First visit to this incredibly popular string of restaurants. Always crazy crowded. Great beer selection. The shrimp and grits was a very nice version of this now-routine dish. Heavy on the butter and with bacon wrapping each shrimp, it is a pleaser if you crave richness. The spicy meatball pizza is a real winner. Sat at the bar and was taken care of by Jamie - she was attentive, informative and good fun. She made the meal better,
(4)
Lisa G.
Awesome place!!! Food and service awesome. A little pricey, but hey Houston's is gone so why not? Will be back
(5)
Jamie S.
The food is okay. My husband and I both got the pizza and thought it was decent, though not great and certainly not worth the price. I have had better experiences at the D.C. location. The pros of this place as compared to DC is that they have parking, that it is closer to my house, and that it is not as crowded.
(3)
Oscar S.
First things first....MAKE A RESERVATION! This is a great place to have a date and hang out with friends. The pizzas are really good and their drinks are really good as well. Our waiter was very friendly and gave us good suggestions. It's in a good area in Rockville. I like the ambiance, almost like the Matchbox in Chinatown. A little pricey, but not too bad like other restaurants. Highly recommend it. We were out w/ some friends and I must definitely recommend the Matcbox Meat Pizza, as well as the Beef Ribs. Very tender..I repeat very tender...hmm..getting hungry again. You won't be disappointed w/ anything that you get from there as all of their food is very delicious. Th wait staff is very friendly, and our waitress (don't tell) even gave someone in our party a free pint glass that she wanted.
(5)
Kayla A.
Love, love, love it! Their pizzas are to die for! Drinks are a little steep, but their pizza is out of this world! I love the matchbox meat and chicken pesto pizza, absolutely amazing together. The mozzi carozzi appetizer is also awesome. I also recommend the ice cream cookie dessert, amazing but definitely bring a friend to share it with! I have never tasted anything here that I didn't love. Great food for a reasonable price. This place gets busy early, make reservations or go early!! I went on a Tuesday and had to wait for a table for 4
(5)
Alison R.
Got the crab and avacado salad app, the pizco blackberry drink was not good/not made properly. Also had the cobb salad and donut dessert. Very yummy. Will be returning.
(5)
David W.
My wife and I had a wonderful evening. Our waitress was very friendly and helpful My wife enjoyed the martini she ordered which was a nice departure from the standard drinks at most places. We both raved about our pizza and the bread pudding we shared for dessert is as good as everyone says it is.
(4)
Andrew H.
You pay for the ambience. Crappy food, service was ok, although HIDING CUSTOMERS IS NOT A GOOD STRATEGY FOR GOOD REVIEWS. Service mitigated horrible seating arrangements and subpar food.
(1)
Fareez A.
love the smoke and fire pizza!
(4)
Eva F.
My boss brought me here for dinner during a business trip. We were a party of 5 total, and I was quite impressed by the waiter's ability to memorize everything we ordered (drinks, salads, pizza) and have each item delivered to the right person at the table. (So yes, service was great!) The drink menu was extensive (draught beers, wine, cocktails and girlie and manly martinis), and there are a ton of pizza options. And if none of those suit you, you can build your own. We tried the Matchbox Meat and the Chicken Pesto pizzas and both were wonderful! Next time I'll have to try the sliders. (In case you are wondering what the 3-6-9 on the wait staff t-shirts mean, it's the options for number of sliders in an order.) I saw them drift past our table to another table and they looked yummy with a big mountain of thin onion rings on top. Will definitely be back on my next trip to the Bethesda area. P.S. Make sure you make a reservation before going - it was PACKED and I was so glad we were able to walk past everyone waiting on line to get our table right away :)
(4)
Jeff W.
Matchbox recently opened at a new location in Rockville with much hype. The decor is very well done; however, the restaurant is definitely overrated. The salads included very little protein and the entrees were very small for the price. The pizza and sliders were excellent. If you dine here, stick to the burgers and pizza. They also have a very good selection of draft beers. The service could also use some improvement. They took forever to take our drink orders. In addition, they brought all of our food to the table at once, even though we told the waitress we wanted to pace ourselves. When we were done with our meal the waitress never asked if we wanted coffee or dessert. I would have given the review 2 stars, but since they are open only a week I thought I would be generous.
(3)
Matthew D.
I travel here for business and I have been to Matchbox twice for lunch. On this particular trip I was with two associates. I had the spinach salad which had feta cheese, roasted pear tomatoes, candied walnuts, red onions, orange segments, warm bacon vinaigrette. I passed on the tomatoes and orange "segments" (not an appetizing word for food) and then proceeded to eat the hell out of it. Trying to eat a little smarter at lunch and this didn't feel like sacrificing at all. I then spilt a 6 piece Fire & Smoke pizza with a co-worker. It has fire roasted red peppers, spanish, onions chipotle pepper, tomato sauce, garlic puree, smoked gouda & fresh basil. It was labeled as very spicy and at first I didn't believe it, but it sneaks up on you for a pleasant after taste that has a kick to it in a great way. The garlic is legit, bring breath mints or stand 10 feet back from whoever you speak with for the rest of the day. Overall it was excellent and salad with the 3 pieces was just right for portions. To Recap: The Good: The food is great for lunch, especially considering the near by options. The feel of the place is open and modern, tastefully done. The service was a notch above what I was expecting to be honest, a pleasant surprise. The Bad: It did a slight chain feel to it, I don't know where it is a local chain or not, but it was a little formula feeling at certain times. The Band This Restaurant Most Resembles: The Beltways. Maryland rock that does the area proud. I will be back.
(4)
Alexis B.
I've always passed by Matchbox on the Pike, but never really stopped by and tried it until now. My aunt tried it once and told me she didn't like it, saying that the pizza was too salty, but I told her to give it another shot, that maybe her choice of pizza was the cause. And so we did. We shared the pesto chicken pizza and a salad and it was really not bad at all! The pesto was delicious, but the chicken was a little dry, but it was pretty good. I think I'll definitely come back if ever a pesto craving comes up (and those do come up quite often for me for some reason).
(4)
Lillian S.
I got the take-out when I was running errands in Rockville and the food was great (mushroom pizza and the pear/apple salad but the real reason I am writing this review is to rave about Erin B (the name on the receipt). She is the bartender that was quite busy serving a bar full of customers and also had the responsibility for the the take-out stand. She took my order promptly and then proceeded to take more orders from the bar, fulfill drink orders from the waiters, take menu orders, ring people up, and serve another 2 people who had ordered take-out. All this in the 15 minutes I was sitting waiting for my order. She was super-efficient, pleasant and such an amazing multi-tasker. She was on the move for the entire 15 minutes while a few other staff members came and went and it was hard to tell what exactly they were doing and why they couldn't help her out. For example, the person who came out of the kitchen with my food saw me and another woman in the waiting section and could have announced the name on the order. Instead, she just set it down and walked away. Like many other businesses, matchbox probably has 20% of the staff doing 80% of the work and that 20% certainly includes Erin. I only hope they know what a gem they have! It's hard to find good people who work so hard!
(4)
Corey S.
Not as good as the original. Service was bad - from the hostess stand to waiters. Wait time took more than twice as long as told when checking in. Waiter was non-attentive and missing for long periods of time. Food was not as good either. Pizza crust was soggy and spiciness in their spicy pizzas just wasn't there. Maybe an off night, but it was really off.
(2)
Erin S.
Beet salad was good but the beef short ribs were very disappointing. Super fatty and not in a good way. I know this place is supposed to be very popular but I was not impressed at all.
(2)
Grace L.
If I could have given them 3.5 stars... then I would. I've been to Matchbox in Rockville twice now. The first time, I went with my fiance and 2 of our friends during the week it opened and was extremely disappointed by the poor service. The waitress could not offer any drink recommendations and was very unhelpful in helping us order. Lucky for them, the sliders and pizza were delicious so we went back. The 2nd time was A LOT better. We were seated promptly (party of 6 on Memorial Day) and our waitress was great! We ordered the sliders (which were amazing) and the pesto chicken pizza, fire and smoke pizza, and sun dried tomato. The pizza was a little overcooked and there was too much charring for my taste, but was good overall.
App - shrimp and grits with the best sauce! Entree - pork with creole sauce, order medium - I think our food sat a bit so mine was well and dry by the time it came but the sauce totally helped. Service was very slow so plan for a long lunch.
(4)
Michael C.
I got here at 6:15 on a wed. night and asked how long the wait would be for 3 people. They told me 15 minutes. They lied. They were off by an entire 45 minutes. At that point i was pretty annoyed, but the waitress was so nice, helpful, and attentive that it saved the meal. So if i'm rating it on the front hostesses this place gets a zero. But i'm not. We got the 3-6-9 (6 mini burgers with 2 of each cheese). This comes with a heaping pile of onion.... things. It all tasted great though. We split a sausage and onion pizza that was good, and my parents got a crab cake sandwich and a matchbox chicken. They both said their sandwiches were good (not great). The crab cake looked gigantic though. The decor was nice (but i'm not really one to care about decor), it definitely wasn't the type of place my parents were expecting. The clientele definitely skewed younger. PS - the little side bar looked really douchey. Like blazer and affliction t-shirt douchey. I guess that's just par for the course when it comes to popular/new/trendy places.
(3)
Julie P.
We've eaten here twice. The first time we had pizza and it was delicious. The second time we came for lunch. I made the mistake of ordering a sandwhich--it was bland and overpriced. Stick to the pizza.
(2)
Johnson H.
Went to try this place recently. I was hoping for a crispy crust throughout my pie but all the pizzas we ordered had soft crust towards the center of the pie :( I mean a crispy crust is what I look forward to coming out of a wood fire pizza oven. The flavors and tastes of their pizzas were good enough to consider another visit.
(3)
Eric B.
I found better pizza in Rockville at Pizza CS, so down to 1 star.
(1)
Henry L.
Good... when you need that starch engorgement...
(3)
Angela S.
I finally made it to the Rockville location, yay! Went around 11:15 on a Sat morning...thought there was going to be a brunch menu but only saw a "brunch cocktail" menu; the food menu was the regular one. I ordered my usual Fire & Smoke pizza, which tasted even better than I remembered. I decided to try the beet salad instead of my usual apple pear salad. Either there wasn't enough dressing on it, or the dressing wasn't strong enough, because I could barely taste it. The rest of the salad was tasty, but not worth the $10 price tag due to its size. I would expect a more filling or larger salad for $10, almost entree-size in fact. My Bloody Mary wasn't the best, will order something else next time. The waitress was nice but didn't seem to know the menu that well. I mean, she knew what was on it, but couldn't answer questions about specific items. Fine for me since I was somewhat familiar with the menu, but could be a problem for a first-timer. The 1 star deduction is for the prices. They probably shouldn't be the same as Chinatown's prices. I would like to come here on a fairly regular basis and would if the prices were just slighly less. It'll still be in the rotation, though.
(4)
Michael H.
Really like this place! The burgers are great, and the entrees are very good as well. Haven't tried the pizza yet, buy I've heard good things. Extensive drink menu. Last time there we ordered the sliders without pickles (my wife *hates* pickles). When they arrived with pickles, we told the waiter who took responsibility and apologized profusely. He then offered to pay for a dessert or give us a gift card for our next visit (we took the latter). When we received the bill, he took the sliders off the bill as well (even though I finished them) and handed us a dessert gift card. In my opinion, this was fantastic customer service and we will be putting matchbox into the rotation.
(4)
C M.
Best place in MoCo, hands down. Great pizza selection and a tap beer list that beats anyplace outside the beltway. Go.
(5)
Krissy R.
Really good food and good service. Only go here if you're okay with eating really high-fat unhealthy food though-- like if you're really in the mood for greasy pizza, burgers, and onion strings. I saw that a lot of people on Yelp were complaining of long waits so I made a reservation before I went here for lunch. When I walked in to tell the hostess about my reservation, I overheard her telling the person in front of me that the wait was 45 minutes (this was at 1:30pm). Because I had a reservation, I was taken to my table immediately, which was nice. The server was excellent and was good about bringing new drinks over each time ours were empty. He also had some great suggestions for menu items since it was our first time at the restaurant. He came by to check after our food was delivered to make sure it was to our liking. Overall it was a really fun experience and I plan to go back. Our table ordered 6 sliders with cheese for an appetizer, and I had the tomato, basil, mozzarella pizza for my entree. Both were awesome. We split the fruit pizza for dessert which was also surprisingly yummy.
(4)
Amanda K.
Cocktails: Very Good Beer Selection: Very Good (Smutty Nose & Delirium on tap) Sliders: Excellent Pizza (Sopressata & Mushroom): Very Good Salad (Beet & Goat Cheese): Meh Donuts (actually zeppoli): Excellent
(4)
Lauren K.
I tried this place again with my coworkers for a going away party. I figured that I'd try something other than the pizza since they really dropped the ball with pizza. I had a crabcake sandwich. Unfortunately, food poisoning soon followed. I will never return to this place. Work party or not.
(1)
michele p.
I only hold back from a full 5 star rating because it is a bit pricey here. The only other possible fault is that the servers are TOO nice, seriously where do they find these cheery people? The food is very good quality, from the pizzas to the pastas to the appetizers you cannot go wrong. They also have a very nice wine menu. Make a reservation on opentable.com because there is always a wait at peak times. Oh, do not get the lava chocolate cake we have ordered it twice and it was not good either time. DO order the Serrano ham pizza mmmmm now I am hungry ugh its amazing!
(4)
Ellen K.
I went for the first time on Saturday night. It was a madhouse. Make sure to make reservations through open table or expect to wait 2+ hours on busy nights. When we pulled up to the restaurant, the outside decor looked nice! We got inside and I was amazed that the restaurant had a 2nd floor! Apparently...in the spring/summer, they're going to have outdoor patio seating upstairs. The waiting area was insanely packed...I felt pretty claustrophobic. The staff were extremely friendly. There's also a bar at the front of the restaurant...I didn't get to walk in to see what it looked like but was told by my waiter that the windows in the bar area slide open. They'll open the windows it in the spring/summer when the weather is nicer (obviously). I had the mozzi as an appetizer and the 3-6-9 bar burgers as an entree. It was amazingly delicious! My friend had a pizza but I didn't try it...she said it was pretty good. I will definitely go back again!
(5)
D K.
The little things count. Great drink menu. Ordered the Ayinger beer. Awesome. I've now started a mission to find it in stores/bottles. Rather large place, but not too loud. I'm surprised it gets so full on weekends. We made reservations, so no wait for us. Smart. Started off with Shrimp & Grits. I've missed Grits. It was decent. Shrimp was overcooked, but next time, I'll get the Sliders. It seems like those are the most popular. Fire & Smoke pizza. My bf chose it. I can't handle spiciness, but I was up to the challenge. I like the garlic puree, and it definitely gets you sniffly and your tongue burning, but funny thing... it doesn't last. I was fine by the time I got the check. Maybe the beer helped to numb my senses, but it wasn't too bad. It was an interesting pizza to have, but next time, I'll choose something else. Thin crust with a few burnt edges, but they warn you about that in the menu. The main reason I bumped this review from 3 to 4 stars is the service. My bf and I had to leave early, so we asked the server to give us our check if possible. No problem at all. She was more than happy to split it. Sometimes servers grumble and you get the slightly exasperated "FINE..." look, but our server was more than happy to oblige. I will return, Matchbox. You've earned a return visit.
(4)
Jennifer M.
Great place with excellent pizza. Good meeting place with two bars as well. They have awesome garlic breadsticks that are perfect with marinara sauce.
(4)
Anna Sofia B.
Great drinks, pizza and mini burgers (try them with Gorgonzola) in an unpretentious environment. The service is friendly but they seem unable to anticipate your needs such as, another drink, condiments or an extra spoon to share a dessert.
(4)
Munzer M.
Fantastic pizza! I was torn between the braised short ribs, the bone in rib eye steak, and the Serrano ham pizza with buffalo mozzarella, ricotta cheese and oven dried tomatoes. I opted for the latter and thoroughly enjoyed it! I ate every bite and although completely stuffed, had a slice of my girlfriends chicken pesto pizza! This is by far the best pizza I've had in DC and quite possibly anywhere else & I've lived in NYC (not to mention above a Rays Pizza), and Chicago! My mouth is watering just writing about it! Check out our blog at samplefly.com/blog
(4)
Clarisse B.
My boyfriend and I went to dinner at Matchbox in Rockville on Friday night, and since we've been there several times before, we weren't surprised when they told us it would be an hour and 20 minute wait. (I highly recommend you get a reservation before coming here, we didn't as it was a last minute decision). We grabbed a couple drinks and waited at their bar, I had a glass of Malbec (the Catena, I wasn't crazy about it), he had a corona, the bill was like $15! The bar was crowded too, but was comfortable and there was still plenty of standing room and great people watching. Every once in a while a server came around with some pizza samples to feed all of us that were waiting for a table! Once our table was finally ready, they seated us in a little room they have with tables past the bar, absolutely the worst section ever and I had never even noticed it's existance prior to this visit. After waiting so long for a table, I was not happy. We went back to the hostess stand and asked if we could get back on the wait list for a better table in their main room, and she showed us straight to another table, on the second floor, overlooking the main area. MUCH BETTER! I was really impressed with how accomodating she was, I mean, afterall, they have to put someone in that crappy past the bar section, but I'm glad it wasn't us! Also, as a side note, this really is a beautiful restaurant. There's some wood on the walls, with lighting behind it, and it does a great deal for ambiance. It's contemporary looking, open and spacious, and just a great place for a date. Once seated at our table, our waiter who was very helpful came to us and offered some wine selections. He was very informative and clearly knew what he was talking about, they had just had a wine tasting the previous night. He recommended the Shiraz Layer Cake, and I loved it! Normally we start off with the mini burgers, and they are hand down the most delicious sliders I have ever had EVER. However being Friday during Lent, and us being guilty Catholics, we were going all vegetarian that night. So we went for the Mozza Carozzi, kind of like a bruchetta. It was really good, especially considering it was vegetarian, but we did miss our mini burgers. For our entree, we shared the Vegetarian pizza. It comes with spanish onions, roated poblano peppers, roasted garlic, mozzaralla, fresh herbs, and fingerling potato crips and we subbed sundried tomatoes instead for the mushrooms. It was great! Although about 1/4 of the pizza was extremely charred, to the point where when we tried to eat it all we got was that yucky burnt taste (hence 4 stars instead of 5 for this review). All in all, I highly recommend this place! The restaurant is brand new and beautiful, the servers are really friendly and accomodating, and the food is delicious!
(4)
Lisa G.
I went met a friend here for drinks recently. The place is huge compared to China Town but I would have thought that the bar areas would be bigger. We found seats at the main bar and camped out for hours. We had Ice Tea Martinis which were good and then moved on to Red Wines. The bartender had excellent knowledge of the wines..forget his name though. After a few hours we ordered a small pizza and the couple next to us shared their donuts with us. Overall it was a great spot for drinks and catching up with a friend. Will definately be back.
(4)
Adam B.
Great pizza and awesome service.
(5)
Vivian A.
Very very very very very very very very very very very very very bad service.
(1)
Andy J.
I have only lived in the DC area for about a year and a half now. I am in constant search for good places to eat. Matchbox is one of the few places, so far, that has impressed me. Not only is their pizza good, their steaks and sandwiches are also good. In fact, one of the best sandwiches I have ever had came from Matchbox. I love their atmosphere, and the service is friendly and swift. I will definitely continue eating there in the future.
(4)
J M.
Stopped by Matchbox a few weeks ago after reading some of the reviews on Yelp. It was very crowded during lunch so we decided to come back another time. Our second visit the place was less crowded and we were seated right away. Our waiter was very friendly and brought us water right away. The table we were at was a little small even for two people but it's also cozy if you want to snuggle up. We ordered one pizza with basil, fingerling potatoes and caramelized onions. The pizza wasn't bad but neither of us were fans of the sauce. I've eaten a lot of pizza all over the country and this was not a sauce I liked. Probably would not go back for the pizza. I tried the Chicken Muffaletta sandwich which I thought was pretty good. Definitely would get it again on another visit. It's a very large, filling sandwich. We did not try an appetizers or desserts.
(3)
Kelsy S.
Some things are good here, some things aren't...the fire & smoke has changed...not really a fan anymore.
(3)
Suzanne P.
My boyfriend and I went here for dinner tonight, and were very impressed. The food was simply amazing! I found this place online while looking for a spot to hold a family event, and wanted to try it out before booking it. Everything was wonderful from the quick service (Thanks, Erica!), to the delicious tuna tartare (a little spicier than I expected), and a simple tomato and cheese pizza with artichokes. We finished it off with the chocolate raspberry ganache, which was really yummy! I also found their prices reasonable. And, I liked their variety of entrees with a mixture of good pizza and steaks and crab cakes and a great beer selection. After dinner, our waitress showed us a few of the rooms that could serve for a party and we met the manager who was very pleasant and helpful. I loved the ambiance, with the big open room, and can't wait to sit outside on a nice night near the fire pit.
Great pizza and very accommodating folks. You can really have a nice time here. They also keep nice fancy liquors like Islay scotches.
(5)
Alex D.
The reason I gave Matchbox 3 stars is because of the price of the food. The service is above average which makes the dining experience good compared to other restaurants in the area. The food on the other hand is sub par for the price. $9 for 3 cheeseburger sliders?? $14 for a 10" pizza?? Ive eaten here a couple times and was satisfied with my meal, until the check came. Sliders w/cheese $9 Small Chopped Salad $6 Crab Cake Sandwich $14 10" Matchbox Meat $14 Stella Artois $7 Tiamo Pinot Grigio $7 With tax and tip (20%) that's $71.00!!! While we waited almost 30 minutes for our table we went to the bar and looked around the restaurant. We were both amazed at the design and the decoration of the restaurant. I liked how their upstairs had a couple booths and a huge table that could seat up to maybe 14 people. The upstairs patio is a great new addition but the wait to be seated there is normally double the standard wait time. This is a little absurd to me considering your just staring at peoples tail lights. But different strokes for different folks. The main bar is very cramped with a mix of happy hour patrons and families waiting for their table. This tends to make the bar area hard to get comfortable in and even harder to get a beer. Your best bet is checking out the front bar by the outside dining area. Since this bar is off to the side it tends to get over looked by newcomers and may work better for a more relaxed wait time. All in all it was a good experience but i still cant get over the fact that it was $70 for essentially a pizza and crab cake sandwich. Yes, i realize we got apps and A drink a piece, but still $70?? Not a go to restaurant but a would go restaurant.
(3)
Lisa W.
Arrived right at noon on a Friday and was told a 45 minute wait. I noticed people walking in and getting seated immediately. There were very few servers and tons of empty tables. NOTE: make reservations before arriving especially at peak times!. One hostess was not wearing a bra so it was the talk of the waiting area. The young man working the hostess stand was very personable and polite. He was checking with folks waiting to make sure everyone was comfortable :) Got seated by a manager(?) he was apologetic for the wait -. The waiter was very informative about the menu. We started with the 6 slider appetizer, and the pear salad. Both were fantastic. My son who is not a lover of salads even thought the pear salad was delicious. We ordered a larger pizza with salami and mushrooms. Again the food has fresh ingredients and was great! Since we figured we would not be back soon (he is away at college) we decided to order the hot doughnuts. I bit into the first doughnut and it was raw (ugh). After a great meal this was a downer!. The waiter was great and swooped the doughnuts away and we got a fresh batch. I realize the place is new and I think once they staff up , and get the flow of how things operate it will be a go to place. The outdoor bar and seating area looked very appealing - can not wait for the warmer weather.
(4)
Lucy B.
Still a no thank you. You should be doing way better Matchbox.
(1)
Robin O.
Was expecting MUCH better, since Matchbox seems to be the newest ballyhooed restaurant on the Pike. The waitress was very nice and seemed knowledgeable about the menu. Since it was our first time, the five of us decided on items we all could try. I ordered the Cream of Crab soup and it was very good, the portion was large easy to share and it had a nice hump of shredded crabmeat on top to stir in. Son ordered the Apple Pear Salad, we all liked it. One ordered crab cake sandwich which he said was very good, but accompanying FF's were overcooked, cool and tasteless. The kids (25, 28) split 1 lg wood fired pizza. Good toppings, flavor enjoyed by all. The bad: TOO MANY TECHNICAL ERRORS. Hubby's Gin & Tonic was served in a girly Martini glass, waitress said they were out of the right size glasses. (The place was 90% empty.) Hubby's beet salad was served heavy on the beets and lettuce but with miniscule amount of goat cheese. The kids large pizza split: half matchbox meat, half Serrano Spanish ham & Pecorino Romano. The toppings were very good, garlicky, tasty, however thin crust was not so good. Over-cooked, a bit tough and chewy, very hard to cut w/ the knife that came with pizza, which should have been serrated, not butter knife edge. It was comical trying to tease out a slice of pizza using exaggerated sawing motions. This caused the topping to come off and you had to re-build your piece. Hubby ordered the Short Ribs which had a pleasant flavor, there was some berry jam flavor going on, interesting, it was very sweet. Waitress called it a wine reduction when asked. However, the meat was dry, most likely due to sitting around. The side dish was Brussel sprouts w/ bacon and gorgonzola but was way too heavy on the gorgonzola, it was a mouthful of cheese and you couldn't taste anything else and it looked like a pile of mush. I ordered the Grilled Romaine & Hanger Steak Salad. This is served on a plate with grilled whole Romaine lettuce and hanger steak cut into about five 3"slices. The meat was heaped in a small pile on plate, not sitting on lettuce. (pictured.) It's garnished with a halved boiled egg, three croutons, and Caesar dressing on the side. I tasted the meat, and it was tepid to cool. The waitress came by, asked how our food was, I asked if the steak is supposed to be served cold and she said "No, it should be hot." She took my plate away, it came out 10 min. later, the 2nd time the meat was placed in strips, not heaped in pile (consistency?) and again the meat was tepid, but decided not to complain. This whole dish tasted heavily of PROPANE, including charred lettuce, 75% more charred the second time (consistency?). I think they take a propane torch to cook the meat on the plate and the lettuce, as well. I suggest renaming this dish "Propane flavored Meat Salad." My dog enjoyed it very much. Our waitress said Matchbox "excels at dessert". We ordered Molten Chocolate Cake. The portion size was paltry, 3" across, (pictured) so between 5 adults, only got a teaspoon bite for $8. In the middle was caramel, so why the name Molten CHOCOLATE cake? We were expecting 'To Die For', but not much flavor, not enough sugar, simply BORING. I ordered "Donuts and Coffee", (apparently the new restaurant craze... as we ate at The Palm last week and ordered Coffee n' Donuts for dessert and it was SUBLIME.) It's supposed to be served with an Espresso Kahlua Creme Sauce to dip the donut into -- imagine my surprise after dipping donut into sauce, popping it into my mouth and discovering that the dipping sauce was Caesar Dressing!!! YUK! GAG! The donuts were terrible, over fried rocks, inedible. These owners need to go to the Palm and see how this dish should be made. Scratch that, it's probably where they got the idea to do it in the first place. FAIL! After all these mistakes; puny glass size for G&T, meat served cold, Caesar Dressing as dessert dip (which will become legend in our family) there was no comp. We didn't ask, but they definitely should have offered SOMETHING. Mere Annoyances: I didn't realize that there's a bread shortage going on. Bread is offered at an extra $1.00 charge. We received 2 rolls for 5 people. They split rolls in half with melted garlic butter, then grilled it. It could have been good but it was too salty. As we left through the 100% empty bar, there were two Bartenders standing there. We walked passed and neither of them said anything to us such as "Thank you, come again". They just glanced at us and then looked away, (probably counting their money). That cold shoulder was the perfect end to an imperfect dining experience. I was told that Matchbox has 4 REAL chefs. Really? So many technical errors; over cooking, over salting, heavy handedness, and forgetting ingredients. There's an overall lack of finesse, quality and consistency in most dishes we tried. This place is HEAVY on the EGO and LIGHT on the TALENT. $150 bucks down the drain on mostly mediocre food.
(2)
Sebb J.
I ordered a starter salad and the sausage pizza. The salad was decent but a bit on the acidic side. The sausage pizza I wolfed down easily, it was not best pizza i had but for suburban Maryland that was really unexpected. The service was just above average. She was quite friendly and talkative but towards the end even though the clientele had faded didn't come to us very often.
(4)
Sandra A.
I like matchbox in general, I like the atmosphere, and have been many times, my only issue is everything I loved on the menu is no longer on the menu. From my fav drink to entree to dessert....How I managed to pick everything that will be taken off, beats me but I'm no longer excited to go there because I can't look forward to the the things I liked.
(3)
Robert R.
wood-fired masonry oven pizza and mini burgers (not sliders) are the specialty items at these self proclaimed village pizza bistro's. the rockville restaurant, a stand alone structure in a big box shopping center along 355 is open and airy with two floors, an open pizza kitchen, two outdoor patios and two bar areas. this restaurant fills a big void in the area but expect lengthy waits on friday and saturday nights. favorites: mini burgers, cheese pizza, tuna nicoisesalad and all desserts
(4)
Ann S.
This place was fun, friendly and delicious! Beautifully decorated and furnished!
(3)
Emily P.
I've had the veggie, fire and smoke, meat, and meatball pizzas. I'm not sure if its because I've had a number of better experiences prior with brick oven pizza, but eating the pizzas here left me feeling heavy with terrible indigestion. I've also tried their other dishes like bacon shrimp and grits, tuna tartare, scallop gratin, crab and avocado salad, which I thought were mediocre at best. However, I recommend their burgers and definitely their onion fries (amazing!). Service here is usually spotty.
(2)
AJ F.
Great food, reasonable price, with decent service... Second trip for me, will go back again. Make sure to make a reservation, there is always a line to get a seat. Overall, good place with great food.
(4)
Ray M.
Food is excellent, but a little pricey. Service ok. Great, clean atmosphere :)
(4)
Debby W.
Our group of 6 had a little of everything they offered and LOVED it all! The pizza was perfect~the crust was crispy and the toppings were delicious! We practically licked the plate of the avocado/something appetizer..and the beet salad was delicious. While the swordfish was little over done, the Short Ribs were amazing! OMG, the bread pudding was another lick the plate thing and so were the donuts! Our server John was very, very attentive. Yes, a little pricey...so I knocked off a star, but I haven't had such delicious food in ROCKVILLE, since I can remember!
(4)
Rolf H.
I ate a mid-afternoon pizza with my daughter. The pizza was pretty good, if not great. Service was really good, and they had a good selection of beer. What really annoyed me was the incessant beat of the synthetic techno pseudo "music" they play -- a full hour of techno beat with no melody or anything else that could actually be called music. It was like a jackhammer to my head -- just really, really irritating. Why do they think someone can enjoy a meal with a robotic woodpecker pecking non-stop at their brain?
(2)
Yama A.
I guess you should not go there on a tuesday night. We were seated right away but the service was slow, we had to call a waitress over to our table. The food was barely edibale. The waitress messed up our order, got raw burgers, greasey and burnt curley fries. The waitress was unattentive,not concerned even though my wife hadn't touched her meal, she did not ask us if anything was wrong... we just wanted to get out of there.... not worth the $60 we spent on a meal for two.... will never go back....
(1)
Carrie W.
Awesome, our server Reece was wondeful!
(5)
David M.
Food, drinks and service are all deserving of four stars. A pleasant treat on the Pike!
(4)
Onawa C.
I'd love to say I actually ate there but I didn't. My birthday celebration is 2 weeks away and, October 1st and Alicia the sorta kinda party planner does not book two large parties in one night. As a corporate events planner myself, I've never heard of such a thing. Not to mention she never offered anything other than to split up my party and suggested I couldn't afford the room rental again not that she would even book it. So Matchbox ain't the place for large parties. I typically review restaurants for potential work conferences and meetings. I should just show up with my party of 18 people and see how they handle it but I couldn't even get in the front door so service would just go down here from here. Enter at your own risk!!
(1)
Julia P.
Was waiting for full recovery after the food poisoning in Matchbox,Rockville. First there was a fake waitlist with a lot available tables and about 7 people waiting for an hour. Drinks are mixed not just wrongly but they are way too strong. Food is overpriced and has too much fat in it. After working as a chief cook in French cuisine restaurant, I can hardly give a star to the Matchbox in Rockville location. My friend was food poisoned right there and refused to eat at all. I ate about 1/4 part of my meal, and next day was struggling for 12 hours. The people who are working there are nice and friendly...I guess the rating star is for them ;-)
(1)
Johnny P.
We had the scallops and large pesto chicken and steak & onion (half and half). The scallops were excellent, pizza was good. The pizza was thin and wasn't hard to eat. Fed 3 people to satisfactory. Kinda pricey though. $24 for scallops.
(4)
Victor D.
Great brunch! And they finally built one big enough to seat everyone!
(4)
Cornelius E.
I thoroughly enjoy going to this place. Very cool interior with good food to back it up. I always get the slider when I'm here as I am a big fan of these mini bun goodness. There might be a couple of better places to go in Rockville for eating alone but this is the place if you want to unwind after work or a date night. 4 stars for the ambiance alone. Hip but not pretentious.
(4)
Sunshine W.
Pizza is great. Kids got mac n cheese which was excellent. Not too much else to choose from for kids though. The donut balls are a must.....delicious. Staff is on top of things. Atmosphere is nice and modern.
(4)
Dennis R.
The atmosphere was great, a very open feel with plenty of outdoor seating and parking. We enjoyed the bacon wrapped shrimp and grits, which was spectacular and in my opinion something you must order. The cream of crab soup was great, a bit lighter than your typical cream of crab soups, which I enjoyed. The matchbox chicken sandwich was excellent, and the mini burgers were really good too. The portions were generous and our server was very attentive. Fantastic experience, can't wait to go back!
(4)
Suzanne R.
I thought it was on the louder side. Open. Trendy. Very good for groups. Th pizza crust was very thin & very good. The sauce was nothing special. Spicy meatball pizza was mild. The tuna tartar was superb & the doughnuts are very good! Its clean, worth going to, good food. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Greg p.
This is true wood oven pizza, nothing stamped out assembly line about it. The extra crispy crust and the browned bubbling cheese is perfection. Good selection of on tap beers and some fun house cocktails. Just a bit on the pricey side but worth splurging for every now and then.
(4)
Neville S.
Great restaurant! Good pizza and great chopped salad. We loved the chocolate Lava cake!!
(4)
K D.
Matchbox is by far the coolest place you can find in Rockville/North Bethesda. Yes it's on Rockville Pike, yes it's a suburban area, but once you pull up to the restaurant, you can automatically feel it's super TRENDY VIBE. For Maryland, this is as LA as it gets and I love it. Great staff, great food. There are often waits on the weekends because it's the coolest spot in town right now and it's worth the wait. I'd much rather wait a few than stumble upon an empty place only to leave regretting it! Go to Matchbox!!!!! You will love. I can't wait to sit on the patio this summer and chill. :)
(5)
Mariella B.
I've been here several times, most of the time during the lunch hours. The restaurant is def a big step up from the old restaurants that stood there, the new renovation will keep patrons coming back especially since it's two levels with a nice outdoor space. I haven't been wow-ed by this restaurant, as much as I really want to love it...I just don't. I think the pizza's are just okay, majority of the times I got the pizza the crust it too chewy and still doughy in the middle. I know some reviewers love the pizza but too me it's just way too overpriced and bland. I have gotten the Margherita, Fire & Smoke, Pepperoni, and Matchbox Meat. The best thing going for at this place are the cheeseburger sliders, this is what makes me want to come back especially those onion strings. The wait can get pretty long here and the waiting area is really not a waiting area. The hostess stand is too close to the entrance that when there is a long line it ends up winding out through the entrance. Boyfriend and I came here on a Saturday night, we requested for a table and we saw that they had the outdoor heaters on and the fire pit so we asked to sit outside. It would be a 30 minute wait so we went to the bar to have a drink. We got comfortable so we decided to just have dinner at the bar. That was a great decision the bartenders are awesome and seem to be more attentive than the servers are and were fun to talk to. So next time you come and it's just you and a date...skip getting a table and sit at the bar. I may not like coming for the pizzas but coming for drinks and appetizers will most likely have me come back and it's a great place for date night.
(3)
Jason P.
Terrible experience. After a long wait for a table, we ordered a pepperoni pizza. While I realize the menu said "some charring can occur due to the temperature of the ovens" - our pizza was BURNED. Waiter never returned after a kitchen helper dropped off the pizza until it was time to drop off the check. When he finally did and we expressed our dissatisfaction, he only responded with "Well, next time, you should order it less well done." Evidently poorly prepared pizza is the responsibility of the customer. I'd recommend driving past this place to one of the many other fine restaurants in DC (or even in Rockville for that matter).
(1)
Saleh M.
The atmosphere here is great. When weather is nice, the back outside bar is a good place to drink, socialize, watch the game. The bartenders are friendly and attentive. Though I like to come here for a beer, I can't rave about the pizza. just so-so.
(3)
Brandi K.
Everything about this place is pretentious and annoying. We were told--somewhat rudely, I might add--that there was an hour and 45 minute wait for a table for 2, at 2 p.m. on a Sunday. Thanks but no thanks. Get over yourself, Matchbox...it's not as though overpriced restaurants on Rockville Pike are a rarity.
(1)
Ronni G.
The great food, good service and urban casual atmosphere I expect from an outpost of this upscale chain. Sweet calamari salad and local brew hit the spot for lunch. Came back the next day for more at dinner time. Pepperoni and cheese pizza was terrific.
(4)
Ashley E.
Yummy. Love the outside fire pit!
(4)
Chris H.
I LOVED this place. Not only is it stunningly gorgeous and spacious on the inside, but the staff is beyond friendly and all smiles. My partner and I went on a Saturday in the afternoon, and were seated immediately and sipping our water within 5 minutes. We had Josh, the friendliest waiter I have ever met in my life, who came to check on us at the right moments and was very attentive. The food was great to say the least. I'm looking forward to the next time I have an opportunity to eat here again. Definitely a welcome addition to the chain restaurant wasteland that the area has become.
(5)
Alex R.
This is my favorite Restaurant in the Rockville. Love the structure, love the food. The one thing I would add is to try the brunch; my favorite pizza here is the Brunch Pizza. Can be annoyingly busy though, even on weekdays.
(4)
Nicole L.
The building was transformed into a beautiful space, I loved the interior of the restaurant, it was much more spacious than the Chinatown one. We just wanted to meet with friends at the bar but after few hours of standing, we decided maybe it was a good idea to get a table. We sat down at this table that opened up, it was getting late and the crowd was dwindling but the server semed displeased with our decision. To make her feel better, we ordered the trio of meatless burger, mini crabcakes and scallops as well as the Fire N Smoke pizza that our friend was raving about. I thought it was slightly costly for $19 it was vege pizza but it was spicy like described. My friend commented that the Chinatown one was spicier. The server was friendlier after that fact that we ordered food and more beverage, I wished we werent made to feel bad. If you wanted better tips you should just give a provide a good service and not care about what people order!!
(3)
Lina B.
Just doesn't live up to the hype. The food is OK but not for as much as I am spending for it. The drinks are good and they have a pretty good beer selection with seasonals. It's always really crowded. The sliders are the go-to but I don't think they're absolutely amazing that you need to come here to get them. Onion straws overpiling the sliders..so much and so salty. I was enthralled when it first opened, but now I am just bored of the same thing. I have gotten the pesto pizza, the fire and smoke pizza (or whatever it's called...it's not even that spicy) and I have gotten a few of the chicken sandwiches. Save your money. It's a place to see and be seen and has a fun ambiance, but I am not really impressed.
(3)
Tosin O.
Great food, great service, lovely ambiance...I absolutely luvv it and i will be back.
(4)
A K.
Food is great, service was so-so. We ate here on a Sunday in December at 1 pm. We had a reservation - but it wasn't too crowded - so we probably didn't need it. The restaurant is large but still warm and cozy and was decorated nicely for the holidays. We had the mini burgers, apple/pear salad, meatball pizza, prosciutto and fig pizza, and the bistro burger. The food was excellent! For dessert we had the cinnamon donuts, which were served warm. They were so tasty. They also have a large drink selection and a brunch menu on the weekends. The waiter seemed attentive at first, but seemed to lose focus on our table. Our sodas sat empty for awhile (this is a pet peeve of mine). He also didn't check on us after the meal was served and we had to flag him down for salt and pepper. Overall, I would recommend this place and look forward to going back.
(4)
Mike K.
Forgot last time I got a salad with crabmeat I was not happy and this time I got an app with mini crabcakes and promise to not make that mistake again. The tuna tartar was chopped up and I didn't love that either. Rockfish special was great but dudes, serve jumbo lump or 86 it! Their slider burgers are great as is the pepperoni roll. Pizza is okay. No happy hour here so will get my happy appies and party starters at Potomac Grill or Clyde's.
(3)
Mark S.
The food was very good and they have a nice selection. I also found that they have a good selection of beers and mixed drinks. My only complaint was the inattentiveness of our waiter that evening. He did not come around very often to check if we were OK.
(3)
Crystal S.
Fantastic pizza! I've been here twice now, and the food was great on both occasions. I had the prosciutto and black fig pizza, and it was wonderful. Party members who ordered pizzas were very happy, but the other offerings did not quite meet the mark - decent, but not memorable. For example, the chicken sandwich was gristly and dry. We tried desserts the first time and they were a bit uninspired. Worth it just to go for it on the pizza and be done with the night on a high note. Service both times was okay, great during some portions of the meal, friendly etc., and then completely forgotten near the end of the meal. Customers really shouldn't need to be flailing around for someone to take their money, best to finish up the table just like it started! All in all, we will certainly be back.
(4)
Mike M.
My most recent visit, Jan. 8, was a bit of a disappointment. The waiter introduced himself and said he and another waiter would be sharing our table. Rather than better service we got really bad service. Couldn't get refills for the kids drinks, asked for the check and waited (I kid you not) 30 minutes for it to finally be brought out. The waiter(s) were pleasant enough but seemed completely overwhelmed by a Tuesday evening crowd. Looks like they need some more help. Unfortunately, the pizza my kids wanted is apparently no longer on the menu, I think it was called a cheese steak pizza or something like that. In fact, it seems they've lost their focus regarding pizza as there are far fewer pizza offerings and the pizza takes an overall diminished role on the menu. When our pizzas arrived everyone at the table (6 of us this time) thought the same thing: It's not as good and something has changed. The biggest difference was the dough which wasn't as thin and light as in the past. We had a small Fire and Smoke, a large White Cheese, and a large Meatball. With three hungry teens you would have thought there would have been no leftovers but we took home a whole box. It's a shame because the family has always LOVED this place and now it seems they're not particularly interested in going back.
(3)
Deb G.
A great place for brunch with a group. The restaurant is very large, so it's no problem to get a reservation. The service was also very accommodating - moving us from right next to the jazz trio to a quieter room where we could chat. The boy had "the 9" bloody Mary to start with and really liked it, although that might have been due to the prosciutto stuffed olives. He had the brunch pizza and I got the Bloody Mary burger, both of which were excellent. I kind of wish I had realized the burger came with a (very good) salad instead of fries. Our server was attentive and good with a large group and kids. All in all, a nice experience.
(4)
Jess Y.
The brunch here appealed to me more than dinner did. I tried the huevos rancheros, and it was pretty good. The only complaint I would have is that it was cold and a bit too runny. There were a lot of things on the brunch menu that I wanted to try, but I was too full. Will return for brunch one of these days... 3-6-9 Burgers are always delish, however the onion strings are occasionally burnt. Dislike. The tuna tartar was average... (what do you expect, Matchbox is known for their pizza!) Pizza is nothing too spectacular. The wine list is alright, & the service is usually pretty good. I'm glad to see that Matchbox Rockville will survive the spot of the previous failed businesses. :P It's a lot less cramped than the DC location.
(3)
Huntting B.
So, it's matchbox, and I friggen love Matchbox. The people there are even nicer than the one downtown. Here's the thing, though, the burgers here weren't nearly as good. The bread was STALE :( How sad did that make me... I will say that I had the meatball/pepperoni pizza roll thing, it was AWESOME...and my waitress was great cause she had them use the spicy sauce for me...it was SOOOO good. The wait, here, is so much less than downtown, which is great cause it can take a while to get seated at the other location. All this said...the next time that I want Matchbox...I'm heading in town and not here (unless it's raining and I sorta need to drive)
(3)
Liz C.
Matchbox has really great pizza, as that is what they are known for. I first experienced matchbox in Chinatown DC and I've had really yummy pizza everytime. This location in Rockville is okay. I like their outdoor space during the warm months. The outdoor bar is a fun place to be. Usually I get the Belgian beers, and they're perfect everytime, especially with the pizza, but the last two times I've gotten mixed drinks or cocktails. They were so super sweet! And I couldn't taste any of the alcohol. I'm way too shy to send drinks back when dissatisfied, but I seriously questioned if they put any alcohol at all. It wasn't even the "oh it's so good that you can't taste any alcohol". No. I think the DC locations are trendy, but I have mixed feelings about the suburb locations. Overall, PIZZA IS YUMMY, Beer is great, and cocktails not so much. Of course I will continue as a patron for the food and beer. :)
(3)
Nick S.
Matchbox has good ambiance and feels quite 'chic' inside, but sadly their pizzas don't have much flavor. Consolation prize? The mini burgers are pretty damn delicious, and they have Chimay on tap.
(4)
J C.
Delicious! I'm obsessed with their mini burgers with the fried onion. I can just eat the fried onion by it self
(4)
Peter L.
YOU NEED A MANAGEMENT OVERHAUL! This is a review that I have to say is tough to write because I know one of the original owners and I sometimes have to tell it like it is. Yesterday my wife was reserving a table for 8 at the big round table. All went well until she called to confirm and she was told that it was not reserved because it was not fair to the other diners who want o experience a fine dining experience. Are you kidding...we were just checking in and as frequent diners of MB I was incensed by the response so I requested the Manager. Not only did this not get resolved, but HE was no better than the first person we spoke with. Let me tell you...ever since one of your former owners decided to depart MB has taken a downturn in customer service. The servers are great, but the management is rude and does not get it. As a parent of 5 kids at several of the neighboring private prep and public schools I will have to make it known that MB is not a family friendly place and only caters to walk ins...very sad considering what was good has turned sour.
(2)
Kayleah M.
Overpriced, sorry excuse for pizza! You're better off buying a frozen pizza at the grocery store! Never again...
(1)
Samantha D.
Matchbox has become a family favorite of ours... The pizzas are amazing, and we definitely recommend the 3-6-9 burgers. Aside from that we recently had a brunch for a table of 14, and it was the absolute perfect place. The brunch menu has many options to please everyone, and the cinnamon rolls are a MUST!
(5)
Elizabeth M.
Just went for a late lunch (2:00). Waited forever for a waitress as the tables seated after us spoke with their servers. Just as we stood to leave, our waitress appeared, apologized and asked for one more minute. We left.
(1)
Anita C.
Came here last night for my little sister's birthday dinner, and had a pleasant experience. We arrived around 6:45pm on a Wednesday night for a party of 5, and waited about 15-20 minutes with no reservation. Ambiance: one of the most noteworthy things about Matchbox. The interior is huge and beautifully decorated, with a modern vibe to the place. Food: We ordered the six of the 3.6.9 sliders ($14?) with mozzarella cheese. The sliders were yummy, but the onion rings were the highlight - lightly fried and very thin. Highly recommend! My dad ordered the petite filet steak special ($22), which was cooked perfectly and on a bed of mashed potatoes and red wine sauce. We also ordered three pizzas - veggie, matchbox meat, and chicken pesto ($20 each). My favorite was the veggie - lots of light veggies with small potato chips on top. The other two were too salty for my liking - wish they had eased up a bit. Definitely a nice alternative to CPK, and just slightly more expensive. We shared three pizzas between four people and brought back two of them because we were so stuffed. Huge portions! Our waiter was very friendly as well. Recommendations: 3.6.9 sliders and the veggie pizza.
(4)
Pia A.
Came here for a Monday night dinner. Busy busy busy for a Monday night. I ordered the serrano Spanish ham pizza. It was good, not phenomenal. We ordered a bottle of the meritage, which was delicious. Went very well with the pizza. Since it was a birthday dinner, I was treated to chocolate chip bread pudding. This was really good. Not too sweet with its rum caramel. The atmosphere was really fun, for a Rockville pizza joint. On a cooler night, I'd love to sit outside. Reservations a must. I saw people just walking in without them and they had to wait an hour. One hour at 7:30p on a Monday. Ridiculous. Would definitely come back, perhaps try their other pizzas and may change my rating.
(3)
Julio E. G.
I have been coming to Matchbox since it opened a while back. This is a pizza joint and a bit more upscale than Ledo's Pizza. The food quality is consistently good and they have a very good wine list. I love the salads and they also serve a very good salmon garnished with asparagus wrapped in bacon. My wife likes to come here for brunch or a casual lunch during the week. The bar is nice and they have an acceptable beer selection. I don't pretend to judge the waiters because there is a different person each time I go. This is not a mom and pop joint and the turnover of waiters is fast. But, who cares, they seem to do the job. They even have a counter in the waiting area of the lobby where a desperate customer can order food. On Sundays they have a jazz trio and it is always nice to hear live music in a restaurant. The musicians are not as hip as in the west coast, but something is better than nothing. Live music is a rarity nowadays. The layout is nice with two levels and outdoor seating with a pit fire and heaters. Not bad for a chain restaurant
(4)
Missy Y.
I remember when I was a kid and while my mom would be at work I would make a quick bite to eat. I would take a piece of bread throw some Ragu sauce on it along with some cheap mozzarella cheese pop it in the microwave once it was finished I would top it off with some McCormick oregano. Well recently I had a pizza at Matchbox and the only difference was that the pizza I made at home didn't cost $25. The service was great though
(2)
Sarah C.
Complete Your Review: Matchbox Rockville 1699 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852 ________________________________________________ Rating [ * * * ] Roll over stars, then click to rate. Your review We used opentable.com and either we had a horseshoe up each our bums or 'twas a slow Friday night since our reservation was for 8:15 and our table was ready by 8:20 - possibly 'cause we were a party of 2?? . Our server was great....not a talker (score!) and checked on us frequently. . Hubs chose the matchbox meat 'zza while I pined for a non-'zza entree - shrimp & grits (special) caught my attention especially when the word bacon was wrapped within the enticing description. Pick 3 or 5 shrimps....I got 5 oink-oinked. . My s&g was very comforting - prettied up for show but tasted familiar and bursted with a kick of flavor on behalf of the bacon strips man handling each juicy plump marine morsel. This dish was factually filling....filling enough where there's room fo' dessert :D . Why 3 stars overall? Hubs' 'zza. They did their job since it tasted like pizza but it was very tombstone. Tombstone is fine when you consider it doesn't cost $14. To each their own. He wants to come back for the entrees - he liked my s&g special. . Coffee & doughnuts dessert was lush. Be sure to dip 'em in the espresso-coffee-like-creme. Each frolicsome unique dough pieces were attacked by cinnamon sugar mobs which made for a messy finger-lickin' delight. . This is our take of MBR369 on MDR355 3.5 stars thanks to the s&g and c&d . . Have additional tips on this business? Uh yeah: Just park at the BBB lot if their parking section is full Price Range: $$ Moderate $11 - $30 Attire: Let's just say I had fun people watching (casual's fine) . Post
(3)
Tim H.
The pizza is unique and delicious--my personal favorite is the fire and smoke, but I've enjoyed everything I've had here (note: I've stuck to pizza). The price is reasonable for the quality, and the atmosphere is very nice. You could come to Matchbox for a date (especially when they have live jazz), to watch a game, or just for a great meal. There are a couple bars (one inside, one outside) which are also pleasant and serve several interesting cocktails. The beer selection is small and unremarkable (Dogfish, Allagash, etc). The crowd here is a little older than most bars but it's still a fun place to be. I've had some minor trouble with the service here--last time, someone took our drink order, then apparently left because after a while we had to find another waiter. As others have noted here the turnover of staff seems high so quality could be variable. I've never had a long wait even though it can get packed.
(4)
Helen C.
Really good veggie pizza and trio dessert! I would love to come back for their sliders. We also got a special lamb appetizer, which was good, but too charred and fatty for me. My friend loved it though.
(5)
John N.
Surprisingly I do not go here for the pizza. Crazy..... I know right. Sometimes what a place is known for, is not what is really the best things on the menu. I think one of the key examples of this is the sliders that they offer as an appetizer. These little delectable pieces of animal flesh put on a small buttery bun has to be one of the most pleasurable mouth orgasms I have had in a long time. What else can I say, I mean its simple but delicious. Oh and the onion straws they put on top are pretty top notch as well. Even though I have had a handful of things on here, I really like this place. It has a variety of things that are all worth trying. Except for the pizza, which I think is a little overpriced, but hey that's me. I mean domino's has a large carryout pizza for 7.99. And lets face it, when it comes to Pizza, im not trying to eat healthy....I want a greasy one, loaded with cheese and pepperoni and a crust dipped in butter...YUM. Anyways, I digress. This place is a place where you can take the family, go with friends and relax. They have an amazing outside patio with a circular fire pit that has seating around it. They have 2 bars and one of them extends from inside to outside for easy service. This place can get crazy busy on Friday and Saturday nights so either make a reso. or be prepared to wait. The few time that we went there we sat in Chris's section and he was by far one of the best Servers that we have had. Very attentive and on point. Even though he had what appeared to be a 5 table section, he made it a point to always check up on what we needed. My recommendation, go on a Sunday in the afternoon, get a bloody mary and try the Updated Turkey Sandwich!! And the Slider's of course.
(4)
Semra E.
I've been a fan of Matchbox since they moved into Chinatown...little did I know that they'd hit up the suburb of MD that I conveniently work in as well! I was extremely excited when I heard the news that they'd be moving in next door to my office, finally some quality food within walking distance. When you walk inside, you don't realize how big the space is, they did an EXCELLENT job with the layout of bars and dining areas. You could have a completely different feel per section of the restaurant if you hopped around (which I'm guessing I will eventually do). I had read the Washington Post article about the shrimp & grits....mmmmmm, but I tried the scallops instead (app.) which were AMAZING!!!! I could have just gone into a food coma after trying that, but nooooo....I had to go ahead and get the chicken sandwich they had with caramelized onions....(one of the best food inventions one could wish for). I will be back to try out other things I'd heard of, you bet your dollar. Lunch service was quick & I will definitely be back soon enough.
(3)
Steven W.
The architects knocked it out of the park in the design of this restaurant. The indoor/outdoor bar type area really works, and you don't feel like you're sitting on Rockville Pike. The rest of the interior again, has that "not on Rockville Pike" flavor. With the nice wood and metal...modern look to it... There's nothing wrong with Rockville Pike, other than the terrible traffic and feeling of mass density suburbia, but eating in Matchbox makes you feel like you are in a much cooler place. The food is as solid as it's sister restaurants in the district.
(4)
Janine G.
I came here somewhat expecting something that tasted like Pizza Hut. I was throughly surprised at the service, the decor, the food, the menu (limited but you don't need a large menu IMO) and the location. I sure do love eating out in Rockville so I had to check this place out! Also, I was really hoping a good restaurant would take over this location, I recall a couple restaurants located here (before the building was torn down) and I also recall the old building standing unleased for the longest time, it was quite the eye sore for Rockville. I hope this place sticks around. We were seated immediately, server came over promptly to serve us water, asked if tap was okay. Then didn't harass me to see if I knew what I wanted just yet since he knew we had just arrived. He came around a few minutes later and asked if we had any questions, we proceeded to order drinks and an appetizer. My drink: Chinatown was amazing! It has house watermelon infused vodka, couldn't get much better than that (also has rum, gin, tequila, triple sec and cranberry)! I want to go back just for the drink alone! Hubs had a Lemon Quencher (firefly sweet tea vodka / lemonade), he loved his drink too. In fact, we both ordered our drink twice (and we never do that, we just can't drink more than one anymore...old age I tell ya)!! Our appetizer Mozzi Carrozzi came around and I was a bit hesitant to have it since I don't like bruschetta and it kinda sounded like it but as I took my first bite, I felt I must have pleased the gods that day b/c it was absolutely divine!! It was delishly crispy and cheesy and the tomato sauce was so good, you could tell it didn't come out of a can! Our pizza came out and reading other reviews I was afraid I'd have a soggy crust...au contraire! My crust was crispy and not hard as a rock crispy! I loved every bit of it, I'm not the kinda gal that eats more than one slice of pizza b/c I frankly get a little sick of it...I had, count em, 4 slices!! I haven't eaten more than one slice of pizza in one seating since high school (large pizza all to myself...smh). Now comes dessert, again, I'm a picky eater and I detest cooked bananas and when I saw bananas were included in the chocolate chip bread pudding I almost hurled. I asked the server to clarify, he advised me it's not cooked or IN the pudding. I took a chance and boy oh boy am I glad I did so! The bread pudding was freakin ah-mayyy-zing! The rum sauce surrounding it was just melting in my mouth and the uncooked bananas were a perfect addition to the plate! As our dinner came winding down I had to use the little girls room and I asked the hostess to assist with directions, she actually WALKED me to the restroom so I wouldn't get lost, I don't think anyone has been that helpful since I've been to La Amada in Cancun. All in all, this will become a normal place for the hubs and I to eat! I can't wait for our next visit to Matchbox!
(5)
Kim H.
Yummmmm, can't go wrong with Matchbox! I was pleasantly surprised by the decor - very spacious and modern. Our waitress was very nice and attentive and the pizza was perfect (as always). However, I thought the pizza was a bit overpriced as a large 3 topping pizza cost 25 dollars (we built our own). They also offer an excellent beer selection and multiple flat screen tv's in the bar area. I will definitly be back.
(4)
Jennifer N.
Here's the take-away message: make a reservation. Our dining companions had, and we were glad. Apparently, at 6:45 on a Sunday evening, the wait was at least an hour. Matchbox seems to me to be exactly what it looks like: it's massive, it's attempting to be quirky (pictures of Michael Jackson on the table?) even though it's part of a chain. Even the food is exactly what I thought it would be like - in fact, it reminded me of food at any enormous restaurant I've ever been to - efficient, fine, standardized. My pizza (chicken, pesto, mozzarella - $13) was absolutely standard, but I think I should have been more adventurous (or added something to enhance it) because it tasted fairly plain. Another restaurant might have added something funky to it - olives, sundried tomatoes, something like that. But this is a place that hinges on standardization, I think. Similarly, the burger was absolutely fine, standard even (though enhanced by the three enormous onion rings it comes with). All of this to say, Matchbox is no surprises - the food is exactly what you might expect from a very big restaurant.
(3)
Moritz R.
Service: Excellent. A young vibrant staff that is very knowledgeable about their menu and specials and the location. Yes there is some history to the location, go there and they will tell you about it. Food: I had the flat iron steak with eggs and my wife had the white pizza with prosciutto. I would say that both were very good. My only complaint is I wanted my steak medium, I got it well done, making it a bit tough. The food came out fast even though it was a bit crowded on a Saturday afternoon. Definitely I would go back.
(4)
Buddha N.
So lets talk about Matchbox, first off this place has an awesome lay out and probably the biggest matchbox I have seen , it has two levels and a outdoor patio area and is dressed up in your typical matchbox clean style which is very awesome. So came here on a Sunday afternoon for brunch and was surprised there wasnt a huge line out the door, Im guessing cause of the size of this place that it was packed but not packed enough to have a line out the door. So was greeted by the nice hostess at the door and then escorted to our table in a backroom that has a huge fireplace, kinda cool lil room, probably best for a private party situation. Anyways server was prompt to getting to our table and taking our order so that was a plus Food came out a bit later but for some reason the salad came out last. We ordered a brunch entree off the menu, pizza, veggie egg ranchero dish , and apple pear salad so not sure why the salad came out after. Anyways food was tasty and all plates were empty so that has to mean something right???????? So overall place gets 4 stars
(4)
Eric O.
Step 1: Ask for Luke as your waiter. Step 2: Order ceviche, mini burgers, spanish ham pizza, and bread pudding. Also order matchbox punch if you're feeling rowdy. Step 3: Win.
(5)
Tejan R.
My experience at the Rockville Matchbox was surprisingly remarkable. Great menu selection that will have your palate pleased and yearning for more. This was my first time dining at a Matchbox but I'm sure it won't be the last. The whiskey smash was on point hence the reason why I'm writing a review which I rarely do. Also the creamy crab soup, sliders, spicy meatball pizza were great selection I would recommend.
(4)
Sharon W.
My husband wanted to take his student intern, office manager and me out to lunch. Since their office is in Rockville I thought Matchbox might be a restaurant we would all like. The restaurant is large but is broken up into smaller spaces so you don't feel like you're eating in a warehouse. In fact we had a nice corner booth which allowed easy conversation. Two in our party ordered salads, one ordered the cream of crab soup and I ordered the crab cake sandwich. The cream of crab soup got rave reviews so I definitely want to try it when I go back. This is the second time I've ordered crab cakes there and they are good, not a lot of filler. The french fries appear to be made from fresh potatoes with skin on and are also quite good. Our service was fine so, as I had hoped, everyone came away happy and full.
(3)
Trevor M.
Rockville's Vintage Pizza Restoration Period can begin... Ok, what can I say about Matchbox that hasn't been written already? Yes, the pizza is good. Yes, it has fantastic atmosphere. Yes, it is the new hotspot on Rockville Pike. Yes, the line is long...go to opentable.com and reserve your table. So, what else is left? Shall I needlessly mock it's name? (oh, the puns that can come out) Should I write about their shameless firepits everywhere? Should I jabber on about endlessly long lines? Should I talk about pizza history here in Rockville and that we've never had any vintage pizza before?...Wait a tick...that's it! Matchbox invites you to the Season of Reason pizza event. Rockville has never had true Vintage pizza before. I would not even dare to call it a 'pizza'. Its' more of a post modern flatbread with hydroponically grown tomatoes from Roma. Although, I hesitate to call it a pizza. It's more like a Palazzo designed by the well known pizza architect Maheud MoreaHaus-Boyardee. In a season of extravagance come down to Matchbox. Ok, everyone breathe a sigh of relief or wince. How is it really? Allright, it's good. It's just as good as their other locations. The smoke and fire pizza is spicy...though, do add some serrano ham. It gives it an additional punch. The bistro part is just as good. The tuna nicoise salad is well done. The tuna is sushi quality and just seared ever so lightly. The mini trio with crab cake, scallop and beef...well, it's divine. Now, let's be realistic....have people had legitimate rants/concerns about long waits and slow service? Yes and No. Bear in mind that they did a full opening. Not staggered, not bearing in mind that the buzz has been built up since the last restaurant was torn down. Are they still hiring? Yes...so, it's going to be a process till they get everything down to a 'T'. Bottom line: Hip, young, old, new, something borrowed, somthing burning, but that ain't your pizza. May the vintage pizza restoration of Rockville begin.
(4)
Cynthia L.
I can't stop eating at this place. You must try their 3-6-9 sliders (with Gouda cheese) as an appetizer. They're pizzas are really good (I liked their sweet sopresatta & wild mushroom pizza but did not enjoy the matchbox meat as much). I've tried their tuna nicoise salad, which is really good (speaking from someone who almost never eats salad as a meal alone). Dessert is worth going here by itself. Everything is made in-house. Their pecan pie is the best pecan pie I've ever had. If you're not a fan, try the trio dessert (you get a little of everything) or the lemon tart or the special of the day.
(5)
Carol C.
I would say the Yelp reviews sum this place up quite well: a solid 3.5 stars. Great for a casual but still classy lunch or dinner out with friends. First thing I noticed was that this place is ENORMOUS. I know they have a whole section on their website dedicated to explaining the architectural endeavors of each of their locations, but I was still extremely impressed by the vaulted airy space, generous outdoor seating, open kitchen, and expansive bars. Matchbox is gorgeous, fo sho. But is it all only 'fo' SHOW'? Well, the food is okay. It's enjoyable and definitely good to eat. The sliders were very good, as other reviewers have mentioned. I was surprised how juicy and flavorful small burger patties can be. The sliders came with a Mt. Everest pile of onion straws, which were crisp and delicious but props to people who can actually finish them all! The calamari salad was so-so. The greens were fresh, but there weren't very many of them. The calamari, though decently portioned, were oddly soft and mushy. As for the pizza, we got half and half with premade combo sausage/sun-dried tomato and self-picked wildmushroom/arugula/prosciutto. The crust is thin, but not as thin as real New York pizza. It can also be a little tough and burnt at places. While the flavors were good and the toppings fresh and plentiful, I also found the pizza to be quite greasy. Definitely not bad, but certainly not among the best pizza I've ever had. For the finale, we ordered a dessert trio to celebrate our friend's birthday. The sorbet flavors were interesting, with melon, basil lemon, and raspberry, and really cleansing after a heavy meal. The molten chocolate cake was a disappointment. I order molten lava cake wherever they offer it, and this was probably one of the worst I've tasted. The cake itself was rubbery, room temperature, the middle fudgey at best. Sadness. The doughnuts, which are supposed to be 'beignet-like' had crispy thick exteriors and a spongy interior. Not bad, but not great. At least the espresso dipping sauce was delicious, rich, creamy and just a little bit salty. Anyway, I would say overall a fun swanky place with good service, good atmosphere, okay food.
(3)
N S.
Such a beautiful venue, and such average food. I've never been much of a fan of Matchbox, but I def think they're resting on their laurels now. Started out with a small salad, generously covered in parmesean. The balsamic dressing was very unevenly distributed in the salad like it barely got a toss. Moved onto the Fire and Smoke pizza. Used to be quite spicy with a decent crust. Now, I found a pizza with no bite, a thin limp crust and just quite unappealing. The mgmt was kind enough to allow me to send it back and suggest a simple margerita pizza which was significantly better which brings me to my next point. The freeze-ish dried basil. Doesn't belong. Go super fresh or go home. Lastly, had the chocolate chip bread pudding. Once again, it was just ok. Not oversweet with a good amount of sauce. I'm not convinced the sauce was house made. Provided excellent service by our server, Allison. Very helpful and attentive.
(3)
Lisa I.
I've been on a real pizza kick recently, and this place doesn't stand up to other local offerings. We just happened to stop by while we were down in the Rockville REI, and didn't have any expectations since we had not heard of Matchbox. It was a weird time on a Sunday afternoon ("lunner)" so it wasn't too crowded when we got here. Apparently the wait here can be crazy, and after eating here, I wouldn't stand for that. Everyone thinks the atmosphere is so awesome...and it IS nice, but I can't help but find it pretentious. I know I'm a buzzkill, but it is just too much for me. I mean, it's pizza. And it's not gourmet pizza (whatever that is), just woodfired pizza. I'm not gonna be a hater, so if it works for them and keeps people coming back, that's cool. I just will try to look past the clunky, over-stylized solid wood menu and semi-snobby waitstaff. We started with a grilled romaine steak caesar salad, and that was good. They don't cut the romaine heads after grilling, which makes for beautiful presentation, but I felt like a knife-wielding maniac trying to chop up all that lettuce. My husband and I split the Sicilian ham and Romano pizza. Even though another reviewer suggested this pizza, it was so blah. Husband loved it, I just stopped eating. Thin crust, which I liked. The waiter suggested the chocolate bread pudding as THE BOMB...or whatever these kids are saying these days. Just OK, wouldn't bother with it again. If this is the best pizza in Rockville, like another reviewer suggested, I would suggest not eating pizza in this town. Important note: This place looks like it will have awesome outdoor seating in the warmer months. I will check this out again when I can sit outdoors. There is something primal about eating outside I think, even if it is pizza and cocktails. Rawr!
(2)
Alicia G.
Marylanders can now rejoice as Matchbox finally makes its debut in Rockville! I have not had the pleasure of dining in house yet, but I did stop in on opening night to get some mini-burgers to-go. They weren't taking orders over the phone til Monday but happily took my order at the bar. In retrospect, I'm glad they weren't taking orders over the phone because while we waited at the bar for our order, I recognized one of the owners, Perry, and got a chance to say hello. He not only remembered me (and my name...and my giant camera) from coming to the opening of the Capitol Hill location but then offered to give Alicia C and I the grand tour of the new place. Thanks again, Perry! This Matchbox location is easily the biggest of them all. It can seat 300 and will able to seat 400+ in the warmer months when they open the patio. The space is absolutely gorgeous - the same sort of red steel stairways, exposed brick and distressed wood wall. There are 2 bars and one of them will be able to serve as an outdoor bar by opening the windows. Similar to the others, there is an upstairs seating area but ALSO an upstairs outdoor patio/deck that overlooks Congressional Plaza. Oh and the mini-burgers were as awesome as usual even packaged to go. Juicy little beef patties on buttery brioche and pickle slice on the bottom. We got ours with gorgonzola because that's how we roll. We also had a whole second container filled to the brim with parmesan onion straws. Nom! I'm more than thrilled that Matchbox has an MD location and can't wait to do happy hours, brunches and dinner here so I won't have to trek into DC every time I want mini-burgers and girlie martinis.
(5)
Chet W.
First, there are multiple locations for Matchbox in the DC area. I've personally visited three of them: Chinatown (713 H Street NW), 14th Street (1901 14th Street NW) Rockville (1699 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852). I've experienced the best service, best food and best ambiance at the 14th Street location. This is not to say that the others are bad; this one is just best. The food, as others have stated, is great. It's a tad more expensive than what you'd find at other similar places in DC. However, I find the price to be worth it! There usually is a wait of at least 15 minutes. As others have noted, there is sometimes a wait of 45+ minutes. I don't think I'd wait 45+ minutes for this place especially with DC's other restaurants, but that's up to you, really. Whether or not parking is available depends on the location. You'll have a much harder time parking at the DC locations since there are no dedicated parking spots. In Rockville, the restaurant is in a shopping plaza and shares the parking spots. I cannot vouch for the bar or the quality of the drinks, but the food is really great. I've never had anything I disliked; the portions are fair and the food is fresh. At the time of this writing (29 Jan 2013) pizzas can be made half/half so you can try multiple flavors in one visit. The crabcakes are the best I've had in DC with very little filler and no celery-- something that is increasingly hard to find. Another favorite dish, the crispy chicken, has a great, all around taste and doesn't feel/taste greasy. The one time I had an issue was because I received a different pizza than what I had ordered. I was not upset or angry; I double checked with the waitress and when the mistake was realized, she gave me the correct pizza and let me keep this incorrect one for free. I visit here an average of once a month or so and regularly recommend people to visit as well. I recommend you do, too, and enjoy yourself!
(5)
Katelyn K.
I have been to the Matchbox location both down on 8th Street and now this one. Both have the same great food, attentive service and fun atmosphere. What I really loved about the one in Rockville is the outdoor space. Downtown the outside space is small and is on the crowded sidewalk; however, the one in Rockville is spacious. Personally, I loved the shared table/bar around the fire pit. There is also one near the front door so you can wait around it for your table, which is is great if you come on an evening and the wait is long (which it often can be). I just hope that Matchbox can survive in this location, since many of predecessors here failed.
(4)
Sisley C.
I've been here a few times. The sliders are always very good. I've had a few of their pizzas and they're okay... I don't find them to be that amazing. Lobster bisque is always yummy but expensive ($6 for a small bowl). The service is always subpar every time I've been here. Overall, just okay. I'd come back but I wouldn't say I crave food from this place.
(3)
Tu-van L.
Opening weekend dinner experience was great. Food was great as expected, service was very attentive, and the space is GORGEOUS! I've driven by this place through its many stages of construction, antipating the formal arrival of the locally-famed Matchbox, anxiously waiting for the day it opens its doors and I can be one of the first patrons of this location. Once I found out the opening weekend date it didn't take much to convince the husband to dine at this new location. The space has the same industrial trendy yet casual vibe as the other locations, but it was much enjoyable since the place is that much bigger than the others. It was interesting watching the surrounding dining experience as you can tell most patrons are new and unfamiliar to the Matchbox experience (lots of looks of surprises when the wait staff brings out mini-burgers piled with mountains of crispy onions) and the wait staff was new and especially attentive to familiarize the patrons with the menu and dining experience. And if you can make it pass the mini-burger mountain and your pizza blanket, I highly recommend the coffee and doughnuts dessert. That basket of doughnuts seemed like a never-ending basket of sweet goodness, and the orange zest added a nice contrasting touch. I love how a solid restaurant has found itself in the Rockville neighborhood. They were only opened for dinner the night I went, but hopefully as they are opened longer and work things out this place can become my go to brunch/lunch/happy hour/dinner spot.
(5)
Kaleb A.
I ordered the sliders and my friend had the pizza. The sliders were fine but they weren't great by any means. I'll order pizza the next time.
(3)
Jess C.
Probably one of the best interiors for restaurants in Rockville. The pizza and sliders are good, but not mind-blowing, and it's a bit expensive for what it is (it's $18 for individual pizza and ~$2 for a mini hamburger). However since the atmosphere is pretty great for friends or dates, it's a safe place to go. Think big airy cabin. Since it's new, be prepared for a long wait if you don't have reservations.
(3)
Emily Z.
A colleague recommended that I try this place. It turned out to be a disappointment. I ordered grilled swordfish, because I love swordfish and grilled food is my favorite. Two TINY pieces of swordfish, either over-cooked or not fresh, with some couscous and salad on the side. The flavor of the swordfish was like reheated in a microwave. The couscous and salad were mediocre at best. It was $22 before tax and before tip. Kinda rip-off for the quality and quantity of the food.
(2)
Irene A.
I have eaten here twice already. The food is good I have had the mini sliders for appetizer and the matchbox pizza for lunch. It is delicious. The service is good. The waitress we had was a little dry and unfriendly. The one in rockville is pretty big in a good way and had a good crowd for lunch on a tuesday. I would go back.
(4)
E Y.
Service was fine and they were able to seat my large group fairly quickly. Food was average. For a place that specializes in pizza, I was a little disappointed. The Q Special was very bland. No amount of parmesan and red pepper flakes could save the dry flavorless chicken.The spicy meatball pizza was ok but the meatball was dry and not very spicy. The Fire & Smoke was probably my favorite pizza out of all three with a good amount of heat and delicious smoked gouda and basil on top that added a nice fresh taste. I also had the chicken sandwich which also suffered from dry chicken syndrome but other than that, I enjoyed the combination of mozarella, prosciutto, and basil on it. Friends had the bistro burger which they complained was very greasy and overwhelming with blue cheese and accompanied by flavorless onion rings on the side. The cubano sandwich was the complete opposite in that it way overloaded with salt. The meat in the ribeye sandwich had good flavor but was completely overcooked. All in all, I do not think I will be returning.
(3)
Cheryl B.
Great place!! Went for the first time on a Monday night. It was crowded, but we were seated outside immediately. Staff were smiling, friendly, and our waiter was good. Had the appetizer trio, various salads, sausage pizza and the special (Asian tuna with risotto and asparagus). Everything was delicious! The atmosphere is fun, music playing and has a good vibe, too. We skipped dessert, but can't wait to go back and try ANYTHING! I'm impressed with this place, and I loved it!
(5)
Pengilicious E.
3.5 stars for the food, 4 stars for the ambiance and service. Make sure you make reservations unless you don't mind waiting for 2 hours. The mini burgers with onion rings are good starters. I was disappointed with the anchovies pizza. The spicy meatballs pizza was really spicy but good. Cocktails are surprisingly good and cheap @ $8.
(4)
Nady B.
I usually go to the one in Chinatown. Decided to go to Rockville for a change with some friends. We waited 5 min to be seated though I expected the wait to be longer on a Friday. The waiter messed up one of our orders and the fries and brick pizza we ordered were burnt! My chicken sandwich was pretty good though I've had better. We spent about $60 for 3 ppl in my opinion this is just too much for the food we had... I will not go there anytime soon. The decor is ok and the drink i had was a bad choice for $8.00!
(3)
Victoria S.
Modern and cozy atmosphere. Same amazing food as other locations. Friendly staff. Love the outside fire pits - will be fun for happy hour in the warm months. Finally a decent place in Rockville. We just elevated ourselves to cool status. Thanks Matchbox! Note: expect a long wait unless you make reservations on opentable.com .
(5)
R H.
We come to Matchbox Rockville very often with friends, colleagues and family and we never were disappointed. You can never go wrong with their delicious fresh and healthy daily specials. Today I got their chicken lime soup because I was not uber hungry and was very positively surprised. Light and delicious. Even their cocktails or what they call infusions with alcohol are real good. My husband always goes for a pizza and he is never disappointed. we regularly order their spicy sopressata or the pesto pizza so yummy! I got many times their scallops, apple/pear salad etc. all are realky good. My brother got the crispy chicken sandwich and trust it is the best most freshly made chicken we have ever tasted. They make it with their home made butter milk dressing so light to the taste even though it is not very light in calories. we introduced this place and especially their donuts and coffee to many people and never were disappointed. Honestly this place deserves much more than 3.5/5. I mean yeah it is a little more expensive than the other places in Rockville but totally worth every penny. They are among the rare places who offer real great bepgian beer accompanied always with the nice easy listening lounge music. the only thing that I could comment on is that it is a little noisy... the service is always efficient and courteous and again the food is awesome and pretty sofisticated. I am definitely a fan. Now that the weather is getting better I am definitely trying to sit at the outdoor bar by the flames.
(5)
Janet H.
Ever since I've been to the Chinatown location, I have been thinking about Matchbox. When I heard that it's opening in Rockville, I was excited.. I waited and waited... and finally, it's here! :) I didn't go right away as I expect and heard about the long wait. 3 weeks after opening, I decided it's time to go check them out. We went on a Sunday afternoon for lunch, I did not expect a wait time of 1 hr in the middle of the day. UGH! seriously? Since this is lunch and we didn't want to eat too heavy, we decided to try a small pizza and their mini burgers. We got the Q Special pizza (marinated chicken and portobello mushroom). The pizza was delicious! The crust was perfect, not too soft and not too crispy just the way I like it. The toppings and sauce were flavorful and just right. Would I come back? Definitely. I wouldn't recommend coming if you are hungry or getting hungry because you can expect a wait time of at least 45mins and more. This would probably be a good place for happy hour. It's got plenty of space, the atmosphere is fun and trendy. Parking is meh.. just okay. It's in a busy shopping center so you won't have trouble finding a space, you might just have to walk a bit.
(4)
Susana T.
I don't get the appeal of this place. Pizza's fine but nothing extraordinary, service ranges from indifferent to only okay, and it's pretty overpriced. Even with a reservation, we had to wait 45 minutes to be seated. What a waste of time and clicks. I've never been a fan of the ambiance of the Chinatown location; the Rockville location is more family-centered, but I still get a somewhat haughty vibe from the employees. I want to like this place, or at least understand what everyone else sees in it, but I never get there. Each visit just reminds me that I don't get it. We opt for Pizza CS these days.
(2)
Eunice K.
waiter was really nice. super friendly! mozzi carrozzi crispy and good BUT greasy.. a little to greasy.. sometimes i felt like i was eating crunchy grease would be really good if it wasnt that greasy. i got something off the brunch menu cast iron steak and eggs yum! comes with ciabatta bread on the side and it was really good :) beet salad with rib eye she added the rib eye.. and the meat was good the salad was really good.. matchbox chicken sandwich my friend got this and he gave us some to try and it was good but some of the chicken was burnt or something so some parts of the sandwich tasted/reminded me of nasty breath.. after i told my friends what i thought they laughed and made a disgusting face and then agreed.. * so if you order this i hope it doesnt come out burnt coffee and doughnuts yum! my fav.. i like this better than the trio cus i already know their doughnuts are yummy.. taste so good with the cold coffee.. the hot/warm doughnuts and cold coffee combo is delicious
(3)
Matt F.
This is a very interesting restaurant. They have nice seating options that make the dinning experience interesting almost no matter where you sit. However, the food (I got a pizza) was fair and service was slow. Since the majority of their menu is pizza, I was expecting something better.
(3)
Chinita A.
I love Matchbox and really frequent the one in Chinatown. I have been to this one a few times all for lunch. The space is less claustrophobic than downtown which I like. I'm unable to compare dinner to lunch crowd. The last time I was there around 3pm I could count the customers on my hand. No complaints, super friendly service and excellent pizza. Nice addition to the neighborhood!
(4)
Rob D.
The food at all the Matchbox locations is terrific! I am especially impressed with the consistency between the multiple locations. This is by far the best location with the outdoor area being amazing. The staff is always on point! I can say this Matchbox is in my top 3 places I like to go out to eat at. The other two are Crystal City Morton's and Hank's Oyster Bar on Cap Hill so you are in good company!
(5)
Arthur S.
Great time here with friends last week. Recommend for a nice night out.
(4)
Emilie E.
Would've loved to eat there but 20 minutes does not equal 45 minutes, especially when you see people who came in after you get their buzzers and get seated before you,
(1)
Alice K.
I've gotten the 3-6-9 burgers here and a few of their pizzas. Burgers are alright with huge pile of onion straws on them. Had their spicy meatball, Q special, fire & smoke, and prosciutto & black mission fig. The fig pizza was definitely different and very delicious. I would say Q special was the most lackluster one of the four I've had. Fire & smoke and spicy meatball were apparently very popular, as said by my waiter, and I can see why- very good! Decor is nice with a very relaxed atmosphere. They even have outdoor seating!
(3)
Mark N.
I've been to the Matchbox in DC, but havent given a review to that location although I really like it there. The food in the DC location tasted a bit better, but maybe its just the city atmosphere. This Rockville location blew me away since I remember when it was That's Amore. I was really impressed with the size of this restaurant and the sheer space. Everything was well spaced so you were not cramped up with other customers. Although I like cozy places, it works for this restaurant. We went on a Friday for lunch and were seated immediately. I could not help but look around and absorbing the high ceilings, the brick structure, and the size of this place. Our waiter was fabulous as he knew the menu inside and out. He was able to quickly recite the ingredients to each dish and gave us his take on how it tastes. That was extremely helpful since some of us haven't eaten at Matchbox before. My wife got the pasta and she loved it. My friend ordered a Muffaletta Chicken sandwich and he said it was tasty with plenty of flavor. I had my usual Spicy Meatball pizza, which I enjoyed, but it wasn't as satisfying when I had it in DC. It may be because I was enjoying drinks for happy hour at the time? I took a look at the bar and it is a really big space. I'm supposed to go there tonight for a birthday party so I'll probably add to my review soon. From what I see at first glance, the bar seems nice. The only thing I am surprised and disappointed in is that the restaurant closes at 11:30. I guess this is common for Rockville, but that's usually when our group is just getting started!
(4)
Vanessa S.
Great experience! Nice atmosphere, good food! We sat outside, traffic was a bit of a bother but Matchbox has no control over that.
(5)
Jay V.
When I said that I would be coming to matchbox again I was not lying. It has been less than 24 hours and I have already found myself enjoying another pie. This time the Pesto Chicken pizza. Just like last night, the pizza was absolutely perfect and the waitress was again extremely nice. I was so happy to go again so soon and I hope I can return again very soon. Matchbox deserves five stars. Anyone who comes to the DC area should try this food
(5)
paul g.
This is the new hyped up place in Rockville. haven't we seen this b/f? Not the place for happy hour. Too cramped and drinks $10 plus. No happy hour pricing. Food about average. Nothing special. Service was overzealous probably b/c of complaints. My advice, wait until the hype dies down and they get used to a regular clientelle. It will probably improve. for now go to your local place in ur hood! P-
(2)
Nicholas M.
After being a long time patron of the location in Gallery Place we decided to try the a Rockville location to celebrate a graduation. We were very pleased to find the same quality of food and service, without the usual long wait, and will definitely return. The braided short ribs were so tender they fell off the bone and melted in your mouth. The pork in creole sauce was full of inedible flavors and would have been amazing if it was not slightly overcooked. The crab cake sandwich was so big it would have been difficult to finish by itself let alone with the generous portion of fries. The rockfish was well cooked but was on the bland side and we were not wild about the risotto. The Matchbox meat pizza was everything I hoped for and satisfied my craving for it. It has a ton of flavors though I would like a slightly thicker crust to help the pizza keep its form as I try to eat it. On whole, the menu provides a wide range of options and their beer tap selection always has something new to try. My only complaint is the price of drinks at the bar. One round for 4 was almost $50 for two rail mixed drinks and two premium beers. Maybe that is just me though.
(4)
Lauren S.
The atmosphere, food and wine were great! So was the service. I went here with my date, who was being a stiff, uptight prick that night, so I went ahead and ordered the Rockfish. His eyes buldged out, but he wasn't a hater. It was a great choice. It was light, flaky, a amazing. It was on top of a creamy risotto, which was also delicious. Although I was hungry like 4 hours later, at least I now know that this place is great for so much more than just pizza. My date loosened up a little later. But who cares what his problem was....it was his problem....with the light, perfect glass of white wine I had, and that great food, it was easy to just bounce his energy off. And later on I fixed his whack little attitude, anyway. So there.
(4)
Antony C.
The food was great and service as well. My only two issues were the price and having to make a reservation.
(4)
D C.
When you spend a ton of money to renovate a building and then install a very expensive brick oven wouldn't you also bring in the right people to cook a decent pizza? My biggest complaint about Matchbox is what they are known for, the pizza, is not good. All serious pizza lovers know that it starts with the crust. Matchbox's crust is sad. It is like tasteless cardboard. You would think that great brick oven would impart some flavor and save this pizza experience but it doesn't. Their sauce is not very good either and there isn't enough of it. The cheese layer is skimpy and then overcooked. The pizza that comes to your table is overcooked, hard, dry and so not what one would expect for the prices they charge! You know when you go to a convenience store and they have the pizza that has been under the heat lamp for 3 hrs? That is about what the Matchbox pizza experience is like. They boast freshness, and maybe the ingredients really are, but the pizza is so poorly executed it doesn't make a difference. I have this other problem too. Right across the street is this other (new) pizza place that opened in 2011 called Pizza CS. It's a smaller place where the two owners are nearly always there. They are friendly and they truly care about their product. They have a brick oven too. It's probably a lot smaller and they don't have a full bar like Matchbox... but the pizza! It is so unbelievably good! I cannot, with a clear conscience, eat a Matchbox pizza... ever... again. Why in the world would I subject myself to the poor service, overcrowding and high prices of Matchbox when I could get a pizza 10x better right across the street? Another thing I like is supporting the local (small) businesses. Matchbox could care less who I am, how my experience is or how likely I am to come back. Pizza CS is the opposite. I apologize that this is feeling more like a Pizza CS advertisement but having them across the street from one another begs me to do the comparison. Since I work in the area and am daily faced with "that" question... what should I do for lunch? Every now and then someone suggests Matchbox but more and more we all answer with WHY!?! Mediocre product, bad service, high prices and extremely uninspired pizza. Go to Pizza CS across the street and see what I mean. Matchbox has some okay dishes other than pizza. I like their crab soup, scallops and tuna appetizer but I just cannot go there for pizza. And before someone sends me a PM asking about my affiliation with Pizza CS (or any other restaurant), I am not. I am a professional in an entirely different field with no connections to the restaurant industry.
(2)
Beth H.
Service was good, the food was excellent! Nice environment; very comfortable.
(5)
Alex D.
Brand New Location in Rockville, the interior is spacious. I love their idea of creating a different feel to each room. When i first entered Matchbox its always crowded so be prepared to wait or make a reservation ahead of time. The Menu is simple and they have a good selection of Draft Beers. Also each beer gets their own special glass, I tried the Allagash which is a Hefeweizen. It was pretty good had a nice wheat flavor. We started out with Appetizers I had the Tuna Tartare which was amazing, nice raw tuna with a complimenting wasabi sauce on the side. A Friend Ordered the Mini Burgers which are amazing! Cooked to however you want it..Med Rare ordered, and came out the way we wanted them. Love their drink selections, they also have a house made Pineapple and Watermelon infused Vodka. The service was outstanding, Our server Nick was knowledgeable of their draft beers, liquor, and cocktail selections. He was able to give us his suggestions and there was not one miss. The food was outstanding, always go for the large pizza its only a few more dollars and you get a good size you can always take home and enjoy later. All in all the food, drink, and Service was amazing thanks to our waiter Nick.
(4)
Ron T.
Love the Pizza here. I have always had good service and the drinks are good as well. I would highly recommend for Pizza
(4)
Chris B.
I really liked the pizza here, despite it being slightly over priced. I would recommend you opt for the buffalo mozzarella, because it really makes the pizza that much better! There was a pretty long wait when I went, so reservations can't hurt. I suppose that this can be viewed as a sign that the food here is pretty good. I could comment on the great decor, but I'm a straight dude, so I would have likely said it was great even if I sat on a cement block while eating my meal.
(4)
Aesah L.
We went for a late lunch on a Sunday and were pleasantly surprised to find a jazz trio playing. I got the bistro burger which was just decadent (and massive!) and the onion rings were amazing. The rest of the table got a margarita pizza which was delicious! We'll definitely be back, especially since they'll be bringing the brunch menu back in the next few months.
(4)
Gina S.
Only spent a few hours in Rockville and hit up this local hot spot for dinner. Good stuff. The bar has a wide variety of liquors (always nice after a long day of work/travel) and the pizzas were tasty. I chose the sausage and sun dried tomato pie and enjoyed it very much. The staff was nice, nothing over the top, but kept the drinking/dining experience positive.
(4)
Sara D.
I'm giving this a "3" because the staff at the front of the house is terrrible. I made a reservation two weeks prior to visiting. Yet, it was INSANE at the front desk when we walked in the door at 6 pm. Our friends had already arrived and said they'd wait for us. I wish they hadn't because I litterally had to stand over one of 4 hostesses to make sure we got seated. I realize they've only been open a few weeks and they don't want to anger anyone but still, they need to get their front door in check. If I'd never been to a Matchbox before I would've been ready to walk out. (That and the fact that I ony needed tonight's reservation on Open Table to score a $50 gc.) The disorganization at the door, combined with the large number of empty tables between it and the area we were seated - both on the way in and the way out - were HUGE negatives contributing to a lower score than they probably deserve. As was expected, the food was great. We stuck to pizza tonight, with a salad, and all three kinds were fantastic. I would have been disapointed if they hadn't been. I've eaten at the MB near the VZ center, and like tonight walked out feeling like a day at the gym is definitely due. However, I was more than pleasantly surprised by the excellent cocktails (try the "girly martinis" - the Pamatea was to die for...), reasonably priced wine list, and stellar desserts. Having lived in Rockville for over 10 years and visted this location in all of the various restaurant lives it's lived, I'm excited to see the really awesome decor and design they've done. I'm looking forward to warm night outdoors, and hoping the bar will spill into the really cool exterior when it warms up. Oh, one more negative, we took our kids - we weren't the only ones - however, I think the restaurant team thinks their concept is too good for that. They don't have a kids menu nor a paper placemat to color. Yes, I know it's pizza and yes, they bent over backwards to cater to our children, but is too much to ask you keep some crayons and paper placemats under that overstaffed and inefficient hostess stand? That being said, I'm looking forward to our next visit sans kids con designated driver, as this could be a new "hot" spot. (Well, at least as hot as it gets in Rockville. :-) ) On the other hand, judging by the cliental in the ladies room on the way out, I'm definitely lacking fake hair or, fake ta ta's, or fake fur, or a combination of the three to "fit in." I guess that crowd has left Timpano's for here. (Unfortunately!)
(3)
Sa'lome H.
Great new spot
(4)
linda d.
Went out with coworkers for after work drinks here on a Monday night and expected it to be rather empty cuz who goes out on a Monday night? Apparently everyone in Rockville?! Luckily, our group (~10) got there on the earlier side and was able to grab a few tables so we could sit outside together. The outdoor patio is great and perfect for having drinks on a warm evening. The pizza and food here is just as good as the one in DC. They don't seem to have any happy hour prices yet, but they said to check in with them in the future.
(4)
H D.
Nice pizza place in rockville, but expensive. The drinks are super expensive also. We order the fire and smoke pizza, not as spicy as the menu labels it to be. Will come again for sure.
(4)
Ann S.
Disappointed. I have been to the location in DC several times, and never been unhappy. (Even after a 90 min wait). Went to try the new one in Rockville last Saturday. When we walked up, my husband asked "are you sure they're open?", as there was still construction stuff being done outside. Since a coworker had eaten there the day before, I assured him it was. When we went in we were told it would be about a 15 minute wait. We were both puzzled by that as there were several empty tables, but assumed there probably wasn't enough staff. So we went to eat at the bar instead. We sat there for several minutes and saw the bartender take care of at least 3 orders before she even acknowledged us. (Remember- we were sitting AT THE BAR, RIGHT IN FRONT OF HER). Both my husband and I have worked in the service industry before, so I realize when you get busy, you do miss things. I don't have to be waited on the minute I arrive, but I would like a simple "I'll be right with you". We got zippy. In fact, the other staff that was just finishing their shift and leaving out the back door got attention before us. The rest of meal didn't really advance much. (At least it didn't get worse). . The beer selection is good, the location is horrible. Being on the pike is well... being on the pike. It sucks to get into, sucks to park on a weekend, sucks to get out. The pizza- eh-it isn't good enough to justify the hassle. The bar staff (as that was all we encountered) needs a little more polishing.
(3)
Laura C.
Lots of selection, nice bar area.
(4)
Dave C.
UPDATE: I am lowering my rating substantially due to the exceptionally bad service in addition to the last two meals being mediocre at best. On my last visit the lazy hostesses lied to us about the availability of outside seating. I know because we were told to get an outside table for lunch would take an additional 25-30 minutes or we could be seated indoors immediately. Since we had to get back to the office for work we chose indoor seating. We got a table with a great view of the patio - and 4 empty tables. No one was in line in front of us to get in and they sat people at these tables while we ate. The server got our orders wrong and the pizzas were overcooked. I had an iced tea that wasn't refilled once even though the glass was obviously empty. I doubt I will return to a restaurant that treats customers so poorly.
(2)
Dia F.
The scallops with Sweet Mashed potatoes and pork loin is DELICIOUS!!! you can also never go wrong with Matchbox Punch ;)
(4)
J.m. R.
Awesome restaurant, but very busy. Lots of family's till about 7ish. A little loud. Great food can't go wrong.
(5)
Melissa C.
The food was very good, we loved the ambience & our waiter, Reese, was excellent!
(5)
Joel S.
Food it good, service can be spotty and the wait is always too long... but I keep going back.
(4)
Adam R.
SO glad Matchbox expanded into the 'burbs. Now they have a spacious location that they clearly put a lot of effort into, and it pays off!
(5)
Lena K.
We had a nice lunch. Food had a beautiful presentation and taste, however the place was very loud. One cannot have a conversation
(3)
Veronica S.
The place was really nice looking. I live nearby and was waiting for the perfect opportunity to go. I finally went with some friends today. The place is huge. Lots of available seating both inside and out. The pizzas were good. I had the Smoke & Fire. It had a great kick to it. I would like to come back here with more friends. :-)
(4)
Andrew S.
First of all, I would like to state that I am giving this 5-stars because of the overall experience, based on food overall, I'd probably only give it 4 stars. Great location, HUGE restaurant space, and great food. Surprisingly the pizza, is the worst dish on the menu. There's really nothing special about it. It's like most trendy pizza places, it's more artistic than anything else. What truly impressed me about this restaurant more than almost any other in the area is the produce. Restaurants in this area are famous for passing off limp barely edible produce to their customers. Ordering the sliders as an appetizer, I was actually worried when the menu said pickles would be on them. But the surprise was quite pleasant when the perfectly sliced, crisp, semi-sweet pickles arrived on the sliders, which themselves are juicy, tasteful, and great! The best and I mean absolute best aspect of Matchbox, however... the desserts! I was lucky enough to actually get a chance to tell the chef that his take on Molton Chocolate cake was seriously the best I'd ever had in my life, it was delicious to the point where you wanted to be a 5 year old and be able to lick the plate and not get in trouble! I would have gladly paid $30 at a 5-star restaurant for my $8 dessert at Matchbox. Great wait staff, friendly atmosphere, that is just the right mix of casual and upscale... my only complaint is that I don't understand why they are a pizza place. The space and kitchen talent is wasted on pizza, they should be a fine dining establishment.
(5)
Lina K.
Overated by far. Also FYI they make you wait even though there are tables available, only to make their restaurant seem busy. I have seen two couples wait an entire 20 minutes when the table next to me wasnt occupied neither reserved. LAME!
(1)
Alan W.
Iza good foodage. Pizza is the economical choice and all the sandwiches look great.
(4)
sarah t.
Nice atmosphere, good food. We'll definitely be taking our out of town guests here.
(4)
Kristy P.
I really liked the pizza here, but those burly men with me thought it wasn't filling enough. I give it to them, for the price the pizza's are not honking full of meat, BUT they are delicious with unique combinations. I think if you are going to spend this much on dinner, I'd rather eat sushi. That is the major complaint with this place for me, is its expensive and lets be real its a pizza joint! The interior is beautiful, the bar has a great selection, but when it comes down to it, paying that much for a pizza is a bit ridic. (not to mention an hour wait on a Thursday).
(2)
Michael W.
The place is nice but not excellent. The decor is good and the high celling makes it really spacious. The staff is quite nice and obviously still training. The food on the other hand did not live to the expectations. My wife ordered a tuna salad nicoise and although the tuna was cooked as it should be, the potatoes were completely raw. I ordered the 3.6.9 mini-burgers and they were good. I have to go back a couple of times and try additional plates to make my mind about the food. So far, I would say that this is a nice place to go for lunch or dinner in Rockville. It isn't a woohoo kindda of place but it is definitely a decent option in the region.
(2)
B T.
Been there twice, pizza is nice and tasty, but deserts are not really good. Will definitely visit there again for pizza :)
(3)
Aaron C.
Definitely the 'hippest' restaurant in Rockville. Yeah, that's probably like being the valedictorian of summer school or the world's tallest midget. But it's true. This place is great. Very cool atmosphere. Makes you feel for a short while that you're not in rockville but rather in DC or even NYC. And the food is excellent.
(4)
Kathy S.
I finally got to go to Matchbox and I really, really liked it! The pizza was delicious and came out of the kitchen pretty quickly. I had delicious beverages served by really nice bartenders. The decor was ok there -- very open. I'm on the cusp of giving it 5 stars but I sort of like to save that rating for when a place is almost unbeatable.
(4)
Tammy S.
Went for the first time this weekend. Very good food. Wonderful atmosphere - drinks a little pricey but food menu is pretty average price for a place like this. I will definitely go back.
(4)
Angelica S.
Their pizza was good with unique choices but I think that they are a little overpriced. They do have very good sliders with a huge pile of onion rings. This place a good for a late night dinner if you have no reservation because it is usually packed.
(3)
Alex C.
Trendy, yuppie atmosphere, decent but overpriced pizza, good beer, creative apps, and down-to-earth good service. Went with a large group, early, with a reservation. Great draft beer selection, but WAY overpriced. Yuengling for $7...eh I don't think so. The server handled our large group with effortless skill and patience, which was much appreciated. We split a giant plate of burger sliders with a mound of the curly onion ring things. The sliders were good, but not really anything to write home about. Also tried the fried bruschetta. Eh, fried bread is not really something I would ever crave or order again. It was creative and interesting to split among a group. The pizza... our group mostly went with the chicken and pesto pizza combinations - 'Q special' i think. They really put a lot of chicken on the pizza which is a plus. Others at the table got the pepperoni pizza, which they required a couple handfuls of paper napkin to sop up the puddles of grease before eating. I got the salami/wild mushroom pizza, which had a nice assortment of fresh herbs chopped and sprinkled on top. The mushrooms were tasty and the salami very salty. They are generous with the toppings and a "Small" size is plenty for one person. The crust was nicely charred, but lacked in flavor and chewiness. There really was nothing wrong with the food, but also nothing truly memorable about it either. I think I'd avoid this place if I was in a table of two or three, as there were around 80 people waiting for tables when we left. Definitely get a reservation if you can. The hostess seemed to enjoy putting on a show of snooty aloofness when dealing with customers. For the fact that it was a Tuesday evening at 6pm and that the whole dining space feels overly designed and fake, which left me thinking that Matchbox is WAY OVERRATED. Come down to earth and lower your prices some, and I consider going back. For the price and better pizza, I'm a much bigger fan of Mia's pizza ( yelp.com/biz/mias-pizza-… ) in Bethesda, where you get better pizza for a better price in a more intimate setting.
(3)
JADE N.
Ummm....I am here to spread some life into these reviews. First let me say that we have gone to the capitol hill and Chinatown locations many times. However, we are always discouraged because of lack of parking, large crowds, and long waits. Not anymore!!! This location has tons of parking and the wait has never been more than 15 minutes. In addition, we can make reservations on Friday and Saturday nights...plus! Food is great, as all the matchbox locations are. Though I usually stick with pizza. My hubby loves the burger. I enjoy the ambiance, friendly service, and drinks! The long island is tasty because they use their own sour mix. I am writing this review after instruction from the hubby because of our last visit. We went on Saturday night. We always order a half matchbox meat/half pepperoni and onion pizza. Welp, needless to say they messed up and somehow forgot the pepperoni. Instead of throwing a few pepperonis on to appease us, they told us to snack on what they had made while they made a new pizza. The chef hand delivered the pizza while apologizing for the mix up. We went home with 2 boxes of pizza. That is above and beyond service in our book. We will be back often. FYI, I have had the rockfish before but didn't care for it. I hadn't even complained about my meal. The waitress just saw that I had barely touched it and asked me if I enjoyed it. Her response when I was dissatisfied...choose something else! I had the beef and mashed potatoes instead which my hubby liked. It was ok. I don't know what the complaints are about. Good food, service, drinks, etc!
(4)
Debra A.
Service and food are great. Best roadsliders ive ever had the salads pizzas and entrees (had almost every one and all delicious. Only once had bad service.
(5)
Christine K.
Definitely not worth it! I had ordered a pizza to-go and was very disappointed! It was soggy and it tasted like one of the celeste pizza that could have been bought with a dollar instead of $13! I was expecting gourmet pizza just like Pizzeria Paradiso in DC/Old Town Alexandria. I had a better pizza with Pizza Hut! So disappointing with so much hype! Never again! I have learned my lesson......
(1)
andrea d.
The food was good, the atmosphere very different than your usual Rockville based restaurant, but it was pretty expensive for a restaurant on Rockville Pike, running over $70 for two glasses of wine, two salads and an appetizer. We got the trio appetizer and two salads (the apple/pear and the sweet and tangy calamari) which were all wonderful. The scallops on the appetizer were really good. It was a little loud to talk intimately, but it was a nice place to go for an evening with my mom. The wait also wound up being only 8 minutes, after the hostess warned us it may have been up to thirty without reservations, so we were pleased. We would definitely come again.
(4)
Nancy T.
Okay, granted, I went here at 4:30 on a Monday evening. But let me tell you what happens on 4:30 on a Monday evening. The shift changes. These beautiful waiters and waitresses come on duty and hug and chat each other up as they polish each and every piece of flatware and crystal on each and every table. The food was great. I wanted to try everything on the menu. I settled for a white prosciutto and olive pizza and designer beer. Awesome. Can't wait to come back.
(4)
Ricardo V.
It's right around my house and I just love this place , I have dinner or lunch every other week. Great service and I love the food. The space outside is perfect for the spring and summer.
(5)
h g.
Mini Burgers and Pizza was awesome. Liked the Service and the surroundings.
(4)
Caitlin A.
I went with family this past weekend. We got the mini burgers and the straw fries. Omigosh!! I want to put one in my house. The pan-seared chicken dish was ok. The chicken was a little dry, but all in all the service was fantastic.
(5)
Kelly M.
Their burger is phenomenal. The onion rings are way better than the fries in my opinion. They sell the burger in a normal (but large) portion and in mini-sliders. They have a full bar and patio seating. However, the beers were a bit expensive--7$ for the cheapest pint. Wine list is standard and cocktails are also a little too expensive. Great place for families as the menu is kid friendly.
(3)
L G.
Went with the family yesterday (a Monday) for lunch. Was interested to see what their Rockville location was all about, given Matchbox's reputation. The food was OK, but nothing particularly special. The two pizzas we ordered tasted good, but we've had tastier elsewhere. The burger was the same -- good, but nothing special. The cream of crab soup had some nice flavors, but was way too thick (it was like a heavy paste) and much too salty (too common a problem with soups in restaurants it seems). The one thing about the food that's a bit pretentious is that just about everything is served somewhat burned -- on purpose. Yeah, we get that the pizzas are made in a brick oven -- but is it necessary for the crusts to be burned black in order to prove it? In addition, the burger was charred black on the outside and the fries that came with it were overcooked and dark brown -- apparently all on purpose as well. The service was a bit lacking. In particular, there seemed to be a lack of effective communication between the front and back of the house. All of our food was only luke warm when it arrived at the table. The salad we ordered never came, although it did make it onto the bill. Given the quality of the food and service, we left feeling like we didn't get the experience and value we would have expected for the money we paid. We absolutely don't mind paying more if we're going to have great food and a great experience, but this wasn't it. Note for anyone with a family: There is no childrens' menu. Not a problem for us, but it might be for others. It's a bit surprising that a restaurant like Matchbox would make a big investment in a suburban location and then ignore the fact that at least some of their prospective customers are families with children. The restaurant looks and feels great on the inside -- kudos to the designers. The vibe was pretty good, but in the back of my mind I kept wondering what the heck is a "vintage pizza bistro" (as Matchbox bills itself) -- other than a somewhat pretentious contrivance? Overall, we were a bit disappointed, especially given the hype. Not sure our family, or my spouse and I sans children, will be returning.
(2)
Corinne D.
We had the mozzi carrozzi which was awesome but the pizza's taste exactly as you expect. Nothing wow'd me but the appetizer. I would go back and try something other than pizza.
(3)
Toni K.
Place is great. The service is friendly and the food is consistent!
(5)
Chris L.
The beef ribs, and pepperoni pizza are fantastic. Waitstaff nice. The only issue is the long waits, and it's hard to get to the bar when it's crowded. The place is know for it's sliders, they're OK, not a fan of them.
(4)
Maureen K.
good pizza, salads. not huge but nice enough. extra points for the solid servers we have had twice
(3)
hoot k.
Great to see a decent place open up in the Rockville area - in particular this location where it seems like restaraunts have been cursed... but glad to see Matchbox is doing well ...and i think mostly people in the rockville/bethesda area have been waiting for a place to go.. Like most folks (i think) i'll stumble in matchbox after a caps/wiz game and grab drinks...sliders, pizza.. which seem to be the staple.. this time i decided to do the seared salmon which wasn't bad at all.. i do think it's slightly over priced but overall didn't mind too much. We also got the roasted linguini.. which was ok..nothing too special but overall was a nice experience. As from experience, i think we've ordered every pizza throughout the years.. fire/smoke is decent - yes a bit spicy but a good choice to warm you up (esp. this winter season..) although my fav is the veggie.. but i'd recommend asking to leave the potato fingers/chips or whatever they are off - just an odd combination and overall too greasy.. Reason i'd give it a 4/5 (actually a 3.5).. is the drinks: in particular the cocktails.. WOW they are small!! with the ice, it's like a quarter of an ounce of vodka, gin or whatever your flavor is... and 1/2 ouch of club soda. all for ~$10.. so usually i'll just stick to the decent beer selection. but for beer, i'd head over to muscle bar in bethesda...(that's another review of course as they have a few great beers on draft - which is un-heard of.. esp in this area). Also for the rating, the pizza isn't as good as it's hyped up to be..i think (at least for me) each time i would go to the DC location after a game, i probably didn't have all of my senses after a couple (cough) of drinks at a game. But overall, there are some things here and there that i could complain more about but i'm just happy MoCo (in particular rockville) is starting to bring some better places people have been yearning for!
(4)
Nee J.
Decided to checkout Matchbox-Rockville on a whim Saturday night. For starters they have ample parking & it's easy to locate. The hostess gave us a 30 minute wait time when we noticed they had PLENTY of seating available--we assumed they didn't have enough staff to cover the unseated areas. Our buzzer went off after waiting for only 10 minutes--YAY!! The hostess sat us in a congested area--I brought to her attention that the chairs had food in them---thinking she would've cleaned them--NOT she took us to another table to be seated then 5 minutes later she sat someone else in the same dirty seat. (Not a good look---just clean the seats why dontcha!) Our order Appetizer - Me, shrimp & grits=the bomb.com & my dude, 369 mini burgers w/ onion straws=seasoned well and tender Entree - Me, crisy seared salmon and grits & my dude, the matchbox meat pizza Drinks - Me, banana peach martinia & my dude, mango mango martini==both were the bomb.com Portions were great for hunger people. I love their grits---I am a GRITS! ;-) Their drinks were very smooth. Check it out you will love it!!
(4)
Jay C.
Colin is great amazing bartender friendly and very knowledgeable chris Kim is a great waiter
(5)
Eugene H.
The atmosphere is kind of nice, but the pizza is just so-so. My bar's pretty high for a sit down pizza place, because when you think pizza, it's usually something quick and easy. Add in the sit down atmosphere and I feel like you really need to raise the bar on the quality of the pizza you're serving.
(3)
A K.
Good food, good drinks. Pizza is especially good. Service can be hit or miss depending on who you get. Almost always booked on the weekends, but try calling if you don't see anything on OpenTable. Apparently they reserve only 30% of their tables for online reservations.
(4)
Rick R.
Stopped in for pre dinner. Lucky #7 (Evolution Brewery, right near me) was on tap and I was excited. The bartender was quite occupied by a couple across from us. Not sure if they were friends, if the couple was a pain in the butt, or if the bartender was slow. I noticed the bartender start making a Mojito and I figured the couple across was just being a PITA. Eventually they released the bartender and we were able to order. After a first round of drinks we decided to order a small pizza. 1/2 Meat half pepperoni. Pizza was good, GF thought the meatballs were spicy.
(4)
Melinda V.
My husband and I went for Sunday brunch today. I liked this place from the minute we walked in. It's roomy, and nice looking, and smells great. The server was smart, friendly, attentive, and obviously having a good time with her job. I ordered the steak and eggs off the brunch menu, and my husband ordered the scallops with butternut squash risotto. I'll add pictures here, because I thought the plates were very nice to look at and made my mouth water before I took a bite. I loved the skillet presentation of the steak and eggs. The potatoes had seasoning on them that blended in with the egg to make one gooey yummy combination. The steak was cooked perfectly and had a nice smokey flavor I really liked. My husband thought the scallops were perfectly cooked and seasoned nicely, but wished there'd been a bit of sauce on them. The risotto was perfect, and might have converted him to a butternut squash lover. I've never been able to get him to try it before so kudos to Matchbox for that. Overall, I really enjoyed my meal. The ambiance was relaxing, the food was great and the price is...borderline expensive but not horrible. I saw pizzas on lots of the tables as we walked by and they all looked fantastic. I want to go back and try one of those.
(4)
Dana Z.
I'm liking this location a lot more than Chinatown... like Mike S said, it's most due to the space. It's big and open, fireplaces, big tables, spacious... and a nice area for outdoor seating (which obviously we didn't use since it's November...) The menu of course is identical to the other locations. The more I come here the more I'm liking Matchbox. They're consistently good and always have something on the menu someone will like. Also, we sat at the Playboy matchbox table which we loved :)
(4)
Jenn D.
The Fire & Smoke pizza was said to be very spicy, it wasn't at all, even with added crushed red peppers! Everyone else's food looked good though. Service was great even when busy.
(2)
Abhi K.
Everyone raves about the sliders, but I sadly have not yet tried them. I had the shrimp and grits appetizer. The grits were nice. They still felt a bit stony (a good thing) and were infused with a generous portion of cheese. They sat in a bath of sausage and gravy. All of this was fantastically prepared! It was so well done that I wish they had left shrimp out of the dish entirely. The shrimp seemed to be an afterthought as it was not spiced at all and was bland in comparison to the rest of the dish. Perhaps the shrimp was to pick up the flavor of the gravy, but if that were the case, they should not have stood the shrimp up for presentation. I have been to this location once before where I had the Q Special and the Fire and Smoke. Do not doubt the fieriness nor the smokiness of Fire and Smoke. While delicious, it is seriously spicy. The peppers are sweet though, which nicely offsets the spice. The Q special used to be my favorite pizza here. I rarely like chicken on a pizza because it dries out, but the chicken on this pizza remains moist. I ordered it again on this visit and was not disappointed. However, I found a new favorite. The prosciutto and fig is out of this world good. Opting out of a tomato base, the pizza boasts a garlic puree mixed with honey. I never say no to garlic. I never say no to honey. I never thought of putting them together, but the combination ignites sparks. Over top is well salted prosciutto and large, plump figs. I highly recommend everyone give this one a try as it is an unusual combination that ends up working extremely well!
(4)
Renan D.
If you love pizza and want to try something different, this place is awesome. The prices are completely reasonable and you will definitely not be disappointed.
(3)
Amanda K.
I have been here twice. The first time was decent, while the atmosphere is beautiful the food is disappointing. The salmon and spinach was delicious but their pizzas and other entrees were mediocre. The second time, there was a ROACH crawling on my seat and all the manager did was nonchalantly move us to another section. The waitress casually mentioned that they have roaches all the time. Nice! I find this unacceptable for an "upscale" place like this in Rockville. I cannot fathom returning there knowing there's roaches in the dining area, God knows what there is in the kitchen. Plus the management/staff is horrible and clearly does not care about their reputation or customers. With so many great restaurants in the area, it's a shame this one chooses to operate this way.
(2)
R Q.
Absolutely miserable. Been here a couple of times and the pizza was atrocious. I ordered the 'fire & smoke' on the recommendation of the waiter; they substituted the pizza sauce for BBQ sauce. The result was ghastly. I have never tasted anything so awful, and despite the fact that I was famished (finished hiking for 4 hours and came for lunch) I could not finish it. The waiter also didn't know what beers they had on tap going back and checking multiple times, and half the beers we asked for he told us they ran out of. Avoid at all costs, if you really want pizza just go across the street to pizza CS. It might be expensive but at least it doesn't suck.
One of my favorite "local" spots - a go to with out of town guests. Nice, large, California-eqse atmosphere and a lovely outside area with a bar and fire pit. Love coming here for brunch because of their awesome specialty drinks and variety of bloody marrys. I love the #6 Bloody with (wait for it....) BACON! And an Old Bay seasoned rim. Delish. There is no "brunch special" with drinks included, etc but that doesn't keep me away. I've also come here for dinner and been happy with my orders. I thought the crab cake sandwich was my favorite until I tried the Cubano last week - it was so good! Not only did it have the signature slow roasted pork, mustard and pickle of a traditional Cuban sandwich, it also included prosciutto. OMG. And the meal came with home made potato chips. Grand Slam. I must note that this place is also known for their pizza...I have tried it and it is very good. My roommate LOVES the meatball pizza to no end. Hope to come here more in the summer to enjoy the outdoor seating!
(4)
Lauren M.
We recently tried the Rockville location after visiting the Gallery Place location multiple times. The owners tried to make the restaurant "scenic" by including a large fire pit and booths outside, but you really can't compensate for the fact that it's right on Rockville Pike. It definitely has a strip-mall feel because, well, it's on a strip mall parking lot. The interior was very nice. It had a much more open feel than the Gallery Place location but definitely did not have the same character as the other location downtown. That being said, the holiday decorations were beautiful and the ambiance seemed warm yet trendy. We sat near the kitchen, so it was a bit loud despite a mostly-empty restaurant. Service seemed a little slow, but the food was very fresh. The cream of asparagus and cream of crab soups were excellent. The braised short ribs were extremely tender and the rockfish was solidly good, though not as flavorful as other dishes. The crabcake sandwich had a good crab-to-bread ratio and was extremely large. Only real complaint about the food was the pork--extremely flavorful but a little tough from overcooking. Matchbox has a great selection of craft beers AND has Chimay on tap. (Although, truth be told, the difference between Chimay on tap and in the bottle seemed negligible). The mixed drinks had a good liquor-to-other-stuff ratio but were a bit pricey. $50 for 2 mixed drinks and 2 Chimays. (Chimay was $9 a glass!) We definitely would return, but you really need to think of Matchbox Rockville as a completely different restaurant than Matchbox Gallery Place.
(4)
Donna J.
I love this place! The avocado & crab appetizer is ridiculously good. The Cobb salad is awesome too. The burger is great. I can't wait to go back to try something new. Update: I don't know if it was just an off day, but we went to Matchbox for lunch on Saturday and the food was awful. My Cobb salad was gross. The chicken was super dry and the prosciutto was rancid tasting. I won't be ordering that ever again.
(4)
Ken L.
Matchbox in Rockville is a really good place if you want to eat good food and drink a few drinks in a nice environment. I especially love this place during the summer because they outdoor seating and its right in the middle of Rockville. When its colder out they have two fire pits where you can have a couple of drinks and keep warm. I always get either the awesome pizza (I like the meatball one a lot) or the mini-burgers (comes with burgers and onion straws). They have a pretty good beer selections to complement the burgers and pizza. I will definitely keep coming back here.
(4)
Clarence S.
Overall, not bad, but a little pricy when compared to the dish we had. Went there with my wife and daughter on a Friday evening ~7 PM. We had the Large Spicy Meatball pizza, and our drinks were two craft beers and a glass of wine. The place is a little loud, but manageable. Lots of families with 2-3 small children in tow. I wish we had been seated in the patio area away from the loud music but as I said before, it was okay. As for the food, I've had better pizza with slightly less money spent. The service is decent, selections are not bad, and the atmosphere is lively. For a Friday after a long week, it was not a bad place to have a slice of pizza and a beer. Just be prepared for the loud atmosphere.
(3)
Jess Y.
3.5 stars. This was my second time to Matchbox. The first was with a couple of friends because I just had to check out this new restaurant on Rockville Pike that always seemed crowded. I love the atmosphere inside and the architecture/interior design. It is so unique and has this warm wooden feel to it. Great attention to detail: even including different pairs of matching matchboxes underneath the glass of every table. The huge warm fires outside also make for a really neat outdoor seating option---but in the dead of winter, it's pretty empty. The ambiance is also very nice--a a little bit louder on the decibel scale but it's a good, bubbly, "things are happening" kind of feel. The pizza is great. Thin crust and baked with brick oven love. Only problem is that when you combine the two of those, the middle of the pizza often gets a little soggy. It doesn't bother me too much because it's still so tasty and the crust is always crisp to perfection. The flavors of the pizza are great---albeit a little pricey. In my last visit we ordered the Veggie pizza. I thought it was flavorful--the peppers definitely added a little kick to it but the crispy potato medallions (aka itty bitty potato chips) seemed gimmicky. We had already eaten so much fried stuff, they seemed out of place and just thrown on in the end. I don't remember the pizzas that I ordered last time I was here--but I remember enjoying them. The 3-6-9 mini burger appetizer is also very popular. You can choose to order 3, 6, or 9 mini burgers with a huge mound of fried onion straws. I loved the onion straws although some were not as crispy as I would have liked. Okay, but now onto the service. The first time I came I don't remember thinking anything poor about the service. But, this time, I was just so underwhelmed by the performance of our waiter. Firstly, he was noticeably disappointed in the fact that we did not order drinks--I'm sorry but I was just enjoying dinner and I wasn't really in the mood for a drink that night. Is that a crime? He was so hung up on the drinks though that he forgot that he had asked us and came back to our table again to ask if we wanted to order any drinks. Secondly, it took forever for our mini burger appetizer to come out. I was eating with my mother who only eats things well done, so we had ordered the burgers well done. It took at least 20 minutes for an appetizer to come out. The waiter explained that the burgers were taking longer because we wanted them well done. I'm not an expert, but I think grilling burgers well-done takes GENEROUSLY 1-2 minutes longer than medium well. And if they are mini burgers, they sure as heck shouldn't be taking 20 minutes long--we still wanted a juicy burger not something burnt! Clearly, that was just an excuse and the kitchen was probably just backed up with orders--which is understandable, but lying and giving us a lame excuse that makes it sound like we are idiots was annoying. (Note also that it only took 10 minutes for the table next to us to receive their order of mini burgers). Also, the bathroom for such a trendy/upscale place was out of sorts. The first time I went to the bathroom there was water all over the floor. The second time, at the end of the meal, I saw remnants of someone's menstrual cycle out for display hanging out of the waste disposal. Now, I know that a restaurant is not responsible for the behavior of its customers, but they are responsible for the upkeep of the restroom--which grossed me out, given the near perfection of the rest of the ambiance/interior design.
(3)
M S.
DC Matchbox is better. Very disappointed in my recent visit to Matchbox. Firstly, the service was great. The restaurant interior is clean and fools me into thinking I'm trendier than I actually am. Most disturbing was my glass of tap water that tasted like a moldy dishrag. The $15 chicken spinach salad was sufficient, I was hoping for a better presentation for the price. For anyone else like me who needs a 60/40 brownie to ice cream ratio in order to be happy, be advised: the double choco brownie dessert comes with a tiny scoop of vanilla frozen dairy dessert (not ice cream). Presentation of the dessert was also lacking. My husband got a customized white pizza, which was good, but not amazing. I blame that on his weird modifications. One beer, one salad, one pizza, one bottled water, one dessert=$60. Dissatisfied. I"ll try again, but not any time soon.
(2)
L S.
I'm convinced after 2 YEARS LATER, they still haven't entirely gotten their shit together. We arrived around 7:50 PM. At the beginning, the hostess says that there's open seating at the bar so we go to check it out. There was an open bar booth, we sit down, and the server immediately told us that the booths were assigned seating and that we needed to go talk to the hostess. We go back to the hostess stand and she's like "Oh yeah those are assigned seating and we reserved that bar booth so someone can take it." Why did you make us look like dumbasses? Earlier on, she says that the wait was to be between 25-45 minutes long. We waited 7 minutes. I used to be a hostess. I was good at it. Beggars aren't choosers. I have NEVER heard of reserving a specific spot in the restaurant just for the wait list. You can only take what you can get. Don't pull shenanigans on me. We get seated and our server was nice, but he didn't seem all too there. Took a while for water and drinks to come to the table. My party ordered the 3.6.9 burgers and a large Matchbox Meat pizza. Food took a good while to come out. When it did come out, it was good but it was quite greasy. My parents and I love your carry out services. I think I'll stick to that from now on, forever and always. 2 stars will be for the nice server (his timing wasn't good but I'll admit that finding nice servers in Rockville are hard to find) and for the delicious drinks. PS: Get your dress code together too! Seeing the young girl with thunder thighs wearing sweaty gym gear in front of the host stand was unsightly. I wouldn't let her sweaty ass in my restaurant. PSS: I agree with one of the posters here on how the cocktail menu comes off extremely gendered. I noticed that too, and was thinking, "It's 2013. Why does this matter anymore?" I can enjoy my Manhattans, thank you very much.
(2)
Joshua J.
This place is great. Great decor and atmosphere, a bit congested and loud but not over the top. We ordered four different pizzas and they all tasted delicious. The only gripe with the food is that the large pizza is said to serve 2 people but 1 hungry person like myself needed a whole large to myself. We had the chocolate chip bread pudding for dessert and it also very delectable. Since it was my sister's birthday, the waiter lit a candle on the bread pudding and it was also on the house. This is a sign of a good business in my eyes. The prices though, are fair. Feeding four people, the bill came out to $53 before tip, not bad. Definitely will be coming back.
(5)
Erica C.
I really like the layout and the feel of this place. The menus even look cool. I've been to Matchbox twice. The first time I really liked the pizza, so I figured it was a go-to before shopping at the awesome Container Store. The first time we went, we ordered a large pizza and split it. A large pizza was plenty for two. The last time we went, we ordered the mini burgers with gouda and a small pizza. The mini burgers were fantastic with buttery brioche buns. The fried onion straws with the burgers were fun as well. I could have ate those and have been totally satisfied. The matchbox meat pizza was a bit on the burnt side, but it was still good. I've always wanted dessert, but I've been too stuffed to truly contemplate it. The drink menu also looks quite nice, as does the beer selection.
(3)
Stephanie C.
We tried Matchbox tonight for the first time and liked it. The menu is limited but it has items you don't normally find on a regular menu. Chicken with brussel sprouts as a side and a steak with sweet potato. I got the steak sandwich which was pretty good, but would have been better with lettuce tomato and grilled onions. My husband got the ultimate burger which he said was good. The service was wonderful considering how busy it was. The only drawback I had was that we were in a room with several babies and some parents do not realize that you shouldn't take whiny little ones out to dinner. They don't enjoy it and neither do the other diners. Most of the little ones were good, but we got next to a whiner and it wasn't fun.
Beware when dining in the warm months. They have multiple doors that they open to the patio and leave open creating a super highway for flies and other winged creatures to fight you for your food. Sometimes people like to sit inside for a reason. My colleagues and I swatted off several flies throughout dinner and I even got bit by a mosquito. We came on a Wednesday after work - party of 10 and had no problem being seated, I've been here before but generally speaking unless you have it in good with the bartender and you are at the bar your drink will be weak, I had the matchbox punch and it had .001 % alcohol in it and I am not an alcoholic. I had the crab cake sandwich it wasn't terrible and I know this place is a pizza place but just in case some people were wondering it's not worth it, stick with the pizza and water. We also had the donut holes - I'm not sure of the official name, but they were good, not super sweet or large and the accompanying sauce is perfect.
(3)
Maria L.
Appetizer: 6 sliders; the meat was cooked medium & was juicy! The onion straws were YUMMM :D Apple & Pear salad was the best thing I ate there. Entree: 1/2 MatchBox Meat & 1/2 Spicy Salami& mushroom pizza; The Meat Side was yummy & juicy. The other half was just as great. Overall: the atmosphere& service seemed rushed. The waiter spilled water on our table & didn't apologize. The place is loud & crowded. Maybe I'll give this place a second chance...& maybe I won't.
(3)
Tasha B.
Ordered the apple and pear salad - blandest salad I have ever had in my life. No dressing on top & basically the greens were just washed & put on a plate Also ordered the "make it your own" pizza with basil: spiciest pizza I've ever had in my life - I LOVE spicy food (drunken noodles, spicy sushi, etc), but this wasn't even good spicy - it was like if you took pizza from the mall & added a ton of hot sauce. Never again
(1)
David N.
Great pizza. Had meat pizza taste really good and service is fast and courteous. The only down side is the pizzas are over 1000 calories based on myfitness pal app
(4)
Paul M.
rather extensive pizza selections to fit many different tastes. My adult children and their spouses, along with me and mine, visited at the suggestion of a family member and were not disappointed. We sat upstairs in a booth that was comfortable, although we were at a railing looking out on the rest of the building. A little warm, but that is expected in a pizza joint with hot ovens going all day. Every one ordered something different and we shared family style. Pies were all terrific, Son had a steak that he said was quite good (rotten lil' *** didn't share) and drinks came in a timely fashion (and kept coming.) I'll return but probably not on a Friday or Saturday night when I am told there is quite a wait. I am OK with that though, since every night is date-night for me and my bride.
(4)
Van J.
Everything everybody says about the ambience is spot on. Nice lofty feel with indoor or outdoor dining. Food is overpriced but you would expect that given the look of the place. We split a beet salad and had to ask "where's the beets". Literally, a plate full of arugula with half a beet and lightly, very lightly, sprinkled with goat cheese and walnuts. Oh and it comes with ciabatta bread. A thin slice of ciabatta bread! My husband had veggie pizza that was lacking. Believe me, Papa Johns does a much better veggie thin crust sans the tomatoes. The crab cake sandwich was good, found a few shells though. Wait time was about 30 minutes, Friday night at 8 pm with several empty tables. Ironically we asked if we could be seated at one of the empty tables and was told we had to wait to be seated. Well, we ended up at the table we asked about. I'll stop by for drinks but eat somewhere else.
(2)
Scott S.
Fantastic layout of a much larger version of the restaurant in DC. Pizza is great, but not amazing and the sliders are defintely a must. Even has rooftop seating or you can reserve it for large parties!
(4)
Joyce R.
My friends and I went here to try it for the first time and it was pretty good. The shrimp and grits were off the chain! I am pretty sure they had someone from the south back there in the kitchen cooking that. NOM NOM NOM. I ordered the fire and smoke pizza and it was delish. I enjoyed the spiciness but damn there were alot of onions on each slice... gum anyone? I had the chocolate molten cake and that was oh so awesome. I loved the caramel drizzle thingy they had going on. Great waiter and the place was nice and clean. I will definitely go back (even though they aren't the cheapest).
(4)
Pierre D.
Do not miss Matchbox. I have been here many, many times, yet this last Saturday encouraged me to actually get myself in gear and write a review. For starters, this place has never (not once!) disappointed me. Am I a fanboy? Quite possible to be guilty as charged. Around 4:00 my wife and I started with the tuna tartar. It was robust and flavorful, and clearly used a high-grade tuna. Because there are too many delicious pizza options we always order a pizza each and then go halfsies and gorge ourselves on bready/cheesy/otherworldy goodness. The pizza is wood-fired, crispy, and the ingredients are fresh. What else could you want? Ah, yes, beer. I have had many beers here, but this visit brought me back to the milk stout. Simply irreplaceable, and excellently paired with both the tartar and the pizza. Did I mention we also had our 16 month-old child with us? The server was kind, playful, and interactive with the little one. Without missing a beat the server got my son's food out asap. This is, as a parent, the difference between a successful dinner and an embarrassing event where one parent is eating alone and the other is walking around the restaurant trying pointing out the apparent interest in all the lights and fans to the child. Hats off to our excellent server for keeping my wife and me seated across from one another.
(5)
Aimee G.
One of my favorites, always delcious.
(4)
Tom T.
Standard wood fire pizza. Decent but nothing to write home about.
(3)
Monica H.
Pizza's pretty good, like that they take reservations (even for larger parties), staff is nice. BUT it's in Rockville, which isn't convenient for anyone except people who live in Rockville, and which means your crowd is mostly families instead of young people. That means that a raucous dinner with your twenty- and thirty-something friends doesn't really jibe here. I've only ever gone here because friends REALLY wanted Matchbox on a Saturday night but couldn't get reservations at their DC location. I wouldn't come back. There are plenty of great pizza places in DC that don't make you wait 1.5 hours for a table. This is a good restaurant for a quiet Friday family dinner if you're local, but I wouldn't go out of my way for dinner here again.
(3)
Heather W.
Great selection of interesting pizzas. Burgers on the appetizers menu make this place a junk food paradise, but you can pretend it's healthy with toppings like arugula. The brunch is interesting. Eggs on a pizza...all right. No happy hour deals, apparently. Disappointing.
(4)
Cassandra P.
Pizza was good. Rich. But good! Would definitely go again! Wine was delicious! The atmosphere is nice too.
(4)
Brett M.
Really expensive for the portions of food you receive. I don't mind paying a lot for great food because I'm a foodie, but I did mind here because the food was meh and the bill made me feel like I was eating at Volt.
(2)
Jen B.
I like the style of this place, and the pizza is great. I tried the Korean pork sandwich once-- out of their wheelhouse, you would think-- and that was also really tasty. It is better than the average chain, in my opinion, and as far as choices along the Rockville Pike, it is a solid place for lunch or dinner and drinks with friends.
(3)
David K.
Great go-to restaurant for all demographics. Easy parking too. Only problems are the slow service outside the bar areas and can be very crowded during peak evening hours. But popular for good reason!
(4)
Ros B.
Soup, salad, burgers awesome. Pizza just ok. Great atmosphere. Will go back.
(4)
Craig S.
Been great both times. Fire and Smoke was great and the atmosphere is pretty cool too.
(4)
A K.
Matchbox has great food. The service is always good. Great for happy hour and the outdoor area is awesome. The worst part about this place is that Rockville Pike can be a nightmare for traffic and thus actually being able to eat here can sometimes be a challenge. Having to wait to be seated is not Matchbox's problem however. It's a great place to eat and I'm glad to have them in Rockville as an alternative to the massive and awful chains everywhere.
(4)
Bordeaux B.
I swear this place puts MSG in their food. Both my husband and I had a strange heart racing reaction to their pepperoni pizza and he being Chinese and used to MSG in his food compared it to some MSG laden food he's had in the past. This was not heart racing in a good way mind you. And the salt! The salt! My grandmother would spin in her grave if she got a hold of that pie! But if you like to stand for an incredibly long time next to a drafty door or crowded bar to wait for some salty pie this is your place....
(2)
Kiah Jane C.
My husband and I were really excited for a great (and large) restaurant to open on the Rockville Pike. We'd heard a lot of hype from the other Matchbox in Chinatown and were really looking forward to checking this one out. We arrived at 4pm on a Sunday and were told that there was a 30 minute wait. We were lucky to grab a couple of seats in the patio bar and grab a couple of drinks as the wait was closer to an hour. The frustrating part was that there were several tables in the bar and the restaurant that just weren't being seated, and though there seemed to be staff swarming EVERYWHERE (mostly at the bar) they appeared to be understaffed. We listened to some great employee conversation (what wasn't working, who slept with who) and were finally seated at a table that was so small that we could barely share the salad we ordered with two plates. We ordered a large pizza with roasted red peppers and received a tiny flat circle of nothing with a sliver (if that) of roasted pepper on each tiny little slice. This type of restaurant clearly appeals to someone - clearly people were waiting, and from what I understand the other location is always busy - but it wasn't for us. Three beers total, a shared salad and the smallest large pizza I've ever seen and we dropped $78. A little pricey since we still had to go eat dinner afterwards. We likely would have excused the cost - everything is pricey down here, it's just what you live with to live here - but the outrageous stinginess of the toppings coupled with the total unprofessionalism of the staff will definitely keep us from returning to, or recommending, Matchbox in the future.
(1)
Sylvia P.
I came with a group of 9 on a Sunday evening, we asked how long the wait was and they couldn't give us a time frame. So we stood there (the waiting area simply sucks-- no seating, just standing) for about 40 minutes, and finally asked if we could split up and the hostess says we might as well wait for a 9 person table. We wait another 25 minutes and ask to be split up because countless groups of 4 and 5 have been seated before us. (They seat us promptly.) The seater brings us to our tables, without menus, seats us down. After 15 minutes, a waiter finally realizes we don't have water or menus and proceeds to bring us some. Bleh. We ordered appetizers but the waiter didn't even brings us plates. We had to eat from the appetizer plate because she never came to our table to check up on how we were doing. The food comes out, it was delicious because we've been waiting for over an hour and a half-- anything would taste good by then. We got the check, and we split up the payment and our waiter charged my card twice which was a huge inconvenience, the waiter didn't even take care of it, the manager came up to me and basically said to wait two days before the payment is refunded back to me-- whatever. Bad experience, slow service, don't know if I'll be returning.
(2)
Jennifer R.
This place has great thin crust pizzas! I had the veggie pizza, which is so delicious. My husband tried the spicy meatball and that was pretty good too. Definitely one of my fav pizza places in the area.
(4)
E L.
Huge space, with very high ceilings. Kind of rustic feel. I liked it, my companion didn't. But we really didn't go there for the looks, but rather for the pizza. And there, we were disappointed. The fire & smoke was hot alright -- almost too spicy. The "make your own" pizza was too salty, and nothing special about the crust or the ingredients. The only dish we thought was above average was the grilled lettuce and beef salad. It was a decent cut, done to our request level and the dressing was tasty. Service was courteous, but very very slow. And that when there were no lines, and the place was more then half empty!!! Summary -- OK food, slow service, too expensive. P.S. I didn't like the fact that many of the dishes had pork or pork derivatives as an ingredient.
(2)
Marilyn e.
After visiting MatchBox in Rockville I've decided I won't return. My Pear & Apple salad at a cost of $12 was very small with very little blue cheese and walnuts. The salad was also missing the pears. Manager suggested that I was mistaken and that the salad did have pears. Okay, I'm the customer. Manager did not introduce herself and offered no alternative salad since this one was incomplete. Poor customer service. Guess MatchBox is so popular now they don't have to offer good customer service.
(1)
PierAngeli M.
I recently visited Matchbox for lunch with friends. Prior to being seated, had a pamatini, pretty much a martini but it was awesome. As we waited to be seated, we watched as many great-smelling dishes wafted past our noses. The waitress was very knowledgeable about the menu and recommended the mini burgers with onion straws and the Matchbox meat pizza. The mini burgers were delicious and literally melted in our mouths (cooked medium with gorgonzolla cheese). Also, the pizza was great and had us arguing over who was going to take the last few pieces. Service great, food great, will definitely return for round two. The salads looked like art, can't wait to try one on my next visit.
(4)
Saraa B.
omg! i cannot wait to eat here again. i wanted to come back the next day and order the same thing but hubby wanted to try else where.. boooo to you hubby!! i ordered the salmon w/ cheesy grits and bacon wrapped green beans... ( i believe that's the order, as it was a few wks ago now....) but the salmon on top of the cheesy grits was amazing!!! staff was great... i'll be back when i'm in the mood for an 45 minute drive :)
(5)
Sabrina B.
The space is lovely on the inside, so thank God for a restaurant in the Rockville that at least makes you feel as though you're not sitting in the middle of a strip mall. My fiance and I have eaten here a few times and the food has always been lovely. The service is a little hit-or-miss since they seem to employ some seasoned waitstaff and some cute younger girls who seem more decorative than functional, but we've never had service so bad that it really detracted from the experience.
(4)
Cynthia J.
Came here Sunday night with my husband and kids. We had the best server ever! Katie was so knowledgeable and friendly but not overbearing. Food is always good here but Katie really made this a great evening out. Keep up the great work Matchbox!
(5)
Anonymous P.
I love the veggie pizza from here but was surprised when I ordered take-out today and the guy behind the counter had the audacity to say,"It's been a slow night - I haven't gotten any tips." In the moment, I felt bad for him and gave a tip, but in retrospect, staff have to EARN tips, not demand them. I would have given 4 stars since the food is good but I'm still so irritated from the lack of customer service!
(3)
Indianqueen2 M.
Service was fantastic! You must go there for the pizza. The wine selection is great too
(4)
Lisey W.
Came here with some girlfriends and we all ordered the mini burgers as an entree with a salad. The burgers come with a huge plate of fried onion rings poured over them - enough to share. A salad was good and fresh and the salad dressing used was delicious (champagne vinaigrette?). The waiter we had was excellent and attentive. This is fast becoming one of my favorite restos in Rockville.
(4)
Sarah A.
This place is great! Make a reservation for dinner and weekends though, I can't stress this enough. Unless you plan on eating at the bar (which is still a wait), you probably won't be seated, especially if you have a group. There's a really spicy pizza with like caramelized onions and the like, I would definitely recommend it. It's my favorite. I forget what it's called though. Portions are iffy though, and definitely skip the salads.
(4)
Linda P.
Yay for finally opening up in a location where parking isn't an issue! I was first introduced to Matchbox at the Chinatown location but parking is always problematic. It's super busy here b/c it's apparently the new talk about town restaurant but if you make reservations, it shouldn't be an issue getting seated. People seem to complain about the slow service but I've been here several times and this was never an issue. *knock on wood* The interior of this place is very spacious and I can't wait until the weather gets warmer and they open up their patio. Ok now for for the important stuff--food. The sliders are a must here..a MUST. You have the option of choosing 3 different cheeses: gouda, gorgonzola and mozarella. I don't discriminate against when it comes to cheese so I usually ask for a slice on each slider. The cute little beef is sandwiched in b/w this warm, toasted brioche bun...drool (excuse me as I salivate) and they come with a heap of onion straws that are just delicious. It's crispy and sprinkled with parmesan cheese. YUM. The pizzas are good--what you would expect from a wood fire grill. They're nothing to rave about but it's probably the best pizzas you'll find in that area. I wouldn't recommend the fire+smoke pizza though because it is SPICY. Being able to take spicy is in my blood but this was too much. I couldn't appreciate the pizza because I was too busy drinking water after each bite. Aside from the pizza, I've had the seared sea scallops which were uh-mazing. The scallops are huge and its on top of braised pork belly..,.mmm. Oh and it comes with this sweet potato puree that is soooo delicious. I'm not a huge fan of sweet potato but this was damn good so if you aren't in the mood for pizza, I highly recommend this entree.
(4)
Corey A.
Bad service. Food was ok. Nothing special.
(2)
Judy S.
Pizza was not hot but overcooked stiff crust.. so must have been sitting around. The wine selection is sub par. My wine was served in a dirty glass. Many people in their 50's sitting around the bar eating average food. Mini burgers look good.. I have had them in their DC location. Service was decent.
(2)
Rhan K.
I understand that this is a nice gem for the area. It is a pizza place that is better than CPK and much more sophisticated. The only problem with this place is that it lacks anything special. Our waiter spent about ten minutes telling us that the cool thing about this place was that it was real brick oven, not gas. Most pizza places that are legitimate (ie not pizza hut) are like that, its nothing to brag about. Second, the glass that I got was really filthy. I know most places clean their dishes using one of those steam cleaners and there will be marks and such on it, but if I am paying 20 dollars for a pizza, I would like my glass to not have food stains on it so bad that I can feel lumps under my fingers when I pick up my glass to drink Third, the service was awful. Our waiter was almost impossible to grab a hold of but the bus boy came around every five minutes to see if we needed plates cleared. By the end of our meal, we were joking that this guy was crushing on someone at the table because he would just walk over and look at our table so often. And our waiter, came by every 10 or so visits that this bus boy did. We did not get to eat our meal in peace but when we did need something done, that was also a task! Worst of both worlds. Finally, the thing that really bugged me was that considering the mediocre food quality, it was trying to be super high class. The food wasn't great, it wasn't anything special, and the place just spent too much time trying to have this super upscale atmosphere (at least for the area) that it just seemed lame. I don't know if the Boston area just has better pizza places than the DC area, but after having pizza from Upper Crust, Pepes, and Stonehearth pizza, this place just seems overpriced and mediocre. I will gladly pay 20 dollars for a good pizza. This was not worth it. The only reason it gets 2 stars and not 1 is because there aren't that many great places for pizza in the area, so by regional comparison, it isn't too bad. If you have never had brick oven pizza, go. You will think it is amazing. However, if you have ever had pizza that is of higher quality than California Pizza Kitchen, this place sucks. Save your money, go somewhere else.
(2)
Brian M.
Love the experience at this place! Sat at one of the many bars inside for dinner and loved getting to see them make the pizzas. Service was quick and attentive, and the menu had a great drink selection. While I didn't get a chance to eat outside (there are tables and bars out on the patio), the atmosphere is very welcoming and I am sure that it would be fun for the nightlife. The food was fairly good, although the pizza was on the greasy side. Overall, I'd give it 4 stars for being a lively, fun place!
(4)
Matt M.
Disappointing overall. Great building, but loud, very crowded, and chilly temperature. Slow, but friendly service. Drink order for our table was screwed up as it was for the table next to us. Appetizer was great, but entrees were luke warm when they arrived and not worth the price. The pizza was the biggest disappointment...it had sat for a long time before it got to our table, and was too spicy to eat (even though the menu didn't say it was spicy). Short ribs entree was 75% fat. All in all, it felt like an average chain, family restaurant, not the hipper, unique experience we were hoping for. Much prefer some of the other more established restaurants in Rockville over Matchbox.
(2)
Nicole A.
The food was fantastic. A friend and I went there yesterday to have a business lunch. I can't say enough about the food. The drinks, I have no idea because our server never even asked if we wanted any. I was dying for something to drink other then water because I was coughing due to a dry throat. Our lunch started off on a bad note, though. We wanted to sit in the bar area. We found that it was more relaxed. I went to the table that was saved for us by the host. When I got there I was told by the server that I wasn't allowed to sit there and I needed to leave. I explain that the table was reserved for us and my friend was talking to the host as we spoke. That didn't matter, she still told me to leave. I was in the service industry for over 10 years. You don't do that. My friend tried calming me down, but soon lost his patience when our server was repeatedly condensending. One of the many rules I learned in the business is never pick up the glass near the rim where people drink, and suck up to the woman present. I will go back because the food was great. (I highly recommend the crab soup) I will, though, sit AT the bar. The bartender Nicki was wonderful. My friend had eaten at the bar previously, and recognized him. She came over to our table, introduced herself, and told us if we needed anything to just grab her and let her know. I hope my next experience is different, because I will be bringing my husband. He is more picky then I am about service.
(3)
Renee S.
I came here a few times for dinner and brunch. The menu is filled with delicious fish, pasta, and seafood selections. Especially the huevos rancheros! The mimosas are wonderful too - so many to choose from! The outside patio is a great place to sit on a summer afternoon. I'm a fan of Matchbox in Chinatown and so glad they brought the restaurant to Rockville!
(4)
Camilo V.
Great service, terrific food, beautiful decoration, nice price, it's perfection
(5)
C.M. P.
Don't get it - tried to come here last week with coworkers and were told they did not take reservations so when we showed up the wait was 2 hours. Tried again on a Tuesday night and there were tons of empty tables but again was told the wait was at least an hour because they were being held for reservations. Can't seem to win! Too bad I know that their pizza is really good from their downtown location.
(2)
Tracy W.
Had a terrible experience on Sunday night. I had a reservation for 6pm for a party of 12. It was so crowded we did not get seated till 6:30, and even then we didn't have enough seats for our entire party. At 7:15 we finally had all our seats. Management did nothing to apologize or make it right. They seemed like they didn't care at all.
(1)
Lisa A.
Might give this location a little bit to work out the "new phase" kinks. The restrooms were pretty sad - TP and hand towels were strewn all over the place. I personally told them twice, both responses were "thanks" but it was never remedied. Sliders turned up hockey pucked and the server didn't really know the menu. She was very friendly but seemed to have a hard time working her section. Most of the servers actually seemed a bit green. The food runners were more attentive. Per usual the pizza was delicious but the experience was a bit non match box -y.
(3)
Ashley W.
Headed to Matchbox for a long lunch to check out the new digs today. I am so impressed with the looks of it both outside and in. Sure, it matches the rest of the shopping center from the outside, but that particular shopping center is quite nice-looking anyway. When we walked up, the first thing we noticed was a large outdoor area that is currently under construction. Large heat lamps hang above the whole area which includes a large stone firepit encircled by a standing bar ledge, and a separate outdoor bar. Can't wait for that to open!! The inside has an open floor-plan except for a separate cozy bar area off to the right. When you walk in the first thing you see is the pizza oven. There is seating in front of the oven in case you want to watch the pros in action. There are metal stairs that lead to the second floor, which is a row of booths and tables that overlook the rest of the restaurant. The ceilings are exposed and the front and back walls have old recycled wood slats nailed to them, creating a log cabin-industrial-chic look. Yes, I just made that up, let's go with it. One unfortunate thing we noted on the second floor, where we sat, is the heat. In fact, we overheard a fellow diner say "man, it's a sauna up here!" as he walked past. It's probably a combination of the open floor plan and the midday sun beating in through the windows with inadequate shading. It wasn't the end of the world and probably wouldn't be too hot at night. Food! I was keeping my expectations low for the food and service departments, since they just opened this week. However, I was pleasantly surprised that the service was fast and friendly, if not friendlier than the Chinatown Matchbox. The food was also just as good as any I'd had in Chinatown. I didn't order the pizzas, but my fellow diners seemed to enjoy every last bite of the ones they ordered (sopressata and wild mushroom, veggie, and Q special). They looked nice and crispy-charred and fresh from the oven. I ordered the Chicken Muffeletta with a side salad instead of chips. The sandwich contained chicken, serrano ham, provolone, spinach, and olive tapenade on focaccia bread. I was nervous that the tapenede would be overpowering to the rest of the components, but it wasn't at all. The whole thing was a bit greasy, but that's my only complaint. The side salad was fresh and delicious. No one left hungry, that's for sure. I can't wait to go back for happy hour or dinner to see what the nightlife is like there. There was a decent amount of people there for lunch so it looks like their reputation has preceded them. Viva la Matchbox!
(5)
R B.
Love Matchbox in DC and I am so glad they decided to bring their place out to the burbs. The space is cool but I am not so sure about the ceiling which is just made of plywood, are they going to finish it?? The food is exactly like their other restaurants which is a good thing. The service was another story. Very very slow and the funny thing is they had an army of young hosts in black at the front door just standing around. One of the owners was on site and you can tell he is proud of his new child. All in all the Restaurant is a welcome addition to the area which is filled with boring chain restaurants. Just pick up your service and all will be fine.
(4)
David S.
Matchbox is kind of the tale of two restaurants... The ambiance is super-hip and trendy, the prices indicate you are in an upscale restaurant and the service is very good. The flip-side is the food itself... more specifically the pizza they claim to be known for. I ordered a 10 inch pizza with extra cheese, banana peppers and spicy meatballs on our visit and while the food really was good, it was nowhere near good enough to justify the price tag. The pizza looked good and used high quality ingredients, but there was no trace of the wood-fire stove used to cook it. I would rate it as above average, but way too bland. All in all, Matchbox is definitely a better pizza option than the chains like the dreaded Dominos, Papa John's and Pizza Huts of the world, but it does not even come close to running with a lot of "mom and pop" pizza places in the area for a lot less money. If you are looking for an upscale pizza place in the same vein and price range, but with much better pizza (albeit in the same kind of style) try the superb Bertuccis instead.
(3)
Zen R.
the decor was classy, there a lot of space for group and a bar. ive only been there twice. first time was ok and that not saying much. went there for lunch pizza was interesting and there waiter was very nice. the secound time was probally a one and a half star. waited an hour to get seated, the time for food arival was ok for me but my food was burned so i asked them to take it back. the were complied with a smile. my suggestion is go with a group of people, the company helps.
(2)
Yolit Y.
After 20 times in this time we arrived there with a party of nine,I ordered a silver oak wine 2008 from the menu(98$ value) The waitress came with 2010 and I told her that they should price less and asked for a discount,she spoke with the manager and he refused to do it without even coming to explain,I took the wine because I like the silver oak and we were in a kind of celebration but I am very disappointed from the manager,by the way ... The waitress was great and really took care of us
(1)
Gabrielle G.
We were starving and the smell from the wood fire grill led us to matchbox. The salads are awesome not the typical iceberg lettuce and tomatoes I had the "simple salad" which I was very impressed with and they allow smaller sizes on some which is great! The pizza was pretty good too and smelled delicious. Our waitress brought us out a dessert to try (I think the doughnuts?). Which the icing/sauce was delicious ... I will have to return here!
(5)
PG. R.
Beautiful restaurant, service is very good. Food is pricey though. Ordered two pizzas, not bad, not great either. Nothing to gush over in my opinion. Ordered Blackberry Pisco sours and they were very, very good. I love pisco so I was happy with my choice of cocktail. Finished our meal by sharing a desert, we ordered the Trio of deserts. It was ok, nothing spectacular. I'd go back but only to have some drinks at the bar, food is not bad at all but it isn't fantastic.
(3)
Patti M.
Friends have recommended Matchbox so I was in the area and decided to check it out. It was a Monday night and not crowded. Our waitress was nice, helpful, and friendly. The food was just okay, i'm not sure what the hype is about. We ordered a pizza....half meat, half fire/smoke. Was kinda cold under the cheese....yuck. Also ordered the burger sliders. They were good but not excellent. Our bill was $37 and we didn't order drinks or dessert.
(3)
Rick S.
Food is good, beer is good, service is OK, place is a little loud, price is a little high. I've been here twice now and wasn't ever blown away. It's just... good. I'd go again without opposition if I were with a group of people that wanted to go, but I don't think I'd suggest it. Though, they do have some unique pizzas; If you find that you absolutely love one of them, then this might become one of your favorite places.
(3)
Helene M.
The food is excellent. Service is good. Busy place. Worth the wait to get in. Noise level is high.
(4)
Evan H.
I love the original matchbox in Gallery Place. The food is always great, the service too. I wish I could say the same about the one in Rockville. I guess that is the cost of expansion. The rockville location makes it a little easier to get a table, but i would still make a reservation during a weekend. The space itself is huge, and renovated from the previous 15 other restaurants that have filled this location. The problem for me is that it's dark. Really really dark. The upstairs area feels like you are dining in a cave and while this is sometimes ok (Like in Paris or at a better restaurant), it's not ok here. The food isn't as good as the location downtown. The Fire and Smoke pizza is a tad bit less spicy (which for some could be nice), and also the crust just doesn't seem to have the same quality as the other location. Overall, it's just not the same place as the downtown location. But, with that said, it's better than most places in the area in terms of non-ethnic food. So if you are craving a decent burger, sliders, or a pizza, it's probably your best bet in the burbs.
(3)
G M.
I don't remember writing my previous review, BUT I was surprised when I read it. I came here recently and got a large pizza. I really liked how they let you do half and half of any two that catch your fancy. I got half prosciutto & black mission fig and half spicy meatball. When the pizza came out it looked like it had been made hours before and was reheated (it's probably not the case because it was an odd combo, but I think it is a testimony to the subpar effort gone into making the pizzas). It certainly looked nothing like the pictures on their website. The taste was the same - old pizza that was reheated. This was not worth $23+ for a lackluster pizza. italian pizza kitchen and &pizza are far superior in taste, texture, and quality. . . cheaper too. pros of this restaurant is it's very beautiful inside and our service was very good. But I don't see a reason to come back.
(2)
Rob N.
Nice place to eat in Rockville. they have decent pizza selection and nice desert. price is reasonable.
(4)
Amanda L.
Happy hour choice with colleagues and they have a good selection of spirits. We sit in a table where it actually really looked like a box from outside,definitely an open box. I learned that there were some matchboxes under each table and you could take one matchbox home in the other location on 14th street downtown DC. I would suggest pizza to share and some soups for yourself. Also, match that with local DC beer which was really brewed locally.
(4)
Joshua H.
Overpriced food and lackluster service.
(2)
Don H.
Foods good. Pricey for the area. Service is not always inviting and the atmosphere can get noisy. 3.6.9 sliders and most of their pizzas are good.
(3)
Samantha L.
Ate here for brunch over the weekend with some girlfriends for a baby shower for a friend. Really liked that they gave us a round table for 8 -- much easier to talk to everyone and not have the group split based on who is sitting where. The food was ok. I've had brunch at the Eastern Market and Chinatown locations before, but never in Rockville. All 3 menus are slightly different... and i think this one was my least favorite. Nothing really stood out. I had the veggie omelet -- which was just ok. The eggs were slightly overcooked and nothing about it really stood out. I like matchbox for what it is and i'm happy there is one in Rockville now -- since I live in Bethesda. I like the fact that they take reservations... especially for brunch :-)
(3)
Tara B.
Pepperroni Pizza is delicious and service was great. It gets a little crowded for dinner on Thursday and Friday evenings, but the wait time was worth it.
(4)
Britney B.
Ok, so the prices can get a little high for groups, but I can promise you that its worth it!! They took our short notice reservation for 5 no problem. Our server, Ellen was SO incredibly awesome! She was extremely friendly and took the absolute best care of us despite having 2 other tables of 5 AND a birthday party of 10!!! The atmosphere is nice, not too quiet and its easy to carry on a conversation. Comfy booths, we all fit with plenty of room. The Coffee & Donuts dessert was ama-za-zing. Coffee was fresh, not burned. The pizza wasn't the absolute best I've ever had in my entire life, but I would still definitely order it again. Burgers are really good. Always always always try the Specials!!! The Lamb burgers are to die for, and the Surf n Turf shrimp was impeccable!! We will definitely become regulars here.
(5)
Cheryl T.
Love their location in Chinatown, and was happy to see it in the same shopping as BuyBuy Baby (the only reason I go to Rockville). As always, their sliders are to die for. They were also very accommodating with my stroller (baby's first meal out!).
(4)
Jeffrey T.
If your thinking of expanding, make sure the product stays consistent. (read Lorena B review which I agree with). I used to love this place. I thought the pizza was great and for a while comparable to 2 Amys (especially since much closer to my house) as well as Mia's in Bethesda. However the last couple times not only has the food gone downhill but also the service. To start last time I went there, it was not busy at all 3:30 on a Saturday afternoon, hostess asked how many and I said 2. She said okay well have a seat on the waiting benches I will be right with you. Well after seating two other tables of two after us, I went up to her and asked if the people she just sat had a reservation. She said no and then I proceeded with, then why haven't you sat us. SHe had forgotten about us. Not only has the service decreased in that once I ordered a pizza that was suppose to come with arugula on top and didn't, Waitress said she would bring some and by the time it came we had finished the pizza. We always get the matchbox meat and as of lately the meatballs are always dry and I feel like they changed the recipe or cooking technique of the dough because it is either undercooked or really over cooked and lately has been laking flavor. So it is sad to say but while Matchbox used to be on our go to list, it has seen it's days and is now off the list. RIP
(2)
Sarah M.
I guess my phone lost my review of this place... darn! I wrote a lot. In short though, we were very happy with our experience! Our server was super attentive and helped us choose between the wonderful choices on the menu. The kids were very happy to play with their pizza dough "play-dough!" The mini burgers/sliders were out of this world. They were amazing and worth the hour drive to go out there and order them again! We'll definitely be back!
(5)
Sharon J.
solid appetizers solid pizza great atmosphere nice place to eat out on a Friday.
(4)
Dana A.
I have been to the DC Matchbox location and the Rockville location a few times. The Matchbox Rockville location is one of the best restaurants I have been too. Every time we go, we have an amazing experience. Last time we went, we ordered the pepperoni and sausage roll and it was delicious. About halfway through the waitress came out with another one and told us that the first one wasn't done to Matchbox standard and so they took it upon themselves to remake it for us! I have never had that happen in my life. Today, we sat in Katie's section and she was wonderful! They apparently took the pepperoni roll off the menu ( noooooooo) and we were wondering what else we were going to order since that is our favorite dish! She said she understood and that they had just changed the menu and went to the kitchen and asked if they would still make it for us and they did! I also overheard her other table stating that they wanted to sit outside but the wait was too long and she said that she would keep a lookout for a table outside and if they wanted to move they could. That is a top notch waitress. Not only is the food amazing (onion straws, sliders, salads, etc) but the customer service at this location is outstanding. We live in Arlington and drive the extra time to avoid the DC location and stay loyal to Rockville!
(5)
Paola G.
Where do I start? Let me begin with, I only went here because Yekkta across the street was packed so I thought, why not try Matchbox and see what the hype is all about?! Note, my friends have all been here and their experience was very "mehhhh", so I wasn't completely disappointed because I know I was in for a hit or miss. Our waitress was sooo friendly, I wish I remembered her name. (small sweet Filipino girl). We ordered the Spicy pizza, which is more of a mild and that was good. In fact it was the only good thing on that menu worth trying. My bf got the burger because some of our friends (on yelp) recommended it. Super dry, nothing that sets it apart from the many burgers I have had. I was also in the mood for a sandwich so I got the ribeye sandwich, which was sort of like a upscale steak and cheese. That was disappointing too, I think I can make one better at home and at a cheaper price. Our friend got the crab cake sandwich which he also said lacked flavor and wasn't very good. He decided to try the lobster soup which we all tried and it was delicious. But I like type of creamy soup so I may be biased. Im glad I finally tried their food so that I can finally take it off my Rockville Dine spot list. Other than that, nice sports bar, good drinks and nice ambiance.
(2)
YoungMee C.
Great menu and atmosphere. Our waiter did great service and patience with us, which we were at the booth for 3 hours with 4 different orders.
(4)
Crissy D.
Good food. Great atmosphere. I dont go to chain restaurants often since I live in DC, but Matchbox has always been good. I recommend going with a group of friends as they have seating to accomodate larger groups.
(3)
Nancy N.
the best seat in the house in my opinion is by the fireplace! It's so nice and toasty and if you combine that with a glass of wine...MmMmMm good! I know it's not home but it adds the cabin feel that I love. I ordered the crabcake sandwich this time. I've had other things here...like PIZZA but I'll comment only on the crabcake sandwich. It's a standard crabcake. It's not as lumpy and meaty like some I've had elsewhere but it's not all filling either. Oveall, an average crabcake. A very filling dinner overall! The back section (small room) is cold if you're not sitting by the fireplace (by the windows). The overall atmosphere seems welcoming and cozy.
(3)
Priya M.
Love their pesto chicken pizza, wine both white and red. I love the ambiance the waiters have always been friendly and really attentive. Very classy yet affordable place to dine. check it out :D
(5)
Nadine M.
Food is good, but it's pricey for no reason. Maybe the ambience...
(3)
Troy H.
One the food was great. I got the Q special, my friend got fire and smoke and my other friend got the spicy meatball pizza. Two, the service was awesome, John Brown was awesome. He was speedy, sociable and attentive. Ill be back soon. It was a baller time.
(5)
Mark D.
My wife and I ate there last night. Decor and service was fine, but both our stomachs are still recovering from the experience. Over priced and poor quality ingridients. We will never dine their again.. Too many better options in the area.
(1)
Beth L.
Came for dinner with my fam the other eve. Had the calamari salad and the fig/proscuitto pizza (shared 'em btoh with my mom). Ordered the pizza with the proscuitto on one side, since I don't do meat now. The pizza came out with the proscuitto on both sides :/ The 'za was really nice (love this one) tho my mom thought it could've used more figs. We both enjoyed the calamari salad. I like their selection of beers on tap and the atmosphere is nice.
(4)
Alan W.
I was familiar with Matchbox from the location in DC so my wife and I stopped in here when we happened to see the Rockville location. The food was excellent, I had a perfect summer meal/snack of Gazpacho followed by the tuna tartare appetizer. The service was excellent as well until near the end of the meal. The only complaint is that the server (after keeping or water glasses full from a purchased large bottle of water) saw my glass was only half full and topped up the water glasses at the table with chlorinated tap water from a pitcher. After such good food it was just disappointing to have chlorine be the final taste in my mouth. Other than that everything was great!
(4)
Mark R.
Came here Saturday with my girlfriend, and it was probably the 5th or 6th time we've been at a Matchbox together. We didn't make a reservation so we sort of played it dangerous. We requested to sit outside, but the lower patio was full. Not a problem, because the upper patio had open tables, so we were seated almost immediately. Disclaimer: the lower patio is far more intimate, while the upper patio is more open and with a view that leaves a bit to be desired. That didn't matter to us, because the cross-breeze was more than welcome, given that it was an August night and the weather, while not sweltering hot, was warm. Drinks: always 5/5 here. I had the Whiskey Smash, and she had some other cocktail (sorry, I did not mentally jot down what it was). I tried hers and she tried mine. I really liked hers, even if it was a bit sweet for my tastes, and she at least pretended to like mine (she's not much of a whiskey girl). We both ordered the cucumber infused gin and tonic for our second and final round, and as always, it was refreshing with just enough kick without being overpowering. Ordered the Mozzi Corozzi for an App because we wanted to go light. We didn't read the description close enough, I guess, because the mozzarella is more deep-fried than "lightly breaded". Still, it was delicious. She got the Korean Pork sandwich with fries, while I ordered the crabcake sandwich, also with fries (yea we weren't watching our diets on this evening). I live in Baltimore so I kind of get "crabcake fatigue", but I really enjoyed my sandwich; this, in spite of the fact that I could tell they use a lot of filler material and not a ton of crab. Still, I ate it all and really liked the flavor (and it wasn't extremely filling, which is a good thing in my book). My girlfriend said she liked her sandwich, but she didn't finish it. I chalk this up to her being a petite girl, though. Fries were also very good. The service was also good. Nothing extraordinary, but I don't expect my waiters/waitresses to wash my feet while I dine, so she did a very good job. A very solid meal, with great drinks, all in an hour on a busy Saturday. You can't ask for much more than that. 4/5 only because I reserve 5/5 for extraordinary dining experiences and/or shockingly good results. I've been a fan of Matchbox for about 2 years now, and the great experience does not shock me. Will be back many times.
(4)
Scott A.
I love this place. Great food - great atmosphere and the deserts are to-die-for. Simply a great restaurant. Its my kids favorite!!!!!
(5)
Tilty A.
Ordered carry-out; 2 personal pizzas and an appetizer; it was nearly 50$. Only one of the pizzas was good but not 20$ worth. The other was dry and had barely any topping. I guess maybe you're paying for the ambience.
(2)
Patti B.
Exceedingly disappointed...I was sitting at the bar before 5pm and ordered a dinner dish. The server who brought the food burned me with the plate! The dish was not cheap (scallops) 3 to the order...and there was no offer for compensation (either comp my glass of wine, etc.). Hindsight: Should have left the restaurant then. Ate the food but left a small tip.
(1)
Keith C.
First off I enjoyed the atmosphere, fireplaces throughout the restaurant along with a fire pit outside was very cool to see. Our server was very attentive. The appetizers and the food did not take long to come out, they were staggered appropriately. Awesome restaurant that will do very well in Virginia Beach. Definitely going back!
(4)
Claire D.
Great restaurant with great food. The sliders are absolutely delicious and pizza is delicious too. The setting outside is very nice, sometimes the interior of the restaurant can be chilly. Service is not exceptional but the restaurant setting and food make up for it. Perfect for family and friends.
(5)
Connie L.
I've been to Matchbox several times in DC.. this was my first time at the Rockville location. It was definitely less busy when we went which was a plus and service was very good. The Braised Shortrib dish was very tough and the sauce was not that great. We also got the chicken pesto pizza which was pretty good. Overall, I like Matchbox so it gets 4 stars. Definitely get the scallops and the fire and smoke pizza!
(4)
Beverly S.
This place has excellent food! We went here on a whim one Friday after work. The wait was about an hour, but we figured since so many other people were waiting it would be worth it to stick around and try it. It definitely was! (FYI: They do call ahead seating and reservations, which we now know). We got the mini-burger trio appetizer, which was amazing. The meat was delicious and the onion straws it comes with are awesome. My husband got a meat-lovers style pizza and said it was the best pizza he has ever had. I got their crispy chicken sandwich, which was juicy and very flavorful. Overall, a delicious meal and we will definitely be back.
(5)
Elias K.
Absolutely love this Pizza!
(5)
Cindy H.
I've been here a couple times and have never been dissatisfied. A little pricey, but their fresh made pizzas are amazing (despite a couple expected burn spots, expected when it's wood-fire). Their pastas are excellent and are very filling. I'm always excited for their desserts, they are awesome! The service hasn't dissappointed me thus far, and they always make a great recommendation. Only reason I give them 4 stars is for their seasonal menu. I understand they are complying with the fresh ingredients available to them, and it's nice for those who are tired of the same ol' thing. But if you love a certain dish on the menu, chances will be that you won't see it again the following month. But believe me, this won't stop me from coming back!
(4)
Shachi B.
It's ok - the service is a bit slow (ok, a lot slow) but the food is decent. Given the lack of pizza options in the Rockville area, this fills the void quite nicely. It's a nice upgrade from Vince and Dominic's! I do love the layout though - the lofty ceilings and spacious feel definintely makes you forget you're in a strip mall in Rockville. Well done on the decor! The noise level is a little loud, but nothing unbearable. If you're in the area, come at 11:45. That's juuuuuust before the lunch rush begins so you'll likely get a table quickly. Also, the takeout door is on the right side of the restaurant (if you're facing the front door), so it's easier to sneak in that way and pick up your takeout rather than meander through the entire restaurant to get to the back.
(3)
James M.
Overall very unimpressed. Food was nothing special at all with a very shallow menu and limited choices. The pizza, their marquee item, was borderline unacceptable--greasy with a hard thin crust (and I like thin crust). Nice big building with a substantial outdoor seating area and nice bar area. Typical overpriced trendy place. Skip it!
(2)
Elizabeth D.
My brother in law has been raving about Matchbox for as long as I've known him. Did not disappoint when we finally made it here for dinner. Great wine selection and I was very tempted to try the cocktails. Started with the pepperoni and mozzarella roll, which was good, but I wish there was more cheese. Satisfied that with the mozzi carrozzi - so much cheese. The prosciutto and black mission fig pizza was awesome. Needed a little more blue cheese but otherwise perfect. Loved the honey on top! The Fire & Smoke pizza was another table favorite. For dessert, had to try the gelato cookie sandwich. Split it with someone as it's an indulgence. The outdoor patio is pretty incredible. I can imagine it gets pretty crowded in general but the space is huge (I spotted 2 more bars).
(4)
Karen G.
Beautiful urban modern dining experience! Went in for the first time on Saturday party of 5 and surprisingly the wait was not too long even with a full house! This place is big and its matchbox concept is displayed everywhere in a tasteful way. I love their 3,6,9 mini burgers their a small taste of goodness with thinly sliced union straws on top made it perfect! Their chicken pesto pizza with the home made sauce was pretty yummy! Nice amount of chicken (Just a little more cheese next time:) And the Gelato cookie sandwich was also amazing and a nice ending to the entire experience. Definitively a new spot to go to.
(5)
Lydia R.
I got the vegetarian pizza for lunch at Matchbox, which lasted me two days! So the portion size is awesome, and the taste of the pizza is alright. I was expecting more from a place that specializes in pizza. My vegetarian pizza only had artichokes and tomatoes, but a whole lot of cheese, so I did not feel very healthy for going veggie! Our table got burger sliders as an appetizer, which was okay-tasting, too. I did not feel healthy after leaving this place, but next time I'll stick with a salad and report back! I would also love to try the outdoor seating...
(3)
Irene F.
After having made 2 attempts in the past to try Matchbox (and always never being patient enough to wait an hour or more)- we finally managed to get there on Friday at 11 AM (when they open) and were the first to be seated. YAY! Or server was very accommodating- he brought my husband a taster of a beer he'd never tried before. He allowed me to get a mini burger each with a different topping (mozzarella, Gouda, and Gorgonzola) and gave me a big thumbs up and smile when I asked if we could split a pizza with 2 different toppings. Now- I know that doesn't sound like I was being very picky- but the place looks like it might be the kind of place that might be a little full of themselves and thumb their nose at making too many special requests. That was hugely refreshing. Also, they list the prices of all of their alcoholic beverages- which are NOT overpriced! I ordered the Matchbox Punch and for $8 it was a great deal- they did not skimp! It wasn't served in a tiny cocktail glass- it was the size of a soda glass! It wasn't so full of ice that you wondered where the drink was---And it was delicious. (And yes I did drink a cocktail at 11 AM- but I was on a rare date with my husband without the kiddo!!!) We ordered the mini burgers medium rare with the onion straws. They were perfectly cooked, and pretty tasty. They weren't to die for- I wouldn't write home about it or anything- but they were yummy. I liked the Gorgonzola version the best- but then again...my husband says I always like the stinkiest cheeses the best. The onion straws surprisingly tasted like onions and not just of batter. Next we split a large pizza- my side was the White Anchovy and Capers and my husband's was the Veggie. Mine was ok. I think I would have preferred the anchovies be sliced a little thinner and more spread out rather than in nearly whole pieces. My husband's side was delicious. (darn him for always picking right!) Ultimately I don't think this style of pizza is for me. I prefer my crust a little less crispy, and a little more cheesy, and with more sauce. For the style of pizza- it was good...it's just my personal preference and should not be held against the restaurant. We ended our meal with a cup of coffee- it was better than McDonald's, but worse than Dunkin Donuts & Starbucks- according to my husband. The whole bill came out to about $50 for a beer, a cocktail, 3 mini burgers, large pizza, and a coffee. Not too bad considering the ambiance. I would definitely come back for the drinks and the mini burgers. Next time I will have to try something else though besides pizza. Or maybe I'll just double my burger order...
(4)
Greg O.
Matchbox has one of my favorite pizzas on their menu- the fire and smoke pizza. So spicy and so good. I don't even need to look at a menu when I come here. The mini burgers are pretty good as well, and come with a huge serving of onion straws too. The service was good the entire time. However, when you compare this matchbox to the one in Chinatown, its really missing some of the ambiance. The alleyway, exposed construction, lighting, etc. at the Chinatown locations just adds much more personality to the restaurant, in the way a box at strip mall never could unfortunately. Overall, I'd definitely go back a few more times!
(4)
Katherine P.
i've had most of the pizzas, but the burgers are where its at to be honest.
(3)
Arija R.
After a failed attempt to see cherry blossoms on a Sunday afternoon, my date and I made a u-turn for food instead! With high hopes, we chose Matchbox Rockville for a fun experience filled with food and baseball - this plan failed too. ATMOSPHERE: Matchbox has a cool urban vibe with its wood, bricks, and mortar design. Fitting for DC, but feels out of place in this area. It's still cool. High end casual - is that a thing? FOOD/DRINKS: They don't make/have the sangria, fireball, or frozen drink I wanted (no blender @ Matchbox). We got beer and the delicious Q Pizza. The beer was poured perfectly and their vintage pizza is worth some of the drama haha. SERVICE: Our bartender was super sweet, but this place was clearly understaffed. It took a while to get service and once we placed our first order, it was tough to get a hold of anyone after. My date chose seats in front of a huge TV to watch the local Nats baseball game which had just started. Instead of already having this game on as we expected them to, the TV was playing info-mercials for fitness. Cause that's just what we want to watch when we're trying to stuff our face with pizza and beer! Again, since there was one bartender, she wasn't able to change it (after we requested a couple times) until it was already over. Also, we were right by a computer/wait station and there was a lot of internal talk among the staff that wasn't good. A lot of them were stressed and saying things customers shouldn't hear - it killed our vibe. We get it to an extent. My date and I joke about how most of our dining experiences are ruined by our acceptance from being too understanding since we've worked in the service industry. It's still not fair for us to justify poor service (at no fault of our bartender - areas of improvement were needed beyond her since she was actually trying despite the overwhleming demands). OVERALL: We still have high hopes for this location since I've had positive experiences with the DC locations. We'll give it another try and hopefully we have a 5 star worthy update for ya!!
(2)
Felicity M.
Love this place for every occasion, but their staff can be very hit and miss and closed on THE most important days? How can a restaurant afford to do that nowadays? Even if it's hugely reduced hours and with a credit card number at reservation..... Don't get it?!! Otherwise.... Fabulous food, delicious wine and great beer and the best garlic bread sticks and butter on the planet!!
(4)
Tara S.
I love this place! I used to go more frequently before I became a vegan, and every time was great. I'm not sure why everyone seems to say that you need a reservation as I've never had a problem, but you can reserve a table on Open Table so it's really easy. Their Fire and Smoke pizza is amazing if you like spicy. And their breakfast pizza for brunch is also great. Not to mention their "bloody beer" is actually not bad either! I would highly recommend Matchbox to anyone! And you can even sit outside!
(5)
Jonathan K.
Matchbox is excellent. I've tried almost all of the pizzas on the menu and you really cannot go wrong. The 3/6/9 sliders with Gouda are also excellent.
(5)
Robert C.
I'll give this place 3 1/2 stars. The Thin Crust Pizza here are pretty good, they offer unique pizza, which's pretty cool. The ambiance and decoration is pretty cool too; very modern like. However they can be pretty expensive. They're about $12 - $14 for medium and $18 - $20 for large. I suggest getting the large because the medium sizes won't fill you up; the portion's pretty small here. *Sliders/mini burgers - angus beef, toasted brioche, pickles, onion straws & gouda cheese (9 for $18). These sliders're good, however they're really small & not really worth the price. *Spicy Meatball Pizza - spicy meatballs, bacon, crushed red pepper, fresh garlic puree, zesty tomato sauce & mozarella. My favorite pizza from there. It tastes really good and the spiciness within the meatballs really give it the extra kick. *Fire & Smoke Pizza - fire roasted red peppers, spanish onions, chipotle pepper tomato sauce, garlic puree, smoked gouda & fresh basil. This pizza's pretty good too even though it doesn't have any meat. However, I don't recommend adding any additional meat, it'll ruin the flavor. I did that and I found out that the original fire & smoke is better.
(3)
Ashley W.
huge!!! this place is so much larger than it's DC counterparts... - perfect for dining on the patio during nice weather... upstairs/downstairs dining rooms and separate bar area...... This location is perfect for large groups... - excellent wait staff Menu choices are very extensive... from pizza... to salad.. to sandwiches... also great wine list! I'm looking forward to returning for brunch...
(4)
S L.
My rating is based ENTIRELY on the only thing I eat here, but man is it worth those 5 stars! The chicken pesto pizza. The best pizza I've ever eaten. Hands down. It's arguably my thing to eat. Their red sauce pizza isn't bad, I think pizza CS across the street is way better at it though. Nothing holds a candle to that chicken pesto pizza though.
(5)
Roy S.
Went with a lage group and had a good time. The decor was cool and I liked the set up. I had the meat lovers pizza and it was very nice but I felt like it lacked some panache. Maybe some basil or rosemerry or something to set it apart from other similar thin crust pizzas. My friends had the burgers and really loved them. The crab cake was rated subpar and not "the best crabcake in MD" like the waiter said, haha... The waiter was really cool and we got plenty of attention. I really liked their dessert trio also. The fruit pizza was a huge hit as well as the sorbets and chocolate cake thing. It is a little pricey, but what isnt these days?? I will be back!!
(4)
Sam O.
Not too bad... this is a great environment that is better than just taking someone to pizza hut. I've had a wide variety of pizzas here and have to say that they're not too bad but there isn't really a pizza that stands out. The Chicken Pesto is probably my favorite. For brunch they offer some decent items. I had the Brunch Pizza... I have to say it's actually not that bad and def is better than what you think.
(4)
Mary E.
Almost everything about this visit was great -- our waiter was amazing, the food was fresh and generous (I had the black bean burger, which I would get even if I weren't a vegetarian). I was there with my son, who is in kindergarten, and my husband, to celebrate the former's yellow belt in karate. My son had a great time. The only thing that was a bad note was that the hostess who walked us to our table (who had long red hair and was tall in case someone from Matchbox reads this and cares) just looked at us stonefaced and brought us to our table. I don't expect a hug, but considering that my son and I both smiled at her, it was really awkward and kind of passively hostile that she didn't smile back. I'm not the type of person who really cares about this kind of thing, but anyone would have been taken aback by this woman. So, if you can get past the cold greeting at the front door, you will probably enjoy your visit. I'll be going back, but I'll also be complaining about the hostess. There are too many people who would be glad to have her job and who would not have a problem being friendly to customers, especially in this economy.
(3)
Fred K.
I went here when it first opened the door and was the first paying bar customer! It was good to see a good draft beer selection in MoCo as I was afraid that their beer selection would suffer like at nearby Againn. Julia is a great and friendly bartender! Been back two times and very happy it opened on the Pike. The sliders with the fried onion rings are a hit for an appetizer. My only complaint is that the main entrees/pizza just comes out way too fast if you order an appetizer. My advice is to order the main entrees when your appetizers come to your table. They do accept reservations via opentable, so please make sure to get reservations or you will be waiting for quite some time, unless you get seated before 5:30.
(4)
Jeff C.
Ok, maybe I caught them on a bad day, but I really thought this place was overrated..The food was average and the service sub-average. However, my friend swears by this place, but even she was somewhat disappointed with the service. I felt our pizza was fairly basic and not really worth the price. However, the bar was nice, and I think this spot would work for a drink rather than a full meal..
(2)
Patrick R.
This place is ok... In all honesty, I never really understand why anyone would suggest this place and I genuinely don't get the hype. Their pizza is pretty good, but the amount you end up spending on it there are easily other places you can go for better pizza that might even be cheaper. I don't know how they try to act like they're a fancy restaurant when essentially half of the whole thing is very obviously a sports bar. Their other menu items are mediocre and gimmicky. I feel like they spread themselves a little thin and if they cut some items and allowed their cooks to focus more there would be less instances of bland or undercooked food.
(2)
David H.
If you've got a hankering for thin-crust, wood-fired oven pizza, then this is a decent spot, although the food isn't spectacular enough to explain the massive crowds and lines for tables at this and their downtown locations. Their growth has come at the expense of their food quality. Far better wood-fired pizza is to be had in this town (eg, Pizzeria Paradiso in Dupont Circle, one of the first). While inspired, some of the pizza topping combinations are odd and random flavor combinations, as though they were trying to empty out the fridge and dump all the leftovers into one dish. On a recent office happy hour outing, I found myself wishing I'd made my own combination of toppings (which is an option, and which is something I usually do). Being a big fan of stinky cheese, I spotted a prosciutto, gorgonzola, and fig pizza that looked awesome, so I ordered it in excited haste, not noticing that the toppings also included peppered honey (which made the pizza too sweet when coupled with the ripe figs), and arugula (whose dominant pepperiness clashed with everything and ruined the pizza, as far as I was concerned...a little arugula goes a long way). The bar menu is exhaustive, offering a wide selection of cocktails, but I found their "cutesy" (one assumes that was the reason) categorization of libations into "manly" and "girly" drinks to be offensive. What century are we in? If I wanted tired gender stereotypes with my buzz, I'd get a beer at the baseball stadium. I ended up ordering an old classic, a gimlet, but it was too sweet for my tastes. I like them tart (like my reviews...)
(3)
Christopher J.
Went here for lunch last week. We have tried to go 3 or 4 times before but the wait is always too long. We were off work that day so decided to try it, FINALLY. During the mid-week lunch, no wait. Staff was super friendly and kinda cool atmosphere. I order a mid day alcoholic beverage...the Quencher I believe and the wife got a Pomegranate Martini. Both were excellent. The server, Ryan, could not have been nicer. Gave us good recommendations and was very attentive and on point (IE didnt talk too much, engaged with us but left us alone, maintained filling our drinks etc). I got the Smoke and Fire Pizza and added chicken....VERY tasty, good amount of spice, flavor and freshness. LOTS of chicken which was great. Really enjoyed it. Wife got the Spinach Salad, but replaced spinach with Arugula. Not the biggest salad ever, but very filling, tasted great and she said she loved it. Ordered a Lemon Tart for Dessert. Deliciously tart and chilled. Very lemon-y and the fruit compote that came with it was great. All and All a great restaurant. ONLY down side is that there is nearly always a wait. Slightly pricier than other places around, but definitely worth it. Excellent service and food is worth the money.
(5)
Tiffany P.
Came here for lunch during the week. Loved that you could get half/half personal sized pizzas so that you could try more than one flavor. I got half White Prosciutto and Half Smoke & Fire. I wasn't really impressed with the Half Smoke & Fire, and the White Prosciutto had enough garlic to kill an onslaught of vampires and prevent anyone from wanting contact with me for at least 24 hours. 2 Glasses of wine and a personal size pizza = $29.. so a little on the pricey side. Not sure if I will be rushing back any time soon.
(3)
Tram N.
Definitely had a great first experience at Matchbox! I reserved a table for my sister's birthday for a party of five and everything went smoothly. Our waitress was consistent and frequently checked on our table and provided honest and helpful suggestions. We had a mixture of brunch and dinner entrees. The cinnamon rolls are AMAZING so are the French toast dish. Love love the presentation of everything. I had the crab cake sandwich which came with a pickle and fries. Also got the small Matchbox Meat pizza which wasn't bad at all. Definitely enough for everyone. Atmosphere is private and comfortable. Loved that it is also kid-friendly. Service was great and will definitely be returning =)
(5)
Natasha T.
I've been here a few times, for brunch and lunch. Everything I've had, particularly the pizza, has been delicious. We reserved for a large group for brunch, they easily accommodated us and we were able to sit in the upstairs (semi-private) "room."
(5)
Alexia G.
This is some of the best pizza that we've found in the area! I had the prosciutto fig pizza and it was awesome. My boyfriend loved his matchbox meat pizza. The chef thought that the pizza he made me was a bit small (I didn't notice) so he can upstairs with a box and a brand new pizza because he wanted to make it right. Great service too!
(5)
Tiffany T.
I have been to this location many times and I must say that I prefer the DC locations. The food is always great, although at my last visit I was given the incorrect pizza, which was annoying since I was with a large party and I had to wait for it to be fixed while everyone else ate. I definitely suggest that you make reservations. Any time I tried to go without a reservation, the wait is always at least 45 minutes for a Friday or Saturday night. The service is hit or miss. I don't know of they just don't have enough waiters but sometimes it takes a while for the server to come back to to table just to ask if everything is okay. At one visit I ordered a glass of wine and after about 10-15 minutes the waiter admitted that he forgot. He was very apologetic and brought it out immediately after that but telling me that you forgot is unacceptable. I will go back since I live close and I love the restaurant but I hope they hire more servers.
(4)
Laura S.
Yesterday was my third time here in two months. The atmosphere is great--it has the best outdoor space on R'ville Pike. The waiters are attentive without being smothering, and the food has always been solid. I've had sliders and pizzas. Nice wines and the Allagash white draft beer was crisp. This will be our new go-to spot, having moved close by from D.C.
(4)
Edward S.
Last night they had a roasted duck special. It was outstanding. They said it's available only this week. Its worth a special trip.
(5)
Stephanie A.
I'd like to rate the restaurant 2-star in service and 3.5-star in food quality. I've been to all locations of Matchbox and usually really enjoy my time there. This location is HUGE! They have a great layout of the restaurant with a front bar, pizza oven seating, bar, upstairs, and outdoor seating. Decorations are urban pizza kitchen with great use of metals, concrete and brick. Food, is good I wouldn't say amazing but would definitely say better than most places in the area. There is also a wide variety of items to choose from, so even the pickiest eaters should be able to find something. Service, I've been here a couple of times and usually had good wait/bar service each time. Last night 12/19, I was there for a company party and had issues with the service so felt compelled to write this review. Our serving staff was GREAT - attentive, readily available and friendly. My issue, along with several of my colleagues, felt that the manager on duty and the bar staff (main bar AFTER event was over) were rude and under par. Working in the hospitality industry, we understand the need for customer satisfaction because loyal customers generate revenue. We were surprised that after our event was over, the manager came over to our group (about 30 minutes after allotted time, I checked my phone) and rudely kicked us out. Stating something similar but much ruder to "it's 40 minutes over the event time you booked, we need you out in order for us to re-sit this area." We completely understand where he was coming from but the delivery was just rude and almost ignorant. I understand if we were warned a couple times before and this was the final straw, but we weren't, first offense. I'm actually shocked that is how this manager approached the situation, not thinking of the potential of repeat customers or private parties in the future. At that point nobody walked away feeling great of the experience, even though this happened in the last 5 minutes - what a shame. Next the main bar, the bartenders and bar back were just rude, forced friendly, and aloof. Not sure why they're in the service industry if they don't enjoy being personable, but generally maybe they all were having a bad day. Also walked away, not wanting to come back by choice anytime soon.
(3)
Ginger W.
I really really like this place. We came here once for a free meal from my s.o.'s family and another time I went with my mom. I am always super impressed with the pizza and beer/spirits selection. One star off because although I usually eat outside, they often have fairly rowdy groups and both times I have been here I've been knocked into by some drunk patron (one male, one female) acting pants-on-head. It sort of kills any remote possibility of feeling like you're having a pleasant or relaxing evening -- not romantic! That said, it is fun, people have fun all around you, and the pizzas are both unique (fig and black pepper honey?! OMG YES) and really well executed -- crispy but not black. The service we've had has been very good as well, striking a good balance between attentiveness and obsessiveness. I would come back here if I was having a party. That way we wouldn't be the party of two getting bumped into, but rather be more part of the fun.
(4)
Jon E.
Good food and service and atmosphere for the most part. Really expensive pizzas. Not worth the price.
(2)
Ginny H.
It seems to me that as more and more restaurants close and cut back in our area, we are becoming increasingly thankful for average dining experiences. The Matchbox has a lot going for it. It is one of only a handful of places that serve food late in the evening, the decor is great and the waiters and waitresses are attentive and aim to please. I've had both lunch and late dinner here. The food was, in some cases, above average. The crab soup was wonderful but tepid twice. (This is a real problem with a cream soup, by my way of thinking. Maybe they should use a bowl instead of the flatter soup plate, which lets more air hit the liquid on its trip to your table. Or, heat the bowls before ladling the soup. ) The pizza was better than Dominos but not as good as Bertucci's and certainly not as good as you can make at home with a burrito wrapper and a pizza stone. We had the dessert pizza which made use of the same tasteless pre-fabbed disk as the expensive dinner pizza, only with drizzles of chocolate and cream, and some good berries. (Here's a tip for matchbox: try brushing the crust with some sweet oil while toasting, and sprinkling with powdered sugar after the toppings are added.) The server did get the orders right (something you can't count on late at night at the Silver Diner, down the street) and the prices are better than at the very good Tower Oaks (also close by).
(3)
Robert D.
Matchbox seems to be one of those restaurants that has become a go-to place for me on the Pike. I've been here to meet old friends for dinner, on a date, for a work lunch, happy hour, etc. It's not fancy, but it does have a pleasant, bustling ambience. I've only really had the pizza for an entree, but the menu seems to be generally Italianish. The mini burger appetizers are quite tasty! The pizza is thin with just the perfect amount of sauce and cheese. They also have a nice variety of them to choose from, or, if you prefer, you can make your own. The service has always been good when I've visited with attentive but not overbearing wait staff. Overall, I continue to have positive experiences here and would recommend it.
(4)
Candace S.
Excellent pizza as usual. I have frequented Matchbox since 2013. The food has always been right on spot. One of my faves is the Matchbox meat. The shrimp and grit appetizer is very creamy and tasty.
(4)
James W.
This was a good pizza place if you like wood fire pizza. The place gets pretty busy in the evenings but if you can get there before 6 you can probably get in without too much trouble. The service was fine, not particularly noteworthy in the positive but certainly above acceptable. The food came out pretty quickly as well. We had the matchbox meat and spicy meatball pizzas. Both were good if not exceptional. I prefer Coal Fire's pizza to Matchbox but I think Matchbox has a wider menu and a more upscale ambiance. So Matchbox may be better for dates or events where such things are important. The value was pretty good but not great. I certainly can't complain but at the same time didn't feel like I really got a great deal. If that not important to you then don't worry about it. If you're in the area and looking for pizza it's certainly worth a try.
(3)
Dee A.
While our experience eating there about a month back was average and not bad, I am extremely dissapointed about a recent attempt to book a large party reservation there. I attempted to contact their event planner several times by phone, going into the location twice, sending messages through employees, even waiting in their foyer for 20 min in the early afternoon to speak to the manager on duty and just leaving my number because we couldnt wait any longer, and still in 3 weeks had not gotten a response. Finally reaching them a week before the date, I asked about bringing 20 people in on a saturday afternoon at 1:30. I was basically treated like they would be doing ME a favor by making themselves available -- informing me they would have to put us in a back location near the main bar, and since it was a private area (which it really isnt - its just tables located near the bar) there would be an $1100 minimum (thats $55 per person for late lunch...not impossible but IM not guaranteeing that!). Fourtunately I had already inquired at other venues about having this reservation elsewhere after not being able to reach a Matchbox mngr or event coordinator for several weeks, and the other places were eager to accommodate me bringing them the business, especially at a fairly off-peak time of the day. Maybe Matchbox is just sooo busy and so exclusive and successful that they can afford to put off groups of 20 ppl for a late lunch, and dont need the additional business. If so, good for them. But I was in there recently on a Saturday afternoon and didnt see this long wait for tables and packed house they told me they have every day - thus neccessitating a minimum for a reservation. I will probobly go there again sometime for a bite to eat with a friend or two, but will never again attempt to book a large party reservation, and do not reccommend them for any kind of pre-planned event seeing as how they are too busy to call back and not very accomodating once they do, clearly giving off the impression that they do not need the business of large parties or groups. I ended up choosing Copper Canyon at the Rio instead.... probobly a better choice anyway because of the beautiful location, the outdoor bar, and having had great experiences there before. I have spent 20 years working in the restaurant/hospitality industry, including event planning and operations, and can tell you that pretending to be exclusive and acting like youre doing the patrons a favor by allowing them to bring you the business only works for swanky venues that are never empty, not for new pizza places who are practically empty on most early afternoons.
(1)
Sharon T.
Coming here is great for lunch or dinner. The atmosphere's a nice modern and hip place, yet not too overbearing. The food is good. I like the burgers and pizza
(4)
Cat C.
Went for dinner with an old friend. Wanted to have a great meal, with solid service and ability to talk. That was the PLAN. The location is very easy to find, and if you don't have to park right in front of the door, there is a large amount of free parking available in the mall-type stores behind it. Also, lot is very nicely lit, so don't worry if you are walking to your car after dark. They take reservations, and also walk-ins. Recommend reservations, and be specific about what you want or perhaps, what you don't want. Remember, my goal was to have a lovely meal where we could talk. The hostess initially took us to a table that was exactly in the corner of their seating made up of booth/table chairs. (You know, the back is booth, all comfy and long; table and chairs on opposite side. Very close are the tables...) So, took a look and no, no, nope! On one side, a family with their baby in a carrier and they have it squished between the table (our side) and booth. I like kids. At home. Not next to me at what I had hoped would be a "grown up" place. Now to be fair, the sweet little cherub was sleeping but we all know how long that lasts. Other side, a couple who didn't look happy to be there, with each other, and in the space of those seconds, I heard her call him an ass. Hmmmm. Nooooo, think that while he may very well be an exit orifice, didn't want to listen to why this was so. {Had I been there with girlfriends, it could have been fun, cheering her on~all in who you're with} Asked hostess for another option, quietly saying "no kids/babies" with a pleading in my eyes. She found us a high top table, in a good spot and seated us with a smile. Big points for this! The place was very busy so noise was a bit louder than I like but totally understandable. We didn't hear any overbearing or heavy drums music. On to food and wait staff. Wait person came pretty quickly, provided us menus and asked if we knew what we wanted to drinks. Ordered those and off she went to get them while we reviewed the menu. The variety of food was good, from grill to pasta/pizza to seafood. Makes this a nice choice for folks who have different tastes or perhaps a large group. My friend selected a seafood pasta (mussels and shrimp with linguine), I selected rigatoni. Our waitress suggested I swap the sausage for meatballs. She loved their meatballs, spicy and yummy. Said the sausage was very good, but something about those meatballs... No bread was offered while we waited. Food came and it looked very nice. No salt/pepper on the table, nor was any fresh pepper or fresh parm cheese offered. My pasta did not need salt but I did want pepper. Took a bit to get our waitress and then a bit more for her to bring it. She didn't come back to check on our drinks (a sangria and also a glass of water). The seafood pasta was very good (friend's words) and he has eaten seafood from all over; my rigatoni was also very good. The meatballs were just right, spicy and not too big or dense. We did order dessert: an absolute delight. One carrot cake and one bread pudding that was heaven. I would come back for this alone and a cup of coffee. By the way, did order coffee with dessert. Served perfectly, with a container of real cream and sugars on the side. Coffee was lovely, strong but not bitter and piping hot! The bread pudding. Yes, deserves its own review. Dense but not that thick lump of bready goop. It had small chocolate chips, but not so many as to take away from the yummy bready goodness of the pudding. Two good size square portions were cut and stacked. Then a caramel sauce (made fresh) poured over with bananas sliced within. Topped with powered sugar. Totally kicking myself, should have ordered it and skipped everything else. OK, maybe a slight exaggeration but really it was that good. Asked for the check, also took a bit of time arriving and the whole paying process. So why the four stars: 1) when I called for reservations, explained what I wanted. {in case you're curious, the baby woke and parents let it cry for almost 15 minutes before finally taking the child outside. And we were across the dining room and could still hear the poor baby.} 2) no follow-ups on our food, needs, drinks 3) lengthy time for the few requests we made (salt/pepper), ordering dessert, asking for the bill Overall, would go back . Food was very good. Dessert was even better. I would call ahead and ask what is their least busy day, and book a table for that day. As we were leaving, they had opened outside seating. Now that would have been my preference for our evening. Weather was cool, slight breeze and noise was very quiet. Sounds of people talking, laughing and enjoying their meal. Oh, and this was done rather spur of the moment as our first choice, booked through Open Table, had gone out of business. Cheers
First time here-we got to sit in the room with the fireplace (great ambiance but very loud!). Anyway, I prefer a restaurant to be busy rather than empty! The food: Sliders are a great app! We also got the cream of crap soup (delicious), and a large pizza (half matchbox meat with meatball added & half prosciutto + black mission fig). We loved the meat half and just liked the other half :) the dough was a little bit soggy in the middle of the pie, but it was so tasty and only in the middle that we will just ask for extra crispy next time!
(4)
Sunshine C.
This is a really nice place to have a big group. there were 9 in my party. We ordered the sliders and man the Chicken pesto pizza, some of the people at my table had the spicy meatball pizza and some other stuff, but my pizza was certainly the best one. we also ordered some huge mozzarella Stick type of thing for an appetizer with our sliders and that was yummy. We had the trio dessert thing that came with the brownie, donuts and coffee (amazeballs) and sorbet. This would be a great place to have a birthday party type of event. our service was outstanding. Food was above average, but the atmosphere really sold me.
(3)
GT W.
A much larger, but still very crowded incarnation of the Chinatown sensation. Loads of parking, huge outdoor patio seating with area heaters. Very trendy, popular upscale pizza place with about 1/2 pizzas on the menu and another 1/2 with stuff like rib eye, duck, etc. Pizzas are around $14 for individual, $21 for large if you want to split. Ambiance is fireside relaxed, large open spaces, a bit awkward in the table arrangements with massive circular tables, tables inset into the wall opening up on either side (??), crowded, semi-fancy sports bar. Live Jazz when we were there on a Sunday! Prices are not too bad. Pizzas were delicious. Tap list is small, like 10 taps or so with one seasonal and one rotational. Sierra Nevada, Flying Dog, He'Brew, Dogfish Head, Ommegang. Decent stuff, nothing on tap here that you wouldn't easily find anywhere else in the DC area save for the He'Brew Hop Manna. Service was kind and very attentive. Food came out very quickly. The server knew a little about beer, but both their "seasonal" and their "rotating tap" were nonexistent the day I was there. Unfortunate.
(4)
Catherine S.
I love the pizza here and the drinks. It's my mother's favorite spot so whenever she visits she insist on coming here and I can't say I blame her.
(5)
Daniel S.
The BLT Benedict was amazing. I would have never thought to add a fried green tomato, but it totally worked. Definitely coming back for that. My wife ordered the French Toast without pecans (allergies) and they come out as equally awesome. I am always worried when you take things off a dish that it will lose something, but that was not the case thankfully. Also bonus points to the manager John who brought us a couple of extra strawberries when we asked because our daughter plowed through the ones that came with her dish. That was very much appreciated.
(5)
Ericka S.
Great burger bistro, good pizza, nice wine selection. However, I'm updating this review to 4 stars simply because of the continued amazing, high levels of customer service provided by Isaiah and his team. Someone make that man a manager, please.
(4)
Original B.
Better-than-average service, stellar food! It was my first time eating there. I was amazed by the beautiful layout of the restaurant, and its beauty started to pop when I was welcome by the lovely staff. I ordered the Brunch Pizza, while my mom had the special of that day (Chicken and Waffles). While it took a little while to receive my food, it was amazing. I can assure you that I will return to Matchbox very soon.
(4)
Lucas T.
The chicken pesto pizza is superb. The bread is also great. There pizzas aren't the most filling, but they are delicious.
(3)
Jessie K.
I'm knocking one star off for the attitude from the hostesses. There were lots of pros - but the first 5 minutes really soured our experience. We had a reservation for 5 people (including a highchair). They wanted us to put the high chair at the corner of a square table - so our child could only have a few inches of the corner to eat. I asked if there was maybe a booth or a rectangular four top so our child could eat with us. They seemed to have a lot of difficulty fulfilling this request. The manager(?) finally figured out that they did have space upstairs at a rectangular table. But, there seemed to be lots of attitude about this 'accommodation.' We even made a special point to thank the hostesses for their help on the way out - and one hostess ROLLED HER EYES. I have looked at this space to book events, but I'm wary that my guests will have to endure the attitude from the hostess stand first. HOWEVER, the waiter was fantastic. The Captain Healthy children's meal was great (I saw someone else on here posted a pictures of it). It was a great selection - and I'm glad we had a table where my child could actually have a plate of food. We've been here many times because the food is consistently good. The pizza, the burgers, the fish - we haven't ordered wrong yet. I'm just really sad about the attitude at the front - it really doesn't represent the rest of the experience.
(3)
John G.
I ended up here with a buddy of mine after a rained out Nationals game. Great place to hang out and catch up. The pizza was ok - nothing special but it served its purpose. I did enjoy the dessert pizza more than I expected - I said I'd have a small piece and ended up eating half. Easily accessible right off the Pike.
(3)
Ken M.
Quite an amazing place. Lots of nice ambiance with interesting wood and a big open floor plan on a couple of levels. The acoustics are great. You can hear the person across the table from you even though the place is packed and people are talking everywhere. The food is so-so. It has a corner on the market for artisanal pizza... pizza made with weird and exotic ingredients that comes in both personal and sharable sizes. Evidently, they're also famous for their burger sliders or "mini-burgers" that come in multiples of three. The wait staff have these black t-shirts with 3 - 6 - 9 on it to denote the number of mini burgers you can get. I had a chicken sandwich which turned out to be pretty messy so I ended up eating it with a fork and knife. The french fries that came with it were fairly tasteless and visually unappealing. Parking is a bear especially during peak hours. Congressional Shopping Center has lots of parking but it means you have to walk a ways to get back and forth to your car. The staff is friendly but somewhat aloof. Although, they are efficient and plenty quick. The deal with this place, as far as I can tell, is the hipness factor (way high) and the ambiance. Prices are decent for what you get. So, if you're hip and cool and preferably under 35 this is the place.
(4)
Dan W.
First time here. Tuna tartar was god awful. Sent it back. Got another dish and it was just as bad. Presentation doesn't seem to matter to this company. They sell food that is over priced and made by amateur cooks. Improve your menu and then maybe people will eat this garbage. No seasoning and very bland food. I'm still waiting for the pizza but I'll vomit that up later. Thank god for beer to wash this waste down.
(1)
Jarrod F.
This was a pleasant little surprise... We sat outside on the patio/ bat area, adjacent to the Bon fire. I loved the atmosphere in the whole restaurant.. Kind of like a big log cabin with urban flare (brick,metal, and exposed piping). But Outside was definitely the best spot in the whole place especially because it was first come first serve so we didn't have to wait. We started with the giant meatball ($14). The meatball itself was too dry, not enough breading or cheese. It almost tasted like they didn't use enough fat. The sauce was spectacular though. So was the bread they served the dish with. For dinner we ordered a pizza (half pepperoni/half chicken and mushroom). Although too thin for my liking,the pizza had good flavor. The sauce was tangy and the cheese not overbearing. - good char on the rim as well. The Ty chopped salad we ordered was the winner of the night. This was probably the best salad I've had all year -- salami, provolone, chick peas, onions, radicchio, and romaine all tossed in a light dressing. Our server was very good and so was my cucumber and lime gin and tonic. We would definitely come back, but next time we will try a different appetizer.
(4)
Melo R.
The pizza was very delicious. My friend got the seafood pasta, and that was also very good. I would go back.
(4)
Kat F.
I've been wanting to try this chain forever but didn't have the opportunity until this past Sunday. We brought some friends here to say thank you for slaving away and helping us move, and it was awesome! (Matchbox, not the moving.) We got there in time to catch the tail end of brunch, but we also had the option to choose from the regular menu as well. The restaurant is beautiful, and we got to sit at a really awesome "pimp booth", which made the experience even more special. I started with the apple/pear salad, which had great flavors. I am a new fan of blue cheese, and it was the star of the salad. A few of us split a pizza, which is what this place is known for, and now I know why. I love the smoky char of the crust, and the toppings were great too. I am not usually a fan of crust in general, but I ate every last bit of the pizza. Everyone else was impressed with the food, too--it was definitely a crowd-pleaser. Can't wait to come back here!
(5)
Philip L.
I was not impressed with this place. I like the spacious place, but the food kind of made me wonder what the hype was about this place. Not only that, I felt like the food was pretty generic. The service was a bit slow and reminded of the older days in Red Lobster as if it was more of a family restaurant. I would not describe it as horrible, but it was not top notch or on the attentive side. I think I asked for the check and it came about 10 minutes later. I ordered a salad and a pizza (I don't remember them exactly, which showed how much this place left an impression on me). If you are left with no other choices, which I would respond that there are better places out there, especially in the area, you should only come here if you are bored and have nowhere else to try. I did not find the price to match what I was paying for and would rather have gone to Chipotle for a better tasting meal.
(2)
Bridget E.
Absolutely loved this place! Food was fresh, tasty, and the service was phenomenal! Would highly recommend this restaurant to everyone! Friendly staff and above par food made for a memorable experience! Will be going back again!
(5)
Jen F.
My experience at Matchbox Pizza was great. I came for brunch and ordered the breakfast pizza. It was delightful. I loved the scrambled eggs on top! I also split the peanut butter banana waffle with a friend. My mistake was splitting this dish because it is so freaking good, I could have eaten the entire thing by myself. The breakfast/brunch drinks are a bit pricey but the food is reasonable and worth it! Service was great, very attentive. They sat us in a room that seemed like an addition to the restaurant and it was freezing cold! I'm assuming it was because of draft coming through.
(4)
Johnalee S.
Over priced. Seated next to a family with kids in fleece PJ pants. Not a dinner atmosphere. Kid was loud and rude, no one said anything to the family or to us. Ruined the dinner. The food was ok but VERY overpriced. Save your money get a flat bread from Trader Joes and dress it up a bit. You can stay at home and avoid the bratty kids, sub-par wait staff, and wear your jammies where it is appropriate. On the couch with a giant beer and tv.
(2)
Matt W.
Seriously enjoyable lunch! I really like this location (have been to the ones in VA and Palm Springs). I found the pizza to be much better than my experience in PSP and the service to be stellar from the Host Station to the wait staff. They were all so wonderful, particularly the two servers that helped us out (a young Asian American, maybe Filipino American woman training and her supervisor). They were really nice and accommodating to my 92 year old grandfather that can be a bit over flirtatious. They handled it too well and were really kind! They also did a fantastic job getting us everything we needed and more! We shared three items- a pizza, the trofie pasta and the calamari salad. All were quite tasty. While I would say the pizza is overpriced by about $3 I would say in terms of what I expect/experience at high end pizza places, it was still decent. The pasta was very very good. We really enjoyed it! While a tad too salty, it had great flavoring. It is a shame it is coming off the menu soon :( The salad is also excellent! Part of what you are paying for here is ambiance, and clearly, Matchbox is a runaway winner! It is beautiful, modern and hip. I feel like I am back in LA instead of in the Maryland burbs when I am here. Definitely will return and tell others!
(4)
MyMy C.
It's ok. Atmosphere was good. We had the crab and avocado app (good), trout (over cooked and pesto cous cous side overwhelmed the dish), and scallops (good but one was undercooked). Slightly overpriced for quality.
(3)
Georgio S.
Got the 9 burgers as an appetizer, all loved the burgers as they were perfectly cooked. The kids Mac and cheese was great. The pepperoni pizza was also really good. The lamb sandwich was horrible. It was dry and Inedible. Desserts took a long time to come out but overall service was better than expected. Out of the 3 desserts we tried the bread pudding was tops. Brownies were hard and stale.
(3)
Norman G.
I mostly eat at a table in the bar when I go here, usually alone. The choice of beers is quite good and the pizzas are excellent (if you avoid the exotic concoctions. They have a number of TVs over the bar and you have a choice of sports channels or close-captioned news. Although the food and drink are the same, the cavernous dining section is a different proposition entirely. Often, there's a wait to be seated, service is erratic and the noise level is very high. Unless it's pretty empty inside or the outside seating area has room for you, I'd stick to the bar or go elsewhere.
(3)
Margaret N.
I definitely recommend this restaurant! Their mini trio appetizer is amazing and filling! You get two scallops, burgers and crabcake... yum! Pizza could use some more salt/sauce, but I liked the Q special and fire & smoke! Definitely plan on going back!
(4)
Elias V.
I always have enjoyed the flavor and selection of Matchbox Pizza. I either get the Spicy Meatball, your typical Pepperoni or the Matchbox Trio I think it's called. I must say deeeeeeee-licious! First time here I thought I wouldn't like it. I was beyond wrong I love it, the pizza has so many flavors and each has it's uniqueness. The matchbox salad also is really good, I tried that for the first time. Matchbox Punch, also very good. I just left here full and service was exemplary. Ellen was spectacular! She was energetic and bouncy! With an hour or so left before closing she was awesome, no fatigue of a possible long work day. She had a bit of a humorous side, big plus. I always applaud great service because it's service such as her that makes you want to come back. Thanks Ellen. No bad juju here, all spectacular. Huge plus on service and food. I love the interior layout and design. Try this place out guys def a winner.
(5)
Dixon M.
I love Matchbox. I have been there many times, and nearly everything I have had there has been fantastic. I am not a fan of their sliders, which were somewhat dry and lacking in flavor when I had them. Service at the Matchbox is always very good. The Cobb salad at Matchbox may be the best one I have had. I also love the Matchbox Punch, a delicious "girly drink" that builds on watermelon-infused vodka to create a fruitily fantastic drink. Iced tea at the Matchbox is always freshly brewed and delicious.
(5)
Marc L.
Ate here last night with visiting out-of-town family. Crystal clear evening, perfect temperature. Seated in outdoor area. Server was outstanding, efficient, and cute as a button. Food was outstanding. Beer selection outstanding as usual, two of had a very hoppy He'Brew that the server characterized as "overwhelming hops", which was perfectly hoppy for me. Nephew had a burger with bacon and Gorgonzola cheese, rest of us had pizza and salads. We could have stayed there all night, it was such a magical and perfect atmosphere. I have eaten here several times since my earlier review and have never had a bad experience. This place is consistently excellent, hard to do these days.
(5)
Irene A.
Still love this place just as much as the first time!
(5)
Jennifer N.
Here's the take-away message: make a reservation. Our dining companions had, and we were glad. Apparently, at 6:45 on a Sunday evening, the wait was at least an hour. Matchbox seems to me to be exactly what it looks like: it's massive, it's attempting to be quirky (pictures of Michael Jackson on the table?) even though it's part of a chain. Even the food is exactly what I thought it would be like - in fact, it reminded me of food at any enormous restaurant I've ever been to - efficient, fine, standardized. My pizza (chicken, pesto, mozzarella - $13) was absolutely standard, but I think I should have been more adventurous (or added something to enhance it) because it tasted fairly plain. Another restaurant might have added something funky to it - olives, sundried tomatoes, something like that. But this is a place that hinges on standardization, I think. Similarly, the burger was absolutely fine, standard even (though enhanced by the three enormous onion rings it comes with). All of this to say, Matchbox is no surprises - the food is exactly what you might expect from a very big restaurant.
(3)
Moritz R.
Service: Excellent. A young vibrant staff that is very knowledgeable about their menu and specials and the location. Yes there is some history to the location, go there and they will tell you about it. Food: I had the flat iron steak with eggs and my wife had the white pizza with prosciutto. I would say that both were very good. My only complaint is I wanted my steak medium, I got it well done, making it a bit tough. The food came out fast even though it was a bit crowded on a Saturday afternoon. Definitely I would go back.
(4)
Buddha N.
So lets talk about Matchbox, first off this place has an awesome lay out and probably the biggest matchbox I have seen , it has two levels and a outdoor patio area and is dressed up in your typical matchbox clean style which is very awesome. So came here on a Sunday afternoon for brunch and was surprised there wasnt a huge line out the door, Im guessing cause of the size of this place that it was packed but not packed enough to have a line out the door. So was greeted by the nice hostess at the door and then escorted to our table in a backroom that has a huge fireplace, kinda cool lil room, probably best for a private party situation. Anyways server was prompt to getting to our table and taking our order so that was a plus Food came out a bit later but for some reason the salad came out last. We ordered a brunch entree off the menu, pizza, veggie egg ranchero dish , and apple pear salad so not sure why the salad came out after. Anyways food was tasty and all plates were empty so that has to mean something right???????? So overall place gets 4 stars
(4)
Eric O.
Step 1: Ask for Luke as your waiter. Step 2: Order ceviche, mini burgers, spanish ham pizza, and bread pudding. Also order matchbox punch if you're feeling rowdy. Step 3: Win.
(5)
Tejan R.
My experience at the Rockville Matchbox was surprisingly remarkable. Great menu selection that will have your palate pleased and yearning for more. This was my first time dining at a Matchbox but I'm sure it won't be the last. The whiskey smash was on point hence the reason why I'm writing a review which I rarely do. Also the creamy crab soup, sliders, spicy meatball pizza were great selection I would recommend.
(4)
Sharon W.
My husband wanted to take his student intern, office manager and me out to lunch. Since their office is in Rockville I thought Matchbox might be a restaurant we would all like. The restaurant is large but is broken up into smaller spaces so you don't feel like you're eating in a warehouse. In fact we had a nice corner booth which allowed easy conversation. Two in our party ordered salads, one ordered the cream of crab soup and I ordered the crab cake sandwich. The cream of crab soup got rave reviews so I definitely want to try it when I go back. This is the second time I've ordered crab cakes there and they are good, not a lot of filler. The french fries appear to be made from fresh potatoes with skin on and are also quite good. Our service was fine so, as I had hoped, everyone came away happy and full.
(3)
Trevor M.
Rockville's Vintage Pizza Restoration Period can begin... Ok, what can I say about Matchbox that hasn't been written already? Yes, the pizza is good. Yes, it has fantastic atmosphere. Yes, it is the new hotspot on Rockville Pike. Yes, the line is long...go to opentable.com and reserve your table. So, what else is left? Shall I needlessly mock it's name? (oh, the puns that can come out) Should I write about their shameless firepits everywhere? Should I jabber on about endlessly long lines? Should I talk about pizza history here in Rockville and that we've never had any vintage pizza before?...Wait a tick...that's it! Matchbox invites you to the Season of Reason pizza event. Rockville has never had true Vintage pizza before. I would not even dare to call it a 'pizza'. Its' more of a post modern flatbread with hydroponically grown tomatoes from Roma. Although, I hesitate to call it a pizza. It's more like a Palazzo designed by the well known pizza architect Maheud MoreaHaus-Boyardee. In a season of extravagance come down to Matchbox. Ok, everyone breathe a sigh of relief or wince. How is it really? Allright, it's good. It's just as good as their other locations. The smoke and fire pizza is spicy...though, do add some serrano ham. It gives it an additional punch. The bistro part is just as good. The tuna nicoise salad is well done. The tuna is sushi quality and just seared ever so lightly. The mini trio with crab cake, scallop and beef...well, it's divine. Now, let's be realistic....have people had legitimate rants/concerns about long waits and slow service? Yes and No. Bear in mind that they did a full opening. Not staggered, not bearing in mind that the buzz has been built up since the last restaurant was torn down. Are they still hiring? Yes...so, it's going to be a process till they get everything down to a 'T'. Bottom line: Hip, young, old, new, something borrowed, somthing burning, but that ain't your pizza. May the vintage pizza restoration of Rockville begin.
(4)
Cynthia L.
I can't stop eating at this place. You must try their 3-6-9 sliders (with Gouda cheese) as an appetizer. They're pizzas are really good (I liked their sweet sopresatta & wild mushroom pizza but did not enjoy the matchbox meat as much). I've tried their tuna nicoise salad, which is really good (speaking from someone who almost never eats salad as a meal alone). Dessert is worth going here by itself. Everything is made in-house. Their pecan pie is the best pecan pie I've ever had. If you're not a fan, try the trio dessert (you get a little of everything) or the lemon tart or the special of the day.
(5)
Carol C.
I would say the Yelp reviews sum this place up quite well: a solid 3.5 stars. Great for a casual but still classy lunch or dinner out with friends. First thing I noticed was that this place is ENORMOUS. I know they have a whole section on their website dedicated to explaining the architectural endeavors of each of their locations, but I was still extremely impressed by the vaulted airy space, generous outdoor seating, open kitchen, and expansive bars. Matchbox is gorgeous, fo sho. But is it all only 'fo' SHOW'? Well, the food is okay. It's enjoyable and definitely good to eat. The sliders were very good, as other reviewers have mentioned. I was surprised how juicy and flavorful small burger patties can be. The sliders came with a Mt. Everest pile of onion straws, which were crisp and delicious but props to people who can actually finish them all! The calamari salad was so-so. The greens were fresh, but there weren't very many of them. The calamari, though decently portioned, were oddly soft and mushy. As for the pizza, we got half and half with premade combo sausage/sun-dried tomato and self-picked wildmushroom/arugula/prosciutto. The crust is thin, but not as thin as real New York pizza. It can also be a little tough and burnt at places. While the flavors were good and the toppings fresh and plentiful, I also found the pizza to be quite greasy. Definitely not bad, but certainly not among the best pizza I've ever had. For the finale, we ordered a dessert trio to celebrate our friend's birthday. The sorbet flavors were interesting, with melon, basil lemon, and raspberry, and really cleansing after a heavy meal. The molten chocolate cake was a disappointment. I order molten lava cake wherever they offer it, and this was probably one of the worst I've tasted. The cake itself was rubbery, room temperature, the middle fudgey at best. Sadness. The doughnuts, which are supposed to be 'beignet-like' had crispy thick exteriors and a spongy interior. Not bad, but not great. At least the espresso dipping sauce was delicious, rich, creamy and just a little bit salty. Anyway, I would say overall a fun swanky place with good service, good atmosphere, okay food.
(3)
N S.
Such a beautiful venue, and such average food. I've never been much of a fan of Matchbox, but I def think they're resting on their laurels now. Started out with a small salad, generously covered in parmesean. The balsamic dressing was very unevenly distributed in the salad like it barely got a toss. Moved onto the Fire and Smoke pizza. Used to be quite spicy with a decent crust. Now, I found a pizza with no bite, a thin limp crust and just quite unappealing. The mgmt was kind enough to allow me to send it back and suggest a simple margerita pizza which was significantly better which brings me to my next point. The freeze-ish dried basil. Doesn't belong. Go super fresh or go home. Lastly, had the chocolate chip bread pudding. Once again, it was just ok. Not oversweet with a good amount of sauce. I'm not convinced the sauce was house made. Provided excellent service by our server, Allison. Very helpful and attentive.
(3)
Lisa I.
I've been on a real pizza kick recently, and this place doesn't stand up to other local offerings. We just happened to stop by while we were down in the Rockville REI, and didn't have any expectations since we had not heard of Matchbox. It was a weird time on a Sunday afternoon ("lunner)" so it wasn't too crowded when we got here. Apparently the wait here can be crazy, and after eating here, I wouldn't stand for that. Everyone thinks the atmosphere is so awesome...and it IS nice, but I can't help but find it pretentious. I know I'm a buzzkill, but it is just too much for me. I mean, it's pizza. And it's not gourmet pizza (whatever that is), just woodfired pizza. I'm not gonna be a hater, so if it works for them and keeps people coming back, that's cool. I just will try to look past the clunky, over-stylized solid wood menu and semi-snobby waitstaff. We started with a grilled romaine steak caesar salad, and that was good. They don't cut the romaine heads after grilling, which makes for beautiful presentation, but I felt like a knife-wielding maniac trying to chop up all that lettuce. My husband and I split the Sicilian ham and Romano pizza. Even though another reviewer suggested this pizza, it was so blah. Husband loved it, I just stopped eating. Thin crust, which I liked. The waiter suggested the chocolate bread pudding as THE BOMB...or whatever these kids are saying these days. Just OK, wouldn't bother with it again. If this is the best pizza in Rockville, like another reviewer suggested, I would suggest not eating pizza in this town. Important note: This place looks like it will have awesome outdoor seating in the warmer months. I will check this out again when I can sit outdoors. There is something primal about eating outside I think, even if it is pizza and cocktails. Rawr!
(2)
Alicia G.
Marylanders can now rejoice as Matchbox finally makes its debut in Rockville! I have not had the pleasure of dining in house yet, but I did stop in on opening night to get some mini-burgers to-go. They weren't taking orders over the phone til Monday but happily took my order at the bar. In retrospect, I'm glad they weren't taking orders over the phone because while we waited at the bar for our order, I recognized one of the owners, Perry, and got a chance to say hello. He not only remembered me (and my name...and my giant camera) from coming to the opening of the Capitol Hill location but then offered to give Alicia C and I the grand tour of the new place. Thanks again, Perry! This Matchbox location is easily the biggest of them all. It can seat 300 and will able to seat 400+ in the warmer months when they open the patio. The space is absolutely gorgeous - the same sort of red steel stairways, exposed brick and distressed wood wall. There are 2 bars and one of them will be able to serve as an outdoor bar by opening the windows. Similar to the others, there is an upstairs seating area but ALSO an upstairs outdoor patio/deck that overlooks Congressional Plaza. Oh and the mini-burgers were as awesome as usual even packaged to go. Juicy little beef patties on buttery brioche and pickle slice on the bottom. We got ours with gorgonzola because that's how we roll. We also had a whole second container filled to the brim with parmesan onion straws. Nom! I'm more than thrilled that Matchbox has an MD location and can't wait to do happy hours, brunches and dinner here so I won't have to trek into DC every time I want mini-burgers and girlie martinis.
(5)
Chet W.
First, there are multiple locations for Matchbox in the DC area. I've personally visited three of them: Chinatown (713 H Street NW), 14th Street (1901 14th Street NW) Rockville (1699 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852). I've experienced the best service, best food and best ambiance at the 14th Street location. This is not to say that the others are bad; this one is just best. The food, as others have stated, is great. It's a tad more expensive than what you'd find at other similar places in DC. However, I find the price to be worth it! There usually is a wait of at least 15 minutes. As others have noted, there is sometimes a wait of 45+ minutes. I don't think I'd wait 45+ minutes for this place especially with DC's other restaurants, but that's up to you, really. Whether or not parking is available depends on the location. You'll have a much harder time parking at the DC locations since there are no dedicated parking spots. In Rockville, the restaurant is in a shopping plaza and shares the parking spots. I cannot vouch for the bar or the quality of the drinks, but the food is really great. I've never had anything I disliked; the portions are fair and the food is fresh. At the time of this writing (29 Jan 2013) pizzas can be made half/half so you can try multiple flavors in one visit. The crabcakes are the best I've had in DC with very little filler and no celery-- something that is increasingly hard to find. Another favorite dish, the crispy chicken, has a great, all around taste and doesn't feel/taste greasy. The one time I had an issue was because I received a different pizza than what I had ordered. I was not upset or angry; I double checked with the waitress and when the mistake was realized, she gave me the correct pizza and let me keep this incorrect one for free. I visit here an average of once a month or so and regularly recommend people to visit as well. I recommend you do, too, and enjoy yourself!
(5)
Katelyn K.
I have been to the Matchbox location both down on 8th Street and now this one. Both have the same great food, attentive service and fun atmosphere. What I really loved about the one in Rockville is the outdoor space. Downtown the outside space is small and is on the crowded sidewalk; however, the one in Rockville is spacious. Personally, I loved the shared table/bar around the fire pit. There is also one near the front door so you can wait around it for your table, which is is great if you come on an evening and the wait is long (which it often can be). I just hope that Matchbox can survive in this location, since many of predecessors here failed.
(4)
Sisley C.
I've been here a few times. The sliders are always very good. I've had a few of their pizzas and they're okay... I don't find them to be that amazing. Lobster bisque is always yummy but expensive ($6 for a small bowl). The service is always subpar every time I've been here. Overall, just okay. I'd come back but I wouldn't say I crave food from this place.
(3)
Tu-van L.
Opening weekend dinner experience was great. Food was great as expected, service was very attentive, and the space is GORGEOUS! I've driven by this place through its many stages of construction, antipating the formal arrival of the locally-famed Matchbox, anxiously waiting for the day it opens its doors and I can be one of the first patrons of this location. Once I found out the opening weekend date it didn't take much to convince the husband to dine at this new location. The space has the same industrial trendy yet casual vibe as the other locations, but it was much enjoyable since the place is that much bigger than the others. It was interesting watching the surrounding dining experience as you can tell most patrons are new and unfamiliar to the Matchbox experience (lots of looks of surprises when the wait staff brings out mini-burgers piled with mountains of crispy onions) and the wait staff was new and especially attentive to familiarize the patrons with the menu and dining experience. And if you can make it pass the mini-burger mountain and your pizza blanket, I highly recommend the coffee and doughnuts dessert. That basket of doughnuts seemed like a never-ending basket of sweet goodness, and the orange zest added a nice contrasting touch. I love how a solid restaurant has found itself in the Rockville neighborhood. They were only opened for dinner the night I went, but hopefully as they are opened longer and work things out this place can become my go to brunch/lunch/happy hour/dinner spot.
(5)
Kaleb A.
I ordered the sliders and my friend had the pizza. The sliders were fine but they weren't great by any means. I'll order pizza the next time.
(3)
Jess C.
Probably one of the best interiors for restaurants in Rockville. The pizza and sliders are good, but not mind-blowing, and it's a bit expensive for what it is (it's $18 for individual pizza and ~$2 for a mini hamburger). However since the atmosphere is pretty great for friends or dates, it's a safe place to go. Think big airy cabin. Since it's new, be prepared for a long wait if you don't have reservations.
(3)
Emily Z.
A colleague recommended that I try this place. It turned out to be a disappointment. I ordered grilled swordfish, because I love swordfish and grilled food is my favorite. Two TINY pieces of swordfish, either over-cooked or not fresh, with some couscous and salad on the side. The flavor of the swordfish was like reheated in a microwave. The couscous and salad were mediocre at best. It was $22 before tax and before tip. Kinda rip-off for the quality and quantity of the food.
(2)
Irene A.
I have eaten here twice already. The food is good I have had the mini sliders for appetizer and the matchbox pizza for lunch. It is delicious. The service is good. The waitress we had was a little dry and unfriendly. The one in rockville is pretty big in a good way and had a good crowd for lunch on a tuesday. I would go back.
(4)
E Y.
Service was fine and they were able to seat my large group fairly quickly. Food was average. For a place that specializes in pizza, I was a little disappointed. The Q Special was very bland. No amount of parmesan and red pepper flakes could save the dry flavorless chicken.The spicy meatball pizza was ok but the meatball was dry and not very spicy. The Fire & Smoke was probably my favorite pizza out of all three with a good amount of heat and delicious smoked gouda and basil on top that added a nice fresh taste. I also had the chicken sandwich which also suffered from dry chicken syndrome but other than that, I enjoyed the combination of mozarella, prosciutto, and basil on it. Friends had the bistro burger which they complained was very greasy and overwhelming with blue cheese and accompanied by flavorless onion rings on the side. The cubano sandwich was the complete opposite in that it way overloaded with salt. The meat in the ribeye sandwich had good flavor but was completely overcooked. All in all, I do not think I will be returning.
(3)
Cheryl B.
Great place!! Went for the first time on a Monday night. It was crowded, but we were seated outside immediately. Staff were smiling, friendly, and our waiter was good. Had the appetizer trio, various salads, sausage pizza and the special (Asian tuna with risotto and asparagus). Everything was delicious! The atmosphere is fun, music playing and has a good vibe, too. We skipped dessert, but can't wait to go back and try ANYTHING! I'm impressed with this place, and I loved it!
(5)
Pengilicious E.
3.5 stars for the food, 4 stars for the ambiance and service. Make sure you make reservations unless you don't mind waiting for 2 hours. The mini burgers with onion rings are good starters. I was disappointed with the anchovies pizza. The spicy meatballs pizza was really spicy but good. Cocktails are surprisingly good and cheap @ $8.
(4)
Nady B.
I usually go to the one in Chinatown. Decided to go to Rockville for a change with some friends. We waited 5 min to be seated though I expected the wait to be longer on a Friday. The waiter messed up one of our orders and the fries and brick pizza we ordered were burnt! My chicken sandwich was pretty good though I've had better. We spent about $60 for 3 ppl in my opinion this is just too much for the food we had... I will not go there anytime soon. The decor is ok and the drink i had was a bad choice for $8.00!
(3)
Victoria S.
Modern and cozy atmosphere. Same amazing food as other locations. Friendly staff. Love the outside fire pits - will be fun for happy hour in the warm months. Finally a decent place in Rockville. We just elevated ourselves to cool status. Thanks Matchbox! Note: expect a long wait unless you make reservations on opentable.com .
(5)
R H.
We come to Matchbox Rockville very often with friends, colleagues and family and we never were disappointed. You can never go wrong with their delicious fresh and healthy daily specials. Today I got their chicken lime soup because I was not uber hungry and was very positively surprised. Light and delicious. Even their cocktails or what they call infusions with alcohol are real good. My husband always goes for a pizza and he is never disappointed. we regularly order their spicy sopressata or the pesto pizza so yummy! I got many times their scallops, apple/pear salad etc. all are realky good. My brother got the crispy chicken sandwich and trust it is the best most freshly made chicken we have ever tasted. They make it with their home made butter milk dressing so light to the taste even though it is not very light in calories. we introduced this place and especially their donuts and coffee to many people and never were disappointed. Honestly this place deserves much more than 3.5/5. I mean yeah it is a little more expensive than the other places in Rockville but totally worth every penny. They are among the rare places who offer real great bepgian beer accompanied always with the nice easy listening lounge music. the only thing that I could comment on is that it is a little noisy... the service is always efficient and courteous and again the food is awesome and pretty sofisticated. I am definitely a fan. Now that the weather is getting better I am definitely trying to sit at the outdoor bar by the flames.
(5)
Janet H.
Ever since I've been to the Chinatown location, I have been thinking about Matchbox. When I heard that it's opening in Rockville, I was excited.. I waited and waited... and finally, it's here! :) I didn't go right away as I expect and heard about the long wait. 3 weeks after opening, I decided it's time to go check them out. We went on a Sunday afternoon for lunch, I did not expect a wait time of 1 hr in the middle of the day. UGH! seriously? Since this is lunch and we didn't want to eat too heavy, we decided to try a small pizza and their mini burgers. We got the Q Special pizza (marinated chicken and portobello mushroom). The pizza was delicious! The crust was perfect, not too soft and not too crispy just the way I like it. The toppings and sauce were flavorful and just right. Would I come back? Definitely. I wouldn't recommend coming if you are hungry or getting hungry because you can expect a wait time of at least 45mins and more. This would probably be a good place for happy hour. It's got plenty of space, the atmosphere is fun and trendy. Parking is meh.. just okay. It's in a busy shopping center so you won't have trouble finding a space, you might just have to walk a bit.
(4)
Susana T.
I don't get the appeal of this place. Pizza's fine but nothing extraordinary, service ranges from indifferent to only okay, and it's pretty overpriced. Even with a reservation, we had to wait 45 minutes to be seated. What a waste of time and clicks. I've never been a fan of the ambiance of the Chinatown location; the Rockville location is more family-centered, but I still get a somewhat haughty vibe from the employees. I want to like this place, or at least understand what everyone else sees in it, but I never get there. Each visit just reminds me that I don't get it. We opt for Pizza CS these days.
(2)
Eunice K.
waiter was really nice. super friendly! mozzi carrozzi crispy and good BUT greasy.. a little to greasy.. sometimes i felt like i was eating crunchy grease would be really good if it wasnt that greasy. i got something off the brunch menu cast iron steak and eggs yum! comes with ciabatta bread on the side and it was really good :) beet salad with rib eye she added the rib eye.. and the meat was good the salad was really good.. matchbox chicken sandwich my friend got this and he gave us some to try and it was good but some of the chicken was burnt or something so some parts of the sandwich tasted/reminded me of nasty breath.. after i told my friends what i thought they laughed and made a disgusting face and then agreed.. * so if you order this i hope it doesnt come out burnt coffee and doughnuts yum! my fav.. i like this better than the trio cus i already know their doughnuts are yummy.. taste so good with the cold coffee.. the hot/warm doughnuts and cold coffee combo is delicious
(3)
Matt F.
This is a very interesting restaurant. They have nice seating options that make the dinning experience interesting almost no matter where you sit. However, the food (I got a pizza) was fair and service was slow. Since the majority of their menu is pizza, I was expecting something better.
(3)
Chinita A.
I love Matchbox and really frequent the one in Chinatown. I have been to this one a few times all for lunch. The space is less claustrophobic than downtown which I like. I'm unable to compare dinner to lunch crowd. The last time I was there around 3pm I could count the customers on my hand. No complaints, super friendly service and excellent pizza. Nice addition to the neighborhood!
(4)
Rob D.
The food at all the Matchbox locations is terrific! I am especially impressed with the consistency between the multiple locations. This is by far the best location with the outdoor area being amazing. The staff is always on point! I can say this Matchbox is in my top 3 places I like to go out to eat at. The other two are Crystal City Morton's and Hank's Oyster Bar on Cap Hill so you are in good company!
(5)
Arthur S.
Great time here with friends last week. Recommend for a nice night out.
(4)
Emilie E.
Would've loved to eat there but 20 minutes does not equal 45 minutes, especially when you see people who came in after you get their buzzers and get seated before you,
(1)
Alice K.
I've gotten the 3-6-9 burgers here and a few of their pizzas. Burgers are alright with huge pile of onion straws on them. Had their spicy meatball, Q special, fire & smoke, and prosciutto & black mission fig. The fig pizza was definitely different and very delicious. I would say Q special was the most lackluster one of the four I've had. Fire & smoke and spicy meatball were apparently very popular, as said by my waiter, and I can see why- very good! Decor is nice with a very relaxed atmosphere. They even have outdoor seating!
(3)
Donna Y.
Matchbox has made it to Maryland! Finally a great restaurant to take over a spot that has had a stream of restaurants that never succeeded. Believe me, I have dined at each one...from Shelly's Wood Roast, That's Amore to the PGA Tour restaurant. Dined with Duy N and the food was pretty good. Got there around 9:30pm on a Saturday and the wait time was an hour (definitely make a reservation). We stopped by the bar and were able to grab table within fifteen minutes. Mini Burgers: According to Duy N. they were quite good. Meat was cooked to the right temp. and the pickle on the bottom added a nice crunch. The onions or fries on top weren't as good as expected. They were room temp. when they got to the table. Cream of Crab Soup: Very smooth and creamy with excellent flavor. Fire and Smoke Pizza: Duy N. got the fire and smoke pizza which he enjoyed. Not as spicy as he thought, but he can handle really spicy. Veggie Pizza: Nice flavor and the crust was thin and crispy, which I love. All it needed was some tomato sauce. This is a white pizza and I'm not a fan of white pizza. There are three essential ingredients to a pizza: dough, tomato sauce and cheese. Coffee and Donuts: Awful! We decided to order the coffee and donuts based on the great reviews from fellow Yelpers, but they were terrible. I don't know what donuts they were eating, but I had donuts that were dense and chewy, not appetizing at all. It tasted like they threw balls of pizza dough into the fryer and tossed it in cinnamon-sugar. Our server Susan P. was fantastic. She was super friendly and very knowledgeable about the menu. We will definitely return for the food, but not the dessert.
(4)
D M.
I'd prefer to call this place Gougebox. A few friends and I walked in after we found Pizza CS was closed across the street. While waiting for a table, we decided to grab a round of beers. The server recommended a new spring beer from New Belgium. It was a pleasant enough beer, but then the bill came: a whopping $34 for four beers. Without gratuity. No wonder she was so eager to suggest the beer at an $8.50 price tag. They were selling Chimay's tripel for $9 which at least has a higher ABV to justify the price. I found it audacious and insulting. I think Matchbox should realize that it's in Rockville and not Times Square. We sat down and grabbed a few sliders as an appetizer. We nervously laughed at the sticker shock on the menu items. The bill for six tiny hamburgers came to about $20. We paid, gathered our things, and walked over to Armand's across the street. We enjoyed a huge deep dish pizza for $10 and pitchers of beer that cost as much as one New Belgium beer at Matchbox. I'm sure there are people who don't mind Matchbox's higher prices but for all the flair and flash, there's little substance for someone like me. At the risk of insulting anyone who enjoys this place, I feel like it's a ripoff.
(2)
Anthony M.
Earlier I wrote a review telling you to not avoid a blonde server named Chris. This was petty of me bc I was mad at him for something that nothing to do with his job. In fact he is a really good server and you would be lucky to sit in his section. Also, match ox food is great, ( I love the scallops) So try them out, sit in Chris' section.... You'll have a great time! Sorry I was a douche
(5)
Teresa L.
I am always on the lookout for good pizza (which is sadly lacking in this area) so I was pretty happy when Matchbox opened within walking distance of my house. The first time I went was with people from work and we all tried several appetizers, some salads, and pizza. I will say straight away that the onion straws are heavenly and not to be missed. They come with the sliders but you can order them separately as well. Also among my favorites are the crab avocado salad appetizer (which is big enough for a meal and for which they will gladly bring you moar crostini), the tuna tartare, and the calamari salad (also big enough for a meal). My boss' kids go nuts for the sliders Unfortunately the pizza here is just...meh. It is good but it is not great. The crust would be flavorful if it were not so burnt. Saying "wood fired pizza can get a little charred" does not really come to close to describing the extent to which the crust is actually black sometimes. The smoke and fire pizza is delicious but has way too much sauce. Whether you find it to be "very spicy" as the menu claims is a matter of personal fortitude but I think it could use a little more oomph. It is a great mix of flavors though. The veggie pizza is also good and comes with little potato chips on the top, which might sound weird but it works very well. I haven't tried any of the meat pizzas (vegetarian) but I'm told the chicken pesto pizza is good. I'm usually stuffed like a whale when I leave here so I've never tried the desserts. The bar menu is good but a little pricey. Be prepared to spend a fair amount of money here if you want an appetizer, a pizza, dessert, and a couple of beers. I can easily spend $50 here by myself. Which is another thing. I usually dine alone and without fail, the three times I've come to Matchbox the host has tried mightily to direct me to a bar seat. Now..I am sensitive to the concerns of busy restaurants, which is why I tend to go when they are not busy. So each time this has happened the restaurant has been mostly empty. The bar is often loud and usually quite crowded and it's not where I want to eat my meal. While they didn't seem to begrudge me the corner table they eventually led me to, it seemed a bit odd. Perhaps it is a restaurant policy.. Anyways, this is a good reliable place to take friends and/or family, especially if there are lots of different tastes. Their menu has many options other than pizza and quite a few of their daily specials have sounded tempting. When the weather is nice they have a nice patio and a deck for dining al fresco and all the staff have been friendly and helpful. I will certainly eat here again. However, my hunt for good local pizza goes on...
(3)
Susan L.
Went for the first time last month and shared 3 pizzas with 3 other ladies (4 diners total). The pizzas were delicious and were so large that we had lots of left overs. I loved how each pizza has a distinct and unique flavor. Would definitely go again!
(4)
Miki L.
A very large restaurants, with a menu big enough for everyone to find something. I enjoyed the appetizer sampler, with two juicy, fat seared scallops, two mini crab cakes and two mini sliders, minus the bun. Yum, yum. On another visit I totally enjoyed the roasted half chicken. Wow. Can't decide if the smashed potatoes or the chicken were better. Would have liked the grilled corn, but it was on the cob, and I didn't feel like picking it up and gnawing on it. The bar staff is very friendly. I found a nice selection of wine -- by the glass and bottle -- and while they have a handful of average bottled beer, they have a dozen interesting beers on tap. Desserts sound fab, but sadly, not room. And I was told by another diner that the pizzas are amazing.
(4)
Ken E.
Ok, decent food. GREAT beer selection.
(3)
dre t.
Food was ok but service at the rockville location has been terrible the 2 times I've been there. Some of the staff are slow and not professional, menu should offer more which would be nice.
(2)
Melanie Y.
I came here for dinner with a group of friends who raved about the new place with the first one located in chinatown DC. The way the building is set up and the lit sign immediately draws you in making you feel warm and cozy. First off, I do try to be like Rachel Ray and ask the waiter what his fave dish was, but now I think I'll stop doing that next time. Everyone's tastebuds are different, so what could be his fave dish may not be mine at all and this was the case here. I'm not sure why I'd expect anything different. Whoever thought up that concept should be scolded nicely and recommend others not to do it. =P Well, the pizza suggested by the waiter was the chicken pesto, which was just ok, but then again, if I can't remember what I ordered, could that be any good? hmmm. I shared the pizza with my friend, but we both, however, veered towards our couple friend's pizza, which was pretty darn good. I forgot to ask him what he ordered though. Oh and apparently the mini burgers are a must and depending on how many burgers you get, you'll have a mound, and I mean MOUND of onion straws piled on top. That was pretty good, but a bit dry IMO and only bc I believe I ordered mine well-done. I'd come here again if I'm in the area.
(4)
Namataka H.
Decor: I love the decor. It was unique and in the area we sat it was perfect for a couples' outing. The different sections of the establishment brings all kinds of people together from family, friends and couples. Service: We made reservations, so the host seated us quickly. The waiter didn't know the menu fully in and out. If she didn't know she found out for us quickly so I give her pass on that. She checked on us frequently enough to make sure we didn't go without. She got a tip lol Food: AMAZING! The pizza has a distinct taste due to how they are cooked in the wood fire oven. The mini burgers are outstanding! Due to it being a recent location there wasn't a brunch menu but I can't wait to try brunch.
(3)
Debbie H.
It was our first visit to Matchbox 369. We had no idea what to order so we have left our waiter in charge. Let's just say - Mini Angus Beef Burgers with Fried Onion + Apple & Pear Salad + Vegetarian / Q Special (grilled marinated chicken) Woodfire Pizza = Perfect Lunch Munchie!!! All the dishes we ordered were delicious and well priced: The Angus Beef patties were beautifully grilled and extremely juicy. Freshly prepared Apple & Pear Salad with hint of sweetness and sourness really opened up our appetite. The woodfire pizzas were perfect mixture of texture and flavor - definitely not too greasy and not heavy on the stomach. The service was great and very accommodating. And the decor was hip! Definitely a place to hang out and chill after a long day work :)
(4)
Marivic L.
Matchbox has a good, fun vibe, so it's a great place to meet some friends for dinner, which is exactly what I did tonight. We shared a the trio appetizer which included: 2 MINI BURGERS - FYI, these are sans bun. I'm OK with that, but you might not be. They were cooked medium rare, which is how I like them, and they had a good grilled flavor to them. They were topped with battered and fried onions which was a good added flavor and texture. 2 MINI CRAB CAKES - This wasn't jumbo lump crab, of course, but it had good flavor and was slightly crisp on the outside. 2 SCALLOPS - I didn't eat these because I knew I was getting scallops for my entree (Please see SCALLOP ENTREE for the review - haha) Next, we each had a PEAR & APPLE SALAD - Mixed greens, pears, apples and candied nuts. Yes, please. For my entree, I had the SCALLOPS w/mashed sweet taters and pork belly. This is how I felt about the components: SCALLOPS - 4 huge, perfectly cooked morsels. SWEET MASHED POTATOES - Very good, but I'd have preferred it without the sauce, which was very sweet. The pork belly was placed on top of the sauce. PORK BELLY - I honestly don't think the pork was pork belly. It was pork, yes, but not the belly. This was disappointing because it was not as advertised and was tougher than I'd hoped. Also, since it was placed in the aforementioned sweet sauce, it was no bueno. After all was said and done, the "PORK BELLY" and the sauce was left on my plate. I tried really hard to eat every single bit of the mashed sweet potatoes that I could salvage. All in all, I give matchbox 3 stars because it's worth coming back to try more things. I won't let their version of pork belly keep me away.
(3)
Sokha A.
I love Matchbox! The ribs were great, the sea scallops were good but sparse, the Q Special pizza was tasty, the mini trio was a nice sampling, loved the bread pudding; I enjoyed everything I ate there. My kids love the bread dough they got to play with, instead of the typical crayons and paper they get everywhere else, nice touch. A+ on the decor and layout, love that there's large semi-private rooms sectioned off, instead of just one huge room, gives it a cozier feel. If you sit anywhere in the middle, it can be a bit noisy, though.
(5)
E. F.
Have eaten here several times and have always enjoyed it. Can be busy on weekends, but on a Monday night it's just the right amount of busy. :-) My favorites: Mini Trio appetizer. 2 bunless mini burgers (w/amazing marinated mushrooms), 2 tiny crab cakes, and 2 scallops. This works great to split with my pesceterian boyfriend. I eat both the mini burgers and one of the seafood items, and he eats the rest. PROSCIUTTO & FIG PIZZA. Holy crap. You will see it on the menu and be all, "what? figs and honey on a pizza? that sounds weird." IT IS WEIRD. It's the best weird you can put in your mouth. You should do it. The pizza hits all the right notes with the smokey/salty prosciutto, creamy cheese, sweet figs, spicy arugula, and just a drizzle of black pepper honey. It is so, so good. You can go to a pizza place like this and get your ol' standby of pepperoni, or you could give your mouth something insanely awesome to chew. Up to you. The dining area is always immaculately clean, servers are prompt (and help each other out). It's on the pricier side, but two people can split 1 app, 1 small pizza, and 1 dessert and be totally full. (We got a large pizza and took half home for tomorrow.)
(4)
A J.
Everything we've had has been great! The sliders are awesome and fun to share!
(5)
Christopher M.
Smoke & Fire pizza
(4)
CINDY E.
Expensive and well worth it. The ambience is spectacular, the food phenomenal, I love the Italian ham with arugula pizza. Do not miss the pear salad which is the best anywhere. Chimay beer is from Belgium and it tastes like, beer meets champagne! Sit outside at the fire pit.
(5)
Gues T.
Bad salad. Wilted greens. Incomplete order. The car alarms and Rockville Pike traffic will round-out the experience. There are better places in Rockville for great pizza and cold beer.
(2)
Nicole R.
What a gem in Rockville; the area NEEDS a place like Matchbox. This restaurant will be hopping in the spring/summer. I agree with my fellow yelpers; this will be THE place to go for happy hours. I cannot rate their food because I only had drinks here; the mango-mango cocktail was fantastic. The food prices look moderate and I'm sure their pizza is delish. I will definitely be back here and will update my review once I actually try their fare. Great layout; very roomy...two bars, nice bathrooms. This place is cozy and well designed. Parking is ample and the place is easy to get to from the Pike or 270.
(4)
Rosely S.
I've been to match box on 355 a few times now and gotta tell you, the hosts are NOT very friendly. They definitely are not up to help you. I have set at the bar, at the table bar, and at dining area. Dining area was ok as far as service. But other than that, the rest of the the staff that I was approached by are not friendly at all. Had a prosciutto and arugula pizza the 3rd time I went.. And I recreated it! Please go to Oro restaurant in Rockville town square if you want to experience a tasty pizza. Overall the staff at match box should get some training on how to treat he costumers.
(2)
Sonny M.
I went here for dinner at a Sunday night. There was no wait. As for the food, I thought it was good, but the food is really anything unique or adventurous. My girlfriend and I ate the miniburgers and prosciutto and figs pizza. The miniburgers were tasty but a little dry and smaller than most miniburgers that I am accustomed to. Remember to ask for ketchup and mayonnaise for the burgers. Our waiter remember to ask if we wanted it. As for the pizza, the pizza is cooked in a coal fire pit. Our pizza was a white pizza with prosciutto and figs. Figs was something different for a pizza topping. Figs worked really well on top of a pizza. The service was really good. He was quick to serve our needs. When we asked for the aforementioned ketchup and mayonnaise, he quickly went back to the kitchen to immediately give it to us. I would go back again to Matchbox with a group of friends or dinner date. However, I thought the prices were a little high given what it is. I think you pay for the ambiance.
(3)
Vital C.
Great service. We've been here twice. Whenever a waiter was busy, someone else would come check on us for drink orders, etc. Very impressed with how friendly the staff is. Food is quite good.
(4)
Adam L.
Expect a 30+ minute wait w/ no place to sit. Not family friendly. Like previous restaurants in this location, there is limited parking close the building. I really wanted to give Matchbox a great review, but the first few weeks at this location have not been kind. As a new father, "family friendly" is high on our priorities when choosing a restaurant. One our first visit we waited 30+ minutes for a table and when we were finally seated they brought us a high chair that had poop on it. The wait staff was confused, slow and absent minded -- but I gave them a pass since it was their first week on the job. On our second visit we had another 30+ minute wait. However this time, we found that what little wait room seating they had (to the right of the bar) had been replaced by a large dining table. I'll admit, this annoyed the hell of out me and my wife. They seemed to have spent so much time designing a beautiful space, yet they completely ignored customers waiting in the lobby. :-( So.... 30 minute wait in a lobby so crowded that it's standing room only... PASS. Hopefully when the 'new restaurant' excitement dies down this place will be a viable choice. ** If you are looking to a nice place to take a date, there a much nicer places on the pike. Betuccis's at White Flint offers similar pizzas without a wait. ** I promise to update this review after Matchbox has been open for a month (and hopefully the crowd dies down).
(2)
Keny Ñ.
Guaranteed 2have a knowledge of beers/food if u talk to ron or reese. Pep/meatball roll choice pick!
(4)
Rebecca P.
i came in with 3 hungry guys and myself. mediocre pizza... the mozarella appetizer thing was yummy...but an awkward appetizer to share...id rather eat it all myself i cannot comprehend how a place known for its sliders....is not known for its regular sized burger...its the same meat...same toppings and fixings...how is something 3 times as small more famous than the original? like i thought the 3 giant onion ring mountain looked more impressive on the regular burger than the curly mess of fried onions stacked on the sliders. how is the mini version better than the original?! food took foreverrrr to come. but drinks kept being refilled. 2 pizzas, 6 sliders, a burger, and the cheese appetizer came out to be $95 including 20% tip. never again
(2)
r y.
We went here for brunch. I liked the atmostphere and the food. But what I loved most that it was kid friendly and gave the kids pizza dough to play with while we waited for the food. My children are very young and have about 10 minutes max of sit and be nice time. The cinnamon rolls were the best. Very light.
(4)
Justin S.
Great place for a good meal. Food was good and speciality pizzas were great. Brought 2 kinds under 3 and had no problems and the staff was very helpful.
(4)
Michelle S.
Finally, all 3 Matchbox in the area. The service was excellent, the food was great, the space was huge!! It's waayyy out of my way, but I'd definitely go to this location again
(4)
Barry C.
Great pizza, great restaurant. I'll be back! Waitress was great and oh so nice. Had a date and plan on going again. Love the facility in rockville.
(5)
Valarie G.
Came here with friends for the first time the other night. The food is good, though a special request was not honored (friend asked for no pickles and got pickles anyway)...the drinks were good but the bartender was unable to make any unusual drinks (I'm a huge sazerac and blue whale fan) but they have the standards. The decorating was awesome and I can't wait to try out the rooftop area when it opens up for the season. No long waits though and the drinks were kept full. Nice ambiance to the place and not as crowded as some of the other matchbox locations.
(4)
Jay B.
I had heard a lot of good buzz about Matchbox but was not overly impressed today for lunch. When we arrived, there was a 25-minute wait. While we checked for seating at the bar, the servers there said they had lots of tables available (which was clear) but the hostess said the kitchen was not able to keep up so they could not fill those seats. We had salads and split a pizza. The pizza was very good but the salads were quite salty.
(3)
Dee B.
The crab and avocado salad appetizer ($14) is amazing! Calling it a salad doesn't really do it justice though... Essentially it a constructed tower that consists of fresh avocado on the bottom, and that is topped with an enormous mound of crab, which contains some roasted corn and red peppers mixed it. Comes with a side of salty, garlicky crostini.
(4)
Tiffany W.
Bottom line: I want to like this place, but I don't... and after trying it several times, I won't be back. The details: The food is okay- typical thin-crust, wood-fired pizza. Although I don't find the food to be anything particularly special, I generally like it (some things have been good- some things have been not as good) and would probably come back from time to time if it weren't for the bad service. We had dinner at Matchbox last night (a Sunday) and from the time we stepped foot in the door, everything about the service left something to be desired. The hostesses were inattentive and uncommunicative, our waitress was slow (we timed it and it took over 10 minutes from the time we were seated until the time the waitress came over to take our drink orders), and our waitress's attitude was bordering on rude. It was not at all busy in the restaurant (the waitress acknowledged that herself), so I can't even find an excuse for the across-the-board bad service. Maybe everyone was having a bad day (it could happen), but after multiple less than satisfying experiences here, I won't be back to see.
(2)
Sharon D.
Everyone is pleasant, but food is OK at best. Don't understand why this place is always packed when there are so many other cute neighbor like restaurants that are better.
(2)
Elitza K.
Great food and the server was very nice. However, the hostesses were phlegmatic and completely inattentive.
(4)
Steve W.
Had lunch there Sunday. We started with the pear salad. It was tasty and fresh. We ordered a pepperoni pizza. Some of the tables were receiving their pizza as we waited and they looked a bit burned. The menu does state that the pizza may be charred due to their wood oven's high temperatures. They just looked a little too well done. Thankfully ours came out better. The pizza was good. Typical thin crust. The pepperoni was tasty and cut thin, which is the way I like it. I would ask for extra sauce on the pizza the next time I visit. Others around us ordered the mini sliders. They looked really good. They also have a huge outdoor upstairs and downstairs patio along with an indoor bar. They probably get busy for happy hours during the Summer. All in all, a decent experience.
(3)
Allie A.
This place is enormous. I went here with some co-workers. We all sat outside and got the mini-burger sliders, which was perfect to share and absolutely delicious, a must have. Their pizza is also phenomenal- I got pepperoni and was very impressed. The service was fine.
(4)
Susan G.
Very friendly bartender. Great restaurant setup. Food is pretty good. I've had pizzas and salads and all of it is good. Great ambiance and especially fun to sit outside by the fire.
(5)
Eva W.
Last summer I had a VSG, which means I can't eat much at one sitting, can't drink alcohol, can't drink any liquids with food. So consider this review background to other, more complete reviews, since what I can eat is limited. I usually order from the appetizer menu, and I was happy with the selection here. I had a trio of two perfectly seared scallops in a butter sauce, two mini-crab cakes with a sauce on top, and two bunless sliders. The fried onions on top of the sliders were great but my medium rare request came out medium well, and it took two tries to get steak sauce for the sliders--I can hear the purists screaming but I can't eat meat without some kind of sauce to compensate for not being able to drink with meals. Also, I walk with a cane, and was seated some distance away from the front door, and up several stairs. It would have been nice for them to notice that I use a cane and walk with a limp, and ask me if I was OK with walking up stairs. Hence, the 4 star rating instead of all 5 stars. It looked nice, and everything was delicious, and except for those two hiccups, the service was good. It's a nice place for pizza night.
(4)
Juliet K.
i've been to the location in chinatown, and really liked it so it was nice to try another location. this one is HUGE in comparison to DC. the decor is very rustic with all the reclaimed wood, but i really liked it. drink menu seems legit. i dont normally order drinks, but there were lots that i would have wanted to try. i ordered some fruity martini .. i forget the name of it, but it was good. a bit sweet, but definitely strong. I could feel it after just ONE drink, not normal for me. ordered: tuna tartare app which was fantastic. the tuna was so flavorful and the homemade chips on the side were very crunchy. matchbox meat pizza was good. i love their dough and crust. cheese is the perfect amount and the sauce is flavorful. also order the coppa italian ham and argula. the argula on top was a really nice fresh touch to the pizza. delish. trio dessert - if i could go back, i would just get the molten chocolate cake. that was the best of the three, then probably the doughnuts, and last the sorbet. the sorbet wasnt anything special. but the molten cake was DIVINE and the doughnuts were warm and soft... yum. solid food and drinks. definitely worth at least a visit.... and some place to go if you are craving non-delivery pizza.
(4)
Ch B.
Pizza is pretty good. Very thin, sometimes too crispy. Sliders are excellent. Brunch is great. Fantastic cinnamon rolls.
(4)
Kim D.
I ate at Matchbox for the first time today, when we had a luncheon for a colleague. There were about 18 of us. We waited a long time for our food to arrive. Two people in our party ordered the grilled prawn and beet salad, and it arrived without beets. They had to ask for them. I ordered the Cobb salad and was very disappointed. The salad *looked* good but taste was another story. I'm not a fussy eater and have never sent a dish back, but came pretty close today. The whole salad was very salty (before I even tasted the prosciutto) and the shredded chicken was tough, almost inedible. I have serious doubts about a restaurant that failed twice on making a salad. Two other reviewers really liked the Cobb salad so maybe I was just there on an "off" day..... but do you really want to go to a restaurant where you have to wonder if it's going to be a good day or a bad day?
(2)
Emily W.
Come here for the epic meal-salads and some great drinks. The only reason it's a 4 star is because the food is a little spotty and lacks that little something to make it sophisticated. Some examples: 1. The crab and avocado salad has plenty of the star ingredients, but no acid or spice to liven it up. It would be so easy to add some lemon or smoked paprika. 2. The "fire and smoke" (smoke and fire?) pizza is gorgeous and truly spicy. I love, love, love spicy food! But it was all spice and cream and no flavor. It needs something green for contrast, like basil or maybe a hefty dose of flat-leaf parsley. BUT it's still pretty good. The folks working the back bar are always friendly and solicitous, which is nearly as important as how the food tastes. They have a good sense of whether you want to be left alone or not, and will bring you little sips of wine to taste and talk about the menu in detail if you want them to. I'll definitely be coming back here, and I'll probably have a glass or three of white wine and a salad, unless I read that they've added some acid to that crab thing. I might be tempted to re-try it, if so. It's a little expensive for what it is. They're charging Dupont Circle prices in a Rockville shopping center.
(4)
L L.
One of my favorite spots for a casual dinner. We usually stick with the same things because they are just so good.... Mini burgers for the appetizer, pizza for dinner. Cocktails are reasonably priced and tasty, too. Only con is it's always so busy but we try to make reservations so it's not a concern.
(5)
Yelppy Y.
Overpriced for dishes that have nothing special. The most insipid pizza i've ever tried. I saw my friend's chicken-something dish and there was nothing amusing for a $20+ meal. No wow factor. Lame. ...just another fancy-looking chain for suburbia.
(2)
Norman H.
I've been here a few times, and enjoy it every time. It's not great if you're on a budget (mini trio appetizer being $15), but it is good every so often. The wood-fired oven is pretty cool, and adds a great flavor to the pizza. Our group had 6 mini burgers, 1 veggie pizza, 1/2 chicken pesto, 1/2 coppa italian ham & arugula, 1/2 matchbox meat, and 1/2 something else. Also someone had the grilled romaine and hanger steak salad; but she gets no say in my review. A few notes: -Onion fries that come with the 3/6/9 burgers are very addictive. Be careful. -The veggie pizza has poblano peppers (tad spicy), and potato chips on it! Both are good ideas!! What sucks are the mushrooms. As our awesome waitress suggested: do a veggie pizza, with no mushrooms, replace it with Italian sausage. This sounds OMG amazing. I will have to get this next time. -The coppa & arugula was very good too, with a healthy amount of spinach on the top of the pizza. -Chicken pesto is a regular that we get because it's just good. Sometimes the chicken can be a bit dry, but I don't complain. For dessert, we had donuts & coffee, and chocolate chip bread pudding. The donuts are like mega munchkins, and bread pudding + rum caramel is really good. The former may not be true so don't take my word on that, as I had a few beers and it probably impaired my perspective on them. But both desserts were very satisfying in the way they're supposed to be. Service is always great there and the waiters and waitresses are very attentive. We did not have to ask to get our water/soda refilled.
(4)
Cj H.
With two new, good pizza places open in the area, Matchbox may face some competition, but I think they can survive. I've always liked their pizza and the way their pizzas come out. They can get a little greasy, but are always tasty. Their best quality would have to be the pepperoni's, which are unique and make their pizza special. That alone might keep my business.
(4)
Paul M.
Since Againn Rockville shuttered I have been looking for a place to grab a quick bite on my occasional forays along MD's Champs Elysee. This place does the trick nicely. Goregous pizza, fabulous beer list - massive and lovely space inside. Does get busy though.
(4)
Xiao C.
Nice place! Won't be disappointing if u are looking for a pizza place.
(4)
MacKenzie W.
Came on a Saturday evening for dinner for the first time and really enjoyed it!! Got the mini burger appetizer and thought it was pretty good....but I never like mini burgers as much as big ones, always seem to be a little dry. Split the strawberry salad--it was AWESOME! A good balance of sweet and sour and savory, yum! For my dinner I got the fig & prosciutto pizza as per some reviews here and I definitely recommend it if you, like me, enjoy sweet/salty combos! My mom got the fire & smoke which wasn't as spicy as the menu warned us, but it was delicious. Split the mo's magic brownies for dessert (thank goodness the waiter told us it was huge because I could've never eaten that myself!!) and they were PRETTY good...I've had better brownies. Overall the atmosphere was good...tons of families and very loud in there...seems like the patio may have been better if you wanted a more intimate atmosphere. Service was good, if not a little slow. Waiter was very friendly and helpful with the menu. I would definitely come back!
(4)
Douglas R.
Outstanding! My wife and I went to Matchbox for New Years Eve dinner and it was a great experience. Our server Ellen G was very attentive and had some great recommendations for dinner, particularly the steak with grilled shrimp and asparagus. I love the pizza with pepperoni, bacon, and spicy Italian sausage - which my wife ordered. But, the steak was a pleasant surprise. Highly recommend pairing the steak with a glass of Evolution 7 Porter. Delicious! Finally, Ellen G recommended the powdered donuts with Kalua dipping sauce, which was tasty. The port choices there are solid too.
(5)
Christine T.
Make sure you have a reservation or expect to age while waiting. The sliders are worth noting- order them by the 3's, 6's, or 9's and they will PILE the onion crisps. I could barely taste the anorexicly thin slice of gouda we paid extra for. As far as the pizza is concerned- there's better out there. The proscuitto style is salty and bland while the Q special has chicken slices awkwardly too big. Conveniently they will let you do halfsies. Came here to see what all the hype was about and will continue the search for better pizza in this area.
(3)
Tochi K.
I am not sure what all the hype is about. The best thing about it is the decor and large open spaces. I've tried to eat at Matchbox 3 times. The first 2 times my husband and I were told the wait would be 1 to 1 1/2 hours so we left. Most recently, we went on a Friday around 5:15 thinking we could take advantage of happy hour and a potentially short wait. We'd planned to eat and drink with 2 other couples. I got there first (1/2 hour early) and was told they wouldn't sit me or put us on a waiting list until everyone had arrived. They also wouldn't let me make a reservation for a later time: they said they only accept a limited number of reservations each night and had met their quota for the evening. This was surprisingly as the place was very empty--only 1/4 of the tables, at most, had diners! The staff was very blase about it all. In the 30 minutes I waited less than a handful of people showed up--they too were made to wait on their waiting benches for a few minutes before being seated. Again, the place was pretty empty! As I waited I reviewed their menu. The menu seemed ordinary and the prices were slightly higher. I asked if they had any happy hour specials and was told no. Our party left the still largely empty place at around 6 pm--we decided to eat elsewhere. The food couldn't be that spectacular and it just wasn't worth it. There are plenty of places around with good food, shorter waits, happy hour deals, better prices, better staff, equally good decor/ambiance, and much less pretentiousness!
(1)
Mike S.
This is officially my new favorite Matchbox location, mainly due to the space. Since it's on Rockville Pike (i.e. Not constricted by row houses), it is pretty large. There is an awesome patio with a bar and two fire pits. Perfect for late summer, early fall weather. Now for the food. Bacon wrapped shrimp with cheese grits (topped with tomato and chopped chorizo). Droool. Seriously get these. I could easily eat these as my meal. I'm getting hungry just thinking about them. The pizza is pretty good too. My dad and I split a pizza that was half sausage and onion, and half sweet soppressata and wild mushroom (Yes apparently they will let you do that). I think I liked the sausage better out of the two. My dad claimed there was a little too much meat on the soppressata half but I guess that's just a matter of preference. Anyway, bacon wrapped shrimp, pizza, mini-burgers. Mmmm. Excuse me for a moment. I have some eating to do.
(4)
Key J.
Unlike the Chinatown location, the Rockville Matchbox is HUGE. No line, no wait, no starvation. I got the crab cake sandwich. The boyfriend got the Matchbox chicken sandwich. We shared and we both left full and happy.
(4)
Aisha S.
I've been to the Chinatown location a few times before and the Rockville location is pretty much exactly the same except it seems to be bigger. The food is just as good and the setup is very similar. I'm glad that the Rockville/Gaithersburg area is finally getting some popular places like this mixed in with the strip mall restaurants for a change. (Not that there's anything wrong with those.)
(4)
Mark R.
Love this place. I'm a huge fan of the DC location. This is much larger. Has an outside deck with a bar. Same cool service. PS: Breakfast pizza = #winning
(5)
Jorge N.
I've only been here once (on a Thursday night) and it was to go to the bar to have a couple beers and a couple appetizers. My first impression of this place was a good one. It was a breath of fresh air. Usually, to hang out at a place like this, I had to go all the way to DC because Montgomery County didn't offer anything like it. Matchbox is modern, sophisticated, trendy and it seems to attract the right clientelle. It also has nice house music playing in the background, which is my favorite for a restaurant like this. As for drinks, I saw a great selection of craft beers on tap, which is always a plus in my book. I also saw a number of girly drinks in the menu, which I'm sure a lot of people appreciate. The little food that I had was not bad either. I shared a couple appetizers with my friends (some little burgers and something else that I can't remember) and everything was good. On my way in and out, I saw a nice patio. This gives me a reason to come back during the summer. I'm also planning to come back for dinner sometime to see if the food is as good as the atmosphere. I deducted a star because the bartender told me they don't have any happy hour specials. That's just wrong.
(4)
Jeni F.
If I could give this 3.5 stars, I would. The food is pretty consistently good. Never had a problem with their drinks EXCEPT for their bloody mary's which they claim are one of their specialties. I've had all of them and never been fan of any version. My office has had several happy hours in the back bar which is a good place to mingle. I LOVE their crab and avocado salad and pretty much all of their pizzas. The crispy seared salmon and crab crusted rockfish are my favorites off their entrees menu.
(3)
Angela C.
I went to matchbox for brunch and it was an overall pleasant experience. It was 70 degrees that day so we decided to eat on the patio. The inside was really nice but the patio was exceptionally beautiful. Our waiter was the bartender as well which is usually not a problem with me. He was very friendly but a tad awkward and we did have to wait a while for our check. I got the Bloody Mary burger which did not disappoint. My friend ordered a sandwich with fries. Instead, stale potato chips arrived. Not sure if that's their version of fries, if so, we should have been warned and they should have been well executed. Anyways that didn't take away from the overall meal. What did knock off a star was the host staff. They were not very pleasant and being that they are the first people you see,they should be very friendly. This was not the case. One host was also screaming at another one, right in front of us and then rolled her eyes as we walked past.
(4)
Ting W.
To be straightforward, I don't know what all the hype is about with this place. I've been here on several occasions but each time has not improved my opinion of the place. I've tried their 3,6, & 9 burger. It was like any other standard burger I could get at a fast food joint but smaller and more expensive. Their pizzas are ok but do NOT order the pepperoni pizza. Without fail, someone in my group of friends always orders it and I find that their pepperoni pizza is always burnt. Q special pizza is unique and always turns out right though. For the price, I feel like you could go to other places for better pizza and with a much quieter setting.
(2)
Kelly K.
I went to this location for the first time on Tuesday evening (I've been to the one in Chinatown a number of times). Although the noise level was a little higher than what I'd like at a restaurant, the service and the quality of food made up for it. When we were seated at the table, our server was approaching one of her other tables, but she acknowledged that we were there and said she'd be with us in a minute. She was quick in getting us our drinks and taking our order, and throughout the meal she was attentive and made sure we had whatever we needed. I ordered the small Fire & Smoke pizza and was definitely not disappointed. It has just the right amount of spice to it - the menu says "very spicy" next to it, but if you're used to spicy food its not that spicy. We had a good experience and would come back on occasion.
(4)
Rob G.
Sat down ton Mom's Day w/ the fam.. the atmosphere was cool, with plenty of options to suit your mood. Food was good also - had the ribeye, and also tasted the NY Strip. Could definitely be a hang-out spot for good food and cocktails.
(4)
Barbara W.
I came to Matchbox for an early dinner on a Friday, so it was not too crowded yet. The service was super friendly, and the servers were probably the nicest I've had in a while. They are the reason this place is getting 3 stars instead of lower. The servers really pushed the 3-6-9 mini-burgers on brioche bread as an appetizer with onion straws. I saw them highly reviewed on Yelp as well so decided to order them. However, I felt that they were very dry, and didn't seem unique in terms of flavors. The onion straws were tasty though! We ordered the meatball pizza, and a salad to balance out the meal. The pizza was quite delicious, and the meatballs had good seasoning and held together well. The crust on the pizza was very thin and lived up to its standards. The salad was good, but nothing too special to comment on. I would actually avoid the mini-burgers, but would definitely recommend the pizza. An A-OK place, but not someplace I would return for the sliders.
(3)
Amanda W.
This Matchbox location is perfect for those of us in the 'burbs who don't want the long wait at the Chinatown location. I love the draft beer selection (has some beers from my home, Upstate NY - very cool!) and the pizzas are the way to go. I've had the sliders that everyone raves about, and while they are good - I found them a little salty. Could have just been the shift that night. The Rockville location is big with awesome outdoor seating. The bar is a great hangout for happy hour with friendly bartenders. I have no reason not to go back!
(4)
Aaron W.
Overpriced. Pizza crust cut with laser beams (not really - that would be cooler). Naked salad. Oversalty entrees. Out $70 for garbage. Ridiculously busy all the time, and I have no idea why. I hated this place, but it doesn't get one star because it wasn't poison, just not very good. I'd never go back.
(2)
Kelly M.
I very rarely give 5 stars, but this place delivered fabulous food and excellent service for my lunch today and that is hard to come by these days. I've been to the Matchbox in DC a few times, but this is the first time I've been to the Rockville location. It is MUCH bigger than the DC location and there was hardly a wait time. Food was excellent. We had the obligatory sliders with that amazing pile of onion fried goodness. We had the pizza, which is also a must if you go to Matchbox. I added the pear/apple salad which was really tasty as well. Not only was the food fabulous, but our server was friendly, attentive and fast, which is always appreciated. Although we didn't take advantage of it today, they do offer brunch now on Saturday and Sunday until 3pm. Will have to try it next time. I would definitely recommend this place to others if you're in the area. I can't wait to stop by here when it gets a bit warmer out to enjoy their awesome fire pit bar!
(5)
Aya D.
Great atmosphere, friendly wait staff, and the food was great! I went there on a date and the servers didn't bother us too much -which was really nice and refreshing.
(4)
Audrey W.
We ordered three pizzas, mini burgers, onion ring, and crab cake. the onion ring is the best part, not a big fan of its pizza. The food here are generally fairly priced though nothing special, but it's a good place to meet up with friends.
(3)
Ilona K.
The food was ok. Nothing to complain about, but then again, nothing to write home about either.
(3)
Anne B.
Meh. Not that impressed. Very overpriced. No happy hour???? As-IF! It's a showy place- good option if you are trying to take someone out in Rockville. However, it's pricy menu and outrageous beer prices keep me from being a regular there. I'd much rather spend the $30-40 on a pedicure. Best bet- Sliders. They come with a huge amount of onion straws that are delicious. They are cooked to perfection and are quite filling. Best beer- Ayinger. This beer is sent from the Lord above. It is so light and refreshing and is dangerously easy to throw back. The $10 price tag makes it even more dangerous. Tip- If you want to buy this beer and drink it at home for MUCH cheaper, go to Wine Harvest in Rockville and buy big bottles for only $4.50 each.
(3)
Quince B.
I've been to the Matchbox in SE DC, I like this one a lot better. It's twice the size as the one SE and that's a good thing, because I always feel cramped at the other one. Very crowded on the weekend, make a reservation, or expect a 30 minute wait.
(4)
J D.
I know I give out a lot of 4-star reviews, but I generally only feel moved to write reviews on places my wife and I really like; I should probably get out of that habit because it would be a shame for people to waste time and money at restaurants not worth the trouble- but this is not one of those places. I first went to Matchbox about a month after it first opened; being from NY I'm generally skeptical about any place that calls itself a pizzeria (which this place does not, but it advertises its pizza so there you have it) so with my co-worker, I and my jaded views went to eat lunch. In fact, I didn't even order pizza- but my co-worker did and I was surprised at how flavorful it was, but I'm getting ahead of myself. This place, being brand new, is clean, with nice lines, attractive decor and seating both indoor and outdoor- the indoor is made up of three seating sections; the main dining room, the upstairs dining room and the bar area. I've been to this place at least a half dozen times since then and I've always received good service and have had zero complaints about the food. To be fair, I've only ever ordered three items from the menu- either the pizza, which comes with a spicy tomato sauce, crisp crust and good cheese, the pepperoni and meatball roll (this is listed as an appetizer, but I usually order this as a meal that my wife and I will share because its so big) - same ingredients as for the pizza and the mini burgers, which are probably their signature dish. I say this because no matter how many your order, they automatically come with crisp-fried onion straws so you don't need to order fries or anything else to go with it; they are always tender and juicy and a delight to the palate! Because of how good these three items are, I find I don't order, or need to order anything else. This little gem is tucked inside the Congressional Plaza shopping center on Rockville Pike and is almost always full during lunch and happy hour. My wife and I went up there on a Saturday afternoon because I raved so much about the place that she had to see it for herself...we sat at the bar and just enjoyed ourselves. The waitstaff are friendly and courteous, and very willing to fix whatever problems may arise. I hope this place sticks around, it is one of the better restaurants to have lunch in if you're in or near the Rockville area, or knock back a few after hours if you're so inclined. It can get a little pricey, especially if you're drinking but to me, it is worth it.
(4)
Cliff M.
Really good pizza, really good beer selection and friendly barkeeps that make the experience enjoyable. A friend and I ate at the bar; this place seems positively rammed at dinner time (even during the week) so the bar might be your best bet if you don't enjoy waiting in line.
(4)
MJ ..
I love this place! The food is excellent and the atmosphere is really cool! Ive been here a lot and the best pizza i think, would be the fire & smoke and the matchbox chicken sandwhich is probably the best thing on the whole menu, hands down. The service is, ehh. They could be a little more quick and reliable, but oh well. However, I defff reccomend this place to anyone who hasnt tried it yet! Love matchbox!
(3)
Bill G.
Decent food but seriously overpriced. Our ten inch pizzas were not worth fourteen dollars. They also seated us in some obscure corner of the place behind a wall. Seems to me like it's bad form to hide customers.
(1)
Martin B.
Make a reservation. I came here at 1PM thinking there'd be room, and there was... on the outdoor deck. Service is friendly and reliable though, which was very important. The food here is the same as the other locations: delicious pizzas and killer miniburgers. The pepperoni pizza comes studded with little circles of meaty goodness, and the charred crust really pops in one's mouth. The onion strings with the miniburgers seemed a little burnt compared to what my memory recalls, but they were still tasty. So why three stars? Because eating on the deck felt like eating in a market in Baghdad (and in fact, accounting for the heat index, it was only 5 degrees hotter in Baghdad at the time that I was eating lunch. No joke!). There are no umbrellas out, no fans, nothing. Just you, the oppressive DC summer sun, and an occasional breeze. And that, my friends, is why that reliable service was so important; I needed to get my glass refilled with water about every two minutes. If you can get a seat inside, or outside on a cool day, this place is awesome. But until they make the outdoor deck hospitable to human life during summer daytime, I'd steer clear if I didn't have a reservation.
(3)
Anna M.
You must go here and try the shrimp and grits, they are the best on the menu following with, well, all of their pizza flavors! I never even get a chance to pay any attention to the help that's how good it is. On the patio there's an outdoor fire pit that makes you feel like you're in Cali or somewhere paradise like.
(5)
Yodith W.
This was my first time at matchbox. I would say that the service was great. I was able to call ahead for seating and they were very accommodating. My waitress was also very knowledgeable of their menu and offered some great recommendations. I gave this place 3 stars because I was expecting so much more from their pizza. I got the sausage and onion on half and meatball on the and I have to say it didn't seem like anything special. The ambiance of the restaurant was nice but the seating wasn't desirable. We were less than arms length from the table next to us which is fine if you don't mind sharing you dinner with your neighbors but I was looking for a bit more space. I would go back but I would try something besides the pizza. Oh yea!. There beer menu is a plus as well!
(3)
Tariq A.
Food and service are always decent
(4)
Mikyla G.
After going to Matchbox in DC i decided to try the new Rockville location. I expected it to have somewhat of the same menu and order my favorite dish.... it didn't. Basically pizzas, burgers and salads is what they have. In the sparse "specialties" section i found Sea Scallops and tried those. WINNER! They were cooked to perfection. The menu description said it came on a bed of mashed potatoes, which i later saw was really mashed sweet potatoes. Slight disappointment. Also, we chose to sit outside which was lovely, except for pesky gnats and flies (maybe invest in some ceiling fans). Anyways, our waitress was fantastic, the bar was fast, and the kitchen was on top of things. But work on that menu!!
(3)
Amani A.
Ok so I had my bday here last summer and totally forgot to review this place... I originally wanted to have a reservation for 25 people but ended up cutting it down to 18 because in order for me to get a table for over 20 it's a min of $2000 WTF no thank you!!! For 2 G's I'll rent my club house and have my dad cater it and have a sick party. I was just trying to do a chill dinner with a few friends sheesh... I ended up having 20 people come and we squeezed people in, it is mind boggling to me though the restaurant was pretty empty we had a whole section with no other patrons sweet!! The reason I gave this place 3 star is bc the food and service is actually really good. Everyone also seem to have a good time and that made me happy in the end. I have also eaten here on other several occasion and really enjoy it as well. Just don't like the reservation rules/ restriction too snobby
(3)
Erin T.
Love it! I have a new favorite :) The appetizer that has 2 mini burgers, 2 crab cakes and 2 scallops is fantastic. I like to sub in an extra 2 scallops instead of one of the others(for an up charge). The pizza is the real wood fire oven type and so far I haven't a topping combo that doesn't rock. They also have some fruit infused liquors the should interest drinkers. Pretty good service and the prices are reasonable.
(4)
Maricris K.
Beautiful interior/decor, great food, comfortable atmosphere.
(5)
Michael M.
Nice job Matchbox...this is definitely not your Chinatown location...think a little more...chainy... but still with some of the comforts of their DC location. The beer selection is phenomenal, and the cocktails are strong. The pizza's are great, we tried three different ones, and they were all fabulous. The tuna tar tar appetizer is really fantastic. And, there's really nothing else in rockville, so big bonus...I mean... are you going to go to Phillips?
(4)
Brett W.
A disappointment. We've driven past ever since it opened--always jammed. When we walked in for the first time, the luscious smell of a wood oven met us. The place is multiple-leveled loveliness. Our waitress was knowledgeable, friendly and kept our water glasses full. The menu promised interesting food. We got their specialty, wood-fired pizza, half sausage and onion, half salami and mushrooms. The pizza arrived quickly, was presented well, and looked good. The disappointment? After all the great build up, the pizza was...well, ok. Very thin crust that was too chewy. Greasy. (The waitress said the thick-cut pepperoni was even worse.) And the "zesty tomato sauce" added absolutely no flavor. My wife said it was too sweet but I didn't even taste that. All in all, great setting and "eh" pizza. Disappointing.
(3)
Jason L.
The Fire bloody mary is awesome. The Bloody Mary burger is pretty yummy too! :-)
(4)
Daniel D.
Great food, atmosphere. Drinks were pricy, but the recommendations from the server panned out fantastically, which IMHO makes a place extraordinary. Fire and Smoke pizza was indeed hot...with a jalapeno-style spice. White pizza was perfect with goat cheese and everything that you'd expect from a gourmet pizza place. Rotating tap was "Southern Hemisphere" from Sierra Nevada...which has got to be one of the best brews I've had in a while, but very hoppy and bitter. Fantastic for my pallet...be careful though. Sliders/mini burgers were fantastic, but the fried onions they are served with made them amazing. Highly recommend reservations...and as early as possible on that! Enjoy!
(5)
Carrie P.
There's nothing too special about this place. The ambience is nice, but it's so hectic in there and the food is so overpriced, that it hardly seems worth it. I've been here twice and the food is not memorable; I've had much better pizza in countless other establishments, so I see no reason to pay twice the price for lower quality. I will say that our waiter was nice and the food certainly wasn't bad. It really just didn't seem worth it. If the prices were about 30% cheaper, I might feel differently. Overall, a rip-off in my opinion.
(2)
Tatiana S.
Great mini burgers but overall the service wasn't great
(3)
D R.
5 stars for the bacon wrapped Shrimp and Grits - ridiculously delicious! Consistently good all the way around. It was strange waiting to be seated. Finally took myself to the bar. Happier there. Feels trendy.
(4)
Miyuki L.
I have eaten here a handful of times and it is just not a memorable experience. I do think they have good mac and cheese. I think it looks nice inside but its just doesnt have anything setting it apart to make you justify high prices for a meh experience.
(2)
Patrick D.
My son I me get down to Rockville on our way back from Dave and buster. He always wants to stop here and get there kids Mac and cheese. They always are friendly to him. I alway get the Pepperoni pizza. Lot of pepperoni good taste. Pizza charred just right. Service in good. Sometimes a little crowded though. But worth the small wait. I also like the open pit fire out front.
(5)
Brad O.
Staffing was great. Food OK ..Noise level too loud. We had a person in a wheelchair, so were seated downstairs. They placed us in the Bar area, which for a outing with the whole family, Aunts, Grandparents etc. was not great.
(2)
Arthur K.
The restaurant definitely has one thing going for it: hype. Does it have much else? We arrived to a bustling dining room - which by the way was pretty impressive. It reminded me a lot of Woodberry Kitchen. Rustic, lots of wood, but modern touches. We arrived on time for our reservation - which was well past normal dinner hour. They said they were running 15 minutes behind. Something caught my eye: a hostess arrived in the lobby serving free hot pizza to those waiting. 15 minutes later, we were told there was one table ahead of us. The hostess with the pizza came around again - and I realized this was to appease the masses of people waiting hours for their table. (The wait for walk-ins was 2 hours at one point). After 45 minutes from our reservation we were seated. I understand long waits for walk-ins. And the hosts/hostesses were friendly. The free pizza was a nice touch. But being seated 45 minutes _after_ our reservation time is completely unacceptable and unprofessional. When our server greeted us, I began to understand why some parties (especially this guy's) were taking forever to get up. He talked to us for about 5 minutes initially. Every time he came to the table he had some story or some in-depth detail he had to tell us in 200 or more words He also told us what he thought was horrible on the menu. He told our friend the beer she picked sucked. Do that stuff on Yelp, not while serving a table. He forgot my soda. Etc, etc, etc. The sliders were tasty. The onion rings on top were a great touch. Stringy onions and crispy batter, seasoned perfectly - a good match for the sliders. The pizza was good. But you can't really go wrong with pizza. My fave was the sausage and onion. The spicy meatball was decent. Not worth the wait. Horrible service. But decent eats.
(2)
Mihae L.
This place is overrated. My old high school buddies and I just ate here last night. This was our second attempt to eat here, and last time the wait was an outrageous 3 hours, and we ended up eating at Fuddruckers down the street, instead. However, last night, it was rainy and dreary outside, which might explain why the six of us were seated at 6:30 PM without a wait or reservation. Now, onto the food. My bf and I split a large pizza, half Fire and Smoke (spicy) and half Tomato and Basil (forget the actual name of the pizza). While the pizza was decent, in my opinion, I have had way better pizza at other places. I definitely enjoy California Pizza Kitchen way better than the pizza here. I probably also enjoy frozen pizza from the grocery store more than I enjoyed the pizza here. Of course, that's just my opinion, and I'm probably making it sound worse than it was, but I guess I just expected a lot more. As for the service, our server was very attentive, precise, friendly, and seemed to really know the dishes well. The interior of the restaurant is also well constructed with warm, wooded notes. My three star rating, one for the food, one for good service, and one for atmosphere. Would I care to come back to eat here, however? No, I really don't see what the hype is all about. My review was pushed to 3 stars mostly for the service.
(3)
Bill P.
Took daughter (13) here cause I told her it would change her life. :) Not sooo much she thought....she liked the mini burgers hers with cheddar and NO pickles but the sea salted parmisian cheesed onion shoe string/ straw fries did not impress her though I LOVE DEM!!!!!! Servers very nice and manager came over and rapped with us a few times......maybe opening location in VA sometime next year? I'll be back definitely. Daughter might have to be conjoled.
(4)
Alicia C.
I'm so happy that one of my favorite DC spots has made it's way to Rockville! Now I won't have to trek as far every time I'm craving some mini burgers... though I may find the cravings hitting more often now! Alicia G and I stopped in on opening night to pick up some mini burgers to go. We had been eagerly awaiting the opening but already knew we wouldn't be able to dine in... so we hatched up a plan to at least stop in to check out the place and get our mini burger fix. Alicia G recognized one of the owners, Perry, and he happily greeted us and offered to give us a little tour of the place while we waited for our food. The space was gorgeous! Same sort of look as the other locations, and it felt very open. There were also spaces that could potentially be reserved for private parties. I for one can't wait to some back sometime in the spring to make use of the beautiful outdoor patio space! A big thank you again to Perry for the tour! The burgers, of course, were amazing. I can't wait to get back here again for a sit-down dinner, or a happy hour, or brunch, or a late night snack... well, you get the idea, I'm just thrilled to have Matchbox a little closer to home!
(5)
Danielle L.
Lovely building but IT IS SO LOUD!!!!! (especially in the main room) And if you have a group, absolutely do not sit at the big round table(s); you'll never, ever hear a word from the people across from you. As for the food, the menu is fantastic. The pizza is pretty good. (Not 2 Amys good, but a few of the combos are worth a trip.) For all of the delicious-sounding dishes, however, i have yet to have a knock-your-socks-off meal. All tend to be on the salty side and several have been disappointing. Oh, and do not bother going without a reservation ( opentable.com ) unless you're willing to wait forever. Plus sides: nice brunch, VERY kid-friendly, attractive patio/outdoor bar area, pretty good service. And some of the dishes really are good. It's been so hit-or-miss, though, and the prices are just high enough to be memorably annoyed at that fact. Annoyed enough that we don't go as often as we might. Do try it; just don't expect to be blown away every time.
(3)
Kevin P.
Pizzas are kinda pricey for how "meh" they tasted and how small the portion was. Looking at the items on the menu, you would think "oh that combination of ingredients looks interesting, i want to try it" - it's a hit or miss, and it just seems like most of the pizzas try too hard to be "fancy" and it just doesnt work out. The interior looked awesome however, and the staff is kind.
(2)
Don S.
After two previous meals we gave it one more try. This was for a friends party. The people are great. Service was ok. Our server was very good. My wife had a hair in her sandwich and my crab cake was so full of dill it was uneatable. The people we were with had pizza - very unremarkable. They chose not to take the leftovers home. I cannot figure out why anyone spends money there.
(1)
Brian G.
Great pizza, fun bar. It's a chain so I won't spend much time on this review. The wait sucks but that's to be expected when the pizza is so good and unique.
(4)
Joie T.
3.6.9! ... 3.6.9! ... 3.6.9! ... WHAT??? ... You see this EVERYWHERE here! On the waiters t-shirts, on the floors, even in the restrooms! And if you did your Yelp research, you'd know what that means! So, we fiiiinally got a seat! Went on a Monday night, and the line-up was still 45 minutes! WHOAH!!! Ordered the famous 3.6.9 and got the 9 platter, with 3 different cheeses (gouda/mozzarella/gorgonzola). And the winner is? Mozzarella! Gouda was good, mozzarella was just right, gorgonzola was too thick & too salty and overpowered the meat & sweet buns. The platter of minis comes with awesome string onion fries piled sky-high! To balance our meal, we ordered the nicoise salad, that came with seared ahi tuna, eggs, potatoes, fish, olives, and greens. Portion size is NOT an issue here! If anything, you can share just ONE dish with someone! Great service, great atmosphere, nice interior. Been @ Matchbox for Lunch& Dinner and it's a great lac
(3)
John K.
Good thing I don't have to drive all the way to DC anymore to go to Matchbox. HOLY CRAP the wait is long! On a weekend, expect 1-2 hours to get a table. Luckily we found two seats at the bar, so we didn't have to wait as long. I hope that the hype will go down after a few months and I don't have to wait as long for a table... I was extremely happy with the bartenders. Usually I have a hard time grabbing their attention, but they were coming to me asking me if I needed anything else. This is with a full bar mind you... Order: Shrimp and Grits - Too salty, if you tell them to go light on the salt, this is a really good dish. Q Special Pizza - Huge pieces of chicken. Very good. If it caught your attention on the menu, go ahead and order it. It's not a bad choice. Doughnuts - Do not get. Not as fresh as I thought (a little cold) and the dipping sauce is too watery. It would've been nicer if it was more like a frosting consistency. I still stand by my stance that the sliders are wayyy overrated.
(4)
Liza A.
I still will give this place five stars for the mini burgers they r just awesome.....pizza is good...service very friendly and prompt. As my tip says I have never stood in line here I come in no busy times and its actually great.
(5)
Mark R.
I think its pretty funny that someone could give this place a negative review because they had a long wait... that could mean one of two things: 1.) The food is really good and there is a wait 2.) Try making a reservation - you are in the Rockville area!!! This place is an absolute hit - just like all the others! Great food, great drinks (great beer and wine selection as well as good mixed drinks), and great atmosphere. If you have never been to Matchbox there are 2 things you have to try, the sliders and the pizza! Both are excellent! Get the sliders medium rare - deff quality meat! The pizzas are cooked to perfection - obviously use fresh ingredients! Perfect place for large groups, just make a reservation. They accept them online. For all you craft beer drinkers: great draft selection!!! Will not disappoint! Enjoy!!!
(4)
Tamu H.
Alright this place is what pizza places were to me as an 8 year old in the 80's! Fancy, loud, popular, and the food was delicious and simple. However, now I'm all growed up, and I want arugula and anchovies and shit on my pizza, not just extra cheese. So, yeah, cool: fancy pizza, cold micro-brew beer for the people who like it. Good wine. Everything priced reasonably and in accordance with the truth is they're still just what Armand's was to those of us who knew about Tranzor Z. I'd go back. I think the hostesses are a little beat-up by the constant barrage of entitled-Montgomery-Countiers constant concerns for their so-called reservation. (I'm sorry but I come from an era where we didn't mind waiting for our seat out of respect for the business, so it pissed me off to constantly see people complaining about their time and other random bs to the hostesses) but the hostesses, in return, are completely tuned out to the world. Our server was bubbly and cool, but I am concerned they're wingin' it on any beer/wine knowledge- we both watched a server give a really ambiguous and arguable description of allagash white, which was pretty funny, but we both felt kinda sad that the girl was giving them the business instead of just manning up and asking the bartender because there's a few real clear words necessary to describe Allagash White and she didn't use any of 'em. That wasn't our server, though, who was cool as a fan and didn't hover and didn't go ghost. We had the tuna tartare as an appetizer, along with a glass of wine for me and my gf had a (I think) Heavy Seas Loose Cannon, which she still loves. We ate the white anchovy with caper pizza along with the roma tomato pizza, and we shared bead pudding for desert.. the bread pudding was dope. All-in-all it was cool, but I'm not all hyped to go back at all, I'd much rather go to We The Pizza if I'm hankering for a slice of the realness.
(3)
Alison T.
Love the place. Love the pizza and the cosmos :) blonde bartender need sto brush up on friendliness, but it's a keeper. Been there a couple of times and will return!
(4)
Jay T.
LOVED IT! such a cool vibe at matchbox. i eat out a lot so i figured id start reviewing the places I've been recently. matchbox is totally in my top 5. great beer, pizza is amazing and some real cool staff. i cant wait to get out on the patio again!!
(5)
B. H.
Decent overall experience. I thought their foods were good and their menu was very broad which is good, however for pizza go across the street to Pizza CS its bound to blow your pizza loving taste buds out of the sky ! Matchbox is still good but having Pizza CS across the street takes the pizza pie business by a long shot .
(3)
Jerry W.
I really enjoyed this restaurant, the inside was really nice and roomy, fast service and good food, I ordered a stake and it was mouthwatering good, had some of there pizza to which was also really good. Definitely worth the money for the great service, atmosphere and food. Thanks Matchbox Staff.
(5)
David M.
As I had expected the wait here was horrendous. Get reservations. Period. Add to this the fact that the humongous host/hostess staff pretty much just stands there looking pretty (or pretty stupid in some cases) and being somewhat rude and waiting sucks. Just call. Make a reservation. Or get lucky and score space in the bar. Speaking of space, this location has good space compared to DC. Bigger, better lit, and less crampy when crowded. Ok,. That's my 1 star penalty rant coming to a close :) When my wife and I came here after a long day of holiday shopping it was, for her, an attempt to redeem Matchbox in my mind. I'd been with her to the Matchbox down in DC and I wasn't fond (see my reviews where I pump up Ella's as being way damn better). After we finally got seated, I have to say I was pleased. We ordered an app (Mazzi Carozzi? Spelling may be off...) that was really good. And our pizza was just as tasty this time around. I think, to be fair, I should say that we ordered a wierd pizza down in DC, so this time around we ordered up something a bit more normal in terms of sauce and toppings. The service made up for the idiots who worked the front end. 2-3 different people took care of us throughout the visit, and all were friendly. Our primary server was great though. I don't remember a name, but he was extremely tall (and I'm 6'5" myself, so you'll know the dude when you see him) and very, very patient, friendly, and attentive. So I'm back on board with matchbox now. I liked it. I like that it's closer to home for us now. And I'll give it another shot. I will just do so with reservations in hand....!
(4)
Brian S.
Overall I had a good experience. Wait staff was good, food came out relatively quickly and was pretty good. I ordered the cream of crab soup which was very rich and flavorful. For my meal I ordered the prosciutto white. The pizza was quite good. The bar was having a problem with beer leaking from the ceiling over top the bar but it would not have effected anyone's meals and the bar tender turned it into a joke to play it over. Maybe a tad bit on the expensive side but overall a very good and I will go back.
(4)
Jayashree S.
I know exactly where we will have brunch if we visit the DC area. YUMMY! We came here to eat and meet our friend's wife- the newlywed during a wedding weekend. After a long night of hard core partying at our cousin's wedding, nutrition was needed (and lots of coffee) to balance the aftermath of the reception. :) So, our friend chose this restaurant as a good place to meet and catch up before we headed back home. The restaurant reminds me of a very hip loft like ambiance. There are two levels and plenty of seating. It has modern and industrial type decor and touches. The brunch menu was simple but had plenty of options to choose from with tons of house special cocktails even. I ordered the Veggie Frittata and my husband ordered the Heuvos Rancheros and our friend ordered their Apple Pecan salad. The portions were generous and filled our bellies and sopped up any leftovers from the partying. The food tasted incredibly fresh, inventive and yummy! The prices were decent and nothing extravagant. We def will eat here again- Hip, fun, and had lots of variety!
(4)
Chelsea M.
I've been here twice last week. The Service was really good. I love the mini burgers the onion straws are YUMMY! But the pizza was OK it's just dry. Went there on Friday around 1pm still have to wait 25 minutes for table for 3.
(4)
J P.
The approximately 3.5 stars you see as an average of everyone's score is spot on. This place isn't bad. However, this place isn't necessarily a place I will "need" to go back to. We went for dinner on a Thursday night. No complaints with the service. My girlfriend and I ordered a herb chicken pizza (the large size). It was good. We each had a drink. They were also good. The dessert however was fantastic. It was their trio dessert. It had three small scoops of different flavored sorbets, a chocolate bunt cake with vanilla sorbet on the top, and house made donuts with a coffee cream dipping sauce. I would go back for this. Their food menu wasn't extensive enough for me. And the prices are way too high for the quality of food. Again, the food IS good, but it's not quite worth the price. If you want a quieter atmosphere, don't get a booth in the bar section; it was very loud. If you think you would order a meal similar to the one I described above, I would strongly suggest you give Facci (Johns Hopkins Road, Laurel, Maryland) a try.
(3)
Larissa F.
After much anticipation, the new Matchbox has opened just down the street from me. The space is gorgeous and I can already tell it's going to be a hotspot in the summertime. The outdoor patios and firepits are just itching for happy hours in a few months. The inside of the restaurant is open and bright, with both a brick, homey look and industrial feel. The space is huge and includes an upstairs loft and three dining room areas. Great design. Service was impressive for opening weekend. I arrived with a party of 6, and was told there would be a wait, but then a makeshift table was quickly put together for us. I was on crutches, so was thankful to not have to wait too long (though they did offer me a chair while I waited). The room we were in was cozy with a fireplace, and I could definitely see it being a great spot for a party. I expected some snags in either service, food or kitchen timing - especially because the place was packed on a Sunday night. But, was pleasantly surprised that the meal flowed smoothly. We of course started with the sliders which are just as delicious as downtown and were 12 were gone immediately. The tuna tartare was pretty decent, and I was looking forward to my hanger steak salad. The hanger steak salad comes with grilled hearts of romaine, and a wonderful spicy caesar dressing. My fellow diners had the tuna nicoise salad, the roasted chicken, the crab crusted rockfish and crabcake sandwich. All enjoyed their meals, with a few hiccups. The manager was gracious and removed some charges for the meal another in my party did not enjoy, and for a problem with my salad (though I would have been happy to pay). It was nice they were so accommodating given it was opening weekend, and the good service was appreciated. We ordered bread pudding and a dessert trio to share, which was heavenly. I loved the caramelized bananas with the bread pudding, and the little donuts were quite addictive. This place is going to be a huge hit with families and groups alike - - especially if it's true and they will be taking normal reservations. The sliders are a definite, the pizza is hit or miss (but I like it), and the atmosphere can't be beat. My only complaint is that the music was a bit loud and out of place, I think something softer (or none at all) would have been better. I don't think of this as a trendy downtown spot -- it's more of a go-to favorite. The restaurant location may be a "cursed" spot, but I expect Matchbox to do very well. If the crowds this weekend were any indicator - reservations will definitely be a must. Expect me to be back - all the time.
(4)
David A.
I'll preface this review by saying I'm kind of a beer geek, so that will be a large percentage of my review. I went to Matchbox's Rockville location for Valentine's Day. I was a bit wary, due to some of the reviews of the wait times (even with reservations) as well as staff attitude (read "rudeness"). I was quite impressed with the experience. We arrived about 5 minutes before our reservation time (8:30). There was one party at the greeters stand ahead of us; we were seated at a booth in the bar room within 5 minutes. So far so good. They have a decent on tap selection in general, and the prices weren't too bad either ($5-$9). They (usually) have about a dozen beers on tap, including Allagash White, Ayinger Brau-weisse, Heavy Seas Small Craft Warning, Chimay Cinq Cents, Delerium Tremens, Flying Dog Doggie Style, and Smuttynose Old Brown Dog, as well as two rotating taps, one being a Sierra Nevada selection. Last night they had both SN Glissade and to my delight, SN Northern Hemisphere Harvest, which I'd never had on tap before, and very nice, to say the least! (I'm blanking on the other rotating, but it was also interesting.) On the down side, they were out of the Chimay, Delerium and a couple of others, but I blame Mont. Co. distribution for that. (Le Mannequin Pis has the same problem.) The food was excellent - I'd call it "upscale gastropub". As I'd read several reviews raving about the sliders, we ordered three as an appetizer. I think I'm not a slider person, as I thought they were fine, but nothing to rave about. My wife thought they were very good. I will say they were probably the best sliders I've had, but I've only had them at a few places. They also had a special appetizer of fried oysters on chorizo infused couscous with lemon/champagne, which were awesome. There were four oysters, each with a dollop of the couscous; we joked (?) about ordering one or two more orders. For the entree, I had the seared salmon, which was quite good; my wife had the bacon wrapped shrimp appetizer as her entree, which she quite enjoyed. Both were served on grits the consistency of mashed potatoes. They were surprisingly uncrowded considering it was Valentine's Day. When I talked to the hostess about it, she surmised their usual long wait (w/out reservations) scared the date-type folks away. Also, it was a Monday night; I'm sure they're much busier on weekends. The space is very nice; I remember the decor from the original restaurant there (Shelly's Woodroast), which a subsequent restaurant kept to some extent. Now, gone are the log cabin type beams, replaced by a modern, light wood, maybe oak. The ceilings appear to be simply roughed in, and there is an upstairs dining area that wasn't in previous incarnations. The bar is about 15-20 seats long, and the bartender knew what I was talking about when I asked him for clarification on the Sierra Nevada beer (the waitress wasn't sure). For parking, they're in Congressional Plaza, so there's plenty of space. All in all, a positive experience; not cheap, but not as expensive as I'd braced myself for. Beer prices were better than at Againn, which had beer prices up into the mid-high teens (but some may have been for 750ml bottles), and the food was at least as good. I'll be back!
(4)
Muriel H.
The shrimp is grits is my absolute favorite dish that they offer! I wish it was a larger portion because once I was done w/ it I wanted to order another one! The sliders and string fries are also amazing. The pizzas smell to die for. The place is pretty crowded so getting seating is a hassle. Otherwise, I love this spot..
(5)
Bruce H.
Mediocre experience. -Food tasted ok, -service was ok, -price was too much for what was delivered, -venue was pleasing with lots of smart designs. Below my expectations.
(3)
Po W.
I fell in love with this location the moment I walked in. I have been to the Chinatown location and I have to say I like this one much better. The location is great. U don't have to search for parking. The space is huge! Multiple levels, 3 bars (2 inside 1 outside), patio seating, rooftop seating etc. The 3-6-9 sliders are so delicious. And the cocktails are fabulous. I heard the the pepperoni pizza and spicy meatball pizza are great! The menu is extensive and I look forward to trying more selections. The one negative is the wait. It so crowded. Went on a Friday night and waited for about an hour. But, while waiting servers came around with samples of cheese pizza that were great! I will definitely return!
(4)
Michelle W.
Meh, I've had better. Went here for lunch with a friend this past weekend, it wasn't crowded so we went right in and got a table outside. It was a nice open patio. We got the mozzi carrozzi for an appetizer. It was pretty good, however I did find it to be a little on the greasy side. The longer it took you to eat it the greasier it seemed. Since there was only 2 of us and the servings are quite large we both had salads. I had the crab & avocado salad (app) and he got the apple pear salad. I wouldn't recommend the crab avocado salad at all. I'm not sure if the crab was bad or it was the combination of flavors that was just off. In either case, it was not good at all. I pretty much just tried to pick out untainted avocado chunks to eat. The pear salad was decent, the dressing was actually pretty good but otherwise unmemorable. The service was ok, but the longer we were there the less we saw the server and we had to wait quite some time to get our bill. Not really anywhere I have a strong desire to go back to. It was just bleh.
(2)
Stacey M.
Beautiful urban chic decor with tons of texture and interest! I haven't sat outside yet, but the outdoor seating area/bar looks gorgeous. Perfect for meeting up with friends or for drinks after work. Service is always friendly and efficient. I've only ever had the pizza's... they are thin crust, fresh, simple and yet tasty (some could use a little more seasoning), and come served on a raised stand that leaves more room on the table for actual dining. I also like that pizza's are served with sharing in mind and come with a pizza pie server/lift, and all the accoutrement like parmesan and chili.
(4)
Jamie S.
The food is okay. My husband and I both got the pizza and thought it was decent, though not great and certainly not worth the price. I have had better experiences at the D.C. location. The pros of this place as compared to DC is that they have parking, that it is closer to my house, and that it is not as crowded.
(3)
M D.
Relax at one of two bars with the Watermelon Tease ($8) made with house-infused watermelon vodka, rum, gin and tequila. (Hey, everyone's here!) It is smooth, sweet, and light as summer. If you can't be seen holding a pink cocktail, order the manly Match-hatten ($8) with Maker's Mark bourbon, sweet vermouth and orange. See the complete cocktail menu here. If you want a simple salad ($10), there is mixed greens, pear tomatoes, and dried cherries in a balsamic vinaigrette, topped with a generous parmesan crisp. If you want to pretend to eat a salad, try the Matchbox chopped salad ($10) with crispy bacon, red onions, pasta ringlets, and a creamy herb vinaigrette. Chef Johnny Mack gets creative with daily specials, and is always happy to accomodate special orders. Tonight, a delicious experiment results in a tender, luscious pork belly on a bed of cheese risotto, topped with a poached egg. There are sixteen pizzas to choose from, or you can create your own. If you love cheese but hate Domino's and the USDA, then you'll love the four cheese white ($20), with lots of roasted garlic, ricotta, buffalo mozzarella, pecorino toscano, pecorino romano, but not an ounce of red. The Coppa ($20) with Italian ham, thick pesto, ricotta, Roma tomatoes and mozzarella, topped with fresh arugula, was a unanimous favorite. Not in the mood for pizza? Order the mini burgers ($8-$18, top right), juicy little patties of certified Angus beef on seedless brioche from Lyon Bakery, which also bakes the buns for sister restaurant, DC-3. Served with pickles and onion straws, under a fine dusting of Parmesan cheese. Add your choice of Gouda, mozzarella or Gorgonzola for extra flavor. If you love the taste of barbeque, the braised beef short ribs ($24) are a must-try. Fork tender in a sweet, red Shiraz reduction. For pescatarians, there is the crab crusted rockfish ($22) with parsley pine nut risotto and the kick of whole grain mustard. Always perked up by dessert, I happily dug into the coffee & doughnuts ($8, bottom right), a basket of sugary cinnamon doughnuts, dense and cake-like. The teeny cup of espresso Kahlua crème tastes and feels like melted chocolate ice cream, except spiked.
(4)
Andrew K.
45 minute wait for a Wednesday night? This place is always packed apparently and it is a huge restaurant with 2 levels but I guess it's b/c there aren't that many nice places to eat in Rockville. I got half coppa italian ham & arugala and half fire & smoke. The ham and arugala was good but the fire and smoke was just ok, it is pretty spicy but didn't really like the flavor. I also tried the mini burgers which were ok but nothing special. Overall, I think it's not bad but not worth the wait.
(3)
Bill S.
The long awaited Match Box has opened. The Pizza was great, the service was good and the place was very well done. We went on a Monday night, instant seating. We went back at 8:30 Saturday night at 8:30 and it was an hour wait (we didn't) This is a great place for pizza and a beer!
(4)
Sarah T.
I will write a more in depth review once I have a chance to actual dine here. However, for now - Matchbox has my heart. Went here for my BF's company holiday party and everything from the decor to the food to the staff was perfect! The space is great and I love what they did with the place. The pizza, sliders, and other Hors D'oeuvres were all delicious. The staff were very attentive and friendly - (even after the party had ended) I'm sure I have a bit of a biased opinion since it was open bar and I didn't spend a dime, but free or not the food was good and the wine we had was exceptionally tasty! After the party we made our way to the bar, and the staff there was also very friendly and easy going. When I let the bartender know one of the people I was with didn't think her drink was "strong" enough and tasted a bit too sweet. The bartender didn't hesitate to add in another shot! I'm sure it isn't something they'd do all the time, but she made sure to take care of us. At the end of the evening some other patrons that weren't with our group had wound up with some of the Christmas hats that the office had brought and they were being a bit belligerent about giving them back. (It was pretty pitiful, but I guess the ladies had tossed quite a few back and were being awfully rowdy.) One of the male bartenders saw how rude they were being and immediately stepped in to circumvent anyone from losing there cool. It was handled very well and it was nice to not have to ask for assistance. All in all, we had a pretty great time! I think if the staff remains as attentive and upbeat and the price point remains affordable I will be heading in often... Especially since I am so close I wouldn't even need to drive if I didn't want to! (That's a super perk since I used to live in Downtown San Diego where everything was within walking distance!) Hahaha!
(5)
LEAH H.
Great idea but horrible service. It started going down hill from the parking or lack of because they share parking with several other businesses. Then there was a 25 minute wait. I don't mind waiting but to create a wait to make it appear that there is a demand for the restaurant is RIDICULOUS !!! I found this out after we got seated and taken to a room where there was PLENTY of empty tables. When I brought this up to them they were very rude about this. Ok now let's talk about the food. It was marginal at best. The burgers were just as good as the ones across the street at Fudruckers but double the price. SAVE a half hour of your time and find another place to eat !!
(1)
Mary M.
The Italian coppa ham and argula pizza with pesto is freaking DELICIOUS. The food overall is really good. Love the decor -- for a humongous restaurant it manages to be cozy and comfortable. It's a nice restaurant for any occasion - family dinner, casual dining, a date, a celebration. It manages to be both very casual and a nice night out at the same time. Decently priced and you're likely to have leftovers to take home, which they're used to so you don't have to feel like a fool asking for a pizza box. The long wait and slow, somewhat inattentive service are the only things preventing a 5 star rating from me. The hostesses in particular could be more friendly and welcoming.
(4)
Targi B.
I don't want to sit in your walk way! So this was my third attempt to have a meal here. If I was unable to get in this time I was going to punt on ever eating at this location. When I called to make a reservation, yes a reservation at a pizza place, the first response was they were full...It's almost like a default answer here. But when I explained that I said tomorrow she was able to put in the book. Upon arrival, on time, they attempted to seat me in a walkway. If you've seen this restaurant let me describe where this table was. If the bar is pack (and it will be) and your milling in the alley way that connects the two sides of the restaurant with your back to the door, there is one sad lonely table directly to your left. RIGHT THERE!!! Ok here comes my inner snob. I made a reservation, can I get a decent table. I'm 7 months pregnant, can I get a table that will hold more than just myself! Not to mention there was a booth right behind that. Needless to say I asked to sit somewhere else. At first they tried to explain the other tables were for larger parties...but I think the look on my face explained how little I cared about their plight of no tables. They did seat up in a much better location, back behind the bar on the left. Right next to a window where it seems standard to give you two tables since well one is tiny! One of the biggest reason I was dying to come to matchbox was to try the Lobster bisque. So I ordered that and a pizza. My pizza came, no soup! Disappointment but the waiter promptly apologized and promised up two soups (as we had ordered) free of charge. The soups did come out and was everything I hoped it would be! The pizza was also as yummy as the one I had downtown. Now for the bill, she did come and say she took of one soup (slight change there) but since she has been so nice and I had gone into the restaurant fully prepared to pay for my food, I was fine and thought it was a nice gesture. I would eat here again...when the hype dies down and the outside is open which promises more seating! meanwhile, I'll venture downtown, since well it is the same menu.
(2)
Bryan B.
The waitress was excellent (Laura S). Delightful, easy to talk to and informed about all of the items available. The food was good too. The atmosphere was loud and busy. If you looking for romance this is not the place. If you are looking for good food, great service and a fun atmosphere with friends I think you will be pleased. Great menu selection for food and drink. Many good wines to choose from.
(4)
Preston H.
Very good food and service. I rarely give a four star review but they impressed me. Pizza was good and the sliders were decent.
(4)
Stephan S.
Went here for dinner a few times and for lunch the other day. Personal pizza is very good. I had the scallops for lunch and was very happy. The bar area looks big but not really set up for a happy hour for a large group.
(4)
Chuck O.
Love the food & brews. This is our go-to when we want to get out of Bethesda. Enjoyable atmosphere and is kid friendly.
(4)
Laurie W.
I am the first ever Dutchess of Matchbox Rockville, thanks to Yelp Mobile. What can I say? It's the little victories. This restaurant is huge and beautifully designed. I've seen this building through all of its incarnations, since it was Shelly's ill-fated Wood Roast (game? alligator? possum? I can't remember), That's Amore (a Valentine's Day spot with my ill-fated ex) to the better PGA Tour Grill. I'm glad it's Matchbox now. It's good to have an alternative to the Town Center places (where honestly, aside from the Thai, Indian and Lebanese Taverna I'm not so excited about any of the food offerings), and I SWEAR we can float high-quality, mid-price point places in Rockville. We found seats at the very back service bar, where the two bartenders were very attentive and excited to be opening a new restaurant. As for the food, the sliders and pizza are the staples, so I chose a sopressata and wild mushroom pizza and a salad. The balsamic dressing was so understated I could barely tell what it tasted like, which is the unfortunate opposite of drowning the lettuce. The pizza was very good -- there was a nice spice to the sauce and I'm a fan of thin, crispy crust. Matchbox also has a good selection of smaller-batch beers, including Heavy Seas out of Baltimore, and that's also not common and very welcome around here. The doors to that bar will open up to the patio and offer seating for 100 people when it warms up, which will make it a nice destination for happy hours. There is space for large parties and another big bar in the front (where it was when the building was PGA, but it looks like it's been widened.) When I left I thought this might be the place for my 40th birthday dinner, so that's a good sign. As much as I like to go into D.C., I work in Rockville and live close by, so this is a great alternative for those of us who roam the Pike in search of a nice space to have a beer and a decent meal.
(4)
Jessica R.
Good food, good service!
(4)
Bridget Q.
Went here for Dinner on Thursday. Overall it was a pleasant experience. Our server was very helpful but not overwhelming and annoying. We had to wait about 30 minutes for our table, and then were sat a a high top near the bar....which I felt was not worth waiting 30 minutes for. I feel that the hostess should have asked if we would have liked to sit there.. It was VERY loud and that was distracting. I ordered a side salad and a pizza. Both were excellent and like I said we had a great server. Overall I would say try it out...cool atmosphere...but make sure you either go early or make a reservation to avoid waiting...and the bar.
(4)
Jim C.
First visit to this incredibly popular string of restaurants. Always crazy crowded. Great beer selection. The shrimp and grits was a very nice version of this now-routine dish. Heavy on the butter and with bacon wrapping each shrimp, it is a pleaser if you crave richness. The spicy meatball pizza is a real winner. Sat at the bar and was taken care of by Jamie - she was attentive, informative and good fun. She made the meal better,
(4)
Lisa G.
Awesome place!!! Food and service awesome. A little pricey, but hey Houston's is gone so why not? Will be back
(5)
Oscar S.
First things first....MAKE A RESERVATION! This is a great place to have a date and hang out with friends. The pizzas are really good and their drinks are really good as well. Our waiter was very friendly and gave us good suggestions. It's in a good area in Rockville. I like the ambiance, almost like the Matchbox in Chinatown. A little pricey, but not too bad like other restaurants. Highly recommend it. We were out w/ some friends and I must definitely recommend the Matcbox Meat Pizza, as well as the Beef Ribs. Very tender..I repeat very tender...hmm..getting hungry again. You won't be disappointed w/ anything that you get from there as all of their food is very delicious. Th wait staff is very friendly, and our waitress (don't tell) even gave someone in our party a free pint glass that she wanted.
(5)
Kayla A.
Love, love, love it! Their pizzas are to die for! Drinks are a little steep, but their pizza is out of this world! I love the matchbox meat and chicken pesto pizza, absolutely amazing together. The mozzi carozzi appetizer is also awesome. I also recommend the ice cream cookie dessert, amazing but definitely bring a friend to share it with! I have never tasted anything here that I didn't love. Great food for a reasonable price. This place gets busy early, make reservations or go early!! I went on a Tuesday and had to wait for a table for 4
(5)
Alison R.
Got the crab and avacado salad app, the pizco blackberry drink was not good/not made properly. Also had the cobb salad and donut dessert. Very yummy. Will be returning.
(5)
David W.
My wife and I had a wonderful evening. Our waitress was very friendly and helpful My wife enjoyed the martini she ordered which was a nice departure from the standard drinks at most places. We both raved about our pizza and the bread pudding we shared for dessert is as good as everyone says it is.
(4)
Andrew H.
You pay for the ambience. Crappy food, service was ok, although HIDING CUSTOMERS IS NOT A GOOD STRATEGY FOR GOOD REVIEWS. Service mitigated horrible seating arrangements and subpar food.
(1)
Fareez A.
love the smoke and fire pizza!
(4)
Alexis B.
I've always passed by Matchbox on the Pike, but never really stopped by and tried it until now. My aunt tried it once and told me she didn't like it, saying that the pizza was too salty, but I told her to give it another shot, that maybe her choice of pizza was the cause. And so we did. We shared the pesto chicken pizza and a salad and it was really not bad at all! The pesto was delicious, but the chicken was a little dry, but it was pretty good. I think I'll definitely come back if ever a pesto craving comes up (and those do come up quite often for me for some reason).
(4)
Eva F.
My boss brought me here for dinner during a business trip. We were a party of 5 total, and I was quite impressed by the waiter's ability to memorize everything we ordered (drinks, salads, pizza) and have each item delivered to the right person at the table. (So yes, service was great!) The drink menu was extensive (draught beers, wine, cocktails and girlie and manly martinis), and there are a ton of pizza options. And if none of those suit you, you can build your own. We tried the Matchbox Meat and the Chicken Pesto pizzas and both were wonderful! Next time I'll have to try the sliders. (In case you are wondering what the 3-6-9 on the wait staff t-shirts mean, it's the options for number of sliders in an order.) I saw them drift past our table to another table and they looked yummy with a big mountain of thin onion rings on top. Will definitely be back on my next trip to the Bethesda area. P.S. Make sure you make a reservation before going - it was PACKED and I was so glad we were able to walk past everyone waiting on line to get our table right away :)
(4)
Jeff W.
Matchbox recently opened at a new location in Rockville with much hype. The decor is very well done; however, the restaurant is definitely overrated. The salads included very little protein and the entrees were very small for the price. The pizza and sliders were excellent. If you dine here, stick to the burgers and pizza. They also have a very good selection of draft beers. The service could also use some improvement. They took forever to take our drink orders. In addition, they brought all of our food to the table at once, even though we told the waitress we wanted to pace ourselves. When we were done with our meal the waitress never asked if we wanted coffee or dessert. I would have given the review 2 stars, but since they are open only a week I thought I would be generous.
(3)
Matthew D.
I travel here for business and I have been to Matchbox twice for lunch. On this particular trip I was with two associates. I had the spinach salad which had feta cheese, roasted pear tomatoes, candied walnuts, red onions, orange segments, warm bacon vinaigrette. I passed on the tomatoes and orange "segments" (not an appetizing word for food) and then proceeded to eat the hell out of it. Trying to eat a little smarter at lunch and this didn't feel like sacrificing at all. I then spilt a 6 piece Fire & Smoke pizza with a co-worker. It has fire roasted red peppers, spanish, onions chipotle pepper, tomato sauce, garlic puree, smoked gouda & fresh basil. It was labeled as very spicy and at first I didn't believe it, but it sneaks up on you for a pleasant after taste that has a kick to it in a great way. The garlic is legit, bring breath mints or stand 10 feet back from whoever you speak with for the rest of the day. Overall it was excellent and salad with the 3 pieces was just right for portions. To Recap: The Good: The food is great for lunch, especially considering the near by options. The feel of the place is open and modern, tastefully done. The service was a notch above what I was expecting to be honest, a pleasant surprise. The Bad: It did a slight chain feel to it, I don't know where it is a local chain or not, but it was a little formula feeling at certain times. The Band This Restaurant Most Resembles: The Beltways. Maryland rock that does the area proud. I will be back.
(4)
Lillian S.
I got the take-out when I was running errands in Rockville and the food was great (mushroom pizza and the pear/apple salad but the real reason I am writing this review is to rave about Erin B (the name on the receipt). She is the bartender that was quite busy serving a bar full of customers and also had the responsibility for the the take-out stand. She took my order promptly and then proceeded to take more orders from the bar, fulfill drink orders from the waiters, take menu orders, ring people up, and serve another 2 people who had ordered take-out. All this in the 15 minutes I was sitting waiting for my order. She was super-efficient, pleasant and such an amazing multi-tasker. She was on the move for the entire 15 minutes while a few other staff members came and went and it was hard to tell what exactly they were doing and why they couldn't help her out. For example, the person who came out of the kitchen with my food saw me and another woman in the waiting section and could have announced the name on the order. Instead, she just set it down and walked away. Like many other businesses, matchbox probably has 20% of the staff doing 80% of the work and that 20% certainly includes Erin. I only hope they know what a gem they have! It's hard to find good people who work so hard!
(4)
Michael C.
I got here at 6:15 on a wed. night and asked how long the wait would be for 3 people. They told me 15 minutes. They lied. They were off by an entire 45 minutes. At that point i was pretty annoyed, but the waitress was so nice, helpful, and attentive that it saved the meal. So if i'm rating it on the front hostesses this place gets a zero. But i'm not. We got the 3-6-9 (6 mini burgers with 2 of each cheese). This comes with a heaping pile of onion.... things. It all tasted great though. We split a sausage and onion pizza that was good, and my parents got a crab cake sandwich and a matchbox chicken. They both said their sandwiches were good (not great). The crab cake looked gigantic though. The decor was nice (but i'm not really one to care about decor), it definitely wasn't the type of place my parents were expecting. The clientele definitely skewed younger. PS - the little side bar looked really douchey. Like blazer and affliction t-shirt douchey. I guess that's just par for the course when it comes to popular/new/trendy places.
(3)
Julie P.
We've eaten here twice. The first time we had pizza and it was delicious. The second time we came for lunch. I made the mistake of ordering a sandwhich--it was bland and overpriced. Stick to the pizza.
(2)
Johnson H.
Went to try this place recently. I was hoping for a crispy crust throughout my pie but all the pizzas we ordered had soft crust towards the center of the pie :( I mean a crispy crust is what I look forward to coming out of a wood fire pizza oven. The flavors and tastes of their pizzas were good enough to consider another visit.
(3)
Eric B.
I found better pizza in Rockville at Pizza CS, so down to 1 star.
App - shrimp and grits with the best sauce! Entree - pork with creole sauce, order medium - I think our food sat a bit so mine was well and dry by the time it came but the sauce totally helped. Service was very slow so plan for a long lunch.
(4)
Angela S.
I finally made it to the Rockville location, yay! Went around 11:15 on a Sat morning...thought there was going to be a brunch menu but only saw a "brunch cocktail" menu; the food menu was the regular one. I ordered my usual Fire & Smoke pizza, which tasted even better than I remembered. I decided to try the beet salad instead of my usual apple pear salad. Either there wasn't enough dressing on it, or the dressing wasn't strong enough, because I could barely taste it. The rest of the salad was tasty, but not worth the $10 price tag due to its size. I would expect a more filling or larger salad for $10, almost entree-size in fact. My Bloody Mary wasn't the best, will order something else next time. The waitress was nice but didn't seem to know the menu that well. I mean, she knew what was on it, but couldn't answer questions about specific items. Fine for me since I was somewhat familiar with the menu, but could be a problem for a first-timer. The 1 star deduction is for the prices. They probably shouldn't be the same as Chinatown's prices. I would like to come here on a fairly regular basis and would if the prices were just slighly less. It'll still be in the rotation, though.
(4)
Michael H.
Really like this place! The burgers are great, and the entrees are very good as well. Haven't tried the pizza yet, buy I've heard good things. Extensive drink menu. Last time there we ordered the sliders without pickles (my wife *hates* pickles). When they arrived with pickles, we told the waiter who took responsibility and apologized profusely. He then offered to pay for a dessert or give us a gift card for our next visit (we took the latter). When we received the bill, he took the sliders off the bill as well (even though I finished them) and handed us a dessert gift card. In my opinion, this was fantastic customer service and we will be putting matchbox into the rotation.
(4)
C M.
Best place in MoCo, hands down. Great pizza selection and a tap beer list that beats anyplace outside the beltway. Go.
(5)
Krissy R.
Really good food and good service. Only go here if you're okay with eating really high-fat unhealthy food though-- like if you're really in the mood for greasy pizza, burgers, and onion strings. I saw that a lot of people on Yelp were complaining of long waits so I made a reservation before I went here for lunch. When I walked in to tell the hostess about my reservation, I overheard her telling the person in front of me that the wait was 45 minutes (this was at 1:30pm). Because I had a reservation, I was taken to my table immediately, which was nice. The server was excellent and was good about bringing new drinks over each time ours were empty. He also had some great suggestions for menu items since it was our first time at the restaurant. He came by to check after our food was delivered to make sure it was to our liking. Overall it was a really fun experience and I plan to go back. Our table ordered 6 sliders with cheese for an appetizer, and I had the tomato, basil, mozzarella pizza for my entree. Both were awesome. We split the fruit pizza for dessert which was also surprisingly yummy.
(4)
Amanda K.
Cocktails: Very Good Beer Selection: Very Good (Smutty Nose & Delirium on tap) Sliders: Excellent Pizza (Sopressata & Mushroom): Very Good Salad (Beet & Goat Cheese): Meh Donuts (actually zeppoli): Excellent
(4)
Lauren K.
I tried this place again with my coworkers for a going away party. I figured that I'd try something other than the pizza since they really dropped the ball with pizza. I had a crabcake sandwich. Unfortunately, food poisoning soon followed. I will never return to this place. Work party or not.
(1)
michele p.
I only hold back from a full 5 star rating because it is a bit pricey here. The only other possible fault is that the servers are TOO nice, seriously where do they find these cheery people? The food is very good quality, from the pizzas to the pastas to the appetizers you cannot go wrong. They also have a very nice wine menu. Make a reservation on opentable.com because there is always a wait at peak times. Oh, do not get the lava chocolate cake we have ordered it twice and it was not good either time. DO order the Serrano ham pizza mmmmm now I am hungry ugh its amazing!
(4)
Ellen K.
I went for the first time on Saturday night. It was a madhouse. Make sure to make reservations through open table or expect to wait 2+ hours on busy nights. When we pulled up to the restaurant, the outside decor looked nice! We got inside and I was amazed that the restaurant had a 2nd floor! Apparently...in the spring/summer, they're going to have outdoor patio seating upstairs. The waiting area was insanely packed...I felt pretty claustrophobic. The staff were extremely friendly. There's also a bar at the front of the restaurant...I didn't get to walk in to see what it looked like but was told by my waiter that the windows in the bar area slide open. They'll open the windows it in the spring/summer when the weather is nicer (obviously). I had the mozzi as an appetizer and the 3-6-9 bar burgers as an entree. It was amazingly delicious! My friend had a pizza but I didn't try it...she said it was pretty good. I will definitely go back again!
(5)
D K.
The little things count. Great drink menu. Ordered the Ayinger beer. Awesome. I've now started a mission to find it in stores/bottles. Rather large place, but not too loud. I'm surprised it gets so full on weekends. We made reservations, so no wait for us. Smart. Started off with Shrimp & Grits. I've missed Grits. It was decent. Shrimp was overcooked, but next time, I'll get the Sliders. It seems like those are the most popular. Fire & Smoke pizza. My bf chose it. I can't handle spiciness, but I was up to the challenge. I like the garlic puree, and it definitely gets you sniffly and your tongue burning, but funny thing... it doesn't last. I was fine by the time I got the check. Maybe the beer helped to numb my senses, but it wasn't too bad. It was an interesting pizza to have, but next time, I'll choose something else. Thin crust with a few burnt edges, but they warn you about that in the menu. The main reason I bumped this review from 3 to 4 stars is the service. My bf and I had to leave early, so we asked the server to give us our check if possible. No problem at all. She was more than happy to split it. Sometimes servers grumble and you get the slightly exasperated "FINE..." look, but our server was more than happy to oblige. I will return, Matchbox. You've earned a return visit.
(4)
Clarisse B.
My boyfriend and I went to dinner at Matchbox in Rockville on Friday night, and since we've been there several times before, we weren't surprised when they told us it would be an hour and 20 minute wait. (I highly recommend you get a reservation before coming here, we didn't as it was a last minute decision). We grabbed a couple drinks and waited at their bar, I had a glass of Malbec (the Catena, I wasn't crazy about it), he had a corona, the bill was like $15! The bar was crowded too, but was comfortable and there was still plenty of standing room and great people watching. Every once in a while a server came around with some pizza samples to feed all of us that were waiting for a table! Once our table was finally ready, they seated us in a little room they have with tables past the bar, absolutely the worst section ever and I had never even noticed it's existance prior to this visit. After waiting so long for a table, I was not happy. We went back to the hostess stand and asked if we could get back on the wait list for a better table in their main room, and she showed us straight to another table, on the second floor, overlooking the main area. MUCH BETTER! I was really impressed with how accomodating she was, I mean, afterall, they have to put someone in that crappy past the bar section, but I'm glad it wasn't us! Also, as a side note, this really is a beautiful restaurant. There's some wood on the walls, with lighting behind it, and it does a great deal for ambiance. It's contemporary looking, open and spacious, and just a great place for a date. Once seated at our table, our waiter who was very helpful came to us and offered some wine selections. He was very informative and clearly knew what he was talking about, they had just had a wine tasting the previous night. He recommended the Shiraz Layer Cake, and I loved it! Normally we start off with the mini burgers, and they are hand down the most delicious sliders I have ever had EVER. However being Friday during Lent, and us being guilty Catholics, we were going all vegetarian that night. So we went for the Mozza Carozzi, kind of like a bruchetta. It was really good, especially considering it was vegetarian, but we did miss our mini burgers. For our entree, we shared the Vegetarian pizza. It comes with spanish onions, roated poblano peppers, roasted garlic, mozzaralla, fresh herbs, and fingerling potato crips and we subbed sundried tomatoes instead for the mushrooms. It was great! Although about 1/4 of the pizza was extremely charred, to the point where when we tried to eat it all we got was that yucky burnt taste (hence 4 stars instead of 5 for this review). All in all, I highly recommend this place! The restaurant is brand new and beautiful, the servers are really friendly and accomodating, and the food is delicious!
(4)
Lisa G.
I went met a friend here for drinks recently. The place is huge compared to China Town but I would have thought that the bar areas would be bigger. We found seats at the main bar and camped out for hours. We had Ice Tea Martinis which were good and then moved on to Red Wines. The bartender had excellent knowledge of the wines..forget his name though. After a few hours we ordered a small pizza and the couple next to us shared their donuts with us. Overall it was a great spot for drinks and catching up with a friend. Will definately be back.
(4)
Corey S.
Not as good as the original. Service was bad - from the hostess stand to waiters. Wait time took more than twice as long as told when checking in. Waiter was non-attentive and missing for long periods of time. Food was not as good either. Pizza crust was soggy and spiciness in their spicy pizzas just wasn't there. Maybe an off night, but it was really off.
(2)
Erin S.
Beet salad was good but the beef short ribs were very disappointing. Super fatty and not in a good way. I know this place is supposed to be very popular but I was not impressed at all.
(2)
Grace L.
If I could have given them 3.5 stars... then I would. I've been to Matchbox in Rockville twice now. The first time, I went with my fiance and 2 of our friends during the week it opened and was extremely disappointed by the poor service. The waitress could not offer any drink recommendations and was very unhelpful in helping us order. Lucky for them, the sliders and pizza were delicious so we went back. The 2nd time was A LOT better. We were seated promptly (party of 6 on Memorial Day) and our waitress was great! We ordered the sliders (which were amazing) and the pesto chicken pizza, fire and smoke pizza, and sun dried tomato. The pizza was a little overcooked and there was too much charring for my taste, but was good overall.
(3)
Mark R.
Order the Chicken Pesto pizza and a beer on tap.
(5)
Jennifer M.
Great place with excellent pizza. Good meeting place with two bars as well. They have awesome garlic breadsticks that are perfect with marinara sauce.
(4)
Anna Sofia B.
Great drinks, pizza and mini burgers (try them with Gorgonzola) in an unpretentious environment. The service is friendly but they seem unable to anticipate your needs such as, another drink, condiments or an extra spoon to share a dessert.
(4)
Munzer M.
Fantastic pizza! I was torn between the braised short ribs, the bone in rib eye steak, and the Serrano ham pizza with buffalo mozzarella, ricotta cheese and oven dried tomatoes. I opted for the latter and thoroughly enjoyed it! I ate every bite and although completely stuffed, had a slice of my girlfriends chicken pesto pizza! This is by far the best pizza I've had in DC and quite possibly anywhere else & I've lived in NYC (not to mention above a Rays Pizza), and Chicago! My mouth is watering just writing about it! Check out our blog at samplefly.com/blog
(4)
Adam B.
Great pizza and awesome service.
(5)
Vivian A.
Very very very very very very very very very very very very very bad service.
(1)
Andy J.
I have only lived in the DC area for about a year and a half now. I am in constant search for good places to eat. Matchbox is one of the few places, so far, that has impressed me. Not only is their pizza good, their steaks and sandwiches are also good. In fact, one of the best sandwiches I have ever had came from Matchbox. I love their atmosphere, and the service is friendly and swift. I will definitely continue eating there in the future.
(4)
J M.
Stopped by Matchbox a few weeks ago after reading some of the reviews on Yelp. It was very crowded during lunch so we decided to come back another time. Our second visit the place was less crowded and we were seated right away. Our waiter was very friendly and brought us water right away. The table we were at was a little small even for two people but it's also cozy if you want to snuggle up. We ordered one pizza with basil, fingerling potatoes and caramelized onions. The pizza wasn't bad but neither of us were fans of the sauce. I've eaten a lot of pizza all over the country and this was not a sauce I liked. Probably would not go back for the pizza. I tried the Chicken Muffaletta sandwich which I thought was pretty good. Definitely would get it again on another visit. It's a very large, filling sandwich. We did not try an appetizers or desserts.
(3)
Kelsy S.
Some things are good here, some things aren't...the fire & smoke has changed...not really a fan anymore.
(3)
Suzanne P.
My boyfriend and I went here for dinner tonight, and were very impressed. The food was simply amazing! I found this place online while looking for a spot to hold a family event, and wanted to try it out before booking it. Everything was wonderful from the quick service (Thanks, Erica!), to the delicious tuna tartare (a little spicier than I expected), and a simple tomato and cheese pizza with artichokes. We finished it off with the chocolate raspberry ganache, which was really yummy! I also found their prices reasonable. And, I liked their variety of entrees with a mixture of good pizza and steaks and crab cakes and a great beer selection. After dinner, our waitress showed us a few of the rooms that could serve for a party and we met the manager who was very pleasant and helpful. I loved the ambiance, with the big open room, and can't wait to sit outside on a nice night near the fire pit.
Great pizza and very accommodating folks. You can really have a nice time here. They also keep nice fancy liquors like Islay scotches.
(5)
Alex D.
The reason I gave Matchbox 3 stars is because of the price of the food. The service is above average which makes the dining experience good compared to other restaurants in the area. The food on the other hand is sub par for the price. $9 for 3 cheeseburger sliders?? $14 for a 10" pizza?? Ive eaten here a couple times and was satisfied with my meal, until the check came. Sliders w/cheese $9 Small Chopped Salad $6 Crab Cake Sandwich $14 10" Matchbox Meat $14 Stella Artois $7 Tiamo Pinot Grigio $7 With tax and tip (20%) that's $71.00!!! While we waited almost 30 minutes for our table we went to the bar and looked around the restaurant. We were both amazed at the design and the decoration of the restaurant. I liked how their upstairs had a couple booths and a huge table that could seat up to maybe 14 people. The upstairs patio is a great new addition but the wait to be seated there is normally double the standard wait time. This is a little absurd to me considering your just staring at peoples tail lights. But different strokes for different folks. The main bar is very cramped with a mix of happy hour patrons and families waiting for their table. This tends to make the bar area hard to get comfortable in and even harder to get a beer. Your best bet is checking out the front bar by the outside dining area. Since this bar is off to the side it tends to get over looked by newcomers and may work better for a more relaxed wait time. All in all it was a good experience but i still cant get over the fact that it was $70 for essentially a pizza and crab cake sandwich. Yes, i realize we got apps and A drink a piece, but still $70?? Not a go to restaurant but a would go restaurant.
(3)
Lisa W.
Arrived right at noon on a Friday and was told a 45 minute wait. I noticed people walking in and getting seated immediately. There were very few servers and tons of empty tables. NOTE: make reservations before arriving especially at peak times!. One hostess was not wearing a bra so it was the talk of the waiting area. The young man working the hostess stand was very personable and polite. He was checking with folks waiting to make sure everyone was comfortable :) Got seated by a manager(?) he was apologetic for the wait -. The waiter was very informative about the menu. We started with the 6 slider appetizer, and the pear salad. Both were fantastic. My son who is not a lover of salads even thought the pear salad was delicious. We ordered a larger pizza with salami and mushrooms. Again the food has fresh ingredients and was great! Since we figured we would not be back soon (he is away at college) we decided to order the hot doughnuts. I bit into the first doughnut and it was raw (ugh). After a great meal this was a downer!. The waiter was great and swooped the doughnuts away and we got a fresh batch. I realize the place is new and I think once they staff up , and get the flow of how things operate it will be a go to place. The outdoor bar and seating area looked very appealing - can not wait for the warmer weather.
(4)
Lucy B.
Still a no thank you. You should be doing way better Matchbox.
(1)
Sebb J.
I ordered a starter salad and the sausage pizza. The salad was decent but a bit on the acidic side. The sausage pizza I wolfed down easily, it was not best pizza i had but for suburban Maryland that was really unexpected. The service was just above average. She was quite friendly and talkative but towards the end even though the clientele had faded didn't come to us very often.
(4)
Sandra A.
I like matchbox in general, I like the atmosphere, and have been many times, my only issue is everything I loved on the menu is no longer on the menu. From my fav drink to entree to dessert....How I managed to pick everything that will be taken off, beats me but I'm no longer excited to go there because I can't look forward to the the things I liked.
(3)
Robert R.
wood-fired masonry oven pizza and mini burgers (not sliders) are the specialty items at these self proclaimed village pizza bistro's. the rockville restaurant, a stand alone structure in a big box shopping center along 355 is open and airy with two floors, an open pizza kitchen, two outdoor patios and two bar areas. this restaurant fills a big void in the area but expect lengthy waits on friday and saturday nights. favorites: mini burgers, cheese pizza, tuna nicoisesalad and all desserts
(4)
Ann S.
This place was fun, friendly and delicious! Beautifully decorated and furnished!
(3)
Emily P.
I've had the veggie, fire and smoke, meat, and meatball pizzas. I'm not sure if its because I've had a number of better experiences prior with brick oven pizza, but eating the pizzas here left me feeling heavy with terrible indigestion. I've also tried their other dishes like bacon shrimp and grits, tuna tartare, scallop gratin, crab and avocado salad, which I thought were mediocre at best. However, I recommend their burgers and definitely their onion fries (amazing!). Service here is usually spotty.
(2)
AJ F.
Great food, reasonable price, with decent service... Second trip for me, will go back again. Make sure to make a reservation, there is always a line to get a seat. Overall, good place with great food.
(4)
Ray M.
Food is excellent, but a little pricey. Service ok. Great, clean atmosphere :)
(4)
Debby W.
Our group of 6 had a little of everything they offered and LOVED it all! The pizza was perfect~the crust was crispy and the toppings were delicious! We practically licked the plate of the avocado/something appetizer..and the beet salad was delicious. While the swordfish was little over done, the Short Ribs were amazing! OMG, the bread pudding was another lick the plate thing and so were the donuts! Our server John was very, very attentive. Yes, a little pricey...so I knocked off a star, but I haven't had such delicious food in ROCKVILLE, since I can remember!
(4)
Robin O.
Was expecting MUCH better, since Matchbox seems to be the newest ballyhooed restaurant on the Pike. The waitress was very nice and seemed knowledgeable about the menu. Since it was our first time, the five of us decided on items we all could try. I ordered the Cream of Crab soup and it was very good, the portion was large easy to share and it had a nice hump of shredded crabmeat on top to stir in. Son ordered the Apple Pear Salad, we all liked it. One ordered crab cake sandwich which he said was very good, but accompanying FF's were overcooked, cool and tasteless. The kids (25, 28) split 1 lg wood fired pizza. Good toppings, flavor enjoyed by all. The bad: TOO MANY TECHNICAL ERRORS. Hubby's Gin & Tonic was served in a girly Martini glass, waitress said they were out of the right size glasses. (The place was 90% empty.) Hubby's beet salad was served heavy on the beets and lettuce but with miniscule amount of goat cheese. The kids large pizza split: half matchbox meat, half Serrano Spanish ham & Pecorino Romano. The toppings were very good, garlicky, tasty, however thin crust was not so good. Over-cooked, a bit tough and chewy, very hard to cut w/ the knife that came with pizza, which should have been serrated, not butter knife edge. It was comical trying to tease out a slice of pizza using exaggerated sawing motions. This caused the topping to come off and you had to re-build your piece. Hubby ordered the Short Ribs which had a pleasant flavor, there was some berry jam flavor going on, interesting, it was very sweet. Waitress called it a wine reduction when asked. However, the meat was dry, most likely due to sitting around. The side dish was Brussel sprouts w/ bacon and gorgonzola but was way too heavy on the gorgonzola, it was a mouthful of cheese and you couldn't taste anything else and it looked like a pile of mush. I ordered the Grilled Romaine & Hanger Steak Salad. This is served on a plate with grilled whole Romaine lettuce and hanger steak cut into about five 3"slices. The meat was heaped in a small pile on plate, not sitting on lettuce. (pictured.) It's garnished with a halved boiled egg, three croutons, and Caesar dressing on the side. I tasted the meat, and it was tepid to cool. The waitress came by, asked how our food was, I asked if the steak is supposed to be served cold and she said "No, it should be hot." She took my plate away, it came out 10 min. later, the 2nd time the meat was placed in strips, not heaped in pile (consistency?) and again the meat was tepid, but decided not to complain. This whole dish tasted heavily of PROPANE, including charred lettuce, 75% more charred the second time (consistency?). I think they take a propane torch to cook the meat on the plate and the lettuce, as well. I suggest renaming this dish "Propane flavored Meat Salad." My dog enjoyed it very much. Our waitress said Matchbox "excels at dessert". We ordered Molten Chocolate Cake. The portion size was paltry, 3" across, (pictured) so between 5 adults, only got a teaspoon bite for $8. In the middle was caramel, so why the name Molten CHOCOLATE cake? We were expecting 'To Die For', but not much flavor, not enough sugar, simply BORING. I ordered "Donuts and Coffee", (apparently the new restaurant craze... as we ate at The Palm last week and ordered Coffee n' Donuts for dessert and it was SUBLIME.) It's supposed to be served with an Espresso Kahlua Creme Sauce to dip the donut into -- imagine my surprise after dipping donut into sauce, popping it into my mouth and discovering that the dipping sauce was Caesar Dressing!!! YUK! GAG! The donuts were terrible, over fried rocks, inedible. These owners need to go to the Palm and see how this dish should be made. Scratch that, it's probably where they got the idea to do it in the first place. FAIL! After all these mistakes; puny glass size for G&T, meat served cold, Caesar Dressing as dessert dip (which will become legend in our family) there was no comp. We didn't ask, but they definitely should have offered SOMETHING. Mere Annoyances: I didn't realize that there's a bread shortage going on. Bread is offered at an extra $1.00 charge. We received 2 rolls for 5 people. They split rolls in half with melted garlic butter, then grilled it. It could have been good but it was too salty. As we left through the 100% empty bar, there were two Bartenders standing there. We walked passed and neither of them said anything to us such as "Thank you, come again". They just glanced at us and then looked away, (probably counting their money). That cold shoulder was the perfect end to an imperfect dining experience. I was told that Matchbox has 4 REAL chefs. Really? So many technical errors; over cooking, over salting, heavy handedness, and forgetting ingredients. There's an overall lack of finesse, quality and consistency in most dishes we tried. This place is HEAVY on the EGO and LIGHT on the TALENT. $150 bucks down the drain on mostly mediocre food.
(2)
Rolf H.
I ate a mid-afternoon pizza with my daughter. The pizza was pretty good, if not great. Service was really good, and they had a good selection of beer. What really annoyed me was the incessant beat of the synthetic techno pseudo "music" they play -- a full hour of techno beat with no melody or anything else that could actually be called music. It was like a jackhammer to my head -- just really, really irritating. Why do they think someone can enjoy a meal with a robotic woodpecker pecking non-stop at their brain?
(2)
Yama A.
I guess you should not go there on a tuesday night. We were seated right away but the service was slow, we had to call a waitress over to our table. The food was barely edibale. The waitress messed up our order, got raw burgers, greasey and burnt curley fries. The waitress was unattentive,not concerned even though my wife hadn't touched her meal, she did not ask us if anything was wrong... we just wanted to get out of there.... not worth the $60 we spent on a meal for two.... will never go back....
(1)
Carrie W.
Awesome, our server Reece was wondeful!
(5)
David M.
Food, drinks and service are all deserving of four stars. A pleasant treat on the Pike!
(4)
Onawa C.
I'd love to say I actually ate there but I didn't. My birthday celebration is 2 weeks away and, October 1st and Alicia the sorta kinda party planner does not book two large parties in one night. As a corporate events planner myself, I've never heard of such a thing. Not to mention she never offered anything other than to split up my party and suggested I couldn't afford the room rental again not that she would even book it. So Matchbox ain't the place for large parties. I typically review restaurants for potential work conferences and meetings. I should just show up with my party of 18 people and see how they handle it but I couldn't even get in the front door so service would just go down here from here. Enter at your own risk!!
(1)
Julia P.
Was waiting for full recovery after the food poisoning in Matchbox,Rockville. First there was a fake waitlist with a lot available tables and about 7 people waiting for an hour. Drinks are mixed not just wrongly but they are way too strong. Food is overpriced and has too much fat in it. After working as a chief cook in French cuisine restaurant, I can hardly give a star to the Matchbox in Rockville location. My friend was food poisoned right there and refused to eat at all. I ate about 1/4 part of my meal, and next day was struggling for 12 hours. The people who are working there are nice and friendly...I guess the rating star is for them ;-)
(1)
Johnny P.
We had the scallops and large pesto chicken and steak & onion (half and half). The scallops were excellent, pizza was good. The pizza was thin and wasn't hard to eat. Fed 3 people to satisfactory. Kinda pricey though. $24 for scallops.
(4)
Victor D.
Great brunch! And they finally built one big enough to seat everyone!
(4)
Cornelius E.
I thoroughly enjoy going to this place. Very cool interior with good food to back it up. I always get the slider when I'm here as I am a big fan of these mini bun goodness. There might be a couple of better places to go in Rockville for eating alone but this is the place if you want to unwind after work or a date night. 4 stars for the ambiance alone. Hip but not pretentious.
(4)
Sunshine W.
Pizza is great. Kids got mac n cheese which was excellent. Not too much else to choose from for kids though. The donut balls are a must.....delicious. Staff is on top of things. Atmosphere is nice and modern.
(4)
Dennis R.
The atmosphere was great, a very open feel with plenty of outdoor seating and parking. We enjoyed the bacon wrapped shrimp and grits, which was spectacular and in my opinion something you must order. The cream of crab soup was great, a bit lighter than your typical cream of crab soups, which I enjoyed. The matchbox chicken sandwich was excellent, and the mini burgers were really good too. The portions were generous and our server was very attentive. Fantastic experience, can't wait to go back!
(4)
Suzanne R.
I thought it was on the louder side. Open. Trendy. Very good for groups. Th pizza crust was very thin & very good. The sauce was nothing special. Spicy meatball pizza was mild. The tuna tartar was superb & the doughnuts are very good! Its clean, worth going to, good food. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Greg p.
This is true wood oven pizza, nothing stamped out assembly line about it. The extra crispy crust and the browned bubbling cheese is perfection. Good selection of on tap beers and some fun house cocktails. Just a bit on the pricey side but worth splurging for every now and then.
(4)
Neville S.
Great restaurant! Good pizza and great chopped salad. We loved the chocolate Lava cake!!
(4)
K D.
Matchbox is by far the coolest place you can find in Rockville/North Bethesda. Yes it's on Rockville Pike, yes it's a suburban area, but once you pull up to the restaurant, you can automatically feel it's super TRENDY VIBE. For Maryland, this is as LA as it gets and I love it. Great staff, great food. There are often waits on the weekends because it's the coolest spot in town right now and it's worth the wait. I'd much rather wait a few than stumble upon an empty place only to leave regretting it! Go to Matchbox!!!!! You will love. I can't wait to sit on the patio this summer and chill. :)
(5)
Mariella B.
I've been here several times, most of the time during the lunch hours. The restaurant is def a big step up from the old restaurants that stood there, the new renovation will keep patrons coming back especially since it's two levels with a nice outdoor space. I haven't been wow-ed by this restaurant, as much as I really want to love it...I just don't. I think the pizza's are just okay, majority of the times I got the pizza the crust it too chewy and still doughy in the middle. I know some reviewers love the pizza but too me it's just way too overpriced and bland. I have gotten the Margherita, Fire & Smoke, Pepperoni, and Matchbox Meat. The best thing going for at this place are the cheeseburger sliders, this is what makes me want to come back especially those onion strings. The wait can get pretty long here and the waiting area is really not a waiting area. The hostess stand is too close to the entrance that when there is a long line it ends up winding out through the entrance. Boyfriend and I came here on a Saturday night, we requested for a table and we saw that they had the outdoor heaters on and the fire pit so we asked to sit outside. It would be a 30 minute wait so we went to the bar to have a drink. We got comfortable so we decided to just have dinner at the bar. That was a great decision the bartenders are awesome and seem to be more attentive than the servers are and were fun to talk to. So next time you come and it's just you and a date...skip getting a table and sit at the bar. I may not like coming for the pizzas but coming for drinks and appetizers will most likely have me come back and it's a great place for date night.
(3)
Jason P.
Terrible experience. After a long wait for a table, we ordered a pepperoni pizza. While I realize the menu said "some charring can occur due to the temperature of the ovens" - our pizza was BURNED. Waiter never returned after a kitchen helper dropped off the pizza until it was time to drop off the check. When he finally did and we expressed our dissatisfaction, he only responded with "Well, next time, you should order it less well done." Evidently poorly prepared pizza is the responsibility of the customer. I'd recommend driving past this place to one of the many other fine restaurants in DC (or even in Rockville for that matter).
(1)
Saleh M.
The atmosphere here is great. When weather is nice, the back outside bar is a good place to drink, socialize, watch the game. The bartenders are friendly and attentive. Though I like to come here for a beer, I can't rave about the pizza. just so-so.
(3)
Brandi K.
Everything about this place is pretentious and annoying. We were told--somewhat rudely, I might add--that there was an hour and 45 minute wait for a table for 2, at 2 p.m. on a Sunday. Thanks but no thanks. Get over yourself, Matchbox...it's not as though overpriced restaurants on Rockville Pike are a rarity.
(1)
Ronni G.
The great food, good service and urban casual atmosphere I expect from an outpost of this upscale chain. Sweet calamari salad and local brew hit the spot for lunch. Came back the next day for more at dinner time. Pepperoni and cheese pizza was terrific.
(4)
Ashley E.
Yummy. Love the outside fire pit!
(4)
Chris H.
I LOVED this place. Not only is it stunningly gorgeous and spacious on the inside, but the staff is beyond friendly and all smiles. My partner and I went on a Saturday in the afternoon, and were seated immediately and sipping our water within 5 minutes. We had Josh, the friendliest waiter I have ever met in my life, who came to check on us at the right moments and was very attentive. The food was great to say the least. I'm looking forward to the next time I have an opportunity to eat here again. Definitely a welcome addition to the chain restaurant wasteland that the area has become.
(5)
Alex R.
This is my favorite Restaurant in the Rockville. Love the structure, love the food. The one thing I would add is to try the brunch; my favorite pizza here is the Brunch Pizza. Can be annoyingly busy though, even on weekdays.
(4)
Nicole L.
The building was transformed into a beautiful space, I loved the interior of the restaurant, it was much more spacious than the Chinatown one. We just wanted to meet with friends at the bar but after few hours of standing, we decided maybe it was a good idea to get a table. We sat down at this table that opened up, it was getting late and the crowd was dwindling but the server semed displeased with our decision. To make her feel better, we ordered the trio of meatless burger, mini crabcakes and scallops as well as the Fire N Smoke pizza that our friend was raving about. I thought it was slightly costly for $19 it was vege pizza but it was spicy like described. My friend commented that the Chinatown one was spicier. The server was friendlier after that fact that we ordered food and more beverage, I wished we werent made to feel bad. If you wanted better tips you should just give a provide a good service and not care about what people order!!
(3)
paul g.
This is the new hyped up place in Rockville. haven't we seen this b/f? Not the place for happy hour. Too cramped and drinks $10 plus. No happy hour pricing. Food about average. Nothing special. Service was overzealous probably b/c of complaints. My advice, wait until the hype dies down and they get used to a regular clientelle. It will probably improve. for now go to your local place in ur hood! P-
(2)
Nicholas M.
After being a long time patron of the location in Gallery Place we decided to try the a Rockville location to celebrate a graduation. We were very pleased to find the same quality of food and service, without the usual long wait, and will definitely return. The braided short ribs were so tender they fell off the bone and melted in your mouth. The pork in creole sauce was full of inedible flavors and would have been amazing if it was not slightly overcooked. The crab cake sandwich was so big it would have been difficult to finish by itself let alone with the generous portion of fries. The rockfish was well cooked but was on the bland side and we were not wild about the risotto. The Matchbox meat pizza was everything I hoped for and satisfied my craving for it. It has a ton of flavors though I would like a slightly thicker crust to help the pizza keep its form as I try to eat it. On whole, the menu provides a wide range of options and their beer tap selection always has something new to try. My only complaint is the price of drinks at the bar. One round for 4 was almost $50 for two rail mixed drinks and two premium beers. Maybe that is just me though.
(4)
Lauren S.
The atmosphere, food and wine were great! So was the service. I went here with my date, who was being a stiff, uptight prick that night, so I went ahead and ordered the Rockfish. His eyes buldged out, but he wasn't a hater. It was a great choice. It was light, flaky, a amazing. It was on top of a creamy risotto, which was also delicious. Although I was hungry like 4 hours later, at least I now know that this place is great for so much more than just pizza. My date loosened up a little later. But who cares what his problem was....it was his problem....with the light, perfect glass of white wine I had, and that great food, it was easy to just bounce his energy off. And later on I fixed his whack little attitude, anyway. So there.
(4)
Antony C.
The food was great and service as well. My only two issues were the price and having to make a reservation.
(4)
D C.
When you spend a ton of money to renovate a building and then install a very expensive brick oven wouldn't you also bring in the right people to cook a decent pizza? My biggest complaint about Matchbox is what they are known for, the pizza, is not good. All serious pizza lovers know that it starts with the crust. Matchbox's crust is sad. It is like tasteless cardboard. You would think that great brick oven would impart some flavor and save this pizza experience but it doesn't. Their sauce is not very good either and there isn't enough of it. The cheese layer is skimpy and then overcooked. The pizza that comes to your table is overcooked, hard, dry and so not what one would expect for the prices they charge! You know when you go to a convenience store and they have the pizza that has been under the heat lamp for 3 hrs? That is about what the Matchbox pizza experience is like. They boast freshness, and maybe the ingredients really are, but the pizza is so poorly executed it doesn't make a difference. I have this other problem too. Right across the street is this other (new) pizza place that opened in 2011 called Pizza CS. It's a smaller place where the two owners are nearly always there. They are friendly and they truly care about their product. They have a brick oven too. It's probably a lot smaller and they don't have a full bar like Matchbox... but the pizza! It is so unbelievably good! I cannot, with a clear conscience, eat a Matchbox pizza... ever... again. Why in the world would I subject myself to the poor service, overcrowding and high prices of Matchbox when I could get a pizza 10x better right across the street? Another thing I like is supporting the local (small) businesses. Matchbox could care less who I am, how my experience is or how likely I am to come back. Pizza CS is the opposite. I apologize that this is feeling more like a Pizza CS advertisement but having them across the street from one another begs me to do the comparison. Since I work in the area and am daily faced with "that" question... what should I do for lunch? Every now and then someone suggests Matchbox but more and more we all answer with WHY!?! Mediocre product, bad service, high prices and extremely uninspired pizza. Go to Pizza CS across the street and see what I mean. Matchbox has some okay dishes other than pizza. I like their crab soup, scallops and tuna appetizer but I just cannot go there for pizza. And before someone sends me a PM asking about my affiliation with Pizza CS (or any other restaurant), I am not. I am a professional in an entirely different field with no connections to the restaurant industry.
(2)
Beth H.
Service was good, the food was excellent! Nice environment; very comfortable.
(5)
Alex D.
Brand New Location in Rockville, the interior is spacious. I love their idea of creating a different feel to each room. When i first entered Matchbox its always crowded so be prepared to wait or make a reservation ahead of time. The Menu is simple and they have a good selection of Draft Beers. Also each beer gets their own special glass, I tried the Allagash which is a Hefeweizen. It was pretty good had a nice wheat flavor. We started out with Appetizers I had the Tuna Tartare which was amazing, nice raw tuna with a complimenting wasabi sauce on the side. A Friend Ordered the Mini Burgers which are amazing! Cooked to however you want it..Med Rare ordered, and came out the way we wanted them. Love their drink selections, they also have a house made Pineapple and Watermelon infused Vodka. The service was outstanding, Our server Nick was knowledgeable of their draft beers, liquor, and cocktail selections. He was able to give us his suggestions and there was not one miss. The food was outstanding, always go for the large pizza its only a few more dollars and you get a good size you can always take home and enjoy later. All in all the food, drink, and Service was amazing thanks to our waiter Nick.
(4)
Ron T.
Love the Pizza here. I have always had good service and the drinks are good as well. I would highly recommend for Pizza
(4)
Chris B.
I really liked the pizza here, despite it being slightly over priced. I would recommend you opt for the buffalo mozzarella, because it really makes the pizza that much better! There was a pretty long wait when I went, so reservations can't hurt. I suppose that this can be viewed as a sign that the food here is pretty good. I could comment on the great decor, but I'm a straight dude, so I would have likely said it was great even if I sat on a cement block while eating my meal.
(4)
Aesah L.
We went for a late lunch on a Sunday and were pleasantly surprised to find a jazz trio playing. I got the bistro burger which was just decadent (and massive!) and the onion rings were amazing. The rest of the table got a margarita pizza which was delicious! We'll definitely be back, especially since they'll be bringing the brunch menu back in the next few months.
(4)
Gina S.
Only spent a few hours in Rockville and hit up this local hot spot for dinner. Good stuff. The bar has a wide variety of liquors (always nice after a long day of work/travel) and the pizzas were tasty. I chose the sausage and sun dried tomato pie and enjoyed it very much. The staff was nice, nothing over the top, but kept the drinking/dining experience positive.
(4)
Sara D.
I'm giving this a "3" because the staff at the front of the house is terrrible. I made a reservation two weeks prior to visiting. Yet, it was INSANE at the front desk when we walked in the door at 6 pm. Our friends had already arrived and said they'd wait for us. I wish they hadn't because I litterally had to stand over one of 4 hostesses to make sure we got seated. I realize they've only been open a few weeks and they don't want to anger anyone but still, they need to get their front door in check. If I'd never been to a Matchbox before I would've been ready to walk out. (That and the fact that I ony needed tonight's reservation on Open Table to score a $50 gc.) The disorganization at the door, combined with the large number of empty tables between it and the area we were seated - both on the way in and the way out - were HUGE negatives contributing to a lower score than they probably deserve. As was expected, the food was great. We stuck to pizza tonight, with a salad, and all three kinds were fantastic. I would have been disapointed if they hadn't been. I've eaten at the MB near the VZ center, and like tonight walked out feeling like a day at the gym is definitely due. However, I was more than pleasantly surprised by the excellent cocktails (try the "girly martinis" - the Pamatea was to die for...), reasonably priced wine list, and stellar desserts. Having lived in Rockville for over 10 years and visted this location in all of the various restaurant lives it's lived, I'm excited to see the really awesome decor and design they've done. I'm looking forward to warm night outdoors, and hoping the bar will spill into the really cool exterior when it warms up. Oh, one more negative, we took our kids - we weren't the only ones - however, I think the restaurant team thinks their concept is too good for that. They don't have a kids menu nor a paper placemat to color. Yes, I know it's pizza and yes, they bent over backwards to cater to our children, but is too much to ask you keep some crayons and paper placemats under that overstaffed and inefficient hostess stand? That being said, I'm looking forward to our next visit sans kids con designated driver, as this could be a new "hot" spot. (Well, at least as hot as it gets in Rockville. :-) ) On the other hand, judging by the cliental in the ladies room on the way out, I'm definitely lacking fake hair or, fake ta ta's, or fake fur, or a combination of the three to "fit in." I guess that crowd has left Timpano's for here. (Unfortunately!)
(3)
Sa'lome H.
Great new spot
(4)
linda d.
Went out with coworkers for after work drinks here on a Monday night and expected it to be rather empty cuz who goes out on a Monday night? Apparently everyone in Rockville?! Luckily, our group (~10) got there on the earlier side and was able to grab a few tables so we could sit outside together. The outdoor patio is great and perfect for having drinks on a warm evening. The pizza and food here is just as good as the one in DC. They don't seem to have any happy hour prices yet, but they said to check in with them in the future.
(4)
H D.
Nice pizza place in rockville, but expensive. The drinks are super expensive also. We order the fire and smoke pizza, not as spicy as the menu labels it to be. Will come again for sure.
(4)
Ann S.
Disappointed. I have been to the location in DC several times, and never been unhappy. (Even after a 90 min wait). Went to try the new one in Rockville last Saturday. When we walked up, my husband asked "are you sure they're open?", as there was still construction stuff being done outside. Since a coworker had eaten there the day before, I assured him it was. When we went in we were told it would be about a 15 minute wait. We were both puzzled by that as there were several empty tables, but assumed there probably wasn't enough staff. So we went to eat at the bar instead. We sat there for several minutes and saw the bartender take care of at least 3 orders before she even acknowledged us. (Remember- we were sitting AT THE BAR, RIGHT IN FRONT OF HER). Both my husband and I have worked in the service industry before, so I realize when you get busy, you do miss things. I don't have to be waited on the minute I arrive, but I would like a simple "I'll be right with you". We got zippy. In fact, the other staff that was just finishing their shift and leaving out the back door got attention before us. The rest of meal didn't really advance much. (At least it didn't get worse). . The beer selection is good, the location is horrible. Being on the pike is well... being on the pike. It sucks to get into, sucks to park on a weekend, sucks to get out. The pizza- eh-it isn't good enough to justify the hassle. The bar staff (as that was all we encountered) needs a little more polishing.
(3)
Laura C.
Lots of selection, nice bar area.
(4)
Dave C.
UPDATE: I am lowering my rating substantially due to the exceptionally bad service in addition to the last two meals being mediocre at best. On my last visit the lazy hostesses lied to us about the availability of outside seating. I know because we were told to get an outside table for lunch would take an additional 25-30 minutes or we could be seated indoors immediately. Since we had to get back to the office for work we chose indoor seating. We got a table with a great view of the patio - and 4 empty tables. No one was in line in front of us to get in and they sat people at these tables while we ate. The server got our orders wrong and the pizzas were overcooked. I had an iced tea that wasn't refilled once even though the glass was obviously empty. I doubt I will return to a restaurant that treats customers so poorly.
(2)
Dia F.
The scallops with Sweet Mashed potatoes and pork loin is DELICIOUS!!! you can also never go wrong with Matchbox Punch ;)
(4)
J.m. R.
Awesome restaurant, but very busy. Lots of family's till about 7ish. A little loud. Great food can't go wrong.
(5)
Melissa C.
The food was very good, we loved the ambience & our waiter, Reese, was excellent!
(5)
Joel S.
Food it good, service can be spotty and the wait is always too long... but I keep going back.
(4)
Adam R.
SO glad Matchbox expanded into the 'burbs. Now they have a spacious location that they clearly put a lot of effort into, and it pays off!
(5)
Lena K.
We had a nice lunch. Food had a beautiful presentation and taste, however the place was very loud. One cannot have a conversation
(3)
Veronica S.
The place was really nice looking. I live nearby and was waiting for the perfect opportunity to go. I finally went with some friends today. The place is huge. Lots of available seating both inside and out. The pizzas were good. I had the Smoke & Fire. It had a great kick to it. I would like to come back here with more friends. :-)
(4)
Andrew S.
First of all, I would like to state that I am giving this 5-stars because of the overall experience, based on food overall, I'd probably only give it 4 stars. Great location, HUGE restaurant space, and great food. Surprisingly the pizza, is the worst dish on the menu. There's really nothing special about it. It's like most trendy pizza places, it's more artistic than anything else. What truly impressed me about this restaurant more than almost any other in the area is the produce. Restaurants in this area are famous for passing off limp barely edible produce to their customers. Ordering the sliders as an appetizer, I was actually worried when the menu said pickles would be on them. But the surprise was quite pleasant when the perfectly sliced, crisp, semi-sweet pickles arrived on the sliders, which themselves are juicy, tasteful, and great! The best and I mean absolute best aspect of Matchbox, however... the desserts! I was lucky enough to actually get a chance to tell the chef that his take on Molton Chocolate cake was seriously the best I'd ever had in my life, it was delicious to the point where you wanted to be a 5 year old and be able to lick the plate and not get in trouble! I would have gladly paid $30 at a 5-star restaurant for my $8 dessert at Matchbox. Great wait staff, friendly atmosphere, that is just the right mix of casual and upscale... my only complaint is that I don't understand why they are a pizza place. The space and kitchen talent is wasted on pizza, they should be a fine dining establishment.
(5)
Lina K.
Overated by far. Also FYI they make you wait even though there are tables available, only to make their restaurant seem busy. I have seen two couples wait an entire 20 minutes when the table next to me wasnt occupied neither reserved. LAME!
(1)
Alan W.
Iza good foodage. Pizza is the economical choice and all the sandwiches look great.
(4)
sarah t.
Nice atmosphere, good food. We'll definitely be taking our out of town guests here.
(4)
Kristy P.
I really liked the pizza here, but those burly men with me thought it wasn't filling enough. I give it to them, for the price the pizza's are not honking full of meat, BUT they are delicious with unique combinations. I think if you are going to spend this much on dinner, I'd rather eat sushi. That is the major complaint with this place for me, is its expensive and lets be real its a pizza joint! The interior is beautiful, the bar has a great selection, but when it comes down to it, paying that much for a pizza is a bit ridic. (not to mention an hour wait on a Thursday).
(2)
Michael W.
The place is nice but not excellent. The decor is good and the high celling makes it really spacious. The staff is quite nice and obviously still training. The food on the other hand did not live to the expectations. My wife ordered a tuna salad nicoise and although the tuna was cooked as it should be, the potatoes were completely raw. I ordered the 3.6.9 mini-burgers and they were good. I have to go back a couple of times and try additional plates to make my mind about the food. So far, I would say that this is a nice place to go for lunch or dinner in Rockville. It isn't a woohoo kindda of place but it is definitely a decent option in the region.
(2)
B T.
Been there twice, pizza is nice and tasty, but deserts are not really good. Will definitely visit there again for pizza :)
(3)
Aaron C.
Definitely the 'hippest' restaurant in Rockville. Yeah, that's probably like being the valedictorian of summer school or the world's tallest midget. But it's true. This place is great. Very cool atmosphere. Makes you feel for a short while that you're not in rockville but rather in DC or even NYC. And the food is excellent.
(4)
Kathy S.
I finally got to go to Matchbox and I really, really liked it! The pizza was delicious and came out of the kitchen pretty quickly. I had delicious beverages served by really nice bartenders. The decor was ok there -- very open. I'm on the cusp of giving it 5 stars but I sort of like to save that rating for when a place is almost unbeatable.
(4)
Tammy S.
Went for the first time this weekend. Very good food. Wonderful atmosphere - drinks a little pricey but food menu is pretty average price for a place like this. I will definitely go back.
(4)
Angelica S.
Their pizza was good with unique choices but I think that they are a little overpriced. They do have very good sliders with a huge pile of onion rings. This place a good for a late night dinner if you have no reservation because it is usually packed.
(3)
Alex C.
Trendy, yuppie atmosphere, decent but overpriced pizza, good beer, creative apps, and down-to-earth good service. Went with a large group, early, with a reservation. Great draft beer selection, but WAY overpriced. Yuengling for $7...eh I don't think so. The server handled our large group with effortless skill and patience, which was much appreciated. We split a giant plate of burger sliders with a mound of the curly onion ring things. The sliders were good, but not really anything to write home about. Also tried the fried bruschetta. Eh, fried bread is not really something I would ever crave or order again. It was creative and interesting to split among a group. The pizza... our group mostly went with the chicken and pesto pizza combinations - 'Q special' i think. They really put a lot of chicken on the pizza which is a plus. Others at the table got the pepperoni pizza, which they required a couple handfuls of paper napkin to sop up the puddles of grease before eating. I got the salami/wild mushroom pizza, which had a nice assortment of fresh herbs chopped and sprinkled on top. The mushrooms were tasty and the salami very salty. They are generous with the toppings and a "Small" size is plenty for one person. The crust was nicely charred, but lacked in flavor and chewiness. There really was nothing wrong with the food, but also nothing truly memorable about it either. I think I'd avoid this place if I was in a table of two or three, as there were around 80 people waiting for tables when we left. Definitely get a reservation if you can. The hostess seemed to enjoy putting on a show of snooty aloofness when dealing with customers. For the fact that it was a Tuesday evening at 6pm and that the whole dining space feels overly designed and fake, which left me thinking that Matchbox is WAY OVERRATED. Come down to earth and lower your prices some, and I consider going back. For the price and better pizza, I'm a much bigger fan of Mia's pizza ( yelp.com/biz/mias-pizza-… ) in Bethesda, where you get better pizza for a better price in a more intimate setting.
(3)
JADE N.
Ummm....I am here to spread some life into these reviews. First let me say that we have gone to the capitol hill and Chinatown locations many times. However, we are always discouraged because of lack of parking, large crowds, and long waits. Not anymore!!! This location has tons of parking and the wait has never been more than 15 minutes. In addition, we can make reservations on Friday and Saturday nights...plus! Food is great, as all the matchbox locations are. Though I usually stick with pizza. My hubby loves the burger. I enjoy the ambiance, friendly service, and drinks! The long island is tasty because they use their own sour mix. I am writing this review after instruction from the hubby because of our last visit. We went on Saturday night. We always order a half matchbox meat/half pepperoni and onion pizza. Welp, needless to say they messed up and somehow forgot the pepperoni. Instead of throwing a few pepperonis on to appease us, they told us to snack on what they had made while they made a new pizza. The chef hand delivered the pizza while apologizing for the mix up. We went home with 2 boxes of pizza. That is above and beyond service in our book. We will be back often. FYI, I have had the rockfish before but didn't care for it. I hadn't even complained about my meal. The waitress just saw that I had barely touched it and asked me if I enjoyed it. Her response when I was dissatisfied...choose something else! I had the beef and mashed potatoes instead which my hubby liked. It was ok. I don't know what the complaints are about. Good food, service, drinks, etc!
(4)
Debra A.
Service and food are great. Best roadsliders ive ever had the salads pizzas and entrees (had almost every one and all delicious. Only once had bad service.
(5)
Christine K.
Definitely not worth it! I had ordered a pizza to-go and was very disappointed! It was soggy and it tasted like one of the celeste pizza that could have been bought with a dollar instead of $13! I was expecting gourmet pizza just like Pizzeria Paradiso in DC/Old Town Alexandria. I had a better pizza with Pizza Hut! So disappointing with so much hype! Never again! I have learned my lesson......
(1)
andrea d.
The food was good, the atmosphere very different than your usual Rockville based restaurant, but it was pretty expensive for a restaurant on Rockville Pike, running over $70 for two glasses of wine, two salads and an appetizer. We got the trio appetizer and two salads (the apple/pear and the sweet and tangy calamari) which were all wonderful. The scallops on the appetizer were really good. It was a little loud to talk intimately, but it was a nice place to go for an evening with my mom. The wait also wound up being only 8 minutes, after the hostess warned us it may have been up to thirty without reservations, so we were pleased. We would definitely come again.
(4)
Nancy T.
Okay, granted, I went here at 4:30 on a Monday evening. But let me tell you what happens on 4:30 on a Monday evening. The shift changes. These beautiful waiters and waitresses come on duty and hug and chat each other up as they polish each and every piece of flatware and crystal on each and every table. The food was great. I wanted to try everything on the menu. I settled for a white prosciutto and olive pizza and designer beer. Awesome. Can't wait to come back.
(4)
Ricardo V.
It's right around my house and I just love this place , I have dinner or lunch every other week. Great service and I love the food. The space outside is perfect for the spring and summer.
(5)
h g.
Mini Burgers and Pizza was awesome. Liked the Service and the surroundings.
(4)
Caitlin A.
I went with family this past weekend. We got the mini burgers and the straw fries. Omigosh!! I want to put one in my house. The pan-seared chicken dish was ok. The chicken was a little dry, but all in all the service was fantastic.
(5)
Kelly M.
Their burger is phenomenal. The onion rings are way better than the fries in my opinion. They sell the burger in a normal (but large) portion and in mini-sliders. They have a full bar and patio seating. However, the beers were a bit expensive--7$ for the cheapest pint. Wine list is standard and cocktails are also a little too expensive. Great place for families as the menu is kid friendly.
(3)
Allen D.
Hamburger overfilled beware
(2)
L G.
Went with the family yesterday (a Monday) for lunch. Was interested to see what their Rockville location was all about, given Matchbox's reputation. The food was OK, but nothing particularly special. The two pizzas we ordered tasted good, but we've had tastier elsewhere. The burger was the same -- good, but nothing special. The cream of crab soup had some nice flavors, but was way too thick (it was like a heavy paste) and much too salty (too common a problem with soups in restaurants it seems). The one thing about the food that's a bit pretentious is that just about everything is served somewhat burned -- on purpose. Yeah, we get that the pizzas are made in a brick oven -- but is it necessary for the crusts to be burned black in order to prove it? In addition, the burger was charred black on the outside and the fries that came with it were overcooked and dark brown -- apparently all on purpose as well. The service was a bit lacking. In particular, there seemed to be a lack of effective communication between the front and back of the house. All of our food was only luke warm when it arrived at the table. The salad we ordered never came, although it did make it onto the bill. Given the quality of the food and service, we left feeling like we didn't get the experience and value we would have expected for the money we paid. We absolutely don't mind paying more if we're going to have great food and a great experience, but this wasn't it. Note for anyone with a family: There is no childrens' menu. Not a problem for us, but it might be for others. It's a bit surprising that a restaurant like Matchbox would make a big investment in a suburban location and then ignore the fact that at least some of their prospective customers are families with children. The restaurant looks and feels great on the inside -- kudos to the designers. The vibe was pretty good, but in the back of my mind I kept wondering what the heck is a "vintage pizza bistro" (as Matchbox bills itself) -- other than a somewhat pretentious contrivance? Overall, we were a bit disappointed, especially given the hype. Not sure our family, or my spouse and I sans children, will be returning.
(2)
Corinne D.
We had the mozzi carrozzi which was awesome but the pizza's taste exactly as you expect. Nothing wow'd me but the appetizer. I would go back and try something other than pizza.
(3)
Toni K.
Place is great. The service is friendly and the food is consistent!
(5)
Marilyn e.
After visiting MatchBox in Rockville I've decided I won't return. My Pear & Apple salad at a cost of $12 was very small with very little blue cheese and walnuts. The salad was also missing the pears. Manager suggested that I was mistaken and that the salad did have pears. Okay, I'm the customer. Manager did not introduce herself and offered no alternative salad since this one was incomplete. Poor customer service. Guess MatchBox is so popular now they don't have to offer good customer service.
(1)
hoot k.
Great to see a decent place open up in the Rockville area - in particular this location where it seems like restaraunts have been cursed... but glad to see Matchbox is doing well ...and i think mostly people in the rockville/bethesda area have been waiting for a place to go.. Like most folks (i think) i'll stumble in matchbox after a caps/wiz game and grab drinks...sliders, pizza.. which seem to be the staple.. this time i decided to do the seared salmon which wasn't bad at all.. i do think it's slightly over priced but overall didn't mind too much. We also got the roasted linguini.. which was ok..nothing too special but overall was a nice experience. As from experience, i think we've ordered every pizza throughout the years.. fire/smoke is decent - yes a bit spicy but a good choice to warm you up (esp. this winter season..) although my fav is the veggie.. but i'd recommend asking to leave the potato fingers/chips or whatever they are off - just an odd combination and overall too greasy.. Reason i'd give it a 4/5 (actually a 3.5).. is the drinks: in particular the cocktails.. WOW they are small!! with the ice, it's like a quarter of an ounce of vodka, gin or whatever your flavor is... and 1/2 ouch of club soda. all for ~$10.. so usually i'll just stick to the decent beer selection. but for beer, i'd head over to muscle bar in bethesda...(that's another review of course as they have a few great beers on draft - which is un-heard of.. esp in this area). Also for the rating, the pizza isn't as good as it's hyped up to be..i think (at least for me) each time i would go to the DC location after a game, i probably didn't have all of my senses after a couple (cough) of drinks at a game. But overall, there are some things here and there that i could complain more about but i'm just happy MoCo (in particular rockville) is starting to bring some better places people have been yearning for!
(4)
Ros B.
Soup, salad, burgers awesome. Pizza just ok. Great atmosphere. Will go back.
(4)
Craig S.
Been great both times. Fire and Smoke was great and the atmosphere is pretty cool too.
(4)
Chris L.
The beef ribs, and pepperoni pizza are fantastic. Waitstaff nice. The only issue is the long waits, and it's hard to get to the bar when it's crowded. The place is know for it's sliders, they're OK, not a fan of them.
(4)
Maureen K.
good pizza, salads. not huge but nice enough. extra points for the solid servers we have had twice
(3)
E L.
Huge space, with very high ceilings. Kind of rustic feel. I liked it, my companion didn't. But we really didn't go there for the looks, but rather for the pizza. And there, we were disappointed. The fire & smoke was hot alright -- almost too spicy. The "make your own" pizza was too salty, and nothing special about the crust or the ingredients. The only dish we thought was above average was the grilled lettuce and beef salad. It was a decent cut, done to our request level and the dressing was tasty. Service was courteous, but very very slow. And that when there were no lines, and the place was more then half empty!!! Summary -- OK food, slow service, too expensive. P.S. I didn't like the fact that many of the dishes had pork or pork derivatives as an ingredient.
(2)
Kiah Jane C.
My husband and I were really excited for a great (and large) restaurant to open on the Rockville Pike. We'd heard a lot of hype from the other Matchbox in Chinatown and were really looking forward to checking this one out. We arrived at 4pm on a Sunday and were told that there was a 30 minute wait. We were lucky to grab a couple of seats in the patio bar and grab a couple of drinks as the wait was closer to an hour. The frustrating part was that there were several tables in the bar and the restaurant that just weren't being seated, and though there seemed to be staff swarming EVERYWHERE (mostly at the bar) they appeared to be understaffed. We listened to some great employee conversation (what wasn't working, who slept with who) and were finally seated at a table that was so small that we could barely share the salad we ordered with two plates. We ordered a large pizza with roasted red peppers and received a tiny flat circle of nothing with a sliver (if that) of roasted pepper on each tiny little slice. This type of restaurant clearly appeals to someone - clearly people were waiting, and from what I understand the other location is always busy - but it wasn't for us. Three beers total, a shared salad and the smallest large pizza I've ever seen and we dropped $78. A little pricey since we still had to go eat dinner afterwards. We likely would have excused the cost - everything is pricey down here, it's just what you live with to live here - but the outrageous stinginess of the toppings coupled with the total unprofessionalism of the staff will definitely keep us from returning to, or recommending, Matchbox in the future.
(1)
Sylvia P.
I came with a group of 9 on a Sunday evening, we asked how long the wait was and they couldn't give us a time frame. So we stood there (the waiting area simply sucks-- no seating, just standing) for about 40 minutes, and finally asked if we could split up and the hostess says we might as well wait for a 9 person table. We wait another 25 minutes and ask to be split up because countless groups of 4 and 5 have been seated before us. (They seat us promptly.) The seater brings us to our tables, without menus, seats us down. After 15 minutes, a waiter finally realizes we don't have water or menus and proceeds to bring us some. Bleh. We ordered appetizers but the waiter didn't even brings us plates. We had to eat from the appetizer plate because she never came to our table to check up on how we were doing. The food comes out, it was delicious because we've been waiting for over an hour and a half-- anything would taste good by then. We got the check, and we split up the payment and our waiter charged my card twice which was a huge inconvenience, the waiter didn't even take care of it, the manager came up to me and basically said to wait two days before the payment is refunded back to me-- whatever. Bad experience, slow service, don't know if I'll be returning.
(2)
Jennifer R.
This place has great thin crust pizzas! I had the veggie pizza, which is so delicious. My husband tried the spicy meatball and that was pretty good too. Definitely one of my fav pizza places in the area.
(4)
PierAngeli M.
I recently visited Matchbox for lunch with friends. Prior to being seated, had a pamatini, pretty much a martini but it was awesome. As we waited to be seated, we watched as many great-smelling dishes wafted past our noses. The waitress was very knowledgeable about the menu and recommended the mini burgers with onion straws and the Matchbox meat pizza. The mini burgers were delicious and literally melted in our mouths (cooked medium with gorgonzolla cheese). Also, the pizza was great and had us arguing over who was going to take the last few pieces. Service great, food great, will definitely return for round two. The salads looked like art, can't wait to try one on my next visit.
(4)
Saraa B.
omg! i cannot wait to eat here again. i wanted to come back the next day and order the same thing but hubby wanted to try else where.. boooo to you hubby!! i ordered the salmon w/ cheesy grits and bacon wrapped green beans... ( i believe that's the order, as it was a few wks ago now....) but the salmon on top of the cheesy grits was amazing!!! staff was great... i'll be back when i'm in the mood for an 45 minute drive :)
(5)
Sabrina B.
The space is lovely on the inside, so thank God for a restaurant in the Rockville that at least makes you feel as though you're not sitting in the middle of a strip mall. My fiance and I have eaten here a few times and the food has always been lovely. The service is a little hit-or-miss since they seem to employ some seasoned waitstaff and some cute younger girls who seem more decorative than functional, but we've never had service so bad that it really detracted from the experience.
(4)
Cynthia J.
Came here Sunday night with my husband and kids. We had the best server ever! Katie was so knowledgeable and friendly but not overbearing. Food is always good here but Katie really made this a great evening out. Keep up the great work Matchbox!
(5)
A K.
Matchbox has great food. The service is always good. Great for happy hour and the outdoor area is awesome. The worst part about this place is that Rockville Pike can be a nightmare for traffic and thus actually being able to eat here can sometimes be a challenge. Having to wait to be seated is not Matchbox's problem however. It's a great place to eat and I'm glad to have them in Rockville as an alternative to the massive and awful chains everywhere.
(4)
Bordeaux B.
I swear this place puts MSG in their food. Both my husband and I had a strange heart racing reaction to their pepperoni pizza and he being Chinese and used to MSG in his food compared it to some MSG laden food he's had in the past. This was not heart racing in a good way mind you. And the salt! The salt! My grandmother would spin in her grave if she got a hold of that pie! But if you like to stand for an incredibly long time next to a drafty door or crowded bar to wait for some salty pie this is your place....
(2)
Anonymous P.
I love the veggie pizza from here but was surprised when I ordered take-out today and the guy behind the counter had the audacity to say,"It's been a slow night - I haven't gotten any tips." In the moment, I felt bad for him and gave a tip, but in retrospect, staff have to EARN tips, not demand them. I would have given 4 stars since the food is good but I'm still so irritated from the lack of customer service!
(3)
Indianqueen2 M.
Service was fantastic! You must go there for the pizza. The wine selection is great too
(4)
Lisey W.
Came here with some girlfriends and we all ordered the mini burgers as an entree with a salad. The burgers come with a huge plate of fried onion rings poured over them - enough to share. A salad was good and fresh and the salad dressing used was delicious (champagne vinaigrette?). The waiter we had was excellent and attentive. This is fast becoming one of my favorite restos in Rockville.
(4)
Sarah A.
This place is great! Make a reservation for dinner and weekends though, I can't stress this enough. Unless you plan on eating at the bar (which is still a wait), you probably won't be seated, especially if you have a group. There's a really spicy pizza with like caramelized onions and the like, I would definitely recommend it. It's my favorite. I forget what it's called though. Portions are iffy though, and definitely skip the salads.
(4)
Linda P.
Yay for finally opening up in a location where parking isn't an issue! I was first introduced to Matchbox at the Chinatown location but parking is always problematic. It's super busy here b/c it's apparently the new talk about town restaurant but if you make reservations, it shouldn't be an issue getting seated. People seem to complain about the slow service but I've been here several times and this was never an issue. *knock on wood* The interior of this place is very spacious and I can't wait until the weather gets warmer and they open up their patio. Ok now for for the important stuff--food. The sliders are a must here..a MUST. You have the option of choosing 3 different cheeses: gouda, gorgonzola and mozarella. I don't discriminate against when it comes to cheese so I usually ask for a slice on each slider. The cute little beef is sandwiched in b/w this warm, toasted brioche bun...drool (excuse me as I salivate) and they come with a heap of onion straws that are just delicious. It's crispy and sprinkled with parmesan cheese. YUM. The pizzas are good--what you would expect from a wood fire grill. They're nothing to rave about but it's probably the best pizzas you'll find in that area. I wouldn't recommend the fire+smoke pizza though because it is SPICY. Being able to take spicy is in my blood but this was too much. I couldn't appreciate the pizza because I was too busy drinking water after each bite. Aside from the pizza, I've had the seared sea scallops which were uh-mazing. The scallops are huge and its on top of braised pork belly..,.mmm. Oh and it comes with this sweet potato puree that is soooo delicious. I'm not a huge fan of sweet potato but this was damn good so if you aren't in the mood for pizza, I highly recommend this entree.
(4)
Corey A.
Bad service. Food was ok. Nothing special.
(2)
Judy S.
Pizza was not hot but overcooked stiff crust.. so must have been sitting around. The wine selection is sub par. My wine was served in a dirty glass. Many people in their 50's sitting around the bar eating average food. Mini burgers look good.. I have had them in their DC location. Service was decent.
(2)
Rhan K.
I understand that this is a nice gem for the area. It is a pizza place that is better than CPK and much more sophisticated. The only problem with this place is that it lacks anything special. Our waiter spent about ten minutes telling us that the cool thing about this place was that it was real brick oven, not gas. Most pizza places that are legitimate (ie not pizza hut) are like that, its nothing to brag about. Second, the glass that I got was really filthy. I know most places clean their dishes using one of those steam cleaners and there will be marks and such on it, but if I am paying 20 dollars for a pizza, I would like my glass to not have food stains on it so bad that I can feel lumps under my fingers when I pick up my glass to drink Third, the service was awful. Our waiter was almost impossible to grab a hold of but the bus boy came around every five minutes to see if we needed plates cleared. By the end of our meal, we were joking that this guy was crushing on someone at the table because he would just walk over and look at our table so often. And our waiter, came by every 10 or so visits that this bus boy did. We did not get to eat our meal in peace but when we did need something done, that was also a task! Worst of both worlds. Finally, the thing that really bugged me was that considering the mediocre food quality, it was trying to be super high class. The food wasn't great, it wasn't anything special, and the place just spent too much time trying to have this super upscale atmosphere (at least for the area) that it just seemed lame. I don't know if the Boston area just has better pizza places than the DC area, but after having pizza from Upper Crust, Pepes, and Stonehearth pizza, this place just seems overpriced and mediocre. I will gladly pay 20 dollars for a good pizza. This was not worth it. The only reason it gets 2 stars and not 1 is because there aren't that many great places for pizza in the area, so by regional comparison, it isn't too bad. If you have never had brick oven pizza, go. You will think it is amazing. However, if you have ever had pizza that is of higher quality than California Pizza Kitchen, this place sucks. Save your money, go somewhere else.
(2)
Brian M.
Love the experience at this place! Sat at one of the many bars inside for dinner and loved getting to see them make the pizzas. Service was quick and attentive, and the menu had a great drink selection. While I didn't get a chance to eat outside (there are tables and bars out on the patio), the atmosphere is very welcoming and I am sure that it would be fun for the nightlife. The food was fairly good, although the pizza was on the greasy side. Overall, I'd give it 4 stars for being a lively, fun place!
(4)
Matt M.
Disappointing overall. Great building, but loud, very crowded, and chilly temperature. Slow, but friendly service. Drink order for our table was screwed up as it was for the table next to us. Appetizer was great, but entrees were luke warm when they arrived and not worth the price. The pizza was the biggest disappointment...it had sat for a long time before it got to our table, and was too spicy to eat (even though the menu didn't say it was spicy). Short ribs entree was 75% fat. All in all, it felt like an average chain, family restaurant, not the hipper, unique experience we were hoping for. Much prefer some of the other more established restaurants in Rockville over Matchbox.
(2)
Nicole A.
The food was fantastic. A friend and I went there yesterday to have a business lunch. I can't say enough about the food. The drinks, I have no idea because our server never even asked if we wanted any. I was dying for something to drink other then water because I was coughing due to a dry throat. Our lunch started off on a bad note, though. We wanted to sit in the bar area. We found that it was more relaxed. I went to the table that was saved for us by the host. When I got there I was told by the server that I wasn't allowed to sit there and I needed to leave. I explain that the table was reserved for us and my friend was talking to the host as we spoke. That didn't matter, she still told me to leave. I was in the service industry for over 10 years. You don't do that. My friend tried calming me down, but soon lost his patience when our server was repeatedly condensending. One of the many rules I learned in the business is never pick up the glass near the rim where people drink, and suck up to the woman present. I will go back because the food was great. (I highly recommend the crab soup) I will, though, sit AT the bar. The bartender Nicki was wonderful. My friend had eaten at the bar previously, and recognized him. She came over to our table, introduced herself, and told us if we needed anything to just grab her and let her know. I hope my next experience is different, because I will be bringing my husband. He is more picky then I am about service.
(3)
Renee S.
I came here a few times for dinner and brunch. The menu is filled with delicious fish, pasta, and seafood selections. Especially the huevos rancheros! The mimosas are wonderful too - so many to choose from! The outside patio is a great place to sit on a summer afternoon. I'm a fan of Matchbox in Chinatown and so glad they brought the restaurant to Rockville!
(4)
Camilo V.
Great service, terrific food, beautiful decoration, nice price, it's perfection
(5)
C.M. P.
Don't get it - tried to come here last week with coworkers and were told they did not take reservations so when we showed up the wait was 2 hours. Tried again on a Tuesday night and there were tons of empty tables but again was told the wait was at least an hour because they were being held for reservations. Can't seem to win! Too bad I know that their pizza is really good from their downtown location.
(2)
Tracy W.
Had a terrible experience on Sunday night. I had a reservation for 6pm for a party of 12. It was so crowded we did not get seated till 6:30, and even then we didn't have enough seats for our entire party. At 7:15 we finally had all our seats. Management did nothing to apologize or make it right. They seemed like they didn't care at all.
(1)
Lisa A.
Might give this location a little bit to work out the "new phase" kinks. The restrooms were pretty sad - TP and hand towels were strewn all over the place. I personally told them twice, both responses were "thanks" but it was never remedied. Sliders turned up hockey pucked and the server didn't really know the menu. She was very friendly but seemed to have a hard time working her section. Most of the servers actually seemed a bit green. The food runners were more attentive. Per usual the pizza was delicious but the experience was a bit non match box -y.
(3)
Ashley W.
Headed to Matchbox for a long lunch to check out the new digs today. I am so impressed with the looks of it both outside and in. Sure, it matches the rest of the shopping center from the outside, but that particular shopping center is quite nice-looking anyway. When we walked up, the first thing we noticed was a large outdoor area that is currently under construction. Large heat lamps hang above the whole area which includes a large stone firepit encircled by a standing bar ledge, and a separate outdoor bar. Can't wait for that to open!! The inside has an open floor-plan except for a separate cozy bar area off to the right. When you walk in the first thing you see is the pizza oven. There is seating in front of the oven in case you want to watch the pros in action. There are metal stairs that lead to the second floor, which is a row of booths and tables that overlook the rest of the restaurant. The ceilings are exposed and the front and back walls have old recycled wood slats nailed to them, creating a log cabin-industrial-chic look. Yes, I just made that up, let's go with it. One unfortunate thing we noted on the second floor, where we sat, is the heat. In fact, we overheard a fellow diner say "man, it's a sauna up here!" as he walked past. It's probably a combination of the open floor plan and the midday sun beating in through the windows with inadequate shading. It wasn't the end of the world and probably wouldn't be too hot at night. Food! I was keeping my expectations low for the food and service departments, since they just opened this week. However, I was pleasantly surprised that the service was fast and friendly, if not friendlier than the Chinatown Matchbox. The food was also just as good as any I'd had in Chinatown. I didn't order the pizzas, but my fellow diners seemed to enjoy every last bite of the ones they ordered (sopressata and wild mushroom, veggie, and Q special). They looked nice and crispy-charred and fresh from the oven. I ordered the Chicken Muffeletta with a side salad instead of chips. The sandwich contained chicken, serrano ham, provolone, spinach, and olive tapenade on focaccia bread. I was nervous that the tapenede would be overpowering to the rest of the components, but it wasn't at all. The whole thing was a bit greasy, but that's my only complaint. The side salad was fresh and delicious. No one left hungry, that's for sure. I can't wait to go back for happy hour or dinner to see what the nightlife is like there. There was a decent amount of people there for lunch so it looks like their reputation has preceded them. Viva la Matchbox!
(5)
R B.
Love Matchbox in DC and I am so glad they decided to bring their place out to the burbs. The space is cool but I am not so sure about the ceiling which is just made of plywood, are they going to finish it?? The food is exactly like their other restaurants which is a good thing. The service was another story. Very very slow and the funny thing is they had an army of young hosts in black at the front door just standing around. One of the owners was on site and you can tell he is proud of his new child. All in all the Restaurant is a welcome addition to the area which is filled with boring chain restaurants. Just pick up your service and all will be fine.
(4)
David S.
Matchbox is kind of the tale of two restaurants... The ambiance is super-hip and trendy, the prices indicate you are in an upscale restaurant and the service is very good. The flip-side is the food itself... more specifically the pizza they claim to be known for. I ordered a 10 inch pizza with extra cheese, banana peppers and spicy meatballs on our visit and while the food really was good, it was nowhere near good enough to justify the price tag. The pizza looked good and used high quality ingredients, but there was no trace of the wood-fire stove used to cook it. I would rate it as above average, but way too bland. All in all, Matchbox is definitely a better pizza option than the chains like the dreaded Dominos, Papa John's and Pizza Huts of the world, but it does not even come close to running with a lot of "mom and pop" pizza places in the area for a lot less money. If you are looking for an upscale pizza place in the same vein and price range, but with much better pizza (albeit in the same kind of style) try the superb Bertuccis instead.
(3)
Zen R.
the decor was classy, there a lot of space for group and a bar. ive only been there twice. first time was ok and that not saying much. went there for lunch pizza was interesting and there waiter was very nice. the secound time was probally a one and a half star. waited an hour to get seated, the time for food arival was ok for me but my food was burned so i asked them to take it back. the were complied with a smile. my suggestion is go with a group of people, the company helps.
(2)
Yolit Y.
After 20 times in this time we arrived there with a party of nine,I ordered a silver oak wine 2008 from the menu(98$ value) The waitress came with 2010 and I told her that they should price less and asked for a discount,she spoke with the manager and he refused to do it without even coming to explain,I took the wine because I like the silver oak and we were in a kind of celebration but I am very disappointed from the manager,by the way ... The waitress was great and really took care of us
(1)
Gabrielle G.
We were starving and the smell from the wood fire grill led us to matchbox. The salads are awesome not the typical iceberg lettuce and tomatoes I had the "simple salad" which I was very impressed with and they allow smaller sizes on some which is great! The pizza was pretty good too and smelled delicious. Our waitress brought us out a dessert to try (I think the doughnuts?). Which the icing/sauce was delicious ... I will have to return here!
(5)
Ginny H.
It seems to me that as more and more restaurants close and cut back in our area, we are becoming increasingly thankful for average dining experiences. The Matchbox has a lot going for it. It is one of only a handful of places that serve food late in the evening, the decor is great and the waiters and waitresses are attentive and aim to please. I've had both lunch and late dinner here. The food was, in some cases, above average. The crab soup was wonderful but tepid twice. (This is a real problem with a cream soup, by my way of thinking. Maybe they should use a bowl instead of the flatter soup plate, which lets more air hit the liquid on its trip to your table. Or, heat the bowls before ladling the soup. ) The pizza was better than Dominos but not as good as Bertucci's and certainly not as good as you can make at home with a burrito wrapper and a pizza stone. We had the dessert pizza which made use of the same tasteless pre-fabbed disk as the expensive dinner pizza, only with drizzles of chocolate and cream, and some good berries. (Here's a tip for matchbox: try brushing the crust with some sweet oil while toasting, and sprinkling with powdered sugar after the toppings are added.) The server did get the orders right (something you can't count on late at night at the Silver Diner, down the street) and the prices are better than at the very good Tower Oaks (also close by).
(3)
Robert D.
Matchbox seems to be one of those restaurants that has become a go-to place for me on the Pike. I've been here to meet old friends for dinner, on a date, for a work lunch, happy hour, etc. It's not fancy, but it does have a pleasant, bustling ambience. I've only really had the pizza for an entree, but the menu seems to be generally Italianish. The mini burger appetizers are quite tasty! The pizza is thin with just the perfect amount of sauce and cheese. They also have a nice variety of them to choose from, or, if you prefer, you can make your own. The service has always been good when I've visited with attentive but not overbearing wait staff. Overall, I continue to have positive experiences here and would recommend it.
(4)
Candace S.
Excellent pizza as usual. I have frequented Matchbox since 2013. The food has always been right on spot. One of my faves is the Matchbox meat. The shrimp and grit appetizer is very creamy and tasty.
(4)
James W.
This was a good pizza place if you like wood fire pizza. The place gets pretty busy in the evenings but if you can get there before 6 you can probably get in without too much trouble. The service was fine, not particularly noteworthy in the positive but certainly above acceptable. The food came out pretty quickly as well. We had the matchbox meat and spicy meatball pizzas. Both were good if not exceptional. I prefer Coal Fire's pizza to Matchbox but I think Matchbox has a wider menu and a more upscale ambiance. So Matchbox may be better for dates or events where such things are important. The value was pretty good but not great. I certainly can't complain but at the same time didn't feel like I really got a great deal. If that not important to you then don't worry about it. If you're in the area and looking for pizza it's certainly worth a try.
(3)
Dee A.
While our experience eating there about a month back was average and not bad, I am extremely dissapointed about a recent attempt to book a large party reservation there. I attempted to contact their event planner several times by phone, going into the location twice, sending messages through employees, even waiting in their foyer for 20 min in the early afternoon to speak to the manager on duty and just leaving my number because we couldnt wait any longer, and still in 3 weeks had not gotten a response. Finally reaching them a week before the date, I asked about bringing 20 people in on a saturday afternoon at 1:30. I was basically treated like they would be doing ME a favor by making themselves available -- informing me they would have to put us in a back location near the main bar, and since it was a private area (which it really isnt - its just tables located near the bar) there would be an $1100 minimum (thats $55 per person for late lunch...not impossible but IM not guaranteeing that!). Fourtunately I had already inquired at other venues about having this reservation elsewhere after not being able to reach a Matchbox mngr or event coordinator for several weeks, and the other places were eager to accommodate me bringing them the business, especially at a fairly off-peak time of the day. Maybe Matchbox is just sooo busy and so exclusive and successful that they can afford to put off groups of 20 ppl for a late lunch, and dont need the additional business. If so, good for them. But I was in there recently on a Saturday afternoon and didnt see this long wait for tables and packed house they told me they have every day - thus neccessitating a minimum for a reservation. I will probobly go there again sometime for a bite to eat with a friend or two, but will never again attempt to book a large party reservation, and do not reccommend them for any kind of pre-planned event seeing as how they are too busy to call back and not very accomodating once they do, clearly giving off the impression that they do not need the business of large parties or groups. I ended up choosing Copper Canyon at the Rio instead.... probobly a better choice anyway because of the beautiful location, the outdoor bar, and having had great experiences there before. I have spent 20 years working in the restaurant/hospitality industry, including event planning and operations, and can tell you that pretending to be exclusive and acting like youre doing the patrons a favor by allowing them to bring you the business only works for swanky venues that are never empty, not for new pizza places who are practically empty on most early afternoons.
(1)
Sharon T.
Coming here is great for lunch or dinner. The atmosphere's a nice modern and hip place, yet not too overbearing. The food is good. I like the burgers and pizza
(4)
Cat C.
Went for dinner with an old friend. Wanted to have a great meal, with solid service and ability to talk. That was the PLAN. The location is very easy to find, and if you don't have to park right in front of the door, there is a large amount of free parking available in the mall-type stores behind it. Also, lot is very nicely lit, so don't worry if you are walking to your car after dark. They take reservations, and also walk-ins. Recommend reservations, and be specific about what you want or perhaps, what you don't want. Remember, my goal was to have a lovely meal where we could talk. The hostess initially took us to a table that was exactly in the corner of their seating made up of booth/table chairs. (You know, the back is booth, all comfy and long; table and chairs on opposite side. Very close are the tables...) So, took a look and no, no, nope! On one side, a family with their baby in a carrier and they have it squished between the table (our side) and booth. I like kids. At home. Not next to me at what I had hoped would be a "grown up" place. Now to be fair, the sweet little cherub was sleeping but we all know how long that lasts. Other side, a couple who didn't look happy to be there, with each other, and in the space of those seconds, I heard her call him an ass. Hmmmm. Nooooo, think that while he may very well be an exit orifice, didn't want to listen to why this was so. {Had I been there with girlfriends, it could have been fun, cheering her on~all in who you're with} Asked hostess for another option, quietly saying "no kids/babies" with a pleading in my eyes. She found us a high top table, in a good spot and seated us with a smile. Big points for this! The place was very busy so noise was a bit louder than I like but totally understandable. We didn't hear any overbearing or heavy drums music. On to food and wait staff. Wait person came pretty quickly, provided us menus and asked if we knew what we wanted to drinks. Ordered those and off she went to get them while we reviewed the menu. The variety of food was good, from grill to pasta/pizza to seafood. Makes this a nice choice for folks who have different tastes or perhaps a large group. My friend selected a seafood pasta (mussels and shrimp with linguine), I selected rigatoni. Our waitress suggested I swap the sausage for meatballs. She loved their meatballs, spicy and yummy. Said the sausage was very good, but something about those meatballs... No bread was offered while we waited. Food came and it looked very nice. No salt/pepper on the table, nor was any fresh pepper or fresh parm cheese offered. My pasta did not need salt but I did want pepper. Took a bit to get our waitress and then a bit more for her to bring it. She didn't come back to check on our drinks (a sangria and also a glass of water). The seafood pasta was very good (friend's words) and he has eaten seafood from all over; my rigatoni was also very good. The meatballs were just right, spicy and not too big or dense. We did order dessert: an absolute delight. One carrot cake and one bread pudding that was heaven. I would come back for this alone and a cup of coffee. By the way, did order coffee with dessert. Served perfectly, with a container of real cream and sugars on the side. Coffee was lovely, strong but not bitter and piping hot! The bread pudding. Yes, deserves its own review. Dense but not that thick lump of bready goop. It had small chocolate chips, but not so many as to take away from the yummy bready goodness of the pudding. Two good size square portions were cut and stacked. Then a caramel sauce (made fresh) poured over with bananas sliced within. Topped with powered sugar. Totally kicking myself, should have ordered it and skipped everything else. OK, maybe a slight exaggeration but really it was that good. Asked for the check, also took a bit of time arriving and the whole paying process. So why the four stars: 1) when I called for reservations, explained what I wanted. {in case you're curious, the baby woke and parents let it cry for almost 15 minutes before finally taking the child outside. And we were across the dining room and could still hear the poor baby.} 2) no follow-ups on our food, needs, drinks 3) lengthy time for the few requests we made (salt/pepper), ordering dessert, asking for the bill Overall, would go back . Food was very good. Dessert was even better. I would call ahead and ask what is their least busy day, and book a table for that day. As we were leaving, they had opened outside seating. Now that would have been my preference for our evening. Weather was cool, slight breeze and noise was very quiet. Sounds of people talking, laughing and enjoying their meal. Oh, and this was done rather spur of the moment as our first choice, booked through Open Table, had gone out of business. Cheers
First time here-we got to sit in the room with the fireplace (great ambiance but very loud!). Anyway, I prefer a restaurant to be busy rather than empty! The food: Sliders are a great app! We also got the cream of crap soup (delicious), and a large pizza (half matchbox meat with meatball added & half prosciutto + black mission fig). We loved the meat half and just liked the other half :) the dough was a little bit soggy in the middle of the pie, but it was so tasty and only in the middle that we will just ask for extra crispy next time!
(4)
Sunshine C.
This is a really nice place to have a big group. there were 9 in my party. We ordered the sliders and man the Chicken pesto pizza, some of the people at my table had the spicy meatball pizza and some other stuff, but my pizza was certainly the best one. we also ordered some huge mozzarella Stick type of thing for an appetizer with our sliders and that was yummy. We had the trio dessert thing that came with the brownie, donuts and coffee (amazeballs) and sorbet. This would be a great place to have a birthday party type of event. our service was outstanding. Food was above average, but the atmosphere really sold me.
(3)
GT W.
A much larger, but still very crowded incarnation of the Chinatown sensation. Loads of parking, huge outdoor patio seating with area heaters. Very trendy, popular upscale pizza place with about 1/2 pizzas on the menu and another 1/2 with stuff like rib eye, duck, etc. Pizzas are around $14 for individual, $21 for large if you want to split. Ambiance is fireside relaxed, large open spaces, a bit awkward in the table arrangements with massive circular tables, tables inset into the wall opening up on either side (??), crowded, semi-fancy sports bar. Live Jazz when we were there on a Sunday! Prices are not too bad. Pizzas were delicious. Tap list is small, like 10 taps or so with one seasonal and one rotational. Sierra Nevada, Flying Dog, He'Brew, Dogfish Head, Ommegang. Decent stuff, nothing on tap here that you wouldn't easily find anywhere else in the DC area save for the He'Brew Hop Manna. Service was kind and very attentive. Food came out very quickly. The server knew a little about beer, but both their "seasonal" and their "rotating tap" were nonexistent the day I was there. Unfortunate.
(4)
Catherine S.
I love the pizza here and the drinks. It's my mother's favorite spot so whenever she visits she insist on coming here and I can't say I blame her.
(5)
Daniel S.
The BLT Benedict was amazing. I would have never thought to add a fried green tomato, but it totally worked. Definitely coming back for that. My wife ordered the French Toast without pecans (allergies) and they come out as equally awesome. I am always worried when you take things off a dish that it will lose something, but that was not the case thankfully. Also bonus points to the manager John who brought us a couple of extra strawberries when we asked because our daughter plowed through the ones that came with her dish. That was very much appreciated.
(5)
Ericka S.
Great burger bistro, good pizza, nice wine selection. However, I'm updating this review to 4 stars simply because of the continued amazing, high levels of customer service provided by Isaiah and his team. Someone make that man a manager, please.
(4)
Original B.
Better-than-average service, stellar food! It was my first time eating there. I was amazed by the beautiful layout of the restaurant, and its beauty started to pop when I was welcome by the lovely staff. I ordered the Brunch Pizza, while my mom had the special of that day (Chicken and Waffles). While it took a little while to receive my food, it was amazing. I can assure you that I will return to Matchbox very soon.
(4)
Lucas T.
The chicken pesto pizza is superb. The bread is also great. There pizzas aren't the most filling, but they are delicious.
(3)
Jessie K.
I'm knocking one star off for the attitude from the hostesses. There were lots of pros - but the first 5 minutes really soured our experience. We had a reservation for 5 people (including a highchair). They wanted us to put the high chair at the corner of a square table - so our child could only have a few inches of the corner to eat. I asked if there was maybe a booth or a rectangular four top so our child could eat with us. They seemed to have a lot of difficulty fulfilling this request. The manager(?) finally figured out that they did have space upstairs at a rectangular table. But, there seemed to be lots of attitude about this 'accommodation.' We even made a special point to thank the hostesses for their help on the way out - and one hostess ROLLED HER EYES. I have looked at this space to book events, but I'm wary that my guests will have to endure the attitude from the hostess stand first. HOWEVER, the waiter was fantastic. The Captain Healthy children's meal was great (I saw someone else on here posted a pictures of it). It was a great selection - and I'm glad we had a table where my child could actually have a plate of food. We've been here many times because the food is consistently good. The pizza, the burgers, the fish - we haven't ordered wrong yet. I'm just really sad about the attitude at the front - it really doesn't represent the rest of the experience.
(3)
John G.
I ended up here with a buddy of mine after a rained out Nationals game. Great place to hang out and catch up. The pizza was ok - nothing special but it served its purpose. I did enjoy the dessert pizza more than I expected - I said I'd have a small piece and ended up eating half. Easily accessible right off the Pike.
(3)
Ken M.
Quite an amazing place. Lots of nice ambiance with interesting wood and a big open floor plan on a couple of levels. The acoustics are great. You can hear the person across the table from you even though the place is packed and people are talking everywhere. The food is so-so. It has a corner on the market for artisanal pizza... pizza made with weird and exotic ingredients that comes in both personal and sharable sizes. Evidently, they're also famous for their burger sliders or "mini-burgers" that come in multiples of three. The wait staff have these black t-shirts with 3 - 6 - 9 on it to denote the number of mini burgers you can get. I had a chicken sandwich which turned out to be pretty messy so I ended up eating it with a fork and knife. The french fries that came with it were fairly tasteless and visually unappealing. Parking is a bear especially during peak hours. Congressional Shopping Center has lots of parking but it means you have to walk a ways to get back and forth to your car. The staff is friendly but somewhat aloof. Although, they are efficient and plenty quick. The deal with this place, as far as I can tell, is the hipness factor (way high) and the ambiance. Prices are decent for what you get. So, if you're hip and cool and preferably under 35 this is the place.
(4)
Dan W.
First time here. Tuna tartar was god awful. Sent it back. Got another dish and it was just as bad. Presentation doesn't seem to matter to this company. They sell food that is over priced and made by amateur cooks. Improve your menu and then maybe people will eat this garbage. No seasoning and very bland food. I'm still waiting for the pizza but I'll vomit that up later. Thank god for beer to wash this waste down.
(1)
Jarrod F.
This was a pleasant little surprise... We sat outside on the patio/ bat area, adjacent to the Bon fire. I loved the atmosphere in the whole restaurant.. Kind of like a big log cabin with urban flare (brick,metal, and exposed piping). But Outside was definitely the best spot in the whole place especially because it was first come first serve so we didn't have to wait. We started with the giant meatball ($14). The meatball itself was too dry, not enough breading or cheese. It almost tasted like they didn't use enough fat. The sauce was spectacular though. So was the bread they served the dish with. For dinner we ordered a pizza (half pepperoni/half chicken and mushroom). Although too thin for my liking,the pizza had good flavor. The sauce was tangy and the cheese not overbearing. - good char on the rim as well. The Ty chopped salad we ordered was the winner of the night. This was probably the best salad I've had all year -- salami, provolone, chick peas, onions, radicchio, and romaine all tossed in a light dressing. Our server was very good and so was my cucumber and lime gin and tonic. We would definitely come back, but next time we will try a different appetizer.
(4)
Melo R.
The pizza was very delicious. My friend got the seafood pasta, and that was also very good. I would go back.
(4)
Kat F.
I've been wanting to try this chain forever but didn't have the opportunity until this past Sunday. We brought some friends here to say thank you for slaving away and helping us move, and it was awesome! (Matchbox, not the moving.) We got there in time to catch the tail end of brunch, but we also had the option to choose from the regular menu as well. The restaurant is beautiful, and we got to sit at a really awesome "pimp booth", which made the experience even more special. I started with the apple/pear salad, which had great flavors. I am a new fan of blue cheese, and it was the star of the salad. A few of us split a pizza, which is what this place is known for, and now I know why. I love the smoky char of the crust, and the toppings were great too. I am not usually a fan of crust in general, but I ate every last bit of the pizza. Everyone else was impressed with the food, too--it was definitely a crowd-pleaser. Can't wait to come back here!
(5)
Philip L.
I was not impressed with this place. I like the spacious place, but the food kind of made me wonder what the hype was about this place. Not only that, I felt like the food was pretty generic. The service was a bit slow and reminded of the older days in Red Lobster as if it was more of a family restaurant. I would not describe it as horrible, but it was not top notch or on the attentive side. I think I asked for the check and it came about 10 minutes later. I ordered a salad and a pizza (I don't remember them exactly, which showed how much this place left an impression on me). If you are left with no other choices, which I would respond that there are better places out there, especially in the area, you should only come here if you are bored and have nowhere else to try. I did not find the price to match what I was paying for and would rather have gone to Chipotle for a better tasting meal.
(2)
Bridget E.
Absolutely loved this place! Food was fresh, tasty, and the service was phenomenal! Would highly recommend this restaurant to everyone! Friendly staff and above par food made for a memorable experience! Will be going back again!
(5)
Jen F.
My experience at Matchbox Pizza was great. I came for brunch and ordered the breakfast pizza. It was delightful. I loved the scrambled eggs on top! I also split the peanut butter banana waffle with a friend. My mistake was splitting this dish because it is so freaking good, I could have eaten the entire thing by myself. The breakfast/brunch drinks are a bit pricey but the food is reasonable and worth it! Service was great, very attentive. They sat us in a room that seemed like an addition to the restaurant and it was freezing cold! I'm assuming it was because of draft coming through.
(4)
Johnalee S.
Over priced. Seated next to a family with kids in fleece PJ pants. Not a dinner atmosphere. Kid was loud and rude, no one said anything to the family or to us. Ruined the dinner. The food was ok but VERY overpriced. Save your money get a flat bread from Trader Joes and dress it up a bit. You can stay at home and avoid the bratty kids, sub-par wait staff, and wear your jammies where it is appropriate. On the couch with a giant beer and tv.
(2)
Matt W.
Seriously enjoyable lunch! I really like this location (have been to the ones in VA and Palm Springs). I found the pizza to be much better than my experience in PSP and the service to be stellar from the Host Station to the wait staff. They were all so wonderful, particularly the two servers that helped us out (a young Asian American, maybe Filipino American woman training and her supervisor). They were really nice and accommodating to my 92 year old grandfather that can be a bit over flirtatious. They handled it too well and were really kind! They also did a fantastic job getting us everything we needed and more! We shared three items- a pizza, the trofie pasta and the calamari salad. All were quite tasty. While I would say the pizza is overpriced by about $3 I would say in terms of what I expect/experience at high end pizza places, it was still decent. The pasta was very very good. We really enjoyed it! While a tad too salty, it had great flavoring. It is a shame it is coming off the menu soon :( The salad is also excellent! Part of what you are paying for here is ambiance, and clearly, Matchbox is a runaway winner! It is beautiful, modern and hip. I feel like I am back in LA instead of in the Maryland burbs when I am here. Definitely will return and tell others!
(4)
MyMy C.
It's ok. Atmosphere was good. We had the crab and avocado app (good), trout (over cooked and pesto cous cous side overwhelmed the dish), and scallops (good but one was undercooked). Slightly overpriced for quality.
(3)
Georgio S.
Got the 9 burgers as an appetizer, all loved the burgers as they were perfectly cooked. The kids Mac and cheese was great. The pepperoni pizza was also really good. The lamb sandwich was horrible. It was dry and Inedible. Desserts took a long time to come out but overall service was better than expected. Out of the 3 desserts we tried the bread pudding was tops. Brownies were hard and stale.
(3)
Norman G.
I mostly eat at a table in the bar when I go here, usually alone. The choice of beers is quite good and the pizzas are excellent (if you avoid the exotic concoctions. They have a number of TVs over the bar and you have a choice of sports channels or close-captioned news. Although the food and drink are the same, the cavernous dining section is a different proposition entirely. Often, there's a wait to be seated, service is erratic and the noise level is very high. Unless it's pretty empty inside or the outside seating area has room for you, I'd stick to the bar or go elsewhere.
(3)
Margaret N.
I definitely recommend this restaurant! Their mini trio appetizer is amazing and filling! You get two scallops, burgers and crabcake... yum! Pizza could use some more salt/sauce, but I liked the Q special and fire & smoke! Definitely plan on going back!
(4)
Elias V.
I always have enjoyed the flavor and selection of Matchbox Pizza. I either get the Spicy Meatball, your typical Pepperoni or the Matchbox Trio I think it's called. I must say deeeeeeee-licious! First time here I thought I wouldn't like it. I was beyond wrong I love it, the pizza has so many flavors and each has it's uniqueness. The matchbox salad also is really good, I tried that for the first time. Matchbox Punch, also very good. I just left here full and service was exemplary. Ellen was spectacular! She was energetic and bouncy! With an hour or so left before closing she was awesome, no fatigue of a possible long work day. She had a bit of a humorous side, big plus. I always applaud great service because it's service such as her that makes you want to come back. Thanks Ellen. No bad juju here, all spectacular. Huge plus on service and food. I love the interior layout and design. Try this place out guys def a winner.
(5)
Dixon M.
I love Matchbox. I have been there many times, and nearly everything I have had there has been fantastic. I am not a fan of their sliders, which were somewhat dry and lacking in flavor when I had them. Service at the Matchbox is always very good. The Cobb salad at Matchbox may be the best one I have had. I also love the Matchbox Punch, a delicious "girly drink" that builds on watermelon-infused vodka to create a fruitily fantastic drink. Iced tea at the Matchbox is always freshly brewed and delicious.
(5)
Marc L.
Ate here last night with visiting out-of-town family. Crystal clear evening, perfect temperature. Seated in outdoor area. Server was outstanding, efficient, and cute as a button. Food was outstanding. Beer selection outstanding as usual, two of had a very hoppy He'Brew that the server characterized as "overwhelming hops", which was perfectly hoppy for me. Nephew had a burger with bacon and Gorgonzola cheese, rest of us had pizza and salads. We could have stayed there all night, it was such a magical and perfect atmosphere. I have eaten here several times since my earlier review and have never had a bad experience. This place is consistently excellent, hard to do these days.
(5)
Pierre D.
Do not miss Matchbox. I have been here many, many times, yet this last Saturday encouraged me to actually get myself in gear and write a review. For starters, this place has never (not once!) disappointed me. Am I a fanboy? Quite possible to be guilty as charged. Around 4:00 my wife and I started with the tuna tartar. It was robust and flavorful, and clearly used a high-grade tuna. Because there are too many delicious pizza options we always order a pizza each and then go halfsies and gorge ourselves on bready/cheesy/otherworldy goodness. The pizza is wood-fired, crispy, and the ingredients are fresh. What else could you want? Ah, yes, beer. I have had many beers here, but this visit brought me back to the milk stout. Simply irreplaceable, and excellently paired with both the tartar and the pizza. Did I mention we also had our 16 month-old child with us? The server was kind, playful, and interactive with the little one. Without missing a beat the server got my son's food out asap. This is, as a parent, the difference between a successful dinner and an embarrassing event where one parent is eating alone and the other is walking around the restaurant trying pointing out the apparent interest in all the lights and fans to the child. Hats off to our excellent server for keeping my wife and me seated across from one another.
(5)
Aimee G.
One of my favorites, always delcious.
(4)
Tom T.
Standard wood fire pizza. Decent but nothing to write home about.
(3)
Monica H.
Pizza's pretty good, like that they take reservations (even for larger parties), staff is nice. BUT it's in Rockville, which isn't convenient for anyone except people who live in Rockville, and which means your crowd is mostly families instead of young people. That means that a raucous dinner with your twenty- and thirty-something friends doesn't really jibe here. I've only ever gone here because friends REALLY wanted Matchbox on a Saturday night but couldn't get reservations at their DC location. I wouldn't come back. There are plenty of great pizza places in DC that don't make you wait 1.5 hours for a table. This is a good restaurant for a quiet Friday family dinner if you're local, but I wouldn't go out of my way for dinner here again.
(3)
Heather W.
Great selection of interesting pizzas. Burgers on the appetizers menu make this place a junk food paradise, but you can pretend it's healthy with toppings like arugula. The brunch is interesting. Eggs on a pizza...all right. No happy hour deals, apparently. Disappointing.
(4)
Cassandra P.
Pizza was good. Rich. But good! Would definitely go again! Wine was delicious! The atmosphere is nice too.
(4)
Brett M.
Really expensive for the portions of food you receive. I don't mind paying a lot for great food because I'm a foodie, but I did mind here because the food was meh and the bill made me feel like I was eating at Volt.
(2)
Jen B.
I like the style of this place, and the pizza is great. I tried the Korean pork sandwich once-- out of their wheelhouse, you would think-- and that was also really tasty. It is better than the average chain, in my opinion, and as far as choices along the Rockville Pike, it is a solid place for lunch or dinner and drinks with friends.
(3)
David K.
Great go-to restaurant for all demographics. Easy parking too. Only problems are the slow service outside the bar areas and can be very crowded during peak evening hours. But popular for good reason!
(4)
PG. R.
Beautiful restaurant, service is very good. Food is pricey though. Ordered two pizzas, not bad, not great either. Nothing to gush over in my opinion. Ordered Blackberry Pisco sours and they were very, very good. I love pisco so I was happy with my choice of cocktail. Finished our meal by sharing a desert, we ordered the Trio of deserts. It was ok, nothing spectacular. I'd go back but only to have some drinks at the bar, food is not bad at all but it isn't fantastic.
(3)
Patti M.
Friends have recommended Matchbox so I was in the area and decided to check it out. It was a Monday night and not crowded. Our waitress was nice, helpful, and friendly. The food was just okay, i'm not sure what the hype is about. We ordered a pizza....half meat, half fire/smoke. Was kinda cold under the cheese....yuck. Also ordered the burger sliders. They were good but not excellent. Our bill was $37 and we didn't order drinks or dessert.
(3)
Rick S.
Food is good, beer is good, service is OK, place is a little loud, price is a little high. I've been here twice now and wasn't ever blown away. It's just... good. I'd go again without opposition if I were with a group of people that wanted to go, but I don't think I'd suggest it. Though, they do have some unique pizzas; If you find that you absolutely love one of them, then this might become one of your favorite places.
(3)
Helene M.
The food is excellent. Service is good. Busy place. Worth the wait to get in. Noise level is high.
(4)
Evan H.
I love the original matchbox in Gallery Place. The food is always great, the service too. I wish I could say the same about the one in Rockville. I guess that is the cost of expansion. The rockville location makes it a little easier to get a table, but i would still make a reservation during a weekend. The space itself is huge, and renovated from the previous 15 other restaurants that have filled this location. The problem for me is that it's dark. Really really dark. The upstairs area feels like you are dining in a cave and while this is sometimes ok (Like in Paris or at a better restaurant), it's not ok here. The food isn't as good as the location downtown. The Fire and Smoke pizza is a tad bit less spicy (which for some could be nice), and also the crust just doesn't seem to have the same quality as the other location. Overall, it's just not the same place as the downtown location. But, with that said, it's better than most places in the area in terms of non-ethnic food. So if you are craving a decent burger, sliders, or a pizza, it's probably your best bet in the burbs.
(3)
G M.
I don't remember writing my previous review, BUT I was surprised when I read it. I came here recently and got a large pizza. I really liked how they let you do half and half of any two that catch your fancy. I got half prosciutto & black mission fig and half spicy meatball. When the pizza came out it looked like it had been made hours before and was reheated (it's probably not the case because it was an odd combo, but I think it is a testimony to the subpar effort gone into making the pizzas). It certainly looked nothing like the pictures on their website. The taste was the same - old pizza that was reheated. This was not worth $23+ for a lackluster pizza. italian pizza kitchen and &pizza are far superior in taste, texture, and quality. . . cheaper too. pros of this restaurant is it's very beautiful inside and our service was very good. But I don't see a reason to come back.
(2)
Rob N.
Nice place to eat in Rockville. they have decent pizza selection and nice desert. price is reasonable.
(4)
Amanda L.
Happy hour choice with colleagues and they have a good selection of spirits. We sit in a table where it actually really looked like a box from outside,definitely an open box. I learned that there were some matchboxes under each table and you could take one matchbox home in the other location on 14th street downtown DC. I would suggest pizza to share and some soups for yourself. Also, match that with local DC beer which was really brewed locally.
(4)
Joshua H.
Overpriced food and lackluster service.
(2)
Don H.
Foods good. Pricey for the area. Service is not always inviting and the atmosphere can get noisy. 3.6.9 sliders and most of their pizzas are good.
(3)
Samantha L.
Ate here for brunch over the weekend with some girlfriends for a baby shower for a friend. Really liked that they gave us a round table for 8 -- much easier to talk to everyone and not have the group split based on who is sitting where. The food was ok. I've had brunch at the Eastern Market and Chinatown locations before, but never in Rockville. All 3 menus are slightly different... and i think this one was my least favorite. Nothing really stood out. I had the veggie omelet -- which was just ok. The eggs were slightly overcooked and nothing about it really stood out. I like matchbox for what it is and i'm happy there is one in Rockville now -- since I live in Bethesda. I like the fact that they take reservations... especially for brunch :-)
(3)
Tara B.
Pepperroni Pizza is delicious and service was great. It gets a little crowded for dinner on Thursday and Friday evenings, but the wait time was worth it.
(4)
Britney B.
Ok, so the prices can get a little high for groups, but I can promise you that its worth it!! They took our short notice reservation for 5 no problem. Our server, Ellen was SO incredibly awesome! She was extremely friendly and took the absolute best care of us despite having 2 other tables of 5 AND a birthday party of 10!!! The atmosphere is nice, not too quiet and its easy to carry on a conversation. Comfy booths, we all fit with plenty of room. The Coffee & Donuts dessert was ama-za-zing. Coffee was fresh, not burned. The pizza wasn't the absolute best I've ever had in my entire life, but I would still definitely order it again. Burgers are really good. Always always always try the Specials!!! The Lamb burgers are to die for, and the Surf n Turf shrimp was impeccable!! We will definitely become regulars here.
(5)
Cheryl T.
Love their location in Chinatown, and was happy to see it in the same shopping as BuyBuy Baby (the only reason I go to Rockville). As always, their sliders are to die for. They were also very accommodating with my stroller (baby's first meal out!).
(4)
Jeffrey T.
If your thinking of expanding, make sure the product stays consistent. (read Lorena B review which I agree with). I used to love this place. I thought the pizza was great and for a while comparable to 2 Amys (especially since much closer to my house) as well as Mia's in Bethesda. However the last couple times not only has the food gone downhill but also the service. To start last time I went there, it was not busy at all 3:30 on a Saturday afternoon, hostess asked how many and I said 2. She said okay well have a seat on the waiting benches I will be right with you. Well after seating two other tables of two after us, I went up to her and asked if the people she just sat had a reservation. She said no and then I proceeded with, then why haven't you sat us. SHe had forgotten about us. Not only has the service decreased in that once I ordered a pizza that was suppose to come with arugula on top and didn't, Waitress said she would bring some and by the time it came we had finished the pizza. We always get the matchbox meat and as of lately the meatballs are always dry and I feel like they changed the recipe or cooking technique of the dough because it is either undercooked or really over cooked and lately has been laking flavor. So it is sad to say but while Matchbox used to be on our go to list, it has seen it's days and is now off the list. RIP
(2)
Sarah M.
I guess my phone lost my review of this place... darn! I wrote a lot. In short though, we were very happy with our experience! Our server was super attentive and helped us choose between the wonderful choices on the menu. The kids were very happy to play with their pizza dough "play-dough!" The mini burgers/sliders were out of this world. They were amazing and worth the hour drive to go out there and order them again! We'll definitely be back!
(5)
Sharon J.
solid appetizers solid pizza great atmosphere nice place to eat out on a Friday.
(4)
Dana A.
I have been to the DC Matchbox location and the Rockville location a few times. The Matchbox Rockville location is one of the best restaurants I have been too. Every time we go, we have an amazing experience. Last time we went, we ordered the pepperoni and sausage roll and it was delicious. About halfway through the waitress came out with another one and told us that the first one wasn't done to Matchbox standard and so they took it upon themselves to remake it for us! I have never had that happen in my life. Today, we sat in Katie's section and she was wonderful! They apparently took the pepperoni roll off the menu ( noooooooo) and we were wondering what else we were going to order since that is our favorite dish! She said she understood and that they had just changed the menu and went to the kitchen and asked if they would still make it for us and they did! I also overheard her other table stating that they wanted to sit outside but the wait was too long and she said that she would keep a lookout for a table outside and if they wanted to move they could. That is a top notch waitress. Not only is the food amazing (onion straws, sliders, salads, etc) but the customer service at this location is outstanding. We live in Arlington and drive the extra time to avoid the DC location and stay loyal to Rockville!
(5)
Paola G.
Where do I start? Let me begin with, I only went here because Yekkta across the street was packed so I thought, why not try Matchbox and see what the hype is all about?! Note, my friends have all been here and their experience was very "mehhhh", so I wasn't completely disappointed because I know I was in for a hit or miss. Our waitress was sooo friendly, I wish I remembered her name. (small sweet Filipino girl). We ordered the Spicy pizza, which is more of a mild and that was good. In fact it was the only good thing on that menu worth trying. My bf got the burger because some of our friends (on yelp) recommended it. Super dry, nothing that sets it apart from the many burgers I have had. I was also in the mood for a sandwich so I got the ribeye sandwich, which was sort of like a upscale steak and cheese. That was disappointing too, I think I can make one better at home and at a cheaper price. Our friend got the crab cake sandwich which he also said lacked flavor and wasn't very good. He decided to try the lobster soup which we all tried and it was delicious. But I like type of creamy soup so I may be biased. Im glad I finally tried their food so that I can finally take it off my Rockville Dine spot list. Other than that, nice sports bar, good drinks and nice ambiance.
(2)
YoungMee C.
Great menu and atmosphere. Our waiter did great service and patience with us, which we were at the booth for 3 hours with 4 different orders.
(4)
Crissy D.
Good food. Great atmosphere. I dont go to chain restaurants often since I live in DC, but Matchbox has always been good. I recommend going with a group of friends as they have seating to accomodate larger groups.
(3)
Nancy N.
the best seat in the house in my opinion is by the fireplace! It's so nice and toasty and if you combine that with a glass of wine...MmMmMm good! I know it's not home but it adds the cabin feel that I love. I ordered the crabcake sandwich this time. I've had other things here...like PIZZA but I'll comment only on the crabcake sandwich. It's a standard crabcake. It's not as lumpy and meaty like some I've had elsewhere but it's not all filling either. Oveall, an average crabcake. A very filling dinner overall! The back section (small room) is cold if you're not sitting by the fireplace (by the windows). The overall atmosphere seems welcoming and cozy.
(3)
Priya M.
Love their pesto chicken pizza, wine both white and red. I love the ambiance the waiters have always been friendly and really attentive. Very classy yet affordable place to dine. check it out :D
(5)
Nadine M.
Food is good, but it's pricey for no reason. Maybe the ambience...
(3)
Troy H.
One the food was great. I got the Q special, my friend got fire and smoke and my other friend got the spicy meatball pizza. Two, the service was awesome, John Brown was awesome. He was speedy, sociable and attentive. Ill be back soon. It was a baller time.
(5)
Mark D.
My wife and I ate there last night. Decor and service was fine, but both our stomachs are still recovering from the experience. Over priced and poor quality ingridients. We will never dine their again.. Too many better options in the area.
(1)
Beth L.
Came for dinner with my fam the other eve. Had the calamari salad and the fig/proscuitto pizza (shared 'em btoh with my mom). Ordered the pizza with the proscuitto on one side, since I don't do meat now. The pizza came out with the proscuitto on both sides :/ The 'za was really nice (love this one) tho my mom thought it could've used more figs. We both enjoyed the calamari salad. I like their selection of beers on tap and the atmosphere is nice.
(4)
Alan W.
I was familiar with Matchbox from the location in DC so my wife and I stopped in here when we happened to see the Rockville location. The food was excellent, I had a perfect summer meal/snack of Gazpacho followed by the tuna tartare appetizer. The service was excellent as well until near the end of the meal. The only complaint is that the server (after keeping or water glasses full from a purchased large bottle of water) saw my glass was only half full and topped up the water glasses at the table with chlorinated tap water from a pitcher. After such good food it was just disappointing to have chlorine be the final taste in my mouth. Other than that everything was great!
(4)
Mark R.
Came here Saturday with my girlfriend, and it was probably the 5th or 6th time we've been at a Matchbox together. We didn't make a reservation so we sort of played it dangerous. We requested to sit outside, but the lower patio was full. Not a problem, because the upper patio had open tables, so we were seated almost immediately. Disclaimer: the lower patio is far more intimate, while the upper patio is more open and with a view that leaves a bit to be desired. That didn't matter to us, because the cross-breeze was more than welcome, given that it was an August night and the weather, while not sweltering hot, was warm. Drinks: always 5/5 here. I had the Whiskey Smash, and she had some other cocktail (sorry, I did not mentally jot down what it was). I tried hers and she tried mine. I really liked hers, even if it was a bit sweet for my tastes, and she at least pretended to like mine (she's not much of a whiskey girl). We both ordered the cucumber infused gin and tonic for our second and final round, and as always, it was refreshing with just enough kick without being overpowering. Ordered the Mozzi Corozzi for an App because we wanted to go light. We didn't read the description close enough, I guess, because the mozzarella is more deep-fried than "lightly breaded". Still, it was delicious. She got the Korean Pork sandwich with fries, while I ordered the crabcake sandwich, also with fries (yea we weren't watching our diets on this evening). I live in Baltimore so I kind of get "crabcake fatigue", but I really enjoyed my sandwich; this, in spite of the fact that I could tell they use a lot of filler material and not a ton of crab. Still, I ate it all and really liked the flavor (and it wasn't extremely filling, which is a good thing in my book). My girlfriend said she liked her sandwich, but she didn't finish it. I chalk this up to her being a petite girl, though. Fries were also very good. The service was also good. Nothing extraordinary, but I don't expect my waiters/waitresses to wash my feet while I dine, so she did a very good job. A very solid meal, with great drinks, all in an hour on a busy Saturday. You can't ask for much more than that. 4/5 only because I reserve 5/5 for extraordinary dining experiences and/or shockingly good results. I've been a fan of Matchbox for about 2 years now, and the great experience does not shock me. Will be back many times.
(4)
Scott A.
I love this place. Great food - great atmosphere and the deserts are to-die-for. Simply a great restaurant. Its my kids favorite!!!!!
(5)
Tilty A.
Ordered carry-out; 2 personal pizzas and an appetizer; it was nearly 50$. Only one of the pizzas was good but not 20$ worth. The other was dry and had barely any topping. I guess maybe you're paying for the ambience.
(2)
Patti B.
Exceedingly disappointed...I was sitting at the bar before 5pm and ordered a dinner dish. The server who brought the food burned me with the plate! The dish was not cheap (scallops) 3 to the order...and there was no offer for compensation (either comp my glass of wine, etc.). Hindsight: Should have left the restaurant then. Ate the food but left a small tip.
(1)
Keith C.
First off I enjoyed the atmosphere, fireplaces throughout the restaurant along with a fire pit outside was very cool to see. Our server was very attentive. The appetizers and the food did not take long to come out, they were staggered appropriately. Awesome restaurant that will do very well in Virginia Beach. Definitely going back!
(4)
Claire D.
Great restaurant with great food. The sliders are absolutely delicious and pizza is delicious too. The setting outside is very nice, sometimes the interior of the restaurant can be chilly. Service is not exceptional but the restaurant setting and food make up for it. Perfect for family and friends.
(5)
Connie L.
I've been to Matchbox several times in DC.. this was my first time at the Rockville location. It was definitely less busy when we went which was a plus and service was very good. The Braised Shortrib dish was very tough and the sauce was not that great. We also got the chicken pesto pizza which was pretty good. Overall, I like Matchbox so it gets 4 stars. Definitely get the scallops and the fire and smoke pizza!
(4)
Beverly S.
This place has excellent food! We went here on a whim one Friday after work. The wait was about an hour, but we figured since so many other people were waiting it would be worth it to stick around and try it. It definitely was! (FYI: They do call ahead seating and reservations, which we now know). We got the mini-burger trio appetizer, which was amazing. The meat was delicious and the onion straws it comes with are awesome. My husband got a meat-lovers style pizza and said it was the best pizza he has ever had. I got their crispy chicken sandwich, which was juicy and very flavorful. Overall, a delicious meal and we will definitely be back.
(5)
Elias K.
Absolutely love this Pizza!
(5)
Cindy H.
I've been here a couple times and have never been dissatisfied. A little pricey, but their fresh made pizzas are amazing (despite a couple expected burn spots, expected when it's wood-fire). Their pastas are excellent and are very filling. I'm always excited for their desserts, they are awesome! The service hasn't dissappointed me thus far, and they always make a great recommendation. Only reason I give them 4 stars is for their seasonal menu. I understand they are complying with the fresh ingredients available to them, and it's nice for those who are tired of the same ol' thing. But if you love a certain dish on the menu, chances will be that you won't see it again the following month. But believe me, this won't stop me from coming back!
(4)
Shachi B.
It's ok - the service is a bit slow (ok, a lot slow) but the food is decent. Given the lack of pizza options in the Rockville area, this fills the void quite nicely. It's a nice upgrade from Vince and Dominic's! I do love the layout though - the lofty ceilings and spacious feel definintely makes you forget you're in a strip mall in Rockville. Well done on the decor! The noise level is a little loud, but nothing unbearable. If you're in the area, come at 11:45. That's juuuuuust before the lunch rush begins so you'll likely get a table quickly. Also, the takeout door is on the right side of the restaurant (if you're facing the front door), so it's easier to sneak in that way and pick up your takeout rather than meander through the entire restaurant to get to the back.
(3)
James M.
Overall very unimpressed. Food was nothing special at all with a very shallow menu and limited choices. The pizza, their marquee item, was borderline unacceptable--greasy with a hard thin crust (and I like thin crust). Nice big building with a substantial outdoor seating area and nice bar area. Typical overpriced trendy place. Skip it!
(2)
Elizabeth D.
My brother in law has been raving about Matchbox for as long as I've known him. Did not disappoint when we finally made it here for dinner. Great wine selection and I was very tempted to try the cocktails. Started with the pepperoni and mozzarella roll, which was good, but I wish there was more cheese. Satisfied that with the mozzi carrozzi - so much cheese. The prosciutto and black mission fig pizza was awesome. Needed a little more blue cheese but otherwise perfect. Loved the honey on top! The Fire & Smoke pizza was another table favorite. For dessert, had to try the gelato cookie sandwich. Split it with someone as it's an indulgence. The outdoor patio is pretty incredible. I can imagine it gets pretty crowded in general but the space is huge (I spotted 2 more bars).
(4)
Karen G.
Beautiful urban modern dining experience! Went in for the first time on Saturday party of 5 and surprisingly the wait was not too long even with a full house! This place is big and its matchbox concept is displayed everywhere in a tasteful way. I love their 3,6,9 mini burgers their a small taste of goodness with thinly sliced union straws on top made it perfect! Their chicken pesto pizza with the home made sauce was pretty yummy! Nice amount of chicken (Just a little more cheese next time:) And the Gelato cookie sandwich was also amazing and a nice ending to the entire experience. Definitively a new spot to go to.
(5)
Lydia R.
I got the vegetarian pizza for lunch at Matchbox, which lasted me two days! So the portion size is awesome, and the taste of the pizza is alright. I was expecting more from a place that specializes in pizza. My vegetarian pizza only had artichokes and tomatoes, but a whole lot of cheese, so I did not feel very healthy for going veggie! Our table got burger sliders as an appetizer, which was okay-tasting, too. I did not feel healthy after leaving this place, but next time I'll stick with a salad and report back! I would also love to try the outdoor seating...
(3)
Irene F.
After having made 2 attempts in the past to try Matchbox (and always never being patient enough to wait an hour or more)- we finally managed to get there on Friday at 11 AM (when they open) and were the first to be seated. YAY! Or server was very accommodating- he brought my husband a taster of a beer he'd never tried before. He allowed me to get a mini burger each with a different topping (mozzarella, Gouda, and Gorgonzola) and gave me a big thumbs up and smile when I asked if we could split a pizza with 2 different toppings. Now- I know that doesn't sound like I was being very picky- but the place looks like it might be the kind of place that might be a little full of themselves and thumb their nose at making too many special requests. That was hugely refreshing. Also, they list the prices of all of their alcoholic beverages- which are NOT overpriced! I ordered the Matchbox Punch and for $8 it was a great deal- they did not skimp! It wasn't served in a tiny cocktail glass- it was the size of a soda glass! It wasn't so full of ice that you wondered where the drink was---And it was delicious. (And yes I did drink a cocktail at 11 AM- but I was on a rare date with my husband without the kiddo!!!) We ordered the mini burgers medium rare with the onion straws. They were perfectly cooked, and pretty tasty. They weren't to die for- I wouldn't write home about it or anything- but they were yummy. I liked the Gorgonzola version the best- but then again...my husband says I always like the stinkiest cheeses the best. The onion straws surprisingly tasted like onions and not just of batter. Next we split a large pizza- my side was the White Anchovy and Capers and my husband's was the Veggie. Mine was ok. I think I would have preferred the anchovies be sliced a little thinner and more spread out rather than in nearly whole pieces. My husband's side was delicious. (darn him for always picking right!) Ultimately I don't think this style of pizza is for me. I prefer my crust a little less crispy, and a little more cheesy, and with more sauce. For the style of pizza- it was good...it's just my personal preference and should not be held against the restaurant. We ended our meal with a cup of coffee- it was better than McDonald's, but worse than Dunkin Donuts & Starbucks- according to my husband. The whole bill came out to about $50 for a beer, a cocktail, 3 mini burgers, large pizza, and a coffee. Not too bad considering the ambiance. I would definitely come back for the drinks and the mini burgers. Next time I will have to try something else though besides pizza. Or maybe I'll just double my burger order...
(4)
Greg O.
Matchbox has one of my favorite pizzas on their menu- the fire and smoke pizza. So spicy and so good. I don't even need to look at a menu when I come here. The mini burgers are pretty good as well, and come with a huge serving of onion straws too. The service was good the entire time. However, when you compare this matchbox to the one in Chinatown, its really missing some of the ambiance. The alleyway, exposed construction, lighting, etc. at the Chinatown locations just adds much more personality to the restaurant, in the way a box at strip mall never could unfortunately. Overall, I'd definitely go back a few more times!
(4)
Katherine P.
i've had most of the pizzas, but the burgers are where its at to be honest.
(3)
Arija R.
After a failed attempt to see cherry blossoms on a Sunday afternoon, my date and I made a u-turn for food instead! With high hopes, we chose Matchbox Rockville for a fun experience filled with food and baseball - this plan failed too. ATMOSPHERE: Matchbox has a cool urban vibe with its wood, bricks, and mortar design. Fitting for DC, but feels out of place in this area. It's still cool. High end casual - is that a thing? FOOD/DRINKS: They don't make/have the sangria, fireball, or frozen drink I wanted (no blender @ Matchbox). We got beer and the delicious Q Pizza. The beer was poured perfectly and their vintage pizza is worth some of the drama haha. SERVICE: Our bartender was super sweet, but this place was clearly understaffed. It took a while to get service and once we placed our first order, it was tough to get a hold of anyone after. My date chose seats in front of a huge TV to watch the local Nats baseball game which had just started. Instead of already having this game on as we expected them to, the TV was playing info-mercials for fitness. Cause that's just what we want to watch when we're trying to stuff our face with pizza and beer! Again, since there was one bartender, she wasn't able to change it (after we requested a couple times) until it was already over. Also, we were right by a computer/wait station and there was a lot of internal talk among the staff that wasn't good. A lot of them were stressed and saying things customers shouldn't hear - it killed our vibe. We get it to an extent. My date and I joke about how most of our dining experiences are ruined by our acceptance from being too understanding since we've worked in the service industry. It's still not fair for us to justify poor service (at no fault of our bartender - areas of improvement were needed beyond her since she was actually trying despite the overwhleming demands). OVERALL: We still have high hopes for this location since I've had positive experiences with the DC locations. We'll give it another try and hopefully we have a 5 star worthy update for ya!!
(2)
Felicity M.
Love this place for every occasion, but their staff can be very hit and miss and closed on THE most important days? How can a restaurant afford to do that nowadays? Even if it's hugely reduced hours and with a credit card number at reservation..... Don't get it?!! Otherwise.... Fabulous food, delicious wine and great beer and the best garlic bread sticks and butter on the planet!!
(4)
Tara S.
I love this place! I used to go more frequently before I became a vegan, and every time was great. I'm not sure why everyone seems to say that you need a reservation as I've never had a problem, but you can reserve a table on Open Table so it's really easy. Their Fire and Smoke pizza is amazing if you like spicy. And their breakfast pizza for brunch is also great. Not to mention their "bloody beer" is actually not bad either! I would highly recommend Matchbox to anyone! And you can even sit outside!
(5)
Jonathan K.
Matchbox is excellent. I've tried almost all of the pizzas on the menu and you really cannot go wrong. The 3/6/9 sliders with Gouda are also excellent.
(5)
Robert C.
I'll give this place 3 1/2 stars. The Thin Crust Pizza here are pretty good, they offer unique pizza, which's pretty cool. The ambiance and decoration is pretty cool too; very modern like. However they can be pretty expensive. They're about $12 - $14 for medium and $18 - $20 for large. I suggest getting the large because the medium sizes won't fill you up; the portion's pretty small here. *Sliders/mini burgers - angus beef, toasted brioche, pickles, onion straws & gouda cheese (9 for $18). These sliders're good, however they're really small & not really worth the price. *Spicy Meatball Pizza - spicy meatballs, bacon, crushed red pepper, fresh garlic puree, zesty tomato sauce & mozarella. My favorite pizza from there. It tastes really good and the spiciness within the meatballs really give it the extra kick. *Fire & Smoke Pizza - fire roasted red peppers, spanish onions, chipotle pepper tomato sauce, garlic puree, smoked gouda & fresh basil. This pizza's pretty good too even though it doesn't have any meat. However, I don't recommend adding any additional meat, it'll ruin the flavor. I did that and I found out that the original fire & smoke is better.
(3)
Ashley W.
huge!!! this place is so much larger than it's DC counterparts... - perfect for dining on the patio during nice weather... upstairs/downstairs dining rooms and separate bar area...... This location is perfect for large groups... - excellent wait staff Menu choices are very extensive... from pizza... to salad.. to sandwiches... also great wine list! I'm looking forward to returning for brunch...
(4)
S L.
My rating is based ENTIRELY on the only thing I eat here, but man is it worth those 5 stars! The chicken pesto pizza. The best pizza I've ever eaten. Hands down. It's arguably my thing to eat. Their red sauce pizza isn't bad, I think pizza CS across the street is way better at it though. Nothing holds a candle to that chicken pesto pizza though.
(5)
Roy S.
Went with a lage group and had a good time. The decor was cool and I liked the set up. I had the meat lovers pizza and it was very nice but I felt like it lacked some panache. Maybe some basil or rosemerry or something to set it apart from other similar thin crust pizzas. My friends had the burgers and really loved them. The crab cake was rated subpar and not "the best crabcake in MD" like the waiter said, haha... The waiter was really cool and we got plenty of attention. I really liked their dessert trio also. The fruit pizza was a huge hit as well as the sorbets and chocolate cake thing. It is a little pricey, but what isnt these days?? I will be back!!
(4)
Sam O.
Not too bad... this is a great environment that is better than just taking someone to pizza hut. I've had a wide variety of pizzas here and have to say that they're not too bad but there isn't really a pizza that stands out. The Chicken Pesto is probably my favorite. For brunch they offer some decent items. I had the Brunch Pizza... I have to say it's actually not that bad and def is better than what you think.
(4)
Mary E.
Almost everything about this visit was great -- our waiter was amazing, the food was fresh and generous (I had the black bean burger, which I would get even if I weren't a vegetarian). I was there with my son, who is in kindergarten, and my husband, to celebrate the former's yellow belt in karate. My son had a great time. The only thing that was a bad note was that the hostess who walked us to our table (who had long red hair and was tall in case someone from Matchbox reads this and cares) just looked at us stonefaced and brought us to our table. I don't expect a hug, but considering that my son and I both smiled at her, it was really awkward and kind of passively hostile that she didn't smile back. I'm not the type of person who really cares about this kind of thing, but anyone would have been taken aback by this woman. So, if you can get past the cold greeting at the front door, you will probably enjoy your visit. I'll be going back, but I'll also be complaining about the hostess. There are too many people who would be glad to have her job and who would not have a problem being friendly to customers, especially in this economy.
(3)
Fred K.
I went here when it first opened the door and was the first paying bar customer! It was good to see a good draft beer selection in MoCo as I was afraid that their beer selection would suffer like at nearby Againn. Julia is a great and friendly bartender! Been back two times and very happy it opened on the Pike. The sliders with the fried onion rings are a hit for an appetizer. My only complaint is that the main entrees/pizza just comes out way too fast if you order an appetizer. My advice is to order the main entrees when your appetizers come to your table. They do accept reservations via opentable, so please make sure to get reservations or you will be waiting for quite some time, unless you get seated before 5:30.
(4)
Jeff C.
Ok, maybe I caught them on a bad day, but I really thought this place was overrated..The food was average and the service sub-average. However, my friend swears by this place, but even she was somewhat disappointed with the service. I felt our pizza was fairly basic and not really worth the price. However, the bar was nice, and I think this spot would work for a drink rather than a full meal..
(2)
Patrick R.
This place is ok... In all honesty, I never really understand why anyone would suggest this place and I genuinely don't get the hype. Their pizza is pretty good, but the amount you end up spending on it there are easily other places you can go for better pizza that might even be cheaper. I don't know how they try to act like they're a fancy restaurant when essentially half of the whole thing is very obviously a sports bar. Their other menu items are mediocre and gimmicky. I feel like they spread themselves a little thin and if they cut some items and allowed their cooks to focus more there would be less instances of bland or undercooked food.
(2)
David H.
If you've got a hankering for thin-crust, wood-fired oven pizza, then this is a decent spot, although the food isn't spectacular enough to explain the massive crowds and lines for tables at this and their downtown locations. Their growth has come at the expense of their food quality. Far better wood-fired pizza is to be had in this town (eg, Pizzeria Paradiso in Dupont Circle, one of the first). While inspired, some of the pizza topping combinations are odd and random flavor combinations, as though they were trying to empty out the fridge and dump all the leftovers into one dish. On a recent office happy hour outing, I found myself wishing I'd made my own combination of toppings (which is an option, and which is something I usually do). Being a big fan of stinky cheese, I spotted a prosciutto, gorgonzola, and fig pizza that looked awesome, so I ordered it in excited haste, not noticing that the toppings also included peppered honey (which made the pizza too sweet when coupled with the ripe figs), and arugula (whose dominant pepperiness clashed with everything and ruined the pizza, as far as I was concerned...a little arugula goes a long way). The bar menu is exhaustive, offering a wide selection of cocktails, but I found their "cutesy" (one assumes that was the reason) categorization of libations into "manly" and "girly" drinks to be offensive. What century are we in? If I wanted tired gender stereotypes with my buzz, I'd get a beer at the baseball stadium. I ended up ordering an old classic, a gimlet, but it was too sweet for my tastes. I like them tart (like my reviews...)
(3)
Christopher J.
Went here for lunch last week. We have tried to go 3 or 4 times before but the wait is always too long. We were off work that day so decided to try it, FINALLY. During the mid-week lunch, no wait. Staff was super friendly and kinda cool atmosphere. I order a mid day alcoholic beverage...the Quencher I believe and the wife got a Pomegranate Martini. Both were excellent. The server, Ryan, could not have been nicer. Gave us good recommendations and was very attentive and on point (IE didnt talk too much, engaged with us but left us alone, maintained filling our drinks etc). I got the Smoke and Fire Pizza and added chicken....VERY tasty, good amount of spice, flavor and freshness. LOTS of chicken which was great. Really enjoyed it. Wife got the Spinach Salad, but replaced spinach with Arugula. Not the biggest salad ever, but very filling, tasted great and she said she loved it. Ordered a Lemon Tart for Dessert. Deliciously tart and chilled. Very lemon-y and the fruit compote that came with it was great. All and All a great restaurant. ONLY down side is that there is nearly always a wait. Slightly pricier than other places around, but definitely worth it. Excellent service and food is worth the money.
(5)
Tiffany P.
Came here for lunch during the week. Loved that you could get half/half personal sized pizzas so that you could try more than one flavor. I got half White Prosciutto and Half Smoke & Fire. I wasn't really impressed with the Half Smoke & Fire, and the White Prosciutto had enough garlic to kill an onslaught of vampires and prevent anyone from wanting contact with me for at least 24 hours. 2 Glasses of wine and a personal size pizza = $29.. so a little on the pricey side. Not sure if I will be rushing back any time soon.
(3)
Tram N.
Definitely had a great first experience at Matchbox! I reserved a table for my sister's birthday for a party of five and everything went smoothly. Our waitress was consistent and frequently checked on our table and provided honest and helpful suggestions. We had a mixture of brunch and dinner entrees. The cinnamon rolls are AMAZING so are the French toast dish. Love love the presentation of everything. I had the crab cake sandwich which came with a pickle and fries. Also got the small Matchbox Meat pizza which wasn't bad at all. Definitely enough for everyone. Atmosphere is private and comfortable. Loved that it is also kid-friendly. Service was great and will definitely be returning =)
(5)
Natasha T.
I've been here a few times, for brunch and lunch. Everything I've had, particularly the pizza, has been delicious. We reserved for a large group for brunch, they easily accommodated us and we were able to sit in the upstairs (semi-private) "room."
(5)
Alexia G.
This is some of the best pizza that we've found in the area! I had the prosciutto fig pizza and it was awesome. My boyfriend loved his matchbox meat pizza. The chef thought that the pizza he made me was a bit small (I didn't notice) so he can upstairs with a box and a brand new pizza because he wanted to make it right. Great service too!
(5)
Tiffany T.
I have been to this location many times and I must say that I prefer the DC locations. The food is always great, although at my last visit I was given the incorrect pizza, which was annoying since I was with a large party and I had to wait for it to be fixed while everyone else ate. I definitely suggest that you make reservations. Any time I tried to go without a reservation, the wait is always at least 45 minutes for a Friday or Saturday night. The service is hit or miss. I don't know of they just don't have enough waiters but sometimes it takes a while for the server to come back to to table just to ask if everything is okay. At one visit I ordered a glass of wine and after about 10-15 minutes the waiter admitted that he forgot. He was very apologetic and brought it out immediately after that but telling me that you forgot is unacceptable. I will go back since I live close and I love the restaurant but I hope they hire more servers.
(4)
Laura S.
Yesterday was my third time here in two months. The atmosphere is great--it has the best outdoor space on R'ville Pike. The waiters are attentive without being smothering, and the food has always been solid. I've had sliders and pizzas. Nice wines and the Allagash white draft beer was crisp. This will be our new go-to spot, having moved close by from D.C.
(4)
Edward S.
Last night they had a roasted duck special. It was outstanding. They said it's available only this week. Its worth a special trip.
(5)
Stephanie A.
I'd like to rate the restaurant 2-star in service and 3.5-star in food quality. I've been to all locations of Matchbox and usually really enjoy my time there. This location is HUGE! They have a great layout of the restaurant with a front bar, pizza oven seating, bar, upstairs, and outdoor seating. Decorations are urban pizza kitchen with great use of metals, concrete and brick. Food, is good I wouldn't say amazing but would definitely say better than most places in the area. There is also a wide variety of items to choose from, so even the pickiest eaters should be able to find something. Service, I've been here a couple of times and usually had good wait/bar service each time. Last night 12/19, I was there for a company party and had issues with the service so felt compelled to write this review. Our serving staff was GREAT - attentive, readily available and friendly. My issue, along with several of my colleagues, felt that the manager on duty and the bar staff (main bar AFTER event was over) were rude and under par. Working in the hospitality industry, we understand the need for customer satisfaction because loyal customers generate revenue. We were surprised that after our event was over, the manager came over to our group (about 30 minutes after allotted time, I checked my phone) and rudely kicked us out. Stating something similar but much ruder to "it's 40 minutes over the event time you booked, we need you out in order for us to re-sit this area." We completely understand where he was coming from but the delivery was just rude and almost ignorant. I understand if we were warned a couple times before and this was the final straw, but we weren't, first offense. I'm actually shocked that is how this manager approached the situation, not thinking of the potential of repeat customers or private parties in the future. At that point nobody walked away feeling great of the experience, even though this happened in the last 5 minutes - what a shame. Next the main bar, the bartenders and bar back were just rude, forced friendly, and aloof. Not sure why they're in the service industry if they don't enjoy being personable, but generally maybe they all were having a bad day. Also walked away, not wanting to come back by choice anytime soon.
(3)
Ginger W.
I really really like this place. We came here once for a free meal from my s.o.'s family and another time I went with my mom. I am always super impressed with the pizza and beer/spirits selection. One star off because although I usually eat outside, they often have fairly rowdy groups and both times I have been here I've been knocked into by some drunk patron (one male, one female) acting pants-on-head. It sort of kills any remote possibility of feeling like you're having a pleasant or relaxing evening -- not romantic! That said, it is fun, people have fun all around you, and the pizzas are both unique (fig and black pepper honey?! OMG YES) and really well executed -- crispy but not black. The service we've had has been very good as well, striking a good balance between attentiveness and obsessiveness. I would come back here if I was having a party. That way we wouldn't be the party of two getting bumped into, but rather be more part of the fun.
(4)
Jon E.
Good food and service and atmosphere for the most part. Really expensive pizzas. Not worth the price.
(2)
Esq. H.
Beware when dining in the warm months. They have multiple doors that they open to the patio and leave open creating a super highway for flies and other winged creatures to fight you for your food. Sometimes people like to sit inside for a reason. My colleagues and I swatted off several flies throughout dinner and I even got bit by a mosquito. We came on a Wednesday after work - party of 10 and had no problem being seated, I've been here before but generally speaking unless you have it in good with the bartender and you are at the bar your drink will be weak, I had the matchbox punch and it had .001 % alcohol in it and I am not an alcoholic. I had the crab cake sandwich it wasn't terrible and I know this place is a pizza place but just in case some people were wondering it's not worth it, stick with the pizza and water. We also had the donut holes - I'm not sure of the official name, but they were good, not super sweet or large and the accompanying sauce is perfect.
(3)
Maria L.
Appetizer: 6 sliders; the meat was cooked medium & was juicy! The onion straws were YUMMM :D Apple & Pear salad was the best thing I ate there. Entree: 1/2 MatchBox Meat & 1/2 Spicy Salami& mushroom pizza; The Meat Side was yummy & juicy. The other half was just as great. Overall: the atmosphere& service seemed rushed. The waiter spilled water on our table & didn't apologize. The place is loud & crowded. Maybe I'll give this place a second chance...& maybe I won't.
(3)
Tasha B.
Ordered the apple and pear salad - blandest salad I have ever had in my life. No dressing on top & basically the greens were just washed & put on a plate Also ordered the "make it your own" pizza with basil: spiciest pizza I've ever had in my life - I LOVE spicy food (drunken noodles, spicy sushi, etc), but this wasn't even good spicy - it was like if you took pizza from the mall & added a ton of hot sauce. Never again
(1)
David N.
Great pizza. Had meat pizza taste really good and service is fast and courteous. The only down side is the pizzas are over 1000 calories based on myfitness pal app
(4)
Paul M.
rather extensive pizza selections to fit many different tastes. My adult children and their spouses, along with me and mine, visited at the suggestion of a family member and were not disappointed. We sat upstairs in a booth that was comfortable, although we were at a railing looking out on the rest of the building. A little warm, but that is expected in a pizza joint with hot ovens going all day. Every one ordered something different and we shared family style. Pies were all terrific, Son had a steak that he said was quite good (rotten lil' *** didn't share) and drinks came in a timely fashion (and kept coming.) I'll return but probably not on a Friday or Saturday night when I am told there is quite a wait. I am OK with that though, since every night is date-night for me and my bride.
(4)
Van J.
Everything everybody says about the ambience is spot on. Nice lofty feel with indoor or outdoor dining. Food is overpriced but you would expect that given the look of the place. We split a beet salad and had to ask "where's the beets". Literally, a plate full of arugula with half a beet and lightly, very lightly, sprinkled with goat cheese and walnuts. Oh and it comes with ciabatta bread. A thin slice of ciabatta bread! My husband had veggie pizza that was lacking. Believe me, Papa Johns does a much better veggie thin crust sans the tomatoes. The crab cake sandwich was good, found a few shells though. Wait time was about 30 minutes, Friday night at 8 pm with several empty tables. Ironically we asked if we could be seated at one of the empty tables and was told we had to wait to be seated. Well, we ended up at the table we asked about. I'll stop by for drinks but eat somewhere else.
(2)
Scott S.
Fantastic layout of a much larger version of the restaurant in DC. Pizza is great, but not amazing and the sliders are defintely a must. Even has rooftop seating or you can reserve it for large parties!
(4)
Joyce R.
My friends and I went here to try it for the first time and it was pretty good. The shrimp and grits were off the chain! I am pretty sure they had someone from the south back there in the kitchen cooking that. NOM NOM NOM. I ordered the fire and smoke pizza and it was delish. I enjoyed the spiciness but damn there were alot of onions on each slice... gum anyone? I had the chocolate molten cake and that was oh so awesome. I loved the caramel drizzle thingy they had going on. Great waiter and the place was nice and clean. I will definitely go back (even though they aren't the cheapest).
(4)
Karen S.
My favorite pizzas here are the prosciutto and black mission fig and anything with pesto (including the veggie and chicken pesto). For starters, I've tried the cream of crab soup, which was pretty good (very rich), the mini burgers (which come with a huuuuuge heap of onion strings) and some mahi-mahi tacos (very big and enough to share among a couple people) that were a special of the day but that we turned into an appetizer. I like the spaciousness of the Rockville location, especially since it's easy to fit big groups. I'd like to try sitting outside in the warmer months.
(4)
Willie T.
Great food and ambiance really enjoyed the meal. Are the breakfast pizza and it was fantastic!
(5)
Emma W.
This parking lot is a little tricky, but this place is visible from the road. There are flames.... There is a lot of outdoor seating at this location, and can accommodate big parties. The largest I've been apart of is around 15. I like the pizza here. The spicy is not too spicy, and you can add Rd pepper flakes if necessary. They add an ample amount of pepperoni and meats... and good flavor combos. Nothing I haven't liked so far. I Would say its best to share so you can part take in the desserts. Yummy fresh made donuts with an espresso sauce.... I can eat the whole thing! And 6-7 mini donuts is not trivial. Also they have a trio sampler.... the brownie--- chocolate lovers rejoice! So coming soon to the menu is a lamb sandwich. So good, and well I was starving, I didn't get a picture. But think-- flatbread with lamb meat and cucumbers... AND chickpea fries!!!! Don't laugh, since they are amazing....
(4)
Christina S.
From the friendly greeting at the door, to our AMAZING server Brandon, who gave honest and delicious recommendations for food that will rock your taste buds!! This is the place that must be tried!!! Promise you will keep coming back!
(5)
Yolanni S.
I went to Matchbox for the first time over the weekend and I really didn't know what to expect. Walking into the restaurant we were welcomed and seated immediately. While sitting and waiting for the drinks to arrive at the table I watched as servers delivered food to other tables. I couldn't help but to notice how delicious all the food looked. Literally everything that I saw pass by looked oh so tasty. As we were on a double date we ordered 1 order of the sliders with Gorgonzola cheese and the other order with mozzarella cheese. I wish I had taken a picture of the sliders they were perfectly portioned with a heap of thin fried onions. Omg they were so good. Then we wanted a sweet treat so we ordered the matchbox trio that came with homemade donuts (to hard for my liking), a fudge brownie with ice cream, and a trio sorbet (it was supposed to be three different flavors however we were only given to favors of sorbet. The lemon basil one happened to be my favorite! All in all the food was delicious and I would definitely recommend it!
(5)
Kamer K.
We went Matchbox with my quests from Europe on a Thursday night. It was very crowded and noisy. The sliders and the onion fries we had was vey tasty and juicy. My sangria was ok. My friend loved the Spicy margarita. I liked the fig and bacon pizza so much. But the vegetarian pizza was very greasy. I recommend chocolate chip bread pudding. It was very rich and yummy. Enough for 4 people!
(4)
PureClass M.
Waiter and food were awesome! We enjoyed the MatchBox pizza and sliders...those little ones were amazing! A great upscale place to go in the local area.
(5)
Brandon G.
Went here tonight with my girlfriend. When we first got there, we were impressed with the ambiance of the restaurant. Really organized and clean. Not busy too busy for a saturday night. Reminded me of a Las Vegas restaurant. Service: The hostess promptly let us know how long the wait was. The wait was only about 3 or 4 minutes then we were seated. The waitress was nice. Sat us in a nice spot by the bar(inside). Menu: Not too intimidating. Not like the cheesecake factory where everything in life is on the menu. You know exactly what you're going to be getting there. I ordered the pepperoni pizza. Ordered a Lemon quencher cocktail. Basically a spiked sweet tea. That was good as well. Food: The pizza was REALLY good. My girlfriend's pizza was great as well. She enjoyed hers probably more than I enjoyed mine. She's the true "foodie". Overall experience was good. Definitely will be going back!
(4)
Elizabeth W.
It's definitely 3.5 stars, but closer to 4. Matchbox is a beautiful place with an upscale aura. I have never been here before but we came during happy hour time so no one was around. It was a perfect time to come. I took a recommendation from my friend and got the Mini Triple as a meal, while she got the Matchbox Meat Pizza. I also enjoyed the Matchbox punch which was delicious! The triple includes 2 scallops, 2 crabcakes, and a bunless burger. It was so good! The big complaint was the server. She wasn't horrible, but she didn't really check on us that much and my water cup went dry. She never asked me if I wanted another drink and then disappeared after she gave us the check. We were in the bar and it wasn't that busy. I honestly wasn't impressed with her but the food is definitely what gives this place the 4 stars. I'd come back once in awhile.
(4)
Liale B.
The service wasn't the best. I had to ask for a glass of water. I should not have to ask, should be at the table without question. Half of my party received food before I even made my orders for drinks. To get the waitress attention I had to raise my hand like I was in grade school. Hands down NYC has the best customer service.
(1)
Trina L.
When will Matchbox kill the pounding, headache inducing music that consists mostly of a beating drum? We avoided the restaurant for years, after they instituted the music, but recently heard it is quieter. Wrong. Unfortunately, "the beat goes on". Too loud to enjoy talking at the table.
(2)
Natasha J.
I would give it less than one if I could. I have not been for months with no plans to return. I was not going to post because I hate giving bad reviews. The service was horrible. I came here with a friend from out of town. A waitress came over. We placed our order after waiting ten minutes for her. The waitress disappeared for another ten minutes or longer. Then, we received our food. Waitress disappeared again. We needed water and wanted more drinks. I had to get up and ask for another waiter to find our waitress. Then, they told us that they were confused by who was suppose to service us. We paid for the food and left. I have not been back since. I live close and travel to Matchbox in DC. I would not recommend. Poor service and it was not busy. The restaurant looks okay too.
(1)
B. M.
Had dinner and drinks last night with my co-workers. I haven't been to matchbox in 3 years and was craving their delicious table dough bread. I almost left the restaurant because the hostess (a pretty Asian girl) almost beat me up!!! (Not literally, but she was highly upset!). She took us to a table and I had asked for a booth, so I kindly repeated myself at the table, "can we have a booth please?" And she slammed the menu shut, and gave me the look of death, rolled her eyes furiously and said, "Sure, fineeee!" A table nearby stared at her and shook their heads. My bad for asking??? Anyway, Katie was an amazing server and she made up for the bad feelings. AWESOME JOB KATIE! Maybe I'll go back soon and ask for Katie, in hopes the hostess doesn't change my mind at the door. Managers: PLEASE recognize Katie for a great personality, impressive food & drink menu knowledge and great recommendations. Tip: talk to your hostesses; after all, they are your restaurants first impression. :)
(3)
Nhi T.
The interior was nice. One of the walls inside looked like a bunch of ends of matches. Pretty neat and there was also a open kitchen feature. I sat just far enough to be able to watch the kitchen work away! But I will say, it was super chilly inside. I am kind of sad, we were not asked if we wanted to sit outside! Looked so neat when we were leaving. There was a round table with a fire in the middle. I am totally a gimmicky person and that was astounding to me! It was pricey for what it was I thought. My boyfriend ordered the spicy meatball pizza and he loved it! The crust was a bit blackened, but it is written in the menu as a warning prior to ordering your pizza. I got the seared salmon, which had a nice presentation, but was bland tasting, in my opinion. Lastly, the service was subpar. The waiter forgot about us. He didn't give us a refill until after we were sitting there with empty glasses for several minutes and waiting for the check took forever. We could have literally walked out without being noticed. But I still give it a 3/5! The service may have been better if we would have gotten a better server.
(3)
Heather J.
I'm a fan of the Matchbox restaurants in general, and this one is no exception. Our server was incredibly friendly, almost exceedingly so, and the food was as good as any of the other locations I've been to. We started with 3 sliders, each one with a different cheese. The one with gorgonzola was my favorite. Then we got the spicy soppressata salami and wild mushroom pizza. It was really good, and I love the crispy thin crust. I wouldn't hesitate to return to this location.
(4)
Hillary C.
I visit this Matchbox location semi monthly for a networking group meeting. The food is consistently good and the servers are quick and friendly. Extra bonus when they have a seafood special. Today's fish tacos were delicious!
(5)
Karen R.
Great lunch. Expertly crafted wood-fired pizzas and lots of good food to satisfy the most discerning palate. Atmosphere, friendly staff, good libations and really good pizza.
(5)
Mike Y.
Matchbox Rockville is the second Matchbox that I've been to in the DC/MD/VA area, with the first being the one in DC. The matchbox website states that it is the largest of the three Matchboxes. The food as many reviewers have mentioned is very consistent. However, the it still tastes freshly made versus having come out freezer-bagged from a central distribution facility. Despite Matchbox's reputation for pizzas, our plans for a big dinner in the evening relegated our Friday lunch to salads and sandwiches. Lunch crowd was mainly local professionals grabbing a quick bite. To sit it was a 5-10 minute wait. No biggie. We started with the crab and avocado tower. The word "tower" I felt was a bit misleading as it was more a puck. But I guess "crab and avocado puck" doesn't sound too appealing. It tasted as it sounds...crab and avocado. Not really seasoned but I guess it doesn't really need to be? For some reason my plate only came with four crostinis. We had to ask for more. Because...I mean...really. How are you going to offer a dip with only four chips? Moving on...I ordered the sweet and tangy calamari salad. The SO went heavier ordering the a crispy MB chicken sandwich. The sweet and tangy calamari salad was...interesting. It tasted like a mediterranean-thai fusion. Not terrible, but just an interesting combination. Imagine....thai sweet chili sauce + mixed green + olives and banana peppers + fried calamari. Funny thing about it though, there is no not sweet chili sauce in the salad its actually a ginger miso vinagrette, which leaves me wondering wheres the sweet coming from? The crispy chicken sandwich was definitely the better choice. Bread was soft and brioche-y. Chicken was crispy and well fried and breaded. The buttermilk sauce added the moisture to keep it from being a mouthful of dryness. Fries were good too. The waiter we had seemed disinterested in his job and although not terrible; didn't really try. Hope it was an off day. I wanted to go 4-stars, but after writing the review I realized it was just an 'okay' experience. The food didn't really knock my socks off. The waiter was underwhelming. However, if you're looking for lunch options on Rockville Pike you could do worse.
(3)
Don V.
Upside: The food. If you're looking the standard American fare such as pizza, sliders, salads you can't go wrong here. Those items are usually on point. The atmosphere was also pretty nice - it has an upscale wooden decor look with medium mood lighting for a good balance for a date or a night out with friends. There is also an outdoor patio seating area with its own dedicated bar and a fireplace. Downside: The service towards the end. Well specifically last night...on our anniversary night. Our waiter apparently left to go home before either closing us up or transferring us to another waiter. We ended waiting 25-30 minutes before my girlfriend had to flag down a manager of some sort. Eventually another waiter came to box up our food as well as provide us a check. I was hoping for a simple apology (which would have sufficed) for the misstep but received none from either person. Unacceptable. Result: The lapse in service caused us to miss getting dessert at the next venue as they closed by the time we finished sorting out our bill (30 minutes). In conclusion a simple apology from anyone would have resulted in NO negative yelp review and an understanding from our part because everyone has a bad night once in a while. Instead no apology was offered. Matchbox Rockville ruined what should been a special night for my girlfriend and I. And we missed dessert at her favorite place.
(2)
Ray C.
To give a 5 star rating I have to be totally blown away by both the food and experience. Sadly- although the service was great and the atmosphere up beat - if you ask me in a week what I had for dinner I probably won't remember. My waitress Stephani was great - very attentive and took the time to explain the menu. I had a half pepperoni and half prosciutto pizza and felt my cells shrivel up from the salt- almost inedible. After dropping $15 on a small pizza I should have been more impressed. It was Stephani and the environment that saved this rating from a 3 star but the chef (I think he was wearing a toga holding a spear yelling "pizza pizza" ) that kept the rating from a 5 star.
(4)
Lindsey G.
So, I'm biased, because I live right across the street from this place and it's super convenient for me. However, that doesn't make the food, ambiance, and service any less top-notch. Even though Matchbox's specialty is pizza, they also have delicious non-pizza items. I'm on a fairly strict diet and don't eat bread, so when I come here I'll get either the veggie black bean burger that they prepare wonderfully with sliced avocado, chipotle mayonnaise, and their house-cut fries, or the crabcake sandwich, served with fries and a tangy sauce that I love. Their salads are also a yummy alternative for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions. The house, simple salad and apple/pear salad are light and refreshing, and next time I dine here, I'm going to try the ahi tuna salad. The only frustrations I've experienced here is long wait times on popular nights when I didn't make a reservation. Some of the table seating is a bit close, but the staff are always willing to re-seat if you aren't comfortable. I love this place! :)
(4)
Steve L.
Excellent bloody mary burger. Kind of pricey but it was really good. I will have to save up to come back with the family. I sat at the bar and service was excellent. Available drafts were a very nice selection. Was told all the food is fresh and no freezer in the back so I will have to try the fish next time if I can get out of a burger mood. Okay. I have to add the tissue on the way out the bathroom door to grab the handle is a really cool touch.
(5)
Sakeeeennnnaaa H.
The food is consistently good at this place. I've been here several times with my best friend. We really like the sliders they come piled high with these delicious fried onion straw things topped with Parmesan. The breakfast skillets are tasty. The food is always fresh and hot. Server are courteous, prompt, and attentive. If you do decide to get an appetizer they are big enough to share.
(4)
Cristine C.
I have been to almost every Matchbox location in the DC area and this one was not exception to what I'd expect. The food and service was great, consistent with the other locations. I've been here for both lunch and dinner and while it was full and energetic, it's never too loud.
(5)
Megan H.
Whiskey Smash is Matchbox's rendition of a whiskey sour - most satisfying whiskey sour to date! Granted, the majority of my whiskey sours have been enjoyed at casino floors or club settings, so there's not much competition to compare to. The mint infused bourbon gives this beverage the mystery X factor that keeps you coming back for more. I've been here enough times to have tried a majority of the items on their menu and I've never been disappointed with any of my selections. To be fair, I haven't quite been blown away either, but I like the reliability of this restaurant to deliver good food and a very vibrant social ambiance, which is why Matchbox ends up being my "go-to" place for random dinner meetups with friends and family. Bonus points to the spinach salad, ribeye, sliders, and prosciutto & black mission fig pizza!
(4)
Michael Y.
I have been to Matchbox many times since I moved down here 2 years ago. One thing I could say then, and I can still say now, is that their food is consistently on point. I have had everything from pizza to crab cakes to steak and eggs. Every time, a home run. Normally, I dive into the crab cake sandwich, easily the best I can find. When they say "jumbo lump," they mean it. No filler, no fluff. And it comes with a perfectly zesty remoulade sauce. This, of course, is prefaced by the best sliders in town. Listen to me! Get the sliders! Every time I order them medium, which restaurants ALWAYS overcook. But every time, they come out cooked a perfect medium. They also come out with a pile of crispy onion straws sprinkled with Parmesan. Pro tip: Get the Gouda!! Alas, with food this consistently good, I thought I would explore a sandwich outside of my normal Sammy Circle. On tonight's visit, I got the Spicy Korean Pork Sandwich. Yum much?? The pork was tender, the spicy-sweet flavors of the sauce was great, and it came with a generous serving of french fries. Another tip: if you want the flavor without most of the spice but you forget to ask for no jalapeños, they are lined on the bottom of the roll. Easy to take them off and enjoy! So why 3 stars? Just as consistent as the food is, the service is equally inconsistent. There are times I wish I could tip the kitchen directly. On this particular visit, the server didn't approach us for 15 minutes, and when she did, she was inattentive and rude throughout the meal. The manager did his normal service check-in, and we told him what was up. The server then proceeded to get worse, clearly thinking she should give up on any chance of getting a tip. The service was good once, but it seems like it gets worse with each visit. So, final word? Kitchen: 5 Stars Service: 2 Stars (started at 5, working it's way down)
(3)
Alexander A.
One of the best places in Montgomery County. Great food and excellent drinks. The outside patio has a great feeling with fireplace. The people are very professional and friendly.
(5)
Kat A.
ALERT! Be forewarned! They changed their menu in September 2014 and as frequent diners for many years (since back when they only had one location!) we are so not impressed with the changes. Many of the best items have been taken off the menu and have been replaced with dishes that are simply too expensive for this place. We used to eat here at least once a month and after our most recent visit we could care less about returning. Most importantly - the chopped salad on the menu now is nothing like the old one!! The fact that it's still on the menu as a chopped salad is deceiving. No more pasta ringlets and creamy herb dressing. Now it's chickpeas, red peppers, and fennel salami with an oregano vinaigrette. Euccch! The old chopped salad had me coming back for years. Even if I was just in the area I'd stop in to get a salad to go. Not anymore! Our waitress said a lot of people have been complaining about it so we weren't the only ones. What a let down as the old salad really set them apart from other restaurants in the area. Otherwise, the food is generally good but nothing spectacular. Certainly not worth the price and the wait time and lines they create to boost their egos (Chinatown location especially!) Other changes to the menu include new appetizers - a "ginormous meatball" for $14 and crab and avocado tower for $17. Sadly, they also did away with the pepperoni and meatball roll we used to get (with our beloved chopped salad!) They also got rid of the Caesar salad and added a wedge salad with "artisan romaine" instead of iceberg lettuce. I've never seen a wedge salad with artsy leafy greens in my life! Seriously, whoever was in charge of salads on the new menu really dropped the ball. As for the sandwiches, I haven't gotten one here in many years but it seems like they added new ones and did away with others. The pizza seemed more or less the same (types and prices thank god) however, the pepperoni pizza we shared was definitely more spicy than usual. The entrees also changed a bit with mostly seafood options (I believe all but 3 are seafood) and the ribeye is now $31...a bit much for a place that's not a steakhouse. In terms of service the kitchen seemed just as confused as we were with the menu changes. It wasn't busy at all but the food was taking unusually long to come out and wasn't paced well at all. Matchbox is known for getting food out abnormally quick so for those of us who are used to that it was again another letdown compared to what we're used to. Overall, as regulars since the olden days when they only had one location, my family is beyond disappointed with the changes made to the Rockville restaurant. Sometimes restaurants just need to stick with the food that made them successful in the first place and honor the customers who helped get them there. Straying away from what you're best at isn't always a good thing and I'm sure others will soon agree.
(2)
Maria P.
Props to Hanna for making sure we had a pleasant guest experience after my boyfriend didn't enjoy his salad. It was taken off the bill despite us not saying a word. Drinks and my entree salad were great. If in the MoCo area and you're looking for a simple, fresh approach to Italian cuisine head here!
I like the lofty ambience of this place. The pizza was okay, not the best, and slightly overpriced. Overall, a fun place to go, but not necessarily for the food.
I had a really great meal here! The service was phenomenal! I wish I remembered our servers name so I can give him allll the props he deserves! A couple friends of mine came here on a Monday to catch up. We got seated at 5pm, for a very early dinner, the restaurant was pretty empty. Since I hadn't seen my friend in several months we were just chatting and kind of ignored the menu. Our server came back 3 times before we ordered but was really nice about it. So, my friend decided to ask "What do you recommend?". Whenever I've asked this most servers respond with the "depends on what you like", so I've basically given up on asking for recommendations. BUTTTTTT our server went into every part of the menu and suggested things he liked from the sandwich section, the pizzas, apps, etc. Which I thought was great. A good wide range, so my friend could decide on her own. We had some crab cake sandwiches (YUMMMM), and some pizza (black mission fig & a veggie). Delicious! Overall, the experience was really positive. No one rushed us out. They let us catch up, have our time, and didn't push us to get desserts (even though we wanted it). I also have to mention, they didn't force a check on us to try to clear us out, which is something I feel like a lot of the busier restaurants have adopted as an acceptable practice.
(4)
Trish J.
I do not get the hype. This place is always swarming with people but for what I have yet to figure out? Poorly made drinks? Overly complicated pizza? Oh, oh! I know! The ridiculously uncomfortable seating! Yeah, that much be it.
(2)
Brittany T.
Love this place. Nice atmosphere, spacious, great pizza. They have a great outdoor space with a bar and fire pit when the weather is nice. The Tuna Tartare is outstanding - fresh, a little spicy with black and white sesame seeds and malanga chips. It's delicious! Pizza is always great, prepared in their wood-fired ovens. They are super accommodating if you want to split a pizza or customize your own, too. I love their Oven-dried tomato & fresh mozzarella pizza (I usually add arugula) but all of the options look great. They have something for everyone. I hear they have a great brunch, but I haven't been yet. You have to try the Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding..trust me.
(4)
Janelle J.
I highly recommend the pear and apple salmon salad. It comes with candied nuts, sliced apples and pears and Gorgonzola cheese. It's also topped with a vinaigrette dressing. Since I'm not a fan of cheese on salads, I asked for it to be omitted. It was light, fresh and really hit the spot. It comes in two sizes unlike the Cobb which only comes in large
(4)
Shelly J.
I finally had the patience to come here. This place is always packed during the weekend. waiting time for more than 30 minutes is definitely, not worth it. I came here with co workers during the middle of the week and at lunch time. we were hungry and the wait wasnt long. We all decided not to get pizza and decided to get other stuff thats isnt so common. I got crab and avocado tower with crostini. It was very good. I was looking for something that was semi healthy and light. This was the perfect balance. Then I got the apple & pear salad. That was good and it had a good balance of salad, fruits, nuts and cheese. The honey balsamic dressing was okay. A little tangy. The service was good. Our waiter was good. Our food came out in time. There are so many things to try here. So I will definitely come back & order a drink to go with my meal.
(3)
Jennifer M.
Half onion and sausage and the other half sun dried tomatoes...nommers! No need to go into detail....I love pizza, especially pizza from Matchbox! If you haven't been, go! There are multiple ones in Maryland now, so you have no excuses!
(5)
Mel A.
On the very rare occasion that it's in the mid-70s in the DC area in the dog days of summer, take advantage of dining al fresco. A buddy wanted to meet somewhere casual halfway for lunch and I thought of Matchbox in Rockville. They have outdoor seating, and although you're several feet away from busy 355, the street noise isn't too bad. In cooler months, they have heaters above. There are a lot of decent choices on the menu, but I'm gonna go straight to dessert. Rarely do I save room for dessert because portion sizes are always larger than what they need to be. But when I'm at Matchbox, I always finish off with their coffee and doughnuts. 8 or 9 (I always lose count) of these hot cinnamon doughnut holes coated in powdered sugar come out with an espresso Kahlua crème to dunk them in. Delish. Do yourself a favor and order some doughnuts for dessert.
(4)
Boris S.
Mini Trio $18 (4/5 NOMs) Why not have it all. Sometimes you just can't pick one, so why not go with three different on one plate. You get the two of pan seared scallops, mini crab cakes and mini burgers. Each one is even more amazing then another. My favorite is still their bun-less mini burgers topped with fried onion strings. Meat patty is so juicy and flavorful, its like they put crack into it. Its simply addicting. Ask for some buns and you can make some super yummy mini burgers. Sweet & Tangy Calamari Salad $12 (4/5 NOMs) Dive into the greens. Making healthier choices in Rockville, one of DC metro suburbs. This was a right choice to satisfy our craving something light and healthy. It maybe a salad, but its all about the crispy calamari. It looked as if they packed a whole bag of calamari in there. Th fact that every bite we could taste the freshness made it so much better. Calamai tasted so good and fresh that you could mix them into anything and it will taste good. Salad came packed with a whole lot of field greens, banana peppers and roasted red peppers. Combination of balsamic vinaigrette and kalamato olives gave it a nice kick. Excellent order for any salad lover out there. Cobb Salad $13 (3/5 NOMs) I'm all cobb with prosciutto on my salad. Not just another cobb salad, but with a unique touch that Matchbox brings to every dish. Oh the yummy avocado, prosciutto, egg and gorgonzola. Very strong flavor ingredients, but none outshines the other, was a perfect flavor combination. Tasted very healthy and light. So why 3 you ask? Well, the portion just didn't match the price. With so little you just have to order extra meat on top. Just didn't feel like a lunch portion for a hungry nomster.
(4)
Katie H.
I love matchbox! Can't say I've ever had bad service, food is delicious and the bar drinks are awesome. Try the matchbox punch, whiskey smash or toasted Manhattan. I've actually never tried their pizza which is their speciality, but they have so many great other items on the menu! So recently I had the bistro burger - ahmazzzzingly thick & juicy. The blue cheese crumbles with the bacon & mushrooms compliment eachother so well. Today I was feeling edgy & gave the veggie burger a try. I've only had maybe three veggie burgers in my life, and was maybe only impressed with one. THIS ONE IS SO GOOD. It's a patty made from scratch with black beans, corn, onions & red pepper topped with avocado, chipotle mayo & thinly sliced tortilla strips. Hands down best veggie burger I've ever had! Besides burgers & sandwiches they have plenty of pizzas. My boyfriend had the crispy half chicken which was delicious:) The atmosphere is nice too. Dim lights, modern & cozy feel.
(5)
Vicki C.
Good service and food! Atmosphere is great! Can get loud on a busy night in the dinning rooms. Outside seating is sweet with a fire pit/bar that you can sit around at during happy hour. Food came out fairly quickly and there are lot's of choices to choose from. The fire and smoke pizza is pretty spicy! Not for the weak! Will return!
(4)
Katrina C.
After not visiting Matchbox for probably three years, I found myself at the Rockville location twice in two weeks. Holy moly I had forgotten how good their pizza was. I got the same thing both times, the personal sized chicken pesto pizza, which is covered in their housemade pesto sauce, herb-roasted chicken, and mozzarella. So, so, tasty! The chicken was juicy and well seasoned, and there wasn't too much cheese or sauce. Everything was well balanced. On both visits, the service was pretty lackluster. Plates were not cleared from the table in a timely matter before moving onto the next course, and on my second visit when we ordered dessert, it took 20 minutes for it to show up. On that note, the dessert we ordered was delicious. We ordered the cinnamon doughnuts with kahlua creme sauce, and they arrived in a cone container with a little container of the sauce. The doughnuts were still hot when we received them, and there was just enough sauce for dipping - a perfect sweet after dinner treat. I love the atmosphere in this restaurant, especially when sitting upstairs. It's so fun to people watch all the tables downstairs, and it really didn't get too loud when we were up there. When warmer weather returns, they have great outdoor seating with a fire pit.
(4)
Chris H.
I have visited matchbox plenty of times but I've always teetered between 4 and 5 stars. I've finally decided after my last visit that it's a 4 with the caveat it will average more at 3.5. Sorry for being complicated but ratings are serious! Anyways, it is a solid choice as a place to eat and/or drink. They have a good enough variety of beers and a full bar so that never is an issue. The food is solid and varies from okay to very good. My most memorable experience was brunch. The cinnabuns stood out the most, they were banging. My last visit I made a custom pizza which surprisingly I REALLY enjoyed. I am pretty good at picking ingredients though, so it's probably mostly me (sarcasm). Service: 4.5/5. Solid, very friendly. They were trained very well and are very attentive despite how busy they get. Atmosphere: 5/5. This place is so awesomely decorated. When I went for brunch, I sat in the top balcony area and it was great. The industrial theme really hits my preference. Food: 3.5/5. Like I said, it goes back and forth but you can expect between 3.5-4 depending on what you get. Drinks: 4/5. Solid selections and full-bar.
(4)
Sara J.
They recently have changed their menu for the better. Now serving steak, French fries and sandwiches as well as a new desert line up. For appetizers we got 3 sliders. They come on a bed of crispy onion straws which are crispy and nice to munch on. The sliders were prepared well and juicy. For entree I ordered the large pizza with pepperoni and sausage. The pizza is a little pricey. $20+ for the largest size with toppings. 2 -3 people can share it. Crust was crispy and the pepperoni provided plenty of flavor. I recommend. My friend got the chicken sandwich with fries. A good sized sandwich but it is small in comparison to cheesecake factory's chipotle chicken sandwich. Sandwich was crispy and wasn't dry or over cooked. Fries were homemade and are similar to the 5 guys french fries. Fresh cut and fried to a good crispness. Service was good although it did take the waiter a good 15 minutes to bring me the check after we finished eating. Not a fan of the desserts here. I would skip them entirely.
I would like to try more of the pizzas, but I'm hooked on the prosciutto & black mission fig one. It's so flavor-tastic and I love the thin, flavorful, and nutty crust. The apple pear salad is delicious, and the highlight of this salad is the honey-balsamic dressing. I also enjoy like to dip my pizza crust in this dressing.
(5)
K B.
This is definitely a go-to place for me. I have been here a few times with the hubby, a couple girls' nights out and a few special occasions. This place is usually on point. The only thing I don't really care for is that the music can be a little loud in the evenings.
(4)
Sonia C.
My boss took me to this place and swore that I would love the fried chicken sandwich. Which I did and it was amazing and will be back again. You need to try this sandwich. Onion rings are HUGE so make sure you share.
(5)
Michelle B.
Spicy meatball pizza was delicious. The kids gave MB a 10 out of 10 for food, service and decor.
(4)
David D.
Food was very nice. Service was great. Beer selection was small, yet varied. Vast selection of wines by glass or bottle. Woody sensual smoky smell & interior was great. Pricier than thought.
(4)
Karena J.
I really love the ambiance and atmosphere. There are outdoor fire pit tables and bar area/ tables under heat lamps. This area is especially great in early spring or fall. There are two indoor bars. No happy hour specials. Bummer. Wine list is pretty good. Draft beer list decent with plenty of rotating craft beers. Food is okay but not memorable. The sliders are tasty. The pizza is decent but not as good as Sugo or Pizza CS. Chopped salad was nice, fresh, with soft avocado. Service is underwhelming and twice, we actually had drink orders that never came. Odd. Still a great place to meet friends.
(3)
Julie O.
My husband and I were driving by and decided to grab dinner on a Friday night. We did not have to wait long to be seated. We looked over the menu and asked the waiter to tell us about the pizzas. He said the small is about 8 inches and the large is 13 inches. No other description. We decided to get the Matchbox Meat pizza. We told our waiter our order for the pizza and said we might want to order something else but asked if he could go ahead and place our pizza order. We had decided to get a large simple salad but before we could order it, our pizza arrived. It is a thin crust, which I enjoy but my husband would liked to have known before hand. The waiter came back by after our food was delivered but didnt bother to ask if we wanted anything else. We decided the pizza was enough and so we didnt order anything further. The pizza itself had good flavor and lots of cheese. It had a decent amount of mini pepperoni and small sausage but not enough to justify the price. I started eating my pizza with a fork as it was a little hard to pick up the entire slice with the heavy cheese and thin crust. But halfway through the slice I put my fork on the big platter that the pizza came on. Once we were on our last slice, our waiter returned and proceeded to pick up my fork and move it to my small plate and then remove the serving dish. I think it was pretty unprofessional, not to mention probably not protocol to touch a customers utensils when they are still using them. He was young and seemed like he was new. Overall it was decent pizza but perhaps not thrilling enough to return. Service was ok but could use improvement.
(3)
Kristin J.
The cram of crab soup...... Out of this world. Highly recommend this one. Had the sliders as well, there's a reason these are a top seller here. Definitely come here with your credit card in hand. The prices are a little high but the food is quality noms.
(4)
D J.
I've only eaten here once, but overall I would say it was a good experience. I went with a friend on a busy Saturday night. It was difficult to get a drink at the bar while we waited for our table. The restaurant is a bit loud. Not sure I would go for a romantic date, but for dinner with a friend the atmosphere was okay. We had the sliders as an appetizer. The burgers were really tasty. Delicious. I liked the onion straws, but the burgers came with way more onions than anyone needs to eat in one sitting. If that's your thing, you'll be happy. For dinner I had the ahi tuna salad, and I loved it. It was flavorful, a little spicy, full of ingredients that complemented each other really well. A delicious salad. I would eat here again, absolutely.
(4)
Denise L.
My fave pizza restaurant! This place does everything right. Pizza, salad, veggies, seafood and burgers! The cocktails are also great. Be sure to try the pepperoni and meatball pizza roll (amazing cheat day treat), the trio (great mix of meat and seafood) and the 3-6-9 burger...yummy! You can't go wrong with this place. Great for date night and girls night out.
(5)
Madison L.
I visited with a friend, my first time and the food was good, bit pricyish, very spacey and nice interior. But our server Katherine, whose name I got off our check..stopped by our table twice, once to take order and once we called over for refills. We had to ask another passing server for napkins, which she graciously brought over right away, was not able to catch her name. I did not think our server would stop by our table again so we asked for the check early. When she brought the check, she said thank you have a nice rest of weekend..and that was the longest phrase she uttered. For the price of food we paid, I thought we deserved more attention then what we experienced. I could eat pizza somewhere else~
(2)
Dave H.
Brunch on Mothers Day, with a reservation, we were seated right away. The brunch menu has some nice options and you can also order from the regular menu. From the attractive layout of the restaurant and the quality menu choices, why only 3 stars? It's all in the execution of the dishes and lackluster service. My kids both ordered the Captain Healthy, a great selection of munchables for a kid, but when asking if we could substitute the peanut butter for something else, the waiter was useless. How about ranch dressing to dip the carrots and celery? He tells us they don't have it. No biggie, but come on. I had the BLT Benedict, which was tasty, but lacking... maybe they are rationing the hollandaise and arugula? I mean, why else skimp on it? My wife had the huevos rancheros, which was tasty but cold. Cold eggs take away from a dish, and a great solution is to plate the food on a prewarmed plate. Our plates were cool to the touch. Tsk tsk, seems pretty basic. But wait, there's more! Our server was friendly, but lacked the knowledge that you keep returning to offer coffee refills before the customer has to ask. Okay, okay, but it wasn't that bad. We decided to order the cast iron cinnamon rolls to share for dessert, he tells us they're out. It's 11:45am, and they're out. He tells us its busy, they usually last longer (newsflash -its Mothers Day, a day families traditionally flock to brunch... make extra!). A collection of minor issues come together to leave us with a sour taste. I'll be back, I like their pizza, but really, there's no rush.
(3)
Ana P.
I really love Matchbox. This was my first visit of their second location and I was very pleased. BP and I splurged one day when we were supposed to oh to the gym... Ha ha ha, best decision EVER! We ordered a pie each since we could not decide on one together and shared. For dessert we continued the indulge-Fest and got the dessert platter with all of the dessert options. The sherbet was amazing and were the donuts. I can't wait to go back. The restaurant is so beautiful. It would be so cool to rent it out for a special occasion... 10 year anniversary? I'll start saving now!
I've eaten here twice this week because I'm staying at the hotel nearby for a business trip. I'm impressed! While I was ordering a simple salad earlier this week, I made the comment that I didn't see a Caesar salad on the menu. The waitress said, "oh we can make you one." Sweet! I asked for grilled salmon to top it off. The salad had the perfect amount of dressing and the salmon was hot, fresh, and cooked perfectly. I think I tasted a hint of sea salt on top. Very nice flavor. I deducted one star only because the brownie dessert is not good. The brownie under that ice cream is hard and cold. If they replaced that brownie with a warm, moist one they would get 5 stars from me. Tonight I ordered the Matchbox Meat pizza. Anchovies are not on the menu but I took a chance and asked, expecting a NO. I was wrong. They added anchovies to my pizza and it was fantastic. I finished it off with the Angeline Pinot noir. Very satisfying!
(4)
George M.
So, 4 stars....hm....don't know how to do 3.5. I have to say to their benefit, since each RedBox is a little different inside, you never get that dreaded sense of sameness. Food if ok, but not to die for. Reasonable mid-priced wine selection; their food didn't seem to me to be overly "bad", in the sense you go to some places and you eat a weeks worth of calories without even realizing it. Their flatbreads compare to Seaons's 52 which in my humble opinion are the best of the best. It's a very good choice for a good quality dinner.
(4)
Elsa M.
Matchbox Rockville is just a fabulous as the Matchboxes in DC, and, I have to say, that is saying something. Nestled near a bunch of chain stores, you would think that the restaurant would have lost some of its "cool factor" in the 'burbs, but not the case - and more importantly, it didn't lose any of the fabulous foodie flavor either. As usual, I opted for a variation of a Margherita Pizza and was not disappointed. My husband got crazy-dense Cobb Salad and a friend of ours order the grilled calamari salad. Every single bite was worth oohing and ahhhing over for sure. Matchbox is perfect for a date night or a night out with friends, and you can rest assured that the service will be stellar and the ambiance will be welcoming as well. It's definitely a place you want to sit and have a long, leisurely meal.
(5)
David C.
Yeah apparently my wife daughter and I were invisible. We waited 15 to 20 minutes before we left due lack of service. We watched servers walk by multiple times no one even asked if we wanted anything to drink. As we were leaving a server apologized that we were not served due to a "miscommunication". That shows that even though they knew we were there the chose not to serve us anyway. At least the food smelled delicious.
(1)
N - Pyranhadoc - W.
Surprising good! Excellent service in a very interesting and well designed restaurant. Soup, salad & pizza were first rate. I agree the the prices are high but they match the quality of food & service. Recommended highly. Please note, we were in for brunch and there were only a few folks in the place but I could see how sound levels would escalate if it was packed.
(3)
Ani J.
I love Matchbox. There are tons of vegetarian options, and the vegetarian options are flavorful and delicious. The difference between Rockville location and Merrifield location is that Rockville provides outdoor seating, which is great for the summers. I also feel that service at Rockville is subpar when compared to Merrifield. Here is what all I have tried: - Mozzi Carrozzi: Delicious. Initially, I thought this was something like bruchetta, but its totally different. This is some sort of bread that is fried, stuffed with mozzarella, and served with tomato sauce. I am not a cheese person at all, but this appetizer was soo good. - Black Bean Banh Mi: OMG - this is DELICIOUS. I highly recommend you try this out. I was expecting a black bean burger, but this is not a burger. The black bean patty is freshly made in the restaurant (not something that is frozen and heated). Its served on a ciabatta bread along with some salad. I chose to get Chickpea Fries instead of the salad. The Chickpea Fries are amazing. This is my absolute favorite at this restaurant. - Fire & Smoke Pizza: Now I cannot handle spicy food, but for some reason, I always tend to order this pizza. Yes, this pizza is that good. Of course I drink water after each bite and mouth is on fire, but I just love this pizza. If you can handle spicy food, I highly recommend this pizza. - Veggie Pizza: This is decent. Honestly, I would choose the above options over the Veggie Pizza, but its good to have a vegetarian pizza on the menu for people who want pizza and can't handle spicy. The ambiance is great. In the evenings, this place is packed and reservations are hard to get. I love their food and variety of veggie options. Thumbs up from me!!!
(4)
Kathryn A.
Gotta say "yes" to this one!!! As a Chicagoan, I am picky about pizza; however, I was willing to try this place when it was recommended by a friend. This pizza is unique. If you're looking for NY or Chi-town style, this isn't the place. If you're looking for gourmet pizza...not the CA Pizza Kitchen blah, blah, blah, but something truly different, this is the place. The pizza is nothing short of excellent! The variety is exciting...a change for Rockville. They have added a new happy hour and not only do they offer excellent lite bites, but this is one of the only places around to get a fairly priced import! Our waiter had talent, skill and this too, is rare for the area, where we encounter these young, 20 something, "I'm just here for the summer" wait staff. Instead, you will be served by a person who knows the restaurant business and the best way to present an excellent meal!
(5)
Janet K.
After visiting Matchbox at least 3 times I think I should have a review to post! This is a wonderful beer-drinking place, because of the variety. The price of the entrees and appetizers are a little pricy though. I was here recently and only wanted an appetizer, but found that they were almost as expensive as the entrees. I ended up getting an entree (extra calories!) and my husband got the "sliders." The previous reviewer was correct when she said that the sliders were expensive for what you get! I am sure we could have saved "in bulk" but I wasn't ready to eat all of that. The food was tasty but not the best, I believe they are a 3 to 3.5 star restaurant considering the price. Most likely the reason for that price is their location on Rockville Pike which is very convenient.
(3)
LaToya E.
I chose Matchbox as the location for my birthday dinner so I put together a small group of my friends to enjoy the experience, after hearing such great things about the place and reading all the reviews I couldn't wait to give it a try for myself! I first deduct a star because they don't take reservations over ten at peak hours.. I guess that's good for them but sucks for people in the threshold of over ten but not 15 (party size). I gave the star back when they were willing to let me call ahead (two hours early) for the table so it would be ready at arrival. When I got there I noticed how beautiful and large the restaurant was, unfortunately two people and my group were on crutches and they offered no accommodation for those who it would be difficult for them to climb the stairs (-1 star) Our waitress was extremely accommodating and very knowledgable of the menu, she even had pictures of some of the dishes! The food was great (I tried a few pieces of pizza around the table) and the drinks were great tasting! They even put candles in my dessert for my birthday! I will be here again to try other things on the menu!!!
(4)
Matt S.
The reason I give Matchbox 5 stars is because it is the most consistent and best restaurant chain I've ever been to. Whenever my family has a reason to go out to celebrate, which is about almost anything, we usually end up at the Rockville Matchbox. I've catered a happy hour with Matchbox sliders and pizzas which are all great. But, usually when I'm there for dinner I go with one of their entrees. I usually start off my meal with a small chopped salad which is great. When last there I had their rainbow trout with butternut squash and green beans. The combination of the buttery green beans along with the sweet squash and delicious trout made for an enjoyable meal. I also tried the creole pork tenderloin. Also a great tasting dish. These along with most of the other entrees are all great choices. I would highly recommend all of the Matchbox locations within the area. If you're looking for a great meal with a great ambiance for either a date or for a group, go to Matchbox.
(5)
Janelle H.
If you are a fan of thin crust grilled pizza this is the place to go! We got the Fire & Smoke and it was delish! Friends that came with us got the chicken pesto and meatball, everyone said how good their pizza was. Super trendy atmosphere with upbeat music. There isn't a kids menu but what kid doesn't like pizza?! Various craft beers as well as specialty drinks. The only issue was the waiter (David.V) wasn't very attentive and we had to ask what the specials were and to continually refill our drinks. Giving 3 stars due to the unwelcoming server and price for pizza was a little high for the size per pie.
(3)
Rachel A.
Love Matchbox, it's hands down my favorite place to go for a relaxed dinner. It's loud, so don't expect it to be a place for an intimate dinner, but it's a fun, lively atmosphere. The service is generally pretty good, and the waitstaff are friendly and accommodating. I sometimes go with a friend who needs certain seating accommodations, and they are always very gracious about it. My absolute favorite thing on the menu is the sliders with the onion straws. Try it, and you'll be hooked! Perfectly made, delicious, moist. MMM. I've eaten almost everything on the menu, and I love it all! PS: go for brunch and get the cast iron cinnamon rolls and you'll be dying happily!
(4)
Elaine D.
The first time I ate at Matchbox was shortly after they opened, and although the server was very nice, our appetizers came out after our entrees and there were various other glitches. Okay. They were new and needed more time. A month or so later, my daughter and I went back and ordered steaks. We were very careful to discuss with our server what medium and medium well meant in their kitchen. We were okay with some pink but didn't want any blood. So, of course, when our steaks came out, they were floating in blood. The server wasn't particularly apologetic and basically started to argue with us about whose fault this was. She went to get a supervisor and I thought certainly the supervisor would offer to recook or replace the meat. Oh, no, she was just as argumentative and unpleasant. Those two experiences made me stay away from Matchbox until today when I was at Congressional Plaza and needed a late lunch. Decided to give them another try. The server was great. I ordered a cup of cream of crab soup and a lamb sandwich. The soup was okay, nothing special for $6. But I was very disappointed in the sandwich. It looked good with feta, sliced cucumbers and onion and sliced lamb on pita. It was completely tasteless and lamb is usually a strongly flavored meat. I had specified that I wanted the topping on the side because I was afraid it would overwhelm the meat's flavor. Well, even without the topping, I could not discern any taste to the meat. The sandwich was accompanied by chickpea fries. Very cute elongated cubes stacked like firewood. Again, absolutely no taste. Needless to say, I will not be a repeat customer at Matchbox. They're always crowded, so I'm sure nobody will miss me!
(2)
Alene Y.
I've had the burgers for lunch and finally made it here for brunch with friends. Everything was delicious, we had the cinnamon rolls, the crab cake Benedict, coffee & doughnuts and many mimosas. Service was also very attentive, I will be back!
(5)
Susana M.
I'm really disappointed with this restaurant. A couple years ago we had a dinner with friends and family and everything was delicious! After 2 years I came back and big surprise, bad service, food needs salt and extras to taste a little bit better, to be honest I was expecting an Incredible pizza but what I got was really close to little Cesar or papa johns
(1)
Alan S.
Great meal today. A big step up from last time. We got the Seared Salmon and Ribeye. Both were delicious. Lots of cool sides that really complemented the meats. Not a big fan of their pizzas as they are tp greasy for me. Fruit pizza was okay. Cooks need to chop fruit up more as whole blackberries and strawberries were placed on top. Will try donuts next time.
(5)
Harris H.
Went for Mother's Day with my wife. We were a few minutes early for our reservation but were promptly seated. Server was great and we have always had a good experience. However, against my better judgement I ordered a half and half pizza. One half was meat one and that was average. Little taste and very forgettable. Honestly, I would have rather eaten Domino's instead. The other half was the smokey one and it was horrible. It literally tastes like chili or cayenne pepper and nothing else. I will never get their pizza again. We did have a great time so that is why 4 stars. My wife loved her crab cake.
(4)
Brian H.
I'll start of by saying first that this is a generous three. I would say 2 and half if posible. Second, this is the only Matchbox I've ever been to and friends and coworkers have told me the Chinatown location is better in regards to one of my big complaints but I haven't made it there yet to be able to truly compare. Anyways... on to the review. I'll start with the good; the burger sliders were awesome. They alone would definitely make me consider going back to Matchbox. The pizza was 'good'. I liked it, but I do think it was overpriced. It's maybe like a 6/10 pizza at a price that I would pay for a 9/10 pizza. The atmosphere is where things get weird for me and makes a great transition point from good to bad. When you walk in it's this huge open room, you can see the fire in the pizza oven and stairs going up to the second floor. Impressive and overall nice. Also really really nice was the outdoor patio area that some customers were braving on that 45 degree evening. We however did not brave those temperatures and were brought to a side room with dining tables. I seriously felt like I was eating a meal in some baby boomer's family room circa 2002. Really, please Matchbox, complete the look by adding an oversized leather sectional and a Chevy Suburban parked in a driveway outside. I will happily eat in a dive if the food is amazing and the price is right. I will also happily pay top dollar for great food in a hip and well designed restaurant. What bugged me about Matchbox is that I paid top dollar for good food in a bland a poorly designed space that one must assume the owners think looks good. The lighting was also weird and gave me a headache even with my glasses on. In summary I'd give Matchbox another chance but I would prefer to try the other locations or sit outside at this one on a nice day.
(3)
Kyle F.
I've frequented the Matchbox at the Merrifield Town Center in Fairfax so going to the Matchbox in Rockville was a "no brainer". I'm surprised how much larger this restaurant is than the one in Fairfax--was able to get seated right away. I suspect there's a lot more competition along the Pike. I had lunch downstairs, the service is great and the food is excellent. Highly recommend, even though Matchbox is known for their pizza they have a wide selection of typical American Bar & Grille fanfare. If you want to sit by the fireplace, request to be seated in the fireplace room. It's a smaller intimate setting, especially nice in the cooler months.
(4)
Steve J.
Pros: Great place to hang out. Staff is extremely good. They have limited but decent selection of craft beer. I also enjoy the food and love the Matchbox Meat pizza. For me, it does not get any better - right balance of bread and meat. They also have nice liquor and wine selection. They never rush you out. Cons: Can't think of any but they could rotate more beer however it is an issue with Montgomery county and not the restaurant. Slightly on the expensive side for the food.
(4)
A V.
We have always enjoyed the food at Matchbox. When I mean food, I am only referring to the pizzas. Our favorite is the Fire and Smoke, very unique, very spicy with an awesome smoky flavor. Never tasted a pizza like it before and the taste has remained consistent over all the years. To top it off, they have a decent selection of beer on draft. If you are looking for a place to chill out, get some beer and eat some tasty pizzas then Matchbox is highly recommended.
(4)
Lorena B.
If you happen to read my old review for Matchbox on H Street, you'll know it was once my favorite restaurant. Now I don't go nearly as much because I happen to think the chain has lost a few steps since expanding. This outpost was several steps down from the H St and Capitol Hill locations in previous visits. My favorite spicy meatball pizza is usually good anywhere but when I ordered it here last fall, the meatballs were dry and the dough burned black in some areas. I also ordered a bread pudding to go, which was also dry and flavorless. I resolved not to bother with this location again. Well, after Sunday's awful experience at Mosaic, I decided to give brunch here a try. The huge restaurant was almost empty (except for the patio) so we were seated right away. I ordered the BLT and the bf got steak and eggs, as well as cinnamon rolls to share. We were starving and asked for the rolls to be sent out first. At $6 I think the rolls were reasonably priced but they weren't great. I was expecting them to taste somewhat like Cinnabon but they're more like Pillsbury. Plus, they took foreverrrr to come out! The presentation in a cast iron skillet was cute though. The entrees were pretty damn good. My BLT is actually more like eggs Benedict, but with maple glazed pork belly (!!!!) instead of Canadian bacon, topped with arugula and served over grilled ciabatta, with a side of potatoes. The poached eggs were cooked just right and the sweetness of the pork belly gave it a nice contrast. The potatoes were good but nothing you couldn't get at a diner. His steak was seasoned well and tender, and served in a cast iron skillet like the cinnamon rolls. Maybe the food tasted so good because Mosaic left such a sour taste but I was pleasantly surprised by brunch. I probably wouldn't go out of my way to return but this last visit redeemed Matchbox Rockville for me.
(3)
Joodie T.
Came on a Saturday night and was seated within 5 min which was great considering they were pretty busy. Waiter was good and told us about the specials and we ended up ordering 2 out of the 3 offerings. The baseball sized meatball appetizer was a miss; too much filler and the bread was a pizza crust folded up, baked and sent out as some sort of dipping doodad. The other special we got was a ribeye with mushroom seasoning, blue cheese wedge salad and potato croutons. The steak and salad were delish, the potato croutons were measley and greasy. Blah. I would come back for the tried and true menu offerings and steer clear of the specials which were a bust.
Excellent pizza! I had what is considered to be a meat lovers. Was one of the best pizzas I had in DC. The IPA was great to. Think it was called a raving bitch. Service was prompt. Enjoyed the experience.
(4)
Yaka H.
A friend suggested we meet here for brunch and I was pretty surprised they even offered a brunch menu. I will admit that I was a bit prepared to be a bit disappointed at the brunch fares, but I was pleasantly surprised. The breakfast pizza was alright, I think the biggest regret about ordering it were the eggs. They tasted like the prepackaged mixed eggs, so they didn't have the best texture or taste to them. In addition, it was hard to eat slices without all of the toppings spilling out. Flavor-wise alright with an exception of the eggs. Real eggs cooked with a runny yolk would have been a nice addition compared to the travesty of such scrambled eggs present on the pizza. I also tried the fruit and yogurt, which is quite simple, but the berries were pretty and fresh. Friends tried the waffles (sandwiched with peanut butter, banana, and bacon) and the New Orleans french toast (french bread french toast with candied pecans). Everyone was quite happy with their selections and were quite satisfied. So this isn't too shabby of a brunch choice. In particular, it's a nice place for brunch and they serve up a pretty good bloody mary too. It didn't seem that busy when we went, so it isn't imperative to make reservations for brunch, although, we did just in case. They serve the lunch menu in addition to brunch for those wanting a more savory option.
(4)
Jen C.
The pizza is still cardboard. (But the mushroom prosciutto is the best out of the bunch.) No, Mo's Magical Brownies are not melt-in-your mouth magical. If theirs is magical, then my Betty Crockers are some hypnotic phenoms. The tuna tartar is mashed up now, no longer nice moist chunks. Oh my god, clean out your fryer oil cause the doughnuts are disgustingly overpowered by old oil. BUT-- The ambiance (both indoor and outside) is still amazeballs on the Pike. The drinks are still delectable. And waitstaff always makes me smile. Which makes me still crawl back for more....
(3)
Zach M.
I have always had excellent pizza here, but for some reason, every time I bring friends, they are not impressed. I don't know what they are missing or what I'm loving too much, but this is one of my favorite specialty pizza places.
(4)
Sammy S.
Love this place! The food was good and the customer service was great. My friends and I were visiting from California and we had the privilege of being assisted by a gentleman named Joseph. He was extremely friendly, provided great recommendations, and made us feel very welcomed. I highly recommend this place to locals as well as those visiting from out of town.
(5)
Patrick W.
This place is a must go. There food and service is great. I know this is a good place for pizza but there crispy chicken sandwich is awesome. If you want a real treat get there crab cake sandwich. It's off the chain! If your really lucky you might get BRANDON as your server. This guy goes way out of his way to make the experience memorable. This is a great place to bring a date or just meet with friends...
(5)
Starr C.
I came back to Matchbox Rockville for Valentine's dinner, and I just wasn't feeling it as much as last time. I think that in the future, I will play it a bit safer and stick with their yummy pizzas. We had a reservation and were seated very promptly even though we came in early. My boyfriend had a vase of roses waiting for me, which was super sweet and nice to see when I walked in. Our server was nice, but seemed a little bit not there. Maybe he had other things on his mind on Valentine's Day. :( In general he was nice, but he seemed to be slightly forgetful. We ordered the mini trio appetizer instead of the 3-6-9 because we were trying to expand our horizons and be fancy. The seared scallop and crab cake were good, but the bunless burger wasn't as good as I thought it'd be. I guess I didn't realize it had cheese on it, so this ruined the burger for me a bit. In fact, I think I can argue that I didn't really enjoy my meal because of the cheeses. So I feel a little unfair because a lot of people would probably have loved my food for the very reasons I disliked it. We ordered the fig & prosciutto pizza in an attempt to be adventurous, since I've seen this combination many times before but I haven't tried it before. This was maybe not the best place to try it, because the cheese on the pizza does NOT go with figs. It was extremely difficult for me to eat, personally, because I felt the flavor of the cheese was severely overpowering the toppings. We also got the swordfish, which was tasty on its own, but the sides it came with were so weird. The root veggies it was served with were just kind of..... meh? I don't know what was wrong, but I didn't gobble them up the way I usually do. And it was served on this bed of... rice? Couscous? I don't know what it was, but the sauce was super bizarre to me. I just... couldn't eat all of it. We had ordered drinks when we ordered our food, but those came out kind of late, actually. Our server seemed a bit absentminded that night, but he was SUPER friendly so we couldn't get upset with him. We did overhear him forgetting something at another table also, shortly after he admitted to forgetting to place our drink orders. I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt (maybe his manager was forcing him to work on Valentine's Day and this was his way of acting out!) because he gave us our drinks on the house and was generally really nice. But he was forgetful and not super attentive to us over in the side room of the restaurant for a lot of the evening. Now I had only been 21 for about 2 months when I had this, so I definitely am not very good at enjoying alcohol yet. That being said, my vanilla peach iced tea tasted like cough syrup. My boyfriend ordered the boxcar off the "manly martini" menu. I was not ready for that kind of drank, I'll tell you that. I felt really disappointed with my second visit to Matchbox Rockville. I'm a little bit scared to come back, to be honest, but my first experience still rings true and I hope I have a better time if and when I return.
(2)
Satang L.
pizzas are great .. appetizers are awesome! drinks are solid .. but .. at this Rockville location ... Match Box , you guys seriously need to work on your host staffs .. we dined here last night .. there were a male host and two female hostesses on duty during dinner shift. The male host were nice and polite, so was the cute Latino hostess who greeted us with her beautiful smile. They gave us a buzzer since there's a wait by the time we got there. we waited a little bit, the buzzer was buzzed, we went to the host, here comes the star of the night .. we gave the buzzer to the host, and then another hostess (asian, long hair, skinny) came to us without saying hello, or greetings of any kinds. She told (her tone of voice was kinda not so welcoming) us to follow her. we were seated upstairs, at the very end of the hall which was very close to wet station and storage while there are plenty of tables available elsewhere with much better view. after she rated us, she put the menus down in front of each one of us and guess what happened? She just flicked off! of all these times, she never looked at our face, no smile, no "enjoy" , nada! ... if it's not because of this hostess issue we had, 5 stars isn't enough for this place. unbelievable!!
(1)
Adam G.
Been here countless times. Really good pizza but so many other things as well. The crab and avacado app is delicious. Make a reservation as it can get really busy. Happy hour is busy here and a good time but no specials so can be pricey. Brunch is good, try the cinnamon rolls. They have special menu but regular available also.
(4)
Sara O.
This place is so yummy! The staff is consistently nice and helpful with recommendations. My friend took me here for my birthday and it's become a frequent place to go now. The food is different and very delicious! I've heard people say it can be hit or miss depending who is in the kitchen but I've never been disappointed. A great place to go for an occasion or just to stop by on your way through for a drink.
(5)
Jackie C.
The design of the place is gorgeous, but I'm not paying to eat the decor. Outdoor seating is at a premium when the weather is nice, but there isn't an organized way in which to get a seat fairly. The pizza is... good, but not memorable. The staff is friendly and attentive.
(2)
myra f.
Not sure I get the attraction to this place. Our service was lackluster. Servers seemed like they were unhappy being there and actual service was spotty. Especially at the end, coffee no spoons, coffee spilled all over the cups when served. Food was tasteless. Especially the pizza. I liked the thin crust, but toppings had no taste. Q pizza and meat one and veggie would not order again. Salads expensive for serving size. Crab & avocado tower yuck, crab was not fresh and brown avocado, really? Tuna Tartar just okay.
(3)
Christopher P.
When matchbox opened its doors down the street a couple of years ago, I was quite excited. There weren't too many great bars or pizza restaurants around, and it looks like a really cool building. Matchbox does not disappoint. It has numerous types of dining spots inside: two bar areas, an upstairs balcony, a slightly more private side area, the main floor, a pizza bar, and an outdoors patio. Very nice, simple decorations - the east wall is very cool with old wood and backlighting. It does tend to get a little noisy when full, but the atmosphere is lively and not overwhelming, and you can almost always find a spot...but it's always safe to go with reservations. The menu is surprisingly diverse for a restaurant billed as a pizza joint. There is an extensive cocktail selection, numerous (12 or so) beers on draft, and a decent-enough wine list. The beers mostly don't rotate, although there are a few selections that are seasonal, and there are more choices out of bottles. Appetizers range from mini-burgers (which are awesome - served with a big tangle of onion straws) to delicious soups. The main courses feature wood-oven-fired pizzas (with occasionally charred crusts), salads, and several entree and sandwich options. Up and down, the choices are unique and varied - I am particular to the Fire and Smoke, a pizza made with spicy chipotle tomato sauce, smoked gouda cheese, and sausage (I think?) or maryland crab soup. Even the desserts have plenty of options, ranging from fresh fruit to insanely-rich chocolate indulgences. All in all, a great neighborhood place to eat. It can get crowded, and sometimes the waitstaff doesn't know their bar selections, but I've always found this a comfortable and fun place to eat pizza and have a drink or two.
(4)
Andrew F.
Ate here with my wife a while back, and wanted to comment finally. If you want a cool atmosphere (way cooler than we are), and music...go for it. But the pizza here is kinda....watery and floppy.
(2)
Jen R.
Got the matchbox meat pizza, mini trio, guac crab stack and apple gorganzola salad. All were very good as was the pom martini. We will definatly be back again. We sat upstairs and our waiter Charles was great. Wonderful first-time visit.
(4)
Margaret Z.
Definitely make a reservation if you come here for brunch. On that note, this review is ONLY about the brunch... I've been to Matchbox on several other occasions at the other locations and I would say the quality of the food here based on the brunch offerings was still pretty consistent. I ordered the pork belly eggs benedict and my boyfriend got the steak and eggs. The portions are huge! We paired it with Matchbox Mimosas, which I highly recommend - they are tiny and pricy, but delicious and worth trying. The pork belly eggs benedict is AMAZING. I'm a HUGE fan of pork belly, and I would say that this is much tastier than the crab cake EB I had at the Gallery Place Matchbox. The sweetness of the pork belly was the perfect pair to the poached eggs, and the meat itself was so tender. The steak and eggs come out in a cast-iron pan and the steak was skillfully cooked as well. The scrambled eggs were nothing special, but my boyfriend couldn't stop raving about the Texas toast that came with it. The atmosphere here is beautiful - very roomy and great for large groups/families or a date. The service is a little slow but the waiters are extremely friendly. All in all, a great meal!
(4)
Jeneane B.
When this Matchbox location first opened, you couldn't get a table for weeks. Now that the initial luster has worn, it might only take an hour to get a table walking in on a Friday night (which is not bad in Rockville). But if you enjoy a good beer or a nice drink, you can wait at the bar. It's definitely a trendy place, but not overly so. My husband and I have come here for weekend brunch, lunch and dinner and the experience is different at each meal. Service seems to be a bit slower at brunch than it is at dinner. The food has always been good though. We like their specialty pizzas, but find that ones with vegetables tend to be a bit underdone/soggy, so we stick with the spicy meatball, fire & smoke, and Matchbox meat. The sliders appetizer is perhaps the best food item on the menu. They have a good drink menu, with fairly reasonable drink prices - again, for Rockville.
(3)
Rob H.
As always the food was great here. What I really enjoyed about my experience was my server. In fact, each time I've been, my server has been different but the experience was the same awesome level of courteousness and attentiveness.
(4)
Leonard A.
This place really has overpriced pizza. Not to mention that theirs nothing special about the pizza.
(2)
Patrick M.
What a tremendous experience at Matchbox in Rockville. The atmosphere is unique and the drink menu is awesome. Definitely sample one of the few appetizers on the menu -- great taste. The pizza is of excellent quality with lots of great selections for every preference. The outside looks like an awesome spot for happy hour, and it is a great dinner spot, as well.
(5)
Christina O.
Oh, what a disappointment. I should've known better than to expect much since it is a chain eatery after all, but having come from a lifetime in NYC and all the amazing Neapolitan pizza joints in Brooklyn, I was almost in tears when I bit into my Matchbox pizza. There was no bubbly outer crust, the bottom crust was rather thick, stiff and dense, and the whole thing was drowning in grease. Oh, Motorino, Barboncino, how I miss thee!! Please send someone over to teach them how to make proper use of their oven.
(2)
Eddie K.
I've been here way too many times. I think the quality of the food and drinks have gone downhill since it opened. The last three times I've been here they ran out of most of their draft beers. I don't know how that happens. Yesterday, they were out four draft beers. They need to do a better job of inventory control. The pizzas are still good, but they changed the dough a little bit. It isn't as thin as before and they aren't that generous with their toppings as in the beginning. Also, the pizza came out hard - like a cardboard. The tuna tartar was dry (been sitting in the refrigerator a little too long) and didn't taste fresh. The mini-burgers are still good.
(3)
K C.
Great waiter, prompt service even though it was packed for late lunch/brunch. 3-6-9 burgers were as amazing as reviews. Angus was super juicy and the seasoning went well with it. Also had the Special Q pizza with roasted garlic added. I didn't really taste the garlic, pizza was ok...sauce needed a little more something. Good experience, would try again!
(4)
Jackie F.
I have came here about 3 times and it is definitely a really nice place to have dinner with friends, family, or a date! Every time I have come here I have gotten the 3 6 9 burgers which are mini burgers topped with onion strings on top! They are very tasteful! I have also gotten the pizzas here and are pretty good as well! Usually I don't have any room for dessert, but I definitely recommend trying their dessert it is really good! The reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because the last 2 times I have tried coming here the wait time is 40 min to an hour! Also, every time I do come and eat here my food takes a very long time to come out! I have gone to other restaurants that are pretty big and busy and do not take this long. Overall the food is pretty good, the staff is friendly and nice, and the decor is lovely and modern!
(4)
Harsh Deep Singh N.
Loved the ambience, and the food, Almost anything you order off the menu will be good, from pizza to steak to grilled fish. One of my favorite restaurants around. Just wish that they had a few more options with chicken though.
(4)
Chaz C.
Really good place, a bit pricey but expected for Rockville now and with the quality of food. I had the cream of crab soup, seared salmon and seasonal sorbet (which was strawberry) and all three items I would recommend. There was a minor issue but talking with the manager he was dedicated to making sure things were right. Good food, lovely atmosphere despite at times getting loud at what might of been happy hour and caring staff. Give this place a try, it is worth it.
(4)
Jeanne K.
I come here all the time with my family. We usually get some combination of a pizza, a 369 slider burger, shrimp & grits, and their doughnuts for dessert. I particularly like their prosciutto and mission fig pizza and their pesto based pizzas. My dad likes the matchbox pizza and the other one with lots off meat in it. We typically order the large and do 1/2 and 1/2. I love the sliders here. You can choose from 3 different cheeses (gorgonzola, gouda, and I think swiss) They come topped with these thing and crispy onion straws (I think that's what they're called). With the patty in sliders being so small, they do a great job in keeping the meat moist. As for dessert, their doughnuts look somewhat like doughnut holes but aren't so round and uniform in shape. They're coated with some sort of mocha powdered sugar, and they are crunchy on the outside and moist and rich on the inside. They come with this espresso/coffee cream, and when you dip the doughnuts in the cream, it's amazing.
(4)
Bill M.
This was probably 4th or 5th visit to Matchbox, 3rd to this location. However this is the first time we opted to eat something other than pizza and sliders. What a disappointment. I had the Turkey Club, no taste at all. My wife likewise found her wood fired lamb sandwich to also be tough and bland. So stick with pizza and sliders. Seems the other food is all an after thought.
(2)
Shawn K.
Doing matchbox with the family. Beat out over mamma Lucia's, everyone got something different. Nice and modern with everyone in black uniforms. Looks professional, no wait and food was fast... And good. Wish everyone here wasn't so young as it doesn't add to the family atmosphere, Mamma Lucia would've better fir that. But overall good place
(4)
Todd B.
Visited here in mid-August. The call ahead feature is useful. Essentially, it's like putting your name on the seating wait list from your home. Host is cagey when it comes to an exact wait-time, but who'd want to leave their table early on a nice evening? No wait for tables inside - but we wanted outside. Wait was about 20 minutes for 4 of us at 7:30P on a Friday, but we were rewarded with their outside upstairs seating. While the view was essentially parking lot - it made us feel light years away from Rockville Pike! Service was attentive and relatively quick despite a large party at the next table. Ordered 3-6-9 sliders and onion straws which are a staple there. Main course was Fire and Smoke pizza for one side of the table and crusted ahi tuna salad for the other. Finish was amazing on both. Wonderful selection of craft brews with good descriptions. Can't recall what was ordered (how's that for a review?) but from NY finger lakes region. Waiter boxed up leftovers and we were pleased with a delightful meal at Matchbox. Will return again!
(5)
Zhuozhen L.
the service was great. but i'd rather get crappy to ok service than crappy to ok food. my friend and i ordered the half and half the matchbox meat and prosciutto white the matchbox meat was good, but tad on the salty side. now, the prosciutto white was super salty side. i'm not sure if they understand that to taste good does not equal to loading up the salt...ricotta on the white was like...one slice. not that i am hating, it was a long piece, but wow i could not chew through that it was mad awk. service was good though. she was super sweet and accommodating to us. kind of wish she'd stop by just to ask how the food was but i get that some people don't dig that. atmosphere was great. we were seated at this corner though. that was kind of awk too....i get you tryna make space but yo there are so many open seats. overall i would probably not come back for the pizza, at least. it was too expensive for mediocre pizza. i heard other stuff on the menu is bangin', though.
(2)
Jose P.
Matchbox!!! mini burgers and pizzas only!!! I have never order anything else. Beautiful decoration, great ambiance. Service is ok. Have fun and enjoy it!!!
(3)
Armin V.
We went there on a Fri night. We got two pizzas (Matchbox Meat & Ham Arugula). Our food was very salty and a little overcooked. but overall it was fine. The Ham/Arugula pizza was much better than the other one. Our server was Okay! I really like the environment of Matchbox in Rockville.
(3)
Jesse W.
Me and some co-workers picked up the 9 sliders for an appetizer. Then shared one of the spicy all meat pizzas. This place was incredible! From the swanky music all the way to the multiple patios with great views. Nothing to complain about and the food was TREMENDOUS! Usually burgers sliders are thawed and so cheaply made. NOT HERE, they were absolutely delictible. I would come back every night of the week if I could! Eat here you won't regret it!
(5)
Karen K.
Good experience today at Matchbox. Our family group have different eating preferences and all were satisfied with the menu offerings. Our waiter, Brandon Metro, was super conscientious, offering,suggestions from the menu, refilling drink glasses without being asked, and bringing more ketsup too when he noticed we were running low. Pizzas and burgers well received all around. The grilled lamb sandwich was good but the lamb itself could have used some seasoning. The accompanying tzasiki sauce and veggies served with the lamb on grilled naan helped but maybe even salt and pepper would have made the lamb more flavorful. The restaurant worked well for the multi-generational group.
I really liked the pizza I ordered at matchbox. I forgot the name of it but it was one of the best pizzas I have ever tried in the dmv area. Our server was attentive, but he forgot the green pepper that I wanted to add to the pizza :(. Other than that the service was nice and prompt. We sat in the outdoor patio, it was kind of romantic with low lights and heated lamps. Great place for pizza and nice atmosphere. P.S. Don't get the brownie dessert, it wasn't that great.
(4)
Eric H.
They have a very good quality pizza but they should not change their menu without informing clients , leave the veggie pizza like it was and make me and others to come back, I recommend them.
(4)
Wayne R.
I didn't eat here so this is not a real review but this came up in a search for "live music." I called to find "we don't have live music anymore" so this is an update.
(3)
Margaret L.
Matchbox is terrific! Great for large groups and it has delicious pizzas! Come for the pizza. Parking here is easy as well.
(4)
Casey K.
Came here for faux happy hour with a coworker, a "Fappy Hour" if you will. I use faux because we were here right after work when any other restaurant has their happy hour in full effect. My coworker and I were seated, we asked about happy hour specials, to which we were told, "We do not have happy hour"...what?!? You could tell the server even thought this was idiotic because she followed up with, "Yeah, we're probably the only restaurant on Rockville Pike that doesn't have a happy hour". So, with that said, expect to pay full price for your after work get-togethers at Matchbox. We ordered our drinks, a pomegranate martini for me, and a cucumber gin and tonic for my coworker. Both were excellent, I highly recommend either. I ordered a large Prosciutto and Black Mission Fig pizza, and my coworker ordered a small Oven-Dried Tomato and Mozzarella pizza. I figured I could take home whatever I did not finish. However, in the end, we both ended up talking for forever and sharing our pizzas. This was actually a good amount of food for two hungry lady's after a hard day of work, we both left very well satiated but not "regret your life" full. The black mission fig has a ton of garlic on it. There is no tomato sauce used, so it is a white pizza. The sweetness of the fig works really nice with the saltiness of the prosciutto. I did not like the flavor that the arugula brought to this pizza, it was a little too bitter for my taste and in the end I picked it off and just ate it separately and not with the pizza. The crust was thin, crispy, and not at all burned. The mozzarella pizza may have been cooked a bit too long, the edges were black in some areas and had that off putting burned taste. To put it into perspective a bit, I had nothing left on my plate from the prosciutto and black mission fig, while with the mozzarella pizza, I had crust left over on my plate. Overall, I could take or leave matchbox, the food was just ok to me with nothing too memorable. Instead of having dessert at matchbox, we actually drove down the pike to have the yummy and ginormous Tiramisu at Timpano.
(3)
Tamika H.
The atmosphere of this place is really nice and great for a date night or just a low key place to sit at the bar and watch sports. I had the chicken pesto pizza which was delish and perfectly cooked. They had different types of cocktails to try. The waitress seemed a little bit off but very nice. I would go back in a heartbeat to try out another dish.
(4)
Rob W.
Someone had recommended Matchbox to me and I'm so glad they did. This is a relatively brand new restaurant built new from the ground up. For a place that specializes in pizza, it's probably the nicest I've ever seen. It's definitely casual but you wouldn't look out of place a little dressed up either. All the pizza here is fresh made to order in a wood fire oven. There is a large selection of gourmet pizzas and so there is definitely something for everyone. The service and food here was excellent. The personal size pizzas are perfect in size - the dough is pretty thin, so if you're coming here with an appetite you should have no problem eating one by yourself. I ordered a salad as an appetizer as well and that was delicious. If you love pizza and want to try something different, this place is awesome. The prices are completely reasonable and you will definitely not be disappointed. I'll be back soon!
(5)
Ashley G.
Went for brunch and sat on the inside patio bar. Server / bartender didn't know the specials, but took our order fast. After taking our order she never came back to check on us. Just to fill water once. Another server had to remove our appetizer plates and someone else had to deliver and bring back the check. The entire time she stood there talking to what if looked like the manager about school. She paid us no mind. I don't know if she was an air head or just doesn't know simple customer service Besides that brunch pizza was amazing!!
(3)
Evonne L.
three stars for two reasons: their sliders and their fig pizza. the other pizzas are decent but really nothing special. the fig pizza is good but only if you like sweeter, drier pizzas. but those sliders- oh man they are the ish! slide into my belly! also, don't get the fish, it's pretty terrible.
(3)
Gina R.
I've been here a few times today the service is a little slow today but the food is excellent. I get the spicy meatball pizza and trio appetizer it's delicious!
(5)
S B.
Loved this place! The mini burgers are excellent and the pizzas are all delicious!! Everything I have tried there has been excellent. Nice atmosphere too!
(5)
Matt V.
I went there, loved everything about it, nice people awesome food and never let me down. This place deserves all stars
(5)
April P.
I went here for my birthday dinner and the food was great! Drinks were a little overpriced and the waiter seemed a little overwhelmed with the amount of people at the table. It was a party of 12 so I understand. However, I wish he would have checked back in a little more often with everyone. The pizza and sliders are great! The design inside the building is really nice too! I want to try the locations in D.C. to see how they are! I recommend this one though!
(4)
Anthony C.
I had wanted to try Matxhbox for while--even though I am not into the whole artisan pizza in a brick oven thing. Tony Kornhieser had said he liked it on his show, and that was enough for me to want to give it a try. (I'm a little.) We had the mini-burger appetizer which was fine. Not the greatest, but the little buns they had for the burgers were worth it all alone. You can order a pizza split, with each half different, which we did. One side was Prosciutto & Black Mission Fig and the other Sweet Sopresatta Salami & Wild Mushroom. Both were very good, but I enjoyed the fig more. It seemed a little silly to do anything resembling a standard pizza: brick oven pizza is not regular, NYC, pizza. We also did a desert, which I recommend: The Trio Dessert: Molten chocolate cake sorbet trio house-made doughnuts. We did not finish any of it, but for $12 it was a lot of food, and you got to sample a bunch of different tastes. The little donuts were like New Orleans beignets. Cafe Du Monde is a tourist trap, pain in the ass: but man those little donuts are good. Matchbox's had these little things done right. Our waiter was very good, and we were checked on several times by other staff. All in all, a good night out.
(3)
P F.
Have been here twice so far. Great restaurant overall. Customer service is always great. Both times I went, I ordered the prosciutto and black mission fig pizza. It is amazing. I highly recommend! My brother ordered the spicy meatball which was equally delicious! Also, make sure you try the 3.6.9 burger sliders for an appetizer. One of the best burgers I've ever had!
(4)
Phi N.
Forget the pizza! I came back here and was very impressed with their mini trio and bistro burger. I actually wanted to just get more mini trios, hahah. But instead, we decided to try the tuna tartare. It was good, but not nearly as good as the mini trio. I still think the pizza is overrated, but these items have upgraded their rating from me. Finished off our meal with chocolate chip bread pudding. It was really good, but who can eat that much dessert?? We even split it and still couldn't finish.. Smaller portion please... **Add-in** The steak & cheese is not worth the order. Go to a real sub shop if that's what you want.
(4)
Jessica F.
Honestly I wasn't that impressed. The pizzas are way over priced for what you get, I don't care how many fancy toppings you put on it. $23 for a pizza that didn't satisfy two people is disappointing. I guess I was paying to look at the re-claimed wood accents than the food.
(2)
Erica G.
I may be in love I don't know. But everything about this place is amazing, the atmosphere, the service, and most importantly the food!! I've had ever burger on this menu and I just can't their that good. Matchbox is a must for anyone who wants to feel like they're in heaven even for a few minutes.
(4)
Mark N.
I've been to the Matchbox in DC, but havent given a review to that location although I really like it there. The food in the DC location tasted a bit better, but maybe its just the city atmosphere. This Rockville location blew me away since I remember when it was That's Amore. I was really impressed with the size of this restaurant and the sheer space. Everything was well spaced so you were not cramped up with other customers. Although I like cozy places, it works for this restaurant. We went on a Friday for lunch and were seated immediately. I could not help but look around and absorbing the high ceilings, the brick structure, and the size of this place. Our waiter was fabulous as he knew the menu inside and out. He was able to quickly recite the ingredients to each dish and gave us his take on how it tastes. That was extremely helpful since some of us haven't eaten at Matchbox before. My wife got the pasta and she loved it. My friend ordered a Muffaletta Chicken sandwich and he said it was tasty with plenty of flavor. I had my usual Spicy Meatball pizza, which I enjoyed, but it wasn't as satisfying when I had it in DC. It may be because I was enjoying drinks for happy hour at the time? I took a look at the bar and it is a really big space. I'm supposed to go there tonight for a birthday party so I'll probably add to my review soon. From what I see at first glance, the bar seems nice. The only thing I am surprised and disappointed in is that the restaurant closes at 11:30. I guess this is common for Rockville, but that's usually when our group is just getting started!
(4)
Vanessa S.
Great experience! Nice atmosphere, good food! We sat outside, traffic was a bit of a bother but Matchbox has no control over that.
(5)
Jay V.
When I said that I would be coming to matchbox again I was not lying. It has been less than 24 hours and I have already found myself enjoying another pie. This time the Pesto Chicken pizza. Just like last night, the pizza was absolutely perfect and the waitress was again extremely nice. I was so happy to go again so soon and I hope I can return again very soon. Matchbox deserves five stars. Anyone who comes to the DC area should try this food
(5)
Nee J.
Decided to checkout Matchbox-Rockville on a whim Saturday night. For starters they have ample parking & it's easy to locate. The hostess gave us a 30 minute wait time when we noticed they had PLENTY of seating available--we assumed they didn't have enough staff to cover the unseated areas. Our buzzer went off after waiting for only 10 minutes--YAY!! The hostess sat us in a congested area--I brought to her attention that the chairs had food in them---thinking she would've cleaned them--NOT she took us to another table to be seated then 5 minutes later she sat someone else in the same dirty seat. (Not a good look---just clean the seats why dontcha!) Our order Appetizer - Me, shrimp & grits=the bomb.com & my dude, 369 mini burgers w/ onion straws=seasoned well and tender Entree - Me, crisy seared salmon and grits & my dude, the matchbox meat pizza Drinks - Me, banana peach martinia & my dude, mango mango martini==both were the bomb.com Portions were great for hunger people. I love their grits---I am a GRITS! ;-) Their drinks were very smooth. Check it out you will love it!!
(4)
Jay C.
Colin is great amazing bartender friendly and very knowledgeable chris Kim is a great waiter
(5)
Eugene H.
The atmosphere is kind of nice, but the pizza is just so-so. My bar's pretty high for a sit down pizza place, because when you think pizza, it's usually something quick and easy. Add in the sit down atmosphere and I feel like you really need to raise the bar on the quality of the pizza you're serving.
(3)
A K.
Good food, good drinks. Pizza is especially good. Service can be hit or miss depending on who you get. Almost always booked on the weekends, but try calling if you don't see anything on OpenTable. Apparently they reserve only 30% of their tables for online reservations.
(4)
Rick R.
Stopped in for pre dinner. Lucky #7 (Evolution Brewery, right near me) was on tap and I was excited. The bartender was quite occupied by a couple across from us. Not sure if they were friends, if the couple was a pain in the butt, or if the bartender was slow. I noticed the bartender start making a Mojito and I figured the couple across was just being a PITA. Eventually they released the bartender and we were able to order. After a first round of drinks we decided to order a small pizza. 1/2 Meat half pepperoni. Pizza was good, GF thought the meatballs were spicy.
(4)
Melinda V.
My husband and I went for Sunday brunch today. I liked this place from the minute we walked in. It's roomy, and nice looking, and smells great. The server was smart, friendly, attentive, and obviously having a good time with her job. I ordered the steak and eggs off the brunch menu, and my husband ordered the scallops with butternut squash risotto. I'll add pictures here, because I thought the plates were very nice to look at and made my mouth water before I took a bite. I loved the skillet presentation of the steak and eggs. The potatoes had seasoning on them that blended in with the egg to make one gooey yummy combination. The steak was cooked perfectly and had a nice smokey flavor I really liked. My husband thought the scallops were perfectly cooked and seasoned nicely, but wished there'd been a bit of sauce on them. The risotto was perfect, and might have converted him to a butternut squash lover. I've never been able to get him to try it before so kudos to Matchbox for that. Overall, I really enjoyed my meal. The ambiance was relaxing, the food was great and the price is...borderline expensive but not horrible. I saw pizzas on lots of the tables as we walked by and they all looked fantastic. I want to go back and try one of those.
(4)
Dana Z.
I'm liking this location a lot more than Chinatown... like Mike S said, it's most due to the space. It's big and open, fireplaces, big tables, spacious... and a nice area for outdoor seating (which obviously we didn't use since it's November...) The menu of course is identical to the other locations. The more I come here the more I'm liking Matchbox. They're consistently good and always have something on the menu someone will like. Also, we sat at the Playboy matchbox table which we loved :)
(4)
Jenn D.
The Fire & Smoke pizza was said to be very spicy, it wasn't at all, even with added crushed red peppers! Everyone else's food looked good though. Service was great even when busy.
(2)
Abhi K.
Everyone raves about the sliders, but I sadly have not yet tried them. I had the shrimp and grits appetizer. The grits were nice. They still felt a bit stony (a good thing) and were infused with a generous portion of cheese. They sat in a bath of sausage and gravy. All of this was fantastically prepared! It was so well done that I wish they had left shrimp out of the dish entirely. The shrimp seemed to be an afterthought as it was not spiced at all and was bland in comparison to the rest of the dish. Perhaps the shrimp was to pick up the flavor of the gravy, but if that were the case, they should not have stood the shrimp up for presentation. I have been to this location once before where I had the Q Special and the Fire and Smoke. Do not doubt the fieriness nor the smokiness of Fire and Smoke. While delicious, it is seriously spicy. The peppers are sweet though, which nicely offsets the spice. The Q special used to be my favorite pizza here. I rarely like chicken on a pizza because it dries out, but the chicken on this pizza remains moist. I ordered it again on this visit and was not disappointed. However, I found a new favorite. The prosciutto and fig is out of this world good. Opting out of a tomato base, the pizza boasts a garlic puree mixed with honey. I never say no to garlic. I never say no to honey. I never thought of putting them together, but the combination ignites sparks. Over top is well salted prosciutto and large, plump figs. I highly recommend everyone give this one a try as it is an unusual combination that ends up working extremely well!
(4)
Renan D.
If you love pizza and want to try something different, this place is awesome. The prices are completely reasonable and you will definitely not be disappointed.
(3)
Amanda K.
I have been here twice. The first time was decent, while the atmosphere is beautiful the food is disappointing. The salmon and spinach was delicious but their pizzas and other entrees were mediocre. The second time, there was a ROACH crawling on my seat and all the manager did was nonchalantly move us to another section. The waitress casually mentioned that they have roaches all the time. Nice! I find this unacceptable for an "upscale" place like this in Rockville. I cannot fathom returning there knowing there's roaches in the dining area, God knows what there is in the kitchen. Plus the management/staff is horrible and clearly does not care about their reputation or customers. With so many great restaurants in the area, it's a shame this one chooses to operate this way.
(2)
R Q.
Absolutely miserable. Been here a couple of times and the pizza was atrocious. I ordered the 'fire & smoke' on the recommendation of the waiter; they substituted the pizza sauce for BBQ sauce. The result was ghastly. I have never tasted anything so awful, and despite the fact that I was famished (finished hiking for 4 hours and came for lunch) I could not finish it. The waiter also didn't know what beers they had on tap going back and checking multiple times, and half the beers we asked for he told us they ran out of. Avoid at all costs, if you really want pizza just go across the street to pizza CS. It might be expensive but at least it doesn't suck.
One of my favorite "local" spots - a go to with out of town guests. Nice, large, California-eqse atmosphere and a lovely outside area with a bar and fire pit. Love coming here for brunch because of their awesome specialty drinks and variety of bloody marrys. I love the #6 Bloody with (wait for it....) BACON! And an Old Bay seasoned rim. Delish. There is no "brunch special" with drinks included, etc but that doesn't keep me away. I've also come here for dinner and been happy with my orders. I thought the crab cake sandwich was my favorite until I tried the Cubano last week - it was so good! Not only did it have the signature slow roasted pork, mustard and pickle of a traditional Cuban sandwich, it also included prosciutto. OMG. And the meal came with home made potato chips. Grand Slam. I must note that this place is also known for their pizza...I have tried it and it is very good. My roommate LOVES the meatball pizza to no end. Hope to come here more in the summer to enjoy the outdoor seating!
(4)
Lauren M.
We recently tried the Rockville location after visiting the Gallery Place location multiple times. The owners tried to make the restaurant "scenic" by including a large fire pit and booths outside, but you really can't compensate for the fact that it's right on Rockville Pike. It definitely has a strip-mall feel because, well, it's on a strip mall parking lot. The interior was very nice. It had a much more open feel than the Gallery Place location but definitely did not have the same character as the other location downtown. That being said, the holiday decorations were beautiful and the ambiance seemed warm yet trendy. We sat near the kitchen, so it was a bit loud despite a mostly-empty restaurant. Service seemed a little slow, but the food was very fresh. The cream of asparagus and cream of crab soups were excellent. The braised short ribs were extremely tender and the rockfish was solidly good, though not as flavorful as other dishes. The crabcake sandwich had a good crab-to-bread ratio and was extremely large. Only real complaint about the food was the pork--extremely flavorful but a little tough from overcooking. Matchbox has a great selection of craft beers AND has Chimay on tap. (Although, truth be told, the difference between Chimay on tap and in the bottle seemed negligible). The mixed drinks had a good liquor-to-other-stuff ratio but were a bit pricey. $50 for 2 mixed drinks and 2 Chimays. (Chimay was $9 a glass!) We definitely would return, but you really need to think of Matchbox Rockville as a completely different restaurant than Matchbox Gallery Place.
(4)
Donna J.
I love this place! The avocado & crab appetizer is ridiculously good. The Cobb salad is awesome too. The burger is great. I can't wait to go back to try something new. Update: I don't know if it was just an off day, but we went to Matchbox for lunch on Saturday and the food was awful. My Cobb salad was gross. The chicken was super dry and the prosciutto was rancid tasting. I won't be ordering that ever again.
(4)
Ken L.
Matchbox in Rockville is a really good place if you want to eat good food and drink a few drinks in a nice environment. I especially love this place during the summer because they outdoor seating and its right in the middle of Rockville. When its colder out they have two fire pits where you can have a couple of drinks and keep warm. I always get either the awesome pizza (I like the meatball one a lot) or the mini-burgers (comes with burgers and onion straws). They have a pretty good beer selections to complement the burgers and pizza. I will definitely keep coming back here.
(4)
Clarence S.
Overall, not bad, but a little pricy when compared to the dish we had. Went there with my wife and daughter on a Friday evening ~7 PM. We had the Large Spicy Meatball pizza, and our drinks were two craft beers and a glass of wine. The place is a little loud, but manageable. Lots of families with 2-3 small children in tow. I wish we had been seated in the patio area away from the loud music but as I said before, it was okay. As for the food, I've had better pizza with slightly less money spent. The service is decent, selections are not bad, and the atmosphere is lively. For a Friday after a long week, it was not a bad place to have a slice of pizza and a beer. Just be prepared for the loud atmosphere.
(3)
Jess Y.
3.5 stars. This was my second time to Matchbox. The first was with a couple of friends because I just had to check out this new restaurant on Rockville Pike that always seemed crowded. I love the atmosphere inside and the architecture/interior design. It is so unique and has this warm wooden feel to it. Great attention to detail: even including different pairs of matching matchboxes underneath the glass of every table. The huge warm fires outside also make for a really neat outdoor seating option---but in the dead of winter, it's pretty empty. The ambiance is also very nice--a a little bit louder on the decibel scale but it's a good, bubbly, "things are happening" kind of feel. The pizza is great. Thin crust and baked with brick oven love. Only problem is that when you combine the two of those, the middle of the pizza often gets a little soggy. It doesn't bother me too much because it's still so tasty and the crust is always crisp to perfection. The flavors of the pizza are great---albeit a little pricey. In my last visit we ordered the Veggie pizza. I thought it was flavorful--the peppers definitely added a little kick to it but the crispy potato medallions (aka itty bitty potato chips) seemed gimmicky. We had already eaten so much fried stuff, they seemed out of place and just thrown on in the end. I don't remember the pizzas that I ordered last time I was here--but I remember enjoying them. The 3-6-9 mini burger appetizer is also very popular. You can choose to order 3, 6, or 9 mini burgers with a huge mound of fried onion straws. I loved the onion straws although some were not as crispy as I would have liked. Okay, but now onto the service. The first time I came I don't remember thinking anything poor about the service. But, this time, I was just so underwhelmed by the performance of our waiter. Firstly, he was noticeably disappointed in the fact that we did not order drinks--I'm sorry but I was just enjoying dinner and I wasn't really in the mood for a drink that night. Is that a crime? He was so hung up on the drinks though that he forgot that he had asked us and came back to our table again to ask if we wanted to order any drinks. Secondly, it took forever for our mini burger appetizer to come out. I was eating with my mother who only eats things well done, so we had ordered the burgers well done. It took at least 20 minutes for an appetizer to come out. The waiter explained that the burgers were taking longer because we wanted them well done. I'm not an expert, but I think grilling burgers well-done takes GENEROUSLY 1-2 minutes longer than medium well. And if they are mini burgers, they sure as heck shouldn't be taking 20 minutes long--we still wanted a juicy burger not something burnt! Clearly, that was just an excuse and the kitchen was probably just backed up with orders--which is understandable, but lying and giving us a lame excuse that makes it sound like we are idiots was annoying. (Note also that it only took 10 minutes for the table next to us to receive their order of mini burgers). Also, the bathroom for such a trendy/upscale place was out of sorts. The first time I went to the bathroom there was water all over the floor. The second time, at the end of the meal, I saw remnants of someone's menstrual cycle out for display hanging out of the waste disposal. Now, I know that a restaurant is not responsible for the behavior of its customers, but they are responsible for the upkeep of the restroom--which grossed me out, given the near perfection of the rest of the ambiance/interior design.
(3)
M S.
DC Matchbox is better. Very disappointed in my recent visit to Matchbox. Firstly, the service was great. The restaurant interior is clean and fools me into thinking I'm trendier than I actually am. Most disturbing was my glass of tap water that tasted like a moldy dishrag. The $15 chicken spinach salad was sufficient, I was hoping for a better presentation for the price. For anyone else like me who needs a 60/40 brownie to ice cream ratio in order to be happy, be advised: the double choco brownie dessert comes with a tiny scoop of vanilla frozen dairy dessert (not ice cream). Presentation of the dessert was also lacking. My husband got a customized white pizza, which was good, but not amazing. I blame that on his weird modifications. One beer, one salad, one pizza, one bottled water, one dessert=$60. Dissatisfied. I"ll try again, but not any time soon.
(2)
L S.
I'm convinced after 2 YEARS LATER, they still haven't entirely gotten their shit together. We arrived around 7:50 PM. At the beginning, the hostess says that there's open seating at the bar so we go to check it out. There was an open bar booth, we sit down, and the server immediately told us that the booths were assigned seating and that we needed to go talk to the hostess. We go back to the hostess stand and she's like "Oh yeah those are assigned seating and we reserved that bar booth so someone can take it." Why did you make us look like dumbasses? Earlier on, she says that the wait was to be between 25-45 minutes long. We waited 7 minutes. I used to be a hostess. I was good at it. Beggars aren't choosers. I have NEVER heard of reserving a specific spot in the restaurant just for the wait list. You can only take what you can get. Don't pull shenanigans on me. We get seated and our server was nice, but he didn't seem all too there. Took a while for water and drinks to come to the table. My party ordered the 3.6.9 burgers and a large Matchbox Meat pizza. Food took a good while to come out. When it did come out, it was good but it was quite greasy. My parents and I love your carry out services. I think I'll stick to that from now on, forever and always. 2 stars will be for the nice server (his timing wasn't good but I'll admit that finding nice servers in Rockville are hard to find) and for the delicious drinks. PS: Get your dress code together too! Seeing the young girl with thunder thighs wearing sweaty gym gear in front of the host stand was unsightly. I wouldn't let her sweaty ass in my restaurant. PSS: I agree with one of the posters here on how the cocktail menu comes off extremely gendered. I noticed that too, and was thinking, "It's 2013. Why does this matter anymore?" I can enjoy my Manhattans, thank you very much.
(2)
Joshua J.
This place is great. Great decor and atmosphere, a bit congested and loud but not over the top. We ordered four different pizzas and they all tasted delicious. The only gripe with the food is that the large pizza is said to serve 2 people but 1 hungry person like myself needed a whole large to myself. We had the chocolate chip bread pudding for dessert and it also very delectable. Since it was my sister's birthday, the waiter lit a candle on the bread pudding and it was also on the house. This is a sign of a good business in my eyes. The prices though, are fair. Feeding four people, the bill came out to $53 before tip, not bad. Definitely will be coming back.
(5)
Erica C.
I really like the layout and the feel of this place. The menus even look cool. I've been to Matchbox twice. The first time I really liked the pizza, so I figured it was a go-to before shopping at the awesome Container Store. The first time we went, we ordered a large pizza and split it. A large pizza was plenty for two. The last time we went, we ordered the mini burgers with gouda and a small pizza. The mini burgers were fantastic with buttery brioche buns. The fried onion straws with the burgers were fun as well. I could have ate those and have been totally satisfied. The matchbox meat pizza was a bit on the burnt side, but it was still good. I've always wanted dessert, but I've been too stuffed to truly contemplate it. The drink menu also looks quite nice, as does the beer selection.
(3)
Stephanie C.
We tried Matchbox tonight for the first time and liked it. The menu is limited but it has items you don't normally find on a regular menu. Chicken with brussel sprouts as a side and a steak with sweet potato. I got the steak sandwich which was pretty good, but would have been better with lettuce tomato and grilled onions. My husband got the ultimate burger which he said was good. The service was wonderful considering how busy it was. The only drawback I had was that we were in a room with several babies and some parents do not realize that you shouldn't take whiny little ones out to dinner. They don't enjoy it and neither do the other diners. Most of the little ones were good, but we got next to a whiner and it wasn't fun.
Just doesn't live up to the hype. The food is OK but not for as much as I am spending for it. The drinks are good and they have a pretty good beer selection with seasonals. It's always really crowded. The sliders are the go-to but I don't think they're absolutely amazing that you need to come here to get them. Onion straws overpiling the sliders..so much and so salty. I was enthralled when it first opened, but now I am just bored of the same thing. I have gotten the pesto pizza, the fire and smoke pizza (or whatever it's called...it's not even that spicy) and I have gotten a few of the chicken sandwiches. Save your money. It's a place to see and be seen and has a fun ambiance, but I am not really impressed.
(3)
Tosin O.
Great food, great service, lovely ambiance...I absolutely luvv it and i will be back.
(4)
A K.
Food is great, service was so-so. We ate here on a Sunday in December at 1 pm. We had a reservation - but it wasn't too crowded - so we probably didn't need it. The restaurant is large but still warm and cozy and was decorated nicely for the holidays. We had the mini burgers, apple/pear salad, meatball pizza, prosciutto and fig pizza, and the bistro burger. The food was excellent! For dessert we had the cinnamon donuts, which were served warm. They were so tasty. They also have a large drink selection and a brunch menu on the weekends. The waiter seemed attentive at first, but seemed to lose focus on our table. Our sodas sat empty for awhile (this is a pet peeve of mine). He also didn't check on us after the meal was served and we had to flag him down for salt and pepper. Overall, I would recommend this place and look forward to going back.
(4)
Mike K.
Forgot last time I got a salad with crabmeat I was not happy and this time I got an app with mini crabcakes and promise to not make that mistake again. The tuna tartar was chopped up and I didn't love that either. Rockfish special was great but dudes, serve jumbo lump or 86 it! Their slider burgers are great as is the pepperoni roll. Pizza is okay. No happy hour here so will get my happy appies and party starters at Potomac Grill or Clyde's.
(3)
Mark S.
The food was very good and they have a nice selection. I also found that they have a good selection of beers and mixed drinks. My only complaint was the inattentiveness of our waiter that evening. He did not come around very often to check if we were OK.
(3)
Crystal S.
Fantastic pizza! I've been here twice now, and the food was great on both occasions. I had the prosciutto and black fig pizza, and it was wonderful. Party members who ordered pizzas were very happy, but the other offerings did not quite meet the mark - decent, but not memorable. For example, the chicken sandwich was gristly and dry. We tried desserts the first time and they were a bit uninspired. Worth it just to go for it on the pizza and be done with the night on a high note. Service both times was okay, great during some portions of the meal, friendly etc., and then completely forgotten near the end of the meal. Customers really shouldn't need to be flailing around for someone to take their money, best to finish up the table just like it started! All in all, we will certainly be back.
(4)
Mike M.
My most recent visit, Jan. 8, was a bit of a disappointment. The waiter introduced himself and said he and another waiter would be sharing our table. Rather than better service we got really bad service. Couldn't get refills for the kids drinks, asked for the check and waited (I kid you not) 30 minutes for it to finally be brought out. The waiter(s) were pleasant enough but seemed completely overwhelmed by a Tuesday evening crowd. Looks like they need some more help. Unfortunately, the pizza my kids wanted is apparently no longer on the menu, I think it was called a cheese steak pizza or something like that. In fact, it seems they've lost their focus regarding pizza as there are far fewer pizza offerings and the pizza takes an overall diminished role on the menu. When our pizzas arrived everyone at the table (6 of us this time) thought the same thing: It's not as good and something has changed. The biggest difference was the dough which wasn't as thin and light as in the past. We had a small Fire and Smoke, a large White Cheese, and a large Meatball. With three hungry teens you would have thought there would have been no leftovers but we took home a whole box. It's a shame because the family has always LOVED this place and now it seems they're not particularly interested in going back.
(3)
Deb G.
A great place for brunch with a group. The restaurant is very large, so it's no problem to get a reservation. The service was also very accommodating - moving us from right next to the jazz trio to a quieter room where we could chat. The boy had "the 9" bloody Mary to start with and really liked it, although that might have been due to the prosciutto stuffed olives. He had the brunch pizza and I got the Bloody Mary burger, both of which were excellent. I kind of wish I had realized the burger came with a (very good) salad instead of fries. Our server was attentive and good with a large group and kids. All in all, a nice experience.
(4)
Jess Y.
The brunch here appealed to me more than dinner did. I tried the huevos rancheros, and it was pretty good. The only complaint I would have is that it was cold and a bit too runny. There were a lot of things on the brunch menu that I wanted to try, but I was too full. Will return for brunch one of these days... 3-6-9 Burgers are always delish, however the onion strings are occasionally burnt. Dislike. The tuna tartar was average... (what do you expect, Matchbox is known for their pizza!) Pizza is nothing too spectacular. The wine list is alright, & the service is usually pretty good. I'm glad to see that Matchbox Rockville will survive the spot of the previous failed businesses. :P It's a lot less cramped than the DC location.
(3)
Samantha D.
Matchbox has become a family favorite of ours... The pizzas are amazing, and we definitely recommend the 3-6-9 burgers. Aside from that we recently had a brunch for a table of 14, and it was the absolute perfect place. The brunch menu has many options to please everyone, and the cinnamon rolls are a MUST!
(5)
Elizabeth M.
Just went for a late lunch (2:00). Waited forever for a waitress as the tables seated after us spoke with their servers. Just as we stood to leave, our waitress appeared, apologized and asked for one more minute. We left.
(1)
Liz C.
Matchbox has really great pizza, as that is what they are known for. I first experienced matchbox in Chinatown DC and I've had really yummy pizza everytime. This location in Rockville is okay. I like their outdoor space during the warm months. The outdoor bar is a fun place to be. Usually I get the Belgian beers, and they're perfect everytime, especially with the pizza, but the last two times I've gotten mixed drinks or cocktails. They were so super sweet! And I couldn't taste any of the alcohol. I'm way too shy to send drinks back when dissatisfied, but I seriously questioned if they put any alcohol at all. It wasn't even the "oh it's so good that you can't taste any alcohol". No. I think the DC locations are trendy, but I have mixed feelings about the suburb locations. Overall, PIZZA IS YUMMY, Beer is great, and cocktails not so much. Of course I will continue as a patron for the food and beer. :)
(3)
Nick S.
Matchbox has good ambiance and feels quite 'chic' inside, but sadly their pizzas don't have much flavor. Consolation prize? The mini burgers are pretty damn delicious, and they have Chimay on tap.
(4)
J C.
Delicious! I'm obsessed with their mini burgers with the fried onion. I can just eat the fried onion by it self
(4)
Peter L.
YOU NEED A MANAGEMENT OVERHAUL! This is a review that I have to say is tough to write because I know one of the original owners and I sometimes have to tell it like it is. Yesterday my wife was reserving a table for 8 at the big round table. All went well until she called to confirm and she was told that it was not reserved because it was not fair to the other diners who want o experience a fine dining experience. Are you kidding...we were just checking in and as frequent diners of MB I was incensed by the response so I requested the Manager. Not only did this not get resolved, but HE was no better than the first person we spoke with. Let me tell you...ever since one of your former owners decided to depart MB has taken a downturn in customer service. The servers are great, but the management is rude and does not get it. As a parent of 5 kids at several of the neighboring private prep and public schools I will have to make it known that MB is not a family friendly place and only caters to walk ins...very sad considering what was good has turned sour.
(2)
Huntting B.
So, it's matchbox, and I friggen love Matchbox. The people there are even nicer than the one downtown. Here's the thing, though, the burgers here weren't nearly as good. The bread was STALE :( How sad did that make me... I will say that I had the meatball/pepperoni pizza roll thing, it was AWESOME...and my waitress was great cause she had them use the spicy sauce for me...it was SOOOO good. The wait, here, is so much less than downtown, which is great cause it can take a while to get seated at the other location. All this said...the next time that I want Matchbox...I'm heading in town and not here (unless it's raining and I sorta need to drive)
(3)
Kayleah M.
Overpriced, sorry excuse for pizza! You're better off buying a frozen pizza at the grocery store! Never again...
(1)
Anita C.
Came here last night for my little sister's birthday dinner, and had a pleasant experience. We arrived around 6:45pm on a Wednesday night for a party of 5, and waited about 15-20 minutes with no reservation. Ambiance: one of the most noteworthy things about Matchbox. The interior is huge and beautifully decorated, with a modern vibe to the place. Food: We ordered the six of the 3.6.9 sliders ($14?) with mozzarella cheese. The sliders were yummy, but the onion rings were the highlight - lightly fried and very thin. Highly recommend! My dad ordered the petite filet steak special ($22), which was cooked perfectly and on a bed of mashed potatoes and red wine sauce. We also ordered three pizzas - veggie, matchbox meat, and chicken pesto ($20 each). My favorite was the veggie - lots of light veggies with small potato chips on top. The other two were too salty for my liking - wish they had eased up a bit. Definitely a nice alternative to CPK, and just slightly more expensive. We shared three pizzas between four people and brought back two of them because we were so stuffed. Huge portions! Our waiter was very friendly as well. Recommendations: 3.6.9 sliders and the veggie pizza.
(4)
Pia A.
Came here for a Monday night dinner. Busy busy busy for a Monday night. I ordered the serrano Spanish ham pizza. It was good, not phenomenal. We ordered a bottle of the meritage, which was delicious. Went very well with the pizza. Since it was a birthday dinner, I was treated to chocolate chip bread pudding. This was really good. Not too sweet with its rum caramel. The atmosphere was really fun, for a Rockville pizza joint. On a cooler night, I'd love to sit outside. Reservations a must. I saw people just walking in without them and they had to wait an hour. One hour at 7:30p on a Monday. Ridiculous. Would definitely come back, perhaps try their other pizzas and may change my rating.
(3)
Julio E. G.
I have been coming to Matchbox since it opened a while back. This is a pizza joint and a bit more upscale than Ledo's Pizza. The food quality is consistently good and they have a very good wine list. I love the salads and they also serve a very good salmon garnished with asparagus wrapped in bacon. My wife likes to come here for brunch or a casual lunch during the week. The bar is nice and they have an acceptable beer selection. I don't pretend to judge the waiters because there is a different person each time I go. This is not a mom and pop joint and the turnover of waiters is fast. But, who cares, they seem to do the job. They even have a counter in the waiting area of the lobby where a desperate customer can order food. On Sundays they have a jazz trio and it is always nice to hear live music in a restaurant. The musicians are not as hip as in the west coast, but something is better than nothing. Live music is a rarity nowadays. The layout is nice with two levels and outdoor seating with a pit fire and heaters. Not bad for a chain restaurant
(4)
Missy Y.
I remember when I was a kid and while my mom would be at work I would make a quick bite to eat. I would take a piece of bread throw some Ragu sauce on it along with some cheap mozzarella cheese pop it in the microwave once it was finished I would top it off with some McCormick oregano. Well recently I had a pizza at Matchbox and the only difference was that the pizza I made at home didn't cost $25. The service was great though
(2)
Sarah C.
Complete Your Review: Matchbox Rockville 1699 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852 ________________________________________________ Rating [ * * * ] Roll over stars, then click to rate. Your review We used opentable.com and either we had a horseshoe up each our bums or 'twas a slow Friday night since our reservation was for 8:15 and our table was ready by 8:20 - possibly 'cause we were a party of 2?? . Our server was great....not a talker (score!) and checked on us frequently. . Hubs chose the matchbox meat 'zza while I pined for a non-'zza entree - shrimp & grits (special) caught my attention especially when the word bacon was wrapped within the enticing description. Pick 3 or 5 shrimps....I got 5 oink-oinked. . My s&g was very comforting - prettied up for show but tasted familiar and bursted with a kick of flavor on behalf of the bacon strips man handling each juicy plump marine morsel. This dish was factually filling....filling enough where there's room fo' dessert :D . Why 3 stars overall? Hubs' 'zza. They did their job since it tasted like pizza but it was very tombstone. Tombstone is fine when you consider it doesn't cost $14. To each their own. He wants to come back for the entrees - he liked my s&g special. . Coffee & doughnuts dessert was lush. Be sure to dip 'em in the espresso-coffee-like-creme. Each frolicsome unique dough pieces were attacked by cinnamon sugar mobs which made for a messy finger-lickin' delight. . This is our take of MBR369 on MDR355 3.5 stars thanks to the s&g and c&d . . Have additional tips on this business? Uh yeah: Just park at the BBB lot if their parking section is full Price Range: $$ Moderate $11 - $30 Attire: Let's just say I had fun people watching (casual's fine) . Post
(3)
Tim H.
The pizza is unique and delicious--my personal favorite is the fire and smoke, but I've enjoyed everything I've had here (note: I've stuck to pizza). The price is reasonable for the quality, and the atmosphere is very nice. You could come to Matchbox for a date (especially when they have live jazz), to watch a game, or just for a great meal. There are a couple bars (one inside, one outside) which are also pleasant and serve several interesting cocktails. The beer selection is small and unremarkable (Dogfish, Allagash, etc). The crowd here is a little older than most bars but it's still a fun place to be. I've had some minor trouble with the service here--last time, someone took our drink order, then apparently left because after a while we had to find another waiter. As others have noted here the turnover of staff seems high so quality could be variable. I've never had a long wait even though it can get packed.
(4)
Helen C.
Really good veggie pizza and trio dessert! I would love to come back for their sliders. We also got a special lamb appetizer, which was good, but too charred and fatty for me. My friend loved it though.
(5)
John N.
Surprisingly I do not go here for the pizza. Crazy..... I know right. Sometimes what a place is known for, is not what is really the best things on the menu. I think one of the key examples of this is the sliders that they offer as an appetizer. These little delectable pieces of animal flesh put on a small buttery bun has to be one of the most pleasurable mouth orgasms I have had in a long time. What else can I say, I mean its simple but delicious. Oh and the onion straws they put on top are pretty top notch as well. Even though I have had a handful of things on here, I really like this place. It has a variety of things that are all worth trying. Except for the pizza, which I think is a little overpriced, but hey that's me. I mean domino's has a large carryout pizza for 7.99. And lets face it, when it comes to Pizza, im not trying to eat healthy....I want a greasy one, loaded with cheese and pepperoni and a crust dipped in butter...YUM. Anyways, I digress. This place is a place where you can take the family, go with friends and relax. They have an amazing outside patio with a circular fire pit that has seating around it. They have 2 bars and one of them extends from inside to outside for easy service. This place can get crazy busy on Friday and Saturday nights so either make a reso. or be prepared to wait. The few time that we went there we sat in Chris's section and he was by far one of the best Servers that we have had. Very attentive and on point. Even though he had what appeared to be a 5 table section, he made it a point to always check up on what we needed. My recommendation, go on a Sunday in the afternoon, get a bloody mary and try the Updated Turkey Sandwich!! And the Slider's of course.
(4)
Semra E.
I've been a fan of Matchbox since they moved into Chinatown...little did I know that they'd hit up the suburb of MD that I conveniently work in as well! I was extremely excited when I heard the news that they'd be moving in next door to my office, finally some quality food within walking distance. When you walk inside, you don't realize how big the space is, they did an EXCELLENT job with the layout of bars and dining areas. You could have a completely different feel per section of the restaurant if you hopped around (which I'm guessing I will eventually do). I had read the Washington Post article about the shrimp & grits....mmmmmm, but I tried the scallops instead (app.) which were AMAZING!!!! I could have just gone into a food coma after trying that, but nooooo....I had to go ahead and get the chicken sandwich they had with caramelized onions....(one of the best food inventions one could wish for). I will be back to try out other things I'd heard of, you bet your dollar. Lunch service was quick & I will definitely be back soon enough.
(3)
Steven W.
The architects knocked it out of the park in the design of this restaurant. The indoor/outdoor bar type area really works, and you don't feel like you're sitting on Rockville Pike. The rest of the interior again, has that "not on Rockville Pike" flavor. With the nice wood and metal...modern look to it... There's nothing wrong with Rockville Pike, other than the terrible traffic and feeling of mass density suburbia, but eating in Matchbox makes you feel like you are in a much cooler place. The food is as solid as it's sister restaurants in the district.
(4)
Janine G.
I came here somewhat expecting something that tasted like Pizza Hut. I was throughly surprised at the service, the decor, the food, the menu (limited but you don't need a large menu IMO) and the location. I sure do love eating out in Rockville so I had to check this place out! Also, I was really hoping a good restaurant would take over this location, I recall a couple restaurants located here (before the building was torn down) and I also recall the old building standing unleased for the longest time, it was quite the eye sore for Rockville. I hope this place sticks around. We were seated immediately, server came over promptly to serve us water, asked if tap was okay. Then didn't harass me to see if I knew what I wanted just yet since he knew we had just arrived. He came around a few minutes later and asked if we had any questions, we proceeded to order drinks and an appetizer. My drink: Chinatown was amazing! It has house watermelon infused vodka, couldn't get much better than that (also has rum, gin, tequila, triple sec and cranberry)! I want to go back just for the drink alone! Hubs had a Lemon Quencher (firefly sweet tea vodka / lemonade), he loved his drink too. In fact, we both ordered our drink twice (and we never do that, we just can't drink more than one anymore...old age I tell ya)!! Our appetizer Mozzi Carrozzi came around and I was a bit hesitant to have it since I don't like bruschetta and it kinda sounded like it but as I took my first bite, I felt I must have pleased the gods that day b/c it was absolutely divine!! It was delishly crispy and cheesy and the tomato sauce was so good, you could tell it didn't come out of a can! Our pizza came out and reading other reviews I was afraid I'd have a soggy crust...au contraire! My crust was crispy and not hard as a rock crispy! I loved every bit of it, I'm not the kinda gal that eats more than one slice of pizza b/c I frankly get a little sick of it...I had, count em, 4 slices!! I haven't eaten more than one slice of pizza in one seating since high school (large pizza all to myself...smh). Now comes dessert, again, I'm a picky eater and I detest cooked bananas and when I saw bananas were included in the chocolate chip bread pudding I almost hurled. I asked the server to clarify, he advised me it's not cooked or IN the pudding. I took a chance and boy oh boy am I glad I did so! The bread pudding was freakin ah-mayyy-zing! The rum sauce surrounding it was just melting in my mouth and the uncooked bananas were a perfect addition to the plate! As our dinner came winding down I had to use the little girls room and I asked the hostess to assist with directions, she actually WALKED me to the restroom so I wouldn't get lost, I don't think anyone has been that helpful since I've been to La Amada in Cancun. All in all, this will become a normal place for the hubs and I to eat! I can't wait for our next visit to Matchbox!
(5)
Kim H.
Yummmmm, can't go wrong with Matchbox! I was pleasantly surprised by the decor - very spacious and modern. Our waitress was very nice and attentive and the pizza was perfect (as always). However, I thought the pizza was a bit overpriced as a large 3 topping pizza cost 25 dollars (we built our own). They also offer an excellent beer selection and multiple flat screen tv's in the bar area. I will definitly be back.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
Allen D.
Hamburger overfilled beware
(2)Karen S.
My favorite pizzas here are the prosciutto and black mission fig and anything with pesto (including the veggie and chicken pesto). For starters, I've tried the cream of crab soup, which was pretty good (very rich), the mini burgers (which come with a huuuuuge heap of onion strings) and some mahi-mahi tacos (very big and enough to share among a couple people) that were a special of the day but that we turned into an appetizer. I like the spaciousness of the Rockville location, especially since it's easy to fit big groups. I'd like to try sitting outside in the warmer months.
(4)PureClass M.
Waiter and food were awesome! We enjoyed the MatchBox pizza and sliders...those little ones were amazing! A great upscale place to go in the local area.
(5)Willie T.
Great food and ambiance really enjoyed the meal. Are the breakfast pizza and it was fantastic!
(5)Emma W.
This parking lot is a little tricky, but this place is visible from the road. There are flames.... There is a lot of outdoor seating at this location, and can accommodate big parties. The largest I've been apart of is around 15. I like the pizza here. The spicy is not too spicy, and you can add Rd pepper flakes if necessary. They add an ample amount of pepperoni and meats... and good flavor combos. Nothing I haven't liked so far. I Would say its best to share so you can part take in the desserts. Yummy fresh made donuts with an espresso sauce.... I can eat the whole thing! And 6-7 mini donuts is not trivial. Also they have a trio sampler.... the brownie--- chocolate lovers rejoice! So coming soon to the menu is a lamb sandwich. So good, and well I was starving, I didn't get a picture. But think-- flatbread with lamb meat and cucumbers... AND chickpea fries!!!! Don't laugh, since they are amazing....
(4)Christina S.
From the friendly greeting at the door, to our AMAZING server Brandon, who gave honest and delicious recommendations for food that will rock your taste buds!! This is the place that must be tried!!! Promise you will keep coming back!
(5)Yolanni S.
I went to Matchbox for the first time over the weekend and I really didn't know what to expect. Walking into the restaurant we were welcomed and seated immediately. While sitting and waiting for the drinks to arrive at the table I watched as servers delivered food to other tables. I couldn't help but to notice how delicious all the food looked. Literally everything that I saw pass by looked oh so tasty. As we were on a double date we ordered 1 order of the sliders with Gorgonzola cheese and the other order with mozzarella cheese. I wish I had taken a picture of the sliders they were perfectly portioned with a heap of thin fried onions. Omg they were so good. Then we wanted a sweet treat so we ordered the matchbox trio that came with homemade donuts (to hard for my liking), a fudge brownie with ice cream, and a trio sorbet (it was supposed to be three different flavors however we were only given to favors of sorbet. The lemon basil one happened to be my favorite! All in all the food was delicious and I would definitely recommend it!
(5)Kamer K.
We went Matchbox with my quests from Europe on a Thursday night. It was very crowded and noisy. The sliders and the onion fries we had was vey tasty and juicy. My sangria was ok. My friend loved the Spicy margarita. I liked the fig and bacon pizza so much. But the vegetarian pizza was very greasy. I recommend chocolate chip bread pudding. It was very rich and yummy. Enough for 4 people!
(4)Harris H.
Went for Mother's Day with my wife. We were a few minutes early for our reservation but were promptly seated. Server was great and we have always had a good experience. However, against my better judgement I ordered a half and half pizza. One half was meat one and that was average. Little taste and very forgettable. Honestly, I would have rather eaten Domino's instead. The other half was the smokey one and it was horrible. It literally tastes like chili or cayenne pepper and nothing else. I will never get their pizza again. We did have a great time so that is why 4 stars. My wife loved her crab cake.
(4)Brandon G.
Went here tonight with my girlfriend. When we first got there, we were impressed with the ambiance of the restaurant. Really organized and clean. Not busy too busy for a saturday night. Reminded me of a Las Vegas restaurant. Service: The hostess promptly let us know how long the wait was. The wait was only about 3 or 4 minutes then we were seated. The waitress was nice. Sat us in a nice spot by the bar(inside). Menu: Not too intimidating. Not like the cheesecake factory where everything in life is on the menu. You know exactly what you're going to be getting there. I ordered the pepperoni pizza. Ordered a Lemon quencher cocktail. Basically a spiked sweet tea. That was good as well. Food: The pizza was REALLY good. My girlfriend's pizza was great as well. She enjoyed hers probably more than I enjoyed mine. She's the true "foodie". Overall experience was good. Definitely will be going back!
(4)Elizabeth W.
It's definitely 3.5 stars, but closer to 4. Matchbox is a beautiful place with an upscale aura. I have never been here before but we came during happy hour time so no one was around. It was a perfect time to come. I took a recommendation from my friend and got the Mini Triple as a meal, while she got the Matchbox Meat Pizza. I also enjoyed the Matchbox punch which was delicious! The triple includes 2 scallops, 2 crabcakes, and a bunless burger. It was so good! The big complaint was the server. She wasn't horrible, but she didn't really check on us that much and my water cup went dry. She never asked me if I wanted another drink and then disappeared after she gave us the check. We were in the bar and it wasn't that busy. I honestly wasn't impressed with her but the food is definitely what gives this place the 4 stars. I'd come back once in awhile.
(4)Liale B.
The service wasn't the best. I had to ask for a glass of water. I should not have to ask, should be at the table without question. Half of my party received food before I even made my orders for drinks. To get the waitress attention I had to raise my hand like I was in grade school. Hands down NYC has the best customer service.
(1)Trina L.
When will Matchbox kill the pounding, headache inducing music that consists mostly of a beating drum? We avoided the restaurant for years, after they instituted the music, but recently heard it is quieter. Wrong. Unfortunately, "the beat goes on". Too loud to enjoy talking at the table.
(2)Natasha J.
I would give it less than one if I could. I have not been for months with no plans to return. I was not going to post because I hate giving bad reviews. The service was horrible. I came here with a friend from out of town. A waitress came over. We placed our order after waiting ten minutes for her. The waitress disappeared for another ten minutes or longer. Then, we received our food. Waitress disappeared again. We needed water and wanted more drinks. I had to get up and ask for another waiter to find our waitress. Then, they told us that they were confused by who was suppose to service us. We paid for the food and left. I have not been back since. I live close and travel to Matchbox in DC. I would not recommend. Poor service and it was not busy. The restaurant looks okay too.
(1)B. M.
Had dinner and drinks last night with my co-workers. I haven't been to matchbox in 3 years and was craving their delicious table dough bread. I almost left the restaurant because the hostess (a pretty Asian girl) almost beat me up!!! (Not literally, but she was highly upset!). She took us to a table and I had asked for a booth, so I kindly repeated myself at the table, "can we have a booth please?" And she slammed the menu shut, and gave me the look of death, rolled her eyes furiously and said, "Sure, fineeee!" A table nearby stared at her and shook their heads. My bad for asking??? Anyway, Katie was an amazing server and she made up for the bad feelings. AWESOME JOB KATIE! Maybe I'll go back soon and ask for Katie, in hopes the hostess doesn't change my mind at the door. Managers: PLEASE recognize Katie for a great personality, impressive food & drink menu knowledge and great recommendations. Tip: talk to your hostesses; after all, they are your restaurants first impression. :)
(3)Nhi T.
The interior was nice. One of the walls inside looked like a bunch of ends of matches. Pretty neat and there was also a open kitchen feature. I sat just far enough to be able to watch the kitchen work away! But I will say, it was super chilly inside. I am kind of sad, we were not asked if we wanted to sit outside! Looked so neat when we were leaving. There was a round table with a fire in the middle. I am totally a gimmicky person and that was astounding to me! It was pricey for what it was I thought. My boyfriend ordered the spicy meatball pizza and he loved it! The crust was a bit blackened, but it is written in the menu as a warning prior to ordering your pizza. I got the seared salmon, which had a nice presentation, but was bland tasting, in my opinion. Lastly, the service was subpar. The waiter forgot about us. He didn't give us a refill until after we were sitting there with empty glasses for several minutes and waiting for the check took forever. We could have literally walked out without being noticed. But I still give it a 3/5! The service may have been better if we would have gotten a better server.
(3)Heather J.
I'm a fan of the Matchbox restaurants in general, and this one is no exception. Our server was incredibly friendly, almost exceedingly so, and the food was as good as any of the other locations I've been to. We started with 3 sliders, each one with a different cheese. The one with gorgonzola was my favorite. Then we got the spicy soppressata salami and wild mushroom pizza. It was really good, and I love the crispy thin crust. I wouldn't hesitate to return to this location.
(4)Hillary C.
I visit this Matchbox location semi monthly for a networking group meeting. The food is consistently good and the servers are quick and friendly. Extra bonus when they have a seafood special. Today's fish tacos were delicious!
(5)Karen R.
Great lunch. Expertly crafted wood-fired pizzas and lots of good food to satisfy the most discerning palate. Atmosphere, friendly staff, good libations and really good pizza.
(5)Mike Y.
Matchbox Rockville is the second Matchbox that I've been to in the DC/MD/VA area, with the first being the one in DC. The matchbox website states that it is the largest of the three Matchboxes. The food as many reviewers have mentioned is very consistent. However, the it still tastes freshly made versus having come out freezer-bagged from a central distribution facility. Despite Matchbox's reputation for pizzas, our plans for a big dinner in the evening relegated our Friday lunch to salads and sandwiches. Lunch crowd was mainly local professionals grabbing a quick bite. To sit it was a 5-10 minute wait. No biggie. We started with the crab and avocado tower. The word "tower" I felt was a bit misleading as it was more a puck. But I guess "crab and avocado puck" doesn't sound too appealing. It tasted as it sounds...crab and avocado. Not really seasoned but I guess it doesn't really need to be? For some reason my plate only came with four crostinis. We had to ask for more. Because...I mean...really. How are you going to offer a dip with only four chips? Moving on...I ordered the sweet and tangy calamari salad. The SO went heavier ordering the a crispy MB chicken sandwich. The sweet and tangy calamari salad was...interesting. It tasted like a mediterranean-thai fusion. Not terrible, but just an interesting combination. Imagine....thai sweet chili sauce + mixed green + olives and banana peppers + fried calamari. Funny thing about it though, there is no not sweet chili sauce in the salad its actually a ginger miso vinagrette, which leaves me wondering wheres the sweet coming from? The crispy chicken sandwich was definitely the better choice. Bread was soft and brioche-y. Chicken was crispy and well fried and breaded. The buttermilk sauce added the moisture to keep it from being a mouthful of dryness. Fries were good too. The waiter we had seemed disinterested in his job and although not terrible; didn't really try. Hope it was an off day. I wanted to go 4-stars, but after writing the review I realized it was just an 'okay' experience. The food didn't really knock my socks off. The waiter was underwhelming. However, if you're looking for lunch options on Rockville Pike you could do worse.
(3)Don V.
Upside: The food. If you're looking the standard American fare such as pizza, sliders, salads you can't go wrong here. Those items are usually on point. The atmosphere was also pretty nice - it has an upscale wooden decor look with medium mood lighting for a good balance for a date or a night out with friends. There is also an outdoor patio seating area with its own dedicated bar and a fireplace. Downside: The service towards the end. Well specifically last night...on our anniversary night. Our waiter apparently left to go home before either closing us up or transferring us to another waiter. We ended waiting 25-30 minutes before my girlfriend had to flag down a manager of some sort. Eventually another waiter came to box up our food as well as provide us a check. I was hoping for a simple apology (which would have sufficed) for the misstep but received none from either person. Unacceptable. Result: The lapse in service caused us to miss getting dessert at the next venue as they closed by the time we finished sorting out our bill (30 minutes). In conclusion a simple apology from anyone would have resulted in NO negative yelp review and an understanding from our part because everyone has a bad night once in a while. Instead no apology was offered. Matchbox Rockville ruined what should been a special night for my girlfriend and I. And we missed dessert at her favorite place.
(2)Ray C.
To give a 5 star rating I have to be totally blown away by both the food and experience. Sadly- although the service was great and the atmosphere up beat - if you ask me in a week what I had for dinner I probably won't remember. My waitress Stephani was great - very attentive and took the time to explain the menu. I had a half pepperoni and half prosciutto pizza and felt my cells shrivel up from the salt- almost inedible. After dropping $15 on a small pizza I should have been more impressed. It was Stephani and the environment that saved this rating from a 3 star but the chef (I think he was wearing a toga holding a spear yelling "pizza pizza" ) that kept the rating from a 5 star.
(4)Lindsey G.
So, I'm biased, because I live right across the street from this place and it's super convenient for me. However, that doesn't make the food, ambiance, and service any less top-notch. Even though Matchbox's specialty is pizza, they also have delicious non-pizza items. I'm on a fairly strict diet and don't eat bread, so when I come here I'll get either the veggie black bean burger that they prepare wonderfully with sliced avocado, chipotle mayonnaise, and their house-cut fries, or the crabcake sandwich, served with fries and a tangy sauce that I love. Their salads are also a yummy alternative for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions. The house, simple salad and apple/pear salad are light and refreshing, and next time I dine here, I'm going to try the ahi tuna salad. The only frustrations I've experienced here is long wait times on popular nights when I didn't make a reservation. Some of the table seating is a bit close, but the staff are always willing to re-seat if you aren't comfortable. I love this place! :)
(4)Steve L.
Excellent bloody mary burger. Kind of pricey but it was really good. I will have to save up to come back with the family. I sat at the bar and service was excellent. Available drafts were a very nice selection. Was told all the food is fresh and no freezer in the back so I will have to try the fish next time if I can get out of a burger mood. Okay. I have to add the tissue on the way out the bathroom door to grab the handle is a really cool touch.
(5)Sakeeeennnnaaa H.
The food is consistently good at this place. I've been here several times with my best friend. We really like the sliders they come piled high with these delicious fried onion straw things topped with Parmesan. The breakfast skillets are tasty. The food is always fresh and hot. Server are courteous, prompt, and attentive. If you do decide to get an appetizer they are big enough to share.
(4)Cristine C.
I have been to almost every Matchbox location in the DC area and this one was not exception to what I'd expect. The food and service was great, consistent with the other locations. I've been here for both lunch and dinner and while it was full and energetic, it's never too loud.
(5)Megan H.
Whiskey Smash is Matchbox's rendition of a whiskey sour - most satisfying whiskey sour to date! Granted, the majority of my whiskey sours have been enjoyed at casino floors or club settings, so there's not much competition to compare to. The mint infused bourbon gives this beverage the mystery X factor that keeps you coming back for more. I've been here enough times to have tried a majority of the items on their menu and I've never been disappointed with any of my selections. To be fair, I haven't quite been blown away either, but I like the reliability of this restaurant to deliver good food and a very vibrant social ambiance, which is why Matchbox ends up being my "go-to" place for random dinner meetups with friends and family. Bonus points to the spinach salad, ribeye, sliders, and prosciutto & black mission fig pizza!
(4)Michael Y.
I have been to Matchbox many times since I moved down here 2 years ago. One thing I could say then, and I can still say now, is that their food is consistently on point. I have had everything from pizza to crab cakes to steak and eggs. Every time, a home run. Normally, I dive into the crab cake sandwich, easily the best I can find. When they say "jumbo lump," they mean it. No filler, no fluff. And it comes with a perfectly zesty remoulade sauce. This, of course, is prefaced by the best sliders in town. Listen to me! Get the sliders! Every time I order them medium, which restaurants ALWAYS overcook. But every time, they come out cooked a perfect medium. They also come out with a pile of crispy onion straws sprinkled with Parmesan. Pro tip: Get the Gouda!! Alas, with food this consistently good, I thought I would explore a sandwich outside of my normal Sammy Circle. On tonight's visit, I got the Spicy Korean Pork Sandwich. Yum much?? The pork was tender, the spicy-sweet flavors of the sauce was great, and it came with a generous serving of french fries. Another tip: if you want the flavor without most of the spice but you forget to ask for no jalapeños, they are lined on the bottom of the roll. Easy to take them off and enjoy! So why 3 stars? Just as consistent as the food is, the service is equally inconsistent. There are times I wish I could tip the kitchen directly. On this particular visit, the server didn't approach us for 15 minutes, and when she did, she was inattentive and rude throughout the meal. The manager did his normal service check-in, and we told him what was up. The server then proceeded to get worse, clearly thinking she should give up on any chance of getting a tip. The service was good once, but it seems like it gets worse with each visit. So, final word? Kitchen: 5 Stars Service: 2 Stars (started at 5, working it's way down)
(3)Alexander A.
One of the best places in Montgomery County. Great food and excellent drinks. The outside patio has a great feeling with fireplace. The people are very professional and friendly.
(5)Kat A.
ALERT! Be forewarned! They changed their menu in September 2014 and as frequent diners for many years (since back when they only had one location!) we are so not impressed with the changes. Many of the best items have been taken off the menu and have been replaced with dishes that are simply too expensive for this place. We used to eat here at least once a month and after our most recent visit we could care less about returning. Most importantly - the chopped salad on the menu now is nothing like the old one!! The fact that it's still on the menu as a chopped salad is deceiving. No more pasta ringlets and creamy herb dressing. Now it's chickpeas, red peppers, and fennel salami with an oregano vinaigrette. Euccch! The old chopped salad had me coming back for years. Even if I was just in the area I'd stop in to get a salad to go. Not anymore! Our waitress said a lot of people have been complaining about it so we weren't the only ones. What a let down as the old salad really set them apart from other restaurants in the area. Otherwise, the food is generally good but nothing spectacular. Certainly not worth the price and the wait time and lines they create to boost their egos (Chinatown location especially!) Other changes to the menu include new appetizers - a "ginormous meatball" for $14 and crab and avocado tower for $17. Sadly, they also did away with the pepperoni and meatball roll we used to get (with our beloved chopped salad!) They also got rid of the Caesar salad and added a wedge salad with "artisan romaine" instead of iceberg lettuce. I've never seen a wedge salad with artsy leafy greens in my life! Seriously, whoever was in charge of salads on the new menu really dropped the ball. As for the sandwiches, I haven't gotten one here in many years but it seems like they added new ones and did away with others. The pizza seemed more or less the same (types and prices thank god) however, the pepperoni pizza we shared was definitely more spicy than usual. The entrees also changed a bit with mostly seafood options (I believe all but 3 are seafood) and the ribeye is now $31...a bit much for a place that's not a steakhouse. In terms of service the kitchen seemed just as confused as we were with the menu changes. It wasn't busy at all but the food was taking unusually long to come out and wasn't paced well at all. Matchbox is known for getting food out abnormally quick so for those of us who are used to that it was again another letdown compared to what we're used to. Overall, as regulars since the olden days when they only had one location, my family is beyond disappointed with the changes made to the Rockville restaurant. Sometimes restaurants just need to stick with the food that made them successful in the first place and honor the customers who helped get them there. Straying away from what you're best at isn't always a good thing and I'm sure others will soon agree.
(2)Maria P.
Props to Hanna for making sure we had a pleasant guest experience after my boyfriend didn't enjoy his salad. It was taken off the bill despite us not saying a word. Drinks and my entree salad were great. If in the MoCo area and you're looking for a simple, fresh approach to Italian cuisine head here!
(4)Séamus C.
I like the lofty ambience of this place. The pizza was okay, not the best, and slightly overpriced. Overall, a fun place to go, but not necessarily for the food.
(3)Samantha L.
After running errands around Rockville, we decided to hit up Matchbox for a late lunch/mid afternoon snack. Upon entry, I told the hostess booth about a reservation I had (but they marked me off as a no show). The hostess walked us to our table and gave us menus. Shortly after, our waitress came to take our order. Both of us ordered an Arnold Palmer, which was a perfect combination of iced tea and lemonade. It came with ice. It wasn't too sweet or tart. We shared two appetizers - mini trio which consisted of two pan seared scallops, two mini crab cakes, and two bun less mini burgers. Neither of us have been here in awhile and didn't look closely into the revised menu. I was expecting them to ask us what type of cheese we would want like previous times. For the 3-6-9 burgers, you have a choice of cheese - gouda, mozzarella or gorgonzola. However, in the mini burgers in the mini trio, you don't have an option (unless otherwise specified). The pan seared scallops were large, tender, and tasty. They were garnished with green leek. The mini crab cakes were cute, filled with minimal filler (no crackers, which was nice), and had a great flavor (with a hint of spice). The mini burgers were a bit overcooked in my opinion. They were topped with gorgonzola, sautéed mushrooms, onion straws, and parmesan. We also shared the Apple and Pear Salad, which consisted of mixed greens, shredded apples and pears, gorgonzola crumbles, and candied pecans tossed in a homemade honey-balsamic vinaigrette. We expected the cheese to be either on the top or on the side for easy removable but it wasn't.
(3)Mina C.
I had a really great meal here! The service was phenomenal! I wish I remembered our servers name so I can give him allll the props he deserves! A couple friends of mine came here on a Monday to catch up. We got seated at 5pm, for a very early dinner, the restaurant was pretty empty. Since I hadn't seen my friend in several months we were just chatting and kind of ignored the menu. Our server came back 3 times before we ordered but was really nice about it. So, my friend decided to ask "What do you recommend?". Whenever I've asked this most servers respond with the "depends on what you like", so I've basically given up on asking for recommendations. BUTTTTTT our server went into every part of the menu and suggested things he liked from the sandwich section, the pizzas, apps, etc. Which I thought was great. A good wide range, so my friend could decide on her own. We had some crab cake sandwiches (YUMMMM), and some pizza (black mission fig & a veggie). Delicious! Overall, the experience was really positive. No one rushed us out. They let us catch up, have our time, and didn't push us to get desserts (even though we wanted it). I also have to mention, they didn't force a check on us to try to clear us out, which is something I feel like a lot of the busier restaurants have adopted as an acceptable practice.
(4)Trish J.
I do not get the hype. This place is always swarming with people but for what I have yet to figure out? Poorly made drinks? Overly complicated pizza? Oh, oh! I know! The ridiculously uncomfortable seating! Yeah, that much be it.
(2)Brittany T.
Love this place. Nice atmosphere, spacious, great pizza. They have a great outdoor space with a bar and fire pit when the weather is nice. The Tuna Tartare is outstanding - fresh, a little spicy with black and white sesame seeds and malanga chips. It's delicious! Pizza is always great, prepared in their wood-fired ovens. They are super accommodating if you want to split a pizza or customize your own, too. I love their Oven-dried tomato & fresh mozzarella pizza (I usually add arugula) but all of the options look great. They have something for everyone. I hear they have a great brunch, but I haven't been yet. You have to try the Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding..trust me.
(4)Janelle J.
I highly recommend the pear and apple salmon salad. It comes with candied nuts, sliced apples and pears and Gorgonzola cheese. It's also topped with a vinaigrette dressing. Since I'm not a fan of cheese on salads, I asked for it to be omitted. It was light, fresh and really hit the spot. It comes in two sizes unlike the Cobb which only comes in large
(4)Shelly J.
I finally had the patience to come here. This place is always packed during the weekend. waiting time for more than 30 minutes is definitely, not worth it. I came here with co workers during the middle of the week and at lunch time. we were hungry and the wait wasnt long. We all decided not to get pizza and decided to get other stuff thats isnt so common. I got crab and avocado tower with crostini. It was very good. I was looking for something that was semi healthy and light. This was the perfect balance. Then I got the apple & pear salad. That was good and it had a good balance of salad, fruits, nuts and cheese. The honey balsamic dressing was okay. A little tangy. The service was good. Our waiter was good. Our food came out in time. There are so many things to try here. So I will definitely come back & order a drink to go with my meal.
(3)Jennifer M.
Half onion and sausage and the other half sun dried tomatoes...nommers! No need to go into detail....I love pizza, especially pizza from Matchbox! If you haven't been, go! There are multiple ones in Maryland now, so you have no excuses!
(5)Mel A.
On the very rare occasion that it's in the mid-70s in the DC area in the dog days of summer, take advantage of dining al fresco. A buddy wanted to meet somewhere casual halfway for lunch and I thought of Matchbox in Rockville. They have outdoor seating, and although you're several feet away from busy 355, the street noise isn't too bad. In cooler months, they have heaters above. There are a lot of decent choices on the menu, but I'm gonna go straight to dessert. Rarely do I save room for dessert because portion sizes are always larger than what they need to be. But when I'm at Matchbox, I always finish off with their coffee and doughnuts. 8 or 9 (I always lose count) of these hot cinnamon doughnut holes coated in powdered sugar come out with an espresso Kahlua crème to dunk them in. Delish. Do yourself a favor and order some doughnuts for dessert.
(4)Boris S.
Mini Trio $18 (4/5 NOMs) Why not have it all. Sometimes you just can't pick one, so why not go with three different on one plate. You get the two of pan seared scallops, mini crab cakes and mini burgers. Each one is even more amazing then another. My favorite is still their bun-less mini burgers topped with fried onion strings. Meat patty is so juicy and flavorful, its like they put crack into it. Its simply addicting. Ask for some buns and you can make some super yummy mini burgers. Sweet & Tangy Calamari Salad $12 (4/5 NOMs) Dive into the greens. Making healthier choices in Rockville, one of DC metro suburbs. This was a right choice to satisfy our craving something light and healthy. It maybe a salad, but its all about the crispy calamari. It looked as if they packed a whole bag of calamari in there. Th fact that every bite we could taste the freshness made it so much better. Calamai tasted so good and fresh that you could mix them into anything and it will taste good. Salad came packed with a whole lot of field greens, banana peppers and roasted red peppers. Combination of balsamic vinaigrette and kalamato olives gave it a nice kick. Excellent order for any salad lover out there. Cobb Salad $13 (3/5 NOMs) I'm all cobb with prosciutto on my salad. Not just another cobb salad, but with a unique touch that Matchbox brings to every dish. Oh the yummy avocado, prosciutto, egg and gorgonzola. Very strong flavor ingredients, but none outshines the other, was a perfect flavor combination. Tasted very healthy and light. So why 3 you ask? Well, the portion just didn't match the price. With so little you just have to order extra meat on top. Just didn't feel like a lunch portion for a hungry nomster.
(4)Katie H.
I love matchbox! Can't say I've ever had bad service, food is delicious and the bar drinks are awesome. Try the matchbox punch, whiskey smash or toasted Manhattan. I've actually never tried their pizza which is their speciality, but they have so many great other items on the menu! So recently I had the bistro burger - ahmazzzzingly thick & juicy. The blue cheese crumbles with the bacon & mushrooms compliment eachother so well. Today I was feeling edgy & gave the veggie burger a try. I've only had maybe three veggie burgers in my life, and was maybe only impressed with one. THIS ONE IS SO GOOD. It's a patty made from scratch with black beans, corn, onions & red pepper topped with avocado, chipotle mayo & thinly sliced tortilla strips. Hands down best veggie burger I've ever had! Besides burgers & sandwiches they have plenty of pizzas. My boyfriend had the crispy half chicken which was delicious:) The atmosphere is nice too. Dim lights, modern & cozy feel.
(5)Vicki C.
Good service and food! Atmosphere is great! Can get loud on a busy night in the dinning rooms. Outside seating is sweet with a fire pit/bar that you can sit around at during happy hour. Food came out fairly quickly and there are lot's of choices to choose from. The fire and smoke pizza is pretty spicy! Not for the weak! Will return!
(4)Katrina C.
After not visiting Matchbox for probably three years, I found myself at the Rockville location twice in two weeks. Holy moly I had forgotten how good their pizza was. I got the same thing both times, the personal sized chicken pesto pizza, which is covered in their housemade pesto sauce, herb-roasted chicken, and mozzarella. So, so, tasty! The chicken was juicy and well seasoned, and there wasn't too much cheese or sauce. Everything was well balanced. On both visits, the service was pretty lackluster. Plates were not cleared from the table in a timely matter before moving onto the next course, and on my second visit when we ordered dessert, it took 20 minutes for it to show up. On that note, the dessert we ordered was delicious. We ordered the cinnamon doughnuts with kahlua creme sauce, and they arrived in a cone container with a little container of the sauce. The doughnuts were still hot when we received them, and there was just enough sauce for dipping - a perfect sweet after dinner treat. I love the atmosphere in this restaurant, especially when sitting upstairs. It's so fun to people watch all the tables downstairs, and it really didn't get too loud when we were up there. When warmer weather returns, they have great outdoor seating with a fire pit.
(4)Chris H.
I have visited matchbox plenty of times but I've always teetered between 4 and 5 stars. I've finally decided after my last visit that it's a 4 with the caveat it will average more at 3.5. Sorry for being complicated but ratings are serious! Anyways, it is a solid choice as a place to eat and/or drink. They have a good enough variety of beers and a full bar so that never is an issue. The food is solid and varies from okay to very good. My most memorable experience was brunch. The cinnabuns stood out the most, they were banging. My last visit I made a custom pizza which surprisingly I REALLY enjoyed. I am pretty good at picking ingredients though, so it's probably mostly me (sarcasm). Service: 4.5/5. Solid, very friendly. They were trained very well and are very attentive despite how busy they get. Atmosphere: 5/5. This place is so awesomely decorated. When I went for brunch, I sat in the top balcony area and it was great. The industrial theme really hits my preference. Food: 3.5/5. Like I said, it goes back and forth but you can expect between 3.5-4 depending on what you get. Drinks: 4/5. Solid selections and full-bar.
(4)Sara J.
They recently have changed their menu for the better. Now serving steak, French fries and sandwiches as well as a new desert line up. For appetizers we got 3 sliders. They come on a bed of crispy onion straws which are crispy and nice to munch on. The sliders were prepared well and juicy. For entree I ordered the large pizza with pepperoni and sausage. The pizza is a little pricey. $20+ for the largest size with toppings. 2 -3 people can share it. Crust was crispy and the pepperoni provided plenty of flavor. I recommend. My friend got the chicken sandwich with fries. A good sized sandwich but it is small in comparison to cheesecake factory's chipotle chicken sandwich. Sandwich was crispy and wasn't dry or over cooked. Fries were homemade and are similar to the 5 guys french fries. Fresh cut and fried to a good crispness. Service was good although it did take the waiter a good 15 minutes to bring me the check after we finished eating. Not a fan of the desserts here. I would skip them entirely.
(3)Stacey M.
Lunch on the Pike has gotten an upgrade. Matchbox's menu offers somethimg tempting for every taste and appetite. He enjoyed the light, tender, perfectly browned crabcake sandwich. The crab and avocado stacker is the ideal match of briney crab, creamy avocado and sweet & tangy mango, pepers and red onion salsa; it was on the appetizer menu but was the prefect portion for my entrée. We finished our meal by sharing the bread pudding which left smiles on our faces. But the true key to this 5 star dining experience is the friendly, attentive and knowledgeable waitstaff. If your lucky enough to sit in Andrea's section you'll get more than service with a smile, you'll get lunch with a new friend.
(5)Emilia B.
I would like to try more of the pizzas, but I'm hooked on the prosciutto & black mission fig one. It's so flavor-tastic and I love the thin, flavorful, and nutty crust. The apple pear salad is delicious, and the highlight of this salad is the honey-balsamic dressing. I also enjoy like to dip my pizza crust in this dressing.
(5)K B.
This is definitely a go-to place for me. I have been here a few times with the hubby, a couple girls' nights out and a few special occasions. This place is usually on point. The only thing I don't really care for is that the music can be a little loud in the evenings.
(4)Sonia C.
My boss took me to this place and swore that I would love the fried chicken sandwich. Which I did and it was amazing and will be back again. You need to try this sandwich. Onion rings are HUGE so make sure you share.
(5)Michelle B.
Spicy meatball pizza was delicious. The kids gave MB a 10 out of 10 for food, service and decor.
(4)David D.
Food was very nice. Service was great. Beer selection was small, yet varied. Vast selection of wines by glass or bottle. Woody sensual smoky smell & interior was great. Pricier than thought.
(4)Karena J.
I really love the ambiance and atmosphere. There are outdoor fire pit tables and bar area/ tables under heat lamps. This area is especially great in early spring or fall. There are two indoor bars. No happy hour specials. Bummer. Wine list is pretty good. Draft beer list decent with plenty of rotating craft beers. Food is okay but not memorable. The sliders are tasty. The pizza is decent but not as good as Sugo or Pizza CS. Chopped salad was nice, fresh, with soft avocado. Service is underwhelming and twice, we actually had drink orders that never came. Odd. Still a great place to meet friends.
(3)Julie O.
My husband and I were driving by and decided to grab dinner on a Friday night. We did not have to wait long to be seated. We looked over the menu and asked the waiter to tell us about the pizzas. He said the small is about 8 inches and the large is 13 inches. No other description. We decided to get the Matchbox Meat pizza. We told our waiter our order for the pizza and said we might want to order something else but asked if he could go ahead and place our pizza order. We had decided to get a large simple salad but before we could order it, our pizza arrived. It is a thin crust, which I enjoy but my husband would liked to have known before hand. The waiter came back by after our food was delivered but didnt bother to ask if we wanted anything else. We decided the pizza was enough and so we didnt order anything further. The pizza itself had good flavor and lots of cheese. It had a decent amount of mini pepperoni and small sausage but not enough to justify the price. I started eating my pizza with a fork as it was a little hard to pick up the entire slice with the heavy cheese and thin crust. But halfway through the slice I put my fork on the big platter that the pizza came on. Once we were on our last slice, our waiter returned and proceeded to pick up my fork and move it to my small plate and then remove the serving dish. I think it was pretty unprofessional, not to mention probably not protocol to touch a customers utensils when they are still using them. He was young and seemed like he was new. Overall it was decent pizza but perhaps not thrilling enough to return. Service was ok but could use improvement.
(3)Kristin J.
The cram of crab soup...... Out of this world. Highly recommend this one. Had the sliders as well, there's a reason these are a top seller here. Definitely come here with your credit card in hand. The prices are a little high but the food is quality noms.
(4)D J.
I've only eaten here once, but overall I would say it was a good experience. I went with a friend on a busy Saturday night. It was difficult to get a drink at the bar while we waited for our table. The restaurant is a bit loud. Not sure I would go for a romantic date, but for dinner with a friend the atmosphere was okay. We had the sliders as an appetizer. The burgers were really tasty. Delicious. I liked the onion straws, but the burgers came with way more onions than anyone needs to eat in one sitting. If that's your thing, you'll be happy. For dinner I had the ahi tuna salad, and I loved it. It was flavorful, a little spicy, full of ingredients that complemented each other really well. A delicious salad. I would eat here again, absolutely.
(4)Denise L.
My fave pizza restaurant! This place does everything right. Pizza, salad, veggies, seafood and burgers! The cocktails are also great. Be sure to try the pepperoni and meatball pizza roll (amazing cheat day treat), the trio (great mix of meat and seafood) and the 3-6-9 burger...yummy! You can't go wrong with this place. Great for date night and girls night out.
(5)Madison L.
I visited with a friend, my first time and the food was good, bit pricyish, very spacey and nice interior. But our server Katherine, whose name I got off our check..stopped by our table twice, once to take order and once we called over for refills. We had to ask another passing server for napkins, which she graciously brought over right away, was not able to catch her name. I did not think our server would stop by our table again so we asked for the check early. When she brought the check, she said thank you have a nice rest of weekend..and that was the longest phrase she uttered. For the price of food we paid, I thought we deserved more attention then what we experienced. I could eat pizza somewhere else~
(2)Dave H.
Brunch on Mothers Day, with a reservation, we were seated right away. The brunch menu has some nice options and you can also order from the regular menu. From the attractive layout of the restaurant and the quality menu choices, why only 3 stars? It's all in the execution of the dishes and lackluster service. My kids both ordered the Captain Healthy, a great selection of munchables for a kid, but when asking if we could substitute the peanut butter for something else, the waiter was useless. How about ranch dressing to dip the carrots and celery? He tells us they don't have it. No biggie, but come on. I had the BLT Benedict, which was tasty, but lacking... maybe they are rationing the hollandaise and arugula? I mean, why else skimp on it? My wife had the huevos rancheros, which was tasty but cold. Cold eggs take away from a dish, and a great solution is to plate the food on a prewarmed plate. Our plates were cool to the touch. Tsk tsk, seems pretty basic. But wait, there's more! Our server was friendly, but lacked the knowledge that you keep returning to offer coffee refills before the customer has to ask. Okay, okay, but it wasn't that bad. We decided to order the cast iron cinnamon rolls to share for dessert, he tells us they're out. It's 11:45am, and they're out. He tells us its busy, they usually last longer (newsflash -its Mothers Day, a day families traditionally flock to brunch... make extra!). A collection of minor issues come together to leave us with a sour taste. I'll be back, I like their pizza, but really, there's no rush.
(3)Ana P.
I really love Matchbox. This was my first visit of their second location and I was very pleased. BP and I splurged one day when we were supposed to oh to the gym... Ha ha ha, best decision EVER! We ordered a pie each since we could not decide on one together and shared. For dessert we continued the indulge-Fest and got the dessert platter with all of the dessert options. The sherbet was amazing and were the donuts. I can't wait to go back. The restaurant is so beautiful. It would be so cool to rent it out for a special occasion... 10 year anniversary? I'll start saving now!
(5)Mesha M.
One of my favorite places to go for pizza. To start I highly recommend the cream of crab soup, which has just the right amount of crab meat, then the meatball pizza with spicy meatballs, bacon, garlic purée, mozzarella cheese and crushed red peppers; a must try! Lastly, the must have mouth watering chocolate chip bread pudding with caramel sauce and bananas. I love to sit at the bar and watch the pizzas being made or outside on the patio when the weather permits. The service is always beyond great which keeps me coming back for more.
(4)Kat D.
I've eaten here twice this week because I'm staying at the hotel nearby for a business trip. I'm impressed! While I was ordering a simple salad earlier this week, I made the comment that I didn't see a Caesar salad on the menu. The waitress said, "oh we can make you one." Sweet! I asked for grilled salmon to top it off. The salad had the perfect amount of dressing and the salmon was hot, fresh, and cooked perfectly. I think I tasted a hint of sea salt on top. Very nice flavor. I deducted one star only because the brownie dessert is not good. The brownie under that ice cream is hard and cold. If they replaced that brownie with a warm, moist one they would get 5 stars from me. Tonight I ordered the Matchbox Meat pizza. Anchovies are not on the menu but I took a chance and asked, expecting a NO. I was wrong. They added anchovies to my pizza and it was fantastic. I finished it off with the Angeline Pinot noir. Very satisfying!
(4)George M.
So, 4 stars....hm....don't know how to do 3.5. I have to say to their benefit, since each RedBox is a little different inside, you never get that dreaded sense of sameness. Food if ok, but not to die for. Reasonable mid-priced wine selection; their food didn't seem to me to be overly "bad", in the sense you go to some places and you eat a weeks worth of calories without even realizing it. Their flatbreads compare to Seaons's 52 which in my humble opinion are the best of the best. It's a very good choice for a good quality dinner.
(4)Elsa M.
Matchbox Rockville is just a fabulous as the Matchboxes in DC, and, I have to say, that is saying something. Nestled near a bunch of chain stores, you would think that the restaurant would have lost some of its "cool factor" in the 'burbs, but not the case - and more importantly, it didn't lose any of the fabulous foodie flavor either. As usual, I opted for a variation of a Margherita Pizza and was not disappointed. My husband got crazy-dense Cobb Salad and a friend of ours order the grilled calamari salad. Every single bite was worth oohing and ahhhing over for sure. Matchbox is perfect for a date night or a night out with friends, and you can rest assured that the service will be stellar and the ambiance will be welcoming as well. It's definitely a place you want to sit and have a long, leisurely meal.
(5)David C.
Yeah apparently my wife daughter and I were invisible. We waited 15 to 20 minutes before we left due lack of service. We watched servers walk by multiple times no one even asked if we wanted anything to drink. As we were leaving a server apologized that we were not served due to a "miscommunication". That shows that even though they knew we were there the chose not to serve us anyway. At least the food smelled delicious.
(1)N - Pyranhadoc - W.
Surprising good! Excellent service in a very interesting and well designed restaurant. Soup, salad & pizza were first rate. I agree the the prices are high but they match the quality of food & service. Recommended highly. Please note, we were in for brunch and there were only a few folks in the place but I could see how sound levels would escalate if it was packed.
(3)Ani J.
I love Matchbox. There are tons of vegetarian options, and the vegetarian options are flavorful and delicious. The difference between Rockville location and Merrifield location is that Rockville provides outdoor seating, which is great for the summers. I also feel that service at Rockville is subpar when compared to Merrifield. Here is what all I have tried: - Mozzi Carrozzi: Delicious. Initially, I thought this was something like bruchetta, but its totally different. This is some sort of bread that is fried, stuffed with mozzarella, and served with tomato sauce. I am not a cheese person at all, but this appetizer was soo good. - Black Bean Banh Mi: OMG - this is DELICIOUS. I highly recommend you try this out. I was expecting a black bean burger, but this is not a burger. The black bean patty is freshly made in the restaurant (not something that is frozen and heated). Its served on a ciabatta bread along with some salad. I chose to get Chickpea Fries instead of the salad. The Chickpea Fries are amazing. This is my absolute favorite at this restaurant. - Fire & Smoke Pizza: Now I cannot handle spicy food, but for some reason, I always tend to order this pizza. Yes, this pizza is that good. Of course I drink water after each bite and mouth is on fire, but I just love this pizza. If you can handle spicy food, I highly recommend this pizza. - Veggie Pizza: This is decent. Honestly, I would choose the above options over the Veggie Pizza, but its good to have a vegetarian pizza on the menu for people who want pizza and can't handle spicy. The ambiance is great. In the evenings, this place is packed and reservations are hard to get. I love their food and variety of veggie options. Thumbs up from me!!!
(4)LaToya E.
I chose Matchbox as the location for my birthday dinner so I put together a small group of my friends to enjoy the experience, after hearing such great things about the place and reading all the reviews I couldn't wait to give it a try for myself! I first deduct a star because they don't take reservations over ten at peak hours.. I guess that's good for them but sucks for people in the threshold of over ten but not 15 (party size). I gave the star back when they were willing to let me call ahead (two hours early) for the table so it would be ready at arrival. When I got there I noticed how beautiful and large the restaurant was, unfortunately two people and my group were on crutches and they offered no accommodation for those who it would be difficult for them to climb the stairs (-1 star) Our waitress was extremely accommodating and very knowledgable of the menu, she even had pictures of some of the dishes! The food was great (I tried a few pieces of pizza around the table) and the drinks were great tasting! They even put candles in my dessert for my birthday! I will be here again to try other things on the menu!!!
(4)Matt S.
The reason I give Matchbox 5 stars is because it is the most consistent and best restaurant chain I've ever been to. Whenever my family has a reason to go out to celebrate, which is about almost anything, we usually end up at the Rockville Matchbox. I've catered a happy hour with Matchbox sliders and pizzas which are all great. But, usually when I'm there for dinner I go with one of their entrees. I usually start off my meal with a small chopped salad which is great. When last there I had their rainbow trout with butternut squash and green beans. The combination of the buttery green beans along with the sweet squash and delicious trout made for an enjoyable meal. I also tried the creole pork tenderloin. Also a great tasting dish. These along with most of the other entrees are all great choices. I would highly recommend all of the Matchbox locations within the area. If you're looking for a great meal with a great ambiance for either a date or for a group, go to Matchbox.
(5)myra f.
Not sure I get the attraction to this place. Our service was lackluster. Servers seemed like they were unhappy being there and actual service was spotty. Especially at the end, coffee no spoons, coffee spilled all over the cups when served. Food was tasteless. Especially the pizza. I liked the thin crust, but toppings had no taste. Q pizza and meat one and veggie would not order again. Salads expensive for serving size. Crab & avocado tower yuck, crab was not fresh and brown avocado, really? Tuna Tartar just okay.
(3)Janelle H.
If you are a fan of thin crust grilled pizza this is the place to go! We got the Fire & Smoke and it was delish! Friends that came with us got the chicken pesto and meatball, everyone said how good their pizza was. Super trendy atmosphere with upbeat music. There isn't a kids menu but what kid doesn't like pizza?! Various craft beers as well as specialty drinks. The only issue was the waiter (David.V) wasn't very attentive and we had to ask what the specials were and to continually refill our drinks. Giving 3 stars due to the unwelcoming server and price for pizza was a little high for the size per pie.
(3)Elaine D.
The first time I ate at Matchbox was shortly after they opened, and although the server was very nice, our appetizers came out after our entrees and there were various other glitches. Okay. They were new and needed more time. A month or so later, my daughter and I went back and ordered steaks. We were very careful to discuss with our server what medium and medium well meant in their kitchen. We were okay with some pink but didn't want any blood. So, of course, when our steaks came out, they were floating in blood. The server wasn't particularly apologetic and basically started to argue with us about whose fault this was. She went to get a supervisor and I thought certainly the supervisor would offer to recook or replace the meat. Oh, no, she was just as argumentative and unpleasant. Those two experiences made me stay away from Matchbox until today when I was at Congressional Plaza and needed a late lunch. Decided to give them another try. The server was great. I ordered a cup of cream of crab soup and a lamb sandwich. The soup was okay, nothing special for $6. But I was very disappointed in the sandwich. It looked good with feta, sliced cucumbers and onion and sliced lamb on pita. It was completely tasteless and lamb is usually a strongly flavored meat. I had specified that I wanted the topping on the side because I was afraid it would overwhelm the meat's flavor. Well, even without the topping, I could not discern any taste to the meat. The sandwich was accompanied by chickpea fries. Very cute elongated cubes stacked like firewood. Again, absolutely no taste. Needless to say, I will not be a repeat customer at Matchbox. They're always crowded, so I'm sure nobody will miss me!
(2)Alene Y.
I've had the burgers for lunch and finally made it here for brunch with friends. Everything was delicious, we had the cinnamon rolls, the crab cake Benedict, coffee & doughnuts and many mimosas. Service was also very attentive, I will be back!
(5)Susana M.
I'm really disappointed with this restaurant. A couple years ago we had a dinner with friends and family and everything was delicious! After 2 years I came back and big surprise, bad service, food needs salt and extras to taste a little bit better, to be honest I was expecting an Incredible pizza but what I got was really close to little Cesar or papa johns
(1)Christina O.
Oh, what a disappointment. I should've known better than to expect much since it is a chain eatery after all, but having come from a lifetime in NYC and all the amazing Neapolitan pizza joints in Brooklyn, I was almost in tears when I bit into my Matchbox pizza. There was no bubbly outer crust, the bottom crust was rather thick, stiff and dense, and the whole thing was drowning in grease. Oh, Motorino, Barboncino, how I miss thee!! Please send someone over to teach them how to make proper use of their oven.
(2)Brian H.
I'll start of by saying first that this is a generous three. I would say 2 and half if posible. Second, this is the only Matchbox I've ever been to and friends and coworkers have told me the Chinatown location is better in regards to one of my big complaints but I haven't made it there yet to be able to truly compare. Anyways... on to the review. I'll start with the good; the burger sliders were awesome. They alone would definitely make me consider going back to Matchbox. The pizza was 'good'. I liked it, but I do think it was overpriced. It's maybe like a 6/10 pizza at a price that I would pay for a 9/10 pizza. The atmosphere is where things get weird for me and makes a great transition point from good to bad. When you walk in it's this huge open room, you can see the fire in the pizza oven and stairs going up to the second floor. Impressive and overall nice. Also really really nice was the outdoor patio area that some customers were braving on that 45 degree evening. We however did not brave those temperatures and were brought to a side room with dining tables. I seriously felt like I was eating a meal in some baby boomer's family room circa 2002. Really, please Matchbox, complete the look by adding an oversized leather sectional and a Chevy Suburban parked in a driveway outside. I will happily eat in a dive if the food is amazing and the price is right. I will also happily pay top dollar for great food in a hip and well designed restaurant. What bugged me about Matchbox is that I paid top dollar for good food in a bland a poorly designed space that one must assume the owners think looks good. The lighting was also weird and gave me a headache even with my glasses on. In summary I'd give Matchbox another chance but I would prefer to try the other locations or sit outside at this one on a nice day.
(3)Kyle F.
I've frequented the Matchbox at the Merrifield Town Center in Fairfax so going to the Matchbox in Rockville was a "no brainer". I'm surprised how much larger this restaurant is than the one in Fairfax--was able to get seated right away. I suspect there's a lot more competition along the Pike. I had lunch downstairs, the service is great and the food is excellent. Highly recommend, even though Matchbox is known for their pizza they have a wide selection of typical American Bar & Grille fanfare. If you want to sit by the fireplace, request to be seated in the fireplace room. It's a smaller intimate setting, especially nice in the cooler months.
(4)Jessica H.
Our first visit was really great. We loved the décor and the service was very good. My husband had the French onion soup as a starter and it was PHENOMENAL! Truly the best French onion soup either of us had ever had. We split a veggie pesto and chicken pesto pizza. Both varieties were amazing! The only reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 was because my father-in-law's pizza was very undercooked. However they did comp us the pizza, which was nice. My husband and I are looking forward to going back soon!
(4)Todd R.
Excellent pizza! I had what is considered to be a meat lovers. Was one of the best pizzas I had in DC. The IPA was great to. Think it was called a raving bitch. Service was prompt. Enjoyed the experience.
(4)Lorena B.
If you happen to read my old review for Matchbox on H Street, you'll know it was once my favorite restaurant. Now I don't go nearly as much because I happen to think the chain has lost a few steps since expanding. This outpost was several steps down from the H St and Capitol Hill locations in previous visits. My favorite spicy meatball pizza is usually good anywhere but when I ordered it here last fall, the meatballs were dry and the dough burned black in some areas. I also ordered a bread pudding to go, which was also dry and flavorless. I resolved not to bother with this location again. Well, after Sunday's awful experience at Mosaic, I decided to give brunch here a try. The huge restaurant was almost empty (except for the patio) so we were seated right away. I ordered the BLT and the bf got steak and eggs, as well as cinnamon rolls to share. We were starving and asked for the rolls to be sent out first. At $6 I think the rolls were reasonably priced but they weren't great. I was expecting them to taste somewhat like Cinnabon but they're more like Pillsbury. Plus, they took foreverrrr to come out! The presentation in a cast iron skillet was cute though. The entrees were pretty damn good. My BLT is actually more like eggs Benedict, but with maple glazed pork belly (!!!!) instead of Canadian bacon, topped with arugula and served over grilled ciabatta, with a side of potatoes. The poached eggs were cooked just right and the sweetness of the pork belly gave it a nice contrast. The potatoes were good but nothing you couldn't get at a diner. His steak was seasoned well and tender, and served in a cast iron skillet like the cinnamon rolls. Maybe the food tasted so good because Mosaic left such a sour taste but I was pleasantly surprised by brunch. I probably wouldn't go out of my way to return but this last visit redeemed Matchbox Rockville for me.
(3)Joodie T.
Came on a Saturday night and was seated within 5 min which was great considering they were pretty busy. Waiter was good and told us about the specials and we ended up ordering 2 out of the 3 offerings. The baseball sized meatball appetizer was a miss; too much filler and the bread was a pizza crust folded up, baked and sent out as some sort of dipping doodad. The other special we got was a ribeye with mushroom seasoning, blue cheese wedge salad and potato croutons. The steak and salad were delish, the potato croutons were measley and greasy. Blah. I would come back for the tried and true menu offerings and steer clear of the specials which were a bust.
(4)Steve J.
Pros: Great place to hang out. Staff is extremely good. They have limited but decent selection of craft beer. I also enjoy the food and love the Matchbox Meat pizza. For me, it does not get any better - right balance of bread and meat. They also have nice liquor and wine selection. They never rush you out. Cons: Can't think of any but they could rotate more beer however it is an issue with Montgomery county and not the restaurant. Slightly on the expensive side for the food.
(4)A V.
We have always enjoyed the food at Matchbox. When I mean food, I am only referring to the pizzas. Our favorite is the Fire and Smoke, very unique, very spicy with an awesome smoky flavor. Never tasted a pizza like it before and the taste has remained consistent over all the years. To top it off, they have a decent selection of beer on draft. If you are looking for a place to chill out, get some beer and eat some tasty pizzas then Matchbox is highly recommended.
(4)Yaka H.
A friend suggested we meet here for brunch and I was pretty surprised they even offered a brunch menu. I will admit that I was a bit prepared to be a bit disappointed at the brunch fares, but I was pleasantly surprised. The breakfast pizza was alright, I think the biggest regret about ordering it were the eggs. They tasted like the prepackaged mixed eggs, so they didn't have the best texture or taste to them. In addition, it was hard to eat slices without all of the toppings spilling out. Flavor-wise alright with an exception of the eggs. Real eggs cooked with a runny yolk would have been a nice addition compared to the travesty of such scrambled eggs present on the pizza. I also tried the fruit and yogurt, which is quite simple, but the berries were pretty and fresh. Friends tried the waffles (sandwiched with peanut butter, banana, and bacon) and the New Orleans french toast (french bread french toast with candied pecans). Everyone was quite happy with their selections and were quite satisfied. So this isn't too shabby of a brunch choice. In particular, it's a nice place for brunch and they serve up a pretty good bloody mary too. It didn't seem that busy when we went, so it isn't imperative to make reservations for brunch, although, we did just in case. They serve the lunch menu in addition to brunch for those wanting a more savory option.
(4)Jen C.
The pizza is still cardboard. (But the mushroom prosciutto is the best out of the bunch.) No, Mo's Magical Brownies are not melt-in-your mouth magical. If theirs is magical, then my Betty Crockers are some hypnotic phenoms. The tuna tartar is mashed up now, no longer nice moist chunks. Oh my god, clean out your fryer oil cause the doughnuts are disgustingly overpowered by old oil. BUT-- The ambiance (both indoor and outside) is still amazeballs on the Pike. The drinks are still delectable. And waitstaff always makes me smile. Which makes me still crawl back for more....
(3)Zach M.
I have always had excellent pizza here, but for some reason, every time I bring friends, they are not impressed. I don't know what they are missing or what I'm loving too much, but this is one of my favorite specialty pizza places.
(4)Sammy S.
Love this place! The food was good and the customer service was great. My friends and I were visiting from California and we had the privilege of being assisted by a gentleman named Joseph. He was extremely friendly, provided great recommendations, and made us feel very welcomed. I highly recommend this place to locals as well as those visiting from out of town.
(5)Patrick W.
This place is a must go. There food and service is great. I know this is a good place for pizza but there crispy chicken sandwich is awesome. If you want a real treat get there crab cake sandwich. It's off the chain! If your really lucky you might get BRANDON as your server. This guy goes way out of his way to make the experience memorable. This is a great place to bring a date or just meet with friends...
(5)Starr C.
I came back to Matchbox Rockville for Valentine's dinner, and I just wasn't feeling it as much as last time. I think that in the future, I will play it a bit safer and stick with their yummy pizzas. We had a reservation and were seated very promptly even though we came in early. My boyfriend had a vase of roses waiting for me, which was super sweet and nice to see when I walked in. Our server was nice, but seemed a little bit not there. Maybe he had other things on his mind on Valentine's Day. :( In general he was nice, but he seemed to be slightly forgetful. We ordered the mini trio appetizer instead of the 3-6-9 because we were trying to expand our horizons and be fancy. The seared scallop and crab cake were good, but the bunless burger wasn't as good as I thought it'd be. I guess I didn't realize it had cheese on it, so this ruined the burger for me a bit. In fact, I think I can argue that I didn't really enjoy my meal because of the cheeses. So I feel a little unfair because a lot of people would probably have loved my food for the very reasons I disliked it. We ordered the fig & prosciutto pizza in an attempt to be adventurous, since I've seen this combination many times before but I haven't tried it before. This was maybe not the best place to try it, because the cheese on the pizza does NOT go with figs. It was extremely difficult for me to eat, personally, because I felt the flavor of the cheese was severely overpowering the toppings. We also got the swordfish, which was tasty on its own, but the sides it came with were so weird. The root veggies it was served with were just kind of..... meh? I don't know what was wrong, but I didn't gobble them up the way I usually do. And it was served on this bed of... rice? Couscous? I don't know what it was, but the sauce was super bizarre to me. I just... couldn't eat all of it. We had ordered drinks when we ordered our food, but those came out kind of late, actually. Our server seemed a bit absentminded that night, but he was SUPER friendly so we couldn't get upset with him. We did overhear him forgetting something at another table also, shortly after he admitted to forgetting to place our drink orders. I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt (maybe his manager was forcing him to work on Valentine's Day and this was his way of acting out!) because he gave us our drinks on the house and was generally really nice. But he was forgetful and not super attentive to us over in the side room of the restaurant for a lot of the evening. Now I had only been 21 for about 2 months when I had this, so I definitely am not very good at enjoying alcohol yet. That being said, my vanilla peach iced tea tasted like cough syrup. My boyfriend ordered the boxcar off the "manly martini" menu. I was not ready for that kind of drank, I'll tell you that. I felt really disappointed with my second visit to Matchbox Rockville. I'm a little bit scared to come back, to be honest, but my first experience still rings true and I hope I have a better time if and when I return.
(2)K C.
Great waiter, prompt service even though it was packed for late lunch/brunch. 3-6-9 burgers were as amazing as reviews. Angus was super juicy and the seasoning went well with it. Also had the Special Q pizza with roasted garlic added. I didn't really taste the garlic, pizza was ok...sauce needed a little more something. Good experience, would try again!
(4)Satang L.
pizzas are great .. appetizers are awesome! drinks are solid .. but .. at this Rockville location ... Match Box , you guys seriously need to work on your host staffs .. we dined here last night .. there were a male host and two female hostesses on duty during dinner shift. The male host were nice and polite, so was the cute Latino hostess who greeted us with her beautiful smile. They gave us a buzzer since there's a wait by the time we got there. we waited a little bit, the buzzer was buzzed, we went to the host, here comes the star of the night .. we gave the buzzer to the host, and then another hostess (asian, long hair, skinny) came to us without saying hello, or greetings of any kinds. She told (her tone of voice was kinda not so welcoming) us to follow her. we were seated upstairs, at the very end of the hall which was very close to wet station and storage while there are plenty of tables available elsewhere with much better view. after she rated us, she put the menus down in front of each one of us and guess what happened? She just flicked off! of all these times, she never looked at our face, no smile, no "enjoy" , nada! ... if it's not because of this hostess issue we had, 5 stars isn't enough for this place. unbelievable!!
(1)Adam G.
Been here countless times. Really good pizza but so many other things as well. The crab and avacado app is delicious. Make a reservation as it can get really busy. Happy hour is busy here and a good time but no specials so can be pricey. Brunch is good, try the cinnamon rolls. They have special menu but regular available also.
(4)Sara O.
This place is so yummy! The staff is consistently nice and helpful with recommendations. My friend took me here for my birthday and it's become a frequent place to go now. The food is different and very delicious! I've heard people say it can be hit or miss depending who is in the kitchen but I've never been disappointed. A great place to go for an occasion or just to stop by on your way through for a drink.
(5)Jackie C.
The design of the place is gorgeous, but I'm not paying to eat the decor. Outdoor seating is at a premium when the weather is nice, but there isn't an organized way in which to get a seat fairly. The pizza is... good, but not memorable. The staff is friendly and attentive.
(2)Eddie K.
I've been here way too many times. I think the quality of the food and drinks have gone downhill since it opened. The last three times I've been here they ran out of most of their draft beers. I don't know how that happens. Yesterday, they were out four draft beers. They need to do a better job of inventory control. The pizzas are still good, but they changed the dough a little bit. It isn't as thin as before and they aren't that generous with their toppings as in the beginning. Also, the pizza came out hard - like a cardboard. The tuna tartar was dry (been sitting in the refrigerator a little too long) and didn't taste fresh. The mini-burgers are still good.
(3)Christopher P.
When matchbox opened its doors down the street a couple of years ago, I was quite excited. There weren't too many great bars or pizza restaurants around, and it looks like a really cool building. Matchbox does not disappoint. It has numerous types of dining spots inside: two bar areas, an upstairs balcony, a slightly more private side area, the main floor, a pizza bar, and an outdoors patio. Very nice, simple decorations - the east wall is very cool with old wood and backlighting. It does tend to get a little noisy when full, but the atmosphere is lively and not overwhelming, and you can almost always find a spot...but it's always safe to go with reservations. The menu is surprisingly diverse for a restaurant billed as a pizza joint. There is an extensive cocktail selection, numerous (12 or so) beers on draft, and a decent-enough wine list. The beers mostly don't rotate, although there are a few selections that are seasonal, and there are more choices out of bottles. Appetizers range from mini-burgers (which are awesome - served with a big tangle of onion straws) to delicious soups. The main courses feature wood-oven-fired pizzas (with occasionally charred crusts), salads, and several entree and sandwich options. Up and down, the choices are unique and varied - I am particular to the Fire and Smoke, a pizza made with spicy chipotle tomato sauce, smoked gouda cheese, and sausage (I think?) or maryland crab soup. Even the desserts have plenty of options, ranging from fresh fruit to insanely-rich chocolate indulgences. All in all, a great neighborhood place to eat. It can get crowded, and sometimes the waitstaff doesn't know their bar selections, but I've always found this a comfortable and fun place to eat pizza and have a drink or two.
(4)Andrew F.
Ate here with my wife a while back, and wanted to comment finally. If you want a cool atmosphere (way cooler than we are), and music...go for it. But the pizza here is kinda....watery and floppy.
(2)Jen R.
Got the matchbox meat pizza, mini trio, guac crab stack and apple gorganzola salad. All were very good as was the pom martini. We will definatly be back again. We sat upstairs and our waiter Charles was great. Wonderful first-time visit.
(4)Margaret Z.
Definitely make a reservation if you come here for brunch. On that note, this review is ONLY about the brunch... I've been to Matchbox on several other occasions at the other locations and I would say the quality of the food here based on the brunch offerings was still pretty consistent. I ordered the pork belly eggs benedict and my boyfriend got the steak and eggs. The portions are huge! We paired it with Matchbox Mimosas, which I highly recommend - they are tiny and pricy, but delicious and worth trying. The pork belly eggs benedict is AMAZING. I'm a HUGE fan of pork belly, and I would say that this is much tastier than the crab cake EB I had at the Gallery Place Matchbox. The sweetness of the pork belly was the perfect pair to the poached eggs, and the meat itself was so tender. The steak and eggs come out in a cast-iron pan and the steak was skillfully cooked as well. The scrambled eggs were nothing special, but my boyfriend couldn't stop raving about the Texas toast that came with it. The atmosphere here is beautiful - very roomy and great for large groups/families or a date. The service is a little slow but the waiters are extremely friendly. All in all, a great meal!
(4)Rachel A.
Love Matchbox, it's hands down my favorite place to go for a relaxed dinner. It's loud, so don't expect it to be a place for an intimate dinner, but it's a fun, lively atmosphere. The service is generally pretty good, and the waitstaff are friendly and accommodating. I sometimes go with a friend who needs certain seating accommodations, and they are always very gracious about it. My absolute favorite thing on the menu is the sliders with the onion straws. Try it, and you'll be hooked! Perfectly made, delicious, moist. MMM. I've eaten almost everything on the menu, and I love it all! PS: go for brunch and get the cast iron cinnamon rolls and you'll be dying happily!
(4)Alan S.
Great meal today. A big step up from last time. We got the Seared Salmon and Ribeye. Both were delicious. Lots of cool sides that really complemented the meats. Not a big fan of their pizzas as they are tp greasy for me. Fruit pizza was okay. Cooks need to chop fruit up more as whole blackberries and strawberries were placed on top. Will try donuts next time.
(5)Jeneane B.
When this Matchbox location first opened, you couldn't get a table for weeks. Now that the initial luster has worn, it might only take an hour to get a table walking in on a Friday night (which is not bad in Rockville). But if you enjoy a good beer or a nice drink, you can wait at the bar. It's definitely a trendy place, but not overly so. My husband and I have come here for weekend brunch, lunch and dinner and the experience is different at each meal. Service seems to be a bit slower at brunch than it is at dinner. The food has always been good though. We like their specialty pizzas, but find that ones with vegetables tend to be a bit underdone/soggy, so we stick with the spicy meatball, fire & smoke, and Matchbox meat. The sliders appetizer is perhaps the best food item on the menu. They have a good drink menu, with fairly reasonable drink prices - again, for Rockville.
(3)Rob H.
As always the food was great here. What I really enjoyed about my experience was my server. In fact, each time I've been, my server has been different but the experience was the same awesome level of courteousness and attentiveness.
(4)Leonard A.
This place really has overpriced pizza. Not to mention that theirs nothing special about the pizza.
(2)Patrick M.
What a tremendous experience at Matchbox in Rockville. The atmosphere is unique and the drink menu is awesome. Definitely sample one of the few appetizers on the menu -- great taste. The pizza is of excellent quality with lots of great selections for every preference. The outside looks like an awesome spot for happy hour, and it is a great dinner spot, as well.
(5)Jackie F.
I have came here about 3 times and it is definitely a really nice place to have dinner with friends, family, or a date! Every time I have come here I have gotten the 3 6 9 burgers which are mini burgers topped with onion strings on top! They are very tasteful! I have also gotten the pizzas here and are pretty good as well! Usually I don't have any room for dessert, but I definitely recommend trying their dessert it is really good! The reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because the last 2 times I have tried coming here the wait time is 40 min to an hour! Also, every time I do come and eat here my food takes a very long time to come out! I have gone to other restaurants that are pretty big and busy and do not take this long. Overall the food is pretty good, the staff is friendly and nice, and the decor is lovely and modern!
(4)Harsh Deep Singh N.
Loved the ambience, and the food, Almost anything you order off the menu will be good, from pizza to steak to grilled fish. One of my favorite restaurants around. Just wish that they had a few more options with chicken though.
(4)Chaz C.
Really good place, a bit pricey but expected for Rockville now and with the quality of food. I had the cream of crab soup, seared salmon and seasonal sorbet (which was strawberry) and all three items I would recommend. There was a minor issue but talking with the manager he was dedicated to making sure things were right. Good food, lovely atmosphere despite at times getting loud at what might of been happy hour and caring staff. Give this place a try, it is worth it.
(4)Jeanne K.
I come here all the time with my family. We usually get some combination of a pizza, a 369 slider burger, shrimp & grits, and their doughnuts for dessert. I particularly like their prosciutto and mission fig pizza and their pesto based pizzas. My dad likes the matchbox pizza and the other one with lots off meat in it. We typically order the large and do 1/2 and 1/2. I love the sliders here. You can choose from 3 different cheeses (gorgonzola, gouda, and I think swiss) They come topped with these thing and crispy onion straws (I think that's what they're called). With the patty in sliders being so small, they do a great job in keeping the meat moist. As for dessert, their doughnuts look somewhat like doughnut holes but aren't so round and uniform in shape. They're coated with some sort of mocha powdered sugar, and they are crunchy on the outside and moist and rich on the inside. They come with this espresso/coffee cream, and when you dip the doughnuts in the cream, it's amazing.
(4)Bill M.
This was probably 4th or 5th visit to Matchbox, 3rd to this location. However this is the first time we opted to eat something other than pizza and sliders. What a disappointment. I had the Turkey Club, no taste at all. My wife likewise found her wood fired lamb sandwich to also be tough and bland. So stick with pizza and sliders. Seems the other food is all an after thought.
(2)Shawn K.
Doing matchbox with the family. Beat out over mamma Lucia's, everyone got something different. Nice and modern with everyone in black uniforms. Looks professional, no wait and food was fast... And good. Wish everyone here wasn't so young as it doesn't add to the family atmosphere, Mamma Lucia would've better fir that. But overall good place
(4)Todd B.
Visited here in mid-August. The call ahead feature is useful. Essentially, it's like putting your name on the seating wait list from your home. Host is cagey when it comes to an exact wait-time, but who'd want to leave their table early on a nice evening? No wait for tables inside - but we wanted outside. Wait was about 20 minutes for 4 of us at 7:30P on a Friday, but we were rewarded with their outside upstairs seating. While the view was essentially parking lot - it made us feel light years away from Rockville Pike! Service was attentive and relatively quick despite a large party at the next table. Ordered 3-6-9 sliders and onion straws which are a staple there. Main course was Fire and Smoke pizza for one side of the table and crusted ahi tuna salad for the other. Finish was amazing on both. Wonderful selection of craft brews with good descriptions. Can't recall what was ordered (how's that for a review?) but from NY finger lakes region. Waiter boxed up leftovers and we were pleased with a delightful meal at Matchbox. Will return again!
(5)Zhuozhen L.
the service was great. but i'd rather get crappy to ok service than crappy to ok food. my friend and i ordered the half and half the matchbox meat and prosciutto white the matchbox meat was good, but tad on the salty side. now, the prosciutto white was super salty side. i'm not sure if they understand that to taste good does not equal to loading up the salt...ricotta on the white was like...one slice. not that i am hating, it was a long piece, but wow i could not chew through that it was mad awk. service was good though. she was super sweet and accommodating to us. kind of wish she'd stop by just to ask how the food was but i get that some people don't dig that. atmosphere was great. we were seated at this corner though. that was kind of awk too....i get you tryna make space but yo there are so many open seats. overall i would probably not come back for the pizza, at least. it was too expensive for mediocre pizza. i heard other stuff on the menu is bangin', though.
(2)Jose P.
Matchbox!!! mini burgers and pizzas only!!! I have never order anything else. Beautiful decoration, great ambiance. Service is ok. Have fun and enjoy it!!!
(3)Armin V.
We went there on a Fri night. We got two pizzas (Matchbox Meat & Ham Arugula). Our food was very salty and a little overcooked. but overall it was fine. The Ham/Arugula pizza was much better than the other one. Our server was Okay! I really like the environment of Matchbox in Rockville.
(3)Jesse W.
Me and some co-workers picked up the 9 sliders for an appetizer. Then shared one of the spicy all meat pizzas. This place was incredible! From the swanky music all the way to the multiple patios with great views. Nothing to complain about and the food was TREMENDOUS! Usually burgers sliders are thawed and so cheaply made. NOT HERE, they were absolutely delictible. I would come back every night of the week if I could! Eat here you won't regret it!
(5)Karen K.
Good experience today at Matchbox. Our family group have different eating preferences and all were satisfied with the menu offerings. Our waiter, Brandon Metro, was super conscientious, offering,suggestions from the menu, refilling drink glasses without being asked, and bringing more ketsup too when he noticed we were running low. Pizzas and burgers well received all around. The grilled lamb sandwich was good but the lamb itself could have used some seasoning. The accompanying tzasiki sauce and veggies served with the lamb on grilled naan helped but maybe even salt and pepper would have made the lamb more flavorful. The restaurant worked well for the multi-generational group.
(4)Ryan H.
Saturday afternoon and we were looking for a place to grab a late lunch/early dinner. Although there were a lot of people, we were able to grab a table with ease. With the weather being really nice today, sitting outside would have been a great option. I really liked the décor of this establishment. Brick/mortar, wood and steel. I basically want to live here. This place is a lot bigger than what it looks like from the outside. We were seated promptly. This place was pretty crowded and a bit noisy, but I guess that is expected. The age groups varied from little ones to old ones. During the day or early evening, this would be a great place for families to check out if they're looking for a pizza with some edge. Judging by their extensive drink menu, this place could also be a great place for a date or night out to get your drink on. Our server was extremely friendly and very personable. Although she was really busy, she made sure that each of her tables had the attention they needed. We didn't have to wait long for our food and drinks either, which is a huge plus. The pizza was cooked to perfection and my beer served cold. Friendly staff. I will definitely be coming here again. P.S. if you do decide to get your buzz on, Twinbrook Metro is down the street. Just sayin'
(5)Faride S.
I really liked the pizza I ordered at matchbox. I forgot the name of it but it was one of the best pizzas I have ever tried in the dmv area. Our server was attentive, but he forgot the green pepper that I wanted to add to the pizza :(. Other than that the service was nice and prompt. We sat in the outdoor patio, it was kind of romantic with low lights and heated lamps. Great place for pizza and nice atmosphere. P.S. Don't get the brownie dessert, it wasn't that great.
(4)Eric H.
They have a very good quality pizza but they should not change their menu without informing clients , leave the veggie pizza like it was and make me and others to come back, I recommend them.
(4)Irene A.
Still love this place just as much as the first time!
(5)Wayne R.
I didn't eat here so this is not a real review but this came up in a search for "live music." I called to find "we don't have live music anymore" so this is an update.
(3)Margaret L.
Matchbox is terrific! Great for large groups and it has delicious pizzas! Come for the pizza. Parking here is easy as well.
(4)Casey K.
Came here for faux happy hour with a coworker, a "Fappy Hour" if you will. I use faux because we were here right after work when any other restaurant has their happy hour in full effect. My coworker and I were seated, we asked about happy hour specials, to which we were told, "We do not have happy hour"...what?!? You could tell the server even thought this was idiotic because she followed up with, "Yeah, we're probably the only restaurant on Rockville Pike that doesn't have a happy hour". So, with that said, expect to pay full price for your after work get-togethers at Matchbox. We ordered our drinks, a pomegranate martini for me, and a cucumber gin and tonic for my coworker. Both were excellent, I highly recommend either. I ordered a large Prosciutto and Black Mission Fig pizza, and my coworker ordered a small Oven-Dried Tomato and Mozzarella pizza. I figured I could take home whatever I did not finish. However, in the end, we both ended up talking for forever and sharing our pizzas. This was actually a good amount of food for two hungry lady's after a hard day of work, we both left very well satiated but not "regret your life" full. The black mission fig has a ton of garlic on it. There is no tomato sauce used, so it is a white pizza. The sweetness of the fig works really nice with the saltiness of the prosciutto. I did not like the flavor that the arugula brought to this pizza, it was a little too bitter for my taste and in the end I picked it off and just ate it separately and not with the pizza. The crust was thin, crispy, and not at all burned. The mozzarella pizza may have been cooked a bit too long, the edges were black in some areas and had that off putting burned taste. To put it into perspective a bit, I had nothing left on my plate from the prosciutto and black mission fig, while with the mozzarella pizza, I had crust left over on my plate. Overall, I could take or leave matchbox, the food was just ok to me with nothing too memorable. Instead of having dessert at matchbox, we actually drove down the pike to have the yummy and ginormous Tiramisu at Timpano.
(3)Tamika H.
The atmosphere of this place is really nice and great for a date night or just a low key place to sit at the bar and watch sports. I had the chicken pesto pizza which was delish and perfectly cooked. They had different types of cocktails to try. The waitress seemed a little bit off but very nice. I would go back in a heartbeat to try out another dish.
(4)Rob W.
Someone had recommended Matchbox to me and I'm so glad they did. This is a relatively brand new restaurant built new from the ground up. For a place that specializes in pizza, it's probably the nicest I've ever seen. It's definitely casual but you wouldn't look out of place a little dressed up either. All the pizza here is fresh made to order in a wood fire oven. There is a large selection of gourmet pizzas and so there is definitely something for everyone. The service and food here was excellent. The personal size pizzas are perfect in size - the dough is pretty thin, so if you're coming here with an appetite you should have no problem eating one by yourself. I ordered a salad as an appetizer as well and that was delicious. If you love pizza and want to try something different, this place is awesome. The prices are completely reasonable and you will definitely not be disappointed. I'll be back soon!
(5)Ashley G.
Went for brunch and sat on the inside patio bar. Server / bartender didn't know the specials, but took our order fast. After taking our order she never came back to check on us. Just to fill water once. Another server had to remove our appetizer plates and someone else had to deliver and bring back the check. The entire time she stood there talking to what if looked like the manager about school. She paid us no mind. I don't know if she was an air head or just doesn't know simple customer service Besides that brunch pizza was amazing!!
(3)Evonne L.
three stars for two reasons: their sliders and their fig pizza. the other pizzas are decent but really nothing special. the fig pizza is good but only if you like sweeter, drier pizzas. but those sliders- oh man they are the ish! slide into my belly! also, don't get the fish, it's pretty terrible.
(3)Gina R.
I've been here a few times today the service is a little slow today but the food is excellent. I get the spicy meatball pizza and trio appetizer it's delicious!
(5)S B.
Loved this place! The mini burgers are excellent and the pizzas are all delicious!! Everything I have tried there has been excellent. Nice atmosphere too!
(5)Matt V.
I went there, loved everything about it, nice people awesome food and never let me down. This place deserves all stars
(5)April P.
I went here for my birthday dinner and the food was great! Drinks were a little overpriced and the waiter seemed a little overwhelmed with the amount of people at the table. It was a party of 12 so I understand. However, I wish he would have checked back in a little more often with everyone. The pizza and sliders are great! The design inside the building is really nice too! I want to try the locations in D.C. to see how they are! I recommend this one though!
(4)Anthony C.
I had wanted to try Matxhbox for while--even though I am not into the whole artisan pizza in a brick oven thing. Tony Kornhieser had said he liked it on his show, and that was enough for me to want to give it a try. (I'm a little.) We had the mini-burger appetizer which was fine. Not the greatest, but the little buns they had for the burgers were worth it all alone. You can order a pizza split, with each half different, which we did. One side was Prosciutto & Black Mission Fig and the other Sweet Sopresatta Salami & Wild Mushroom. Both were very good, but I enjoyed the fig more. It seemed a little silly to do anything resembling a standard pizza: brick oven pizza is not regular, NYC, pizza. We also did a desert, which I recommend: The Trio Dessert: Molten chocolate cake sorbet trio house-made doughnuts. We did not finish any of it, but for $12 it was a lot of food, and you got to sample a bunch of different tastes. The little donuts were like New Orleans beignets. Cafe Du Monde is a tourist trap, pain in the ass: but man those little donuts are good. Matchbox's had these little things done right. Our waiter was very good, and we were checked on several times by other staff. All in all, a good night out.
(3)P F.
Have been here twice so far. Great restaurant overall. Customer service is always great. Both times I went, I ordered the prosciutto and black mission fig pizza. It is amazing. I highly recommend! My brother ordered the spicy meatball which was equally delicious! Also, make sure you try the 3.6.9 burger sliders for an appetizer. One of the best burgers I've ever had!
(4)Phi N.
Forget the pizza! I came back here and was very impressed with their mini trio and bistro burger. I actually wanted to just get more mini trios, hahah. But instead, we decided to try the tuna tartare. It was good, but not nearly as good as the mini trio. I still think the pizza is overrated, but these items have upgraded their rating from me. Finished off our meal with chocolate chip bread pudding. It was really good, but who can eat that much dessert?? We even split it and still couldn't finish.. Smaller portion please... **Add-in** The steak & cheese is not worth the order. Go to a real sub shop if that's what you want.
(4)Jessica F.
Honestly I wasn't that impressed. The pizzas are way over priced for what you get, I don't care how many fancy toppings you put on it. $23 for a pizza that didn't satisfy two people is disappointing. I guess I was paying to look at the re-claimed wood accents than the food.
(2)Erica G.
I may be in love I don't know. But everything about this place is amazing, the atmosphere, the service, and most importantly the food!! I've had ever burger on this menu and I just can't their that good. Matchbox is a must for anyone who wants to feel like they're in heaven even for a few minutes.
(4)Donna Y.
Matchbox has made it to Maryland! Finally a great restaurant to take over a spot that has had a stream of restaurants that never succeeded. Believe me, I have dined at each one...from Shelly's Wood Roast, That's Amore to the PGA Tour restaurant. Dined with Duy N and the food was pretty good. Got there around 9:30pm on a Saturday and the wait time was an hour (definitely make a reservation). We stopped by the bar and were able to grab table within fifteen minutes. Mini Burgers: According to Duy N. they were quite good. Meat was cooked to the right temp. and the pickle on the bottom added a nice crunch. The onions or fries on top weren't as good as expected. They were room temp. when they got to the table. Cream of Crab Soup: Very smooth and creamy with excellent flavor. Fire and Smoke Pizza: Duy N. got the fire and smoke pizza which he enjoyed. Not as spicy as he thought, but he can handle really spicy. Veggie Pizza: Nice flavor and the crust was thin and crispy, which I love. All it needed was some tomato sauce. This is a white pizza and I'm not a fan of white pizza. There are three essential ingredients to a pizza: dough, tomato sauce and cheese. Coffee and Donuts: Awful! We decided to order the coffee and donuts based on the great reviews from fellow Yelpers, but they were terrible. I don't know what donuts they were eating, but I had donuts that were dense and chewy, not appetizing at all. It tasted like they threw balls of pizza dough into the fryer and tossed it in cinnamon-sugar. Our server Susan P. was fantastic. She was super friendly and very knowledgeable about the menu. We will definitely return for the food, but not the dessert.
(4)D M.
I'd prefer to call this place Gougebox. A few friends and I walked in after we found Pizza CS was closed across the street. While waiting for a table, we decided to grab a round of beers. The server recommended a new spring beer from New Belgium. It was a pleasant enough beer, but then the bill came: a whopping $34 for four beers. Without gratuity. No wonder she was so eager to suggest the beer at an $8.50 price tag. They were selling Chimay's tripel for $9 which at least has a higher ABV to justify the price. I found it audacious and insulting. I think Matchbox should realize that it's in Rockville and not Times Square. We sat down and grabbed a few sliders as an appetizer. We nervously laughed at the sticker shock on the menu items. The bill for six tiny hamburgers came to about $20. We paid, gathered our things, and walked over to Armand's across the street. We enjoyed a huge deep dish pizza for $10 and pitchers of beer that cost as much as one New Belgium beer at Matchbox. I'm sure there are people who don't mind Matchbox's higher prices but for all the flair and flash, there's little substance for someone like me. At the risk of insulting anyone who enjoys this place, I feel like it's a ripoff.
(2)Anthony M.
Earlier I wrote a review telling you to not avoid a blonde server named Chris. This was petty of me bc I was mad at him for something that nothing to do with his job. In fact he is a really good server and you would be lucky to sit in his section. Also, match ox food is great, ( I love the scallops) So try them out, sit in Chris' section.... You'll have a great time! Sorry I was a douche
(5)Teresa L.
I am always on the lookout for good pizza (which is sadly lacking in this area) so I was pretty happy when Matchbox opened within walking distance of my house. The first time I went was with people from work and we all tried several appetizers, some salads, and pizza. I will say straight away that the onion straws are heavenly and not to be missed. They come with the sliders but you can order them separately as well. Also among my favorites are the crab avocado salad appetizer (which is big enough for a meal and for which they will gladly bring you moar crostini), the tuna tartare, and the calamari salad (also big enough for a meal). My boss' kids go nuts for the sliders Unfortunately the pizza here is just...meh. It is good but it is not great. The crust would be flavorful if it were not so burnt. Saying "wood fired pizza can get a little charred" does not really come to close to describing the extent to which the crust is actually black sometimes. The smoke and fire pizza is delicious but has way too much sauce. Whether you find it to be "very spicy" as the menu claims is a matter of personal fortitude but I think it could use a little more oomph. It is a great mix of flavors though. The veggie pizza is also good and comes with little potato chips on the top, which might sound weird but it works very well. I haven't tried any of the meat pizzas (vegetarian) but I'm told the chicken pesto pizza is good. I'm usually stuffed like a whale when I leave here so I've never tried the desserts. The bar menu is good but a little pricey. Be prepared to spend a fair amount of money here if you want an appetizer, a pizza, dessert, and a couple of beers. I can easily spend $50 here by myself. Which is another thing. I usually dine alone and without fail, the three times I've come to Matchbox the host has tried mightily to direct me to a bar seat. Now..I am sensitive to the concerns of busy restaurants, which is why I tend to go when they are not busy. So each time this has happened the restaurant has been mostly empty. The bar is often loud and usually quite crowded and it's not where I want to eat my meal. While they didn't seem to begrudge me the corner table they eventually led me to, it seemed a bit odd. Perhaps it is a restaurant policy.. Anyways, this is a good reliable place to take friends and/or family, especially if there are lots of different tastes. Their menu has many options other than pizza and quite a few of their daily specials have sounded tempting. When the weather is nice they have a nice patio and a deck for dining al fresco and all the staff have been friendly and helpful. I will certainly eat here again. However, my hunt for good local pizza goes on...
(3)Susan L.
Went for the first time last month and shared 3 pizzas with 3 other ladies (4 diners total). The pizzas were delicious and were so large that we had lots of left overs. I loved how each pizza has a distinct and unique flavor. Would definitely go again!
(4)Miki L.
A very large restaurants, with a menu big enough for everyone to find something. I enjoyed the appetizer sampler, with two juicy, fat seared scallops, two mini crab cakes and two mini sliders, minus the bun. Yum, yum. On another visit I totally enjoyed the roasted half chicken. Wow. Can't decide if the smashed potatoes or the chicken were better. Would have liked the grilled corn, but it was on the cob, and I didn't feel like picking it up and gnawing on it. The bar staff is very friendly. I found a nice selection of wine -- by the glass and bottle -- and while they have a handful of average bottled beer, they have a dozen interesting beers on tap. Desserts sound fab, but sadly, not room. And I was told by another diner that the pizzas are amazing.
(4)Ken E.
Ok, decent food. GREAT beer selection.
(3)dre t.
Food was ok but service at the rockville location has been terrible the 2 times I've been there. Some of the staff are slow and not professional, menu should offer more which would be nice.
(2)Melanie Y.
I came here for dinner with a group of friends who raved about the new place with the first one located in chinatown DC. The way the building is set up and the lit sign immediately draws you in making you feel warm and cozy. First off, I do try to be like Rachel Ray and ask the waiter what his fave dish was, but now I think I'll stop doing that next time. Everyone's tastebuds are different, so what could be his fave dish may not be mine at all and this was the case here. I'm not sure why I'd expect anything different. Whoever thought up that concept should be scolded nicely and recommend others not to do it. =P Well, the pizza suggested by the waiter was the chicken pesto, which was just ok, but then again, if I can't remember what I ordered, could that be any good? hmmm. I shared the pizza with my friend, but we both, however, veered towards our couple friend's pizza, which was pretty darn good. I forgot to ask him what he ordered though. Oh and apparently the mini burgers are a must and depending on how many burgers you get, you'll have a mound, and I mean MOUND of onion straws piled on top. That was pretty good, but a bit dry IMO and only bc I believe I ordered mine well-done. I'd come here again if I'm in the area.
(4)Namataka H.
Decor: I love the decor. It was unique and in the area we sat it was perfect for a couples' outing. The different sections of the establishment brings all kinds of people together from family, friends and couples. Service: We made reservations, so the host seated us quickly. The waiter didn't know the menu fully in and out. If she didn't know she found out for us quickly so I give her pass on that. She checked on us frequently enough to make sure we didn't go without. She got a tip lol Food: AMAZING! The pizza has a distinct taste due to how they are cooked in the wood fire oven. The mini burgers are outstanding! Due to it being a recent location there wasn't a brunch menu but I can't wait to try brunch.
(3)Debbie H.
It was our first visit to Matchbox 369. We had no idea what to order so we have left our waiter in charge. Let's just say - Mini Angus Beef Burgers with Fried Onion + Apple & Pear Salad + Vegetarian / Q Special (grilled marinated chicken) Woodfire Pizza = Perfect Lunch Munchie!!! All the dishes we ordered were delicious and well priced: The Angus Beef patties were beautifully grilled and extremely juicy. Freshly prepared Apple & Pear Salad with hint of sweetness and sourness really opened up our appetite. The woodfire pizzas were perfect mixture of texture and flavor - definitely not too greasy and not heavy on the stomach. The service was great and very accommodating. And the decor was hip! Definitely a place to hang out and chill after a long day work :)
(4)Marivic L.
Matchbox has a good, fun vibe, so it's a great place to meet some friends for dinner, which is exactly what I did tonight. We shared a the trio appetizer which included: 2 MINI BURGERS - FYI, these are sans bun. I'm OK with that, but you might not be. They were cooked medium rare, which is how I like them, and they had a good grilled flavor to them. They were topped with battered and fried onions which was a good added flavor and texture. 2 MINI CRAB CAKES - This wasn't jumbo lump crab, of course, but it had good flavor and was slightly crisp on the outside. 2 SCALLOPS - I didn't eat these because I knew I was getting scallops for my entree (Please see SCALLOP ENTREE for the review - haha) Next, we each had a PEAR & APPLE SALAD - Mixed greens, pears, apples and candied nuts. Yes, please. For my entree, I had the SCALLOPS w/mashed sweet taters and pork belly. This is how I felt about the components: SCALLOPS - 4 huge, perfectly cooked morsels. SWEET MASHED POTATOES - Very good, but I'd have preferred it without the sauce, which was very sweet. The pork belly was placed on top of the sauce. PORK BELLY - I honestly don't think the pork was pork belly. It was pork, yes, but not the belly. This was disappointing because it was not as advertised and was tougher than I'd hoped. Also, since it was placed in the aforementioned sweet sauce, it was no bueno. After all was said and done, the "PORK BELLY" and the sauce was left on my plate. I tried really hard to eat every single bit of the mashed sweet potatoes that I could salvage. All in all, I give matchbox 3 stars because it's worth coming back to try more things. I won't let their version of pork belly keep me away.
(3)Sokha A.
I love Matchbox! The ribs were great, the sea scallops were good but sparse, the Q Special pizza was tasty, the mini trio was a nice sampling, loved the bread pudding; I enjoyed everything I ate there. My kids love the bread dough they got to play with, instead of the typical crayons and paper they get everywhere else, nice touch. A+ on the decor and layout, love that there's large semi-private rooms sectioned off, instead of just one huge room, gives it a cozier feel. If you sit anywhere in the middle, it can be a bit noisy, though.
(5)E. F.
Have eaten here several times and have always enjoyed it. Can be busy on weekends, but on a Monday night it's just the right amount of busy. :-) My favorites: Mini Trio appetizer. 2 bunless mini burgers (w/amazing marinated mushrooms), 2 tiny crab cakes, and 2 scallops. This works great to split with my pesceterian boyfriend. I eat both the mini burgers and one of the seafood items, and he eats the rest. PROSCIUTTO & FIG PIZZA. Holy crap. You will see it on the menu and be all, "what? figs and honey on a pizza? that sounds weird." IT IS WEIRD. It's the best weird you can put in your mouth. You should do it. The pizza hits all the right notes with the smokey/salty prosciutto, creamy cheese, sweet figs, spicy arugula, and just a drizzle of black pepper honey. It is so, so good. You can go to a pizza place like this and get your ol' standby of pepperoni, or you could give your mouth something insanely awesome to chew. Up to you. The dining area is always immaculately clean, servers are prompt (and help each other out). It's on the pricier side, but two people can split 1 app, 1 small pizza, and 1 dessert and be totally full. (We got a large pizza and took half home for tomorrow.)
(4)A J.
Everything we've had has been great! The sliders are awesome and fun to share!
(5)Christopher M.
Smoke & Fire pizza
(4)CINDY E.
Expensive and well worth it. The ambience is spectacular, the food phenomenal, I love the Italian ham with arugula pizza. Do not miss the pear salad which is the best anywhere. Chimay beer is from Belgium and it tastes like, beer meets champagne! Sit outside at the fire pit.
(5)Gues T.
Bad salad. Wilted greens. Incomplete order. The car alarms and Rockville Pike traffic will round-out the experience. There are better places in Rockville for great pizza and cold beer.
(2)Nicole R.
What a gem in Rockville; the area NEEDS a place like Matchbox. This restaurant will be hopping in the spring/summer. I agree with my fellow yelpers; this will be THE place to go for happy hours. I cannot rate their food because I only had drinks here; the mango-mango cocktail was fantastic. The food prices look moderate and I'm sure their pizza is delish. I will definitely be back here and will update my review once I actually try their fare. Great layout; very roomy...two bars, nice bathrooms. This place is cozy and well designed. Parking is ample and the place is easy to get to from the Pike or 270.
(4)Rosely S.
I've been to match box on 355 a few times now and gotta tell you, the hosts are NOT very friendly. They definitely are not up to help you. I have set at the bar, at the table bar, and at dining area. Dining area was ok as far as service. But other than that, the rest of the the staff that I was approached by are not friendly at all. Had a prosciutto and arugula pizza the 3rd time I went.. And I recreated it! Please go to Oro restaurant in Rockville town square if you want to experience a tasty pizza. Overall the staff at match box should get some training on how to treat he costumers.
(2)Sonny M.
I went here for dinner at a Sunday night. There was no wait. As for the food, I thought it was good, but the food is really anything unique or adventurous. My girlfriend and I ate the miniburgers and prosciutto and figs pizza. The miniburgers were tasty but a little dry and smaller than most miniburgers that I am accustomed to. Remember to ask for ketchup and mayonnaise for the burgers. Our waiter remember to ask if we wanted it. As for the pizza, the pizza is cooked in a coal fire pit. Our pizza was a white pizza with prosciutto and figs. Figs was something different for a pizza topping. Figs worked really well on top of a pizza. The service was really good. He was quick to serve our needs. When we asked for the aforementioned ketchup and mayonnaise, he quickly went back to the kitchen to immediately give it to us. I would go back again to Matchbox with a group of friends or dinner date. However, I thought the prices were a little high given what it is. I think you pay for the ambiance.
(3)Vital C.
Great service. We've been here twice. Whenever a waiter was busy, someone else would come check on us for drink orders, etc. Very impressed with how friendly the staff is. Food is quite good.
(4)Adam L.
Expect a 30+ minute wait w/ no place to sit. Not family friendly. Like previous restaurants in this location, there is limited parking close the building. I really wanted to give Matchbox a great review, but the first few weeks at this location have not been kind. As a new father, "family friendly" is high on our priorities when choosing a restaurant. One our first visit we waited 30+ minutes for a table and when we were finally seated they brought us a high chair that had poop on it. The wait staff was confused, slow and absent minded -- but I gave them a pass since it was their first week on the job. On our second visit we had another 30+ minute wait. However this time, we found that what little wait room seating they had (to the right of the bar) had been replaced by a large dining table. I'll admit, this annoyed the hell of out me and my wife. They seemed to have spent so much time designing a beautiful space, yet they completely ignored customers waiting in the lobby. :-( So.... 30 minute wait in a lobby so crowded that it's standing room only... PASS. Hopefully when the 'new restaurant' excitement dies down this place will be a viable choice. ** If you are looking to a nice place to take a date, there a much nicer places on the pike. Betuccis's at White Flint offers similar pizzas without a wait. ** I promise to update this review after Matchbox has been open for a month (and hopefully the crowd dies down).
(2)Keny Ñ.
Guaranteed 2have a knowledge of beers/food if u talk to ron or reese. Pep/meatball roll choice pick!
(4)Rebecca P.
i came in with 3 hungry guys and myself. mediocre pizza... the mozarella appetizer thing was yummy...but an awkward appetizer to share...id rather eat it all myself i cannot comprehend how a place known for its sliders....is not known for its regular sized burger...its the same meat...same toppings and fixings...how is something 3 times as small more famous than the original? like i thought the 3 giant onion ring mountain looked more impressive on the regular burger than the curly mess of fried onions stacked on the sliders. how is the mini version better than the original?! food took foreverrrr to come. but drinks kept being refilled. 2 pizzas, 6 sliders, a burger, and the cheese appetizer came out to be $95 including 20% tip. never again
(2)r y.
We went here for brunch. I liked the atmostphere and the food. But what I loved most that it was kid friendly and gave the kids pizza dough to play with while we waited for the food. My children are very young and have about 10 minutes max of sit and be nice time. The cinnamon rolls were the best. Very light.
(4)Justin S.
Great place for a good meal. Food was good and speciality pizzas were great. Brought 2 kinds under 3 and had no problems and the staff was very helpful.
(4)Michelle S.
Finally, all 3 Matchbox in the area. The service was excellent, the food was great, the space was huge!! It's waayyy out of my way, but I'd definitely go to this location again
(4)Barry C.
Great pizza, great restaurant. I'll be back! Waitress was great and oh so nice. Had a date and plan on going again. Love the facility in rockville.
(5)Valarie G.
Came here with friends for the first time the other night. The food is good, though a special request was not honored (friend asked for no pickles and got pickles anyway)...the drinks were good but the bartender was unable to make any unusual drinks (I'm a huge sazerac and blue whale fan) but they have the standards. The decorating was awesome and I can't wait to try out the rooftop area when it opens up for the season. No long waits though and the drinks were kept full. Nice ambiance to the place and not as crowded as some of the other matchbox locations.
(4)Jay B.
I had heard a lot of good buzz about Matchbox but was not overly impressed today for lunch. When we arrived, there was a 25-minute wait. While we checked for seating at the bar, the servers there said they had lots of tables available (which was clear) but the hostess said the kitchen was not able to keep up so they could not fill those seats. We had salads and split a pizza. The pizza was very good but the salads were quite salty.
(3)Dee B.
The crab and avocado salad appetizer ($14) is amazing! Calling it a salad doesn't really do it justice though... Essentially it a constructed tower that consists of fresh avocado on the bottom, and that is topped with an enormous mound of crab, which contains some roasted corn and red peppers mixed it. Comes with a side of salty, garlicky crostini.
(4)Tiffany W.
Bottom line: I want to like this place, but I don't... and after trying it several times, I won't be back. The details: The food is okay- typical thin-crust, wood-fired pizza. Although I don't find the food to be anything particularly special, I generally like it (some things have been good- some things have been not as good) and would probably come back from time to time if it weren't for the bad service. We had dinner at Matchbox last night (a Sunday) and from the time we stepped foot in the door, everything about the service left something to be desired. The hostesses were inattentive and uncommunicative, our waitress was slow (we timed it and it took over 10 minutes from the time we were seated until the time the waitress came over to take our drink orders), and our waitress's attitude was bordering on rude. It was not at all busy in the restaurant (the waitress acknowledged that herself), so I can't even find an excuse for the across-the-board bad service. Maybe everyone was having a bad day (it could happen), but after multiple less than satisfying experiences here, I won't be back to see.
(2)Sharon D.
Everyone is pleasant, but food is OK at best. Don't understand why this place is always packed when there are so many other cute neighbor like restaurants that are better.
(2)Elitza K.
Great food and the server was very nice. However, the hostesses were phlegmatic and completely inattentive.
(4)Steve W.
Had lunch there Sunday. We started with the pear salad. It was tasty and fresh. We ordered a pepperoni pizza. Some of the tables were receiving their pizza as we waited and they looked a bit burned. The menu does state that the pizza may be charred due to their wood oven's high temperatures. They just looked a little too well done. Thankfully ours came out better. The pizza was good. Typical thin crust. The pepperoni was tasty and cut thin, which is the way I like it. I would ask for extra sauce on the pizza the next time I visit. Others around us ordered the mini sliders. They looked really good. They also have a huge outdoor upstairs and downstairs patio along with an indoor bar. They probably get busy for happy hours during the Summer. All in all, a decent experience.
(3)Allie A.
This place is enormous. I went here with some co-workers. We all sat outside and got the mini-burger sliders, which was perfect to share and absolutely delicious, a must have. Their pizza is also phenomenal- I got pepperoni and was very impressed. The service was fine.
(4)Susan G.
Very friendly bartender. Great restaurant setup. Food is pretty good. I've had pizzas and salads and all of it is good. Great ambiance and especially fun to sit outside by the fire.
(5)Kathryn A.
Gotta say "yes" to this one!!! As a Chicagoan, I am picky about pizza; however, I was willing to try this place when it was recommended by a friend. This pizza is unique. If you're looking for NY or Chi-town style, this isn't the place. If you're looking for gourmet pizza...not the CA Pizza Kitchen blah, blah, blah, but something truly different, this is the place. The pizza is nothing short of excellent! The variety is exciting...a change for Rockville. They have added a new happy hour and not only do they offer excellent lite bites, but this is one of the only places around to get a fairly priced import! Our waiter had talent, skill and this too, is rare for the area, where we encounter these young, 20 something, "I'm just here for the summer" wait staff. Instead, you will be served by a person who knows the restaurant business and the best way to present an excellent meal!
(5)Janet K.
After visiting Matchbox at least 3 times I think I should have a review to post! This is a wonderful beer-drinking place, because of the variety. The price of the entrees and appetizers are a little pricy though. I was here recently and only wanted an appetizer, but found that they were almost as expensive as the entrees. I ended up getting an entree (extra calories!) and my husband got the "sliders." The previous reviewer was correct when she said that the sliders were expensive for what you get! I am sure we could have saved "in bulk" but I wasn't ready to eat all of that. The food was tasty but not the best, I believe they are a 3 to 3.5 star restaurant considering the price. Most likely the reason for that price is their location on Rockville Pike which is very convenient.
(3)Eva W.
Last summer I had a VSG, which means I can't eat much at one sitting, can't drink alcohol, can't drink any liquids with food. So consider this review background to other, more complete reviews, since what I can eat is limited. I usually order from the appetizer menu, and I was happy with the selection here. I had a trio of two perfectly seared scallops in a butter sauce, two mini-crab cakes with a sauce on top, and two bunless sliders. The fried onions on top of the sliders were great but my medium rare request came out medium well, and it took two tries to get steak sauce for the sliders--I can hear the purists screaming but I can't eat meat without some kind of sauce to compensate for not being able to drink with meals. Also, I walk with a cane, and was seated some distance away from the front door, and up several stairs. It would have been nice for them to notice that I use a cane and walk with a limp, and ask me if I was OK with walking up stairs. Hence, the 4 star rating instead of all 5 stars. It looked nice, and everything was delicious, and except for those two hiccups, the service was good. It's a nice place for pizza night.
(4)Juliet K.
i've been to the location in chinatown, and really liked it so it was nice to try another location. this one is HUGE in comparison to DC. the decor is very rustic with all the reclaimed wood, but i really liked it. drink menu seems legit. i dont normally order drinks, but there were lots that i would have wanted to try. i ordered some fruity martini .. i forget the name of it, but it was good. a bit sweet, but definitely strong. I could feel it after just ONE drink, not normal for me. ordered: tuna tartare app which was fantastic. the tuna was so flavorful and the homemade chips on the side were very crunchy. matchbox meat pizza was good. i love their dough and crust. cheese is the perfect amount and the sauce is flavorful. also order the coppa italian ham and argula. the argula on top was a really nice fresh touch to the pizza. delish. trio dessert - if i could go back, i would just get the molten chocolate cake. that was the best of the three, then probably the doughnuts, and last the sorbet. the sorbet wasnt anything special. but the molten cake was DIVINE and the doughnuts were warm and soft... yum. solid food and drinks. definitely worth at least a visit.... and some place to go if you are craving non-delivery pizza.
(4)Ch B.
Pizza is pretty good. Very thin, sometimes too crispy. Sliders are excellent. Brunch is great. Fantastic cinnamon rolls.
(4)Kim D.
I ate at Matchbox for the first time today, when we had a luncheon for a colleague. There were about 18 of us. We waited a long time for our food to arrive. Two people in our party ordered the grilled prawn and beet salad, and it arrived without beets. They had to ask for them. I ordered the Cobb salad and was very disappointed. The salad *looked* good but taste was another story. I'm not a fussy eater and have never sent a dish back, but came pretty close today. The whole salad was very salty (before I even tasted the prosciutto) and the shredded chicken was tough, almost inedible. I have serious doubts about a restaurant that failed twice on making a salad. Two other reviewers really liked the Cobb salad so maybe I was just there on an "off" day..... but do you really want to go to a restaurant where you have to wonder if it's going to be a good day or a bad day?
(2)Emily W.
Come here for the epic meal-salads and some great drinks. The only reason it's a 4 star is because the food is a little spotty and lacks that little something to make it sophisticated. Some examples: 1. The crab and avocado salad has plenty of the star ingredients, but no acid or spice to liven it up. It would be so easy to add some lemon or smoked paprika. 2. The "fire and smoke" (smoke and fire?) pizza is gorgeous and truly spicy. I love, love, love spicy food! But it was all spice and cream and no flavor. It needs something green for contrast, like basil or maybe a hefty dose of flat-leaf parsley. BUT it's still pretty good. The folks working the back bar are always friendly and solicitous, which is nearly as important as how the food tastes. They have a good sense of whether you want to be left alone or not, and will bring you little sips of wine to taste and talk about the menu in detail if you want them to. I'll definitely be coming back here, and I'll probably have a glass or three of white wine and a salad, unless I read that they've added some acid to that crab thing. I might be tempted to re-try it, if so. It's a little expensive for what it is. They're charging Dupont Circle prices in a Rockville shopping center.
(4)L L.
One of my favorite spots for a casual dinner. We usually stick with the same things because they are just so good.... Mini burgers for the appetizer, pizza for dinner. Cocktails are reasonably priced and tasty, too. Only con is it's always so busy but we try to make reservations so it's not a concern.
(5)Yelppy Y.
Overpriced for dishes that have nothing special. The most insipid pizza i've ever tried. I saw my friend's chicken-something dish and there was nothing amusing for a $20+ meal. No wow factor. Lame. ...just another fancy-looking chain for suburbia.
(2)Norman H.
I've been here a few times, and enjoy it every time. It's not great if you're on a budget (mini trio appetizer being $15), but it is good every so often. The wood-fired oven is pretty cool, and adds a great flavor to the pizza. Our group had 6 mini burgers, 1 veggie pizza, 1/2 chicken pesto, 1/2 coppa italian ham & arugula, 1/2 matchbox meat, and 1/2 something else. Also someone had the grilled romaine and hanger steak salad; but she gets no say in my review. A few notes: -Onion fries that come with the 3/6/9 burgers are very addictive. Be careful. -The veggie pizza has poblano peppers (tad spicy), and potato chips on it! Both are good ideas!! What sucks are the mushrooms. As our awesome waitress suggested: do a veggie pizza, with no mushrooms, replace it with Italian sausage. This sounds OMG amazing. I will have to get this next time. -The coppa & arugula was very good too, with a healthy amount of spinach on the top of the pizza. -Chicken pesto is a regular that we get because it's just good. Sometimes the chicken can be a bit dry, but I don't complain. For dessert, we had donuts & coffee, and chocolate chip bread pudding. The donuts are like mega munchkins, and bread pudding + rum caramel is really good. The former may not be true so don't take my word on that, as I had a few beers and it probably impaired my perspective on them. But both desserts were very satisfying in the way they're supposed to be. Service is always great there and the waiters and waitresses are very attentive. We did not have to ask to get our water/soda refilled.
(4)Cj H.
With two new, good pizza places open in the area, Matchbox may face some competition, but I think they can survive. I've always liked their pizza and the way their pizzas come out. They can get a little greasy, but are always tasty. Their best quality would have to be the pepperoni's, which are unique and make their pizza special. That alone might keep my business.
(4)Paul M.
Since Againn Rockville shuttered I have been looking for a place to grab a quick bite on my occasional forays along MD's Champs Elysee. This place does the trick nicely. Goregous pizza, fabulous beer list - massive and lovely space inside. Does get busy though.
(4)Xiao C.
Nice place! Won't be disappointing if u are looking for a pizza place.
(4)MacKenzie W.
Came on a Saturday evening for dinner for the first time and really enjoyed it!! Got the mini burger appetizer and thought it was pretty good....but I never like mini burgers as much as big ones, always seem to be a little dry. Split the strawberry salad--it was AWESOME! A good balance of sweet and sour and savory, yum! For my dinner I got the fig & prosciutto pizza as per some reviews here and I definitely recommend it if you, like me, enjoy sweet/salty combos! My mom got the fire & smoke which wasn't as spicy as the menu warned us, but it was delicious. Split the mo's magic brownies for dessert (thank goodness the waiter told us it was huge because I could've never eaten that myself!!) and they were PRETTY good...I've had better brownies. Overall the atmosphere was good...tons of families and very loud in there...seems like the patio may have been better if you wanted a more intimate atmosphere. Service was good, if not a little slow. Waiter was very friendly and helpful with the menu. I would definitely come back!
(4)Douglas R.
Outstanding! My wife and I went to Matchbox for New Years Eve dinner and it was a great experience. Our server Ellen G was very attentive and had some great recommendations for dinner, particularly the steak with grilled shrimp and asparagus. I love the pizza with pepperoni, bacon, and spicy Italian sausage - which my wife ordered. But, the steak was a pleasant surprise. Highly recommend pairing the steak with a glass of Evolution 7 Porter. Delicious! Finally, Ellen G recommended the powdered donuts with Kalua dipping sauce, which was tasty. The port choices there are solid too.
(5)Christine T.
Make sure you have a reservation or expect to age while waiting. The sliders are worth noting- order them by the 3's, 6's, or 9's and they will PILE the onion crisps. I could barely taste the anorexicly thin slice of gouda we paid extra for. As far as the pizza is concerned- there's better out there. The proscuitto style is salty and bland while the Q special has chicken slices awkwardly too big. Conveniently they will let you do halfsies. Came here to see what all the hype was about and will continue the search for better pizza in this area.
(3)Tochi K.
I am not sure what all the hype is about. The best thing about it is the decor and large open spaces. I've tried to eat at Matchbox 3 times. The first 2 times my husband and I were told the wait would be 1 to 1 1/2 hours so we left. Most recently, we went on a Friday around 5:15 thinking we could take advantage of happy hour and a potentially short wait. We'd planned to eat and drink with 2 other couples. I got there first (1/2 hour early) and was told they wouldn't sit me or put us on a waiting list until everyone had arrived. They also wouldn't let me make a reservation for a later time: they said they only accept a limited number of reservations each night and had met their quota for the evening. This was surprisingly as the place was very empty--only 1/4 of the tables, at most, had diners! The staff was very blase about it all. In the 30 minutes I waited less than a handful of people showed up--they too were made to wait on their waiting benches for a few minutes before being seated. Again, the place was pretty empty! As I waited I reviewed their menu. The menu seemed ordinary and the prices were slightly higher. I asked if they had any happy hour specials and was told no. Our party left the still largely empty place at around 6 pm--we decided to eat elsewhere. The food couldn't be that spectacular and it just wasn't worth it. There are plenty of places around with good food, shorter waits, happy hour deals, better prices, better staff, equally good decor/ambiance, and much less pretentiousness!
(1)Mike S.
This is officially my new favorite Matchbox location, mainly due to the space. Since it's on Rockville Pike (i.e. Not constricted by row houses), it is pretty large. There is an awesome patio with a bar and two fire pits. Perfect for late summer, early fall weather. Now for the food. Bacon wrapped shrimp with cheese grits (topped with tomato and chopped chorizo). Droool. Seriously get these. I could easily eat these as my meal. I'm getting hungry just thinking about them. The pizza is pretty good too. My dad and I split a pizza that was half sausage and onion, and half sweet soppressata and wild mushroom (Yes apparently they will let you do that). I think I liked the sausage better out of the two. My dad claimed there was a little too much meat on the soppressata half but I guess that's just a matter of preference. Anyway, bacon wrapped shrimp, pizza, mini-burgers. Mmmm. Excuse me for a moment. I have some eating to do.
(4)Aisha S.
I've been to the Chinatown location a few times before and the Rockville location is pretty much exactly the same except it seems to be bigger. The food is just as good and the setup is very similar. I'm glad that the Rockville/Gaithersburg area is finally getting some popular places like this mixed in with the strip mall restaurants for a change. (Not that there's anything wrong with those.)
(4)Mark R.
Love this place. I'm a huge fan of the DC location. This is much larger. Has an outside deck with a bar. Same cool service. PS: Breakfast pizza = #winning
(5)Jorge N.
I've only been here once (on a Thursday night) and it was to go to the bar to have a couple beers and a couple appetizers. My first impression of this place was a good one. It was a breath of fresh air. Usually, to hang out at a place like this, I had to go all the way to DC because Montgomery County didn't offer anything like it. Matchbox is modern, sophisticated, trendy and it seems to attract the right clientelle. It also has nice house music playing in the background, which is my favorite for a restaurant like this. As for drinks, I saw a great selection of craft beers on tap, which is always a plus in my book. I also saw a number of girly drinks in the menu, which I'm sure a lot of people appreciate. The little food that I had was not bad either. I shared a couple appetizers with my friends (some little burgers and something else that I can't remember) and everything was good. On my way in and out, I saw a nice patio. This gives me a reason to come back during the summer. I'm also planning to come back for dinner sometime to see if the food is as good as the atmosphere. I deducted a star because the bartender told me they don't have any happy hour specials. That's just wrong.
(4)Jeni F.
If I could give this 3.5 stars, I would. The food is pretty consistently good. Never had a problem with their drinks EXCEPT for their bloody mary's which they claim are one of their specialties. I've had all of them and never been fan of any version. My office has had several happy hours in the back bar which is a good place to mingle. I LOVE their crab and avocado salad and pretty much all of their pizzas. The crispy seared salmon and crab crusted rockfish are my favorites off their entrees menu.
(3)Angela C.
I went to matchbox for brunch and it was an overall pleasant experience. It was 70 degrees that day so we decided to eat on the patio. The inside was really nice but the patio was exceptionally beautiful. Our waiter was the bartender as well which is usually not a problem with me. He was very friendly but a tad awkward and we did have to wait a while for our check. I got the Bloody Mary burger which did not disappoint. My friend ordered a sandwich with fries. Instead, stale potato chips arrived. Not sure if that's their version of fries, if so, we should have been warned and they should have been well executed. Anyways that didn't take away from the overall meal. What did knock off a star was the host staff. They were not very pleasant and being that they are the first people you see,they should be very friendly. This was not the case. One host was also screaming at another one, right in front of us and then rolled her eyes as we walked past.
(4)Quince B.
I've been to the Matchbox in SE DC, I like this one a lot better. It's twice the size as the one SE and that's a good thing, because I always feel cramped at the other one. Very crowded on the weekend, make a reservation, or expect a 30 minute wait.
(4)Kelly K.
I went to this location for the first time on Tuesday evening (I've been to the one in Chinatown a number of times). Although the noise level was a little higher than what I'd like at a restaurant, the service and the quality of food made up for it. When we were seated at the table, our server was approaching one of her other tables, but she acknowledged that we were there and said she'd be with us in a minute. She was quick in getting us our drinks and taking our order, and throughout the meal she was attentive and made sure we had whatever we needed. I ordered the small Fire & Smoke pizza and was definitely not disappointed. It has just the right amount of spice to it - the menu says "very spicy" next to it, but if you're used to spicy food its not that spicy. We had a good experience and would come back on occasion.
(4)Rob G.
Sat down ton Mom's Day w/ the fam.. the atmosphere was cool, with plenty of options to suit your mood. Food was good also - had the ribeye, and also tasted the NY Strip. Could definitely be a hang-out spot for good food and cocktails.
(4)Barbara W.
I came to Matchbox for an early dinner on a Friday, so it was not too crowded yet. The service was super friendly, and the servers were probably the nicest I've had in a while. They are the reason this place is getting 3 stars instead of lower. The servers really pushed the 3-6-9 mini-burgers on brioche bread as an appetizer with onion straws. I saw them highly reviewed on Yelp as well so decided to order them. However, I felt that they were very dry, and didn't seem unique in terms of flavors. The onion straws were tasty though! We ordered the meatball pizza, and a salad to balance out the meal. The pizza was quite delicious, and the meatballs had good seasoning and held together well. The crust on the pizza was very thin and lived up to its standards. The salad was good, but nothing too special to comment on. I would actually avoid the mini-burgers, but would definitely recommend the pizza. An A-OK place, but not someplace I would return for the sliders.
(3)Amanda W.
This Matchbox location is perfect for those of us in the 'burbs who don't want the long wait at the Chinatown location. I love the draft beer selection (has some beers from my home, Upstate NY - very cool!) and the pizzas are the way to go. I've had the sliders that everyone raves about, and while they are good - I found them a little salty. Could have just been the shift that night. The Rockville location is big with awesome outdoor seating. The bar is a great hangout for happy hour with friendly bartenders. I have no reason not to go back!
(4)Key J.
Unlike the Chinatown location, the Rockville Matchbox is HUGE. No line, no wait, no starvation. I got the crab cake sandwich. The boyfriend got the Matchbox chicken sandwich. We shared and we both left full and happy.
(4)Kelly M.
I very rarely give 5 stars, but this place delivered fabulous food and excellent service for my lunch today and that is hard to come by these days. I've been to the Matchbox in DC a few times, but this is the first time I've been to the Rockville location. It is MUCH bigger than the DC location and there was hardly a wait time. Food was excellent. We had the obligatory sliders with that amazing pile of onion fried goodness. We had the pizza, which is also a must if you go to Matchbox. I added the pear/apple salad which was really tasty as well. Not only was the food fabulous, but our server was friendly, attentive and fast, which is always appreciated. Although we didn't take advantage of it today, they do offer brunch now on Saturday and Sunday until 3pm. Will have to try it next time. I would definitely recommend this place to others if you're in the area. I can't wait to stop by here when it gets a bit warmer out to enjoy their awesome fire pit bar!
(5)Aya D.
Great atmosphere, friendly wait staff, and the food was great! I went there on a date and the servers didn't bother us too much -which was really nice and refreshing.
(4)Audrey W.
We ordered three pizzas, mini burgers, onion ring, and crab cake. the onion ring is the best part, not a big fan of its pizza. The food here are generally fairly priced though nothing special, but it's a good place to meet up with friends.
(3)Ilona K.
The food was ok. Nothing to complain about, but then again, nothing to write home about either.
(3)Ting W.
To be straightforward, I don't know what all the hype is about with this place. I've been here on several occasions but each time has not improved my opinion of the place. I've tried their 3,6, & 9 burger. It was like any other standard burger I could get at a fast food joint but smaller and more expensive. Their pizzas are ok but do NOT order the pepperoni pizza. Without fail, someone in my group of friends always orders it and I find that their pepperoni pizza is always burnt. Q special pizza is unique and always turns out right though. For the price, I feel like you could go to other places for better pizza and with a much quieter setting.
(2)Anne B.
Meh. Not that impressed. Very overpriced. No happy hour???? As-IF! It's a showy place- good option if you are trying to take someone out in Rockville. However, it's pricy menu and outrageous beer prices keep me from being a regular there. I'd much rather spend the $30-40 on a pedicure. Best bet- Sliders. They come with a huge amount of onion straws that are delicious. They are cooked to perfection and are quite filling. Best beer- Ayinger. This beer is sent from the Lord above. It is so light and refreshing and is dangerously easy to throw back. The $10 price tag makes it even more dangerous. Tip- If you want to buy this beer and drink it at home for MUCH cheaper, go to Wine Harvest in Rockville and buy big bottles for only $4.50 each.
(3)J D.
I know I give out a lot of 4-star reviews, but I generally only feel moved to write reviews on places my wife and I really like; I should probably get out of that habit because it would be a shame for people to waste time and money at restaurants not worth the trouble- but this is not one of those places. I first went to Matchbox about a month after it first opened; being from NY I'm generally skeptical about any place that calls itself a pizzeria (which this place does not, but it advertises its pizza so there you have it) so with my co-worker, I and my jaded views went to eat lunch. In fact, I didn't even order pizza- but my co-worker did and I was surprised at how flavorful it was, but I'm getting ahead of myself. This place, being brand new, is clean, with nice lines, attractive decor and seating both indoor and outdoor- the indoor is made up of three seating sections; the main dining room, the upstairs dining room and the bar area. I've been to this place at least a half dozen times since then and I've always received good service and have had zero complaints about the food. To be fair, I've only ever ordered three items from the menu- either the pizza, which comes with a spicy tomato sauce, crisp crust and good cheese, the pepperoni and meatball roll (this is listed as an appetizer, but I usually order this as a meal that my wife and I will share because its so big) - same ingredients as for the pizza and the mini burgers, which are probably their signature dish. I say this because no matter how many your order, they automatically come with crisp-fried onion straws so you don't need to order fries or anything else to go with it; they are always tender and juicy and a delight to the palate! Because of how good these three items are, I find I don't order, or need to order anything else. This little gem is tucked inside the Congressional Plaza shopping center on Rockville Pike and is almost always full during lunch and happy hour. My wife and I went up there on a Saturday afternoon because I raved so much about the place that she had to see it for herself...we sat at the bar and just enjoyed ourselves. The waitstaff are friendly and courteous, and very willing to fix whatever problems may arise. I hope this place sticks around, it is one of the better restaurants to have lunch in if you're in or near the Rockville area, or knock back a few after hours if you're so inclined. It can get a little pricey, especially if you're drinking but to me, it is worth it.
(4)Cliff M.
Really good pizza, really good beer selection and friendly barkeeps that make the experience enjoyable. A friend and I ate at the bar; this place seems positively rammed at dinner time (even during the week) so the bar might be your best bet if you don't enjoy waiting in line.
(4)MJ ..
I love this place! The food is excellent and the atmosphere is really cool! Ive been here a lot and the best pizza i think, would be the fire & smoke and the matchbox chicken sandwhich is probably the best thing on the whole menu, hands down. The service is, ehh. They could be a little more quick and reliable, but oh well. However, I defff reccomend this place to anyone who hasnt tried it yet! Love matchbox!
(3)Bill G.
Decent food but seriously overpriced. Our ten inch pizzas were not worth fourteen dollars. They also seated us in some obscure corner of the place behind a wall. Seems to me like it's bad form to hide customers.
(1)Martin B.
Make a reservation. I came here at 1PM thinking there'd be room, and there was... on the outdoor deck. Service is friendly and reliable though, which was very important. The food here is the same as the other locations: delicious pizzas and killer miniburgers. The pepperoni pizza comes studded with little circles of meaty goodness, and the charred crust really pops in one's mouth. The onion strings with the miniburgers seemed a little burnt compared to what my memory recalls, but they were still tasty. So why three stars? Because eating on the deck felt like eating in a market in Baghdad (and in fact, accounting for the heat index, it was only 5 degrees hotter in Baghdad at the time that I was eating lunch. No joke!). There are no umbrellas out, no fans, nothing. Just you, the oppressive DC summer sun, and an occasional breeze. And that, my friends, is why that reliable service was so important; I needed to get my glass refilled with water about every two minutes. If you can get a seat inside, or outside on a cool day, this place is awesome. But until they make the outdoor deck hospitable to human life during summer daytime, I'd steer clear if I didn't have a reservation.
(3)Anna M.
You must go here and try the shrimp and grits, they are the best on the menu following with, well, all of their pizza flavors! I never even get a chance to pay any attention to the help that's how good it is. On the patio there's an outdoor fire pit that makes you feel like you're in Cali or somewhere paradise like.
(5)Yodith W.
This was my first time at matchbox. I would say that the service was great. I was able to call ahead for seating and they were very accommodating. My waitress was also very knowledgeable of their menu and offered some great recommendations. I gave this place 3 stars because I was expecting so much more from their pizza. I got the sausage and onion on half and meatball on the and I have to say it didn't seem like anything special. The ambiance of the restaurant was nice but the seating wasn't desirable. We were less than arms length from the table next to us which is fine if you don't mind sharing you dinner with your neighbors but I was looking for a bit more space. I would go back but I would try something besides the pizza. Oh yea!. There beer menu is a plus as well!
(3)Tariq A.
Food and service are always decent
(4)Mikyla G.
After going to Matchbox in DC i decided to try the new Rockville location. I expected it to have somewhat of the same menu and order my favorite dish.... it didn't. Basically pizzas, burgers and salads is what they have. In the sparse "specialties" section i found Sea Scallops and tried those. WINNER! They were cooked to perfection. The menu description said it came on a bed of mashed potatoes, which i later saw was really mashed sweet potatoes. Slight disappointment. Also, we chose to sit outside which was lovely, except for pesky gnats and flies (maybe invest in some ceiling fans). Anyways, our waitress was fantastic, the bar was fast, and the kitchen was on top of things. But work on that menu!!
(3)Amani A.
Ok so I had my bday here last summer and totally forgot to review this place... I originally wanted to have a reservation for 25 people but ended up cutting it down to 18 because in order for me to get a table for over 20 it's a min of $2000 WTF no thank you!!! For 2 G's I'll rent my club house and have my dad cater it and have a sick party. I was just trying to do a chill dinner with a few friends sheesh... I ended up having 20 people come and we squeezed people in, it is mind boggling to me though the restaurant was pretty empty we had a whole section with no other patrons sweet!! The reason I gave this place 3 star is bc the food and service is actually really good. Everyone also seem to have a good time and that made me happy in the end. I have also eaten here on other several occasion and really enjoy it as well. Just don't like the reservation rules/ restriction too snobby
(3)Erin T.
Love it! I have a new favorite :) The appetizer that has 2 mini burgers, 2 crab cakes and 2 scallops is fantastic. I like to sub in an extra 2 scallops instead of one of the others(for an up charge). The pizza is the real wood fire oven type and so far I haven't a topping combo that doesn't rock. They also have some fruit infused liquors the should interest drinkers. Pretty good service and the prices are reasonable.
(4)Maricris K.
Beautiful interior/decor, great food, comfortable atmosphere.
(5)Michael M.
Nice job Matchbox...this is definitely not your Chinatown location...think a little more...chainy... but still with some of the comforts of their DC location. The beer selection is phenomenal, and the cocktails are strong. The pizza's are great, we tried three different ones, and they were all fabulous. The tuna tar tar appetizer is really fantastic. And, there's really nothing else in rockville, so big bonus...I mean... are you going to go to Phillips?
(4)Brett W.
A disappointment. We've driven past ever since it opened--always jammed. When we walked in for the first time, the luscious smell of a wood oven met us. The place is multiple-leveled loveliness. Our waitress was knowledgeable, friendly and kept our water glasses full. The menu promised interesting food. We got their specialty, wood-fired pizza, half sausage and onion, half salami and mushrooms. The pizza arrived quickly, was presented well, and looked good. The disappointment? After all the great build up, the pizza was...well, ok. Very thin crust that was too chewy. Greasy. (The waitress said the thick-cut pepperoni was even worse.) And the "zesty tomato sauce" added absolutely no flavor. My wife said it was too sweet but I didn't even taste that. All in all, great setting and "eh" pizza. Disappointing.
(3)Jason L.
The Fire bloody mary is awesome. The Bloody Mary burger is pretty yummy too! :-)
(4)Daniel D.
Great food, atmosphere. Drinks were pricy, but the recommendations from the server panned out fantastically, which IMHO makes a place extraordinary. Fire and Smoke pizza was indeed hot...with a jalapeno-style spice. White pizza was perfect with goat cheese and everything that you'd expect from a gourmet pizza place. Rotating tap was "Southern Hemisphere" from Sierra Nevada...which has got to be one of the best brews I've had in a while, but very hoppy and bitter. Fantastic for my pallet...be careful though. Sliders/mini burgers were fantastic, but the fried onions they are served with made them amazing. Highly recommend reservations...and as early as possible on that! Enjoy!
(5)Carrie P.
There's nothing too special about this place. The ambience is nice, but it's so hectic in there and the food is so overpriced, that it hardly seems worth it. I've been here twice and the food is not memorable; I've had much better pizza in countless other establishments, so I see no reason to pay twice the price for lower quality. I will say that our waiter was nice and the food certainly wasn't bad. It really just didn't seem worth it. If the prices were about 30% cheaper, I might feel differently. Overall, a rip-off in my opinion.
(2)Tatiana S.
Great mini burgers but overall the service wasn't great
(3)D R.
5 stars for the bacon wrapped Shrimp and Grits - ridiculously delicious! Consistently good all the way around. It was strange waiting to be seated. Finally took myself to the bar. Happier there. Feels trendy.
(4)Miyuki L.
I have eaten here a handful of times and it is just not a memorable experience. I do think they have good mac and cheese. I think it looks nice inside but its just doesnt have anything setting it apart to make you justify high prices for a meh experience.
(2)Patrick D.
My son I me get down to Rockville on our way back from Dave and buster. He always wants to stop here and get there kids Mac and cheese. They always are friendly to him. I alway get the Pepperoni pizza. Lot of pepperoni good taste. Pizza charred just right. Service in good. Sometimes a little crowded though. But worth the small wait. I also like the open pit fire out front.
(5)Brad O.
Staffing was great. Food OK ..Noise level too loud. We had a person in a wheelchair, so were seated downstairs. They placed us in the Bar area, which for a outing with the whole family, Aunts, Grandparents etc. was not great.
(2)Arthur K.
The restaurant definitely has one thing going for it: hype. Does it have much else? We arrived to a bustling dining room - which by the way was pretty impressive. It reminded me a lot of Woodberry Kitchen. Rustic, lots of wood, but modern touches. We arrived on time for our reservation - which was well past normal dinner hour. They said they were running 15 minutes behind. Something caught my eye: a hostess arrived in the lobby serving free hot pizza to those waiting. 15 minutes later, we were told there was one table ahead of us. The hostess with the pizza came around again - and I realized this was to appease the masses of people waiting hours for their table. (The wait for walk-ins was 2 hours at one point). After 45 minutes from our reservation we were seated. I understand long waits for walk-ins. And the hosts/hostesses were friendly. The free pizza was a nice touch. But being seated 45 minutes _after_ our reservation time is completely unacceptable and unprofessional. When our server greeted us, I began to understand why some parties (especially this guy's) were taking forever to get up. He talked to us for about 5 minutes initially. Every time he came to the table he had some story or some in-depth detail he had to tell us in 200 or more words He also told us what he thought was horrible on the menu. He told our friend the beer she picked sucked. Do that stuff on Yelp, not while serving a table. He forgot my soda. Etc, etc, etc. The sliders were tasty. The onion rings on top were a great touch. Stringy onions and crispy batter, seasoned perfectly - a good match for the sliders. The pizza was good. But you can't really go wrong with pizza. My fave was the sausage and onion. The spicy meatball was decent. Not worth the wait. Horrible service. But decent eats.
(2)Mihae L.
This place is overrated. My old high school buddies and I just ate here last night. This was our second attempt to eat here, and last time the wait was an outrageous 3 hours, and we ended up eating at Fuddruckers down the street, instead. However, last night, it was rainy and dreary outside, which might explain why the six of us were seated at 6:30 PM without a wait or reservation. Now, onto the food. My bf and I split a large pizza, half Fire and Smoke (spicy) and half Tomato and Basil (forget the actual name of the pizza). While the pizza was decent, in my opinion, I have had way better pizza at other places. I definitely enjoy California Pizza Kitchen way better than the pizza here. I probably also enjoy frozen pizza from the grocery store more than I enjoyed the pizza here. Of course, that's just my opinion, and I'm probably making it sound worse than it was, but I guess I just expected a lot more. As for the service, our server was very attentive, precise, friendly, and seemed to really know the dishes well. The interior of the restaurant is also well constructed with warm, wooded notes. My three star rating, one for the food, one for good service, and one for atmosphere. Would I care to come back to eat here, however? No, I really don't see what the hype is all about. My review was pushed to 3 stars mostly for the service.
(3)Bill P.
Took daughter (13) here cause I told her it would change her life. :) Not sooo much she thought....she liked the mini burgers hers with cheddar and NO pickles but the sea salted parmisian cheesed onion shoe string/ straw fries did not impress her though I LOVE DEM!!!!!! Servers very nice and manager came over and rapped with us a few times......maybe opening location in VA sometime next year? I'll be back definitely. Daughter might have to be conjoled.
(4)Alicia C.
I'm so happy that one of my favorite DC spots has made it's way to Rockville! Now I won't have to trek as far every time I'm craving some mini burgers... though I may find the cravings hitting more often now! Alicia G and I stopped in on opening night to pick up some mini burgers to go. We had been eagerly awaiting the opening but already knew we wouldn't be able to dine in... so we hatched up a plan to at least stop in to check out the place and get our mini burger fix. Alicia G recognized one of the owners, Perry, and he happily greeted us and offered to give us a little tour of the place while we waited for our food. The space was gorgeous! Same sort of look as the other locations, and it felt very open. There were also spaces that could potentially be reserved for private parties. I for one can't wait to some back sometime in the spring to make use of the beautiful outdoor patio space! A big thank you again to Perry for the tour! The burgers, of course, were amazing. I can't wait to get back here again for a sit-down dinner, or a happy hour, or brunch, or a late night snack... well, you get the idea, I'm just thrilled to have Matchbox a little closer to home!
(5)Danielle L.
Lovely building but IT IS SO LOUD!!!!! (especially in the main room) And if you have a group, absolutely do not sit at the big round table(s); you'll never, ever hear a word from the people across from you. As for the food, the menu is fantastic. The pizza is pretty good. (Not 2 Amys good, but a few of the combos are worth a trip.) For all of the delicious-sounding dishes, however, i have yet to have a knock-your-socks-off meal. All tend to be on the salty side and several have been disappointing. Oh, and do not bother going without a reservation ( opentable.com ) unless you're willing to wait forever. Plus sides: nice brunch, VERY kid-friendly, attractive patio/outdoor bar area, pretty good service. And some of the dishes really are good. It's been so hit-or-miss, though, and the prices are just high enough to be memorably annoyed at that fact. Annoyed enough that we don't go as often as we might. Do try it; just don't expect to be blown away every time.
(3)Kevin P.
Pizzas are kinda pricey for how "meh" they tasted and how small the portion was. Looking at the items on the menu, you would think "oh that combination of ingredients looks interesting, i want to try it" - it's a hit or miss, and it just seems like most of the pizzas try too hard to be "fancy" and it just doesnt work out. The interior looked awesome however, and the staff is kind.
(2)Don S.
After two previous meals we gave it one more try. This was for a friends party. The people are great. Service was ok. Our server was very good. My wife had a hair in her sandwich and my crab cake was so full of dill it was uneatable. The people we were with had pizza - very unremarkable. They chose not to take the leftovers home. I cannot figure out why anyone spends money there.
(1)Brian G.
Great pizza, fun bar. It's a chain so I won't spend much time on this review. The wait sucks but that's to be expected when the pizza is so good and unique.
(4)Joie T.
3.6.9! ... 3.6.9! ... 3.6.9! ... WHAT??? ... You see this EVERYWHERE here! On the waiters t-shirts, on the floors, even in the restrooms! And if you did your Yelp research, you'd know what that means! So, we fiiiinally got a seat! Went on a Monday night, and the line-up was still 45 minutes! WHOAH!!! Ordered the famous 3.6.9 and got the 9 platter, with 3 different cheeses (gouda/mozzarella/gorgonzola). And the winner is? Mozzarella! Gouda was good, mozzarella was just right, gorgonzola was too thick & too salty and overpowered the meat & sweet buns. The platter of minis comes with awesome string onion fries piled sky-high! To balance our meal, we ordered the nicoise salad, that came with seared ahi tuna, eggs, potatoes, fish, olives, and greens. Portion size is NOT an issue here! If anything, you can share just ONE dish with someone! Great service, great atmosphere, nice interior. Been @ Matchbox for Lunch& Dinner and it's a great lac
(3)John K.
Good thing I don't have to drive all the way to DC anymore to go to Matchbox. HOLY CRAP the wait is long! On a weekend, expect 1-2 hours to get a table. Luckily we found two seats at the bar, so we didn't have to wait as long. I hope that the hype will go down after a few months and I don't have to wait as long for a table... I was extremely happy with the bartenders. Usually I have a hard time grabbing their attention, but they were coming to me asking me if I needed anything else. This is with a full bar mind you... Order: Shrimp and Grits - Too salty, if you tell them to go light on the salt, this is a really good dish. Q Special Pizza - Huge pieces of chicken. Very good. If it caught your attention on the menu, go ahead and order it. It's not a bad choice. Doughnuts - Do not get. Not as fresh as I thought (a little cold) and the dipping sauce is too watery. It would've been nicer if it was more like a frosting consistency. I still stand by my stance that the sliders are wayyy overrated.
(4)Liza A.
I still will give this place five stars for the mini burgers they r just awesome.....pizza is good...service very friendly and prompt. As my tip says I have never stood in line here I come in no busy times and its actually great.
(5)Mark R.
I think its pretty funny that someone could give this place a negative review because they had a long wait... that could mean one of two things: 1.) The food is really good and there is a wait 2.) Try making a reservation - you are in the Rockville area!!! This place is an absolute hit - just like all the others! Great food, great drinks (great beer and wine selection as well as good mixed drinks), and great atmosphere. If you have never been to Matchbox there are 2 things you have to try, the sliders and the pizza! Both are excellent! Get the sliders medium rare - deff quality meat! The pizzas are cooked to perfection - obviously use fresh ingredients! Perfect place for large groups, just make a reservation. They accept them online. For all you craft beer drinkers: great draft selection!!! Will not disappoint! Enjoy!!!
(4)Tamu H.
Alright this place is what pizza places were to me as an 8 year old in the 80's! Fancy, loud, popular, and the food was delicious and simple. However, now I'm all growed up, and I want arugula and anchovies and shit on my pizza, not just extra cheese. So, yeah, cool: fancy pizza, cold micro-brew beer for the people who like it. Good wine. Everything priced reasonably and in accordance with the truth is they're still just what Armand's was to those of us who knew about Tranzor Z. I'd go back. I think the hostesses are a little beat-up by the constant barrage of entitled-Montgomery-Countiers constant concerns for their so-called reservation. (I'm sorry but I come from an era where we didn't mind waiting for our seat out of respect for the business, so it pissed me off to constantly see people complaining about their time and other random bs to the hostesses) but the hostesses, in return, are completely tuned out to the world. Our server was bubbly and cool, but I am concerned they're wingin' it on any beer/wine knowledge- we both watched a server give a really ambiguous and arguable description of allagash white, which was pretty funny, but we both felt kinda sad that the girl was giving them the business instead of just manning up and asking the bartender because there's a few real clear words necessary to describe Allagash White and she didn't use any of 'em. That wasn't our server, though, who was cool as a fan and didn't hover and didn't go ghost. We had the tuna tartare as an appetizer, along with a glass of wine for me and my gf had a (I think) Heavy Seas Loose Cannon, which she still loves. We ate the white anchovy with caper pizza along with the roma tomato pizza, and we shared bead pudding for desert.. the bread pudding was dope. All-in-all it was cool, but I'm not all hyped to go back at all, I'd much rather go to We The Pizza if I'm hankering for a slice of the realness.
(3)Alison T.
Love the place. Love the pizza and the cosmos :) blonde bartender need sto brush up on friendliness, but it's a keeper. Been there a couple of times and will return!
(4)Jay T.
LOVED IT! such a cool vibe at matchbox. i eat out a lot so i figured id start reviewing the places I've been recently. matchbox is totally in my top 5. great beer, pizza is amazing and some real cool staff. i cant wait to get out on the patio again!!
(5)B. H.
Decent overall experience. I thought their foods were good and their menu was very broad which is good, however for pizza go across the street to Pizza CS its bound to blow your pizza loving taste buds out of the sky ! Matchbox is still good but having Pizza CS across the street takes the pizza pie business by a long shot .
(3)Jerry W.
I really enjoyed this restaurant, the inside was really nice and roomy, fast service and good food, I ordered a stake and it was mouthwatering good, had some of there pizza to which was also really good. Definitely worth the money for the great service, atmosphere and food. Thanks Matchbox Staff.
(5)David M.
As I had expected the wait here was horrendous. Get reservations. Period. Add to this the fact that the humongous host/hostess staff pretty much just stands there looking pretty (or pretty stupid in some cases) and being somewhat rude and waiting sucks. Just call. Make a reservation. Or get lucky and score space in the bar. Speaking of space, this location has good space compared to DC. Bigger, better lit, and less crampy when crowded. Ok,. That's my 1 star penalty rant coming to a close :) When my wife and I came here after a long day of holiday shopping it was, for her, an attempt to redeem Matchbox in my mind. I'd been with her to the Matchbox down in DC and I wasn't fond (see my reviews where I pump up Ella's as being way damn better). After we finally got seated, I have to say I was pleased. We ordered an app (Mazzi Carozzi? Spelling may be off...) that was really good. And our pizza was just as tasty this time around. I think, to be fair, I should say that we ordered a wierd pizza down in DC, so this time around we ordered up something a bit more normal in terms of sauce and toppings. The service made up for the idiots who worked the front end. 2-3 different people took care of us throughout the visit, and all were friendly. Our primary server was great though. I don't remember a name, but he was extremely tall (and I'm 6'5" myself, so you'll know the dude when you see him) and very, very patient, friendly, and attentive. So I'm back on board with matchbox now. I liked it. I like that it's closer to home for us now. And I'll give it another shot. I will just do so with reservations in hand....!
(4)Brian S.
Overall I had a good experience. Wait staff was good, food came out relatively quickly and was pretty good. I ordered the cream of crab soup which was very rich and flavorful. For my meal I ordered the prosciutto white. The pizza was quite good. The bar was having a problem with beer leaking from the ceiling over top the bar but it would not have effected anyone's meals and the bar tender turned it into a joke to play it over. Maybe a tad bit on the expensive side but overall a very good and I will go back.
(4)Jayashree S.
I know exactly where we will have brunch if we visit the DC area. YUMMY! We came here to eat and meet our friend's wife- the newlywed during a wedding weekend. After a long night of hard core partying at our cousin's wedding, nutrition was needed (and lots of coffee) to balance the aftermath of the reception. :) So, our friend chose this restaurant as a good place to meet and catch up before we headed back home. The restaurant reminds me of a very hip loft like ambiance. There are two levels and plenty of seating. It has modern and industrial type decor and touches. The brunch menu was simple but had plenty of options to choose from with tons of house special cocktails even. I ordered the Veggie Frittata and my husband ordered the Heuvos Rancheros and our friend ordered their Apple Pecan salad. The portions were generous and filled our bellies and sopped up any leftovers from the partying. The food tasted incredibly fresh, inventive and yummy! The prices were decent and nothing extravagant. We def will eat here again- Hip, fun, and had lots of variety!
(4)Chelsea M.
I've been here twice last week. The Service was really good. I love the mini burgers the onion straws are YUMMY! But the pizza was OK it's just dry. Went there on Friday around 1pm still have to wait 25 minutes for table for 3.
(4)Aaron W.
Overpriced. Pizza crust cut with laser beams (not really - that would be cooler). Naked salad. Oversalty entrees. Out $70 for garbage. Ridiculously busy all the time, and I have no idea why. I hated this place, but it doesn't get one star because it wasn't poison, just not very good. I'd never go back.
(2)J P.
The approximately 3.5 stars you see as an average of everyone's score is spot on. This place isn't bad. However, this place isn't necessarily a place I will "need" to go back to. We went for dinner on a Thursday night. No complaints with the service. My girlfriend and I ordered a herb chicken pizza (the large size). It was good. We each had a drink. They were also good. The dessert however was fantastic. It was their trio dessert. It had three small scoops of different flavored sorbets, a chocolate bunt cake with vanilla sorbet on the top, and house made donuts with a coffee cream dipping sauce. I would go back for this. Their food menu wasn't extensive enough for me. And the prices are way too high for the quality of food. Again, the food IS good, but it's not quite worth the price. If you want a quieter atmosphere, don't get a booth in the bar section; it was very loud. If you think you would order a meal similar to the one I described above, I would strongly suggest you give Facci (Johns Hopkins Road, Laurel, Maryland) a try.
(3)Michelle W.
Meh, I've had better. Went here for lunch with a friend this past weekend, it wasn't crowded so we went right in and got a table outside. It was a nice open patio. We got the mozzi carrozzi for an appetizer. It was pretty good, however I did find it to be a little on the greasy side. The longer it took you to eat it the greasier it seemed. Since there was only 2 of us and the servings are quite large we both had salads. I had the crab & avocado salad (app) and he got the apple pear salad. I wouldn't recommend the crab avocado salad at all. I'm not sure if the crab was bad or it was the combination of flavors that was just off. In either case, it was not good at all. I pretty much just tried to pick out untainted avocado chunks to eat. The pear salad was decent, the dressing was actually pretty good but otherwise unmemorable. The service was ok, but the longer we were there the less we saw the server and we had to wait quite some time to get our bill. Not really anywhere I have a strong desire to go back to. It was just bleh.
(2)Stacey M.
Beautiful urban chic decor with tons of texture and interest! I haven't sat outside yet, but the outdoor seating area/bar looks gorgeous. Perfect for meeting up with friends or for drinks after work. Service is always friendly and efficient. I've only ever had the pizza's... they are thin crust, fresh, simple and yet tasty (some could use a little more seasoning), and come served on a raised stand that leaves more room on the table for actual dining. I also like that pizza's are served with sharing in mind and come with a pizza pie server/lift, and all the accoutrement like parmesan and chili.
(4)Larissa F.
After much anticipation, the new Matchbox has opened just down the street from me. The space is gorgeous and I can already tell it's going to be a hotspot in the summertime. The outdoor patios and firepits are just itching for happy hours in a few months. The inside of the restaurant is open and bright, with both a brick, homey look and industrial feel. The space is huge and includes an upstairs loft and three dining room areas. Great design. Service was impressive for opening weekend. I arrived with a party of 6, and was told there would be a wait, but then a makeshift table was quickly put together for us. I was on crutches, so was thankful to not have to wait too long (though they did offer me a chair while I waited). The room we were in was cozy with a fireplace, and I could definitely see it being a great spot for a party. I expected some snags in either service, food or kitchen timing - especially because the place was packed on a Sunday night. But, was pleasantly surprised that the meal flowed smoothly. We of course started with the sliders which are just as delicious as downtown and were 12 were gone immediately. The tuna tartare was pretty decent, and I was looking forward to my hanger steak salad. The hanger steak salad comes with grilled hearts of romaine, and a wonderful spicy caesar dressing. My fellow diners had the tuna nicoise salad, the roasted chicken, the crab crusted rockfish and crabcake sandwich. All enjoyed their meals, with a few hiccups. The manager was gracious and removed some charges for the meal another in my party did not enjoy, and for a problem with my salad (though I would have been happy to pay). It was nice they were so accommodating given it was opening weekend, and the good service was appreciated. We ordered bread pudding and a dessert trio to share, which was heavenly. I loved the caramelized bananas with the bread pudding, and the little donuts were quite addictive. This place is going to be a huge hit with families and groups alike - - especially if it's true and they will be taking normal reservations. The sliders are a definite, the pizza is hit or miss (but I like it), and the atmosphere can't be beat. My only complaint is that the music was a bit loud and out of place, I think something softer (or none at all) would have been better. I don't think of this as a trendy downtown spot -- it's more of a go-to favorite. The restaurant location may be a "cursed" spot, but I expect Matchbox to do very well. If the crowds this weekend were any indicator - reservations will definitely be a must. Expect me to be back - all the time.
(4)Bruce H.
Mediocre experience. -Food tasted ok, -service was ok, -price was too much for what was delivered, -venue was pleasing with lots of smart designs. Below my expectations.
(3)Po W.
I fell in love with this location the moment I walked in. I have been to the Chinatown location and I have to say I like this one much better. The location is great. U don't have to search for parking. The space is huge! Multiple levels, 3 bars (2 inside 1 outside), patio seating, rooftop seating etc. The 3-6-9 sliders are so delicious. And the cocktails are fabulous. I heard the the pepperoni pizza and spicy meatball pizza are great! The menu is extensive and I look forward to trying more selections. The one negative is the wait. It so crowded. Went on a Friday night and waited for about an hour. But, while waiting servers came around with samples of cheese pizza that were great! I will definitely return!
(4)David A.
I'll preface this review by saying I'm kind of a beer geek, so that will be a large percentage of my review. I went to Matchbox's Rockville location for Valentine's Day. I was a bit wary, due to some of the reviews of the wait times (even with reservations) as well as staff attitude (read "rudeness"). I was quite impressed with the experience. We arrived about 5 minutes before our reservation time (8:30). There was one party at the greeters stand ahead of us; we were seated at a booth in the bar room within 5 minutes. So far so good. They have a decent on tap selection in general, and the prices weren't too bad either ($5-$9). They (usually) have about a dozen beers on tap, including Allagash White, Ayinger Brau-weisse, Heavy Seas Small Craft Warning, Chimay Cinq Cents, Delerium Tremens, Flying Dog Doggie Style, and Smuttynose Old Brown Dog, as well as two rotating taps, one being a Sierra Nevada selection. Last night they had both SN Glissade and to my delight, SN Northern Hemisphere Harvest, which I'd never had on tap before, and very nice, to say the least! (I'm blanking on the other rotating, but it was also interesting.) On the down side, they were out of the Chimay, Delerium and a couple of others, but I blame Mont. Co. distribution for that. (Le Mannequin Pis has the same problem.) The food was excellent - I'd call it "upscale gastropub". As I'd read several reviews raving about the sliders, we ordered three as an appetizer. I think I'm not a slider person, as I thought they were fine, but nothing to rave about. My wife thought they were very good. I will say they were probably the best sliders I've had, but I've only had them at a few places. They also had a special appetizer of fried oysters on chorizo infused couscous with lemon/champagne, which were awesome. There were four oysters, each with a dollop of the couscous; we joked (?) about ordering one or two more orders. For the entree, I had the seared salmon, which was quite good; my wife had the bacon wrapped shrimp appetizer as her entree, which she quite enjoyed. Both were served on grits the consistency of mashed potatoes. They were surprisingly uncrowded considering it was Valentine's Day. When I talked to the hostess about it, she surmised their usual long wait (w/out reservations) scared the date-type folks away. Also, it was a Monday night; I'm sure they're much busier on weekends. The space is very nice; I remember the decor from the original restaurant there (Shelly's Woodroast), which a subsequent restaurant kept to some extent. Now, gone are the log cabin type beams, replaced by a modern, light wood, maybe oak. The ceilings appear to be simply roughed in, and there is an upstairs dining area that wasn't in previous incarnations. The bar is about 15-20 seats long, and the bartender knew what I was talking about when I asked him for clarification on the Sierra Nevada beer (the waitress wasn't sure). For parking, they're in Congressional Plaza, so there's plenty of space. All in all, a positive experience; not cheap, but not as expensive as I'd braced myself for. Beer prices were better than at Againn, which had beer prices up into the mid-high teens (but some may have been for 750ml bottles), and the food was at least as good. I'll be back!
(4)Muriel H.
The shrimp is grits is my absolute favorite dish that they offer! I wish it was a larger portion because once I was done w/ it I wanted to order another one! The sliders and string fries are also amazing. The pizzas smell to die for. The place is pretty crowded so getting seating is a hassle. Otherwise, I love this spot..
(5)M D.
Relax at one of two bars with the Watermelon Tease ($8) made with house-infused watermelon vodka, rum, gin and tequila. (Hey, everyone's here!) It is smooth, sweet, and light as summer. If you can't be seen holding a pink cocktail, order the manly Match-hatten ($8) with Maker's Mark bourbon, sweet vermouth and orange. See the complete cocktail menu here. If you want a simple salad ($10), there is mixed greens, pear tomatoes, and dried cherries in a balsamic vinaigrette, topped with a generous parmesan crisp. If you want to pretend to eat a salad, try the Matchbox chopped salad ($10) with crispy bacon, red onions, pasta ringlets, and a creamy herb vinaigrette. Chef Johnny Mack gets creative with daily specials, and is always happy to accomodate special orders. Tonight, a delicious experiment results in a tender, luscious pork belly on a bed of cheese risotto, topped with a poached egg. There are sixteen pizzas to choose from, or you can create your own. If you love cheese but hate Domino's and the USDA, then you'll love the four cheese white ($20), with lots of roasted garlic, ricotta, buffalo mozzarella, pecorino toscano, pecorino romano, but not an ounce of red. The Coppa ($20) with Italian ham, thick pesto, ricotta, Roma tomatoes and mozzarella, topped with fresh arugula, was a unanimous favorite. Not in the mood for pizza? Order the mini burgers ($8-$18, top right), juicy little patties of certified Angus beef on seedless brioche from Lyon Bakery, which also bakes the buns for sister restaurant, DC-3. Served with pickles and onion straws, under a fine dusting of Parmesan cheese. Add your choice of Gouda, mozzarella or Gorgonzola for extra flavor. If you love the taste of barbeque, the braised beef short ribs ($24) are a must-try. Fork tender in a sweet, red Shiraz reduction. For pescatarians, there is the crab crusted rockfish ($22) with parsley pine nut risotto and the kick of whole grain mustard. Always perked up by dessert, I happily dug into the coffee & doughnuts ($8, bottom right), a basket of sugary cinnamon doughnuts, dense and cake-like. The teeny cup of espresso Kahlua crème tastes and feels like melted chocolate ice cream, except spiked.
(4)Andrew K.
45 minute wait for a Wednesday night? This place is always packed apparently and it is a huge restaurant with 2 levels but I guess it's b/c there aren't that many nice places to eat in Rockville. I got half coppa italian ham & arugala and half fire & smoke. The ham and arugala was good but the fire and smoke was just ok, it is pretty spicy but didn't really like the flavor. I also tried the mini burgers which were ok but nothing special. Overall, I think it's not bad but not worth the wait.
(3)Bill S.
The long awaited Match Box has opened. The Pizza was great, the service was good and the place was very well done. We went on a Monday night, instant seating. We went back at 8:30 Saturday night at 8:30 and it was an hour wait (we didn't) This is a great place for pizza and a beer!
(4)Sarah T.
I will write a more in depth review once I have a chance to actual dine here. However, for now - Matchbox has my heart. Went here for my BF's company holiday party and everything from the decor to the food to the staff was perfect! The space is great and I love what they did with the place. The pizza, sliders, and other Hors D'oeuvres were all delicious. The staff were very attentive and friendly - (even after the party had ended) I'm sure I have a bit of a biased opinion since it was open bar and I didn't spend a dime, but free or not the food was good and the wine we had was exceptionally tasty! After the party we made our way to the bar, and the staff there was also very friendly and easy going. When I let the bartender know one of the people I was with didn't think her drink was "strong" enough and tasted a bit too sweet. The bartender didn't hesitate to add in another shot! I'm sure it isn't something they'd do all the time, but she made sure to take care of us. At the end of the evening some other patrons that weren't with our group had wound up with some of the Christmas hats that the office had brought and they were being a bit belligerent about giving them back. (It was pretty pitiful, but I guess the ladies had tossed quite a few back and were being awfully rowdy.) One of the male bartenders saw how rude they were being and immediately stepped in to circumvent anyone from losing there cool. It was handled very well and it was nice to not have to ask for assistance. All in all, we had a pretty great time! I think if the staff remains as attentive and upbeat and the price point remains affordable I will be heading in often... Especially since I am so close I wouldn't even need to drive if I didn't want to! (That's a super perk since I used to live in Downtown San Diego where everything was within walking distance!) Hahaha!
(5)LEAH H.
Great idea but horrible service. It started going down hill from the parking or lack of because they share parking with several other businesses. Then there was a 25 minute wait. I don't mind waiting but to create a wait to make it appear that there is a demand for the restaurant is RIDICULOUS !!! I found this out after we got seated and taken to a room where there was PLENTY of empty tables. When I brought this up to them they were very rude about this. Ok now let's talk about the food. It was marginal at best. The burgers were just as good as the ones across the street at Fudruckers but double the price. SAVE a half hour of your time and find another place to eat !!
(1)Mary M.
The Italian coppa ham and argula pizza with pesto is freaking DELICIOUS. The food overall is really good. Love the decor -- for a humongous restaurant it manages to be cozy and comfortable. It's a nice restaurant for any occasion - family dinner, casual dining, a date, a celebration. It manages to be both very casual and a nice night out at the same time. Decently priced and you're likely to have leftovers to take home, which they're used to so you don't have to feel like a fool asking for a pizza box. The long wait and slow, somewhat inattentive service are the only things preventing a 5 star rating from me. The hostesses in particular could be more friendly and welcoming.
(4)Targi B.
I don't want to sit in your walk way! So this was my third attempt to have a meal here. If I was unable to get in this time I was going to punt on ever eating at this location. When I called to make a reservation, yes a reservation at a pizza place, the first response was they were full...It's almost like a default answer here. But when I explained that I said tomorrow she was able to put in the book. Upon arrival, on time, they attempted to seat me in a walkway. If you've seen this restaurant let me describe where this table was. If the bar is pack (and it will be) and your milling in the alley way that connects the two sides of the restaurant with your back to the door, there is one sad lonely table directly to your left. RIGHT THERE!!! Ok here comes my inner snob. I made a reservation, can I get a decent table. I'm 7 months pregnant, can I get a table that will hold more than just myself! Not to mention there was a booth right behind that. Needless to say I asked to sit somewhere else. At first they tried to explain the other tables were for larger parties...but I think the look on my face explained how little I cared about their plight of no tables. They did seat up in a much better location, back behind the bar on the left. Right next to a window where it seems standard to give you two tables since well one is tiny! One of the biggest reason I was dying to come to matchbox was to try the Lobster bisque. So I ordered that and a pizza. My pizza came, no soup! Disappointment but the waiter promptly apologized and promised up two soups (as we had ordered) free of charge. The soups did come out and was everything I hoped it would be! The pizza was also as yummy as the one I had downtown. Now for the bill, she did come and say she took of one soup (slight change there) but since she has been so nice and I had gone into the restaurant fully prepared to pay for my food, I was fine and thought it was a nice gesture. I would eat here again...when the hype dies down and the outside is open which promises more seating! meanwhile, I'll venture downtown, since well it is the same menu.
(2)Bryan B.
The waitress was excellent (Laura S). Delightful, easy to talk to and informed about all of the items available. The food was good too. The atmosphere was loud and busy. If you looking for romance this is not the place. If you are looking for good food, great service and a fun atmosphere with friends I think you will be pleased. Great menu selection for food and drink. Many good wines to choose from.
(4)Preston H.
Very good food and service. I rarely give a four star review but they impressed me. Pizza was good and the sliders were decent.
(4)Stephan S.
Went here for dinner a few times and for lunch the other day. Personal pizza is very good. I had the scallops for lunch and was very happy. The bar area looks big but not really set up for a happy hour for a large group.
(4)Chuck O.
Love the food & brews. This is our go-to when we want to get out of Bethesda. Enjoyable atmosphere and is kid friendly.
(4)Laurie W.
I am the first ever Dutchess of Matchbox Rockville, thanks to Yelp Mobile. What can I say? It's the little victories. This restaurant is huge and beautifully designed. I've seen this building through all of its incarnations, since it was Shelly's ill-fated Wood Roast (game? alligator? possum? I can't remember), That's Amore (a Valentine's Day spot with my ill-fated ex) to the better PGA Tour Grill. I'm glad it's Matchbox now. It's good to have an alternative to the Town Center places (where honestly, aside from the Thai, Indian and Lebanese Taverna I'm not so excited about any of the food offerings), and I SWEAR we can float high-quality, mid-price point places in Rockville. We found seats at the very back service bar, where the two bartenders were very attentive and excited to be opening a new restaurant. As for the food, the sliders and pizza are the staples, so I chose a sopressata and wild mushroom pizza and a salad. The balsamic dressing was so understated I could barely tell what it tasted like, which is the unfortunate opposite of drowning the lettuce. The pizza was very good -- there was a nice spice to the sauce and I'm a fan of thin, crispy crust. Matchbox also has a good selection of smaller-batch beers, including Heavy Seas out of Baltimore, and that's also not common and very welcome around here. The doors to that bar will open up to the patio and offer seating for 100 people when it warms up, which will make it a nice destination for happy hours. There is space for large parties and another big bar in the front (where it was when the building was PGA, but it looks like it's been widened.) When I left I thought this might be the place for my 40th birthday dinner, so that's a good sign. As much as I like to go into D.C., I work in Rockville and live close by, so this is a great alternative for those of us who roam the Pike in search of a nice space to have a beer and a decent meal.
(4)Jessica R.
Good food, good service!
(4)Bridget Q.
Went here for Dinner on Thursday. Overall it was a pleasant experience. Our server was very helpful but not overwhelming and annoying. We had to wait about 30 minutes for our table, and then were sat a a high top near the bar....which I felt was not worth waiting 30 minutes for. I feel that the hostess should have asked if we would have liked to sit there.. It was VERY loud and that was distracting. I ordered a side salad and a pizza. Both were excellent and like I said we had a great server. Overall I would say try it out...cool atmosphere...but make sure you either go early or make a reservation to avoid waiting...and the bar.
(4)Jim C.
First visit to this incredibly popular string of restaurants. Always crazy crowded. Great beer selection. The shrimp and grits was a very nice version of this now-routine dish. Heavy on the butter and with bacon wrapping each shrimp, it is a pleaser if you crave richness. The spicy meatball pizza is a real winner. Sat at the bar and was taken care of by Jamie - she was attentive, informative and good fun. She made the meal better,
(4)Lisa G.
Awesome place!!! Food and service awesome. A little pricey, but hey Houston's is gone so why not? Will be back
(5)Jamie S.
The food is okay. My husband and I both got the pizza and thought it was decent, though not great and certainly not worth the price. I have had better experiences at the D.C. location. The pros of this place as compared to DC is that they have parking, that it is closer to my house, and that it is not as crowded.
(3)Oscar S.
First things first....MAKE A RESERVATION! This is a great place to have a date and hang out with friends. The pizzas are really good and their drinks are really good as well. Our waiter was very friendly and gave us good suggestions. It's in a good area in Rockville. I like the ambiance, almost like the Matchbox in Chinatown. A little pricey, but not too bad like other restaurants. Highly recommend it. We were out w/ some friends and I must definitely recommend the Matcbox Meat Pizza, as well as the Beef Ribs. Very tender..I repeat very tender...hmm..getting hungry again. You won't be disappointed w/ anything that you get from there as all of their food is very delicious. Th wait staff is very friendly, and our waitress (don't tell) even gave someone in our party a free pint glass that she wanted.
(5)Kayla A.
Love, love, love it! Their pizzas are to die for! Drinks are a little steep, but their pizza is out of this world! I love the matchbox meat and chicken pesto pizza, absolutely amazing together. The mozzi carozzi appetizer is also awesome. I also recommend the ice cream cookie dessert, amazing but definitely bring a friend to share it with! I have never tasted anything here that I didn't love. Great food for a reasonable price. This place gets busy early, make reservations or go early!! I went on a Tuesday and had to wait for a table for 4
(5)Alison R.
Got the crab and avacado salad app, the pizco blackberry drink was not good/not made properly. Also had the cobb salad and donut dessert. Very yummy. Will be returning.
(5)David W.
My wife and I had a wonderful evening. Our waitress was very friendly and helpful My wife enjoyed the martini she ordered which was a nice departure from the standard drinks at most places. We both raved about our pizza and the bread pudding we shared for dessert is as good as everyone says it is.
(4)Andrew H.
You pay for the ambience. Crappy food, service was ok, although HIDING CUSTOMERS IS NOT A GOOD STRATEGY FOR GOOD REVIEWS. Service mitigated horrible seating arrangements and subpar food.
(1)Fareez A.
love the smoke and fire pizza!
(4)Eva F.
My boss brought me here for dinner during a business trip. We were a party of 5 total, and I was quite impressed by the waiter's ability to memorize everything we ordered (drinks, salads, pizza) and have each item delivered to the right person at the table. (So yes, service was great!) The drink menu was extensive (draught beers, wine, cocktails and girlie and manly martinis), and there are a ton of pizza options. And if none of those suit you, you can build your own. We tried the Matchbox Meat and the Chicken Pesto pizzas and both were wonderful! Next time I'll have to try the sliders. (In case you are wondering what the 3-6-9 on the wait staff t-shirts mean, it's the options for number of sliders in an order.) I saw them drift past our table to another table and they looked yummy with a big mountain of thin onion rings on top. Will definitely be back on my next trip to the Bethesda area. P.S. Make sure you make a reservation before going - it was PACKED and I was so glad we were able to walk past everyone waiting on line to get our table right away :)
(4)Jeff W.
Matchbox recently opened at a new location in Rockville with much hype. The decor is very well done; however, the restaurant is definitely overrated. The salads included very little protein and the entrees were very small for the price. The pizza and sliders were excellent. If you dine here, stick to the burgers and pizza. They also have a very good selection of draft beers. The service could also use some improvement. They took forever to take our drink orders. In addition, they brought all of our food to the table at once, even though we told the waitress we wanted to pace ourselves. When we were done with our meal the waitress never asked if we wanted coffee or dessert. I would have given the review 2 stars, but since they are open only a week I thought I would be generous.
(3)Matthew D.
I travel here for business and I have been to Matchbox twice for lunch. On this particular trip I was with two associates. I had the spinach salad which had feta cheese, roasted pear tomatoes, candied walnuts, red onions, orange segments, warm bacon vinaigrette. I passed on the tomatoes and orange "segments" (not an appetizing word for food) and then proceeded to eat the hell out of it. Trying to eat a little smarter at lunch and this didn't feel like sacrificing at all. I then spilt a 6 piece Fire & Smoke pizza with a co-worker. It has fire roasted red peppers, spanish, onions chipotle pepper, tomato sauce, garlic puree, smoked gouda & fresh basil. It was labeled as very spicy and at first I didn't believe it, but it sneaks up on you for a pleasant after taste that has a kick to it in a great way. The garlic is legit, bring breath mints or stand 10 feet back from whoever you speak with for the rest of the day. Overall it was excellent and salad with the 3 pieces was just right for portions. To Recap: The Good: The food is great for lunch, especially considering the near by options. The feel of the place is open and modern, tastefully done. The service was a notch above what I was expecting to be honest, a pleasant surprise. The Bad: It did a slight chain feel to it, I don't know where it is a local chain or not, but it was a little formula feeling at certain times. The Band This Restaurant Most Resembles: The Beltways. Maryland rock that does the area proud. I will be back.
(4)Alexis B.
I've always passed by Matchbox on the Pike, but never really stopped by and tried it until now. My aunt tried it once and told me she didn't like it, saying that the pizza was too salty, but I told her to give it another shot, that maybe her choice of pizza was the cause. And so we did. We shared the pesto chicken pizza and a salad and it was really not bad at all! The pesto was delicious, but the chicken was a little dry, but it was pretty good. I think I'll definitely come back if ever a pesto craving comes up (and those do come up quite often for me for some reason).
(4)Lillian S.
I got the take-out when I was running errands in Rockville and the food was great (mushroom pizza and the pear/apple salad but the real reason I am writing this review is to rave about Erin B (the name on the receipt). She is the bartender that was quite busy serving a bar full of customers and also had the responsibility for the the take-out stand. She took my order promptly and then proceeded to take more orders from the bar, fulfill drink orders from the waiters, take menu orders, ring people up, and serve another 2 people who had ordered take-out. All this in the 15 minutes I was sitting waiting for my order. She was super-efficient, pleasant and such an amazing multi-tasker. She was on the move for the entire 15 minutes while a few other staff members came and went and it was hard to tell what exactly they were doing and why they couldn't help her out. For example, the person who came out of the kitchen with my food saw me and another woman in the waiting section and could have announced the name on the order. Instead, she just set it down and walked away. Like many other businesses, matchbox probably has 20% of the staff doing 80% of the work and that 20% certainly includes Erin. I only hope they know what a gem they have! It's hard to find good people who work so hard!
(4)Corey S.
Not as good as the original. Service was bad - from the hostess stand to waiters. Wait time took more than twice as long as told when checking in. Waiter was non-attentive and missing for long periods of time. Food was not as good either. Pizza crust was soggy and spiciness in their spicy pizzas just wasn't there. Maybe an off night, but it was really off.
(2)Erin S.
Beet salad was good but the beef short ribs were very disappointing. Super fatty and not in a good way. I know this place is supposed to be very popular but I was not impressed at all.
(2)Grace L.
If I could have given them 3.5 stars... then I would. I've been to Matchbox in Rockville twice now. The first time, I went with my fiance and 2 of our friends during the week it opened and was extremely disappointed by the poor service. The waitress could not offer any drink recommendations and was very unhelpful in helping us order. Lucky for them, the sliders and pizza were delicious so we went back. The 2nd time was A LOT better. We were seated promptly (party of 6 on Memorial Day) and our waitress was great! We ordered the sliders (which were amazing) and the pesto chicken pizza, fire and smoke pizza, and sun dried tomato. The pizza was a little overcooked and there was too much charring for my taste, but was good overall.
(3)Mark R.
Order the Chicken Pesto pizza and a beer on tap.
(5)Shawn H.
The only thing "bad" I can say about my first of what will likely be many visits to this new location was that I wasn't greeted when I walked in. I was meeting my mother and some of her friends for lunch and had just received the elevnty third phone call (the one where mom wants to tell you exactly which booth they've already been seated in for at least 45 seconds), so my plan was to ask where the group of "old ladies" that was just seated were - because that would be the easiest question to get a quick answer to, right? Well, there were four people at the host station, but they seemed to be really busy doing something like polishing the same menu or something. I remembered "upstairs" from the frantic mom-call a moment before, so I just went upstairs and, of course, they were right there at the first booth. The lack of greeting had no real consequence. I found the old ladies (they are old ladies). We had a server who was on his last day of training. He was mildly awkward and very enthusiastic, which was great because the old ladies really love all that enthusiasm. Seriously though, the service was excellent. Any awkwardness was brief and the enthusiasm was authentic, but not ridiculous or overdone. Our server loves Matchbox. I always get the mini burgers when I go to the Chinatown location and had every intention of inducting my mom into this important, longstanding tradition. We added a salad, which is something I've never had at Matchbox and some incredibly delicious sausage and kale soup. If they have that soup when you visit, order it! My mom loves a good burger. Her only qualm about the mini burgers was that there was no mayo served with them, so we got mayo, rémoulade some kind of tarragon flavored sauce. Problem solved. She also loved the beet salad, so we had a great lunch. Her friends ordered regular burgers that looked great. Everyone enjoyed the food. We all shared a couple of lemon tart desserts after lunch. To me, this seemed like a frozen tart, but it was VERY good... just very ICE cold. I don't order dessert a lot, so maybe that's the way to serve a lemon tart (?). The whipped cream on the tart was very rich and also quite cold, so it was almost like ice cream on top. I probably would never order that again, but I'm also not really a dessert person. Plus, who needs anything else but a clear path away from the table after an awesome meal at Matchbox, right? Five stars for five good reasons. 1. New location in MoCo 2. Great service 3. Awesome food 4. Excellent coffee 5. Warm, pleasant atmosphere througout If you've never been to Matchbox, you're in for something special here. If you've ever been to either location downtown, you should be really happy they've decided to open up on Rockville Pike!
(5)Priscilla R.
App - shrimp and grits with the best sauce! Entree - pork with creole sauce, order medium - I think our food sat a bit so mine was well and dry by the time it came but the sauce totally helped. Service was very slow so plan for a long lunch.
(4)Michael C.
I got here at 6:15 on a wed. night and asked how long the wait would be for 3 people. They told me 15 minutes. They lied. They were off by an entire 45 minutes. At that point i was pretty annoyed, but the waitress was so nice, helpful, and attentive that it saved the meal. So if i'm rating it on the front hostesses this place gets a zero. But i'm not. We got the 3-6-9 (6 mini burgers with 2 of each cheese). This comes with a heaping pile of onion.... things. It all tasted great though. We split a sausage and onion pizza that was good, and my parents got a crab cake sandwich and a matchbox chicken. They both said their sandwiches were good (not great). The crab cake looked gigantic though. The decor was nice (but i'm not really one to care about decor), it definitely wasn't the type of place my parents were expecting. The clientele definitely skewed younger. PS - the little side bar looked really douchey. Like blazer and affliction t-shirt douchey. I guess that's just par for the course when it comes to popular/new/trendy places.
(3)Julie P.
We've eaten here twice. The first time we had pizza and it was delicious. The second time we came for lunch. I made the mistake of ordering a sandwhich--it was bland and overpriced. Stick to the pizza.
(2)Johnson H.
Went to try this place recently. I was hoping for a crispy crust throughout my pie but all the pizzas we ordered had soft crust towards the center of the pie :( I mean a crispy crust is what I look forward to coming out of a wood fire pizza oven. The flavors and tastes of their pizzas were good enough to consider another visit.
(3)Eric B.
I found better pizza in Rockville at Pizza CS, so down to 1 star.
(1)Henry L.
Good... when you need that starch engorgement...
(3)Angela S.
I finally made it to the Rockville location, yay! Went around 11:15 on a Sat morning...thought there was going to be a brunch menu but only saw a "brunch cocktail" menu; the food menu was the regular one. I ordered my usual Fire & Smoke pizza, which tasted even better than I remembered. I decided to try the beet salad instead of my usual apple pear salad. Either there wasn't enough dressing on it, or the dressing wasn't strong enough, because I could barely taste it. The rest of the salad was tasty, but not worth the $10 price tag due to its size. I would expect a more filling or larger salad for $10, almost entree-size in fact. My Bloody Mary wasn't the best, will order something else next time. The waitress was nice but didn't seem to know the menu that well. I mean, she knew what was on it, but couldn't answer questions about specific items. Fine for me since I was somewhat familiar with the menu, but could be a problem for a first-timer. The 1 star deduction is for the prices. They probably shouldn't be the same as Chinatown's prices. I would like to come here on a fairly regular basis and would if the prices were just slighly less. It'll still be in the rotation, though.
(4)Michael H.
Really like this place! The burgers are great, and the entrees are very good as well. Haven't tried the pizza yet, buy I've heard good things. Extensive drink menu. Last time there we ordered the sliders without pickles (my wife *hates* pickles). When they arrived with pickles, we told the waiter who took responsibility and apologized profusely. He then offered to pay for a dessert or give us a gift card for our next visit (we took the latter). When we received the bill, he took the sliders off the bill as well (even though I finished them) and handed us a dessert gift card. In my opinion, this was fantastic customer service and we will be putting matchbox into the rotation.
(4)C M.
Best place in MoCo, hands down. Great pizza selection and a tap beer list that beats anyplace outside the beltway. Go.
(5)Krissy R.
Really good food and good service. Only go here if you're okay with eating really high-fat unhealthy food though-- like if you're really in the mood for greasy pizza, burgers, and onion strings. I saw that a lot of people on Yelp were complaining of long waits so I made a reservation before I went here for lunch. When I walked in to tell the hostess about my reservation, I overheard her telling the person in front of me that the wait was 45 minutes (this was at 1:30pm). Because I had a reservation, I was taken to my table immediately, which was nice. The server was excellent and was good about bringing new drinks over each time ours were empty. He also had some great suggestions for menu items since it was our first time at the restaurant. He came by to check after our food was delivered to make sure it was to our liking. Overall it was a really fun experience and I plan to go back. Our table ordered 6 sliders with cheese for an appetizer, and I had the tomato, basil, mozzarella pizza for my entree. Both were awesome. We split the fruit pizza for dessert which was also surprisingly yummy.
(4)Amanda K.
Cocktails: Very Good Beer Selection: Very Good (Smutty Nose & Delirium on tap) Sliders: Excellent Pizza (Sopressata & Mushroom): Very Good Salad (Beet & Goat Cheese): Meh Donuts (actually zeppoli): Excellent
(4)Lauren K.
I tried this place again with my coworkers for a going away party. I figured that I'd try something other than the pizza since they really dropped the ball with pizza. I had a crabcake sandwich. Unfortunately, food poisoning soon followed. I will never return to this place. Work party or not.
(1)michele p.
I only hold back from a full 5 star rating because it is a bit pricey here. The only other possible fault is that the servers are TOO nice, seriously where do they find these cheery people? The food is very good quality, from the pizzas to the pastas to the appetizers you cannot go wrong. They also have a very nice wine menu. Make a reservation on opentable.com because there is always a wait at peak times. Oh, do not get the lava chocolate cake we have ordered it twice and it was not good either time. DO order the Serrano ham pizza mmmmm now I am hungry ugh its amazing!
(4)Ellen K.
I went for the first time on Saturday night. It was a madhouse. Make sure to make reservations through open table or expect to wait 2+ hours on busy nights. When we pulled up to the restaurant, the outside decor looked nice! We got inside and I was amazed that the restaurant had a 2nd floor! Apparently...in the spring/summer, they're going to have outdoor patio seating upstairs. The waiting area was insanely packed...I felt pretty claustrophobic. The staff were extremely friendly. There's also a bar at the front of the restaurant...I didn't get to walk in to see what it looked like but was told by my waiter that the windows in the bar area slide open. They'll open the windows it in the spring/summer when the weather is nicer (obviously). I had the mozzi as an appetizer and the 3-6-9 bar burgers as an entree. It was amazingly delicious! My friend had a pizza but I didn't try it...she said it was pretty good. I will definitely go back again!
(5)D K.
The little things count. Great drink menu. Ordered the Ayinger beer. Awesome. I've now started a mission to find it in stores/bottles. Rather large place, but not too loud. I'm surprised it gets so full on weekends. We made reservations, so no wait for us. Smart. Started off with Shrimp & Grits. I've missed Grits. It was decent. Shrimp was overcooked, but next time, I'll get the Sliders. It seems like those are the most popular. Fire & Smoke pizza. My bf chose it. I can't handle spiciness, but I was up to the challenge. I like the garlic puree, and it definitely gets you sniffly and your tongue burning, but funny thing... it doesn't last. I was fine by the time I got the check. Maybe the beer helped to numb my senses, but it wasn't too bad. It was an interesting pizza to have, but next time, I'll choose something else. Thin crust with a few burnt edges, but they warn you about that in the menu. The main reason I bumped this review from 3 to 4 stars is the service. My bf and I had to leave early, so we asked the server to give us our check if possible. No problem at all. She was more than happy to split it. Sometimes servers grumble and you get the slightly exasperated "FINE..." look, but our server was more than happy to oblige. I will return, Matchbox. You've earned a return visit.
(4)Jennifer M.
Great place with excellent pizza. Good meeting place with two bars as well. They have awesome garlic breadsticks that are perfect with marinara sauce.
(4)Anna Sofia B.
Great drinks, pizza and mini burgers (try them with Gorgonzola) in an unpretentious environment. The service is friendly but they seem unable to anticipate your needs such as, another drink, condiments or an extra spoon to share a dessert.
(4)Munzer M.
Fantastic pizza! I was torn between the braised short ribs, the bone in rib eye steak, and the Serrano ham pizza with buffalo mozzarella, ricotta cheese and oven dried tomatoes. I opted for the latter and thoroughly enjoyed it! I ate every bite and although completely stuffed, had a slice of my girlfriends chicken pesto pizza! This is by far the best pizza I've had in DC and quite possibly anywhere else & I've lived in NYC (not to mention above a Rays Pizza), and Chicago! My mouth is watering just writing about it! Check out our blog at samplefly.com/blog
(4)Clarisse B.
My boyfriend and I went to dinner at Matchbox in Rockville on Friday night, and since we've been there several times before, we weren't surprised when they told us it would be an hour and 20 minute wait. (I highly recommend you get a reservation before coming here, we didn't as it was a last minute decision). We grabbed a couple drinks and waited at their bar, I had a glass of Malbec (the Catena, I wasn't crazy about it), he had a corona, the bill was like $15! The bar was crowded too, but was comfortable and there was still plenty of standing room and great people watching. Every once in a while a server came around with some pizza samples to feed all of us that were waiting for a table! Once our table was finally ready, they seated us in a little room they have with tables past the bar, absolutely the worst section ever and I had never even noticed it's existance prior to this visit. After waiting so long for a table, I was not happy. We went back to the hostess stand and asked if we could get back on the wait list for a better table in their main room, and she showed us straight to another table, on the second floor, overlooking the main area. MUCH BETTER! I was really impressed with how accomodating she was, I mean, afterall, they have to put someone in that crappy past the bar section, but I'm glad it wasn't us! Also, as a side note, this really is a beautiful restaurant. There's some wood on the walls, with lighting behind it, and it does a great deal for ambiance. It's contemporary looking, open and spacious, and just a great place for a date. Once seated at our table, our waiter who was very helpful came to us and offered some wine selections. He was very informative and clearly knew what he was talking about, they had just had a wine tasting the previous night. He recommended the Shiraz Layer Cake, and I loved it! Normally we start off with the mini burgers, and they are hand down the most delicious sliders I have ever had EVER. However being Friday during Lent, and us being guilty Catholics, we were going all vegetarian that night. So we went for the Mozza Carozzi, kind of like a bruchetta. It was really good, especially considering it was vegetarian, but we did miss our mini burgers. For our entree, we shared the Vegetarian pizza. It comes with spanish onions, roated poblano peppers, roasted garlic, mozzaralla, fresh herbs, and fingerling potato crips and we subbed sundried tomatoes instead for the mushrooms. It was great! Although about 1/4 of the pizza was extremely charred, to the point where when we tried to eat it all we got was that yucky burnt taste (hence 4 stars instead of 5 for this review). All in all, I highly recommend this place! The restaurant is brand new and beautiful, the servers are really friendly and accomodating, and the food is delicious!
(4)Lisa G.
I went met a friend here for drinks recently. The place is huge compared to China Town but I would have thought that the bar areas would be bigger. We found seats at the main bar and camped out for hours. We had Ice Tea Martinis which were good and then moved on to Red Wines. The bartender had excellent knowledge of the wines..forget his name though. After a few hours we ordered a small pizza and the couple next to us shared their donuts with us. Overall it was a great spot for drinks and catching up with a friend. Will definately be back.
(4)Adam B.
Great pizza and awesome service.
(5)Vivian A.
Very very very very very very very very very very very very very bad service.
(1)Andy J.
I have only lived in the DC area for about a year and a half now. I am in constant search for good places to eat. Matchbox is one of the few places, so far, that has impressed me. Not only is their pizza good, their steaks and sandwiches are also good. In fact, one of the best sandwiches I have ever had came from Matchbox. I love their atmosphere, and the service is friendly and swift. I will definitely continue eating there in the future.
(4)J M.
Stopped by Matchbox a few weeks ago after reading some of the reviews on Yelp. It was very crowded during lunch so we decided to come back another time. Our second visit the place was less crowded and we were seated right away. Our waiter was very friendly and brought us water right away. The table we were at was a little small even for two people but it's also cozy if you want to snuggle up. We ordered one pizza with basil, fingerling potatoes and caramelized onions. The pizza wasn't bad but neither of us were fans of the sauce. I've eaten a lot of pizza all over the country and this was not a sauce I liked. Probably would not go back for the pizza. I tried the Chicken Muffaletta sandwich which I thought was pretty good. Definitely would get it again on another visit. It's a very large, filling sandwich. We did not try an appetizers or desserts.
(3)Kelsy S.
Some things are good here, some things aren't...the fire & smoke has changed...not really a fan anymore.
(3)Suzanne P.
My boyfriend and I went here for dinner tonight, and were very impressed. The food was simply amazing! I found this place online while looking for a spot to hold a family event, and wanted to try it out before booking it. Everything was wonderful from the quick service (Thanks, Erica!), to the delicious tuna tartare (a little spicier than I expected), and a simple tomato and cheese pizza with artichokes. We finished it off with the chocolate raspberry ganache, which was really yummy! I also found their prices reasonable. And, I liked their variety of entrees with a mixture of good pizza and steaks and crab cakes and a great beer selection. After dinner, our waitress showed us a few of the rooms that could serve for a party and we met the manager who was very pleasant and helpful. I loved the ambiance, with the big open room, and can't wait to sit outside on a nice night near the fire pit.
(5)Jeff S.
This is the best restaurant I've been to in years. High quality, delicious food, quick and friendly service, good prices, and really nice atmosphere. I was really impressed. I definitely understand now why the place is always packed. We had the Apple & Pear Salad to start--a great mix of sweet and savory. Our entrée was a Sweet Sopressata & Wild Mushroom Pizza--very tasty, with just the right amount of spices. We agreed that it was a pizza perfectly geared toward adult tastes. Finally, for desert, we had the delicious Gelato Cookie Sandwich. The service was really great too. Our waiter was constantly checking in on us and getting us refills. He recommended a great beer, the Delirium, as well. If I had to give one knock against it, it would have to be the acoustics for the music they play. At times, all we could hear was bass. It was a little distracting, but it didn't cut into the atmosphere too much. Definitely still a 5 star restaurant, in our opinion.
(5)AJ S.
Great pizza and very accommodating folks. You can really have a nice time here. They also keep nice fancy liquors like Islay scotches.
(5)Alex D.
The reason I gave Matchbox 3 stars is because of the price of the food. The service is above average which makes the dining experience good compared to other restaurants in the area. The food on the other hand is sub par for the price. $9 for 3 cheeseburger sliders?? $14 for a 10" pizza?? Ive eaten here a couple times and was satisfied with my meal, until the check came. Sliders w/cheese $9 Small Chopped Salad $6 Crab Cake Sandwich $14 10" Matchbox Meat $14 Stella Artois $7 Tiamo Pinot Grigio $7 With tax and tip (20%) that's $71.00!!! While we waited almost 30 minutes for our table we went to the bar and looked around the restaurant. We were both amazed at the design and the decoration of the restaurant. I liked how their upstairs had a couple booths and a huge table that could seat up to maybe 14 people. The upstairs patio is a great new addition but the wait to be seated there is normally double the standard wait time. This is a little absurd to me considering your just staring at peoples tail lights. But different strokes for different folks. The main bar is very cramped with a mix of happy hour patrons and families waiting for their table. This tends to make the bar area hard to get comfortable in and even harder to get a beer. Your best bet is checking out the front bar by the outside dining area. Since this bar is off to the side it tends to get over looked by newcomers and may work better for a more relaxed wait time. All in all it was a good experience but i still cant get over the fact that it was $70 for essentially a pizza and crab cake sandwich. Yes, i realize we got apps and A drink a piece, but still $70?? Not a go to restaurant but a would go restaurant.
(3)Lisa W.
Arrived right at noon on a Friday and was told a 45 minute wait. I noticed people walking in and getting seated immediately. There were very few servers and tons of empty tables. NOTE: make reservations before arriving especially at peak times!. One hostess was not wearing a bra so it was the talk of the waiting area. The young man working the hostess stand was very personable and polite. He was checking with folks waiting to make sure everyone was comfortable :) Got seated by a manager(?) he was apologetic for the wait -. The waiter was very informative about the menu. We started with the 6 slider appetizer, and the pear salad. Both were fantastic. My son who is not a lover of salads even thought the pear salad was delicious. We ordered a larger pizza with salami and mushrooms. Again the food has fresh ingredients and was great! Since we figured we would not be back soon (he is away at college) we decided to order the hot doughnuts. I bit into the first doughnut and it was raw (ugh). After a great meal this was a downer!. The waiter was great and swooped the doughnuts away and we got a fresh batch. I realize the place is new and I think once they staff up , and get the flow of how things operate it will be a go to place. The outdoor bar and seating area looked very appealing - can not wait for the warmer weather.
(4)Lucy B.
Still a no thank you. You should be doing way better Matchbox.
(1)Robin O.
Was expecting MUCH better, since Matchbox seems to be the newest ballyhooed restaurant on the Pike. The waitress was very nice and seemed knowledgeable about the menu. Since it was our first time, the five of us decided on items we all could try. I ordered the Cream of Crab soup and it was very good, the portion was large easy to share and it had a nice hump of shredded crabmeat on top to stir in. Son ordered the Apple Pear Salad, we all liked it. One ordered crab cake sandwich which he said was very good, but accompanying FF's were overcooked, cool and tasteless. The kids (25, 28) split 1 lg wood fired pizza. Good toppings, flavor enjoyed by all. The bad: TOO MANY TECHNICAL ERRORS. Hubby's Gin & Tonic was served in a girly Martini glass, waitress said they were out of the right size glasses. (The place was 90% empty.) Hubby's beet salad was served heavy on the beets and lettuce but with miniscule amount of goat cheese. The kids large pizza split: half matchbox meat, half Serrano Spanish ham & Pecorino Romano. The toppings were very good, garlicky, tasty, however thin crust was not so good. Over-cooked, a bit tough and chewy, very hard to cut w/ the knife that came with pizza, which should have been serrated, not butter knife edge. It was comical trying to tease out a slice of pizza using exaggerated sawing motions. This caused the topping to come off and you had to re-build your piece. Hubby ordered the Short Ribs which had a pleasant flavor, there was some berry jam flavor going on, interesting, it was very sweet. Waitress called it a wine reduction when asked. However, the meat was dry, most likely due to sitting around. The side dish was Brussel sprouts w/ bacon and gorgonzola but was way too heavy on the gorgonzola, it was a mouthful of cheese and you couldn't taste anything else and it looked like a pile of mush. I ordered the Grilled Romaine & Hanger Steak Salad. This is served on a plate with grilled whole Romaine lettuce and hanger steak cut into about five 3"slices. The meat was heaped in a small pile on plate, not sitting on lettuce. (pictured.) It's garnished with a halved boiled egg, three croutons, and Caesar dressing on the side. I tasted the meat, and it was tepid to cool. The waitress came by, asked how our food was, I asked if the steak is supposed to be served cold and she said "No, it should be hot." She took my plate away, it came out 10 min. later, the 2nd time the meat was placed in strips, not heaped in pile (consistency?) and again the meat was tepid, but decided not to complain. This whole dish tasted heavily of PROPANE, including charred lettuce, 75% more charred the second time (consistency?). I think they take a propane torch to cook the meat on the plate and the lettuce, as well. I suggest renaming this dish "Propane flavored Meat Salad." My dog enjoyed it very much. Our waitress said Matchbox "excels at dessert". We ordered Molten Chocolate Cake. The portion size was paltry, 3" across, (pictured) so between 5 adults, only got a teaspoon bite for $8. In the middle was caramel, so why the name Molten CHOCOLATE cake? We were expecting 'To Die For', but not much flavor, not enough sugar, simply BORING. I ordered "Donuts and Coffee", (apparently the new restaurant craze... as we ate at The Palm last week and ordered Coffee n' Donuts for dessert and it was SUBLIME.) It's supposed to be served with an Espresso Kahlua Creme Sauce to dip the donut into -- imagine my surprise after dipping donut into sauce, popping it into my mouth and discovering that the dipping sauce was Caesar Dressing!!! YUK! GAG! The donuts were terrible, over fried rocks, inedible. These owners need to go to the Palm and see how this dish should be made. Scratch that, it's probably where they got the idea to do it in the first place. FAIL! After all these mistakes; puny glass size for G&T, meat served cold, Caesar Dressing as dessert dip (which will become legend in our family) there was no comp. We didn't ask, but they definitely should have offered SOMETHING. Mere Annoyances: I didn't realize that there's a bread shortage going on. Bread is offered at an extra $1.00 charge. We received 2 rolls for 5 people. They split rolls in half with melted garlic butter, then grilled it. It could have been good but it was too salty. As we left through the 100% empty bar, there were two Bartenders standing there. We walked passed and neither of them said anything to us such as "Thank you, come again". They just glanced at us and then looked away, (probably counting their money). That cold shoulder was the perfect end to an imperfect dining experience. I was told that Matchbox has 4 REAL chefs. Really? So many technical errors; over cooking, over salting, heavy handedness, and forgetting ingredients. There's an overall lack of finesse, quality and consistency in most dishes we tried. This place is HEAVY on the EGO and LIGHT on the TALENT. $150 bucks down the drain on mostly mediocre food.
(2)Sebb J.
I ordered a starter salad and the sausage pizza. The salad was decent but a bit on the acidic side. The sausage pizza I wolfed down easily, it was not best pizza i had but for suburban Maryland that was really unexpected. The service was just above average. She was quite friendly and talkative but towards the end even though the clientele had faded didn't come to us very often.
(4)Sandra A.
I like matchbox in general, I like the atmosphere, and have been many times, my only issue is everything I loved on the menu is no longer on the menu. From my fav drink to entree to dessert....How I managed to pick everything that will be taken off, beats me but I'm no longer excited to go there because I can't look forward to the the things I liked.
(3)Robert R.
wood-fired masonry oven pizza and mini burgers (not sliders) are the specialty items at these self proclaimed village pizza bistro's. the rockville restaurant, a stand alone structure in a big box shopping center along 355 is open and airy with two floors, an open pizza kitchen, two outdoor patios and two bar areas. this restaurant fills a big void in the area but expect lengthy waits on friday and saturday nights. favorites: mini burgers, cheese pizza, tuna nicoisesalad and all desserts
(4)Ann S.
This place was fun, friendly and delicious! Beautifully decorated and furnished!
(3)Emily P.
I've had the veggie, fire and smoke, meat, and meatball pizzas. I'm not sure if its because I've had a number of better experiences prior with brick oven pizza, but eating the pizzas here left me feeling heavy with terrible indigestion. I've also tried their other dishes like bacon shrimp and grits, tuna tartare, scallop gratin, crab and avocado salad, which I thought were mediocre at best. However, I recommend their burgers and definitely their onion fries (amazing!). Service here is usually spotty.
(2)AJ F.
Great food, reasonable price, with decent service... Second trip for me, will go back again. Make sure to make a reservation, there is always a line to get a seat. Overall, good place with great food.
(4)Ray M.
Food is excellent, but a little pricey. Service ok. Great, clean atmosphere :)
(4)Debby W.
Our group of 6 had a little of everything they offered and LOVED it all! The pizza was perfect~the crust was crispy and the toppings were delicious! We practically licked the plate of the avocado/something appetizer..and the beet salad was delicious. While the swordfish was little over done, the Short Ribs were amazing! OMG, the bread pudding was another lick the plate thing and so were the donuts! Our server John was very, very attentive. Yes, a little pricey...so I knocked off a star, but I haven't had such delicious food in ROCKVILLE, since I can remember!
(4)Rolf H.
I ate a mid-afternoon pizza with my daughter. The pizza was pretty good, if not great. Service was really good, and they had a good selection of beer. What really annoyed me was the incessant beat of the synthetic techno pseudo "music" they play -- a full hour of techno beat with no melody or anything else that could actually be called music. It was like a jackhammer to my head -- just really, really irritating. Why do they think someone can enjoy a meal with a robotic woodpecker pecking non-stop at their brain?
(2)Yama A.
I guess you should not go there on a tuesday night. We were seated right away but the service was slow, we had to call a waitress over to our table. The food was barely edibale. The waitress messed up our order, got raw burgers, greasey and burnt curley fries. The waitress was unattentive,not concerned even though my wife hadn't touched her meal, she did not ask us if anything was wrong... we just wanted to get out of there.... not worth the $60 we spent on a meal for two.... will never go back....
(1)Carrie W.
Awesome, our server Reece was wondeful!
(5)David M.
Food, drinks and service are all deserving of four stars. A pleasant treat on the Pike!
(4)Onawa C.
I'd love to say I actually ate there but I didn't. My birthday celebration is 2 weeks away and, October 1st and Alicia the sorta kinda party planner does not book two large parties in one night. As a corporate events planner myself, I've never heard of such a thing. Not to mention she never offered anything other than to split up my party and suggested I couldn't afford the room rental again not that she would even book it. So Matchbox ain't the place for large parties. I typically review restaurants for potential work conferences and meetings. I should just show up with my party of 18 people and see how they handle it but I couldn't even get in the front door so service would just go down here from here. Enter at your own risk!!
(1)Julia P.
Was waiting for full recovery after the food poisoning in Matchbox,Rockville. First there was a fake waitlist with a lot available tables and about 7 people waiting for an hour. Drinks are mixed not just wrongly but they are way too strong. Food is overpriced and has too much fat in it. After working as a chief cook in French cuisine restaurant, I can hardly give a star to the Matchbox in Rockville location. My friend was food poisoned right there and refused to eat at all. I ate about 1/4 part of my meal, and next day was struggling for 12 hours. The people who are working there are nice and friendly...I guess the rating star is for them ;-)
(1)Johnny P.
We had the scallops and large pesto chicken and steak & onion (half and half). The scallops were excellent, pizza was good. The pizza was thin and wasn't hard to eat. Fed 3 people to satisfactory. Kinda pricey though. $24 for scallops.
(4)Victor D.
Great brunch! And they finally built one big enough to seat everyone!
(4)Cornelius E.
I thoroughly enjoy going to this place. Very cool interior with good food to back it up. I always get the slider when I'm here as I am a big fan of these mini bun goodness. There might be a couple of better places to go in Rockville for eating alone but this is the place if you want to unwind after work or a date night. 4 stars for the ambiance alone. Hip but not pretentious.
(4)Sunshine W.
Pizza is great. Kids got mac n cheese which was excellent. Not too much else to choose from for kids though. The donut balls are a must.....delicious. Staff is on top of things. Atmosphere is nice and modern.
(4)Dennis R.
The atmosphere was great, a very open feel with plenty of outdoor seating and parking. We enjoyed the bacon wrapped shrimp and grits, which was spectacular and in my opinion something you must order. The cream of crab soup was great, a bit lighter than your typical cream of crab soups, which I enjoyed. The matchbox chicken sandwich was excellent, and the mini burgers were really good too. The portions were generous and our server was very attentive. Fantastic experience, can't wait to go back!
(4)Suzanne R.
I thought it was on the louder side. Open. Trendy. Very good for groups. Th pizza crust was very thin & very good. The sauce was nothing special. Spicy meatball pizza was mild. The tuna tartar was superb & the doughnuts are very good! Its clean, worth going to, good food. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Greg p.
This is true wood oven pizza, nothing stamped out assembly line about it. The extra crispy crust and the browned bubbling cheese is perfection. Good selection of on tap beers and some fun house cocktails. Just a bit on the pricey side but worth splurging for every now and then.
(4)Neville S.
Great restaurant! Good pizza and great chopped salad. We loved the chocolate Lava cake!!
(4)K D.
Matchbox is by far the coolest place you can find in Rockville/North Bethesda. Yes it's on Rockville Pike, yes it's a suburban area, but once you pull up to the restaurant, you can automatically feel it's super TRENDY VIBE. For Maryland, this is as LA as it gets and I love it. Great staff, great food. There are often waits on the weekends because it's the coolest spot in town right now and it's worth the wait. I'd much rather wait a few than stumble upon an empty place only to leave regretting it! Go to Matchbox!!!!! You will love. I can't wait to sit on the patio this summer and chill. :)
(5)Mariella B.
I've been here several times, most of the time during the lunch hours. The restaurant is def a big step up from the old restaurants that stood there, the new renovation will keep patrons coming back especially since it's two levels with a nice outdoor space. I haven't been wow-ed by this restaurant, as much as I really want to love it...I just don't. I think the pizza's are just okay, majority of the times I got the pizza the crust it too chewy and still doughy in the middle. I know some reviewers love the pizza but too me it's just way too overpriced and bland. I have gotten the Margherita, Fire & Smoke, Pepperoni, and Matchbox Meat. The best thing going for at this place are the cheeseburger sliders, this is what makes me want to come back especially those onion strings. The wait can get pretty long here and the waiting area is really not a waiting area. The hostess stand is too close to the entrance that when there is a long line it ends up winding out through the entrance. Boyfriend and I came here on a Saturday night, we requested for a table and we saw that they had the outdoor heaters on and the fire pit so we asked to sit outside. It would be a 30 minute wait so we went to the bar to have a drink. We got comfortable so we decided to just have dinner at the bar. That was a great decision the bartenders are awesome and seem to be more attentive than the servers are and were fun to talk to. So next time you come and it's just you and a date...skip getting a table and sit at the bar. I may not like coming for the pizzas but coming for drinks and appetizers will most likely have me come back and it's a great place for date night.
(3)Jason P.
Terrible experience. After a long wait for a table, we ordered a pepperoni pizza. While I realize the menu said "some charring can occur due to the temperature of the ovens" - our pizza was BURNED. Waiter never returned after a kitchen helper dropped off the pizza until it was time to drop off the check. When he finally did and we expressed our dissatisfaction, he only responded with "Well, next time, you should order it less well done." Evidently poorly prepared pizza is the responsibility of the customer. I'd recommend driving past this place to one of the many other fine restaurants in DC (or even in Rockville for that matter).
(1)Saleh M.
The atmosphere here is great. When weather is nice, the back outside bar is a good place to drink, socialize, watch the game. The bartenders are friendly and attentive. Though I like to come here for a beer, I can't rave about the pizza. just so-so.
(3)Brandi K.
Everything about this place is pretentious and annoying. We were told--somewhat rudely, I might add--that there was an hour and 45 minute wait for a table for 2, at 2 p.m. on a Sunday. Thanks but no thanks. Get over yourself, Matchbox...it's not as though overpriced restaurants on Rockville Pike are a rarity.
(1)Ronni G.
The great food, good service and urban casual atmosphere I expect from an outpost of this upscale chain. Sweet calamari salad and local brew hit the spot for lunch. Came back the next day for more at dinner time. Pepperoni and cheese pizza was terrific.
(4)Ashley E.
Yummy. Love the outside fire pit!
(4)Chris H.
I LOVED this place. Not only is it stunningly gorgeous and spacious on the inside, but the staff is beyond friendly and all smiles. My partner and I went on a Saturday in the afternoon, and were seated immediately and sipping our water within 5 minutes. We had Josh, the friendliest waiter I have ever met in my life, who came to check on us at the right moments and was very attentive. The food was great to say the least. I'm looking forward to the next time I have an opportunity to eat here again. Definitely a welcome addition to the chain restaurant wasteland that the area has become.
(5)Alex R.
This is my favorite Restaurant in the Rockville. Love the structure, love the food. The one thing I would add is to try the brunch; my favorite pizza here is the Brunch Pizza. Can be annoyingly busy though, even on weekdays.
(4)Nicole L.
The building was transformed into a beautiful space, I loved the interior of the restaurant, it was much more spacious than the Chinatown one. We just wanted to meet with friends at the bar but after few hours of standing, we decided maybe it was a good idea to get a table. We sat down at this table that opened up, it was getting late and the crowd was dwindling but the server semed displeased with our decision. To make her feel better, we ordered the trio of meatless burger, mini crabcakes and scallops as well as the Fire N Smoke pizza that our friend was raving about. I thought it was slightly costly for $19 it was vege pizza but it was spicy like described. My friend commented that the Chinatown one was spicier. The server was friendlier after that fact that we ordered food and more beverage, I wished we werent made to feel bad. If you wanted better tips you should just give a provide a good service and not care about what people order!!
(3)Lina B.
Just doesn't live up to the hype. The food is OK but not for as much as I am spending for it. The drinks are good and they have a pretty good beer selection with seasonals. It's always really crowded. The sliders are the go-to but I don't think they're absolutely amazing that you need to come here to get them. Onion straws overpiling the sliders..so much and so salty. I was enthralled when it first opened, but now I am just bored of the same thing. I have gotten the pesto pizza, the fire and smoke pizza (or whatever it's called...it's not even that spicy) and I have gotten a few of the chicken sandwiches. Save your money. It's a place to see and be seen and has a fun ambiance, but I am not really impressed.
(3)Tosin O.
Great food, great service, lovely ambiance...I absolutely luvv it and i will be back.
(4)A K.
Food is great, service was so-so. We ate here on a Sunday in December at 1 pm. We had a reservation - but it wasn't too crowded - so we probably didn't need it. The restaurant is large but still warm and cozy and was decorated nicely for the holidays. We had the mini burgers, apple/pear salad, meatball pizza, prosciutto and fig pizza, and the bistro burger. The food was excellent! For dessert we had the cinnamon donuts, which were served warm. They were so tasty. They also have a large drink selection and a brunch menu on the weekends. The waiter seemed attentive at first, but seemed to lose focus on our table. Our sodas sat empty for awhile (this is a pet peeve of mine). He also didn't check on us after the meal was served and we had to flag him down for salt and pepper. Overall, I would recommend this place and look forward to going back.
(4)Mike K.
Forgot last time I got a salad with crabmeat I was not happy and this time I got an app with mini crabcakes and promise to not make that mistake again. The tuna tartar was chopped up and I didn't love that either. Rockfish special was great but dudes, serve jumbo lump or 86 it! Their slider burgers are great as is the pepperoni roll. Pizza is okay. No happy hour here so will get my happy appies and party starters at Potomac Grill or Clyde's.
(3)Mark S.
The food was very good and they have a nice selection. I also found that they have a good selection of beers and mixed drinks. My only complaint was the inattentiveness of our waiter that evening. He did not come around very often to check if we were OK.
(3)Crystal S.
Fantastic pizza! I've been here twice now, and the food was great on both occasions. I had the prosciutto and black fig pizza, and it was wonderful. Party members who ordered pizzas were very happy, but the other offerings did not quite meet the mark - decent, but not memorable. For example, the chicken sandwich was gristly and dry. We tried desserts the first time and they were a bit uninspired. Worth it just to go for it on the pizza and be done with the night on a high note. Service both times was okay, great during some portions of the meal, friendly etc., and then completely forgotten near the end of the meal. Customers really shouldn't need to be flailing around for someone to take their money, best to finish up the table just like it started! All in all, we will certainly be back.
(4)Mike M.
My most recent visit, Jan. 8, was a bit of a disappointment. The waiter introduced himself and said he and another waiter would be sharing our table. Rather than better service we got really bad service. Couldn't get refills for the kids drinks, asked for the check and waited (I kid you not) 30 minutes for it to finally be brought out. The waiter(s) were pleasant enough but seemed completely overwhelmed by a Tuesday evening crowd. Looks like they need some more help. Unfortunately, the pizza my kids wanted is apparently no longer on the menu, I think it was called a cheese steak pizza or something like that. In fact, it seems they've lost their focus regarding pizza as there are far fewer pizza offerings and the pizza takes an overall diminished role on the menu. When our pizzas arrived everyone at the table (6 of us this time) thought the same thing: It's not as good and something has changed. The biggest difference was the dough which wasn't as thin and light as in the past. We had a small Fire and Smoke, a large White Cheese, and a large Meatball. With three hungry teens you would have thought there would have been no leftovers but we took home a whole box. It's a shame because the family has always LOVED this place and now it seems they're not particularly interested in going back.
(3)Deb G.
A great place for brunch with a group. The restaurant is very large, so it's no problem to get a reservation. The service was also very accommodating - moving us from right next to the jazz trio to a quieter room where we could chat. The boy had "the 9" bloody Mary to start with and really liked it, although that might have been due to the prosciutto stuffed olives. He had the brunch pizza and I got the Bloody Mary burger, both of which were excellent. I kind of wish I had realized the burger came with a (very good) salad instead of fries. Our server was attentive and good with a large group and kids. All in all, a nice experience.
(4)Jess Y.
The brunch here appealed to me more than dinner did. I tried the huevos rancheros, and it was pretty good. The only complaint I would have is that it was cold and a bit too runny. There were a lot of things on the brunch menu that I wanted to try, but I was too full. Will return for brunch one of these days... 3-6-9 Burgers are always delish, however the onion strings are occasionally burnt. Dislike. The tuna tartar was average... (what do you expect, Matchbox is known for their pizza!) Pizza is nothing too spectacular. The wine list is alright, & the service is usually pretty good. I'm glad to see that Matchbox Rockville will survive the spot of the previous failed businesses. :P It's a lot less cramped than the DC location.
(3)Huntting B.
So, it's matchbox, and I friggen love Matchbox. The people there are even nicer than the one downtown. Here's the thing, though, the burgers here weren't nearly as good. The bread was STALE :( How sad did that make me... I will say that I had the meatball/pepperoni pizza roll thing, it was AWESOME...and my waitress was great cause she had them use the spicy sauce for me...it was SOOOO good. The wait, here, is so much less than downtown, which is great cause it can take a while to get seated at the other location. All this said...the next time that I want Matchbox...I'm heading in town and not here (unless it's raining and I sorta need to drive)
(3)Liz C.
Matchbox has really great pizza, as that is what they are known for. I first experienced matchbox in Chinatown DC and I've had really yummy pizza everytime. This location in Rockville is okay. I like their outdoor space during the warm months. The outdoor bar is a fun place to be. Usually I get the Belgian beers, and they're perfect everytime, especially with the pizza, but the last two times I've gotten mixed drinks or cocktails. They were so super sweet! And I couldn't taste any of the alcohol. I'm way too shy to send drinks back when dissatisfied, but I seriously questioned if they put any alcohol at all. It wasn't even the "oh it's so good that you can't taste any alcohol". No. I think the DC locations are trendy, but I have mixed feelings about the suburb locations. Overall, PIZZA IS YUMMY, Beer is great, and cocktails not so much. Of course I will continue as a patron for the food and beer. :)
(3)Nick S.
Matchbox has good ambiance and feels quite 'chic' inside, but sadly their pizzas don't have much flavor. Consolation prize? The mini burgers are pretty damn delicious, and they have Chimay on tap.
(4)J C.
Delicious! I'm obsessed with their mini burgers with the fried onion. I can just eat the fried onion by it self
(4)Peter L.
YOU NEED A MANAGEMENT OVERHAUL! This is a review that I have to say is tough to write because I know one of the original owners and I sometimes have to tell it like it is. Yesterday my wife was reserving a table for 8 at the big round table. All went well until she called to confirm and she was told that it was not reserved because it was not fair to the other diners who want o experience a fine dining experience. Are you kidding...we were just checking in and as frequent diners of MB I was incensed by the response so I requested the Manager. Not only did this not get resolved, but HE was no better than the first person we spoke with. Let me tell you...ever since one of your former owners decided to depart MB has taken a downturn in customer service. The servers are great, but the management is rude and does not get it. As a parent of 5 kids at several of the neighboring private prep and public schools I will have to make it known that MB is not a family friendly place and only caters to walk ins...very sad considering what was good has turned sour.
(2)Kayleah M.
Overpriced, sorry excuse for pizza! You're better off buying a frozen pizza at the grocery store! Never again...
(1)Samantha D.
Matchbox has become a family favorite of ours... The pizzas are amazing, and we definitely recommend the 3-6-9 burgers. Aside from that we recently had a brunch for a table of 14, and it was the absolute perfect place. The brunch menu has many options to please everyone, and the cinnamon rolls are a MUST!
(5)Elizabeth M.
Just went for a late lunch (2:00). Waited forever for a waitress as the tables seated after us spoke with their servers. Just as we stood to leave, our waitress appeared, apologized and asked for one more minute. We left.
(1)Anita C.
Came here last night for my little sister's birthday dinner, and had a pleasant experience. We arrived around 6:45pm on a Wednesday night for a party of 5, and waited about 15-20 minutes with no reservation. Ambiance: one of the most noteworthy things about Matchbox. The interior is huge and beautifully decorated, with a modern vibe to the place. Food: We ordered the six of the 3.6.9 sliders ($14?) with mozzarella cheese. The sliders were yummy, but the onion rings were the highlight - lightly fried and very thin. Highly recommend! My dad ordered the petite filet steak special ($22), which was cooked perfectly and on a bed of mashed potatoes and red wine sauce. We also ordered three pizzas - veggie, matchbox meat, and chicken pesto ($20 each). My favorite was the veggie - lots of light veggies with small potato chips on top. The other two were too salty for my liking - wish they had eased up a bit. Definitely a nice alternative to CPK, and just slightly more expensive. We shared three pizzas between four people and brought back two of them because we were so stuffed. Huge portions! Our waiter was very friendly as well. Recommendations: 3.6.9 sliders and the veggie pizza.
(4)Pia A.
Came here for a Monday night dinner. Busy busy busy for a Monday night. I ordered the serrano Spanish ham pizza. It was good, not phenomenal. We ordered a bottle of the meritage, which was delicious. Went very well with the pizza. Since it was a birthday dinner, I was treated to chocolate chip bread pudding. This was really good. Not too sweet with its rum caramel. The atmosphere was really fun, for a Rockville pizza joint. On a cooler night, I'd love to sit outside. Reservations a must. I saw people just walking in without them and they had to wait an hour. One hour at 7:30p on a Monday. Ridiculous. Would definitely come back, perhaps try their other pizzas and may change my rating.
(3)Julio E. G.
I have been coming to Matchbox since it opened a while back. This is a pizza joint and a bit more upscale than Ledo's Pizza. The food quality is consistently good and they have a very good wine list. I love the salads and they also serve a very good salmon garnished with asparagus wrapped in bacon. My wife likes to come here for brunch or a casual lunch during the week. The bar is nice and they have an acceptable beer selection. I don't pretend to judge the waiters because there is a different person each time I go. This is not a mom and pop joint and the turnover of waiters is fast. But, who cares, they seem to do the job. They even have a counter in the waiting area of the lobby where a desperate customer can order food. On Sundays they have a jazz trio and it is always nice to hear live music in a restaurant. The musicians are not as hip as in the west coast, but something is better than nothing. Live music is a rarity nowadays. The layout is nice with two levels and outdoor seating with a pit fire and heaters. Not bad for a chain restaurant
(4)Missy Y.
I remember when I was a kid and while my mom would be at work I would make a quick bite to eat. I would take a piece of bread throw some Ragu sauce on it along with some cheap mozzarella cheese pop it in the microwave once it was finished I would top it off with some McCormick oregano. Well recently I had a pizza at Matchbox and the only difference was that the pizza I made at home didn't cost $25. The service was great though
(2)Sarah C.
Complete Your Review: Matchbox Rockville 1699 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852 ________________________________________________ Rating [ * * * ] Roll over stars, then click to rate. Your review We used opentable.com and either we had a horseshoe up each our bums or 'twas a slow Friday night since our reservation was for 8:15 and our table was ready by 8:20 - possibly 'cause we were a party of 2?? . Our server was great....not a talker (score!) and checked on us frequently. . Hubs chose the matchbox meat 'zza while I pined for a non-'zza entree - shrimp & grits (special) caught my attention especially when the word bacon was wrapped within the enticing description. Pick 3 or 5 shrimps....I got 5 oink-oinked. . My s&g was very comforting - prettied up for show but tasted familiar and bursted with a kick of flavor on behalf of the bacon strips man handling each juicy plump marine morsel. This dish was factually filling....filling enough where there's room fo' dessert :D . Why 3 stars overall? Hubs' 'zza. They did their job since it tasted like pizza but it was very tombstone. Tombstone is fine when you consider it doesn't cost $14. To each their own. He wants to come back for the entrees - he liked my s&g special. . Coffee & doughnuts dessert was lush. Be sure to dip 'em in the espresso-coffee-like-creme. Each frolicsome unique dough pieces were attacked by cinnamon sugar mobs which made for a messy finger-lickin' delight. . This is our take of MBR369 on MDR355 3.5 stars thanks to the s&g and c&d . . Have additional tips on this business? Uh yeah: Just park at the BBB lot if their parking section is full Price Range: $$ Moderate $11 - $30 Attire: Let's just say I had fun people watching (casual's fine) . Post
(3)Tim H.
The pizza is unique and delicious--my personal favorite is the fire and smoke, but I've enjoyed everything I've had here (note: I've stuck to pizza). The price is reasonable for the quality, and the atmosphere is very nice. You could come to Matchbox for a date (especially when they have live jazz), to watch a game, or just for a great meal. There are a couple bars (one inside, one outside) which are also pleasant and serve several interesting cocktails. The beer selection is small and unremarkable (Dogfish, Allagash, etc). The crowd here is a little older than most bars but it's still a fun place to be. I've had some minor trouble with the service here--last time, someone took our drink order, then apparently left because after a while we had to find another waiter. As others have noted here the turnover of staff seems high so quality could be variable. I've never had a long wait even though it can get packed.
(4)Helen C.
Really good veggie pizza and trio dessert! I would love to come back for their sliders. We also got a special lamb appetizer, which was good, but too charred and fatty for me. My friend loved it though.
(5)John N.
Surprisingly I do not go here for the pizza. Crazy..... I know right. Sometimes what a place is known for, is not what is really the best things on the menu. I think one of the key examples of this is the sliders that they offer as an appetizer. These little delectable pieces of animal flesh put on a small buttery bun has to be one of the most pleasurable mouth orgasms I have had in a long time. What else can I say, I mean its simple but delicious. Oh and the onion straws they put on top are pretty top notch as well. Even though I have had a handful of things on here, I really like this place. It has a variety of things that are all worth trying. Except for the pizza, which I think is a little overpriced, but hey that's me. I mean domino's has a large carryout pizza for 7.99. And lets face it, when it comes to Pizza, im not trying to eat healthy....I want a greasy one, loaded with cheese and pepperoni and a crust dipped in butter...YUM. Anyways, I digress. This place is a place where you can take the family, go with friends and relax. They have an amazing outside patio with a circular fire pit that has seating around it. They have 2 bars and one of them extends from inside to outside for easy service. This place can get crazy busy on Friday and Saturday nights so either make a reso. or be prepared to wait. The few time that we went there we sat in Chris's section and he was by far one of the best Servers that we have had. Very attentive and on point. Even though he had what appeared to be a 5 table section, he made it a point to always check up on what we needed. My recommendation, go on a Sunday in the afternoon, get a bloody mary and try the Updated Turkey Sandwich!! And the Slider's of course.
(4)Semra E.
I've been a fan of Matchbox since they moved into Chinatown...little did I know that they'd hit up the suburb of MD that I conveniently work in as well! I was extremely excited when I heard the news that they'd be moving in next door to my office, finally some quality food within walking distance. When you walk inside, you don't realize how big the space is, they did an EXCELLENT job with the layout of bars and dining areas. You could have a completely different feel per section of the restaurant if you hopped around (which I'm guessing I will eventually do). I had read the Washington Post article about the shrimp & grits....mmmmmm, but I tried the scallops instead (app.) which were AMAZING!!!! I could have just gone into a food coma after trying that, but nooooo....I had to go ahead and get the chicken sandwich they had with caramelized onions....(one of the best food inventions one could wish for). I will be back to try out other things I'd heard of, you bet your dollar. Lunch service was quick & I will definitely be back soon enough.
(3)Steven W.
The architects knocked it out of the park in the design of this restaurant. The indoor/outdoor bar type area really works, and you don't feel like you're sitting on Rockville Pike. The rest of the interior again, has that "not on Rockville Pike" flavor. With the nice wood and metal...modern look to it... There's nothing wrong with Rockville Pike, other than the terrible traffic and feeling of mass density suburbia, but eating in Matchbox makes you feel like you are in a much cooler place. The food is as solid as it's sister restaurants in the district.
(4)Janine G.
I came here somewhat expecting something that tasted like Pizza Hut. I was throughly surprised at the service, the decor, the food, the menu (limited but you don't need a large menu IMO) and the location. I sure do love eating out in Rockville so I had to check this place out! Also, I was really hoping a good restaurant would take over this location, I recall a couple restaurants located here (before the building was torn down) and I also recall the old building standing unleased for the longest time, it was quite the eye sore for Rockville. I hope this place sticks around. We were seated immediately, server came over promptly to serve us water, asked if tap was okay. Then didn't harass me to see if I knew what I wanted just yet since he knew we had just arrived. He came around a few minutes later and asked if we had any questions, we proceeded to order drinks and an appetizer. My drink: Chinatown was amazing! It has house watermelon infused vodka, couldn't get much better than that (also has rum, gin, tequila, triple sec and cranberry)! I want to go back just for the drink alone! Hubs had a Lemon Quencher (firefly sweet tea vodka / lemonade), he loved his drink too. In fact, we both ordered our drink twice (and we never do that, we just can't drink more than one anymore...old age I tell ya)!! Our appetizer Mozzi Carrozzi came around and I was a bit hesitant to have it since I don't like bruschetta and it kinda sounded like it but as I took my first bite, I felt I must have pleased the gods that day b/c it was absolutely divine!! It was delishly crispy and cheesy and the tomato sauce was so good, you could tell it didn't come out of a can! Our pizza came out and reading other reviews I was afraid I'd have a soggy crust...au contraire! My crust was crispy and not hard as a rock crispy! I loved every bit of it, I'm not the kinda gal that eats more than one slice of pizza b/c I frankly get a little sick of it...I had, count em, 4 slices!! I haven't eaten more than one slice of pizza in one seating since high school (large pizza all to myself...smh). Now comes dessert, again, I'm a picky eater and I detest cooked bananas and when I saw bananas were included in the chocolate chip bread pudding I almost hurled. I asked the server to clarify, he advised me it's not cooked or IN the pudding. I took a chance and boy oh boy am I glad I did so! The bread pudding was freakin ah-mayyy-zing! The rum sauce surrounding it was just melting in my mouth and the uncooked bananas were a perfect addition to the plate! As our dinner came winding down I had to use the little girls room and I asked the hostess to assist with directions, she actually WALKED me to the restroom so I wouldn't get lost, I don't think anyone has been that helpful since I've been to La Amada in Cancun. All in all, this will become a normal place for the hubs and I to eat! I can't wait for our next visit to Matchbox!
(5)Kim H.
Yummmmm, can't go wrong with Matchbox! I was pleasantly surprised by the decor - very spacious and modern. Our waitress was very nice and attentive and the pizza was perfect (as always). However, I thought the pizza was a bit overpriced as a large 3 topping pizza cost 25 dollars (we built our own). They also offer an excellent beer selection and multiple flat screen tv's in the bar area. I will definitly be back.
(4)Jennifer N.
Here's the take-away message: make a reservation. Our dining companions had, and we were glad. Apparently, at 6:45 on a Sunday evening, the wait was at least an hour. Matchbox seems to me to be exactly what it looks like: it's massive, it's attempting to be quirky (pictures of Michael Jackson on the table?) even though it's part of a chain. Even the food is exactly what I thought it would be like - in fact, it reminded me of food at any enormous restaurant I've ever been to - efficient, fine, standardized. My pizza (chicken, pesto, mozzarella - $13) was absolutely standard, but I think I should have been more adventurous (or added something to enhance it) because it tasted fairly plain. Another restaurant might have added something funky to it - olives, sundried tomatoes, something like that. But this is a place that hinges on standardization, I think. Similarly, the burger was absolutely fine, standard even (though enhanced by the three enormous onion rings it comes with). All of this to say, Matchbox is no surprises - the food is exactly what you might expect from a very big restaurant.
(3)Moritz R.
Service: Excellent. A young vibrant staff that is very knowledgeable about their menu and specials and the location. Yes there is some history to the location, go there and they will tell you about it. Food: I had the flat iron steak with eggs and my wife had the white pizza with prosciutto. I would say that both were very good. My only complaint is I wanted my steak medium, I got it well done, making it a bit tough. The food came out fast even though it was a bit crowded on a Saturday afternoon. Definitely I would go back.
(4)Buddha N.
So lets talk about Matchbox, first off this place has an awesome lay out and probably the biggest matchbox I have seen , it has two levels and a outdoor patio area and is dressed up in your typical matchbox clean style which is very awesome. So came here on a Sunday afternoon for brunch and was surprised there wasnt a huge line out the door, Im guessing cause of the size of this place that it was packed but not packed enough to have a line out the door. So was greeted by the nice hostess at the door and then escorted to our table in a backroom that has a huge fireplace, kinda cool lil room, probably best for a private party situation. Anyways server was prompt to getting to our table and taking our order so that was a plus Food came out a bit later but for some reason the salad came out last. We ordered a brunch entree off the menu, pizza, veggie egg ranchero dish , and apple pear salad so not sure why the salad came out after. Anyways food was tasty and all plates were empty so that has to mean something right???????? So overall place gets 4 stars
(4)Eric O.
Step 1: Ask for Luke as your waiter. Step 2: Order ceviche, mini burgers, spanish ham pizza, and bread pudding. Also order matchbox punch if you're feeling rowdy. Step 3: Win.
(5)Tejan R.
My experience at the Rockville Matchbox was surprisingly remarkable. Great menu selection that will have your palate pleased and yearning for more. This was my first time dining at a Matchbox but I'm sure it won't be the last. The whiskey smash was on point hence the reason why I'm writing a review which I rarely do. Also the creamy crab soup, sliders, spicy meatball pizza were great selection I would recommend.
(4)Sharon W.
My husband wanted to take his student intern, office manager and me out to lunch. Since their office is in Rockville I thought Matchbox might be a restaurant we would all like. The restaurant is large but is broken up into smaller spaces so you don't feel like you're eating in a warehouse. In fact we had a nice corner booth which allowed easy conversation. Two in our party ordered salads, one ordered the cream of crab soup and I ordered the crab cake sandwich. The cream of crab soup got rave reviews so I definitely want to try it when I go back. This is the second time I've ordered crab cakes there and they are good, not a lot of filler. The french fries appear to be made from fresh potatoes with skin on and are also quite good. Our service was fine so, as I had hoped, everyone came away happy and full.
(3)Trevor M.
Rockville's Vintage Pizza Restoration Period can begin... Ok, what can I say about Matchbox that hasn't been written already? Yes, the pizza is good. Yes, it has fantastic atmosphere. Yes, it is the new hotspot on Rockville Pike. Yes, the line is long...go to opentable.com and reserve your table. So, what else is left? Shall I needlessly mock it's name? (oh, the puns that can come out) Should I write about their shameless firepits everywhere? Should I jabber on about endlessly long lines? Should I talk about pizza history here in Rockville and that we've never had any vintage pizza before?...Wait a tick...that's it! Matchbox invites you to the Season of Reason pizza event. Rockville has never had true Vintage pizza before. I would not even dare to call it a 'pizza'. Its' more of a post modern flatbread with hydroponically grown tomatoes from Roma. Although, I hesitate to call it a pizza. It's more like a Palazzo designed by the well known pizza architect Maheud MoreaHaus-Boyardee. In a season of extravagance come down to Matchbox. Ok, everyone breathe a sigh of relief or wince. How is it really? Allright, it's good. It's just as good as their other locations. The smoke and fire pizza is spicy...though, do add some serrano ham. It gives it an additional punch. The bistro part is just as good. The tuna nicoise salad is well done. The tuna is sushi quality and just seared ever so lightly. The mini trio with crab cake, scallop and beef...well, it's divine. Now, let's be realistic....have people had legitimate rants/concerns about long waits and slow service? Yes and No. Bear in mind that they did a full opening. Not staggered, not bearing in mind that the buzz has been built up since the last restaurant was torn down. Are they still hiring? Yes...so, it's going to be a process till they get everything down to a 'T'. Bottom line: Hip, young, old, new, something borrowed, somthing burning, but that ain't your pizza. May the vintage pizza restoration of Rockville begin.
(4)Cynthia L.
I can't stop eating at this place. You must try their 3-6-9 sliders (with Gouda cheese) as an appetizer. They're pizzas are really good (I liked their sweet sopresatta & wild mushroom pizza but did not enjoy the matchbox meat as much). I've tried their tuna nicoise salad, which is really good (speaking from someone who almost never eats salad as a meal alone). Dessert is worth going here by itself. Everything is made in-house. Their pecan pie is the best pecan pie I've ever had. If you're not a fan, try the trio dessert (you get a little of everything) or the lemon tart or the special of the day.
(5)Carol C.
I would say the Yelp reviews sum this place up quite well: a solid 3.5 stars. Great for a casual but still classy lunch or dinner out with friends. First thing I noticed was that this place is ENORMOUS. I know they have a whole section on their website dedicated to explaining the architectural endeavors of each of their locations, but I was still extremely impressed by the vaulted airy space, generous outdoor seating, open kitchen, and expansive bars. Matchbox is gorgeous, fo sho. But is it all only 'fo' SHOW'? Well, the food is okay. It's enjoyable and definitely good to eat. The sliders were very good, as other reviewers have mentioned. I was surprised how juicy and flavorful small burger patties can be. The sliders came with a Mt. Everest pile of onion straws, which were crisp and delicious but props to people who can actually finish them all! The calamari salad was so-so. The greens were fresh, but there weren't very many of them. The calamari, though decently portioned, were oddly soft and mushy. As for the pizza, we got half and half with premade combo sausage/sun-dried tomato and self-picked wildmushroom/arugula/prosciutto. The crust is thin, but not as thin as real New York pizza. It can also be a little tough and burnt at places. While the flavors were good and the toppings fresh and plentiful, I also found the pizza to be quite greasy. Definitely not bad, but certainly not among the best pizza I've ever had. For the finale, we ordered a dessert trio to celebrate our friend's birthday. The sorbet flavors were interesting, with melon, basil lemon, and raspberry, and really cleansing after a heavy meal. The molten chocolate cake was a disappointment. I order molten lava cake wherever they offer it, and this was probably one of the worst I've tasted. The cake itself was rubbery, room temperature, the middle fudgey at best. Sadness. The doughnuts, which are supposed to be 'beignet-like' had crispy thick exteriors and a spongy interior. Not bad, but not great. At least the espresso dipping sauce was delicious, rich, creamy and just a little bit salty. Anyway, I would say overall a fun swanky place with good service, good atmosphere, okay food.
(3)N S.
Such a beautiful venue, and such average food. I've never been much of a fan of Matchbox, but I def think they're resting on their laurels now. Started out with a small salad, generously covered in parmesean. The balsamic dressing was very unevenly distributed in the salad like it barely got a toss. Moved onto the Fire and Smoke pizza. Used to be quite spicy with a decent crust. Now, I found a pizza with no bite, a thin limp crust and just quite unappealing. The mgmt was kind enough to allow me to send it back and suggest a simple margerita pizza which was significantly better which brings me to my next point. The freeze-ish dried basil. Doesn't belong. Go super fresh or go home. Lastly, had the chocolate chip bread pudding. Once again, it was just ok. Not oversweet with a good amount of sauce. I'm not convinced the sauce was house made. Provided excellent service by our server, Allison. Very helpful and attentive.
(3)Lisa I.
I've been on a real pizza kick recently, and this place doesn't stand up to other local offerings. We just happened to stop by while we were down in the Rockville REI, and didn't have any expectations since we had not heard of Matchbox. It was a weird time on a Sunday afternoon ("lunner)" so it wasn't too crowded when we got here. Apparently the wait here can be crazy, and after eating here, I wouldn't stand for that. Everyone thinks the atmosphere is so awesome...and it IS nice, but I can't help but find it pretentious. I know I'm a buzzkill, but it is just too much for me. I mean, it's pizza. And it's not gourmet pizza (whatever that is), just woodfired pizza. I'm not gonna be a hater, so if it works for them and keeps people coming back, that's cool. I just will try to look past the clunky, over-stylized solid wood menu and semi-snobby waitstaff. We started with a grilled romaine steak caesar salad, and that was good. They don't cut the romaine heads after grilling, which makes for beautiful presentation, but I felt like a knife-wielding maniac trying to chop up all that lettuce. My husband and I split the Sicilian ham and Romano pizza. Even though another reviewer suggested this pizza, it was so blah. Husband loved it, I just stopped eating. Thin crust, which I liked. The waiter suggested the chocolate bread pudding as THE BOMB...or whatever these kids are saying these days. Just OK, wouldn't bother with it again. If this is the best pizza in Rockville, like another reviewer suggested, I would suggest not eating pizza in this town. Important note: This place looks like it will have awesome outdoor seating in the warmer months. I will check this out again when I can sit outdoors. There is something primal about eating outside I think, even if it is pizza and cocktails. Rawr!
(2)Alicia G.
Marylanders can now rejoice as Matchbox finally makes its debut in Rockville! I have not had the pleasure of dining in house yet, but I did stop in on opening night to get some mini-burgers to-go. They weren't taking orders over the phone til Monday but happily took my order at the bar. In retrospect, I'm glad they weren't taking orders over the phone because while we waited at the bar for our order, I recognized one of the owners, Perry, and got a chance to say hello. He not only remembered me (and my name...and my giant camera) from coming to the opening of the Capitol Hill location but then offered to give Alicia C and I the grand tour of the new place. Thanks again, Perry! This Matchbox location is easily the biggest of them all. It can seat 300 and will able to seat 400+ in the warmer months when they open the patio. The space is absolutely gorgeous - the same sort of red steel stairways, exposed brick and distressed wood wall. There are 2 bars and one of them will be able to serve as an outdoor bar by opening the windows. Similar to the others, there is an upstairs seating area but ALSO an upstairs outdoor patio/deck that overlooks Congressional Plaza. Oh and the mini-burgers were as awesome as usual even packaged to go. Juicy little beef patties on buttery brioche and pickle slice on the bottom. We got ours with gorgonzola because that's how we roll. We also had a whole second container filled to the brim with parmesan onion straws. Nom! I'm more than thrilled that Matchbox has an MD location and can't wait to do happy hours, brunches and dinner here so I won't have to trek into DC every time I want mini-burgers and girlie martinis.
(5)Chet W.
First, there are multiple locations for Matchbox in the DC area. I've personally visited three of them: Chinatown (713 H Street NW), 14th Street (1901 14th Street NW) Rockville (1699 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852). I've experienced the best service, best food and best ambiance at the 14th Street location. This is not to say that the others are bad; this one is just best. The food, as others have stated, is great. It's a tad more expensive than what you'd find at other similar places in DC. However, I find the price to be worth it! There usually is a wait of at least 15 minutes. As others have noted, there is sometimes a wait of 45+ minutes. I don't think I'd wait 45+ minutes for this place especially with DC's other restaurants, but that's up to you, really. Whether or not parking is available depends on the location. You'll have a much harder time parking at the DC locations since there are no dedicated parking spots. In Rockville, the restaurant is in a shopping plaza and shares the parking spots. I cannot vouch for the bar or the quality of the drinks, but the food is really great. I've never had anything I disliked; the portions are fair and the food is fresh. At the time of this writing (29 Jan 2013) pizzas can be made half/half so you can try multiple flavors in one visit. The crabcakes are the best I've had in DC with very little filler and no celery-- something that is increasingly hard to find. Another favorite dish, the crispy chicken, has a great, all around taste and doesn't feel/taste greasy. The one time I had an issue was because I received a different pizza than what I had ordered. I was not upset or angry; I double checked with the waitress and when the mistake was realized, she gave me the correct pizza and let me keep this incorrect one for free. I visit here an average of once a month or so and regularly recommend people to visit as well. I recommend you do, too, and enjoy yourself!
(5)Katelyn K.
I have been to the Matchbox location both down on 8th Street and now this one. Both have the same great food, attentive service and fun atmosphere. What I really loved about the one in Rockville is the outdoor space. Downtown the outside space is small and is on the crowded sidewalk; however, the one in Rockville is spacious. Personally, I loved the shared table/bar around the fire pit. There is also one near the front door so you can wait around it for your table, which is is great if you come on an evening and the wait is long (which it often can be). I just hope that Matchbox can survive in this location, since many of predecessors here failed.
(4)Sisley C.
I've been here a few times. The sliders are always very good. I've had a few of their pizzas and they're okay... I don't find them to be that amazing. Lobster bisque is always yummy but expensive ($6 for a small bowl). The service is always subpar every time I've been here. Overall, just okay. I'd come back but I wouldn't say I crave food from this place.
(3)Tu-van L.
Opening weekend dinner experience was great. Food was great as expected, service was very attentive, and the space is GORGEOUS! I've driven by this place through its many stages of construction, antipating the formal arrival of the locally-famed Matchbox, anxiously waiting for the day it opens its doors and I can be one of the first patrons of this location. Once I found out the opening weekend date it didn't take much to convince the husband to dine at this new location. The space has the same industrial trendy yet casual vibe as the other locations, but it was much enjoyable since the place is that much bigger than the others. It was interesting watching the surrounding dining experience as you can tell most patrons are new and unfamiliar to the Matchbox experience (lots of looks of surprises when the wait staff brings out mini-burgers piled with mountains of crispy onions) and the wait staff was new and especially attentive to familiarize the patrons with the menu and dining experience. And if you can make it pass the mini-burger mountain and your pizza blanket, I highly recommend the coffee and doughnuts dessert. That basket of doughnuts seemed like a never-ending basket of sweet goodness, and the orange zest added a nice contrasting touch. I love how a solid restaurant has found itself in the Rockville neighborhood. They were only opened for dinner the night I went, but hopefully as they are opened longer and work things out this place can become my go to brunch/lunch/happy hour/dinner spot.
(5)Kaleb A.
I ordered the sliders and my friend had the pizza. The sliders were fine but they weren't great by any means. I'll order pizza the next time.
(3)Jess C.
Probably one of the best interiors for restaurants in Rockville. The pizza and sliders are good, but not mind-blowing, and it's a bit expensive for what it is (it's $18 for individual pizza and ~$2 for a mini hamburger). However since the atmosphere is pretty great for friends or dates, it's a safe place to go. Think big airy cabin. Since it's new, be prepared for a long wait if you don't have reservations.
(3)Emily Z.
A colleague recommended that I try this place. It turned out to be a disappointment. I ordered grilled swordfish, because I love swordfish and grilled food is my favorite. Two TINY pieces of swordfish, either over-cooked or not fresh, with some couscous and salad on the side. The flavor of the swordfish was like reheated in a microwave. The couscous and salad were mediocre at best. It was $22 before tax and before tip. Kinda rip-off for the quality and quantity of the food.
(2)Irene A.
I have eaten here twice already. The food is good I have had the mini sliders for appetizer and the matchbox pizza for lunch. It is delicious. The service is good. The waitress we had was a little dry and unfriendly. The one in rockville is pretty big in a good way and had a good crowd for lunch on a tuesday. I would go back.
(4)E Y.
Service was fine and they were able to seat my large group fairly quickly. Food was average. For a place that specializes in pizza, I was a little disappointed. The Q Special was very bland. No amount of parmesan and red pepper flakes could save the dry flavorless chicken.The spicy meatball pizza was ok but the meatball was dry and not very spicy. The Fire & Smoke was probably my favorite pizza out of all three with a good amount of heat and delicious smoked gouda and basil on top that added a nice fresh taste. I also had the chicken sandwich which also suffered from dry chicken syndrome but other than that, I enjoyed the combination of mozarella, prosciutto, and basil on it. Friends had the bistro burger which they complained was very greasy and overwhelming with blue cheese and accompanied by flavorless onion rings on the side. The cubano sandwich was the complete opposite in that it way overloaded with salt. The meat in the ribeye sandwich had good flavor but was completely overcooked. All in all, I do not think I will be returning.
(3)Cheryl B.
Great place!! Went for the first time on a Monday night. It was crowded, but we were seated outside immediately. Staff were smiling, friendly, and our waiter was good. Had the appetizer trio, various salads, sausage pizza and the special (Asian tuna with risotto and asparagus). Everything was delicious! The atmosphere is fun, music playing and has a good vibe, too. We skipped dessert, but can't wait to go back and try ANYTHING! I'm impressed with this place, and I loved it!
(5)Pengilicious E.
3.5 stars for the food, 4 stars for the ambiance and service. Make sure you make reservations unless you don't mind waiting for 2 hours. The mini burgers with onion rings are good starters. I was disappointed with the anchovies pizza. The spicy meatballs pizza was really spicy but good. Cocktails are surprisingly good and cheap @ $8.
(4)Nady B.
I usually go to the one in Chinatown. Decided to go to Rockville for a change with some friends. We waited 5 min to be seated though I expected the wait to be longer on a Friday. The waiter messed up one of our orders and the fries and brick pizza we ordered were burnt! My chicken sandwich was pretty good though I've had better. We spent about $60 for 3 ppl in my opinion this is just too much for the food we had... I will not go there anytime soon. The decor is ok and the drink i had was a bad choice for $8.00!
(3)Victoria S.
Modern and cozy atmosphere. Same amazing food as other locations. Friendly staff. Love the outside fire pits - will be fun for happy hour in the warm months. Finally a decent place in Rockville. We just elevated ourselves to cool status. Thanks Matchbox! Note: expect a long wait unless you make reservations on opentable.com .
(5)R H.
We come to Matchbox Rockville very often with friends, colleagues and family and we never were disappointed. You can never go wrong with their delicious fresh and healthy daily specials. Today I got their chicken lime soup because I was not uber hungry and was very positively surprised. Light and delicious. Even their cocktails or what they call infusions with alcohol are real good. My husband always goes for a pizza and he is never disappointed. we regularly order their spicy sopressata or the pesto pizza so yummy! I got many times their scallops, apple/pear salad etc. all are realky good. My brother got the crispy chicken sandwich and trust it is the best most freshly made chicken we have ever tasted. They make it with their home made butter milk dressing so light to the taste even though it is not very light in calories. we introduced this place and especially their donuts and coffee to many people and never were disappointed. Honestly this place deserves much more than 3.5/5. I mean yeah it is a little more expensive than the other places in Rockville but totally worth every penny. They are among the rare places who offer real great bepgian beer accompanied always with the nice easy listening lounge music. the only thing that I could comment on is that it is a little noisy... the service is always efficient and courteous and again the food is awesome and pretty sofisticated. I am definitely a fan. Now that the weather is getting better I am definitely trying to sit at the outdoor bar by the flames.
(5)Janet H.
Ever since I've been to the Chinatown location, I have been thinking about Matchbox. When I heard that it's opening in Rockville, I was excited.. I waited and waited... and finally, it's here! :) I didn't go right away as I expect and heard about the long wait. 3 weeks after opening, I decided it's time to go check them out. We went on a Sunday afternoon for lunch, I did not expect a wait time of 1 hr in the middle of the day. UGH! seriously? Since this is lunch and we didn't want to eat too heavy, we decided to try a small pizza and their mini burgers. We got the Q Special pizza (marinated chicken and portobello mushroom). The pizza was delicious! The crust was perfect, not too soft and not too crispy just the way I like it. The toppings and sauce were flavorful and just right. Would I come back? Definitely. I wouldn't recommend coming if you are hungry or getting hungry because you can expect a wait time of at least 45mins and more. This would probably be a good place for happy hour. It's got plenty of space, the atmosphere is fun and trendy. Parking is meh.. just okay. It's in a busy shopping center so you won't have trouble finding a space, you might just have to walk a bit.
(4)Susana T.
I don't get the appeal of this place. Pizza's fine but nothing extraordinary, service ranges from indifferent to only okay, and it's pretty overpriced. Even with a reservation, we had to wait 45 minutes to be seated. What a waste of time and clicks. I've never been a fan of the ambiance of the Chinatown location; the Rockville location is more family-centered, but I still get a somewhat haughty vibe from the employees. I want to like this place, or at least understand what everyone else sees in it, but I never get there. Each visit just reminds me that I don't get it. We opt for Pizza CS these days.
(2)Eunice K.
waiter was really nice. super friendly! mozzi carrozzi crispy and good BUT greasy.. a little to greasy.. sometimes i felt like i was eating crunchy grease would be really good if it wasnt that greasy. i got something off the brunch menu cast iron steak and eggs yum! comes with ciabatta bread on the side and it was really good :) beet salad with rib eye she added the rib eye.. and the meat was good the salad was really good.. matchbox chicken sandwich my friend got this and he gave us some to try and it was good but some of the chicken was burnt or something so some parts of the sandwich tasted/reminded me of nasty breath.. after i told my friends what i thought they laughed and made a disgusting face and then agreed.. * so if you order this i hope it doesnt come out burnt coffee and doughnuts yum! my fav.. i like this better than the trio cus i already know their doughnuts are yummy.. taste so good with the cold coffee.. the hot/warm doughnuts and cold coffee combo is delicious
(3)Matt F.
This is a very interesting restaurant. They have nice seating options that make the dinning experience interesting almost no matter where you sit. However, the food (I got a pizza) was fair and service was slow. Since the majority of their menu is pizza, I was expecting something better.
(3)Chinita A.
I love Matchbox and really frequent the one in Chinatown. I have been to this one a few times all for lunch. The space is less claustrophobic than downtown which I like. I'm unable to compare dinner to lunch crowd. The last time I was there around 3pm I could count the customers on my hand. No complaints, super friendly service and excellent pizza. Nice addition to the neighborhood!
(4)Rob D.
The food at all the Matchbox locations is terrific! I am especially impressed with the consistency between the multiple locations. This is by far the best location with the outdoor area being amazing. The staff is always on point! I can say this Matchbox is in my top 3 places I like to go out to eat at. The other two are Crystal City Morton's and Hank's Oyster Bar on Cap Hill so you are in good company!
(5)Arthur S.
Great time here with friends last week. Recommend for a nice night out.
(4)Emilie E.
Would've loved to eat there but 20 minutes does not equal 45 minutes, especially when you see people who came in after you get their buzzers and get seated before you,
(1)Alice K.
I've gotten the 3-6-9 burgers here and a few of their pizzas. Burgers are alright with huge pile of onion straws on them. Had their spicy meatball, Q special, fire & smoke, and prosciutto & black mission fig. The fig pizza was definitely different and very delicious. I would say Q special was the most lackluster one of the four I've had. Fire & smoke and spicy meatball were apparently very popular, as said by my waiter, and I can see why- very good! Decor is nice with a very relaxed atmosphere. They even have outdoor seating!
(3)Mark N.
I've been to the Matchbox in DC, but havent given a review to that location although I really like it there. The food in the DC location tasted a bit better, but maybe its just the city atmosphere. This Rockville location blew me away since I remember when it was That's Amore. I was really impressed with the size of this restaurant and the sheer space. Everything was well spaced so you were not cramped up with other customers. Although I like cozy places, it works for this restaurant. We went on a Friday for lunch and were seated immediately. I could not help but look around and absorbing the high ceilings, the brick structure, and the size of this place. Our waiter was fabulous as he knew the menu inside and out. He was able to quickly recite the ingredients to each dish and gave us his take on how it tastes. That was extremely helpful since some of us haven't eaten at Matchbox before. My wife got the pasta and she loved it. My friend ordered a Muffaletta Chicken sandwich and he said it was tasty with plenty of flavor. I had my usual Spicy Meatball pizza, which I enjoyed, but it wasn't as satisfying when I had it in DC. It may be because I was enjoying drinks for happy hour at the time? I took a look at the bar and it is a really big space. I'm supposed to go there tonight for a birthday party so I'll probably add to my review soon. From what I see at first glance, the bar seems nice. The only thing I am surprised and disappointed in is that the restaurant closes at 11:30. I guess this is common for Rockville, but that's usually when our group is just getting started!
(4)Vanessa S.
Great experience! Nice atmosphere, good food! We sat outside, traffic was a bit of a bother but Matchbox has no control over that.
(5)Jay V.
When I said that I would be coming to matchbox again I was not lying. It has been less than 24 hours and I have already found myself enjoying another pie. This time the Pesto Chicken pizza. Just like last night, the pizza was absolutely perfect and the waitress was again extremely nice. I was so happy to go again so soon and I hope I can return again very soon. Matchbox deserves five stars. Anyone who comes to the DC area should try this food
(5)paul g.
This is the new hyped up place in Rockville. haven't we seen this b/f? Not the place for happy hour. Too cramped and drinks $10 plus. No happy hour pricing. Food about average. Nothing special. Service was overzealous probably b/c of complaints. My advice, wait until the hype dies down and they get used to a regular clientelle. It will probably improve. for now go to your local place in ur hood! P-
(2)Nicholas M.
After being a long time patron of the location in Gallery Place we decided to try the a Rockville location to celebrate a graduation. We were very pleased to find the same quality of food and service, without the usual long wait, and will definitely return. The braided short ribs were so tender they fell off the bone and melted in your mouth. The pork in creole sauce was full of inedible flavors and would have been amazing if it was not slightly overcooked. The crab cake sandwich was so big it would have been difficult to finish by itself let alone with the generous portion of fries. The rockfish was well cooked but was on the bland side and we were not wild about the risotto. The Matchbox meat pizza was everything I hoped for and satisfied my craving for it. It has a ton of flavors though I would like a slightly thicker crust to help the pizza keep its form as I try to eat it. On whole, the menu provides a wide range of options and their beer tap selection always has something new to try. My only complaint is the price of drinks at the bar. One round for 4 was almost $50 for two rail mixed drinks and two premium beers. Maybe that is just me though.
(4)Lauren S.
The atmosphere, food and wine were great! So was the service. I went here with my date, who was being a stiff, uptight prick that night, so I went ahead and ordered the Rockfish. His eyes buldged out, but he wasn't a hater. It was a great choice. It was light, flaky, a amazing. It was on top of a creamy risotto, which was also delicious. Although I was hungry like 4 hours later, at least I now know that this place is great for so much more than just pizza. My date loosened up a little later. But who cares what his problem was....it was his problem....with the light, perfect glass of white wine I had, and that great food, it was easy to just bounce his energy off. And later on I fixed his whack little attitude, anyway. So there.
(4)Antony C.
The food was great and service as well. My only two issues were the price and having to make a reservation.
(4)D C.
When you spend a ton of money to renovate a building and then install a very expensive brick oven wouldn't you also bring in the right people to cook a decent pizza? My biggest complaint about Matchbox is what they are known for, the pizza, is not good. All serious pizza lovers know that it starts with the crust. Matchbox's crust is sad. It is like tasteless cardboard. You would think that great brick oven would impart some flavor and save this pizza experience but it doesn't. Their sauce is not very good either and there isn't enough of it. The cheese layer is skimpy and then overcooked. The pizza that comes to your table is overcooked, hard, dry and so not what one would expect for the prices they charge! You know when you go to a convenience store and they have the pizza that has been under the heat lamp for 3 hrs? That is about what the Matchbox pizza experience is like. They boast freshness, and maybe the ingredients really are, but the pizza is so poorly executed it doesn't make a difference. I have this other problem too. Right across the street is this other (new) pizza place that opened in 2011 called Pizza CS. It's a smaller place where the two owners are nearly always there. They are friendly and they truly care about their product. They have a brick oven too. It's probably a lot smaller and they don't have a full bar like Matchbox... but the pizza! It is so unbelievably good! I cannot, with a clear conscience, eat a Matchbox pizza... ever... again. Why in the world would I subject myself to the poor service, overcrowding and high prices of Matchbox when I could get a pizza 10x better right across the street? Another thing I like is supporting the local (small) businesses. Matchbox could care less who I am, how my experience is or how likely I am to come back. Pizza CS is the opposite. I apologize that this is feeling more like a Pizza CS advertisement but having them across the street from one another begs me to do the comparison. Since I work in the area and am daily faced with "that" question... what should I do for lunch? Every now and then someone suggests Matchbox but more and more we all answer with WHY!?! Mediocre product, bad service, high prices and extremely uninspired pizza. Go to Pizza CS across the street and see what I mean. Matchbox has some okay dishes other than pizza. I like their crab soup, scallops and tuna appetizer but I just cannot go there for pizza. And before someone sends me a PM asking about my affiliation with Pizza CS (or any other restaurant), I am not. I am a professional in an entirely different field with no connections to the restaurant industry.
(2)Beth H.
Service was good, the food was excellent! Nice environment; very comfortable.
(5)Alex D.
Brand New Location in Rockville, the interior is spacious. I love their idea of creating a different feel to each room. When i first entered Matchbox its always crowded so be prepared to wait or make a reservation ahead of time. The Menu is simple and they have a good selection of Draft Beers. Also each beer gets their own special glass, I tried the Allagash which is a Hefeweizen. It was pretty good had a nice wheat flavor. We started out with Appetizers I had the Tuna Tartare which was amazing, nice raw tuna with a complimenting wasabi sauce on the side. A Friend Ordered the Mini Burgers which are amazing! Cooked to however you want it..Med Rare ordered, and came out the way we wanted them. Love their drink selections, they also have a house made Pineapple and Watermelon infused Vodka. The service was outstanding, Our server Nick was knowledgeable of their draft beers, liquor, and cocktail selections. He was able to give us his suggestions and there was not one miss. The food was outstanding, always go for the large pizza its only a few more dollars and you get a good size you can always take home and enjoy later. All in all the food, drink, and Service was amazing thanks to our waiter Nick.
(4)Ron T.
Love the Pizza here. I have always had good service and the drinks are good as well. I would highly recommend for Pizza
(4)Chris B.
I really liked the pizza here, despite it being slightly over priced. I would recommend you opt for the buffalo mozzarella, because it really makes the pizza that much better! There was a pretty long wait when I went, so reservations can't hurt. I suppose that this can be viewed as a sign that the food here is pretty good. I could comment on the great decor, but I'm a straight dude, so I would have likely said it was great even if I sat on a cement block while eating my meal.
(4)Aesah L.
We went for a late lunch on a Sunday and were pleasantly surprised to find a jazz trio playing. I got the bistro burger which was just decadent (and massive!) and the onion rings were amazing. The rest of the table got a margarita pizza which was delicious! We'll definitely be back, especially since they'll be bringing the brunch menu back in the next few months.
(4)Gina S.
Only spent a few hours in Rockville and hit up this local hot spot for dinner. Good stuff. The bar has a wide variety of liquors (always nice after a long day of work/travel) and the pizzas were tasty. I chose the sausage and sun dried tomato pie and enjoyed it very much. The staff was nice, nothing over the top, but kept the drinking/dining experience positive.
(4)Sara D.
I'm giving this a "3" because the staff at the front of the house is terrrible. I made a reservation two weeks prior to visiting. Yet, it was INSANE at the front desk when we walked in the door at 6 pm. Our friends had already arrived and said they'd wait for us. I wish they hadn't because I litterally had to stand over one of 4 hostesses to make sure we got seated. I realize they've only been open a few weeks and they don't want to anger anyone but still, they need to get their front door in check. If I'd never been to a Matchbox before I would've been ready to walk out. (That and the fact that I ony needed tonight's reservation on Open Table to score a $50 gc.) The disorganization at the door, combined with the large number of empty tables between it and the area we were seated - both on the way in and the way out - were HUGE negatives contributing to a lower score than they probably deserve. As was expected, the food was great. We stuck to pizza tonight, with a salad, and all three kinds were fantastic. I would have been disapointed if they hadn't been. I've eaten at the MB near the VZ center, and like tonight walked out feeling like a day at the gym is definitely due. However, I was more than pleasantly surprised by the excellent cocktails (try the "girly martinis" - the Pamatea was to die for...), reasonably priced wine list, and stellar desserts. Having lived in Rockville for over 10 years and visted this location in all of the various restaurant lives it's lived, I'm excited to see the really awesome decor and design they've done. I'm looking forward to warm night outdoors, and hoping the bar will spill into the really cool exterior when it warms up. Oh, one more negative, we took our kids - we weren't the only ones - however, I think the restaurant team thinks their concept is too good for that. They don't have a kids menu nor a paper placemat to color. Yes, I know it's pizza and yes, they bent over backwards to cater to our children, but is too much to ask you keep some crayons and paper placemats under that overstaffed and inefficient hostess stand? That being said, I'm looking forward to our next visit sans kids con designated driver, as this could be a new "hot" spot. (Well, at least as hot as it gets in Rockville. :-) ) On the other hand, judging by the cliental in the ladies room on the way out, I'm definitely lacking fake hair or, fake ta ta's, or fake fur, or a combination of the three to "fit in." I guess that crowd has left Timpano's for here. (Unfortunately!)
(3)Sa'lome H.
Great new spot
(4)linda d.
Went out with coworkers for after work drinks here on a Monday night and expected it to be rather empty cuz who goes out on a Monday night? Apparently everyone in Rockville?! Luckily, our group (~10) got there on the earlier side and was able to grab a few tables so we could sit outside together. The outdoor patio is great and perfect for having drinks on a warm evening. The pizza and food here is just as good as the one in DC. They don't seem to have any happy hour prices yet, but they said to check in with them in the future.
(4)H D.
Nice pizza place in rockville, but expensive. The drinks are super expensive also. We order the fire and smoke pizza, not as spicy as the menu labels it to be. Will come again for sure.
(4)Ann S.
Disappointed. I have been to the location in DC several times, and never been unhappy. (Even after a 90 min wait). Went to try the new one in Rockville last Saturday. When we walked up, my husband asked "are you sure they're open?", as there was still construction stuff being done outside. Since a coworker had eaten there the day before, I assured him it was. When we went in we were told it would be about a 15 minute wait. We were both puzzled by that as there were several empty tables, but assumed there probably wasn't enough staff. So we went to eat at the bar instead. We sat there for several minutes and saw the bartender take care of at least 3 orders before she even acknowledged us. (Remember- we were sitting AT THE BAR, RIGHT IN FRONT OF HER). Both my husband and I have worked in the service industry before, so I realize when you get busy, you do miss things. I don't have to be waited on the minute I arrive, but I would like a simple "I'll be right with you". We got zippy. In fact, the other staff that was just finishing their shift and leaving out the back door got attention before us. The rest of meal didn't really advance much. (At least it didn't get worse). . The beer selection is good, the location is horrible. Being on the pike is well... being on the pike. It sucks to get into, sucks to park on a weekend, sucks to get out. The pizza- eh-it isn't good enough to justify the hassle. The bar staff (as that was all we encountered) needs a little more polishing.
(3)Laura C.
Lots of selection, nice bar area.
(4)Dave C.
UPDATE: I am lowering my rating substantially due to the exceptionally bad service in addition to the last two meals being mediocre at best. On my last visit the lazy hostesses lied to us about the availability of outside seating. I know because we were told to get an outside table for lunch would take an additional 25-30 minutes or we could be seated indoors immediately. Since we had to get back to the office for work we chose indoor seating. We got a table with a great view of the patio - and 4 empty tables. No one was in line in front of us to get in and they sat people at these tables while we ate. The server got our orders wrong and the pizzas were overcooked. I had an iced tea that wasn't refilled once even though the glass was obviously empty. I doubt I will return to a restaurant that treats customers so poorly.
(2)Dia F.
The scallops with Sweet Mashed potatoes and pork loin is DELICIOUS!!! you can also never go wrong with Matchbox Punch ;)
(4)J.m. R.
Awesome restaurant, but very busy. Lots of family's till about 7ish. A little loud. Great food can't go wrong.
(5)Melissa C.
The food was very good, we loved the ambience & our waiter, Reese, was excellent!
(5)Joel S.
Food it good, service can be spotty and the wait is always too long... but I keep going back.
(4)Adam R.
SO glad Matchbox expanded into the 'burbs. Now they have a spacious location that they clearly put a lot of effort into, and it pays off!
(5)Lena K.
We had a nice lunch. Food had a beautiful presentation and taste, however the place was very loud. One cannot have a conversation
(3)Veronica S.
The place was really nice looking. I live nearby and was waiting for the perfect opportunity to go. I finally went with some friends today. The place is huge. Lots of available seating both inside and out. The pizzas were good. I had the Smoke & Fire. It had a great kick to it. I would like to come back here with more friends. :-)
(4)Andrew S.
First of all, I would like to state that I am giving this 5-stars because of the overall experience, based on food overall, I'd probably only give it 4 stars. Great location, HUGE restaurant space, and great food. Surprisingly the pizza, is the worst dish on the menu. There's really nothing special about it. It's like most trendy pizza places, it's more artistic than anything else. What truly impressed me about this restaurant more than almost any other in the area is the produce. Restaurants in this area are famous for passing off limp barely edible produce to their customers. Ordering the sliders as an appetizer, I was actually worried when the menu said pickles would be on them. But the surprise was quite pleasant when the perfectly sliced, crisp, semi-sweet pickles arrived on the sliders, which themselves are juicy, tasteful, and great! The best and I mean absolute best aspect of Matchbox, however... the desserts! I was lucky enough to actually get a chance to tell the chef that his take on Molton Chocolate cake was seriously the best I'd ever had in my life, it was delicious to the point where you wanted to be a 5 year old and be able to lick the plate and not get in trouble! I would have gladly paid $30 at a 5-star restaurant for my $8 dessert at Matchbox. Great wait staff, friendly atmosphere, that is just the right mix of casual and upscale... my only complaint is that I don't understand why they are a pizza place. The space and kitchen talent is wasted on pizza, they should be a fine dining establishment.
(5)Lina K.
Overated by far. Also FYI they make you wait even though there are tables available, only to make their restaurant seem busy. I have seen two couples wait an entire 20 minutes when the table next to me wasnt occupied neither reserved. LAME!
(1)Alan W.
Iza good foodage. Pizza is the economical choice and all the sandwiches look great.
(4)sarah t.
Nice atmosphere, good food. We'll definitely be taking our out of town guests here.
(4)Kristy P.
I really liked the pizza here, but those burly men with me thought it wasn't filling enough. I give it to them, for the price the pizza's are not honking full of meat, BUT they are delicious with unique combinations. I think if you are going to spend this much on dinner, I'd rather eat sushi. That is the major complaint with this place for me, is its expensive and lets be real its a pizza joint! The interior is beautiful, the bar has a great selection, but when it comes down to it, paying that much for a pizza is a bit ridic. (not to mention an hour wait on a Thursday).
(2)Michael W.
The place is nice but not excellent. The decor is good and the high celling makes it really spacious. The staff is quite nice and obviously still training. The food on the other hand did not live to the expectations. My wife ordered a tuna salad nicoise and although the tuna was cooked as it should be, the potatoes were completely raw. I ordered the 3.6.9 mini-burgers and they were good. I have to go back a couple of times and try additional plates to make my mind about the food. So far, I would say that this is a nice place to go for lunch or dinner in Rockville. It isn't a woohoo kindda of place but it is definitely a decent option in the region.
(2)B T.
Been there twice, pizza is nice and tasty, but deserts are not really good. Will definitely visit there again for pizza :)
(3)Aaron C.
Definitely the 'hippest' restaurant in Rockville. Yeah, that's probably like being the valedictorian of summer school or the world's tallest midget. But it's true. This place is great. Very cool atmosphere. Makes you feel for a short while that you're not in rockville but rather in DC or even NYC. And the food is excellent.
(4)Kathy S.
I finally got to go to Matchbox and I really, really liked it! The pizza was delicious and came out of the kitchen pretty quickly. I had delicious beverages served by really nice bartenders. The decor was ok there -- very open. I'm on the cusp of giving it 5 stars but I sort of like to save that rating for when a place is almost unbeatable.
(4)Tammy S.
Went for the first time this weekend. Very good food. Wonderful atmosphere - drinks a little pricey but food menu is pretty average price for a place like this. I will definitely go back.
(4)Angelica S.
Their pizza was good with unique choices but I think that they are a little overpriced. They do have very good sliders with a huge pile of onion rings. This place a good for a late night dinner if you have no reservation because it is usually packed.
(3)Alex C.
Trendy, yuppie atmosphere, decent but overpriced pizza, good beer, creative apps, and down-to-earth good service. Went with a large group, early, with a reservation. Great draft beer selection, but WAY overpriced. Yuengling for $7...eh I don't think so. The server handled our large group with effortless skill and patience, which was much appreciated. We split a giant plate of burger sliders with a mound of the curly onion ring things. The sliders were good, but not really anything to write home about. Also tried the fried bruschetta. Eh, fried bread is not really something I would ever crave or order again. It was creative and interesting to split among a group. The pizza... our group mostly went with the chicken and pesto pizza combinations - 'Q special' i think. They really put a lot of chicken on the pizza which is a plus. Others at the table got the pepperoni pizza, which they required a couple handfuls of paper napkin to sop up the puddles of grease before eating. I got the salami/wild mushroom pizza, which had a nice assortment of fresh herbs chopped and sprinkled on top. The mushrooms were tasty and the salami very salty. They are generous with the toppings and a "Small" size is plenty for one person. The crust was nicely charred, but lacked in flavor and chewiness. There really was nothing wrong with the food, but also nothing truly memorable about it either. I think I'd avoid this place if I was in a table of two or three, as there were around 80 people waiting for tables when we left. Definitely get a reservation if you can. The hostess seemed to enjoy putting on a show of snooty aloofness when dealing with customers. For the fact that it was a Tuesday evening at 6pm and that the whole dining space feels overly designed and fake, which left me thinking that Matchbox is WAY OVERRATED. Come down to earth and lower your prices some, and I consider going back. For the price and better pizza, I'm a much bigger fan of Mia's pizza ( yelp.com/biz/mias-pizza-… ) in Bethesda, where you get better pizza for a better price in a more intimate setting.
(3)JADE N.
Ummm....I am here to spread some life into these reviews. First let me say that we have gone to the capitol hill and Chinatown locations many times. However, we are always discouraged because of lack of parking, large crowds, and long waits. Not anymore!!! This location has tons of parking and the wait has never been more than 15 minutes. In addition, we can make reservations on Friday and Saturday nights...plus! Food is great, as all the matchbox locations are. Though I usually stick with pizza. My hubby loves the burger. I enjoy the ambiance, friendly service, and drinks! The long island is tasty because they use their own sour mix. I am writing this review after instruction from the hubby because of our last visit. We went on Saturday night. We always order a half matchbox meat/half pepperoni and onion pizza. Welp, needless to say they messed up and somehow forgot the pepperoni. Instead of throwing a few pepperonis on to appease us, they told us to snack on what they had made while they made a new pizza. The chef hand delivered the pizza while apologizing for the mix up. We went home with 2 boxes of pizza. That is above and beyond service in our book. We will be back often. FYI, I have had the rockfish before but didn't care for it. I hadn't even complained about my meal. The waitress just saw that I had barely touched it and asked me if I enjoyed it. Her response when I was dissatisfied...choose something else! I had the beef and mashed potatoes instead which my hubby liked. It was ok. I don't know what the complaints are about. Good food, service, drinks, etc!
(4)Debra A.
Service and food are great. Best roadsliders ive ever had the salads pizzas and entrees (had almost every one and all delicious. Only once had bad service.
(5)Christine K.
Definitely not worth it! I had ordered a pizza to-go and was very disappointed! It was soggy and it tasted like one of the celeste pizza that could have been bought with a dollar instead of $13! I was expecting gourmet pizza just like Pizzeria Paradiso in DC/Old Town Alexandria. I had a better pizza with Pizza Hut! So disappointing with so much hype! Never again! I have learned my lesson......
(1)andrea d.
The food was good, the atmosphere very different than your usual Rockville based restaurant, but it was pretty expensive for a restaurant on Rockville Pike, running over $70 for two glasses of wine, two salads and an appetizer. We got the trio appetizer and two salads (the apple/pear and the sweet and tangy calamari) which were all wonderful. The scallops on the appetizer were really good. It was a little loud to talk intimately, but it was a nice place to go for an evening with my mom. The wait also wound up being only 8 minutes, after the hostess warned us it may have been up to thirty without reservations, so we were pleased. We would definitely come again.
(4)Nancy T.
Okay, granted, I went here at 4:30 on a Monday evening. But let me tell you what happens on 4:30 on a Monday evening. The shift changes. These beautiful waiters and waitresses come on duty and hug and chat each other up as they polish each and every piece of flatware and crystal on each and every table. The food was great. I wanted to try everything on the menu. I settled for a white prosciutto and olive pizza and designer beer. Awesome. Can't wait to come back.
(4)Ricardo V.
It's right around my house and I just love this place , I have dinner or lunch every other week. Great service and I love the food. The space outside is perfect for the spring and summer.
(5)h g.
Mini Burgers and Pizza was awesome. Liked the Service and the surroundings.
(4)Caitlin A.
I went with family this past weekend. We got the mini burgers and the straw fries. Omigosh!! I want to put one in my house. The pan-seared chicken dish was ok. The chicken was a little dry, but all in all the service was fantastic.
(5)Kelly M.
Their burger is phenomenal. The onion rings are way better than the fries in my opinion. They sell the burger in a normal (but large) portion and in mini-sliders. They have a full bar and patio seating. However, the beers were a bit expensive--7$ for the cheapest pint. Wine list is standard and cocktails are also a little too expensive. Great place for families as the menu is kid friendly.
(3)L G.
Went with the family yesterday (a Monday) for lunch. Was interested to see what their Rockville location was all about, given Matchbox's reputation. The food was OK, but nothing particularly special. The two pizzas we ordered tasted good, but we've had tastier elsewhere. The burger was the same -- good, but nothing special. The cream of crab soup had some nice flavors, but was way too thick (it was like a heavy paste) and much too salty (too common a problem with soups in restaurants it seems). The one thing about the food that's a bit pretentious is that just about everything is served somewhat burned -- on purpose. Yeah, we get that the pizzas are made in a brick oven -- but is it necessary for the crusts to be burned black in order to prove it? In addition, the burger was charred black on the outside and the fries that came with it were overcooked and dark brown -- apparently all on purpose as well. The service was a bit lacking. In particular, there seemed to be a lack of effective communication between the front and back of the house. All of our food was only luke warm when it arrived at the table. The salad we ordered never came, although it did make it onto the bill. Given the quality of the food and service, we left feeling like we didn't get the experience and value we would have expected for the money we paid. We absolutely don't mind paying more if we're going to have great food and a great experience, but this wasn't it. Note for anyone with a family: There is no childrens' menu. Not a problem for us, but it might be for others. It's a bit surprising that a restaurant like Matchbox would make a big investment in a suburban location and then ignore the fact that at least some of their prospective customers are families with children. The restaurant looks and feels great on the inside -- kudos to the designers. The vibe was pretty good, but in the back of my mind I kept wondering what the heck is a "vintage pizza bistro" (as Matchbox bills itself) -- other than a somewhat pretentious contrivance? Overall, we were a bit disappointed, especially given the hype. Not sure our family, or my spouse and I sans children, will be returning.
(2)Corinne D.
We had the mozzi carrozzi which was awesome but the pizza's taste exactly as you expect. Nothing wow'd me but the appetizer. I would go back and try something other than pizza.
(3)Toni K.
Place is great. The service is friendly and the food is consistent!
(5)Chris L.
The beef ribs, and pepperoni pizza are fantastic. Waitstaff nice. The only issue is the long waits, and it's hard to get to the bar when it's crowded. The place is know for it's sliders, they're OK, not a fan of them.
(4)Maureen K.
good pizza, salads. not huge but nice enough. extra points for the solid servers we have had twice
(3)hoot k.
Great to see a decent place open up in the Rockville area - in particular this location where it seems like restaraunts have been cursed... but glad to see Matchbox is doing well ...and i think mostly people in the rockville/bethesda area have been waiting for a place to go.. Like most folks (i think) i'll stumble in matchbox after a caps/wiz game and grab drinks...sliders, pizza.. which seem to be the staple.. this time i decided to do the seared salmon which wasn't bad at all.. i do think it's slightly over priced but overall didn't mind too much. We also got the roasted linguini.. which was ok..nothing too special but overall was a nice experience. As from experience, i think we've ordered every pizza throughout the years.. fire/smoke is decent - yes a bit spicy but a good choice to warm you up (esp. this winter season..) although my fav is the veggie.. but i'd recommend asking to leave the potato fingers/chips or whatever they are off - just an odd combination and overall too greasy.. Reason i'd give it a 4/5 (actually a 3.5).. is the drinks: in particular the cocktails.. WOW they are small!! with the ice, it's like a quarter of an ounce of vodka, gin or whatever your flavor is... and 1/2 ouch of club soda. all for ~$10.. so usually i'll just stick to the decent beer selection. but for beer, i'd head over to muscle bar in bethesda...(that's another review of course as they have a few great beers on draft - which is un-heard of.. esp in this area). Also for the rating, the pizza isn't as good as it's hyped up to be..i think (at least for me) each time i would go to the DC location after a game, i probably didn't have all of my senses after a couple (cough) of drinks at a game. But overall, there are some things here and there that i could complain more about but i'm just happy MoCo (in particular rockville) is starting to bring some better places people have been yearning for!
(4)Nee J.
Decided to checkout Matchbox-Rockville on a whim Saturday night. For starters they have ample parking & it's easy to locate. The hostess gave us a 30 minute wait time when we noticed they had PLENTY of seating available--we assumed they didn't have enough staff to cover the unseated areas. Our buzzer went off after waiting for only 10 minutes--YAY!! The hostess sat us in a congested area--I brought to her attention that the chairs had food in them---thinking she would've cleaned them--NOT she took us to another table to be seated then 5 minutes later she sat someone else in the same dirty seat. (Not a good look---just clean the seats why dontcha!) Our order Appetizer - Me, shrimp & grits=the bomb.com & my dude, 369 mini burgers w/ onion straws=seasoned well and tender Entree - Me, crisy seared salmon and grits & my dude, the matchbox meat pizza Drinks - Me, banana peach martinia & my dude, mango mango martini==both were the bomb.com Portions were great for hunger people. I love their grits---I am a GRITS! ;-) Their drinks were very smooth. Check it out you will love it!!
(4)Jay C.
Colin is great amazing bartender friendly and very knowledgeable chris Kim is a great waiter
(5)Eugene H.
The atmosphere is kind of nice, but the pizza is just so-so. My bar's pretty high for a sit down pizza place, because when you think pizza, it's usually something quick and easy. Add in the sit down atmosphere and I feel like you really need to raise the bar on the quality of the pizza you're serving.
(3)A K.
Good food, good drinks. Pizza is especially good. Service can be hit or miss depending on who you get. Almost always booked on the weekends, but try calling if you don't see anything on OpenTable. Apparently they reserve only 30% of their tables for online reservations.
(4)Rick R.
Stopped in for pre dinner. Lucky #7 (Evolution Brewery, right near me) was on tap and I was excited. The bartender was quite occupied by a couple across from us. Not sure if they were friends, if the couple was a pain in the butt, or if the bartender was slow. I noticed the bartender start making a Mojito and I figured the couple across was just being a PITA. Eventually they released the bartender and we were able to order. After a first round of drinks we decided to order a small pizza. 1/2 Meat half pepperoni. Pizza was good, GF thought the meatballs were spicy.
(4)Melinda V.
My husband and I went for Sunday brunch today. I liked this place from the minute we walked in. It's roomy, and nice looking, and smells great. The server was smart, friendly, attentive, and obviously having a good time with her job. I ordered the steak and eggs off the brunch menu, and my husband ordered the scallops with butternut squash risotto. I'll add pictures here, because I thought the plates were very nice to look at and made my mouth water before I took a bite. I loved the skillet presentation of the steak and eggs. The potatoes had seasoning on them that blended in with the egg to make one gooey yummy combination. The steak was cooked perfectly and had a nice smokey flavor I really liked. My husband thought the scallops were perfectly cooked and seasoned nicely, but wished there'd been a bit of sauce on them. The risotto was perfect, and might have converted him to a butternut squash lover. I've never been able to get him to try it before so kudos to Matchbox for that. Overall, I really enjoyed my meal. The ambiance was relaxing, the food was great and the price is...borderline expensive but not horrible. I saw pizzas on lots of the tables as we walked by and they all looked fantastic. I want to go back and try one of those.
(4)Dana Z.
I'm liking this location a lot more than Chinatown... like Mike S said, it's most due to the space. It's big and open, fireplaces, big tables, spacious... and a nice area for outdoor seating (which obviously we didn't use since it's November...) The menu of course is identical to the other locations. The more I come here the more I'm liking Matchbox. They're consistently good and always have something on the menu someone will like. Also, we sat at the Playboy matchbox table which we loved :)
(4)Jenn D.
The Fire & Smoke pizza was said to be very spicy, it wasn't at all, even with added crushed red peppers! Everyone else's food looked good though. Service was great even when busy.
(2)Abhi K.
Everyone raves about the sliders, but I sadly have not yet tried them. I had the shrimp and grits appetizer. The grits were nice. They still felt a bit stony (a good thing) and were infused with a generous portion of cheese. They sat in a bath of sausage and gravy. All of this was fantastically prepared! It was so well done that I wish they had left shrimp out of the dish entirely. The shrimp seemed to be an afterthought as it was not spiced at all and was bland in comparison to the rest of the dish. Perhaps the shrimp was to pick up the flavor of the gravy, but if that were the case, they should not have stood the shrimp up for presentation. I have been to this location once before where I had the Q Special and the Fire and Smoke. Do not doubt the fieriness nor the smokiness of Fire and Smoke. While delicious, it is seriously spicy. The peppers are sweet though, which nicely offsets the spice. The Q special used to be my favorite pizza here. I rarely like chicken on a pizza because it dries out, but the chicken on this pizza remains moist. I ordered it again on this visit and was not disappointed. However, I found a new favorite. The prosciutto and fig is out of this world good. Opting out of a tomato base, the pizza boasts a garlic puree mixed with honey. I never say no to garlic. I never say no to honey. I never thought of putting them together, but the combination ignites sparks. Over top is well salted prosciutto and large, plump figs. I highly recommend everyone give this one a try as it is an unusual combination that ends up working extremely well!
(4)Renan D.
If you love pizza and want to try something different, this place is awesome. The prices are completely reasonable and you will definitely not be disappointed.
(3)Amanda K.
I have been here twice. The first time was decent, while the atmosphere is beautiful the food is disappointing. The salmon and spinach was delicious but their pizzas and other entrees were mediocre. The second time, there was a ROACH crawling on my seat and all the manager did was nonchalantly move us to another section. The waitress casually mentioned that they have roaches all the time. Nice! I find this unacceptable for an "upscale" place like this in Rockville. I cannot fathom returning there knowing there's roaches in the dining area, God knows what there is in the kitchen. Plus the management/staff is horrible and clearly does not care about their reputation or customers. With so many great restaurants in the area, it's a shame this one chooses to operate this way.
(2)R Q.
Absolutely miserable. Been here a couple of times and the pizza was atrocious. I ordered the 'fire & smoke' on the recommendation of the waiter; they substituted the pizza sauce for BBQ sauce. The result was ghastly. I have never tasted anything so awful, and despite the fact that I was famished (finished hiking for 4 hours and came for lunch) I could not finish it. The waiter also didn't know what beers they had on tap going back and checking multiple times, and half the beers we asked for he told us they ran out of. Avoid at all costs, if you really want pizza just go across the street to pizza CS. It might be expensive but at least it doesn't suck.
(1)Kelly G.
The Fall 2011 brunch showcase was TRULY AWESOME! You can't cook brunch like this. And even if you can, why would you want to with Chef Jon in the kitchen (and on Sundays between 10-3, The Big Joe Trio playing jazz)? Oh we started with breakfast staples like mimosas, fruit & house made granola served atop orange and lemon zest infused greek yogurt, and warm cinnamon buns baked in a cast iron pan and slathered with cream cheese icing. The veggie frittata (full of spinach, cremini mushrooms, feta, roasted red peppers and onions) topped with breakfast potatoes and a basil pesto really helped soak up that "matchbox mimosa" which has the added kick of Patrón Citrónge. Next up: the bloody marys at matchbox: rockville. They REALLY bump it up a notch. Three I tried were handsomely adorned: the #3 with a cucumber and sea salt; the #6 with a crispy bacon strip and Old Bay seasoning; and the #9 with a prosciutto stuffed olive. Trust me, with the Skyy Vodka & house made bloody mary mix coursing through my veins, I needed a serving of the huevos rancheros (black beans, pico di gallo, avocado relish, chipotle sour cream, green chili sauce). This dish is as delicious as it is visually appealing. The base is not so much a corn or flour tortilla but moreso a flattened, crispy crust. Delicioso. At matchbox: rockville's brunch, it was quite evident where breakfast and lunch collide: the brunch pizza. You read that right: brunch pizza. This wood fired pizza sports smoked gouda, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, pico de gallo, and chipotle sour cream. All the handheld, meaty cheesy goodness of a pizza (lunch) combined with all the egg-ish-ness of breakfast. This thin crust slice of heaven is also packing some heat. Don't count out the pico or the chipotle on this pie. The pièce de résistance in this whole brunch, this combination of breakfast and lunch just has to be Chef Jon's BLT Benedict. Its beautiful. Its delicious. I'm sure it's nutritious. And it's not on the menu. Here, the bacon is a maple glazed pork belly, the lettuce is a few arugula leaves, and the tomato is a crumb coated fried green tomato. Add in the usual poached egg, toasted english muffin, a little Chipotle Hollandaise and voila! Brunch. At matchbox: rockville. Get your but up out of bed and go because this is as good as it gets! Woohoo!
(5)Allie K.
One of my favorite "local" spots - a go to with out of town guests. Nice, large, California-eqse atmosphere and a lovely outside area with a bar and fire pit. Love coming here for brunch because of their awesome specialty drinks and variety of bloody marrys. I love the #6 Bloody with (wait for it....) BACON! And an Old Bay seasoned rim. Delish. There is no "brunch special" with drinks included, etc but that doesn't keep me away. I've also come here for dinner and been happy with my orders. I thought the crab cake sandwich was my favorite until I tried the Cubano last week - it was so good! Not only did it have the signature slow roasted pork, mustard and pickle of a traditional Cuban sandwich, it also included prosciutto. OMG. And the meal came with home made potato chips. Grand Slam. I must note that this place is also known for their pizza...I have tried it and it is very good. My roommate LOVES the meatball pizza to no end. Hope to come here more in the summer to enjoy the outdoor seating!
(4)Lauren M.
We recently tried the Rockville location after visiting the Gallery Place location multiple times. The owners tried to make the restaurant "scenic" by including a large fire pit and booths outside, but you really can't compensate for the fact that it's right on Rockville Pike. It definitely has a strip-mall feel because, well, it's on a strip mall parking lot. The interior was very nice. It had a much more open feel than the Gallery Place location but definitely did not have the same character as the other location downtown. That being said, the holiday decorations were beautiful and the ambiance seemed warm yet trendy. We sat near the kitchen, so it was a bit loud despite a mostly-empty restaurant. Service seemed a little slow, but the food was very fresh. The cream of asparagus and cream of crab soups were excellent. The braised short ribs were extremely tender and the rockfish was solidly good, though not as flavorful as other dishes. The crabcake sandwich had a good crab-to-bread ratio and was extremely large. Only real complaint about the food was the pork--extremely flavorful but a little tough from overcooking. Matchbox has a great selection of craft beers AND has Chimay on tap. (Although, truth be told, the difference between Chimay on tap and in the bottle seemed negligible). The mixed drinks had a good liquor-to-other-stuff ratio but were a bit pricey. $50 for 2 mixed drinks and 2 Chimays. (Chimay was $9 a glass!) We definitely would return, but you really need to think of Matchbox Rockville as a completely different restaurant than Matchbox Gallery Place.
(4)Donna J.
I love this place! The avocado & crab appetizer is ridiculously good. The Cobb salad is awesome too. The burger is great. I can't wait to go back to try something new. Update: I don't know if it was just an off day, but we went to Matchbox for lunch on Saturday and the food was awful. My Cobb salad was gross. The chicken was super dry and the prosciutto was rancid tasting. I won't be ordering that ever again.
(4)Ken L.
Matchbox in Rockville is a really good place if you want to eat good food and drink a few drinks in a nice environment. I especially love this place during the summer because they outdoor seating and its right in the middle of Rockville. When its colder out they have two fire pits where you can have a couple of drinks and keep warm. I always get either the awesome pizza (I like the meatball one a lot) or the mini-burgers (comes with burgers and onion straws). They have a pretty good beer selections to complement the burgers and pizza. I will definitely keep coming back here.
(4)Clarence S.
Overall, not bad, but a little pricy when compared to the dish we had. Went there with my wife and daughter on a Friday evening ~7 PM. We had the Large Spicy Meatball pizza, and our drinks were two craft beers and a glass of wine. The place is a little loud, but manageable. Lots of families with 2-3 small children in tow. I wish we had been seated in the patio area away from the loud music but as I said before, it was okay. As for the food, I've had better pizza with slightly less money spent. The service is decent, selections are not bad, and the atmosphere is lively. For a Friday after a long week, it was not a bad place to have a slice of pizza and a beer. Just be prepared for the loud atmosphere.
(3)Jess Y.
3.5 stars. This was my second time to Matchbox. The first was with a couple of friends because I just had to check out this new restaurant on Rockville Pike that always seemed crowded. I love the atmosphere inside and the architecture/interior design. It is so unique and has this warm wooden feel to it. Great attention to detail: even including different pairs of matching matchboxes underneath the glass of every table. The huge warm fires outside also make for a really neat outdoor seating option---but in the dead of winter, it's pretty empty. The ambiance is also very nice--a a little bit louder on the decibel scale but it's a good, bubbly, "things are happening" kind of feel. The pizza is great. Thin crust and baked with brick oven love. Only problem is that when you combine the two of those, the middle of the pizza often gets a little soggy. It doesn't bother me too much because it's still so tasty and the crust is always crisp to perfection. The flavors of the pizza are great---albeit a little pricey. In my last visit we ordered the Veggie pizza. I thought it was flavorful--the peppers definitely added a little kick to it but the crispy potato medallions (aka itty bitty potato chips) seemed gimmicky. We had already eaten so much fried stuff, they seemed out of place and just thrown on in the end. I don't remember the pizzas that I ordered last time I was here--but I remember enjoying them. The 3-6-9 mini burger appetizer is also very popular. You can choose to order 3, 6, or 9 mini burgers with a huge mound of fried onion straws. I loved the onion straws although some were not as crispy as I would have liked. Okay, but now onto the service. The first time I came I don't remember thinking anything poor about the service. But, this time, I was just so underwhelmed by the performance of our waiter. Firstly, he was noticeably disappointed in the fact that we did not order drinks--I'm sorry but I was just enjoying dinner and I wasn't really in the mood for a drink that night. Is that a crime? He was so hung up on the drinks though that he forgot that he had asked us and came back to our table again to ask if we wanted to order any drinks. Secondly, it took forever for our mini burger appetizer to come out. I was eating with my mother who only eats things well done, so we had ordered the burgers well done. It took at least 20 minutes for an appetizer to come out. The waiter explained that the burgers were taking longer because we wanted them well done. I'm not an expert, but I think grilling burgers well-done takes GENEROUSLY 1-2 minutes longer than medium well. And if they are mini burgers, they sure as heck shouldn't be taking 20 minutes long--we still wanted a juicy burger not something burnt! Clearly, that was just an excuse and the kitchen was probably just backed up with orders--which is understandable, but lying and giving us a lame excuse that makes it sound like we are idiots was annoying. (Note also that it only took 10 minutes for the table next to us to receive their order of mini burgers). Also, the bathroom for such a trendy/upscale place was out of sorts. The first time I went to the bathroom there was water all over the floor. The second time, at the end of the meal, I saw remnants of someone's menstrual cycle out for display hanging out of the waste disposal. Now, I know that a restaurant is not responsible for the behavior of its customers, but they are responsible for the upkeep of the restroom--which grossed me out, given the near perfection of the rest of the ambiance/interior design.
(3)M S.
DC Matchbox is better. Very disappointed in my recent visit to Matchbox. Firstly, the service was great. The restaurant interior is clean and fools me into thinking I'm trendier than I actually am. Most disturbing was my glass of tap water that tasted like a moldy dishrag. The $15 chicken spinach salad was sufficient, I was hoping for a better presentation for the price. For anyone else like me who needs a 60/40 brownie to ice cream ratio in order to be happy, be advised: the double choco brownie dessert comes with a tiny scoop of vanilla frozen dairy dessert (not ice cream). Presentation of the dessert was also lacking. My husband got a customized white pizza, which was good, but not amazing. I blame that on his weird modifications. One beer, one salad, one pizza, one bottled water, one dessert=$60. Dissatisfied. I"ll try again, but not any time soon.
(2)L S.
I'm convinced after 2 YEARS LATER, they still haven't entirely gotten their shit together. We arrived around 7:50 PM. At the beginning, the hostess says that there's open seating at the bar so we go to check it out. There was an open bar booth, we sit down, and the server immediately told us that the booths were assigned seating and that we needed to go talk to the hostess. We go back to the hostess stand and she's like "Oh yeah those are assigned seating and we reserved that bar booth so someone can take it." Why did you make us look like dumbasses? Earlier on, she says that the wait was to be between 25-45 minutes long. We waited 7 minutes. I used to be a hostess. I was good at it. Beggars aren't choosers. I have NEVER heard of reserving a specific spot in the restaurant just for the wait list. You can only take what you can get. Don't pull shenanigans on me. We get seated and our server was nice, but he didn't seem all too there. Took a while for water and drinks to come to the table. My party ordered the 3.6.9 burgers and a large Matchbox Meat pizza. Food took a good while to come out. When it did come out, it was good but it was quite greasy. My parents and I love your carry out services. I think I'll stick to that from now on, forever and always. 2 stars will be for the nice server (his timing wasn't good but I'll admit that finding nice servers in Rockville are hard to find) and for the delicious drinks. PS: Get your dress code together too! Seeing the young girl with thunder thighs wearing sweaty gym gear in front of the host stand was unsightly. I wouldn't let her sweaty ass in my restaurant. PSS: I agree with one of the posters here on how the cocktail menu comes off extremely gendered. I noticed that too, and was thinking, "It's 2013. Why does this matter anymore?" I can enjoy my Manhattans, thank you very much.
(2)Joshua J.
This place is great. Great decor and atmosphere, a bit congested and loud but not over the top. We ordered four different pizzas and they all tasted delicious. The only gripe with the food is that the large pizza is said to serve 2 people but 1 hungry person like myself needed a whole large to myself. We had the chocolate chip bread pudding for dessert and it also very delectable. Since it was my sister's birthday, the waiter lit a candle on the bread pudding and it was also on the house. This is a sign of a good business in my eyes. The prices though, are fair. Feeding four people, the bill came out to $53 before tip, not bad. Definitely will be coming back.
(5)Erica C.
I really like the layout and the feel of this place. The menus even look cool. I've been to Matchbox twice. The first time I really liked the pizza, so I figured it was a go-to before shopping at the awesome Container Store. The first time we went, we ordered a large pizza and split it. A large pizza was plenty for two. The last time we went, we ordered the mini burgers with gouda and a small pizza. The mini burgers were fantastic with buttery brioche buns. The fried onion straws with the burgers were fun as well. I could have ate those and have been totally satisfied. The matchbox meat pizza was a bit on the burnt side, but it was still good. I've always wanted dessert, but I've been too stuffed to truly contemplate it. The drink menu also looks quite nice, as does the beer selection.
(3)Stephanie C.
We tried Matchbox tonight for the first time and liked it. The menu is limited but it has items you don't normally find on a regular menu. Chicken with brussel sprouts as a side and a steak with sweet potato. I got the steak sandwich which was pretty good, but would have been better with lettuce tomato and grilled onions. My husband got the ultimate burger which he said was good. The service was wonderful considering how busy it was. The only drawback I had was that we were in a room with several babies and some parents do not realize that you shouldn't take whiny little ones out to dinner. They don't enjoy it and neither do the other diners. Most of the little ones were good, but we got next to a whiner and it wasn't fun.
(3)Susan P.
Pricey but worth it
(5)Shira S.
The best thing about Matchbox was the genuine surprise I felt the entire time I was there. We utilized their call ahead service, which greatly helped our wait. When we called ahead of time, they quoted us an hour. We got there about 25 minutes later and were seated within 5 minutes. There went the drink at the bar, but that's okay! Our waitress (truly wish I remembered her name) was excellent. She helped by making great recommendations from food to wine, but didn't push us to order the most expensive item on the menu, either. Instead, she chose an item or two from each section to recommend, while also answering our questions about possible substitutions. We ended up ordering a bottle of wine which, I felt was very reasonably priced ($24 for the bottle) and made both myself and my dining partner happy. We then shared an appetizer (mozzi carozzi) which was awesome. It really took the traditional mozzarella sticks to a different level and the frying was not heavy. There was plenty for two and probably could have been split by three. We then each ordered an entrée. I had the duck confit salad as it sounded different and yummy. I was not disappointed. The sunny side up egg on top was cooked perfectly and there was lots of duck on my salad. My friend had the crabcake sandwich and said it was good. She was able to get a side salad instead of french fries which made her happy. Since we were already on a roll, we decided to share a dessert and enjoyed the gelato cookie sandwich. The waitress brought a steak knife to cut it for us but also offered to have the kitchen cut it if we needed. The coffee gelato inside was very good, although not quite as good as my homemade. The oatmeal cookies on the outside were delicious and balanced the gelato very well. All in all, I fully enjoyed my entire experience at Matchbox and will definitely return sometime in the future.
(4)Esq. H.
Beware when dining in the warm months. They have multiple doors that they open to the patio and leave open creating a super highway for flies and other winged creatures to fight you for your food. Sometimes people like to sit inside for a reason. My colleagues and I swatted off several flies throughout dinner and I even got bit by a mosquito. We came on a Wednesday after work - party of 10 and had no problem being seated, I've been here before but generally speaking unless you have it in good with the bartender and you are at the bar your drink will be weak, I had the matchbox punch and it had .001 % alcohol in it and I am not an alcoholic. I had the crab cake sandwich it wasn't terrible and I know this place is a pizza place but just in case some people were wondering it's not worth it, stick with the pizza and water. We also had the donut holes - I'm not sure of the official name, but they were good, not super sweet or large and the accompanying sauce is perfect.
(3)Maria L.
Appetizer: 6 sliders; the meat was cooked medium & was juicy! The onion straws were YUMMM :D Apple & Pear salad was the best thing I ate there. Entree: 1/2 MatchBox Meat & 1/2 Spicy Salami& mushroom pizza; The Meat Side was yummy & juicy. The other half was just as great. Overall: the atmosphere& service seemed rushed. The waiter spilled water on our table & didn't apologize. The place is loud & crowded. Maybe I'll give this place a second chance...& maybe I won't.
(3)Tasha B.
Ordered the apple and pear salad - blandest salad I have ever had in my life. No dressing on top & basically the greens were just washed & put on a plate Also ordered the "make it your own" pizza with basil: spiciest pizza I've ever had in my life - I LOVE spicy food (drunken noodles, spicy sushi, etc), but this wasn't even good spicy - it was like if you took pizza from the mall & added a ton of hot sauce. Never again
(1)David N.
Great pizza. Had meat pizza taste really good and service is fast and courteous. The only down side is the pizzas are over 1000 calories based on myfitness pal app
(4)Paul M.
rather extensive pizza selections to fit many different tastes. My adult children and their spouses, along with me and mine, visited at the suggestion of a family member and were not disappointed. We sat upstairs in a booth that was comfortable, although we were at a railing looking out on the rest of the building. A little warm, but that is expected in a pizza joint with hot ovens going all day. Every one ordered something different and we shared family style. Pies were all terrific, Son had a steak that he said was quite good (rotten lil' *** didn't share) and drinks came in a timely fashion (and kept coming.) I'll return but probably not on a Friday or Saturday night when I am told there is quite a wait. I am OK with that though, since every night is date-night for me and my bride.
(4)Van J.
Everything everybody says about the ambience is spot on. Nice lofty feel with indoor or outdoor dining. Food is overpriced but you would expect that given the look of the place. We split a beet salad and had to ask "where's the beets". Literally, a plate full of arugula with half a beet and lightly, very lightly, sprinkled with goat cheese and walnuts. Oh and it comes with ciabatta bread. A thin slice of ciabatta bread! My husband had veggie pizza that was lacking. Believe me, Papa Johns does a much better veggie thin crust sans the tomatoes. The crab cake sandwich was good, found a few shells though. Wait time was about 30 minutes, Friday night at 8 pm with several empty tables. Ironically we asked if we could be seated at one of the empty tables and was told we had to wait to be seated. Well, we ended up at the table we asked about. I'll stop by for drinks but eat somewhere else.
(2)Scott S.
Fantastic layout of a much larger version of the restaurant in DC. Pizza is great, but not amazing and the sliders are defintely a must. Even has rooftop seating or you can reserve it for large parties!
(4)Joyce R.
My friends and I went here to try it for the first time and it was pretty good. The shrimp and grits were off the chain! I am pretty sure they had someone from the south back there in the kitchen cooking that. NOM NOM NOM. I ordered the fire and smoke pizza and it was delish. I enjoyed the spiciness but damn there were alot of onions on each slice... gum anyone? I had the chocolate molten cake and that was oh so awesome. I loved the caramel drizzle thingy they had going on. Great waiter and the place was nice and clean. I will definitely go back (even though they aren't the cheapest).
(4)Pierre D.
Do not miss Matchbox. I have been here many, many times, yet this last Saturday encouraged me to actually get myself in gear and write a review. For starters, this place has never (not once!) disappointed me. Am I a fanboy? Quite possible to be guilty as charged. Around 4:00 my wife and I started with the tuna tartar. It was robust and flavorful, and clearly used a high-grade tuna. Because there are too many delicious pizza options we always order a pizza each and then go halfsies and gorge ourselves on bready/cheesy/otherworldy goodness. The pizza is wood-fired, crispy, and the ingredients are fresh. What else could you want? Ah, yes, beer. I have had many beers here, but this visit brought me back to the milk stout. Simply irreplaceable, and excellently paired with both the tartar and the pizza. Did I mention we also had our 16 month-old child with us? The server was kind, playful, and interactive with the little one. Without missing a beat the server got my son's food out asap. This is, as a parent, the difference between a successful dinner and an embarrassing event where one parent is eating alone and the other is walking around the restaurant trying pointing out the apparent interest in all the lights and fans to the child. Hats off to our excellent server for keeping my wife and me seated across from one another.
(5)Aimee G.
One of my favorites, always delcious.
(4)Tom T.
Standard wood fire pizza. Decent but nothing to write home about.
(3)Monica H.
Pizza's pretty good, like that they take reservations (even for larger parties), staff is nice. BUT it's in Rockville, which isn't convenient for anyone except people who live in Rockville, and which means your crowd is mostly families instead of young people. That means that a raucous dinner with your twenty- and thirty-something friends doesn't really jibe here. I've only ever gone here because friends REALLY wanted Matchbox on a Saturday night but couldn't get reservations at their DC location. I wouldn't come back. There are plenty of great pizza places in DC that don't make you wait 1.5 hours for a table. This is a good restaurant for a quiet Friday family dinner if you're local, but I wouldn't go out of my way for dinner here again.
(3)Heather W.
Great selection of interesting pizzas. Burgers on the appetizers menu make this place a junk food paradise, but you can pretend it's healthy with toppings like arugula. The brunch is interesting. Eggs on a pizza...all right. No happy hour deals, apparently. Disappointing.
(4)Cassandra P.
Pizza was good. Rich. But good! Would definitely go again! Wine was delicious! The atmosphere is nice too.
(4)Brett M.
Really expensive for the portions of food you receive. I don't mind paying a lot for great food because I'm a foodie, but I did mind here because the food was meh and the bill made me feel like I was eating at Volt.
(2)Jen B.
I like the style of this place, and the pizza is great. I tried the Korean pork sandwich once-- out of their wheelhouse, you would think-- and that was also really tasty. It is better than the average chain, in my opinion, and as far as choices along the Rockville Pike, it is a solid place for lunch or dinner and drinks with friends.
(3)David K.
Great go-to restaurant for all demographics. Easy parking too. Only problems are the slow service outside the bar areas and can be very crowded during peak evening hours. But popular for good reason!
(4)Ros B.
Soup, salad, burgers awesome. Pizza just ok. Great atmosphere. Will go back.
(4)Craig S.
Been great both times. Fire and Smoke was great and the atmosphere is pretty cool too.
(4)A K.
Matchbox has great food. The service is always good. Great for happy hour and the outdoor area is awesome. The worst part about this place is that Rockville Pike can be a nightmare for traffic and thus actually being able to eat here can sometimes be a challenge. Having to wait to be seated is not Matchbox's problem however. It's a great place to eat and I'm glad to have them in Rockville as an alternative to the massive and awful chains everywhere.
(4)Bordeaux B.
I swear this place puts MSG in their food. Both my husband and I had a strange heart racing reaction to their pepperoni pizza and he being Chinese and used to MSG in his food compared it to some MSG laden food he's had in the past. This was not heart racing in a good way mind you. And the salt! The salt! My grandmother would spin in her grave if she got a hold of that pie! But if you like to stand for an incredibly long time next to a drafty door or crowded bar to wait for some salty pie this is your place....
(2)Kiah Jane C.
My husband and I were really excited for a great (and large) restaurant to open on the Rockville Pike. We'd heard a lot of hype from the other Matchbox in Chinatown and were really looking forward to checking this one out. We arrived at 4pm on a Sunday and were told that there was a 30 minute wait. We were lucky to grab a couple of seats in the patio bar and grab a couple of drinks as the wait was closer to an hour. The frustrating part was that there were several tables in the bar and the restaurant that just weren't being seated, and though there seemed to be staff swarming EVERYWHERE (mostly at the bar) they appeared to be understaffed. We listened to some great employee conversation (what wasn't working, who slept with who) and were finally seated at a table that was so small that we could barely share the salad we ordered with two plates. We ordered a large pizza with roasted red peppers and received a tiny flat circle of nothing with a sliver (if that) of roasted pepper on each tiny little slice. This type of restaurant clearly appeals to someone - clearly people were waiting, and from what I understand the other location is always busy - but it wasn't for us. Three beers total, a shared salad and the smallest large pizza I've ever seen and we dropped $78. A little pricey since we still had to go eat dinner afterwards. We likely would have excused the cost - everything is pricey down here, it's just what you live with to live here - but the outrageous stinginess of the toppings coupled with the total unprofessionalism of the staff will definitely keep us from returning to, or recommending, Matchbox in the future.
(1)Sylvia P.
I came with a group of 9 on a Sunday evening, we asked how long the wait was and they couldn't give us a time frame. So we stood there (the waiting area simply sucks-- no seating, just standing) for about 40 minutes, and finally asked if we could split up and the hostess says we might as well wait for a 9 person table. We wait another 25 minutes and ask to be split up because countless groups of 4 and 5 have been seated before us. (They seat us promptly.) The seater brings us to our tables, without menus, seats us down. After 15 minutes, a waiter finally realizes we don't have water or menus and proceeds to bring us some. Bleh. We ordered appetizers but the waiter didn't even brings us plates. We had to eat from the appetizer plate because she never came to our table to check up on how we were doing. The food comes out, it was delicious because we've been waiting for over an hour and a half-- anything would taste good by then. We got the check, and we split up the payment and our waiter charged my card twice which was a huge inconvenience, the waiter didn't even take care of it, the manager came up to me and basically said to wait two days before the payment is refunded back to me-- whatever. Bad experience, slow service, don't know if I'll be returning.
(2)Jennifer R.
This place has great thin crust pizzas! I had the veggie pizza, which is so delicious. My husband tried the spicy meatball and that was pretty good too. Definitely one of my fav pizza places in the area.
(4)E L.
Huge space, with very high ceilings. Kind of rustic feel. I liked it, my companion didn't. But we really didn't go there for the looks, but rather for the pizza. And there, we were disappointed. The fire & smoke was hot alright -- almost too spicy. The "make your own" pizza was too salty, and nothing special about the crust or the ingredients. The only dish we thought was above average was the grilled lettuce and beef salad. It was a decent cut, done to our request level and the dressing was tasty. Service was courteous, but very very slow. And that when there were no lines, and the place was more then half empty!!! Summary -- OK food, slow service, too expensive. P.S. I didn't like the fact that many of the dishes had pork or pork derivatives as an ingredient.
(2)Marilyn e.
After visiting MatchBox in Rockville I've decided I won't return. My Pear & Apple salad at a cost of $12 was very small with very little blue cheese and walnuts. The salad was also missing the pears. Manager suggested that I was mistaken and that the salad did have pears. Okay, I'm the customer. Manager did not introduce herself and offered no alternative salad since this one was incomplete. Poor customer service. Guess MatchBox is so popular now they don't have to offer good customer service.
(1)PierAngeli M.
I recently visited Matchbox for lunch with friends. Prior to being seated, had a pamatini, pretty much a martini but it was awesome. As we waited to be seated, we watched as many great-smelling dishes wafted past our noses. The waitress was very knowledgeable about the menu and recommended the mini burgers with onion straws and the Matchbox meat pizza. The mini burgers were delicious and literally melted in our mouths (cooked medium with gorgonzolla cheese). Also, the pizza was great and had us arguing over who was going to take the last few pieces. Service great, food great, will definitely return for round two. The salads looked like art, can't wait to try one on my next visit.
(4)Saraa B.
omg! i cannot wait to eat here again. i wanted to come back the next day and order the same thing but hubby wanted to try else where.. boooo to you hubby!! i ordered the salmon w/ cheesy grits and bacon wrapped green beans... ( i believe that's the order, as it was a few wks ago now....) but the salmon on top of the cheesy grits was amazing!!! staff was great... i'll be back when i'm in the mood for an 45 minute drive :)
(5)Sabrina B.
The space is lovely on the inside, so thank God for a restaurant in the Rockville that at least makes you feel as though you're not sitting in the middle of a strip mall. My fiance and I have eaten here a few times and the food has always been lovely. The service is a little hit-or-miss since they seem to employ some seasoned waitstaff and some cute younger girls who seem more decorative than functional, but we've never had service so bad that it really detracted from the experience.
(4)Cynthia J.
Came here Sunday night with my husband and kids. We had the best server ever! Katie was so knowledgeable and friendly but not overbearing. Food is always good here but Katie really made this a great evening out. Keep up the great work Matchbox!
(5)Anonymous P.
I love the veggie pizza from here but was surprised when I ordered take-out today and the guy behind the counter had the audacity to say,"It's been a slow night - I haven't gotten any tips." In the moment, I felt bad for him and gave a tip, but in retrospect, staff have to EARN tips, not demand them. I would have given 4 stars since the food is good but I'm still so irritated from the lack of customer service!
(3)Indianqueen2 M.
Service was fantastic! You must go there for the pizza. The wine selection is great too
(4)Lisey W.
Came here with some girlfriends and we all ordered the mini burgers as an entree with a salad. The burgers come with a huge plate of fried onion rings poured over them - enough to share. A salad was good and fresh and the salad dressing used was delicious (champagne vinaigrette?). The waiter we had was excellent and attentive. This is fast becoming one of my favorite restos in Rockville.
(4)Sarah A.
This place is great! Make a reservation for dinner and weekends though, I can't stress this enough. Unless you plan on eating at the bar (which is still a wait), you probably won't be seated, especially if you have a group. There's a really spicy pizza with like caramelized onions and the like, I would definitely recommend it. It's my favorite. I forget what it's called though. Portions are iffy though, and definitely skip the salads.
(4)Linda P.
Yay for finally opening up in a location where parking isn't an issue! I was first introduced to Matchbox at the Chinatown location but parking is always problematic. It's super busy here b/c it's apparently the new talk about town restaurant but if you make reservations, it shouldn't be an issue getting seated. People seem to complain about the slow service but I've been here several times and this was never an issue. *knock on wood* The interior of this place is very spacious and I can't wait until the weather gets warmer and they open up their patio. Ok now for for the important stuff--food. The sliders are a must here..a MUST. You have the option of choosing 3 different cheeses: gouda, gorgonzola and mozarella. I don't discriminate against when it comes to cheese so I usually ask for a slice on each slider. The cute little beef is sandwiched in b/w this warm, toasted brioche bun...drool (excuse me as I salivate) and they come with a heap of onion straws that are just delicious. It's crispy and sprinkled with parmesan cheese. YUM. The pizzas are good--what you would expect from a wood fire grill. They're nothing to rave about but it's probably the best pizzas you'll find in that area. I wouldn't recommend the fire+smoke pizza though because it is SPICY. Being able to take spicy is in my blood but this was too much. I couldn't appreciate the pizza because I was too busy drinking water after each bite. Aside from the pizza, I've had the seared sea scallops which were uh-mazing. The scallops are huge and its on top of braised pork belly..,.mmm. Oh and it comes with this sweet potato puree that is soooo delicious. I'm not a huge fan of sweet potato but this was damn good so if you aren't in the mood for pizza, I highly recommend this entree.
(4)Corey A.
Bad service. Food was ok. Nothing special.
(2)Judy S.
Pizza was not hot but overcooked stiff crust.. so must have been sitting around. The wine selection is sub par. My wine was served in a dirty glass. Many people in their 50's sitting around the bar eating average food. Mini burgers look good.. I have had them in their DC location. Service was decent.
(2)Rhan K.
I understand that this is a nice gem for the area. It is a pizza place that is better than CPK and much more sophisticated. The only problem with this place is that it lacks anything special. Our waiter spent about ten minutes telling us that the cool thing about this place was that it was real brick oven, not gas. Most pizza places that are legitimate (ie not pizza hut) are like that, its nothing to brag about. Second, the glass that I got was really filthy. I know most places clean their dishes using one of those steam cleaners and there will be marks and such on it, but if I am paying 20 dollars for a pizza, I would like my glass to not have food stains on it so bad that I can feel lumps under my fingers when I pick up my glass to drink Third, the service was awful. Our waiter was almost impossible to grab a hold of but the bus boy came around every five minutes to see if we needed plates cleared. By the end of our meal, we were joking that this guy was crushing on someone at the table because he would just walk over and look at our table so often. And our waiter, came by every 10 or so visits that this bus boy did. We did not get to eat our meal in peace but when we did need something done, that was also a task! Worst of both worlds. Finally, the thing that really bugged me was that considering the mediocre food quality, it was trying to be super high class. The food wasn't great, it wasn't anything special, and the place just spent too much time trying to have this super upscale atmosphere (at least for the area) that it just seemed lame. I don't know if the Boston area just has better pizza places than the DC area, but after having pizza from Upper Crust, Pepes, and Stonehearth pizza, this place just seems overpriced and mediocre. I will gladly pay 20 dollars for a good pizza. This was not worth it. The only reason it gets 2 stars and not 1 is because there aren't that many great places for pizza in the area, so by regional comparison, it isn't too bad. If you have never had brick oven pizza, go. You will think it is amazing. However, if you have ever had pizza that is of higher quality than California Pizza Kitchen, this place sucks. Save your money, go somewhere else.
(2)Brian M.
Love the experience at this place! Sat at one of the many bars inside for dinner and loved getting to see them make the pizzas. Service was quick and attentive, and the menu had a great drink selection. While I didn't get a chance to eat outside (there are tables and bars out on the patio), the atmosphere is very welcoming and I am sure that it would be fun for the nightlife. The food was fairly good, although the pizza was on the greasy side. Overall, I'd give it 4 stars for being a lively, fun place!
(4)Matt M.
Disappointing overall. Great building, but loud, very crowded, and chilly temperature. Slow, but friendly service. Drink order for our table was screwed up as it was for the table next to us. Appetizer was great, but entrees were luke warm when they arrived and not worth the price. The pizza was the biggest disappointment...it had sat for a long time before it got to our table, and was too spicy to eat (even though the menu didn't say it was spicy). Short ribs entree was 75% fat. All in all, it felt like an average chain, family restaurant, not the hipper, unique experience we were hoping for. Much prefer some of the other more established restaurants in Rockville over Matchbox.
(2)Nicole A.
The food was fantastic. A friend and I went there yesterday to have a business lunch. I can't say enough about the food. The drinks, I have no idea because our server never even asked if we wanted any. I was dying for something to drink other then water because I was coughing due to a dry throat. Our lunch started off on a bad note, though. We wanted to sit in the bar area. We found that it was more relaxed. I went to the table that was saved for us by the host. When I got there I was told by the server that I wasn't allowed to sit there and I needed to leave. I explain that the table was reserved for us and my friend was talking to the host as we spoke. That didn't matter, she still told me to leave. I was in the service industry for over 10 years. You don't do that. My friend tried calming me down, but soon lost his patience when our server was repeatedly condensending. One of the many rules I learned in the business is never pick up the glass near the rim where people drink, and suck up to the woman present. I will go back because the food was great. (I highly recommend the crab soup) I will, though, sit AT the bar. The bartender Nicki was wonderful. My friend had eaten at the bar previously, and recognized him. She came over to our table, introduced herself, and told us if we needed anything to just grab her and let her know. I hope my next experience is different, because I will be bringing my husband. He is more picky then I am about service.
(3)Renee S.
I came here a few times for dinner and brunch. The menu is filled with delicious fish, pasta, and seafood selections. Especially the huevos rancheros! The mimosas are wonderful too - so many to choose from! The outside patio is a great place to sit on a summer afternoon. I'm a fan of Matchbox in Chinatown and so glad they brought the restaurant to Rockville!
(4)Camilo V.
Great service, terrific food, beautiful decoration, nice price, it's perfection
(5)C.M. P.
Don't get it - tried to come here last week with coworkers and were told they did not take reservations so when we showed up the wait was 2 hours. Tried again on a Tuesday night and there were tons of empty tables but again was told the wait was at least an hour because they were being held for reservations. Can't seem to win! Too bad I know that their pizza is really good from their downtown location.
(2)Tracy W.
Had a terrible experience on Sunday night. I had a reservation for 6pm for a party of 12. It was so crowded we did not get seated till 6:30, and even then we didn't have enough seats for our entire party. At 7:15 we finally had all our seats. Management did nothing to apologize or make it right. They seemed like they didn't care at all.
(1)Lisa A.
Might give this location a little bit to work out the "new phase" kinks. The restrooms were pretty sad - TP and hand towels were strewn all over the place. I personally told them twice, both responses were "thanks" but it was never remedied. Sliders turned up hockey pucked and the server didn't really know the menu. She was very friendly but seemed to have a hard time working her section. Most of the servers actually seemed a bit green. The food runners were more attentive. Per usual the pizza was delicious but the experience was a bit non match box -y.
(3)Ashley W.
Headed to Matchbox for a long lunch to check out the new digs today. I am so impressed with the looks of it both outside and in. Sure, it matches the rest of the shopping center from the outside, but that particular shopping center is quite nice-looking anyway. When we walked up, the first thing we noticed was a large outdoor area that is currently under construction. Large heat lamps hang above the whole area which includes a large stone firepit encircled by a standing bar ledge, and a separate outdoor bar. Can't wait for that to open!! The inside has an open floor-plan except for a separate cozy bar area off to the right. When you walk in the first thing you see is the pizza oven. There is seating in front of the oven in case you want to watch the pros in action. There are metal stairs that lead to the second floor, which is a row of booths and tables that overlook the rest of the restaurant. The ceilings are exposed and the front and back walls have old recycled wood slats nailed to them, creating a log cabin-industrial-chic look. Yes, I just made that up, let's go with it. One unfortunate thing we noted on the second floor, where we sat, is the heat. In fact, we overheard a fellow diner say "man, it's a sauna up here!" as he walked past. It's probably a combination of the open floor plan and the midday sun beating in through the windows with inadequate shading. It wasn't the end of the world and probably wouldn't be too hot at night. Food! I was keeping my expectations low for the food and service departments, since they just opened this week. However, I was pleasantly surprised that the service was fast and friendly, if not friendlier than the Chinatown Matchbox. The food was also just as good as any I'd had in Chinatown. I didn't order the pizzas, but my fellow diners seemed to enjoy every last bite of the ones they ordered (sopressata and wild mushroom, veggie, and Q special). They looked nice and crispy-charred and fresh from the oven. I ordered the Chicken Muffeletta with a side salad instead of chips. The sandwich contained chicken, serrano ham, provolone, spinach, and olive tapenade on focaccia bread. I was nervous that the tapenede would be overpowering to the rest of the components, but it wasn't at all. The whole thing was a bit greasy, but that's my only complaint. The side salad was fresh and delicious. No one left hungry, that's for sure. I can't wait to go back for happy hour or dinner to see what the nightlife is like there. There was a decent amount of people there for lunch so it looks like their reputation has preceded them. Viva la Matchbox!
(5)R B.
Love Matchbox in DC and I am so glad they decided to bring their place out to the burbs. The space is cool but I am not so sure about the ceiling which is just made of plywood, are they going to finish it?? The food is exactly like their other restaurants which is a good thing. The service was another story. Very very slow and the funny thing is they had an army of young hosts in black at the front door just standing around. One of the owners was on site and you can tell he is proud of his new child. All in all the Restaurant is a welcome addition to the area which is filled with boring chain restaurants. Just pick up your service and all will be fine.
(4)David S.
Matchbox is kind of the tale of two restaurants... The ambiance is super-hip and trendy, the prices indicate you are in an upscale restaurant and the service is very good. The flip-side is the food itself... more specifically the pizza they claim to be known for. I ordered a 10 inch pizza with extra cheese, banana peppers and spicy meatballs on our visit and while the food really was good, it was nowhere near good enough to justify the price tag. The pizza looked good and used high quality ingredients, but there was no trace of the wood-fire stove used to cook it. I would rate it as above average, but way too bland. All in all, Matchbox is definitely a better pizza option than the chains like the dreaded Dominos, Papa John's and Pizza Huts of the world, but it does not even come close to running with a lot of "mom and pop" pizza places in the area for a lot less money. If you are looking for an upscale pizza place in the same vein and price range, but with much better pizza (albeit in the same kind of style) try the superb Bertuccis instead.
(3)Zen R.
the decor was classy, there a lot of space for group and a bar. ive only been there twice. first time was ok and that not saying much. went there for lunch pizza was interesting and there waiter was very nice. the secound time was probally a one and a half star. waited an hour to get seated, the time for food arival was ok for me but my food was burned so i asked them to take it back. the were complied with a smile. my suggestion is go with a group of people, the company helps.
(2)Yolit Y.
After 20 times in this time we arrived there with a party of nine,I ordered a silver oak wine 2008 from the menu(98$ value) The waitress came with 2010 and I told her that they should price less and asked for a discount,she spoke with the manager and he refused to do it without even coming to explain,I took the wine because I like the silver oak and we were in a kind of celebration but I am very disappointed from the manager,by the way ... The waitress was great and really took care of us
(1)Gabrielle G.
We were starving and the smell from the wood fire grill led us to matchbox. The salads are awesome not the typical iceberg lettuce and tomatoes I had the "simple salad" which I was very impressed with and they allow smaller sizes on some which is great! The pizza was pretty good too and smelled delicious. Our waitress brought us out a dessert to try (I think the doughnuts?). Which the icing/sauce was delicious ... I will have to return here!
(5)PG. R.
Beautiful restaurant, service is very good. Food is pricey though. Ordered two pizzas, not bad, not great either. Nothing to gush over in my opinion. Ordered Blackberry Pisco sours and they were very, very good. I love pisco so I was happy with my choice of cocktail. Finished our meal by sharing a desert, we ordered the Trio of deserts. It was ok, nothing spectacular. I'd go back but only to have some drinks at the bar, food is not bad at all but it isn't fantastic.
(3)Patti M.
Friends have recommended Matchbox so I was in the area and decided to check it out. It was a Monday night and not crowded. Our waitress was nice, helpful, and friendly. The food was just okay, i'm not sure what the hype is about. We ordered a pizza....half meat, half fire/smoke. Was kinda cold under the cheese....yuck. Also ordered the burger sliders. They were good but not excellent. Our bill was $37 and we didn't order drinks or dessert.
(3)Rick S.
Food is good, beer is good, service is OK, place is a little loud, price is a little high. I've been here twice now and wasn't ever blown away. It's just... good. I'd go again without opposition if I were with a group of people that wanted to go, but I don't think I'd suggest it. Though, they do have some unique pizzas; If you find that you absolutely love one of them, then this might become one of your favorite places.
(3)Helene M.
The food is excellent. Service is good. Busy place. Worth the wait to get in. Noise level is high.
(4)Evan H.
I love the original matchbox in Gallery Place. The food is always great, the service too. I wish I could say the same about the one in Rockville. I guess that is the cost of expansion. The rockville location makes it a little easier to get a table, but i would still make a reservation during a weekend. The space itself is huge, and renovated from the previous 15 other restaurants that have filled this location. The problem for me is that it's dark. Really really dark. The upstairs area feels like you are dining in a cave and while this is sometimes ok (Like in Paris or at a better restaurant), it's not ok here. The food isn't as good as the location downtown. The Fire and Smoke pizza is a tad bit less spicy (which for some could be nice), and also the crust just doesn't seem to have the same quality as the other location. Overall, it's just not the same place as the downtown location. But, with that said, it's better than most places in the area in terms of non-ethnic food. So if you are craving a decent burger, sliders, or a pizza, it's probably your best bet in the burbs.
(3)G M.
I don't remember writing my previous review, BUT I was surprised when I read it. I came here recently and got a large pizza. I really liked how they let you do half and half of any two that catch your fancy. I got half prosciutto & black mission fig and half spicy meatball. When the pizza came out it looked like it had been made hours before and was reheated (it's probably not the case because it was an odd combo, but I think it is a testimony to the subpar effort gone into making the pizzas). It certainly looked nothing like the pictures on their website. The taste was the same - old pizza that was reheated. This was not worth $23+ for a lackluster pizza. italian pizza kitchen and &pizza are far superior in taste, texture, and quality. . . cheaper too. pros of this restaurant is it's very beautiful inside and our service was very good. But I don't see a reason to come back.
(2)Rob N.
Nice place to eat in Rockville. they have decent pizza selection and nice desert. price is reasonable.
(4)Amanda L.
Happy hour choice with colleagues and they have a good selection of spirits. We sit in a table where it actually really looked like a box from outside,definitely an open box. I learned that there were some matchboxes under each table and you could take one matchbox home in the other location on 14th street downtown DC. I would suggest pizza to share and some soups for yourself. Also, match that with local DC beer which was really brewed locally.
(4)Joshua H.
Overpriced food and lackluster service.
(2)Don H.
Foods good. Pricey for the area. Service is not always inviting and the atmosphere can get noisy. 3.6.9 sliders and most of their pizzas are good.
(3)Samantha L.
Ate here for brunch over the weekend with some girlfriends for a baby shower for a friend. Really liked that they gave us a round table for 8 -- much easier to talk to everyone and not have the group split based on who is sitting where. The food was ok. I've had brunch at the Eastern Market and Chinatown locations before, but never in Rockville. All 3 menus are slightly different... and i think this one was my least favorite. Nothing really stood out. I had the veggie omelet -- which was just ok. The eggs were slightly overcooked and nothing about it really stood out. I like matchbox for what it is and i'm happy there is one in Rockville now -- since I live in Bethesda. I like the fact that they take reservations... especially for brunch :-)
(3)Tara B.
Pepperroni Pizza is delicious and service was great. It gets a little crowded for dinner on Thursday and Friday evenings, but the wait time was worth it.
(4)Britney B.
Ok, so the prices can get a little high for groups, but I can promise you that its worth it!! They took our short notice reservation for 5 no problem. Our server, Ellen was SO incredibly awesome! She was extremely friendly and took the absolute best care of us despite having 2 other tables of 5 AND a birthday party of 10!!! The atmosphere is nice, not too quiet and its easy to carry on a conversation. Comfy booths, we all fit with plenty of room. The Coffee & Donuts dessert was ama-za-zing. Coffee was fresh, not burned. The pizza wasn't the absolute best I've ever had in my entire life, but I would still definitely order it again. Burgers are really good. Always always always try the Specials!!! The Lamb burgers are to die for, and the Surf n Turf shrimp was impeccable!! We will definitely become regulars here.
(5)Cheryl T.
Love their location in Chinatown, and was happy to see it in the same shopping as BuyBuy Baby (the only reason I go to Rockville). As always, their sliders are to die for. They were also very accommodating with my stroller (baby's first meal out!).
(4)Jeffrey T.
If your thinking of expanding, make sure the product stays consistent. (read Lorena B review which I agree with). I used to love this place. I thought the pizza was great and for a while comparable to 2 Amys (especially since much closer to my house) as well as Mia's in Bethesda. However the last couple times not only has the food gone downhill but also the service. To start last time I went there, it was not busy at all 3:30 on a Saturday afternoon, hostess asked how many and I said 2. She said okay well have a seat on the waiting benches I will be right with you. Well after seating two other tables of two after us, I went up to her and asked if the people she just sat had a reservation. She said no and then I proceeded with, then why haven't you sat us. SHe had forgotten about us. Not only has the service decreased in that once I ordered a pizza that was suppose to come with arugula on top and didn't, Waitress said she would bring some and by the time it came we had finished the pizza. We always get the matchbox meat and as of lately the meatballs are always dry and I feel like they changed the recipe or cooking technique of the dough because it is either undercooked or really over cooked and lately has been laking flavor. So it is sad to say but while Matchbox used to be on our go to list, it has seen it's days and is now off the list. RIP
(2)Sarah M.
I guess my phone lost my review of this place... darn! I wrote a lot. In short though, we were very happy with our experience! Our server was super attentive and helped us choose between the wonderful choices on the menu. The kids were very happy to play with their pizza dough "play-dough!" The mini burgers/sliders were out of this world. They were amazing and worth the hour drive to go out there and order them again! We'll definitely be back!
(5)Sharon J.
solid appetizers solid pizza great atmosphere nice place to eat out on a Friday.
(4)Dana A.
I have been to the DC Matchbox location and the Rockville location a few times. The Matchbox Rockville location is one of the best restaurants I have been too. Every time we go, we have an amazing experience. Last time we went, we ordered the pepperoni and sausage roll and it was delicious. About halfway through the waitress came out with another one and told us that the first one wasn't done to Matchbox standard and so they took it upon themselves to remake it for us! I have never had that happen in my life. Today, we sat in Katie's section and she was wonderful! They apparently took the pepperoni roll off the menu ( noooooooo) and we were wondering what else we were going to order since that is our favorite dish! She said she understood and that they had just changed the menu and went to the kitchen and asked if they would still make it for us and they did! I also overheard her other table stating that they wanted to sit outside but the wait was too long and she said that she would keep a lookout for a table outside and if they wanted to move they could. That is a top notch waitress. Not only is the food amazing (onion straws, sliders, salads, etc) but the customer service at this location is outstanding. We live in Arlington and drive the extra time to avoid the DC location and stay loyal to Rockville!
(5)Paola G.
Where do I start? Let me begin with, I only went here because Yekkta across the street was packed so I thought, why not try Matchbox and see what the hype is all about?! Note, my friends have all been here and their experience was very "mehhhh", so I wasn't completely disappointed because I know I was in for a hit or miss. Our waitress was sooo friendly, I wish I remembered her name. (small sweet Filipino girl). We ordered the Spicy pizza, which is more of a mild and that was good. In fact it was the only good thing on that menu worth trying. My bf got the burger because some of our friends (on yelp) recommended it. Super dry, nothing that sets it apart from the many burgers I have had. I was also in the mood for a sandwich so I got the ribeye sandwich, which was sort of like a upscale steak and cheese. That was disappointing too, I think I can make one better at home and at a cheaper price. Our friend got the crab cake sandwich which he also said lacked flavor and wasn't very good. He decided to try the lobster soup which we all tried and it was delicious. But I like type of creamy soup so I may be biased. Im glad I finally tried their food so that I can finally take it off my Rockville Dine spot list. Other than that, nice sports bar, good drinks and nice ambiance.
(2)YoungMee C.
Great menu and atmosphere. Our waiter did great service and patience with us, which we were at the booth for 3 hours with 4 different orders.
(4)Crissy D.
Good food. Great atmosphere. I dont go to chain restaurants often since I live in DC, but Matchbox has always been good. I recommend going with a group of friends as they have seating to accomodate larger groups.
(3)Nancy N.
the best seat in the house in my opinion is by the fireplace! It's so nice and toasty and if you combine that with a glass of wine...MmMmMm good! I know it's not home but it adds the cabin feel that I love. I ordered the crabcake sandwich this time. I've had other things here...like PIZZA but I'll comment only on the crabcake sandwich. It's a standard crabcake. It's not as lumpy and meaty like some I've had elsewhere but it's not all filling either. Oveall, an average crabcake. A very filling dinner overall! The back section (small room) is cold if you're not sitting by the fireplace (by the windows). The overall atmosphere seems welcoming and cozy.
(3)Priya M.
Love their pesto chicken pizza, wine both white and red. I love the ambiance the waiters have always been friendly and really attentive. Very classy yet affordable place to dine. check it out :D
(5)Nadine M.
Food is good, but it's pricey for no reason. Maybe the ambience...
(3)Troy H.
One the food was great. I got the Q special, my friend got fire and smoke and my other friend got the spicy meatball pizza. Two, the service was awesome, John Brown was awesome. He was speedy, sociable and attentive. Ill be back soon. It was a baller time.
(5)Mark D.
My wife and I ate there last night. Decor and service was fine, but both our stomachs are still recovering from the experience. Over priced and poor quality ingridients. We will never dine their again.. Too many better options in the area.
(1)Beth L.
Came for dinner with my fam the other eve. Had the calamari salad and the fig/proscuitto pizza (shared 'em btoh with my mom). Ordered the pizza with the proscuitto on one side, since I don't do meat now. The pizza came out with the proscuitto on both sides :/ The 'za was really nice (love this one) tho my mom thought it could've used more figs. We both enjoyed the calamari salad. I like their selection of beers on tap and the atmosphere is nice.
(4)Alan W.
I was familiar with Matchbox from the location in DC so my wife and I stopped in here when we happened to see the Rockville location. The food was excellent, I had a perfect summer meal/snack of Gazpacho followed by the tuna tartare appetizer. The service was excellent as well until near the end of the meal. The only complaint is that the server (after keeping or water glasses full from a purchased large bottle of water) saw my glass was only half full and topped up the water glasses at the table with chlorinated tap water from a pitcher. After such good food it was just disappointing to have chlorine be the final taste in my mouth. Other than that everything was great!
(4)Mark R.
Came here Saturday with my girlfriend, and it was probably the 5th or 6th time we've been at a Matchbox together. We didn't make a reservation so we sort of played it dangerous. We requested to sit outside, but the lower patio was full. Not a problem, because the upper patio had open tables, so we were seated almost immediately. Disclaimer: the lower patio is far more intimate, while the upper patio is more open and with a view that leaves a bit to be desired. That didn't matter to us, because the cross-breeze was more than welcome, given that it was an August night and the weather, while not sweltering hot, was warm. Drinks: always 5/5 here. I had the Whiskey Smash, and she had some other cocktail (sorry, I did not mentally jot down what it was). I tried hers and she tried mine. I really liked hers, even if it was a bit sweet for my tastes, and she at least pretended to like mine (she's not much of a whiskey girl). We both ordered the cucumber infused gin and tonic for our second and final round, and as always, it was refreshing with just enough kick without being overpowering. Ordered the Mozzi Corozzi for an App because we wanted to go light. We didn't read the description close enough, I guess, because the mozzarella is more deep-fried than "lightly breaded". Still, it was delicious. She got the Korean Pork sandwich with fries, while I ordered the crabcake sandwich, also with fries (yea we weren't watching our diets on this evening). I live in Baltimore so I kind of get "crabcake fatigue", but I really enjoyed my sandwich; this, in spite of the fact that I could tell they use a lot of filler material and not a ton of crab. Still, I ate it all and really liked the flavor (and it wasn't extremely filling, which is a good thing in my book). My girlfriend said she liked her sandwich, but she didn't finish it. I chalk this up to her being a petite girl, though. Fries were also very good. The service was also good. Nothing extraordinary, but I don't expect my waiters/waitresses to wash my feet while I dine, so she did a very good job. A very solid meal, with great drinks, all in an hour on a busy Saturday. You can't ask for much more than that. 4/5 only because I reserve 5/5 for extraordinary dining experiences and/or shockingly good results. I've been a fan of Matchbox for about 2 years now, and the great experience does not shock me. Will be back many times.
(4)Scott A.
I love this place. Great food - great atmosphere and the deserts are to-die-for. Simply a great restaurant. Its my kids favorite!!!!!
(5)Tilty A.
Ordered carry-out; 2 personal pizzas and an appetizer; it was nearly 50$. Only one of the pizzas was good but not 20$ worth. The other was dry and had barely any topping. I guess maybe you're paying for the ambience.
(2)Patti B.
Exceedingly disappointed...I was sitting at the bar before 5pm and ordered a dinner dish. The server who brought the food burned me with the plate! The dish was not cheap (scallops) 3 to the order...and there was no offer for compensation (either comp my glass of wine, etc.). Hindsight: Should have left the restaurant then. Ate the food but left a small tip.
(1)Keith C.
First off I enjoyed the atmosphere, fireplaces throughout the restaurant along with a fire pit outside was very cool to see. Our server was very attentive. The appetizers and the food did not take long to come out, they were staggered appropriately. Awesome restaurant that will do very well in Virginia Beach. Definitely going back!
(4)Claire D.
Great restaurant with great food. The sliders are absolutely delicious and pizza is delicious too. The setting outside is very nice, sometimes the interior of the restaurant can be chilly. Service is not exceptional but the restaurant setting and food make up for it. Perfect for family and friends.
(5)Connie L.
I've been to Matchbox several times in DC.. this was my first time at the Rockville location. It was definitely less busy when we went which was a plus and service was very good. The Braised Shortrib dish was very tough and the sauce was not that great. We also got the chicken pesto pizza which was pretty good. Overall, I like Matchbox so it gets 4 stars. Definitely get the scallops and the fire and smoke pizza!
(4)Beverly S.
This place has excellent food! We went here on a whim one Friday after work. The wait was about an hour, but we figured since so many other people were waiting it would be worth it to stick around and try it. It definitely was! (FYI: They do call ahead seating and reservations, which we now know). We got the mini-burger trio appetizer, which was amazing. The meat was delicious and the onion straws it comes with are awesome. My husband got a meat-lovers style pizza and said it was the best pizza he has ever had. I got their crispy chicken sandwich, which was juicy and very flavorful. Overall, a delicious meal and we will definitely be back.
(5)Elias K.
Absolutely love this Pizza!
(5)Cindy H.
I've been here a couple times and have never been dissatisfied. A little pricey, but their fresh made pizzas are amazing (despite a couple expected burn spots, expected when it's wood-fire). Their pastas are excellent and are very filling. I'm always excited for their desserts, they are awesome! The service hasn't dissappointed me thus far, and they always make a great recommendation. Only reason I give them 4 stars is for their seasonal menu. I understand they are complying with the fresh ingredients available to them, and it's nice for those who are tired of the same ol' thing. But if you love a certain dish on the menu, chances will be that you won't see it again the following month. But believe me, this won't stop me from coming back!
(4)Shachi B.
It's ok - the service is a bit slow (ok, a lot slow) but the food is decent. Given the lack of pizza options in the Rockville area, this fills the void quite nicely. It's a nice upgrade from Vince and Dominic's! I do love the layout though - the lofty ceilings and spacious feel definintely makes you forget you're in a strip mall in Rockville. Well done on the decor! The noise level is a little loud, but nothing unbearable. If you're in the area, come at 11:45. That's juuuuuust before the lunch rush begins so you'll likely get a table quickly. Also, the takeout door is on the right side of the restaurant (if you're facing the front door), so it's easier to sneak in that way and pick up your takeout rather than meander through the entire restaurant to get to the back.
(3)James M.
Overall very unimpressed. Food was nothing special at all with a very shallow menu and limited choices. The pizza, their marquee item, was borderline unacceptable--greasy with a hard thin crust (and I like thin crust). Nice big building with a substantial outdoor seating area and nice bar area. Typical overpriced trendy place. Skip it!
(2)Elizabeth D.
My brother in law has been raving about Matchbox for as long as I've known him. Did not disappoint when we finally made it here for dinner. Great wine selection and I was very tempted to try the cocktails. Started with the pepperoni and mozzarella roll, which was good, but I wish there was more cheese. Satisfied that with the mozzi carrozzi - so much cheese. The prosciutto and black mission fig pizza was awesome. Needed a little more blue cheese but otherwise perfect. Loved the honey on top! The Fire & Smoke pizza was another table favorite. For dessert, had to try the gelato cookie sandwich. Split it with someone as it's an indulgence. The outdoor patio is pretty incredible. I can imagine it gets pretty crowded in general but the space is huge (I spotted 2 more bars).
(4)Karen G.
Beautiful urban modern dining experience! Went in for the first time on Saturday party of 5 and surprisingly the wait was not too long even with a full house! This place is big and its matchbox concept is displayed everywhere in a tasteful way. I love their 3,6,9 mini burgers their a small taste of goodness with thinly sliced union straws on top made it perfect! Their chicken pesto pizza with the home made sauce was pretty yummy! Nice amount of chicken (Just a little more cheese next time:) And the Gelato cookie sandwich was also amazing and a nice ending to the entire experience. Definitively a new spot to go to.
(5)Lydia R.
I got the vegetarian pizza for lunch at Matchbox, which lasted me two days! So the portion size is awesome, and the taste of the pizza is alright. I was expecting more from a place that specializes in pizza. My vegetarian pizza only had artichokes and tomatoes, but a whole lot of cheese, so I did not feel very healthy for going veggie! Our table got burger sliders as an appetizer, which was okay-tasting, too. I did not feel healthy after leaving this place, but next time I'll stick with a salad and report back! I would also love to try the outdoor seating...
(3)Irene F.
After having made 2 attempts in the past to try Matchbox (and always never being patient enough to wait an hour or more)- we finally managed to get there on Friday at 11 AM (when they open) and were the first to be seated. YAY! Or server was very accommodating- he brought my husband a taster of a beer he'd never tried before. He allowed me to get a mini burger each with a different topping (mozzarella, Gouda, and Gorgonzola) and gave me a big thumbs up and smile when I asked if we could split a pizza with 2 different toppings. Now- I know that doesn't sound like I was being very picky- but the place looks like it might be the kind of place that might be a little full of themselves and thumb their nose at making too many special requests. That was hugely refreshing. Also, they list the prices of all of their alcoholic beverages- which are NOT overpriced! I ordered the Matchbox Punch and for $8 it was a great deal- they did not skimp! It wasn't served in a tiny cocktail glass- it was the size of a soda glass! It wasn't so full of ice that you wondered where the drink was---And it was delicious. (And yes I did drink a cocktail at 11 AM- but I was on a rare date with my husband without the kiddo!!!) We ordered the mini burgers medium rare with the onion straws. They were perfectly cooked, and pretty tasty. They weren't to die for- I wouldn't write home about it or anything- but they were yummy. I liked the Gorgonzola version the best- but then again...my husband says I always like the stinkiest cheeses the best. The onion straws surprisingly tasted like onions and not just of batter. Next we split a large pizza- my side was the White Anchovy and Capers and my husband's was the Veggie. Mine was ok. I think I would have preferred the anchovies be sliced a little thinner and more spread out rather than in nearly whole pieces. My husband's side was delicious. (darn him for always picking right!) Ultimately I don't think this style of pizza is for me. I prefer my crust a little less crispy, and a little more cheesy, and with more sauce. For the style of pizza- it was good...it's just my personal preference and should not be held against the restaurant. We ended our meal with a cup of coffee- it was better than McDonald's, but worse than Dunkin Donuts & Starbucks- according to my husband. The whole bill came out to about $50 for a beer, a cocktail, 3 mini burgers, large pizza, and a coffee. Not too bad considering the ambiance. I would definitely come back for the drinks and the mini burgers. Next time I will have to try something else though besides pizza. Or maybe I'll just double my burger order...
(4)Greg O.
Matchbox has one of my favorite pizzas on their menu- the fire and smoke pizza. So spicy and so good. I don't even need to look at a menu when I come here. The mini burgers are pretty good as well, and come with a huge serving of onion straws too. The service was good the entire time. However, when you compare this matchbox to the one in Chinatown, its really missing some of the ambiance. The alleyway, exposed construction, lighting, etc. at the Chinatown locations just adds much more personality to the restaurant, in the way a box at strip mall never could unfortunately. Overall, I'd definitely go back a few more times!
(4)Katherine P.
i've had most of the pizzas, but the burgers are where its at to be honest.
(3)Arija R.
After a failed attempt to see cherry blossoms on a Sunday afternoon, my date and I made a u-turn for food instead! With high hopes, we chose Matchbox Rockville for a fun experience filled with food and baseball - this plan failed too. ATMOSPHERE: Matchbox has a cool urban vibe with its wood, bricks, and mortar design. Fitting for DC, but feels out of place in this area. It's still cool. High end casual - is that a thing? FOOD/DRINKS: They don't make/have the sangria, fireball, or frozen drink I wanted (no blender @ Matchbox). We got beer and the delicious Q Pizza. The beer was poured perfectly and their vintage pizza is worth some of the drama haha. SERVICE: Our bartender was super sweet, but this place was clearly understaffed. It took a while to get service and once we placed our first order, it was tough to get a hold of anyone after. My date chose seats in front of a huge TV to watch the local Nats baseball game which had just started. Instead of already having this game on as we expected them to, the TV was playing info-mercials for fitness. Cause that's just what we want to watch when we're trying to stuff our face with pizza and beer! Again, since there was one bartender, she wasn't able to change it (after we requested a couple times) until it was already over. Also, we were right by a computer/wait station and there was a lot of internal talk among the staff that wasn't good. A lot of them were stressed and saying things customers shouldn't hear - it killed our vibe. We get it to an extent. My date and I joke about how most of our dining experiences are ruined by our acceptance from being too understanding since we've worked in the service industry. It's still not fair for us to justify poor service (at no fault of our bartender - areas of improvement were needed beyond her since she was actually trying despite the overwhleming demands). OVERALL: We still have high hopes for this location since I've had positive experiences with the DC locations. We'll give it another try and hopefully we have a 5 star worthy update for ya!!
(2)Felicity M.
Love this place for every occasion, but their staff can be very hit and miss and closed on THE most important days? How can a restaurant afford to do that nowadays? Even if it's hugely reduced hours and with a credit card number at reservation..... Don't get it?!! Otherwise.... Fabulous food, delicious wine and great beer and the best garlic bread sticks and butter on the planet!!
(4)Tara S.
I love this place! I used to go more frequently before I became a vegan, and every time was great. I'm not sure why everyone seems to say that you need a reservation as I've never had a problem, but you can reserve a table on Open Table so it's really easy. Their Fire and Smoke pizza is amazing if you like spicy. And their breakfast pizza for brunch is also great. Not to mention their "bloody beer" is actually not bad either! I would highly recommend Matchbox to anyone! And you can even sit outside!
(5)Jonathan K.
Matchbox is excellent. I've tried almost all of the pizzas on the menu and you really cannot go wrong. The 3/6/9 sliders with Gouda are also excellent.
(5)Robert C.
I'll give this place 3 1/2 stars. The Thin Crust Pizza here are pretty good, they offer unique pizza, which's pretty cool. The ambiance and decoration is pretty cool too; very modern like. However they can be pretty expensive. They're about $12 - $14 for medium and $18 - $20 for large. I suggest getting the large because the medium sizes won't fill you up; the portion's pretty small here. *Sliders/mini burgers - angus beef, toasted brioche, pickles, onion straws & gouda cheese (9 for $18). These sliders're good, however they're really small & not really worth the price. *Spicy Meatball Pizza - spicy meatballs, bacon, crushed red pepper, fresh garlic puree, zesty tomato sauce & mozarella. My favorite pizza from there. It tastes really good and the spiciness within the meatballs really give it the extra kick. *Fire & Smoke Pizza - fire roasted red peppers, spanish onions, chipotle pepper tomato sauce, garlic puree, smoked gouda & fresh basil. This pizza's pretty good too even though it doesn't have any meat. However, I don't recommend adding any additional meat, it'll ruin the flavor. I did that and I found out that the original fire & smoke is better.
(3)Ashley W.
huge!!! this place is so much larger than it's DC counterparts... - perfect for dining on the patio during nice weather... upstairs/downstairs dining rooms and separate bar area...... This location is perfect for large groups... - excellent wait staff Menu choices are very extensive... from pizza... to salad.. to sandwiches... also great wine list! I'm looking forward to returning for brunch...
(4)S L.
My rating is based ENTIRELY on the only thing I eat here, but man is it worth those 5 stars! The chicken pesto pizza. The best pizza I've ever eaten. Hands down. It's arguably my thing to eat. Their red sauce pizza isn't bad, I think pizza CS across the street is way better at it though. Nothing holds a candle to that chicken pesto pizza though.
(5)Roy S.
Went with a lage group and had a good time. The decor was cool and I liked the set up. I had the meat lovers pizza and it was very nice but I felt like it lacked some panache. Maybe some basil or rosemerry or something to set it apart from other similar thin crust pizzas. My friends had the burgers and really loved them. The crab cake was rated subpar and not "the best crabcake in MD" like the waiter said, haha... The waiter was really cool and we got plenty of attention. I really liked their dessert trio also. The fruit pizza was a huge hit as well as the sorbets and chocolate cake thing. It is a little pricey, but what isnt these days?? I will be back!!
(4)Sam O.
Not too bad... this is a great environment that is better than just taking someone to pizza hut. I've had a wide variety of pizzas here and have to say that they're not too bad but there isn't really a pizza that stands out. The Chicken Pesto is probably my favorite. For brunch they offer some decent items. I had the Brunch Pizza... I have to say it's actually not that bad and def is better than what you think.
(4)Mary E.
Almost everything about this visit was great -- our waiter was amazing, the food was fresh and generous (I had the black bean burger, which I would get even if I weren't a vegetarian). I was there with my son, who is in kindergarten, and my husband, to celebrate the former's yellow belt in karate. My son had a great time. The only thing that was a bad note was that the hostess who walked us to our table (who had long red hair and was tall in case someone from Matchbox reads this and cares) just looked at us stonefaced and brought us to our table. I don't expect a hug, but considering that my son and I both smiled at her, it was really awkward and kind of passively hostile that she didn't smile back. I'm not the type of person who really cares about this kind of thing, but anyone would have been taken aback by this woman. So, if you can get past the cold greeting at the front door, you will probably enjoy your visit. I'll be going back, but I'll also be complaining about the hostess. There are too many people who would be glad to have her job and who would not have a problem being friendly to customers, especially in this economy.
(3)Fred K.
I went here when it first opened the door and was the first paying bar customer! It was good to see a good draft beer selection in MoCo as I was afraid that their beer selection would suffer like at nearby Againn. Julia is a great and friendly bartender! Been back two times and very happy it opened on the Pike. The sliders with the fried onion rings are a hit for an appetizer. My only complaint is that the main entrees/pizza just comes out way too fast if you order an appetizer. My advice is to order the main entrees when your appetizers come to your table. They do accept reservations via opentable, so please make sure to get reservations or you will be waiting for quite some time, unless you get seated before 5:30.
(4)Jeff C.
Ok, maybe I caught them on a bad day, but I really thought this place was overrated..The food was average and the service sub-average. However, my friend swears by this place, but even she was somewhat disappointed with the service. I felt our pizza was fairly basic and not really worth the price. However, the bar was nice, and I think this spot would work for a drink rather than a full meal..
(2)Patrick R.
This place is ok... In all honesty, I never really understand why anyone would suggest this place and I genuinely don't get the hype. Their pizza is pretty good, but the amount you end up spending on it there are easily other places you can go for better pizza that might even be cheaper. I don't know how they try to act like they're a fancy restaurant when essentially half of the whole thing is very obviously a sports bar. Their other menu items are mediocre and gimmicky. I feel like they spread themselves a little thin and if they cut some items and allowed their cooks to focus more there would be less instances of bland or undercooked food.
(2)David H.
If you've got a hankering for thin-crust, wood-fired oven pizza, then this is a decent spot, although the food isn't spectacular enough to explain the massive crowds and lines for tables at this and their downtown locations. Their growth has come at the expense of their food quality. Far better wood-fired pizza is to be had in this town (eg, Pizzeria Paradiso in Dupont Circle, one of the first). While inspired, some of the pizza topping combinations are odd and random flavor combinations, as though they were trying to empty out the fridge and dump all the leftovers into one dish. On a recent office happy hour outing, I found myself wishing I'd made my own combination of toppings (which is an option, and which is something I usually do). Being a big fan of stinky cheese, I spotted a prosciutto, gorgonzola, and fig pizza that looked awesome, so I ordered it in excited haste, not noticing that the toppings also included peppered honey (which made the pizza too sweet when coupled with the ripe figs), and arugula (whose dominant pepperiness clashed with everything and ruined the pizza, as far as I was concerned...a little arugula goes a long way). The bar menu is exhaustive, offering a wide selection of cocktails, but I found their "cutesy" (one assumes that was the reason) categorization of libations into "manly" and "girly" drinks to be offensive. What century are we in? If I wanted tired gender stereotypes with my buzz, I'd get a beer at the baseball stadium. I ended up ordering an old classic, a gimlet, but it was too sweet for my tastes. I like them tart (like my reviews...)
(3)Christopher J.
Went here for lunch last week. We have tried to go 3 or 4 times before but the wait is always too long. We were off work that day so decided to try it, FINALLY. During the mid-week lunch, no wait. Staff was super friendly and kinda cool atmosphere. I order a mid day alcoholic beverage...the Quencher I believe and the wife got a Pomegranate Martini. Both were excellent. The server, Ryan, could not have been nicer. Gave us good recommendations and was very attentive and on point (IE didnt talk too much, engaged with us but left us alone, maintained filling our drinks etc). I got the Smoke and Fire Pizza and added chicken....VERY tasty, good amount of spice, flavor and freshness. LOTS of chicken which was great. Really enjoyed it. Wife got the Spinach Salad, but replaced spinach with Arugula. Not the biggest salad ever, but very filling, tasted great and she said she loved it. Ordered a Lemon Tart for Dessert. Deliciously tart and chilled. Very lemon-y and the fruit compote that came with it was great. All and All a great restaurant. ONLY down side is that there is nearly always a wait. Slightly pricier than other places around, but definitely worth it. Excellent service and food is worth the money.
(5)Tiffany P.
Came here for lunch during the week. Loved that you could get half/half personal sized pizzas so that you could try more than one flavor. I got half White Prosciutto and Half Smoke & Fire. I wasn't really impressed with the Half Smoke & Fire, and the White Prosciutto had enough garlic to kill an onslaught of vampires and prevent anyone from wanting contact with me for at least 24 hours. 2 Glasses of wine and a personal size pizza = $29.. so a little on the pricey side. Not sure if I will be rushing back any time soon.
(3)Tram N.
Definitely had a great first experience at Matchbox! I reserved a table for my sister's birthday for a party of five and everything went smoothly. Our waitress was consistent and frequently checked on our table and provided honest and helpful suggestions. We had a mixture of brunch and dinner entrees. The cinnamon rolls are AMAZING so are the French toast dish. Love love the presentation of everything. I had the crab cake sandwich which came with a pickle and fries. Also got the small Matchbox Meat pizza which wasn't bad at all. Definitely enough for everyone. Atmosphere is private and comfortable. Loved that it is also kid-friendly. Service was great and will definitely be returning =)
(5)Natasha T.
I've been here a few times, for brunch and lunch. Everything I've had, particularly the pizza, has been delicious. We reserved for a large group for brunch, they easily accommodated us and we were able to sit in the upstairs (semi-private) "room."
(5)Alexia G.
This is some of the best pizza that we've found in the area! I had the prosciutto fig pizza and it was awesome. My boyfriend loved his matchbox meat pizza. The chef thought that the pizza he made me was a bit small (I didn't notice) so he can upstairs with a box and a brand new pizza because he wanted to make it right. Great service too!
(5)Tiffany T.
I have been to this location many times and I must say that I prefer the DC locations. The food is always great, although at my last visit I was given the incorrect pizza, which was annoying since I was with a large party and I had to wait for it to be fixed while everyone else ate. I definitely suggest that you make reservations. Any time I tried to go without a reservation, the wait is always at least 45 minutes for a Friday or Saturday night. The service is hit or miss. I don't know of they just don't have enough waiters but sometimes it takes a while for the server to come back to to table just to ask if everything is okay. At one visit I ordered a glass of wine and after about 10-15 minutes the waiter admitted that he forgot. He was very apologetic and brought it out immediately after that but telling me that you forgot is unacceptable. I will go back since I live close and I love the restaurant but I hope they hire more servers.
(4)Laura S.
Yesterday was my third time here in two months. The atmosphere is great--it has the best outdoor space on R'ville Pike. The waiters are attentive without being smothering, and the food has always been solid. I've had sliders and pizzas. Nice wines and the Allagash white draft beer was crisp. This will be our new go-to spot, having moved close by from D.C.
(4)Edward S.
Last night they had a roasted duck special. It was outstanding. They said it's available only this week. Its worth a special trip.
(5)Stephanie A.
I'd like to rate the restaurant 2-star in service and 3.5-star in food quality. I've been to all locations of Matchbox and usually really enjoy my time there. This location is HUGE! They have a great layout of the restaurant with a front bar, pizza oven seating, bar, upstairs, and outdoor seating. Decorations are urban pizza kitchen with great use of metals, concrete and brick. Food, is good I wouldn't say amazing but would definitely say better than most places in the area. There is also a wide variety of items to choose from, so even the pickiest eaters should be able to find something. Service, I've been here a couple of times and usually had good wait/bar service each time. Last night 12/19, I was there for a company party and had issues with the service so felt compelled to write this review. Our serving staff was GREAT - attentive, readily available and friendly. My issue, along with several of my colleagues, felt that the manager on duty and the bar staff (main bar AFTER event was over) were rude and under par. Working in the hospitality industry, we understand the need for customer satisfaction because loyal customers generate revenue. We were surprised that after our event was over, the manager came over to our group (about 30 minutes after allotted time, I checked my phone) and rudely kicked us out. Stating something similar but much ruder to "it's 40 minutes over the event time you booked, we need you out in order for us to re-sit this area." We completely understand where he was coming from but the delivery was just rude and almost ignorant. I understand if we were warned a couple times before and this was the final straw, but we weren't, first offense. I'm actually shocked that is how this manager approached the situation, not thinking of the potential of repeat customers or private parties in the future. At that point nobody walked away feeling great of the experience, even though this happened in the last 5 minutes - what a shame. Next the main bar, the bartenders and bar back were just rude, forced friendly, and aloof. Not sure why they're in the service industry if they don't enjoy being personable, but generally maybe they all were having a bad day. Also walked away, not wanting to come back by choice anytime soon.
(3)Ginger W.
I really really like this place. We came here once for a free meal from my s.o.'s family and another time I went with my mom. I am always super impressed with the pizza and beer/spirits selection. One star off because although I usually eat outside, they often have fairly rowdy groups and both times I have been here I've been knocked into by some drunk patron (one male, one female) acting pants-on-head. It sort of kills any remote possibility of feeling like you're having a pleasant or relaxing evening -- not romantic! That said, it is fun, people have fun all around you, and the pizzas are both unique (fig and black pepper honey?! OMG YES) and really well executed -- crispy but not black. The service we've had has been very good as well, striking a good balance between attentiveness and obsessiveness. I would come back here if I was having a party. That way we wouldn't be the party of two getting bumped into, but rather be more part of the fun.
(4)Jon E.
Good food and service and atmosphere for the most part. Really expensive pizzas. Not worth the price.
(2)Ginny H.
It seems to me that as more and more restaurants close and cut back in our area, we are becoming increasingly thankful for average dining experiences. The Matchbox has a lot going for it. It is one of only a handful of places that serve food late in the evening, the decor is great and the waiters and waitresses are attentive and aim to please. I've had both lunch and late dinner here. The food was, in some cases, above average. The crab soup was wonderful but tepid twice. (This is a real problem with a cream soup, by my way of thinking. Maybe they should use a bowl instead of the flatter soup plate, which lets more air hit the liquid on its trip to your table. Or, heat the bowls before ladling the soup. ) The pizza was better than Dominos but not as good as Bertucci's and certainly not as good as you can make at home with a burrito wrapper and a pizza stone. We had the dessert pizza which made use of the same tasteless pre-fabbed disk as the expensive dinner pizza, only with drizzles of chocolate and cream, and some good berries. (Here's a tip for matchbox: try brushing the crust with some sweet oil while toasting, and sprinkling with powdered sugar after the toppings are added.) The server did get the orders right (something you can't count on late at night at the Silver Diner, down the street) and the prices are better than at the very good Tower Oaks (also close by).
(3)Robert D.
Matchbox seems to be one of those restaurants that has become a go-to place for me on the Pike. I've been here to meet old friends for dinner, on a date, for a work lunch, happy hour, etc. It's not fancy, but it does have a pleasant, bustling ambience. I've only really had the pizza for an entree, but the menu seems to be generally Italianish. The mini burger appetizers are quite tasty! The pizza is thin with just the perfect amount of sauce and cheese. They also have a nice variety of them to choose from, or, if you prefer, you can make your own. The service has always been good when I've visited with attentive but not overbearing wait staff. Overall, I continue to have positive experiences here and would recommend it.
(4)Candace S.
Excellent pizza as usual. I have frequented Matchbox since 2013. The food has always been right on spot. One of my faves is the Matchbox meat. The shrimp and grit appetizer is very creamy and tasty.
(4)James W.
This was a good pizza place if you like wood fire pizza. The place gets pretty busy in the evenings but if you can get there before 6 you can probably get in without too much trouble. The service was fine, not particularly noteworthy in the positive but certainly above acceptable. The food came out pretty quickly as well. We had the matchbox meat and spicy meatball pizzas. Both were good if not exceptional. I prefer Coal Fire's pizza to Matchbox but I think Matchbox has a wider menu and a more upscale ambiance. So Matchbox may be better for dates or events where such things are important. The value was pretty good but not great. I certainly can't complain but at the same time didn't feel like I really got a great deal. If that not important to you then don't worry about it. If you're in the area and looking for pizza it's certainly worth a try.
(3)Dee A.
While our experience eating there about a month back was average and not bad, I am extremely dissapointed about a recent attempt to book a large party reservation there. I attempted to contact their event planner several times by phone, going into the location twice, sending messages through employees, even waiting in their foyer for 20 min in the early afternoon to speak to the manager on duty and just leaving my number because we couldnt wait any longer, and still in 3 weeks had not gotten a response. Finally reaching them a week before the date, I asked about bringing 20 people in on a saturday afternoon at 1:30. I was basically treated like they would be doing ME a favor by making themselves available -- informing me they would have to put us in a back location near the main bar, and since it was a private area (which it really isnt - its just tables located near the bar) there would be an $1100 minimum (thats $55 per person for late lunch...not impossible but IM not guaranteeing that!). Fourtunately I had already inquired at other venues about having this reservation elsewhere after not being able to reach a Matchbox mngr or event coordinator for several weeks, and the other places were eager to accommodate me bringing them the business, especially at a fairly off-peak time of the day. Maybe Matchbox is just sooo busy and so exclusive and successful that they can afford to put off groups of 20 ppl for a late lunch, and dont need the additional business. If so, good for them. But I was in there recently on a Saturday afternoon and didnt see this long wait for tables and packed house they told me they have every day - thus neccessitating a minimum for a reservation. I will probobly go there again sometime for a bite to eat with a friend or two, but will never again attempt to book a large party reservation, and do not reccommend them for any kind of pre-planned event seeing as how they are too busy to call back and not very accomodating once they do, clearly giving off the impression that they do not need the business of large parties or groups. I ended up choosing Copper Canyon at the Rio instead.... probobly a better choice anyway because of the beautiful location, the outdoor bar, and having had great experiences there before. I have spent 20 years working in the restaurant/hospitality industry, including event planning and operations, and can tell you that pretending to be exclusive and acting like youre doing the patrons a favor by allowing them to bring you the business only works for swanky venues that are never empty, not for new pizza places who are practically empty on most early afternoons.
(1)Sharon T.
Coming here is great for lunch or dinner. The atmosphere's a nice modern and hip place, yet not too overbearing. The food is good. I like the burgers and pizza
(4)Cat C.
Went for dinner with an old friend. Wanted to have a great meal, with solid service and ability to talk. That was the PLAN. The location is very easy to find, and if you don't have to park right in front of the door, there is a large amount of free parking available in the mall-type stores behind it. Also, lot is very nicely lit, so don't worry if you are walking to your car after dark. They take reservations, and also walk-ins. Recommend reservations, and be specific about what you want or perhaps, what you don't want. Remember, my goal was to have a lovely meal where we could talk. The hostess initially took us to a table that was exactly in the corner of their seating made up of booth/table chairs. (You know, the back is booth, all comfy and long; table and chairs on opposite side. Very close are the tables...) So, took a look and no, no, nope! On one side, a family with their baby in a carrier and they have it squished between the table (our side) and booth. I like kids. At home. Not next to me at what I had hoped would be a "grown up" place. Now to be fair, the sweet little cherub was sleeping but we all know how long that lasts. Other side, a couple who didn't look happy to be there, with each other, and in the space of those seconds, I heard her call him an ass. Hmmmm. Nooooo, think that while he may very well be an exit orifice, didn't want to listen to why this was so. {Had I been there with girlfriends, it could have been fun, cheering her on~all in who you're with} Asked hostess for another option, quietly saying "no kids/babies" with a pleading in my eyes. She found us a high top table, in a good spot and seated us with a smile. Big points for this! The place was very busy so noise was a bit louder than I like but totally understandable. We didn't hear any overbearing or heavy drums music. On to food and wait staff. Wait person came pretty quickly, provided us menus and asked if we knew what we wanted to drinks. Ordered those and off she went to get them while we reviewed the menu. The variety of food was good, from grill to pasta/pizza to seafood. Makes this a nice choice for folks who have different tastes or perhaps a large group. My friend selected a seafood pasta (mussels and shrimp with linguine), I selected rigatoni. Our waitress suggested I swap the sausage for meatballs. She loved their meatballs, spicy and yummy. Said the sausage was very good, but something about those meatballs... No bread was offered while we waited. Food came and it looked very nice. No salt/pepper on the table, nor was any fresh pepper or fresh parm cheese offered. My pasta did not need salt but I did want pepper. Took a bit to get our waitress and then a bit more for her to bring it. She didn't come back to check on our drinks (a sangria and also a glass of water). The seafood pasta was very good (friend's words) and he has eaten seafood from all over; my rigatoni was also very good. The meatballs were just right, spicy and not too big or dense. We did order dessert: an absolute delight. One carrot cake and one bread pudding that was heaven. I would come back for this alone and a cup of coffee. By the way, did order coffee with dessert. Served perfectly, with a container of real cream and sugars on the side. Coffee was lovely, strong but not bitter and piping hot! The bread pudding. Yes, deserves its own review. Dense but not that thick lump of bready goop. It had small chocolate chips, but not so many as to take away from the yummy bready goodness of the pudding. Two good size square portions were cut and stacked. Then a caramel sauce (made fresh) poured over with bananas sliced within. Topped with powered sugar. Totally kicking myself, should have ordered it and skipped everything else. OK, maybe a slight exaggeration but really it was that good. Asked for the check, also took a bit of time arriving and the whole paying process. So why the four stars: 1) when I called for reservations, explained what I wanted. {in case you're curious, the baby woke and parents let it cry for almost 15 minutes before finally taking the child outside. And we were across the dining room and could still hear the poor baby.} 2) no follow-ups on our food, needs, drinks 3) lengthy time for the few requests we made (salt/pepper), ordering dessert, asking for the bill Overall, would go back . Food was very good. Dessert was even better. I would call ahead and ask what is their least busy day, and book a table for that day. As we were leaving, they had opened outside seating. Now that would have been my preference for our evening. Weather was cool, slight breeze and noise was very quiet. Sounds of people talking, laughing and enjoying their meal. Oh, and this was done rather spur of the moment as our first choice, booked through Open Table, had gone out of business. Cheers
(4)Gail R.
We had a going away party lunch for my boss at this place. Parking looked a bit limited during lunch, but we were able to find a spot. There are other spots behind the restaurant in the big shopping lot for Congressional Plaza, but you have to walk just a bit. In walking up to the restaurant, I could see a few lit fireplaces for folks who wanted to eat outside during the cold months. I am not ready to experience that (put me inside the restaurant anytime). There were about 8 of us and so we got one of their big round tables on the first floor. I had eaten here before with a group of folks on the upper floor, so this place is great for group seating as well. We started off with a few appetizers - salad, cream of crab soup, 3.6.9 mini burgers and the ginormous meatball. The Cream of Crab Soup was delicious (perfect temperature and I tasted crab pieces in my soup). The mini burgers were great as well (I am not sure how many we got total - 3, 6 or 9, but I know I had about 2 of those burgers...they were great...juicy). The ginormous meatball can be shared with 3 folks - that thing is huge. It is like a pan with pepperoni sauce, some wood fired bread and an enormous meatball in it. If I were eating alone, I would have sat there and used the bread to eat up some more of that sauce. Our entrees came out right after we had our appetizers. We did not have to wait long for that to occur. Most at our table had pizza and I could tell that almost everyone was going to be taking some home - I can only eat like 3 slices of pizza in one go, so I knew I had to try something different for my entrée. I opted for the Pan Seared Salmon. The menu stated that it came with carrots, zucchini, yellow squash and citrus butter and with all that and the salmon, the dish was wonderful...Yummy, plus I was trying to go the healthy route. The ambiance was great even though our gathering of friends was bittersweet. I will definitely come here again and trying something else on their menu.
(4)Laura P.
First time here-we got to sit in the room with the fireplace (great ambiance but very loud!). Anyway, I prefer a restaurant to be busy rather than empty! The food: Sliders are a great app! We also got the cream of crap soup (delicious), and a large pizza (half matchbox meat with meatball added & half prosciutto + black mission fig). We loved the meat half and just liked the other half :) the dough was a little bit soggy in the middle of the pie, but it was so tasty and only in the middle that we will just ask for extra crispy next time!
(4)Sunshine C.
This is a really nice place to have a big group. there were 9 in my party. We ordered the sliders and man the Chicken pesto pizza, some of the people at my table had the spicy meatball pizza and some other stuff, but my pizza was certainly the best one. we also ordered some huge mozzarella Stick type of thing for an appetizer with our sliders and that was yummy. We had the trio dessert thing that came with the brownie, donuts and coffee (amazeballs) and sorbet. This would be a great place to have a birthday party type of event. our service was outstanding. Food was above average, but the atmosphere really sold me.
(3)GT W.
A much larger, but still very crowded incarnation of the Chinatown sensation. Loads of parking, huge outdoor patio seating with area heaters. Very trendy, popular upscale pizza place with about 1/2 pizzas on the menu and another 1/2 with stuff like rib eye, duck, etc. Pizzas are around $14 for individual, $21 for large if you want to split. Ambiance is fireside relaxed, large open spaces, a bit awkward in the table arrangements with massive circular tables, tables inset into the wall opening up on either side (??), crowded, semi-fancy sports bar. Live Jazz when we were there on a Sunday! Prices are not too bad. Pizzas were delicious. Tap list is small, like 10 taps or so with one seasonal and one rotational. Sierra Nevada, Flying Dog, He'Brew, Dogfish Head, Ommegang. Decent stuff, nothing on tap here that you wouldn't easily find anywhere else in the DC area save for the He'Brew Hop Manna. Service was kind and very attentive. Food came out very quickly. The server knew a little about beer, but both their "seasonal" and their "rotating tap" were nonexistent the day I was there. Unfortunate.
(4)Catherine S.
I love the pizza here and the drinks. It's my mother's favorite spot so whenever she visits she insist on coming here and I can't say I blame her.
(5)Daniel S.
The BLT Benedict was amazing. I would have never thought to add a fried green tomato, but it totally worked. Definitely coming back for that. My wife ordered the French Toast without pecans (allergies) and they come out as equally awesome. I am always worried when you take things off a dish that it will lose something, but that was not the case thankfully. Also bonus points to the manager John who brought us a couple of extra strawberries when we asked because our daughter plowed through the ones that came with her dish. That was very much appreciated.
(5)Ericka S.
Great burger bistro, good pizza, nice wine selection. However, I'm updating this review to 4 stars simply because of the continued amazing, high levels of customer service provided by Isaiah and his team. Someone make that man a manager, please.
(4)Original B.
Better-than-average service, stellar food! It was my first time eating there. I was amazed by the beautiful layout of the restaurant, and its beauty started to pop when I was welcome by the lovely staff. I ordered the Brunch Pizza, while my mom had the special of that day (Chicken and Waffles). While it took a little while to receive my food, it was amazing. I can assure you that I will return to Matchbox very soon.
(4)Lucas T.
The chicken pesto pizza is superb. The bread is also great. There pizzas aren't the most filling, but they are delicious.
(3)Jessie K.
I'm knocking one star off for the attitude from the hostesses. There were lots of pros - but the first 5 minutes really soured our experience. We had a reservation for 5 people (including a highchair). They wanted us to put the high chair at the corner of a square table - so our child could only have a few inches of the corner to eat. I asked if there was maybe a booth or a rectangular four top so our child could eat with us. They seemed to have a lot of difficulty fulfilling this request. The manager(?) finally figured out that they did have space upstairs at a rectangular table. But, there seemed to be lots of attitude about this 'accommodation.' We even made a special point to thank the hostesses for their help on the way out - and one hostess ROLLED HER EYES. I have looked at this space to book events, but I'm wary that my guests will have to endure the attitude from the hostess stand first. HOWEVER, the waiter was fantastic. The Captain Healthy children's meal was great (I saw someone else on here posted a pictures of it). It was a great selection - and I'm glad we had a table where my child could actually have a plate of food. We've been here many times because the food is consistently good. The pizza, the burgers, the fish - we haven't ordered wrong yet. I'm just really sad about the attitude at the front - it really doesn't represent the rest of the experience.
(3)John G.
I ended up here with a buddy of mine after a rained out Nationals game. Great place to hang out and catch up. The pizza was ok - nothing special but it served its purpose. I did enjoy the dessert pizza more than I expected - I said I'd have a small piece and ended up eating half. Easily accessible right off the Pike.
(3)Ken M.
Quite an amazing place. Lots of nice ambiance with interesting wood and a big open floor plan on a couple of levels. The acoustics are great. You can hear the person across the table from you even though the place is packed and people are talking everywhere. The food is so-so. It has a corner on the market for artisanal pizza... pizza made with weird and exotic ingredients that comes in both personal and sharable sizes. Evidently, they're also famous for their burger sliders or "mini-burgers" that come in multiples of three. The wait staff have these black t-shirts with 3 - 6 - 9 on it to denote the number of mini burgers you can get. I had a chicken sandwich which turned out to be pretty messy so I ended up eating it with a fork and knife. The french fries that came with it were fairly tasteless and visually unappealing. Parking is a bear especially during peak hours. Congressional Shopping Center has lots of parking but it means you have to walk a ways to get back and forth to your car. The staff is friendly but somewhat aloof. Although, they are efficient and plenty quick. The deal with this place, as far as I can tell, is the hipness factor (way high) and the ambiance. Prices are decent for what you get. So, if you're hip and cool and preferably under 35 this is the place.
(4)Dan W.
First time here. Tuna tartar was god awful. Sent it back. Got another dish and it was just as bad. Presentation doesn't seem to matter to this company. They sell food that is over priced and made by amateur cooks. Improve your menu and then maybe people will eat this garbage. No seasoning and very bland food. I'm still waiting for the pizza but I'll vomit that up later. Thank god for beer to wash this waste down.
(1)Jarrod F.
This was a pleasant little surprise... We sat outside on the patio/ bat area, adjacent to the Bon fire. I loved the atmosphere in the whole restaurant.. Kind of like a big log cabin with urban flare (brick,metal, and exposed piping). But Outside was definitely the best spot in the whole place especially because it was first come first serve so we didn't have to wait. We started with the giant meatball ($14). The meatball itself was too dry, not enough breading or cheese. It almost tasted like they didn't use enough fat. The sauce was spectacular though. So was the bread they served the dish with. For dinner we ordered a pizza (half pepperoni/half chicken and mushroom). Although too thin for my liking,the pizza had good flavor. The sauce was tangy and the cheese not overbearing. - good char on the rim as well. The Ty chopped salad we ordered was the winner of the night. This was probably the best salad I've had all year -- salami, provolone, chick peas, onions, radicchio, and romaine all tossed in a light dressing. Our server was very good and so was my cucumber and lime gin and tonic. We would definitely come back, but next time we will try a different appetizer.
(4)Melo R.
The pizza was very delicious. My friend got the seafood pasta, and that was also very good. I would go back.
(4)Kat F.
I've been wanting to try this chain forever but didn't have the opportunity until this past Sunday. We brought some friends here to say thank you for slaving away and helping us move, and it was awesome! (Matchbox, not the moving.) We got there in time to catch the tail end of brunch, but we also had the option to choose from the regular menu as well. The restaurant is beautiful, and we got to sit at a really awesome "pimp booth", which made the experience even more special. I started with the apple/pear salad, which had great flavors. I am a new fan of blue cheese, and it was the star of the salad. A few of us split a pizza, which is what this place is known for, and now I know why. I love the smoky char of the crust, and the toppings were great too. I am not usually a fan of crust in general, but I ate every last bit of the pizza. Everyone else was impressed with the food, too--it was definitely a crowd-pleaser. Can't wait to come back here!
(5)Philip L.
I was not impressed with this place. I like the spacious place, but the food kind of made me wonder what the hype was about this place. Not only that, I felt like the food was pretty generic. The service was a bit slow and reminded of the older days in Red Lobster as if it was more of a family restaurant. I would not describe it as horrible, but it was not top notch or on the attentive side. I think I asked for the check and it came about 10 minutes later. I ordered a salad and a pizza (I don't remember them exactly, which showed how much this place left an impression on me). If you are left with no other choices, which I would respond that there are better places out there, especially in the area, you should only come here if you are bored and have nowhere else to try. I did not find the price to match what I was paying for and would rather have gone to Chipotle for a better tasting meal.
(2)Bridget E.
Absolutely loved this place! Food was fresh, tasty, and the service was phenomenal! Would highly recommend this restaurant to everyone! Friendly staff and above par food made for a memorable experience! Will be going back again!
(5)Jen F.
My experience at Matchbox Pizza was great. I came for brunch and ordered the breakfast pizza. It was delightful. I loved the scrambled eggs on top! I also split the peanut butter banana waffle with a friend. My mistake was splitting this dish because it is so freaking good, I could have eaten the entire thing by myself. The breakfast/brunch drinks are a bit pricey but the food is reasonable and worth it! Service was great, very attentive. They sat us in a room that seemed like an addition to the restaurant and it was freezing cold! I'm assuming it was because of draft coming through.
(4)Johnalee S.
Over priced. Seated next to a family with kids in fleece PJ pants. Not a dinner atmosphere. Kid was loud and rude, no one said anything to the family or to us. Ruined the dinner. The food was ok but VERY overpriced. Save your money get a flat bread from Trader Joes and dress it up a bit. You can stay at home and avoid the bratty kids, sub-par wait staff, and wear your jammies where it is appropriate. On the couch with a giant beer and tv.
(2)Matt W.
Seriously enjoyable lunch! I really like this location (have been to the ones in VA and Palm Springs). I found the pizza to be much better than my experience in PSP and the service to be stellar from the Host Station to the wait staff. They were all so wonderful, particularly the two servers that helped us out (a young Asian American, maybe Filipino American woman training and her supervisor). They were really nice and accommodating to my 92 year old grandfather that can be a bit over flirtatious. They handled it too well and were really kind! They also did a fantastic job getting us everything we needed and more! We shared three items- a pizza, the trofie pasta and the calamari salad. All were quite tasty. While I would say the pizza is overpriced by about $3 I would say in terms of what I expect/experience at high end pizza places, it was still decent. The pasta was very very good. We really enjoyed it! While a tad too salty, it had great flavoring. It is a shame it is coming off the menu soon :( The salad is also excellent! Part of what you are paying for here is ambiance, and clearly, Matchbox is a runaway winner! It is beautiful, modern and hip. I feel like I am back in LA instead of in the Maryland burbs when I am here. Definitely will return and tell others!
(4)MyMy C.
It's ok. Atmosphere was good. We had the crab and avocado app (good), trout (over cooked and pesto cous cous side overwhelmed the dish), and scallops (good but one was undercooked). Slightly overpriced for quality.
(3)Georgio S.
Got the 9 burgers as an appetizer, all loved the burgers as they were perfectly cooked. The kids Mac and cheese was great. The pepperoni pizza was also really good. The lamb sandwich was horrible. It was dry and Inedible. Desserts took a long time to come out but overall service was better than expected. Out of the 3 desserts we tried the bread pudding was tops. Brownies were hard and stale.
(3)Norman G.
I mostly eat at a table in the bar when I go here, usually alone. The choice of beers is quite good and the pizzas are excellent (if you avoid the exotic concoctions. They have a number of TVs over the bar and you have a choice of sports channels or close-captioned news. Although the food and drink are the same, the cavernous dining section is a different proposition entirely. Often, there's a wait to be seated, service is erratic and the noise level is very high. Unless it's pretty empty inside or the outside seating area has room for you, I'd stick to the bar or go elsewhere.
(3)Margaret N.
I definitely recommend this restaurant! Their mini trio appetizer is amazing and filling! You get two scallops, burgers and crabcake... yum! Pizza could use some more salt/sauce, but I liked the Q special and fire & smoke! Definitely plan on going back!
(4)Elias V.
I always have enjoyed the flavor and selection of Matchbox Pizza. I either get the Spicy Meatball, your typical Pepperoni or the Matchbox Trio I think it's called. I must say deeeeeeee-licious! First time here I thought I wouldn't like it. I was beyond wrong I love it, the pizza has so many flavors and each has it's uniqueness. The matchbox salad also is really good, I tried that for the first time. Matchbox Punch, also very good. I just left here full and service was exemplary. Ellen was spectacular! She was energetic and bouncy! With an hour or so left before closing she was awesome, no fatigue of a possible long work day. She had a bit of a humorous side, big plus. I always applaud great service because it's service such as her that makes you want to come back. Thanks Ellen. No bad juju here, all spectacular. Huge plus on service and food. I love the interior layout and design. Try this place out guys def a winner.
(5)Dixon M.
I love Matchbox. I have been there many times, and nearly everything I have had there has been fantastic. I am not a fan of their sliders, which were somewhat dry and lacking in flavor when I had them. Service at the Matchbox is always very good. The Cobb salad at Matchbox may be the best one I have had. I also love the Matchbox Punch, a delicious "girly drink" that builds on watermelon-infused vodka to create a fruitily fantastic drink. Iced tea at the Matchbox is always freshly brewed and delicious.
(5)Marc L.
Ate here last night with visiting out-of-town family. Crystal clear evening, perfect temperature. Seated in outdoor area. Server was outstanding, efficient, and cute as a button. Food was outstanding. Beer selection outstanding as usual, two of had a very hoppy He'Brew that the server characterized as "overwhelming hops", which was perfectly hoppy for me. Nephew had a burger with bacon and Gorgonzola cheese, rest of us had pizza and salads. We could have stayed there all night, it was such a magical and perfect atmosphere. I have eaten here several times since my earlier review and have never had a bad experience. This place is consistently excellent, hard to do these days.
(5)Irene A.
Still love this place just as much as the first time!
(5)Jennifer N.
Here's the take-away message: make a reservation. Our dining companions had, and we were glad. Apparently, at 6:45 on a Sunday evening, the wait was at least an hour. Matchbox seems to me to be exactly what it looks like: it's massive, it's attempting to be quirky (pictures of Michael Jackson on the table?) even though it's part of a chain. Even the food is exactly what I thought it would be like - in fact, it reminded me of food at any enormous restaurant I've ever been to - efficient, fine, standardized. My pizza (chicken, pesto, mozzarella - $13) was absolutely standard, but I think I should have been more adventurous (or added something to enhance it) because it tasted fairly plain. Another restaurant might have added something funky to it - olives, sundried tomatoes, something like that. But this is a place that hinges on standardization, I think. Similarly, the burger was absolutely fine, standard even (though enhanced by the three enormous onion rings it comes with). All of this to say, Matchbox is no surprises - the food is exactly what you might expect from a very big restaurant.
(3)Moritz R.
Service: Excellent. A young vibrant staff that is very knowledgeable about their menu and specials and the location. Yes there is some history to the location, go there and they will tell you about it. Food: I had the flat iron steak with eggs and my wife had the white pizza with prosciutto. I would say that both were very good. My only complaint is I wanted my steak medium, I got it well done, making it a bit tough. The food came out fast even though it was a bit crowded on a Saturday afternoon. Definitely I would go back.
(4)Buddha N.
So lets talk about Matchbox, first off this place has an awesome lay out and probably the biggest matchbox I have seen , it has two levels and a outdoor patio area and is dressed up in your typical matchbox clean style which is very awesome. So came here on a Sunday afternoon for brunch and was surprised there wasnt a huge line out the door, Im guessing cause of the size of this place that it was packed but not packed enough to have a line out the door. So was greeted by the nice hostess at the door and then escorted to our table in a backroom that has a huge fireplace, kinda cool lil room, probably best for a private party situation. Anyways server was prompt to getting to our table and taking our order so that was a plus Food came out a bit later but for some reason the salad came out last. We ordered a brunch entree off the menu, pizza, veggie egg ranchero dish , and apple pear salad so not sure why the salad came out after. Anyways food was tasty and all plates were empty so that has to mean something right???????? So overall place gets 4 stars
(4)Eric O.
Step 1: Ask for Luke as your waiter. Step 2: Order ceviche, mini burgers, spanish ham pizza, and bread pudding. Also order matchbox punch if you're feeling rowdy. Step 3: Win.
(5)Tejan R.
My experience at the Rockville Matchbox was surprisingly remarkable. Great menu selection that will have your palate pleased and yearning for more. This was my first time dining at a Matchbox but I'm sure it won't be the last. The whiskey smash was on point hence the reason why I'm writing a review which I rarely do. Also the creamy crab soup, sliders, spicy meatball pizza were great selection I would recommend.
(4)Sharon W.
My husband wanted to take his student intern, office manager and me out to lunch. Since their office is in Rockville I thought Matchbox might be a restaurant we would all like. The restaurant is large but is broken up into smaller spaces so you don't feel like you're eating in a warehouse. In fact we had a nice corner booth which allowed easy conversation. Two in our party ordered salads, one ordered the cream of crab soup and I ordered the crab cake sandwich. The cream of crab soup got rave reviews so I definitely want to try it when I go back. This is the second time I've ordered crab cakes there and they are good, not a lot of filler. The french fries appear to be made from fresh potatoes with skin on and are also quite good. Our service was fine so, as I had hoped, everyone came away happy and full.
(3)Trevor M.
Rockville's Vintage Pizza Restoration Period can begin... Ok, what can I say about Matchbox that hasn't been written already? Yes, the pizza is good. Yes, it has fantastic atmosphere. Yes, it is the new hotspot on Rockville Pike. Yes, the line is long...go to opentable.com and reserve your table. So, what else is left? Shall I needlessly mock it's name? (oh, the puns that can come out) Should I write about their shameless firepits everywhere? Should I jabber on about endlessly long lines? Should I talk about pizza history here in Rockville and that we've never had any vintage pizza before?...Wait a tick...that's it! Matchbox invites you to the Season of Reason pizza event. Rockville has never had true Vintage pizza before. I would not even dare to call it a 'pizza'. Its' more of a post modern flatbread with hydroponically grown tomatoes from Roma. Although, I hesitate to call it a pizza. It's more like a Palazzo designed by the well known pizza architect Maheud MoreaHaus-Boyardee. In a season of extravagance come down to Matchbox. Ok, everyone breathe a sigh of relief or wince. How is it really? Allright, it's good. It's just as good as their other locations. The smoke and fire pizza is spicy...though, do add some serrano ham. It gives it an additional punch. The bistro part is just as good. The tuna nicoise salad is well done. The tuna is sushi quality and just seared ever so lightly. The mini trio with crab cake, scallop and beef...well, it's divine. Now, let's be realistic....have people had legitimate rants/concerns about long waits and slow service? Yes and No. Bear in mind that they did a full opening. Not staggered, not bearing in mind that the buzz has been built up since the last restaurant was torn down. Are they still hiring? Yes...so, it's going to be a process till they get everything down to a 'T'. Bottom line: Hip, young, old, new, something borrowed, somthing burning, but that ain't your pizza. May the vintage pizza restoration of Rockville begin.
(4)Cynthia L.
I can't stop eating at this place. You must try their 3-6-9 sliders (with Gouda cheese) as an appetizer. They're pizzas are really good (I liked their sweet sopresatta & wild mushroom pizza but did not enjoy the matchbox meat as much). I've tried their tuna nicoise salad, which is really good (speaking from someone who almost never eats salad as a meal alone). Dessert is worth going here by itself. Everything is made in-house. Their pecan pie is the best pecan pie I've ever had. If you're not a fan, try the trio dessert (you get a little of everything) or the lemon tart or the special of the day.
(5)Carol C.
I would say the Yelp reviews sum this place up quite well: a solid 3.5 stars. Great for a casual but still classy lunch or dinner out with friends. First thing I noticed was that this place is ENORMOUS. I know they have a whole section on their website dedicated to explaining the architectural endeavors of each of their locations, but I was still extremely impressed by the vaulted airy space, generous outdoor seating, open kitchen, and expansive bars. Matchbox is gorgeous, fo sho. But is it all only 'fo' SHOW'? Well, the food is okay. It's enjoyable and definitely good to eat. The sliders were very good, as other reviewers have mentioned. I was surprised how juicy and flavorful small burger patties can be. The sliders came with a Mt. Everest pile of onion straws, which were crisp and delicious but props to people who can actually finish them all! The calamari salad was so-so. The greens were fresh, but there weren't very many of them. The calamari, though decently portioned, were oddly soft and mushy. As for the pizza, we got half and half with premade combo sausage/sun-dried tomato and self-picked wildmushroom/arugula/prosciutto. The crust is thin, but not as thin as real New York pizza. It can also be a little tough and burnt at places. While the flavors were good and the toppings fresh and plentiful, I also found the pizza to be quite greasy. Definitely not bad, but certainly not among the best pizza I've ever had. For the finale, we ordered a dessert trio to celebrate our friend's birthday. The sorbet flavors were interesting, with melon, basil lemon, and raspberry, and really cleansing after a heavy meal. The molten chocolate cake was a disappointment. I order molten lava cake wherever they offer it, and this was probably one of the worst I've tasted. The cake itself was rubbery, room temperature, the middle fudgey at best. Sadness. The doughnuts, which are supposed to be 'beignet-like' had crispy thick exteriors and a spongy interior. Not bad, but not great. At least the espresso dipping sauce was delicious, rich, creamy and just a little bit salty. Anyway, I would say overall a fun swanky place with good service, good atmosphere, okay food.
(3)N S.
Such a beautiful venue, and such average food. I've never been much of a fan of Matchbox, but I def think they're resting on their laurels now. Started out with a small salad, generously covered in parmesean. The balsamic dressing was very unevenly distributed in the salad like it barely got a toss. Moved onto the Fire and Smoke pizza. Used to be quite spicy with a decent crust. Now, I found a pizza with no bite, a thin limp crust and just quite unappealing. The mgmt was kind enough to allow me to send it back and suggest a simple margerita pizza which was significantly better which brings me to my next point. The freeze-ish dried basil. Doesn't belong. Go super fresh or go home. Lastly, had the chocolate chip bread pudding. Once again, it was just ok. Not oversweet with a good amount of sauce. I'm not convinced the sauce was house made. Provided excellent service by our server, Allison. Very helpful and attentive.
(3)Lisa I.
I've been on a real pizza kick recently, and this place doesn't stand up to other local offerings. We just happened to stop by while we were down in the Rockville REI, and didn't have any expectations since we had not heard of Matchbox. It was a weird time on a Sunday afternoon ("lunner)" so it wasn't too crowded when we got here. Apparently the wait here can be crazy, and after eating here, I wouldn't stand for that. Everyone thinks the atmosphere is so awesome...and it IS nice, but I can't help but find it pretentious. I know I'm a buzzkill, but it is just too much for me. I mean, it's pizza. And it's not gourmet pizza (whatever that is), just woodfired pizza. I'm not gonna be a hater, so if it works for them and keeps people coming back, that's cool. I just will try to look past the clunky, over-stylized solid wood menu and semi-snobby waitstaff. We started with a grilled romaine steak caesar salad, and that was good. They don't cut the romaine heads after grilling, which makes for beautiful presentation, but I felt like a knife-wielding maniac trying to chop up all that lettuce. My husband and I split the Sicilian ham and Romano pizza. Even though another reviewer suggested this pizza, it was so blah. Husband loved it, I just stopped eating. Thin crust, which I liked. The waiter suggested the chocolate bread pudding as THE BOMB...or whatever these kids are saying these days. Just OK, wouldn't bother with it again. If this is the best pizza in Rockville, like another reviewer suggested, I would suggest not eating pizza in this town. Important note: This place looks like it will have awesome outdoor seating in the warmer months. I will check this out again when I can sit outdoors. There is something primal about eating outside I think, even if it is pizza and cocktails. Rawr!
(2)Alicia G.
Marylanders can now rejoice as Matchbox finally makes its debut in Rockville! I have not had the pleasure of dining in house yet, but I did stop in on opening night to get some mini-burgers to-go. They weren't taking orders over the phone til Monday but happily took my order at the bar. In retrospect, I'm glad they weren't taking orders over the phone because while we waited at the bar for our order, I recognized one of the owners, Perry, and got a chance to say hello. He not only remembered me (and my name...and my giant camera) from coming to the opening of the Capitol Hill location but then offered to give Alicia C and I the grand tour of the new place. Thanks again, Perry! This Matchbox location is easily the biggest of them all. It can seat 300 and will able to seat 400+ in the warmer months when they open the patio. The space is absolutely gorgeous - the same sort of red steel stairways, exposed brick and distressed wood wall. There are 2 bars and one of them will be able to serve as an outdoor bar by opening the windows. Similar to the others, there is an upstairs seating area but ALSO an upstairs outdoor patio/deck that overlooks Congressional Plaza. Oh and the mini-burgers were as awesome as usual even packaged to go. Juicy little beef patties on buttery brioche and pickle slice on the bottom. We got ours with gorgonzola because that's how we roll. We also had a whole second container filled to the brim with parmesan onion straws. Nom! I'm more than thrilled that Matchbox has an MD location and can't wait to do happy hours, brunches and dinner here so I won't have to trek into DC every time I want mini-burgers and girlie martinis.
(5)Chet W.
First, there are multiple locations for Matchbox in the DC area. I've personally visited three of them: Chinatown (713 H Street NW), 14th Street (1901 14th Street NW) Rockville (1699 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852). I've experienced the best service, best food and best ambiance at the 14th Street location. This is not to say that the others are bad; this one is just best. The food, as others have stated, is great. It's a tad more expensive than what you'd find at other similar places in DC. However, I find the price to be worth it! There usually is a wait of at least 15 minutes. As others have noted, there is sometimes a wait of 45+ minutes. I don't think I'd wait 45+ minutes for this place especially with DC's other restaurants, but that's up to you, really. Whether or not parking is available depends on the location. You'll have a much harder time parking at the DC locations since there are no dedicated parking spots. In Rockville, the restaurant is in a shopping plaza and shares the parking spots. I cannot vouch for the bar or the quality of the drinks, but the food is really great. I've never had anything I disliked; the portions are fair and the food is fresh. At the time of this writing (29 Jan 2013) pizzas can be made half/half so you can try multiple flavors in one visit. The crabcakes are the best I've had in DC with very little filler and no celery-- something that is increasingly hard to find. Another favorite dish, the crispy chicken, has a great, all around taste and doesn't feel/taste greasy. The one time I had an issue was because I received a different pizza than what I had ordered. I was not upset or angry; I double checked with the waitress and when the mistake was realized, she gave me the correct pizza and let me keep this incorrect one for free. I visit here an average of once a month or so and regularly recommend people to visit as well. I recommend you do, too, and enjoy yourself!
(5)Katelyn K.
I have been to the Matchbox location both down on 8th Street and now this one. Both have the same great food, attentive service and fun atmosphere. What I really loved about the one in Rockville is the outdoor space. Downtown the outside space is small and is on the crowded sidewalk; however, the one in Rockville is spacious. Personally, I loved the shared table/bar around the fire pit. There is also one near the front door so you can wait around it for your table, which is is great if you come on an evening and the wait is long (which it often can be). I just hope that Matchbox can survive in this location, since many of predecessors here failed.
(4)Sisley C.
I've been here a few times. The sliders are always very good. I've had a few of their pizzas and they're okay... I don't find them to be that amazing. Lobster bisque is always yummy but expensive ($6 for a small bowl). The service is always subpar every time I've been here. Overall, just okay. I'd come back but I wouldn't say I crave food from this place.
(3)Tu-van L.
Opening weekend dinner experience was great. Food was great as expected, service was very attentive, and the space is GORGEOUS! I've driven by this place through its many stages of construction, antipating the formal arrival of the locally-famed Matchbox, anxiously waiting for the day it opens its doors and I can be one of the first patrons of this location. Once I found out the opening weekend date it didn't take much to convince the husband to dine at this new location. The space has the same industrial trendy yet casual vibe as the other locations, but it was much enjoyable since the place is that much bigger than the others. It was interesting watching the surrounding dining experience as you can tell most patrons are new and unfamiliar to the Matchbox experience (lots of looks of surprises when the wait staff brings out mini-burgers piled with mountains of crispy onions) and the wait staff was new and especially attentive to familiarize the patrons with the menu and dining experience. And if you can make it pass the mini-burger mountain and your pizza blanket, I highly recommend the coffee and doughnuts dessert. That basket of doughnuts seemed like a never-ending basket of sweet goodness, and the orange zest added a nice contrasting touch. I love how a solid restaurant has found itself in the Rockville neighborhood. They were only opened for dinner the night I went, but hopefully as they are opened longer and work things out this place can become my go to brunch/lunch/happy hour/dinner spot.
(5)Kaleb A.
I ordered the sliders and my friend had the pizza. The sliders were fine but they weren't great by any means. I'll order pizza the next time.
(3)Jess C.
Probably one of the best interiors for restaurants in Rockville. The pizza and sliders are good, but not mind-blowing, and it's a bit expensive for what it is (it's $18 for individual pizza and ~$2 for a mini hamburger). However since the atmosphere is pretty great for friends or dates, it's a safe place to go. Think big airy cabin. Since it's new, be prepared for a long wait if you don't have reservations.
(3)Emily Z.
A colleague recommended that I try this place. It turned out to be a disappointment. I ordered grilled swordfish, because I love swordfish and grilled food is my favorite. Two TINY pieces of swordfish, either over-cooked or not fresh, with some couscous and salad on the side. The flavor of the swordfish was like reheated in a microwave. The couscous and salad were mediocre at best. It was $22 before tax and before tip. Kinda rip-off for the quality and quantity of the food.
(2)Irene A.
I have eaten here twice already. The food is good I have had the mini sliders for appetizer and the matchbox pizza for lunch. It is delicious. The service is good. The waitress we had was a little dry and unfriendly. The one in rockville is pretty big in a good way and had a good crowd for lunch on a tuesday. I would go back.
(4)E Y.
Service was fine and they were able to seat my large group fairly quickly. Food was average. For a place that specializes in pizza, I was a little disappointed. The Q Special was very bland. No amount of parmesan and red pepper flakes could save the dry flavorless chicken.The spicy meatball pizza was ok but the meatball was dry and not very spicy. The Fire & Smoke was probably my favorite pizza out of all three with a good amount of heat and delicious smoked gouda and basil on top that added a nice fresh taste. I also had the chicken sandwich which also suffered from dry chicken syndrome but other than that, I enjoyed the combination of mozarella, prosciutto, and basil on it. Friends had the bistro burger which they complained was very greasy and overwhelming with blue cheese and accompanied by flavorless onion rings on the side. The cubano sandwich was the complete opposite in that it way overloaded with salt. The meat in the ribeye sandwich had good flavor but was completely overcooked. All in all, I do not think I will be returning.
(3)Cheryl B.
Great place!! Went for the first time on a Monday night. It was crowded, but we were seated outside immediately. Staff were smiling, friendly, and our waiter was good. Had the appetizer trio, various salads, sausage pizza and the special (Asian tuna with risotto and asparagus). Everything was delicious! The atmosphere is fun, music playing and has a good vibe, too. We skipped dessert, but can't wait to go back and try ANYTHING! I'm impressed with this place, and I loved it!
(5)Pengilicious E.
3.5 stars for the food, 4 stars for the ambiance and service. Make sure you make reservations unless you don't mind waiting for 2 hours. The mini burgers with onion rings are good starters. I was disappointed with the anchovies pizza. The spicy meatballs pizza was really spicy but good. Cocktails are surprisingly good and cheap @ $8.
(4)Nady B.
I usually go to the one in Chinatown. Decided to go to Rockville for a change with some friends. We waited 5 min to be seated though I expected the wait to be longer on a Friday. The waiter messed up one of our orders and the fries and brick pizza we ordered were burnt! My chicken sandwich was pretty good though I've had better. We spent about $60 for 3 ppl in my opinion this is just too much for the food we had... I will not go there anytime soon. The decor is ok and the drink i had was a bad choice for $8.00!
(3)Victoria S.
Modern and cozy atmosphere. Same amazing food as other locations. Friendly staff. Love the outside fire pits - will be fun for happy hour in the warm months. Finally a decent place in Rockville. We just elevated ourselves to cool status. Thanks Matchbox! Note: expect a long wait unless you make reservations on opentable.com .
(5)R H.
We come to Matchbox Rockville very often with friends, colleagues and family and we never were disappointed. You can never go wrong with their delicious fresh and healthy daily specials. Today I got their chicken lime soup because I was not uber hungry and was very positively surprised. Light and delicious. Even their cocktails or what they call infusions with alcohol are real good. My husband always goes for a pizza and he is never disappointed. we regularly order their spicy sopressata or the pesto pizza so yummy! I got many times their scallops, apple/pear salad etc. all are realky good. My brother got the crispy chicken sandwich and trust it is the best most freshly made chicken we have ever tasted. They make it with their home made butter milk dressing so light to the taste even though it is not very light in calories. we introduced this place and especially their donuts and coffee to many people and never were disappointed. Honestly this place deserves much more than 3.5/5. I mean yeah it is a little more expensive than the other places in Rockville but totally worth every penny. They are among the rare places who offer real great bepgian beer accompanied always with the nice easy listening lounge music. the only thing that I could comment on is that it is a little noisy... the service is always efficient and courteous and again the food is awesome and pretty sofisticated. I am definitely a fan. Now that the weather is getting better I am definitely trying to sit at the outdoor bar by the flames.
(5)Janet H.
Ever since I've been to the Chinatown location, I have been thinking about Matchbox. When I heard that it's opening in Rockville, I was excited.. I waited and waited... and finally, it's here! :) I didn't go right away as I expect and heard about the long wait. 3 weeks after opening, I decided it's time to go check them out. We went on a Sunday afternoon for lunch, I did not expect a wait time of 1 hr in the middle of the day. UGH! seriously? Since this is lunch and we didn't want to eat too heavy, we decided to try a small pizza and their mini burgers. We got the Q Special pizza (marinated chicken and portobello mushroom). The pizza was delicious! The crust was perfect, not too soft and not too crispy just the way I like it. The toppings and sauce were flavorful and just right. Would I come back? Definitely. I wouldn't recommend coming if you are hungry or getting hungry because you can expect a wait time of at least 45mins and more. This would probably be a good place for happy hour. It's got plenty of space, the atmosphere is fun and trendy. Parking is meh.. just okay. It's in a busy shopping center so you won't have trouble finding a space, you might just have to walk a bit.
(4)Susana T.
I don't get the appeal of this place. Pizza's fine but nothing extraordinary, service ranges from indifferent to only okay, and it's pretty overpriced. Even with a reservation, we had to wait 45 minutes to be seated. What a waste of time and clicks. I've never been a fan of the ambiance of the Chinatown location; the Rockville location is more family-centered, but I still get a somewhat haughty vibe from the employees. I want to like this place, or at least understand what everyone else sees in it, but I never get there. Each visit just reminds me that I don't get it. We opt for Pizza CS these days.
(2)Eunice K.
waiter was really nice. super friendly! mozzi carrozzi crispy and good BUT greasy.. a little to greasy.. sometimes i felt like i was eating crunchy grease would be really good if it wasnt that greasy. i got something off the brunch menu cast iron steak and eggs yum! comes with ciabatta bread on the side and it was really good :) beet salad with rib eye she added the rib eye.. and the meat was good the salad was really good.. matchbox chicken sandwich my friend got this and he gave us some to try and it was good but some of the chicken was burnt or something so some parts of the sandwich tasted/reminded me of nasty breath.. after i told my friends what i thought they laughed and made a disgusting face and then agreed.. * so if you order this i hope it doesnt come out burnt coffee and doughnuts yum! my fav.. i like this better than the trio cus i already know their doughnuts are yummy.. taste so good with the cold coffee.. the hot/warm doughnuts and cold coffee combo is delicious
(3)Matt F.
This is a very interesting restaurant. They have nice seating options that make the dinning experience interesting almost no matter where you sit. However, the food (I got a pizza) was fair and service was slow. Since the majority of their menu is pizza, I was expecting something better.
(3)Chinita A.
I love Matchbox and really frequent the one in Chinatown. I have been to this one a few times all for lunch. The space is less claustrophobic than downtown which I like. I'm unable to compare dinner to lunch crowd. The last time I was there around 3pm I could count the customers on my hand. No complaints, super friendly service and excellent pizza. Nice addition to the neighborhood!
(4)Rob D.
The food at all the Matchbox locations is terrific! I am especially impressed with the consistency between the multiple locations. This is by far the best location with the outdoor area being amazing. The staff is always on point! I can say this Matchbox is in my top 3 places I like to go out to eat at. The other two are Crystal City Morton's and Hank's Oyster Bar on Cap Hill so you are in good company!
(5)Arthur S.
Great time here with friends last week. Recommend for a nice night out.
(4)Emilie E.
Would've loved to eat there but 20 minutes does not equal 45 minutes, especially when you see people who came in after you get their buzzers and get seated before you,
(1)Alice K.
I've gotten the 3-6-9 burgers here and a few of their pizzas. Burgers are alright with huge pile of onion straws on them. Had their spicy meatball, Q special, fire & smoke, and prosciutto & black mission fig. The fig pizza was definitely different and very delicious. I would say Q special was the most lackluster one of the four I've had. Fire & smoke and spicy meatball were apparently very popular, as said by my waiter, and I can see why- very good! Decor is nice with a very relaxed atmosphere. They even have outdoor seating!
(3)Donna Y.
Matchbox has made it to Maryland! Finally a great restaurant to take over a spot that has had a stream of restaurants that never succeeded. Believe me, I have dined at each one...from Shelly's Wood Roast, That's Amore to the PGA Tour restaurant. Dined with Duy N and the food was pretty good. Got there around 9:30pm on a Saturday and the wait time was an hour (definitely make a reservation). We stopped by the bar and were able to grab table within fifteen minutes. Mini Burgers: According to Duy N. they were quite good. Meat was cooked to the right temp. and the pickle on the bottom added a nice crunch. The onions or fries on top weren't as good as expected. They were room temp. when they got to the table. Cream of Crab Soup: Very smooth and creamy with excellent flavor. Fire and Smoke Pizza: Duy N. got the fire and smoke pizza which he enjoyed. Not as spicy as he thought, but he can handle really spicy. Veggie Pizza: Nice flavor and the crust was thin and crispy, which I love. All it needed was some tomato sauce. This is a white pizza and I'm not a fan of white pizza. There are three essential ingredients to a pizza: dough, tomato sauce and cheese. Coffee and Donuts: Awful! We decided to order the coffee and donuts based on the great reviews from fellow Yelpers, but they were terrible. I don't know what donuts they were eating, but I had donuts that were dense and chewy, not appetizing at all. It tasted like they threw balls of pizza dough into the fryer and tossed it in cinnamon-sugar. Our server Susan P. was fantastic. She was super friendly and very knowledgeable about the menu. We will definitely return for the food, but not the dessert.
(4)D M.
I'd prefer to call this place Gougebox. A few friends and I walked in after we found Pizza CS was closed across the street. While waiting for a table, we decided to grab a round of beers. The server recommended a new spring beer from New Belgium. It was a pleasant enough beer, but then the bill came: a whopping $34 for four beers. Without gratuity. No wonder she was so eager to suggest the beer at an $8.50 price tag. They were selling Chimay's tripel for $9 which at least has a higher ABV to justify the price. I found it audacious and insulting. I think Matchbox should realize that it's in Rockville and not Times Square. We sat down and grabbed a few sliders as an appetizer. We nervously laughed at the sticker shock on the menu items. The bill for six tiny hamburgers came to about $20. We paid, gathered our things, and walked over to Armand's across the street. We enjoyed a huge deep dish pizza for $10 and pitchers of beer that cost as much as one New Belgium beer at Matchbox. I'm sure there are people who don't mind Matchbox's higher prices but for all the flair and flash, there's little substance for someone like me. At the risk of insulting anyone who enjoys this place, I feel like it's a ripoff.
(2)Anthony M.
Earlier I wrote a review telling you to not avoid a blonde server named Chris. This was petty of me bc I was mad at him for something that nothing to do with his job. In fact he is a really good server and you would be lucky to sit in his section. Also, match ox food is great, ( I love the scallops) So try them out, sit in Chris' section.... You'll have a great time! Sorry I was a douche
(5)Teresa L.
I am always on the lookout for good pizza (which is sadly lacking in this area) so I was pretty happy when Matchbox opened within walking distance of my house. The first time I went was with people from work and we all tried several appetizers, some salads, and pizza. I will say straight away that the onion straws are heavenly and not to be missed. They come with the sliders but you can order them separately as well. Also among my favorites are the crab avocado salad appetizer (which is big enough for a meal and for which they will gladly bring you moar crostini), the tuna tartare, and the calamari salad (also big enough for a meal). My boss' kids go nuts for the sliders Unfortunately the pizza here is just...meh. It is good but it is not great. The crust would be flavorful if it were not so burnt. Saying "wood fired pizza can get a little charred" does not really come to close to describing the extent to which the crust is actually black sometimes. The smoke and fire pizza is delicious but has way too much sauce. Whether you find it to be "very spicy" as the menu claims is a matter of personal fortitude but I think it could use a little more oomph. It is a great mix of flavors though. The veggie pizza is also good and comes with little potato chips on the top, which might sound weird but it works very well. I haven't tried any of the meat pizzas (vegetarian) but I'm told the chicken pesto pizza is good. I'm usually stuffed like a whale when I leave here so I've never tried the desserts. The bar menu is good but a little pricey. Be prepared to spend a fair amount of money here if you want an appetizer, a pizza, dessert, and a couple of beers. I can easily spend $50 here by myself. Which is another thing. I usually dine alone and without fail, the three times I've come to Matchbox the host has tried mightily to direct me to a bar seat. Now..I am sensitive to the concerns of busy restaurants, which is why I tend to go when they are not busy. So each time this has happened the restaurant has been mostly empty. The bar is often loud and usually quite crowded and it's not where I want to eat my meal. While they didn't seem to begrudge me the corner table they eventually led me to, it seemed a bit odd. Perhaps it is a restaurant policy.. Anyways, this is a good reliable place to take friends and/or family, especially if there are lots of different tastes. Their menu has many options other than pizza and quite a few of their daily specials have sounded tempting. When the weather is nice they have a nice patio and a deck for dining al fresco and all the staff have been friendly and helpful. I will certainly eat here again. However, my hunt for good local pizza goes on...
(3)Susan L.
Went for the first time last month and shared 3 pizzas with 3 other ladies (4 diners total). The pizzas were delicious and were so large that we had lots of left overs. I loved how each pizza has a distinct and unique flavor. Would definitely go again!
(4)Miki L.
A very large restaurants, with a menu big enough for everyone to find something. I enjoyed the appetizer sampler, with two juicy, fat seared scallops, two mini crab cakes and two mini sliders, minus the bun. Yum, yum. On another visit I totally enjoyed the roasted half chicken. Wow. Can't decide if the smashed potatoes or the chicken were better. Would have liked the grilled corn, but it was on the cob, and I didn't feel like picking it up and gnawing on it. The bar staff is very friendly. I found a nice selection of wine -- by the glass and bottle -- and while they have a handful of average bottled beer, they have a dozen interesting beers on tap. Desserts sound fab, but sadly, not room. And I was told by another diner that the pizzas are amazing.
(4)Ken E.
Ok, decent food. GREAT beer selection.
(3)dre t.
Food was ok but service at the rockville location has been terrible the 2 times I've been there. Some of the staff are slow and not professional, menu should offer more which would be nice.
(2)Melanie Y.
I came here for dinner with a group of friends who raved about the new place with the first one located in chinatown DC. The way the building is set up and the lit sign immediately draws you in making you feel warm and cozy. First off, I do try to be like Rachel Ray and ask the waiter what his fave dish was, but now I think I'll stop doing that next time. Everyone's tastebuds are different, so what could be his fave dish may not be mine at all and this was the case here. I'm not sure why I'd expect anything different. Whoever thought up that concept should be scolded nicely and recommend others not to do it. =P Well, the pizza suggested by the waiter was the chicken pesto, which was just ok, but then again, if I can't remember what I ordered, could that be any good? hmmm. I shared the pizza with my friend, but we both, however, veered towards our couple friend's pizza, which was pretty darn good. I forgot to ask him what he ordered though. Oh and apparently the mini burgers are a must and depending on how many burgers you get, you'll have a mound, and I mean MOUND of onion straws piled on top. That was pretty good, but a bit dry IMO and only bc I believe I ordered mine well-done. I'd come here again if I'm in the area.
(4)Namataka H.
Decor: I love the decor. It was unique and in the area we sat it was perfect for a couples' outing. The different sections of the establishment brings all kinds of people together from family, friends and couples. Service: We made reservations, so the host seated us quickly. The waiter didn't know the menu fully in and out. If she didn't know she found out for us quickly so I give her pass on that. She checked on us frequently enough to make sure we didn't go without. She got a tip lol Food: AMAZING! The pizza has a distinct taste due to how they are cooked in the wood fire oven. The mini burgers are outstanding! Due to it being a recent location there wasn't a brunch menu but I can't wait to try brunch.
(3)Debbie H.
It was our first visit to Matchbox 369. We had no idea what to order so we have left our waiter in charge. Let's just say - Mini Angus Beef Burgers with Fried Onion + Apple & Pear Salad + Vegetarian / Q Special (grilled marinated chicken) Woodfire Pizza = Perfect Lunch Munchie!!! All the dishes we ordered were delicious and well priced: The Angus Beef patties were beautifully grilled and extremely juicy. Freshly prepared Apple & Pear Salad with hint of sweetness and sourness really opened up our appetite. The woodfire pizzas were perfect mixture of texture and flavor - definitely not too greasy and not heavy on the stomach. The service was great and very accommodating. And the decor was hip! Definitely a place to hang out and chill after a long day work :)
(4)Marivic L.
Matchbox has a good, fun vibe, so it's a great place to meet some friends for dinner, which is exactly what I did tonight. We shared a the trio appetizer which included: 2 MINI BURGERS - FYI, these are sans bun. I'm OK with that, but you might not be. They were cooked medium rare, which is how I like them, and they had a good grilled flavor to them. They were topped with battered and fried onions which was a good added flavor and texture. 2 MINI CRAB CAKES - This wasn't jumbo lump crab, of course, but it had good flavor and was slightly crisp on the outside. 2 SCALLOPS - I didn't eat these because I knew I was getting scallops for my entree (Please see SCALLOP ENTREE for the review - haha) Next, we each had a PEAR & APPLE SALAD - Mixed greens, pears, apples and candied nuts. Yes, please. For my entree, I had the SCALLOPS w/mashed sweet taters and pork belly. This is how I felt about the components: SCALLOPS - 4 huge, perfectly cooked morsels. SWEET MASHED POTATOES - Very good, but I'd have preferred it without the sauce, which was very sweet. The pork belly was placed on top of the sauce. PORK BELLY - I honestly don't think the pork was pork belly. It was pork, yes, but not the belly. This was disappointing because it was not as advertised and was tougher than I'd hoped. Also, since it was placed in the aforementioned sweet sauce, it was no bueno. After all was said and done, the "PORK BELLY" and the sauce was left on my plate. I tried really hard to eat every single bit of the mashed sweet potatoes that I could salvage. All in all, I give matchbox 3 stars because it's worth coming back to try more things. I won't let their version of pork belly keep me away.
(3)Sokha A.
I love Matchbox! The ribs were great, the sea scallops were good but sparse, the Q Special pizza was tasty, the mini trio was a nice sampling, loved the bread pudding; I enjoyed everything I ate there. My kids love the bread dough they got to play with, instead of the typical crayons and paper they get everywhere else, nice touch. A+ on the decor and layout, love that there's large semi-private rooms sectioned off, instead of just one huge room, gives it a cozier feel. If you sit anywhere in the middle, it can be a bit noisy, though.
(5)E. F.
Have eaten here several times and have always enjoyed it. Can be busy on weekends, but on a Monday night it's just the right amount of busy. :-) My favorites: Mini Trio appetizer. 2 bunless mini burgers (w/amazing marinated mushrooms), 2 tiny crab cakes, and 2 scallops. This works great to split with my pesceterian boyfriend. I eat both the mini burgers and one of the seafood items, and he eats the rest. PROSCIUTTO & FIG PIZZA. Holy crap. You will see it on the menu and be all, "what? figs and honey on a pizza? that sounds weird." IT IS WEIRD. It's the best weird you can put in your mouth. You should do it. The pizza hits all the right notes with the smokey/salty prosciutto, creamy cheese, sweet figs, spicy arugula, and just a drizzle of black pepper honey. It is so, so good. You can go to a pizza place like this and get your ol' standby of pepperoni, or you could give your mouth something insanely awesome to chew. Up to you. The dining area is always immaculately clean, servers are prompt (and help each other out). It's on the pricier side, but two people can split 1 app, 1 small pizza, and 1 dessert and be totally full. (We got a large pizza and took half home for tomorrow.)
(4)A J.
Everything we've had has been great! The sliders are awesome and fun to share!
(5)Christopher M.
Smoke & Fire pizza
(4)CINDY E.
Expensive and well worth it. The ambience is spectacular, the food phenomenal, I love the Italian ham with arugula pizza. Do not miss the pear salad which is the best anywhere. Chimay beer is from Belgium and it tastes like, beer meets champagne! Sit outside at the fire pit.
(5)Gues T.
Bad salad. Wilted greens. Incomplete order. The car alarms and Rockville Pike traffic will round-out the experience. There are better places in Rockville for great pizza and cold beer.
(2)Nicole R.
What a gem in Rockville; the area NEEDS a place like Matchbox. This restaurant will be hopping in the spring/summer. I agree with my fellow yelpers; this will be THE place to go for happy hours. I cannot rate their food because I only had drinks here; the mango-mango cocktail was fantastic. The food prices look moderate and I'm sure their pizza is delish. I will definitely be back here and will update my review once I actually try their fare. Great layout; very roomy...two bars, nice bathrooms. This place is cozy and well designed. Parking is ample and the place is easy to get to from the Pike or 270.
(4)Rosely S.
I've been to match box on 355 a few times now and gotta tell you, the hosts are NOT very friendly. They definitely are not up to help you. I have set at the bar, at the table bar, and at dining area. Dining area was ok as far as service. But other than that, the rest of the the staff that I was approached by are not friendly at all. Had a prosciutto and arugula pizza the 3rd time I went.. And I recreated it! Please go to Oro restaurant in Rockville town square if you want to experience a tasty pizza. Overall the staff at match box should get some training on how to treat he costumers.
(2)Sonny M.
I went here for dinner at a Sunday night. There was no wait. As for the food, I thought it was good, but the food is really anything unique or adventurous. My girlfriend and I ate the miniburgers and prosciutto and figs pizza. The miniburgers were tasty but a little dry and smaller than most miniburgers that I am accustomed to. Remember to ask for ketchup and mayonnaise for the burgers. Our waiter remember to ask if we wanted it. As for the pizza, the pizza is cooked in a coal fire pit. Our pizza was a white pizza with prosciutto and figs. Figs was something different for a pizza topping. Figs worked really well on top of a pizza. The service was really good. He was quick to serve our needs. When we asked for the aforementioned ketchup and mayonnaise, he quickly went back to the kitchen to immediately give it to us. I would go back again to Matchbox with a group of friends or dinner date. However, I thought the prices were a little high given what it is. I think you pay for the ambiance.
(3)Vital C.
Great service. We've been here twice. Whenever a waiter was busy, someone else would come check on us for drink orders, etc. Very impressed with how friendly the staff is. Food is quite good.
(4)Adam L.
Expect a 30+ minute wait w/ no place to sit. Not family friendly. Like previous restaurants in this location, there is limited parking close the building. I really wanted to give Matchbox a great review, but the first few weeks at this location have not been kind. As a new father, "family friendly" is high on our priorities when choosing a restaurant. One our first visit we waited 30+ minutes for a table and when we were finally seated they brought us a high chair that had poop on it. The wait staff was confused, slow and absent minded -- but I gave them a pass since it was their first week on the job. On our second visit we had another 30+ minute wait. However this time, we found that what little wait room seating they had (to the right of the bar) had been replaced by a large dining table. I'll admit, this annoyed the hell of out me and my wife. They seemed to have spent so much time designing a beautiful space, yet they completely ignored customers waiting in the lobby. :-( So.... 30 minute wait in a lobby so crowded that it's standing room only... PASS. Hopefully when the 'new restaurant' excitement dies down this place will be a viable choice. ** If you are looking to a nice place to take a date, there a much nicer places on the pike. Betuccis's at White Flint offers similar pizzas without a wait. ** I promise to update this review after Matchbox has been open for a month (and hopefully the crowd dies down).
(2)Keny Ñ.
Guaranteed 2have a knowledge of beers/food if u talk to ron or reese. Pep/meatball roll choice pick!
(4)Rebecca P.
i came in with 3 hungry guys and myself. mediocre pizza... the mozarella appetizer thing was yummy...but an awkward appetizer to share...id rather eat it all myself i cannot comprehend how a place known for its sliders....is not known for its regular sized burger...its the same meat...same toppings and fixings...how is something 3 times as small more famous than the original? like i thought the 3 giant onion ring mountain looked more impressive on the regular burger than the curly mess of fried onions stacked on the sliders. how is the mini version better than the original?! food took foreverrrr to come. but drinks kept being refilled. 2 pizzas, 6 sliders, a burger, and the cheese appetizer came out to be $95 including 20% tip. never again
(2)r y.
We went here for brunch. I liked the atmostphere and the food. But what I loved most that it was kid friendly and gave the kids pizza dough to play with while we waited for the food. My children are very young and have about 10 minutes max of sit and be nice time. The cinnamon rolls were the best. Very light.
(4)Justin S.
Great place for a good meal. Food was good and speciality pizzas were great. Brought 2 kinds under 3 and had no problems and the staff was very helpful.
(4)Michelle S.
Finally, all 3 Matchbox in the area. The service was excellent, the food was great, the space was huge!! It's waayyy out of my way, but I'd definitely go to this location again
(4)Barry C.
Great pizza, great restaurant. I'll be back! Waitress was great and oh so nice. Had a date and plan on going again. Love the facility in rockville.
(5)Valarie G.
Came here with friends for the first time the other night. The food is good, though a special request was not honored (friend asked for no pickles and got pickles anyway)...the drinks were good but the bartender was unable to make any unusual drinks (I'm a huge sazerac and blue whale fan) but they have the standards. The decorating was awesome and I can't wait to try out the rooftop area when it opens up for the season. No long waits though and the drinks were kept full. Nice ambiance to the place and not as crowded as some of the other matchbox locations.
(4)Jay B.
I had heard a lot of good buzz about Matchbox but was not overly impressed today for lunch. When we arrived, there was a 25-minute wait. While we checked for seating at the bar, the servers there said they had lots of tables available (which was clear) but the hostess said the kitchen was not able to keep up so they could not fill those seats. We had salads and split a pizza. The pizza was very good but the salads were quite salty.
(3)Dee B.
The crab and avocado salad appetizer ($14) is amazing! Calling it a salad doesn't really do it justice though... Essentially it a constructed tower that consists of fresh avocado on the bottom, and that is topped with an enormous mound of crab, which contains some roasted corn and red peppers mixed it. Comes with a side of salty, garlicky crostini.
(4)Tiffany W.
Bottom line: I want to like this place, but I don't... and after trying it several times, I won't be back. The details: The food is okay- typical thin-crust, wood-fired pizza. Although I don't find the food to be anything particularly special, I generally like it (some things have been good- some things have been not as good) and would probably come back from time to time if it weren't for the bad service. We had dinner at Matchbox last night (a Sunday) and from the time we stepped foot in the door, everything about the service left something to be desired. The hostesses were inattentive and uncommunicative, our waitress was slow (we timed it and it took over 10 minutes from the time we were seated until the time the waitress came over to take our drink orders), and our waitress's attitude was bordering on rude. It was not at all busy in the restaurant (the waitress acknowledged that herself), so I can't even find an excuse for the across-the-board bad service. Maybe everyone was having a bad day (it could happen), but after multiple less than satisfying experiences here, I won't be back to see.
(2)Sharon D.
Everyone is pleasant, but food is OK at best. Don't understand why this place is always packed when there are so many other cute neighbor like restaurants that are better.
(2)Elitza K.
Great food and the server was very nice. However, the hostesses were phlegmatic and completely inattentive.
(4)Steve W.
Had lunch there Sunday. We started with the pear salad. It was tasty and fresh. We ordered a pepperoni pizza. Some of the tables were receiving their pizza as we waited and they looked a bit burned. The menu does state that the pizza may be charred due to their wood oven's high temperatures. They just looked a little too well done. Thankfully ours came out better. The pizza was good. Typical thin crust. The pepperoni was tasty and cut thin, which is the way I like it. I would ask for extra sauce on the pizza the next time I visit. Others around us ordered the mini sliders. They looked really good. They also have a huge outdoor upstairs and downstairs patio along with an indoor bar. They probably get busy for happy hours during the Summer. All in all, a decent experience.
(3)Allie A.
This place is enormous. I went here with some co-workers. We all sat outside and got the mini-burger sliders, which was perfect to share and absolutely delicious, a must have. Their pizza is also phenomenal- I got pepperoni and was very impressed. The service was fine.
(4)Susan G.
Very friendly bartender. Great restaurant setup. Food is pretty good. I've had pizzas and salads and all of it is good. Great ambiance and especially fun to sit outside by the fire.
(5)Eva W.
Last summer I had a VSG, which means I can't eat much at one sitting, can't drink alcohol, can't drink any liquids with food. So consider this review background to other, more complete reviews, since what I can eat is limited. I usually order from the appetizer menu, and I was happy with the selection here. I had a trio of two perfectly seared scallops in a butter sauce, two mini-crab cakes with a sauce on top, and two bunless sliders. The fried onions on top of the sliders were great but my medium rare request came out medium well, and it took two tries to get steak sauce for the sliders--I can hear the purists screaming but I can't eat meat without some kind of sauce to compensate for not being able to drink with meals. Also, I walk with a cane, and was seated some distance away from the front door, and up several stairs. It would have been nice for them to notice that I use a cane and walk with a limp, and ask me if I was OK with walking up stairs. Hence, the 4 star rating instead of all 5 stars. It looked nice, and everything was delicious, and except for those two hiccups, the service was good. It's a nice place for pizza night.
(4)Juliet K.
i've been to the location in chinatown, and really liked it so it was nice to try another location. this one is HUGE in comparison to DC. the decor is very rustic with all the reclaimed wood, but i really liked it. drink menu seems legit. i dont normally order drinks, but there were lots that i would have wanted to try. i ordered some fruity martini .. i forget the name of it, but it was good. a bit sweet, but definitely strong. I could feel it after just ONE drink, not normal for me. ordered: tuna tartare app which was fantastic. the tuna was so flavorful and the homemade chips on the side were very crunchy. matchbox meat pizza was good. i love their dough and crust. cheese is the perfect amount and the sauce is flavorful. also order the coppa italian ham and argula. the argula on top was a really nice fresh touch to the pizza. delish. trio dessert - if i could go back, i would just get the molten chocolate cake. that was the best of the three, then probably the doughnuts, and last the sorbet. the sorbet wasnt anything special. but the molten cake was DIVINE and the doughnuts were warm and soft... yum. solid food and drinks. definitely worth at least a visit.... and some place to go if you are craving non-delivery pizza.
(4)Ch B.
Pizza is pretty good. Very thin, sometimes too crispy. Sliders are excellent. Brunch is great. Fantastic cinnamon rolls.
(4)Kim D.
I ate at Matchbox for the first time today, when we had a luncheon for a colleague. There were about 18 of us. We waited a long time for our food to arrive. Two people in our party ordered the grilled prawn and beet salad, and it arrived without beets. They had to ask for them. I ordered the Cobb salad and was very disappointed. The salad *looked* good but taste was another story. I'm not a fussy eater and have never sent a dish back, but came pretty close today. The whole salad was very salty (before I even tasted the prosciutto) and the shredded chicken was tough, almost inedible. I have serious doubts about a restaurant that failed twice on making a salad. Two other reviewers really liked the Cobb salad so maybe I was just there on an "off" day..... but do you really want to go to a restaurant where you have to wonder if it's going to be a good day or a bad day?
(2)Emily W.
Come here for the epic meal-salads and some great drinks. The only reason it's a 4 star is because the food is a little spotty and lacks that little something to make it sophisticated. Some examples: 1. The crab and avocado salad has plenty of the star ingredients, but no acid or spice to liven it up. It would be so easy to add some lemon or smoked paprika. 2. The "fire and smoke" (smoke and fire?) pizza is gorgeous and truly spicy. I love, love, love spicy food! But it was all spice and cream and no flavor. It needs something green for contrast, like basil or maybe a hefty dose of flat-leaf parsley. BUT it's still pretty good. The folks working the back bar are always friendly and solicitous, which is nearly as important as how the food tastes. They have a good sense of whether you want to be left alone or not, and will bring you little sips of wine to taste and talk about the menu in detail if you want them to. I'll definitely be coming back here, and I'll probably have a glass or three of white wine and a salad, unless I read that they've added some acid to that crab thing. I might be tempted to re-try it, if so. It's a little expensive for what it is. They're charging Dupont Circle prices in a Rockville shopping center.
(4)L L.
One of my favorite spots for a casual dinner. We usually stick with the same things because they are just so good.... Mini burgers for the appetizer, pizza for dinner. Cocktails are reasonably priced and tasty, too. Only con is it's always so busy but we try to make reservations so it's not a concern.
(5)Yelppy Y.
Overpriced for dishes that have nothing special. The most insipid pizza i've ever tried. I saw my friend's chicken-something dish and there was nothing amusing for a $20+ meal. No wow factor. Lame. ...just another fancy-looking chain for suburbia.
(2)Norman H.
I've been here a few times, and enjoy it every time. It's not great if you're on a budget (mini trio appetizer being $15), but it is good every so often. The wood-fired oven is pretty cool, and adds a great flavor to the pizza. Our group had 6 mini burgers, 1 veggie pizza, 1/2 chicken pesto, 1/2 coppa italian ham & arugula, 1/2 matchbox meat, and 1/2 something else. Also someone had the grilled romaine and hanger steak salad; but she gets no say in my review. A few notes: -Onion fries that come with the 3/6/9 burgers are very addictive. Be careful. -The veggie pizza has poblano peppers (tad spicy), and potato chips on it! Both are good ideas!! What sucks are the mushrooms. As our awesome waitress suggested: do a veggie pizza, with no mushrooms, replace it with Italian sausage. This sounds OMG amazing. I will have to get this next time. -The coppa & arugula was very good too, with a healthy amount of spinach on the top of the pizza. -Chicken pesto is a regular that we get because it's just good. Sometimes the chicken can be a bit dry, but I don't complain. For dessert, we had donuts & coffee, and chocolate chip bread pudding. The donuts are like mega munchkins, and bread pudding + rum caramel is really good. The former may not be true so don't take my word on that, as I had a few beers and it probably impaired my perspective on them. But both desserts were very satisfying in the way they're supposed to be. Service is always great there and the waiters and waitresses are very attentive. We did not have to ask to get our water/soda refilled.
(4)Cj H.
With two new, good pizza places open in the area, Matchbox may face some competition, but I think they can survive. I've always liked their pizza and the way their pizzas come out. They can get a little greasy, but are always tasty. Their best quality would have to be the pepperoni's, which are unique and make their pizza special. That alone might keep my business.
(4)Paul M.
Since Againn Rockville shuttered I have been looking for a place to grab a quick bite on my occasional forays along MD's Champs Elysee. This place does the trick nicely. Goregous pizza, fabulous beer list - massive and lovely space inside. Does get busy though.
(4)Xiao C.
Nice place! Won't be disappointing if u are looking for a pizza place.
(4)MacKenzie W.
Came on a Saturday evening for dinner for the first time and really enjoyed it!! Got the mini burger appetizer and thought it was pretty good....but I never like mini burgers as much as big ones, always seem to be a little dry. Split the strawberry salad--it was AWESOME! A good balance of sweet and sour and savory, yum! For my dinner I got the fig & prosciutto pizza as per some reviews here and I definitely recommend it if you, like me, enjoy sweet/salty combos! My mom got the fire & smoke which wasn't as spicy as the menu warned us, but it was delicious. Split the mo's magic brownies for dessert (thank goodness the waiter told us it was huge because I could've never eaten that myself!!) and they were PRETTY good...I've had better brownies. Overall the atmosphere was good...tons of families and very loud in there...seems like the patio may have been better if you wanted a more intimate atmosphere. Service was good, if not a little slow. Waiter was very friendly and helpful with the menu. I would definitely come back!
(4)Douglas R.
Outstanding! My wife and I went to Matchbox for New Years Eve dinner and it was a great experience. Our server Ellen G was very attentive and had some great recommendations for dinner, particularly the steak with grilled shrimp and asparagus. I love the pizza with pepperoni, bacon, and spicy Italian sausage - which my wife ordered. But, the steak was a pleasant surprise. Highly recommend pairing the steak with a glass of Evolution 7 Porter. Delicious! Finally, Ellen G recommended the powdered donuts with Kalua dipping sauce, which was tasty. The port choices there are solid too.
(5)Christine T.
Make sure you have a reservation or expect to age while waiting. The sliders are worth noting- order them by the 3's, 6's, or 9's and they will PILE the onion crisps. I could barely taste the anorexicly thin slice of gouda we paid extra for. As far as the pizza is concerned- there's better out there. The proscuitto style is salty and bland while the Q special has chicken slices awkwardly too big. Conveniently they will let you do halfsies. Came here to see what all the hype was about and will continue the search for better pizza in this area.
(3)Tochi K.
I am not sure what all the hype is about. The best thing about it is the decor and large open spaces. I've tried to eat at Matchbox 3 times. The first 2 times my husband and I were told the wait would be 1 to 1 1/2 hours so we left. Most recently, we went on a Friday around 5:15 thinking we could take advantage of happy hour and a potentially short wait. We'd planned to eat and drink with 2 other couples. I got there first (1/2 hour early) and was told they wouldn't sit me or put us on a waiting list until everyone had arrived. They also wouldn't let me make a reservation for a later time: they said they only accept a limited number of reservations each night and had met their quota for the evening. This was surprisingly as the place was very empty--only 1/4 of the tables, at most, had diners! The staff was very blase about it all. In the 30 minutes I waited less than a handful of people showed up--they too were made to wait on their waiting benches for a few minutes before being seated. Again, the place was pretty empty! As I waited I reviewed their menu. The menu seemed ordinary and the prices were slightly higher. I asked if they had any happy hour specials and was told no. Our party left the still largely empty place at around 6 pm--we decided to eat elsewhere. The food couldn't be that spectacular and it just wasn't worth it. There are plenty of places around with good food, shorter waits, happy hour deals, better prices, better staff, equally good decor/ambiance, and much less pretentiousness!
(1)Mike S.
This is officially my new favorite Matchbox location, mainly due to the space. Since it's on Rockville Pike (i.e. Not constricted by row houses), it is pretty large. There is an awesome patio with a bar and two fire pits. Perfect for late summer, early fall weather. Now for the food. Bacon wrapped shrimp with cheese grits (topped with tomato and chopped chorizo). Droool. Seriously get these. I could easily eat these as my meal. I'm getting hungry just thinking about them. The pizza is pretty good too. My dad and I split a pizza that was half sausage and onion, and half sweet soppressata and wild mushroom (Yes apparently they will let you do that). I think I liked the sausage better out of the two. My dad claimed there was a little too much meat on the soppressata half but I guess that's just a matter of preference. Anyway, bacon wrapped shrimp, pizza, mini-burgers. Mmmm. Excuse me for a moment. I have some eating to do.
(4)Key J.
Unlike the Chinatown location, the Rockville Matchbox is HUGE. No line, no wait, no starvation. I got the crab cake sandwich. The boyfriend got the Matchbox chicken sandwich. We shared and we both left full and happy.
(4)Aisha S.
I've been to the Chinatown location a few times before and the Rockville location is pretty much exactly the same except it seems to be bigger. The food is just as good and the setup is very similar. I'm glad that the Rockville/Gaithersburg area is finally getting some popular places like this mixed in with the strip mall restaurants for a change. (Not that there's anything wrong with those.)
(4)Mark R.
Love this place. I'm a huge fan of the DC location. This is much larger. Has an outside deck with a bar. Same cool service. PS: Breakfast pizza = #winning
(5)Jorge N.
I've only been here once (on a Thursday night) and it was to go to the bar to have a couple beers and a couple appetizers. My first impression of this place was a good one. It was a breath of fresh air. Usually, to hang out at a place like this, I had to go all the way to DC because Montgomery County didn't offer anything like it. Matchbox is modern, sophisticated, trendy and it seems to attract the right clientelle. It also has nice house music playing in the background, which is my favorite for a restaurant like this. As for drinks, I saw a great selection of craft beers on tap, which is always a plus in my book. I also saw a number of girly drinks in the menu, which I'm sure a lot of people appreciate. The little food that I had was not bad either. I shared a couple appetizers with my friends (some little burgers and something else that I can't remember) and everything was good. On my way in and out, I saw a nice patio. This gives me a reason to come back during the summer. I'm also planning to come back for dinner sometime to see if the food is as good as the atmosphere. I deducted a star because the bartender told me they don't have any happy hour specials. That's just wrong.
(4)Jeni F.
If I could give this 3.5 stars, I would. The food is pretty consistently good. Never had a problem with their drinks EXCEPT for their bloody mary's which they claim are one of their specialties. I've had all of them and never been fan of any version. My office has had several happy hours in the back bar which is a good place to mingle. I LOVE their crab and avocado salad and pretty much all of their pizzas. The crispy seared salmon and crab crusted rockfish are my favorites off their entrees menu.
(3)Angela C.
I went to matchbox for brunch and it was an overall pleasant experience. It was 70 degrees that day so we decided to eat on the patio. The inside was really nice but the patio was exceptionally beautiful. Our waiter was the bartender as well which is usually not a problem with me. He was very friendly but a tad awkward and we did have to wait a while for our check. I got the Bloody Mary burger which did not disappoint. My friend ordered a sandwich with fries. Instead, stale potato chips arrived. Not sure if that's their version of fries, if so, we should have been warned and they should have been well executed. Anyways that didn't take away from the overall meal. What did knock off a star was the host staff. They were not very pleasant and being that they are the first people you see,they should be very friendly. This was not the case. One host was also screaming at another one, right in front of us and then rolled her eyes as we walked past.
(4)Ting W.
To be straightforward, I don't know what all the hype is about with this place. I've been here on several occasions but each time has not improved my opinion of the place. I've tried their 3,6, & 9 burger. It was like any other standard burger I could get at a fast food joint but smaller and more expensive. Their pizzas are ok but do NOT order the pepperoni pizza. Without fail, someone in my group of friends always orders it and I find that their pepperoni pizza is always burnt. Q special pizza is unique and always turns out right though. For the price, I feel like you could go to other places for better pizza and with a much quieter setting.
(2)Kelly K.
I went to this location for the first time on Tuesday evening (I've been to the one in Chinatown a number of times). Although the noise level was a little higher than what I'd like at a restaurant, the service and the quality of food made up for it. When we were seated at the table, our server was approaching one of her other tables, but she acknowledged that we were there and said she'd be with us in a minute. She was quick in getting us our drinks and taking our order, and throughout the meal she was attentive and made sure we had whatever we needed. I ordered the small Fire & Smoke pizza and was definitely not disappointed. It has just the right amount of spice to it - the menu says "very spicy" next to it, but if you're used to spicy food its not that spicy. We had a good experience and would come back on occasion.
(4)Rob G.
Sat down ton Mom's Day w/ the fam.. the atmosphere was cool, with plenty of options to suit your mood. Food was good also - had the ribeye, and also tasted the NY Strip. Could definitely be a hang-out spot for good food and cocktails.
(4)Barbara W.
I came to Matchbox for an early dinner on a Friday, so it was not too crowded yet. The service was super friendly, and the servers were probably the nicest I've had in a while. They are the reason this place is getting 3 stars instead of lower. The servers really pushed the 3-6-9 mini-burgers on brioche bread as an appetizer with onion straws. I saw them highly reviewed on Yelp as well so decided to order them. However, I felt that they were very dry, and didn't seem unique in terms of flavors. The onion straws were tasty though! We ordered the meatball pizza, and a salad to balance out the meal. The pizza was quite delicious, and the meatballs had good seasoning and held together well. The crust on the pizza was very thin and lived up to its standards. The salad was good, but nothing too special to comment on. I would actually avoid the mini-burgers, but would definitely recommend the pizza. An A-OK place, but not someplace I would return for the sliders.
(3)Amanda W.
This Matchbox location is perfect for those of us in the 'burbs who don't want the long wait at the Chinatown location. I love the draft beer selection (has some beers from my home, Upstate NY - very cool!) and the pizzas are the way to go. I've had the sliders that everyone raves about, and while they are good - I found them a little salty. Could have just been the shift that night. The Rockville location is big with awesome outdoor seating. The bar is a great hangout for happy hour with friendly bartenders. I have no reason not to go back!
(4)Aaron W.
Overpriced. Pizza crust cut with laser beams (not really - that would be cooler). Naked salad. Oversalty entrees. Out $70 for garbage. Ridiculously busy all the time, and I have no idea why. I hated this place, but it doesn't get one star because it wasn't poison, just not very good. I'd never go back.
(2)Kelly M.
I very rarely give 5 stars, but this place delivered fabulous food and excellent service for my lunch today and that is hard to come by these days. I've been to the Matchbox in DC a few times, but this is the first time I've been to the Rockville location. It is MUCH bigger than the DC location and there was hardly a wait time. Food was excellent. We had the obligatory sliders with that amazing pile of onion fried goodness. We had the pizza, which is also a must if you go to Matchbox. I added the pear/apple salad which was really tasty as well. Not only was the food fabulous, but our server was friendly, attentive and fast, which is always appreciated. Although we didn't take advantage of it today, they do offer brunch now on Saturday and Sunday until 3pm. Will have to try it next time. I would definitely recommend this place to others if you're in the area. I can't wait to stop by here when it gets a bit warmer out to enjoy their awesome fire pit bar!
(5)Aya D.
Great atmosphere, friendly wait staff, and the food was great! I went there on a date and the servers didn't bother us too much -which was really nice and refreshing.
(4)Audrey W.
We ordered three pizzas, mini burgers, onion ring, and crab cake. the onion ring is the best part, not a big fan of its pizza. The food here are generally fairly priced though nothing special, but it's a good place to meet up with friends.
(3)Ilona K.
The food was ok. Nothing to complain about, but then again, nothing to write home about either.
(3)Anne B.
Meh. Not that impressed. Very overpriced. No happy hour???? As-IF! It's a showy place- good option if you are trying to take someone out in Rockville. However, it's pricy menu and outrageous beer prices keep me from being a regular there. I'd much rather spend the $30-40 on a pedicure. Best bet- Sliders. They come with a huge amount of onion straws that are delicious. They are cooked to perfection and are quite filling. Best beer- Ayinger. This beer is sent from the Lord above. It is so light and refreshing and is dangerously easy to throw back. The $10 price tag makes it even more dangerous. Tip- If you want to buy this beer and drink it at home for MUCH cheaper, go to Wine Harvest in Rockville and buy big bottles for only $4.50 each.
(3)Quince B.
I've been to the Matchbox in SE DC, I like this one a lot better. It's twice the size as the one SE and that's a good thing, because I always feel cramped at the other one. Very crowded on the weekend, make a reservation, or expect a 30 minute wait.
(4)J D.
I know I give out a lot of 4-star reviews, but I generally only feel moved to write reviews on places my wife and I really like; I should probably get out of that habit because it would be a shame for people to waste time and money at restaurants not worth the trouble- but this is not one of those places. I first went to Matchbox about a month after it first opened; being from NY I'm generally skeptical about any place that calls itself a pizzeria (which this place does not, but it advertises its pizza so there you have it) so with my co-worker, I and my jaded views went to eat lunch. In fact, I didn't even order pizza- but my co-worker did and I was surprised at how flavorful it was, but I'm getting ahead of myself. This place, being brand new, is clean, with nice lines, attractive decor and seating both indoor and outdoor- the indoor is made up of three seating sections; the main dining room, the upstairs dining room and the bar area. I've been to this place at least a half dozen times since then and I've always received good service and have had zero complaints about the food. To be fair, I've only ever ordered three items from the menu- either the pizza, which comes with a spicy tomato sauce, crisp crust and good cheese, the pepperoni and meatball roll (this is listed as an appetizer, but I usually order this as a meal that my wife and I will share because its so big) - same ingredients as for the pizza and the mini burgers, which are probably their signature dish. I say this because no matter how many your order, they automatically come with crisp-fried onion straws so you don't need to order fries or anything else to go with it; they are always tender and juicy and a delight to the palate! Because of how good these three items are, I find I don't order, or need to order anything else. This little gem is tucked inside the Congressional Plaza shopping center on Rockville Pike and is almost always full during lunch and happy hour. My wife and I went up there on a Saturday afternoon because I raved so much about the place that she had to see it for herself...we sat at the bar and just enjoyed ourselves. The waitstaff are friendly and courteous, and very willing to fix whatever problems may arise. I hope this place sticks around, it is one of the better restaurants to have lunch in if you're in or near the Rockville area, or knock back a few after hours if you're so inclined. It can get a little pricey, especially if you're drinking but to me, it is worth it.
(4)Cliff M.
Really good pizza, really good beer selection and friendly barkeeps that make the experience enjoyable. A friend and I ate at the bar; this place seems positively rammed at dinner time (even during the week) so the bar might be your best bet if you don't enjoy waiting in line.
(4)MJ ..
I love this place! The food is excellent and the atmosphere is really cool! Ive been here a lot and the best pizza i think, would be the fire & smoke and the matchbox chicken sandwhich is probably the best thing on the whole menu, hands down. The service is, ehh. They could be a little more quick and reliable, but oh well. However, I defff reccomend this place to anyone who hasnt tried it yet! Love matchbox!
(3)Bill G.
Decent food but seriously overpriced. Our ten inch pizzas were not worth fourteen dollars. They also seated us in some obscure corner of the place behind a wall. Seems to me like it's bad form to hide customers.
(1)Martin B.
Make a reservation. I came here at 1PM thinking there'd be room, and there was... on the outdoor deck. Service is friendly and reliable though, which was very important. The food here is the same as the other locations: delicious pizzas and killer miniburgers. The pepperoni pizza comes studded with little circles of meaty goodness, and the charred crust really pops in one's mouth. The onion strings with the miniburgers seemed a little burnt compared to what my memory recalls, but they were still tasty. So why three stars? Because eating on the deck felt like eating in a market in Baghdad (and in fact, accounting for the heat index, it was only 5 degrees hotter in Baghdad at the time that I was eating lunch. No joke!). There are no umbrellas out, no fans, nothing. Just you, the oppressive DC summer sun, and an occasional breeze. And that, my friends, is why that reliable service was so important; I needed to get my glass refilled with water about every two minutes. If you can get a seat inside, or outside on a cool day, this place is awesome. But until they make the outdoor deck hospitable to human life during summer daytime, I'd steer clear if I didn't have a reservation.
(3)Anna M.
You must go here and try the shrimp and grits, they are the best on the menu following with, well, all of their pizza flavors! I never even get a chance to pay any attention to the help that's how good it is. On the patio there's an outdoor fire pit that makes you feel like you're in Cali or somewhere paradise like.
(5)Yodith W.
This was my first time at matchbox. I would say that the service was great. I was able to call ahead for seating and they were very accommodating. My waitress was also very knowledgeable of their menu and offered some great recommendations. I gave this place 3 stars because I was expecting so much more from their pizza. I got the sausage and onion on half and meatball on the and I have to say it didn't seem like anything special. The ambiance of the restaurant was nice but the seating wasn't desirable. We were less than arms length from the table next to us which is fine if you don't mind sharing you dinner with your neighbors but I was looking for a bit more space. I would go back but I would try something besides the pizza. Oh yea!. There beer menu is a plus as well!
(3)Tariq A.
Food and service are always decent
(4)Mikyla G.
After going to Matchbox in DC i decided to try the new Rockville location. I expected it to have somewhat of the same menu and order my favorite dish.... it didn't. Basically pizzas, burgers and salads is what they have. In the sparse "specialties" section i found Sea Scallops and tried those. WINNER! They were cooked to perfection. The menu description said it came on a bed of mashed potatoes, which i later saw was really mashed sweet potatoes. Slight disappointment. Also, we chose to sit outside which was lovely, except for pesky gnats and flies (maybe invest in some ceiling fans). Anyways, our waitress was fantastic, the bar was fast, and the kitchen was on top of things. But work on that menu!!
(3)Amani A.
Ok so I had my bday here last summer and totally forgot to review this place... I originally wanted to have a reservation for 25 people but ended up cutting it down to 18 because in order for me to get a table for over 20 it's a min of $2000 WTF no thank you!!! For 2 G's I'll rent my club house and have my dad cater it and have a sick party. I was just trying to do a chill dinner with a few friends sheesh... I ended up having 20 people come and we squeezed people in, it is mind boggling to me though the restaurant was pretty empty we had a whole section with no other patrons sweet!! The reason I gave this place 3 star is bc the food and service is actually really good. Everyone also seem to have a good time and that made me happy in the end. I have also eaten here on other several occasion and really enjoy it as well. Just don't like the reservation rules/ restriction too snobby
(3)Erin T.
Love it! I have a new favorite :) The appetizer that has 2 mini burgers, 2 crab cakes and 2 scallops is fantastic. I like to sub in an extra 2 scallops instead of one of the others(for an up charge). The pizza is the real wood fire oven type and so far I haven't a topping combo that doesn't rock. They also have some fruit infused liquors the should interest drinkers. Pretty good service and the prices are reasonable.
(4)Maricris K.
Beautiful interior/decor, great food, comfortable atmosphere.
(5)Michael M.
Nice job Matchbox...this is definitely not your Chinatown location...think a little more...chainy... but still with some of the comforts of their DC location. The beer selection is phenomenal, and the cocktails are strong. The pizza's are great, we tried three different ones, and they were all fabulous. The tuna tar tar appetizer is really fantastic. And, there's really nothing else in rockville, so big bonus...I mean... are you going to go to Phillips?
(4)Brett W.
A disappointment. We've driven past ever since it opened--always jammed. When we walked in for the first time, the luscious smell of a wood oven met us. The place is multiple-leveled loveliness. Our waitress was knowledgeable, friendly and kept our water glasses full. The menu promised interesting food. We got their specialty, wood-fired pizza, half sausage and onion, half salami and mushrooms. The pizza arrived quickly, was presented well, and looked good. The disappointment? After all the great build up, the pizza was...well, ok. Very thin crust that was too chewy. Greasy. (The waitress said the thick-cut pepperoni was even worse.) And the "zesty tomato sauce" added absolutely no flavor. My wife said it was too sweet but I didn't even taste that. All in all, great setting and "eh" pizza. Disappointing.
(3)Jason L.
The Fire bloody mary is awesome. The Bloody Mary burger is pretty yummy too! :-)
(4)Daniel D.
Great food, atmosphere. Drinks were pricy, but the recommendations from the server panned out fantastically, which IMHO makes a place extraordinary. Fire and Smoke pizza was indeed hot...with a jalapeno-style spice. White pizza was perfect with goat cheese and everything that you'd expect from a gourmet pizza place. Rotating tap was "Southern Hemisphere" from Sierra Nevada...which has got to be one of the best brews I've had in a while, but very hoppy and bitter. Fantastic for my pallet...be careful though. Sliders/mini burgers were fantastic, but the fried onions they are served with made them amazing. Highly recommend reservations...and as early as possible on that! Enjoy!
(5)Carrie P.
There's nothing too special about this place. The ambience is nice, but it's so hectic in there and the food is so overpriced, that it hardly seems worth it. I've been here twice and the food is not memorable; I've had much better pizza in countless other establishments, so I see no reason to pay twice the price for lower quality. I will say that our waiter was nice and the food certainly wasn't bad. It really just didn't seem worth it. If the prices were about 30% cheaper, I might feel differently. Overall, a rip-off in my opinion.
(2)Tatiana S.
Great mini burgers but overall the service wasn't great
(3)D R.
5 stars for the bacon wrapped Shrimp and Grits - ridiculously delicious! Consistently good all the way around. It was strange waiting to be seated. Finally took myself to the bar. Happier there. Feels trendy.
(4)Miyuki L.
I have eaten here a handful of times and it is just not a memorable experience. I do think they have good mac and cheese. I think it looks nice inside but its just doesnt have anything setting it apart to make you justify high prices for a meh experience.
(2)Patrick D.
My son I me get down to Rockville on our way back from Dave and buster. He always wants to stop here and get there kids Mac and cheese. They always are friendly to him. I alway get the Pepperoni pizza. Lot of pepperoni good taste. Pizza charred just right. Service in good. Sometimes a little crowded though. But worth the small wait. I also like the open pit fire out front.
(5)Brad O.
Staffing was great. Food OK ..Noise level too loud. We had a person in a wheelchair, so were seated downstairs. They placed us in the Bar area, which for a outing with the whole family, Aunts, Grandparents etc. was not great.
(2)Arthur K.
The restaurant definitely has one thing going for it: hype. Does it have much else? We arrived to a bustling dining room - which by the way was pretty impressive. It reminded me a lot of Woodberry Kitchen. Rustic, lots of wood, but modern touches. We arrived on time for our reservation - which was well past normal dinner hour. They said they were running 15 minutes behind. Something caught my eye: a hostess arrived in the lobby serving free hot pizza to those waiting. 15 minutes later, we were told there was one table ahead of us. The hostess with the pizza came around again - and I realized this was to appease the masses of people waiting hours for their table. (The wait for walk-ins was 2 hours at one point). After 45 minutes from our reservation we were seated. I understand long waits for walk-ins. And the hosts/hostesses were friendly. The free pizza was a nice touch. But being seated 45 minutes _after_ our reservation time is completely unacceptable and unprofessional. When our server greeted us, I began to understand why some parties (especially this guy's) were taking forever to get up. He talked to us for about 5 minutes initially. Every time he came to the table he had some story or some in-depth detail he had to tell us in 200 or more words He also told us what he thought was horrible on the menu. He told our friend the beer she picked sucked. Do that stuff on Yelp, not while serving a table. He forgot my soda. Etc, etc, etc. The sliders were tasty. The onion rings on top were a great touch. Stringy onions and crispy batter, seasoned perfectly - a good match for the sliders. The pizza was good. But you can't really go wrong with pizza. My fave was the sausage and onion. The spicy meatball was decent. Not worth the wait. Horrible service. But decent eats.
(2)Mihae L.
This place is overrated. My old high school buddies and I just ate here last night. This was our second attempt to eat here, and last time the wait was an outrageous 3 hours, and we ended up eating at Fuddruckers down the street, instead. However, last night, it was rainy and dreary outside, which might explain why the six of us were seated at 6:30 PM without a wait or reservation. Now, onto the food. My bf and I split a large pizza, half Fire and Smoke (spicy) and half Tomato and Basil (forget the actual name of the pizza). While the pizza was decent, in my opinion, I have had way better pizza at other places. I definitely enjoy California Pizza Kitchen way better than the pizza here. I probably also enjoy frozen pizza from the grocery store more than I enjoyed the pizza here. Of course, that's just my opinion, and I'm probably making it sound worse than it was, but I guess I just expected a lot more. As for the service, our server was very attentive, precise, friendly, and seemed to really know the dishes well. The interior of the restaurant is also well constructed with warm, wooded notes. My three star rating, one for the food, one for good service, and one for atmosphere. Would I care to come back to eat here, however? No, I really don't see what the hype is all about. My review was pushed to 3 stars mostly for the service.
(3)Bill P.
Took daughter (13) here cause I told her it would change her life. :) Not sooo much she thought....she liked the mini burgers hers with cheddar and NO pickles but the sea salted parmisian cheesed onion shoe string/ straw fries did not impress her though I LOVE DEM!!!!!! Servers very nice and manager came over and rapped with us a few times......maybe opening location in VA sometime next year? I'll be back definitely. Daughter might have to be conjoled.
(4)Alicia C.
I'm so happy that one of my favorite DC spots has made it's way to Rockville! Now I won't have to trek as far every time I'm craving some mini burgers... though I may find the cravings hitting more often now! Alicia G and I stopped in on opening night to pick up some mini burgers to go. We had been eagerly awaiting the opening but already knew we wouldn't be able to dine in... so we hatched up a plan to at least stop in to check out the place and get our mini burger fix. Alicia G recognized one of the owners, Perry, and he happily greeted us and offered to give us a little tour of the place while we waited for our food. The space was gorgeous! Same sort of look as the other locations, and it felt very open. There were also spaces that could potentially be reserved for private parties. I for one can't wait to some back sometime in the spring to make use of the beautiful outdoor patio space! A big thank you again to Perry for the tour! The burgers, of course, were amazing. I can't wait to get back here again for a sit-down dinner, or a happy hour, or brunch, or a late night snack... well, you get the idea, I'm just thrilled to have Matchbox a little closer to home!
(5)Danielle L.
Lovely building but IT IS SO LOUD!!!!! (especially in the main room) And if you have a group, absolutely do not sit at the big round table(s); you'll never, ever hear a word from the people across from you. As for the food, the menu is fantastic. The pizza is pretty good. (Not 2 Amys good, but a few of the combos are worth a trip.) For all of the delicious-sounding dishes, however, i have yet to have a knock-your-socks-off meal. All tend to be on the salty side and several have been disappointing. Oh, and do not bother going without a reservation ( opentable.com ) unless you're willing to wait forever. Plus sides: nice brunch, VERY kid-friendly, attractive patio/outdoor bar area, pretty good service. And some of the dishes really are good. It's been so hit-or-miss, though, and the prices are just high enough to be memorably annoyed at that fact. Annoyed enough that we don't go as often as we might. Do try it; just don't expect to be blown away every time.
(3)Kevin P.
Pizzas are kinda pricey for how "meh" they tasted and how small the portion was. Looking at the items on the menu, you would think "oh that combination of ingredients looks interesting, i want to try it" - it's a hit or miss, and it just seems like most of the pizzas try too hard to be "fancy" and it just doesnt work out. The interior looked awesome however, and the staff is kind.
(2)Don S.
After two previous meals we gave it one more try. This was for a friends party. The people are great. Service was ok. Our server was very good. My wife had a hair in her sandwich and my crab cake was so full of dill it was uneatable. The people we were with had pizza - very unremarkable. They chose not to take the leftovers home. I cannot figure out why anyone spends money there.
(1)Brian G.
Great pizza, fun bar. It's a chain so I won't spend much time on this review. The wait sucks but that's to be expected when the pizza is so good and unique.
(4)Joie T.
3.6.9! ... 3.6.9! ... 3.6.9! ... WHAT??? ... You see this EVERYWHERE here! On the waiters t-shirts, on the floors, even in the restrooms! And if you did your Yelp research, you'd know what that means! So, we fiiiinally got a seat! Went on a Monday night, and the line-up was still 45 minutes! WHOAH!!! Ordered the famous 3.6.9 and got the 9 platter, with 3 different cheeses (gouda/mozzarella/gorgonzola). And the winner is? Mozzarella! Gouda was good, mozzarella was just right, gorgonzola was too thick & too salty and overpowered the meat & sweet buns. The platter of minis comes with awesome string onion fries piled sky-high! To balance our meal, we ordered the nicoise salad, that came with seared ahi tuna, eggs, potatoes, fish, olives, and greens. Portion size is NOT an issue here! If anything, you can share just ONE dish with someone! Great service, great atmosphere, nice interior. Been @ Matchbox for Lunch& Dinner and it's a great lac
(3)John K.
Good thing I don't have to drive all the way to DC anymore to go to Matchbox. HOLY CRAP the wait is long! On a weekend, expect 1-2 hours to get a table. Luckily we found two seats at the bar, so we didn't have to wait as long. I hope that the hype will go down after a few months and I don't have to wait as long for a table... I was extremely happy with the bartenders. Usually I have a hard time grabbing their attention, but they were coming to me asking me if I needed anything else. This is with a full bar mind you... Order: Shrimp and Grits - Too salty, if you tell them to go light on the salt, this is a really good dish. Q Special Pizza - Huge pieces of chicken. Very good. If it caught your attention on the menu, go ahead and order it. It's not a bad choice. Doughnuts - Do not get. Not as fresh as I thought (a little cold) and the dipping sauce is too watery. It would've been nicer if it was more like a frosting consistency. I still stand by my stance that the sliders are wayyy overrated.
(4)Liza A.
I still will give this place five stars for the mini burgers they r just awesome.....pizza is good...service very friendly and prompt. As my tip says I have never stood in line here I come in no busy times and its actually great.
(5)Mark R.
I think its pretty funny that someone could give this place a negative review because they had a long wait... that could mean one of two things: 1.) The food is really good and there is a wait 2.) Try making a reservation - you are in the Rockville area!!! This place is an absolute hit - just like all the others! Great food, great drinks (great beer and wine selection as well as good mixed drinks), and great atmosphere. If you have never been to Matchbox there are 2 things you have to try, the sliders and the pizza! Both are excellent! Get the sliders medium rare - deff quality meat! The pizzas are cooked to perfection - obviously use fresh ingredients! Perfect place for large groups, just make a reservation. They accept them online. For all you craft beer drinkers: great draft selection!!! Will not disappoint! Enjoy!!!
(4)Tamu H.
Alright this place is what pizza places were to me as an 8 year old in the 80's! Fancy, loud, popular, and the food was delicious and simple. However, now I'm all growed up, and I want arugula and anchovies and shit on my pizza, not just extra cheese. So, yeah, cool: fancy pizza, cold micro-brew beer for the people who like it. Good wine. Everything priced reasonably and in accordance with the truth is they're still just what Armand's was to those of us who knew about Tranzor Z. I'd go back. I think the hostesses are a little beat-up by the constant barrage of entitled-Montgomery-Countiers constant concerns for their so-called reservation. (I'm sorry but I come from an era where we didn't mind waiting for our seat out of respect for the business, so it pissed me off to constantly see people complaining about their time and other random bs to the hostesses) but the hostesses, in return, are completely tuned out to the world. Our server was bubbly and cool, but I am concerned they're wingin' it on any beer/wine knowledge- we both watched a server give a really ambiguous and arguable description of allagash white, which was pretty funny, but we both felt kinda sad that the girl was giving them the business instead of just manning up and asking the bartender because there's a few real clear words necessary to describe Allagash White and she didn't use any of 'em. That wasn't our server, though, who was cool as a fan and didn't hover and didn't go ghost. We had the tuna tartare as an appetizer, along with a glass of wine for me and my gf had a (I think) Heavy Seas Loose Cannon, which she still loves. We ate the white anchovy with caper pizza along with the roma tomato pizza, and we shared bead pudding for desert.. the bread pudding was dope. All-in-all it was cool, but I'm not all hyped to go back at all, I'd much rather go to We The Pizza if I'm hankering for a slice of the realness.
(3)Alison T.
Love the place. Love the pizza and the cosmos :) blonde bartender need sto brush up on friendliness, but it's a keeper. Been there a couple of times and will return!
(4)Jay T.
LOVED IT! such a cool vibe at matchbox. i eat out a lot so i figured id start reviewing the places I've been recently. matchbox is totally in my top 5. great beer, pizza is amazing and some real cool staff. i cant wait to get out on the patio again!!
(5)B. H.
Decent overall experience. I thought their foods were good and their menu was very broad which is good, however for pizza go across the street to Pizza CS its bound to blow your pizza loving taste buds out of the sky ! Matchbox is still good but having Pizza CS across the street takes the pizza pie business by a long shot .
(3)Jerry W.
I really enjoyed this restaurant, the inside was really nice and roomy, fast service and good food, I ordered a stake and it was mouthwatering good, had some of there pizza to which was also really good. Definitely worth the money for the great service, atmosphere and food. Thanks Matchbox Staff.
(5)David M.
As I had expected the wait here was horrendous. Get reservations. Period. Add to this the fact that the humongous host/hostess staff pretty much just stands there looking pretty (or pretty stupid in some cases) and being somewhat rude and waiting sucks. Just call. Make a reservation. Or get lucky and score space in the bar. Speaking of space, this location has good space compared to DC. Bigger, better lit, and less crampy when crowded. Ok,. That's my 1 star penalty rant coming to a close :) When my wife and I came here after a long day of holiday shopping it was, for her, an attempt to redeem Matchbox in my mind. I'd been with her to the Matchbox down in DC and I wasn't fond (see my reviews where I pump up Ella's as being way damn better). After we finally got seated, I have to say I was pleased. We ordered an app (Mazzi Carozzi? Spelling may be off...) that was really good. And our pizza was just as tasty this time around. I think, to be fair, I should say that we ordered a wierd pizza down in DC, so this time around we ordered up something a bit more normal in terms of sauce and toppings. The service made up for the idiots who worked the front end. 2-3 different people took care of us throughout the visit, and all were friendly. Our primary server was great though. I don't remember a name, but he was extremely tall (and I'm 6'5" myself, so you'll know the dude when you see him) and very, very patient, friendly, and attentive. So I'm back on board with matchbox now. I liked it. I like that it's closer to home for us now. And I'll give it another shot. I will just do so with reservations in hand....!
(4)Brian S.
Overall I had a good experience. Wait staff was good, food came out relatively quickly and was pretty good. I ordered the cream of crab soup which was very rich and flavorful. For my meal I ordered the prosciutto white. The pizza was quite good. The bar was having a problem with beer leaking from the ceiling over top the bar but it would not have effected anyone's meals and the bar tender turned it into a joke to play it over. Maybe a tad bit on the expensive side but overall a very good and I will go back.
(4)Jayashree S.
I know exactly where we will have brunch if we visit the DC area. YUMMY! We came here to eat and meet our friend's wife- the newlywed during a wedding weekend. After a long night of hard core partying at our cousin's wedding, nutrition was needed (and lots of coffee) to balance the aftermath of the reception. :) So, our friend chose this restaurant as a good place to meet and catch up before we headed back home. The restaurant reminds me of a very hip loft like ambiance. There are two levels and plenty of seating. It has modern and industrial type decor and touches. The brunch menu was simple but had plenty of options to choose from with tons of house special cocktails even. I ordered the Veggie Frittata and my husband ordered the Heuvos Rancheros and our friend ordered their Apple Pecan salad. The portions were generous and filled our bellies and sopped up any leftovers from the partying. The food tasted incredibly fresh, inventive and yummy! The prices were decent and nothing extravagant. We def will eat here again- Hip, fun, and had lots of variety!
(4)Chelsea M.
I've been here twice last week. The Service was really good. I love the mini burgers the onion straws are YUMMY! But the pizza was OK it's just dry. Went there on Friday around 1pm still have to wait 25 minutes for table for 3.
(4)J P.
The approximately 3.5 stars you see as an average of everyone's score is spot on. This place isn't bad. However, this place isn't necessarily a place I will "need" to go back to. We went for dinner on a Thursday night. No complaints with the service. My girlfriend and I ordered a herb chicken pizza (the large size). It was good. We each had a drink. They were also good. The dessert however was fantastic. It was their trio dessert. It had three small scoops of different flavored sorbets, a chocolate bunt cake with vanilla sorbet on the top, and house made donuts with a coffee cream dipping sauce. I would go back for this. Their food menu wasn't extensive enough for me. And the prices are way too high for the quality of food. Again, the food IS good, but it's not quite worth the price. If you want a quieter atmosphere, don't get a booth in the bar section; it was very loud. If you think you would order a meal similar to the one I described above, I would strongly suggest you give Facci (Johns Hopkins Road, Laurel, Maryland) a try.
(3)Larissa F.
After much anticipation, the new Matchbox has opened just down the street from me. The space is gorgeous and I can already tell it's going to be a hotspot in the summertime. The outdoor patios and firepits are just itching for happy hours in a few months. The inside of the restaurant is open and bright, with both a brick, homey look and industrial feel. The space is huge and includes an upstairs loft and three dining room areas. Great design. Service was impressive for opening weekend. I arrived with a party of 6, and was told there would be a wait, but then a makeshift table was quickly put together for us. I was on crutches, so was thankful to not have to wait too long (though they did offer me a chair while I waited). The room we were in was cozy with a fireplace, and I could definitely see it being a great spot for a party. I expected some snags in either service, food or kitchen timing - especially because the place was packed on a Sunday night. But, was pleasantly surprised that the meal flowed smoothly. We of course started with the sliders which are just as delicious as downtown and were 12 were gone immediately. The tuna tartare was pretty decent, and I was looking forward to my hanger steak salad. The hanger steak salad comes with grilled hearts of romaine, and a wonderful spicy caesar dressing. My fellow diners had the tuna nicoise salad, the roasted chicken, the crab crusted rockfish and crabcake sandwich. All enjoyed their meals, with a few hiccups. The manager was gracious and removed some charges for the meal another in my party did not enjoy, and for a problem with my salad (though I would have been happy to pay). It was nice they were so accommodating given it was opening weekend, and the good service was appreciated. We ordered bread pudding and a dessert trio to share, which was heavenly. I loved the caramelized bananas with the bread pudding, and the little donuts were quite addictive. This place is going to be a huge hit with families and groups alike - - especially if it's true and they will be taking normal reservations. The sliders are a definite, the pizza is hit or miss (but I like it), and the atmosphere can't be beat. My only complaint is that the music was a bit loud and out of place, I think something softer (or none at all) would have been better. I don't think of this as a trendy downtown spot -- it's more of a go-to favorite. The restaurant location may be a "cursed" spot, but I expect Matchbox to do very well. If the crowds this weekend were any indicator - reservations will definitely be a must. Expect me to be back - all the time.
(4)David A.
I'll preface this review by saying I'm kind of a beer geek, so that will be a large percentage of my review. I went to Matchbox's Rockville location for Valentine's Day. I was a bit wary, due to some of the reviews of the wait times (even with reservations) as well as staff attitude (read "rudeness"). I was quite impressed with the experience. We arrived about 5 minutes before our reservation time (8:30). There was one party at the greeters stand ahead of us; we were seated at a booth in the bar room within 5 minutes. So far so good. They have a decent on tap selection in general, and the prices weren't too bad either ($5-$9). They (usually) have about a dozen beers on tap, including Allagash White, Ayinger Brau-weisse, Heavy Seas Small Craft Warning, Chimay Cinq Cents, Delerium Tremens, Flying Dog Doggie Style, and Smuttynose Old Brown Dog, as well as two rotating taps, one being a Sierra Nevada selection. Last night they had both SN Glissade and to my delight, SN Northern Hemisphere Harvest, which I'd never had on tap before, and very nice, to say the least! (I'm blanking on the other rotating, but it was also interesting.) On the down side, they were out of the Chimay, Delerium and a couple of others, but I blame Mont. Co. distribution for that. (Le Mannequin Pis has the same problem.) The food was excellent - I'd call it "upscale gastropub". As I'd read several reviews raving about the sliders, we ordered three as an appetizer. I think I'm not a slider person, as I thought they were fine, but nothing to rave about. My wife thought they were very good. I will say they were probably the best sliders I've had, but I've only had them at a few places. They also had a special appetizer of fried oysters on chorizo infused couscous with lemon/champagne, which were awesome. There were four oysters, each with a dollop of the couscous; we joked (?) about ordering one or two more orders. For the entree, I had the seared salmon, which was quite good; my wife had the bacon wrapped shrimp appetizer as her entree, which she quite enjoyed. Both were served on grits the consistency of mashed potatoes. They were surprisingly uncrowded considering it was Valentine's Day. When I talked to the hostess about it, she surmised their usual long wait (w/out reservations) scared the date-type folks away. Also, it was a Monday night; I'm sure they're much busier on weekends. The space is very nice; I remember the decor from the original restaurant there (Shelly's Woodroast), which a subsequent restaurant kept to some extent. Now, gone are the log cabin type beams, replaced by a modern, light wood, maybe oak. The ceilings appear to be simply roughed in, and there is an upstairs dining area that wasn't in previous incarnations. The bar is about 15-20 seats long, and the bartender knew what I was talking about when I asked him for clarification on the Sierra Nevada beer (the waitress wasn't sure). For parking, they're in Congressional Plaza, so there's plenty of space. All in all, a positive experience; not cheap, but not as expensive as I'd braced myself for. Beer prices were better than at Againn, which had beer prices up into the mid-high teens (but some may have been for 750ml bottles), and the food was at least as good. I'll be back!
(4)Muriel H.
The shrimp is grits is my absolute favorite dish that they offer! I wish it was a larger portion because once I was done w/ it I wanted to order another one! The sliders and string fries are also amazing. The pizzas smell to die for. The place is pretty crowded so getting seating is a hassle. Otherwise, I love this spot..
(5)Bruce H.
Mediocre experience. -Food tasted ok, -service was ok, -price was too much for what was delivered, -venue was pleasing with lots of smart designs. Below my expectations.
(3)Po W.
I fell in love with this location the moment I walked in. I have been to the Chinatown location and I have to say I like this one much better. The location is great. U don't have to search for parking. The space is huge! Multiple levels, 3 bars (2 inside 1 outside), patio seating, rooftop seating etc. The 3-6-9 sliders are so delicious. And the cocktails are fabulous. I heard the the pepperoni pizza and spicy meatball pizza are great! The menu is extensive and I look forward to trying more selections. The one negative is the wait. It so crowded. Went on a Friday night and waited for about an hour. But, while waiting servers came around with samples of cheese pizza that were great! I will definitely return!
(4)Michelle W.
Meh, I've had better. Went here for lunch with a friend this past weekend, it wasn't crowded so we went right in and got a table outside. It was a nice open patio. We got the mozzi carrozzi for an appetizer. It was pretty good, however I did find it to be a little on the greasy side. The longer it took you to eat it the greasier it seemed. Since there was only 2 of us and the servings are quite large we both had salads. I had the crab & avocado salad (app) and he got the apple pear salad. I wouldn't recommend the crab avocado salad at all. I'm not sure if the crab was bad or it was the combination of flavors that was just off. In either case, it was not good at all. I pretty much just tried to pick out untainted avocado chunks to eat. The pear salad was decent, the dressing was actually pretty good but otherwise unmemorable. The service was ok, but the longer we were there the less we saw the server and we had to wait quite some time to get our bill. Not really anywhere I have a strong desire to go back to. It was just bleh.
(2)Stacey M.
Beautiful urban chic decor with tons of texture and interest! I haven't sat outside yet, but the outdoor seating area/bar looks gorgeous. Perfect for meeting up with friends or for drinks after work. Service is always friendly and efficient. I've only ever had the pizza's... they are thin crust, fresh, simple and yet tasty (some could use a little more seasoning), and come served on a raised stand that leaves more room on the table for actual dining. I also like that pizza's are served with sharing in mind and come with a pizza pie server/lift, and all the accoutrement like parmesan and chili.
(4)Jamie S.
The food is okay. My husband and I both got the pizza and thought it was decent, though not great and certainly not worth the price. I have had better experiences at the D.C. location. The pros of this place as compared to DC is that they have parking, that it is closer to my house, and that it is not as crowded.
(3)M D.
Relax at one of two bars with the Watermelon Tease ($8) made with house-infused watermelon vodka, rum, gin and tequila. (Hey, everyone's here!) It is smooth, sweet, and light as summer. If you can't be seen holding a pink cocktail, order the manly Match-hatten ($8) with Maker's Mark bourbon, sweet vermouth and orange. See the complete cocktail menu here. If you want a simple salad ($10), there is mixed greens, pear tomatoes, and dried cherries in a balsamic vinaigrette, topped with a generous parmesan crisp. If you want to pretend to eat a salad, try the Matchbox chopped salad ($10) with crispy bacon, red onions, pasta ringlets, and a creamy herb vinaigrette. Chef Johnny Mack gets creative with daily specials, and is always happy to accomodate special orders. Tonight, a delicious experiment results in a tender, luscious pork belly on a bed of cheese risotto, topped with a poached egg. There are sixteen pizzas to choose from, or you can create your own. If you love cheese but hate Domino's and the USDA, then you'll love the four cheese white ($20), with lots of roasted garlic, ricotta, buffalo mozzarella, pecorino toscano, pecorino romano, but not an ounce of red. The Coppa ($20) with Italian ham, thick pesto, ricotta, Roma tomatoes and mozzarella, topped with fresh arugula, was a unanimous favorite. Not in the mood for pizza? Order the mini burgers ($8-$18, top right), juicy little patties of certified Angus beef on seedless brioche from Lyon Bakery, which also bakes the buns for sister restaurant, DC-3. Served with pickles and onion straws, under a fine dusting of Parmesan cheese. Add your choice of Gouda, mozzarella or Gorgonzola for extra flavor. If you love the taste of barbeque, the braised beef short ribs ($24) are a must-try. Fork tender in a sweet, red Shiraz reduction. For pescatarians, there is the crab crusted rockfish ($22) with parsley pine nut risotto and the kick of whole grain mustard. Always perked up by dessert, I happily dug into the coffee & doughnuts ($8, bottom right), a basket of sugary cinnamon doughnuts, dense and cake-like. The teeny cup of espresso Kahlua crème tastes and feels like melted chocolate ice cream, except spiked.
(4)Andrew K.
45 minute wait for a Wednesday night? This place is always packed apparently and it is a huge restaurant with 2 levels but I guess it's b/c there aren't that many nice places to eat in Rockville. I got half coppa italian ham & arugala and half fire & smoke. The ham and arugala was good but the fire and smoke was just ok, it is pretty spicy but didn't really like the flavor. I also tried the mini burgers which were ok but nothing special. Overall, I think it's not bad but not worth the wait.
(3)Bill S.
The long awaited Match Box has opened. The Pizza was great, the service was good and the place was very well done. We went on a Monday night, instant seating. We went back at 8:30 Saturday night at 8:30 and it was an hour wait (we didn't) This is a great place for pizza and a beer!
(4)Sarah T.
I will write a more in depth review once I have a chance to actual dine here. However, for now - Matchbox has my heart. Went here for my BF's company holiday party and everything from the decor to the food to the staff was perfect! The space is great and I love what they did with the place. The pizza, sliders, and other Hors D'oeuvres were all delicious. The staff were very attentive and friendly - (even after the party had ended) I'm sure I have a bit of a biased opinion since it was open bar and I didn't spend a dime, but free or not the food was good and the wine we had was exceptionally tasty! After the party we made our way to the bar, and the staff there was also very friendly and easy going. When I let the bartender know one of the people I was with didn't think her drink was "strong" enough and tasted a bit too sweet. The bartender didn't hesitate to add in another shot! I'm sure it isn't something they'd do all the time, but she made sure to take care of us. At the end of the evening some other patrons that weren't with our group had wound up with some of the Christmas hats that the office had brought and they were being a bit belligerent about giving them back. (It was pretty pitiful, but I guess the ladies had tossed quite a few back and were being awfully rowdy.) One of the male bartenders saw how rude they were being and immediately stepped in to circumvent anyone from losing there cool. It was handled very well and it was nice to not have to ask for assistance. All in all, we had a pretty great time! I think if the staff remains as attentive and upbeat and the price point remains affordable I will be heading in often... Especially since I am so close I wouldn't even need to drive if I didn't want to! (That's a super perk since I used to live in Downtown San Diego where everything was within walking distance!) Hahaha!
(5)LEAH H.
Great idea but horrible service. It started going down hill from the parking or lack of because they share parking with several other businesses. Then there was a 25 minute wait. I don't mind waiting but to create a wait to make it appear that there is a demand for the restaurant is RIDICULOUS !!! I found this out after we got seated and taken to a room where there was PLENTY of empty tables. When I brought this up to them they were very rude about this. Ok now let's talk about the food. It was marginal at best. The burgers were just as good as the ones across the street at Fudruckers but double the price. SAVE a half hour of your time and find another place to eat !!
(1)Mary M.
The Italian coppa ham and argula pizza with pesto is freaking DELICIOUS. The food overall is really good. Love the decor -- for a humongous restaurant it manages to be cozy and comfortable. It's a nice restaurant for any occasion - family dinner, casual dining, a date, a celebration. It manages to be both very casual and a nice night out at the same time. Decently priced and you're likely to have leftovers to take home, which they're used to so you don't have to feel like a fool asking for a pizza box. The long wait and slow, somewhat inattentive service are the only things preventing a 5 star rating from me. The hostesses in particular could be more friendly and welcoming.
(4)Targi B.
I don't want to sit in your walk way! So this was my third attempt to have a meal here. If I was unable to get in this time I was going to punt on ever eating at this location. When I called to make a reservation, yes a reservation at a pizza place, the first response was they were full...It's almost like a default answer here. But when I explained that I said tomorrow she was able to put in the book. Upon arrival, on time, they attempted to seat me in a walkway. If you've seen this restaurant let me describe where this table was. If the bar is pack (and it will be) and your milling in the alley way that connects the two sides of the restaurant with your back to the door, there is one sad lonely table directly to your left. RIGHT THERE!!! Ok here comes my inner snob. I made a reservation, can I get a decent table. I'm 7 months pregnant, can I get a table that will hold more than just myself! Not to mention there was a booth right behind that. Needless to say I asked to sit somewhere else. At first they tried to explain the other tables were for larger parties...but I think the look on my face explained how little I cared about their plight of no tables. They did seat up in a much better location, back behind the bar on the left. Right next to a window where it seems standard to give you two tables since well one is tiny! One of the biggest reason I was dying to come to matchbox was to try the Lobster bisque. So I ordered that and a pizza. My pizza came, no soup! Disappointment but the waiter promptly apologized and promised up two soups (as we had ordered) free of charge. The soups did come out and was everything I hoped it would be! The pizza was also as yummy as the one I had downtown. Now for the bill, she did come and say she took of one soup (slight change there) but since she has been so nice and I had gone into the restaurant fully prepared to pay for my food, I was fine and thought it was a nice gesture. I would eat here again...when the hype dies down and the outside is open which promises more seating! meanwhile, I'll venture downtown, since well it is the same menu.
(2)Bryan B.
The waitress was excellent (Laura S). Delightful, easy to talk to and informed about all of the items available. The food was good too. The atmosphere was loud and busy. If you looking for romance this is not the place. If you are looking for good food, great service and a fun atmosphere with friends I think you will be pleased. Great menu selection for food and drink. Many good wines to choose from.
(4)Preston H.
Very good food and service. I rarely give a four star review but they impressed me. Pizza was good and the sliders were decent.
(4)Stephan S.
Went here for dinner a few times and for lunch the other day. Personal pizza is very good. I had the scallops for lunch and was very happy. The bar area looks big but not really set up for a happy hour for a large group.
(4)Chuck O.
Love the food & brews. This is our go-to when we want to get out of Bethesda. Enjoyable atmosphere and is kid friendly.
(4)Laurie W.
I am the first ever Dutchess of Matchbox Rockville, thanks to Yelp Mobile. What can I say? It's the little victories. This restaurant is huge and beautifully designed. I've seen this building through all of its incarnations, since it was Shelly's ill-fated Wood Roast (game? alligator? possum? I can't remember), That's Amore (a Valentine's Day spot with my ill-fated ex) to the better PGA Tour Grill. I'm glad it's Matchbox now. It's good to have an alternative to the Town Center places (where honestly, aside from the Thai, Indian and Lebanese Taverna I'm not so excited about any of the food offerings), and I SWEAR we can float high-quality, mid-price point places in Rockville. We found seats at the very back service bar, where the two bartenders were very attentive and excited to be opening a new restaurant. As for the food, the sliders and pizza are the staples, so I chose a sopressata and wild mushroom pizza and a salad. The balsamic dressing was so understated I could barely tell what it tasted like, which is the unfortunate opposite of drowning the lettuce. The pizza was very good -- there was a nice spice to the sauce and I'm a fan of thin, crispy crust. Matchbox also has a good selection of smaller-batch beers, including Heavy Seas out of Baltimore, and that's also not common and very welcome around here. The doors to that bar will open up to the patio and offer seating for 100 people when it warms up, which will make it a nice destination for happy hours. There is space for large parties and another big bar in the front (where it was when the building was PGA, but it looks like it's been widened.) When I left I thought this might be the place for my 40th birthday dinner, so that's a good sign. As much as I like to go into D.C., I work in Rockville and live close by, so this is a great alternative for those of us who roam the Pike in search of a nice space to have a beer and a decent meal.
(4)Jessica R.
Good food, good service!
(4)Bridget Q.
Went here for Dinner on Thursday. Overall it was a pleasant experience. Our server was very helpful but not overwhelming and annoying. We had to wait about 30 minutes for our table, and then were sat a a high top near the bar....which I felt was not worth waiting 30 minutes for. I feel that the hostess should have asked if we would have liked to sit there.. It was VERY loud and that was distracting. I ordered a side salad and a pizza. Both were excellent and like I said we had a great server. Overall I would say try it out...cool atmosphere...but make sure you either go early or make a reservation to avoid waiting...and the bar.
(4)Jim C.
First visit to this incredibly popular string of restaurants. Always crazy crowded. Great beer selection. The shrimp and grits was a very nice version of this now-routine dish. Heavy on the butter and with bacon wrapping each shrimp, it is a pleaser if you crave richness. The spicy meatball pizza is a real winner. Sat at the bar and was taken care of by Jamie - she was attentive, informative and good fun. She made the meal better,
(4)Lisa G.
Awesome place!!! Food and service awesome. A little pricey, but hey Houston's is gone so why not? Will be back
(5)Oscar S.
First things first....MAKE A RESERVATION! This is a great place to have a date and hang out with friends. The pizzas are really good and their drinks are really good as well. Our waiter was very friendly and gave us good suggestions. It's in a good area in Rockville. I like the ambiance, almost like the Matchbox in Chinatown. A little pricey, but not too bad like other restaurants. Highly recommend it. We were out w/ some friends and I must definitely recommend the Matcbox Meat Pizza, as well as the Beef Ribs. Very tender..I repeat very tender...hmm..getting hungry again. You won't be disappointed w/ anything that you get from there as all of their food is very delicious. Th wait staff is very friendly, and our waitress (don't tell) even gave someone in our party a free pint glass that she wanted.
(5)Kayla A.
Love, love, love it! Their pizzas are to die for! Drinks are a little steep, but their pizza is out of this world! I love the matchbox meat and chicken pesto pizza, absolutely amazing together. The mozzi carozzi appetizer is also awesome. I also recommend the ice cream cookie dessert, amazing but definitely bring a friend to share it with! I have never tasted anything here that I didn't love. Great food for a reasonable price. This place gets busy early, make reservations or go early!! I went on a Tuesday and had to wait for a table for 4
(5)Alison R.
Got the crab and avacado salad app, the pizco blackberry drink was not good/not made properly. Also had the cobb salad and donut dessert. Very yummy. Will be returning.
(5)David W.
My wife and I had a wonderful evening. Our waitress was very friendly and helpful My wife enjoyed the martini she ordered which was a nice departure from the standard drinks at most places. We both raved about our pizza and the bread pudding we shared for dessert is as good as everyone says it is.
(4)Andrew H.
You pay for the ambience. Crappy food, service was ok, although HIDING CUSTOMERS IS NOT A GOOD STRATEGY FOR GOOD REVIEWS. Service mitigated horrible seating arrangements and subpar food.
(1)Fareez A.
love the smoke and fire pizza!
(4)Alexis B.
I've always passed by Matchbox on the Pike, but never really stopped by and tried it until now. My aunt tried it once and told me she didn't like it, saying that the pizza was too salty, but I told her to give it another shot, that maybe her choice of pizza was the cause. And so we did. We shared the pesto chicken pizza and a salad and it was really not bad at all! The pesto was delicious, but the chicken was a little dry, but it was pretty good. I think I'll definitely come back if ever a pesto craving comes up (and those do come up quite often for me for some reason).
(4)Eva F.
My boss brought me here for dinner during a business trip. We were a party of 5 total, and I was quite impressed by the waiter's ability to memorize everything we ordered (drinks, salads, pizza) and have each item delivered to the right person at the table. (So yes, service was great!) The drink menu was extensive (draught beers, wine, cocktails and girlie and manly martinis), and there are a ton of pizza options. And if none of those suit you, you can build your own. We tried the Matchbox Meat and the Chicken Pesto pizzas and both were wonderful! Next time I'll have to try the sliders. (In case you are wondering what the 3-6-9 on the wait staff t-shirts mean, it's the options for number of sliders in an order.) I saw them drift past our table to another table and they looked yummy with a big mountain of thin onion rings on top. Will definitely be back on my next trip to the Bethesda area. P.S. Make sure you make a reservation before going - it was PACKED and I was so glad we were able to walk past everyone waiting on line to get our table right away :)
(4)Jeff W.
Matchbox recently opened at a new location in Rockville with much hype. The decor is very well done; however, the restaurant is definitely overrated. The salads included very little protein and the entrees were very small for the price. The pizza and sliders were excellent. If you dine here, stick to the burgers and pizza. They also have a very good selection of draft beers. The service could also use some improvement. They took forever to take our drink orders. In addition, they brought all of our food to the table at once, even though we told the waitress we wanted to pace ourselves. When we were done with our meal the waitress never asked if we wanted coffee or dessert. I would have given the review 2 stars, but since they are open only a week I thought I would be generous.
(3)Matthew D.
I travel here for business and I have been to Matchbox twice for lunch. On this particular trip I was with two associates. I had the spinach salad which had feta cheese, roasted pear tomatoes, candied walnuts, red onions, orange segments, warm bacon vinaigrette. I passed on the tomatoes and orange "segments" (not an appetizing word for food) and then proceeded to eat the hell out of it. Trying to eat a little smarter at lunch and this didn't feel like sacrificing at all. I then spilt a 6 piece Fire & Smoke pizza with a co-worker. It has fire roasted red peppers, spanish, onions chipotle pepper, tomato sauce, garlic puree, smoked gouda & fresh basil. It was labeled as very spicy and at first I didn't believe it, but it sneaks up on you for a pleasant after taste that has a kick to it in a great way. The garlic is legit, bring breath mints or stand 10 feet back from whoever you speak with for the rest of the day. Overall it was excellent and salad with the 3 pieces was just right for portions. To Recap: The Good: The food is great for lunch, especially considering the near by options. The feel of the place is open and modern, tastefully done. The service was a notch above what I was expecting to be honest, a pleasant surprise. The Bad: It did a slight chain feel to it, I don't know where it is a local chain or not, but it was a little formula feeling at certain times. The Band This Restaurant Most Resembles: The Beltways. Maryland rock that does the area proud. I will be back.
(4)Lillian S.
I got the take-out when I was running errands in Rockville and the food was great (mushroom pizza and the pear/apple salad but the real reason I am writing this review is to rave about Erin B (the name on the receipt). She is the bartender that was quite busy serving a bar full of customers and also had the responsibility for the the take-out stand. She took my order promptly and then proceeded to take more orders from the bar, fulfill drink orders from the waiters, take menu orders, ring people up, and serve another 2 people who had ordered take-out. All this in the 15 minutes I was sitting waiting for my order. She was super-efficient, pleasant and such an amazing multi-tasker. She was on the move for the entire 15 minutes while a few other staff members came and went and it was hard to tell what exactly they were doing and why they couldn't help her out. For example, the person who came out of the kitchen with my food saw me and another woman in the waiting section and could have announced the name on the order. Instead, she just set it down and walked away. Like many other businesses, matchbox probably has 20% of the staff doing 80% of the work and that 20% certainly includes Erin. I only hope they know what a gem they have! It's hard to find good people who work so hard!
(4)Michael C.
I got here at 6:15 on a wed. night and asked how long the wait would be for 3 people. They told me 15 minutes. They lied. They were off by an entire 45 minutes. At that point i was pretty annoyed, but the waitress was so nice, helpful, and attentive that it saved the meal. So if i'm rating it on the front hostesses this place gets a zero. But i'm not. We got the 3-6-9 (6 mini burgers with 2 of each cheese). This comes with a heaping pile of onion.... things. It all tasted great though. We split a sausage and onion pizza that was good, and my parents got a crab cake sandwich and a matchbox chicken. They both said their sandwiches were good (not great). The crab cake looked gigantic though. The decor was nice (but i'm not really one to care about decor), it definitely wasn't the type of place my parents were expecting. The clientele definitely skewed younger. PS - the little side bar looked really douchey. Like blazer and affliction t-shirt douchey. I guess that's just par for the course when it comes to popular/new/trendy places.
(3)Julie P.
We've eaten here twice. The first time we had pizza and it was delicious. The second time we came for lunch. I made the mistake of ordering a sandwhich--it was bland and overpriced. Stick to the pizza.
(2)Johnson H.
Went to try this place recently. I was hoping for a crispy crust throughout my pie but all the pizzas we ordered had soft crust towards the center of the pie :( I mean a crispy crust is what I look forward to coming out of a wood fire pizza oven. The flavors and tastes of their pizzas were good enough to consider another visit.
(3)Eric B.
I found better pizza in Rockville at Pizza CS, so down to 1 star.
(1)Henry L.
Good... when you need that starch engorgement...
(3)Shawn H.
The only thing "bad" I can say about my first of what will likely be many visits to this new location was that I wasn't greeted when I walked in. I was meeting my mother and some of her friends for lunch and had just received the elevnty third phone call (the one where mom wants to tell you exactly which booth they've already been seated in for at least 45 seconds), so my plan was to ask where the group of "old ladies" that was just seated were - because that would be the easiest question to get a quick answer to, right? Well, there were four people at the host station, but they seemed to be really busy doing something like polishing the same menu or something. I remembered "upstairs" from the frantic mom-call a moment before, so I just went upstairs and, of course, they were right there at the first booth. The lack of greeting had no real consequence. I found the old ladies (they are old ladies). We had a server who was on his last day of training. He was mildly awkward and very enthusiastic, which was great because the old ladies really love all that enthusiasm. Seriously though, the service was excellent. Any awkwardness was brief and the enthusiasm was authentic, but not ridiculous or overdone. Our server loves Matchbox. I always get the mini burgers when I go to the Chinatown location and had every intention of inducting my mom into this important, longstanding tradition. We added a salad, which is something I've never had at Matchbox and some incredibly delicious sausage and kale soup. If they have that soup when you visit, order it! My mom loves a good burger. Her only qualm about the mini burgers was that there was no mayo served with them, so we got mayo, rémoulade some kind of tarragon flavored sauce. Problem solved. She also loved the beet salad, so we had a great lunch. Her friends ordered regular burgers that looked great. Everyone enjoyed the food. We all shared a couple of lemon tart desserts after lunch. To me, this seemed like a frozen tart, but it was VERY good... just very ICE cold. I don't order dessert a lot, so maybe that's the way to serve a lemon tart (?). The whipped cream on the tart was very rich and also quite cold, so it was almost like ice cream on top. I probably would never order that again, but I'm also not really a dessert person. Plus, who needs anything else but a clear path away from the table after an awesome meal at Matchbox, right? Five stars for five good reasons. 1. New location in MoCo 2. Great service 3. Awesome food 4. Excellent coffee 5. Warm, pleasant atmosphere througout If you've never been to Matchbox, you're in for something special here. If you've ever been to either location downtown, you should be really happy they've decided to open up on Rockville Pike!
(5)Priscilla R.
App - shrimp and grits with the best sauce! Entree - pork with creole sauce, order medium - I think our food sat a bit so mine was well and dry by the time it came but the sauce totally helped. Service was very slow so plan for a long lunch.
(4)Angela S.
I finally made it to the Rockville location, yay! Went around 11:15 on a Sat morning...thought there was going to be a brunch menu but only saw a "brunch cocktail" menu; the food menu was the regular one. I ordered my usual Fire & Smoke pizza, which tasted even better than I remembered. I decided to try the beet salad instead of my usual apple pear salad. Either there wasn't enough dressing on it, or the dressing wasn't strong enough, because I could barely taste it. The rest of the salad was tasty, but not worth the $10 price tag due to its size. I would expect a more filling or larger salad for $10, almost entree-size in fact. My Bloody Mary wasn't the best, will order something else next time. The waitress was nice but didn't seem to know the menu that well. I mean, she knew what was on it, but couldn't answer questions about specific items. Fine for me since I was somewhat familiar with the menu, but could be a problem for a first-timer. The 1 star deduction is for the prices. They probably shouldn't be the same as Chinatown's prices. I would like to come here on a fairly regular basis and would if the prices were just slighly less. It'll still be in the rotation, though.
(4)Michael H.
Really like this place! The burgers are great, and the entrees are very good as well. Haven't tried the pizza yet, buy I've heard good things. Extensive drink menu. Last time there we ordered the sliders without pickles (my wife *hates* pickles). When they arrived with pickles, we told the waiter who took responsibility and apologized profusely. He then offered to pay for a dessert or give us a gift card for our next visit (we took the latter). When we received the bill, he took the sliders off the bill as well (even though I finished them) and handed us a dessert gift card. In my opinion, this was fantastic customer service and we will be putting matchbox into the rotation.
(4)C M.
Best place in MoCo, hands down. Great pizza selection and a tap beer list that beats anyplace outside the beltway. Go.
(5)Krissy R.
Really good food and good service. Only go here if you're okay with eating really high-fat unhealthy food though-- like if you're really in the mood for greasy pizza, burgers, and onion strings. I saw that a lot of people on Yelp were complaining of long waits so I made a reservation before I went here for lunch. When I walked in to tell the hostess about my reservation, I overheard her telling the person in front of me that the wait was 45 minutes (this was at 1:30pm). Because I had a reservation, I was taken to my table immediately, which was nice. The server was excellent and was good about bringing new drinks over each time ours were empty. He also had some great suggestions for menu items since it was our first time at the restaurant. He came by to check after our food was delivered to make sure it was to our liking. Overall it was a really fun experience and I plan to go back. Our table ordered 6 sliders with cheese for an appetizer, and I had the tomato, basil, mozzarella pizza for my entree. Both were awesome. We split the fruit pizza for dessert which was also surprisingly yummy.
(4)Amanda K.
Cocktails: Very Good Beer Selection: Very Good (Smutty Nose & Delirium on tap) Sliders: Excellent Pizza (Sopressata & Mushroom): Very Good Salad (Beet & Goat Cheese): Meh Donuts (actually zeppoli): Excellent
(4)Lauren K.
I tried this place again with my coworkers for a going away party. I figured that I'd try something other than the pizza since they really dropped the ball with pizza. I had a crabcake sandwich. Unfortunately, food poisoning soon followed. I will never return to this place. Work party or not.
(1)michele p.
I only hold back from a full 5 star rating because it is a bit pricey here. The only other possible fault is that the servers are TOO nice, seriously where do they find these cheery people? The food is very good quality, from the pizzas to the pastas to the appetizers you cannot go wrong. They also have a very nice wine menu. Make a reservation on opentable.com because there is always a wait at peak times. Oh, do not get the lava chocolate cake we have ordered it twice and it was not good either time. DO order the Serrano ham pizza mmmmm now I am hungry ugh its amazing!
(4)Ellen K.
I went for the first time on Saturday night. It was a madhouse. Make sure to make reservations through open table or expect to wait 2+ hours on busy nights. When we pulled up to the restaurant, the outside decor looked nice! We got inside and I was amazed that the restaurant had a 2nd floor! Apparently...in the spring/summer, they're going to have outdoor patio seating upstairs. The waiting area was insanely packed...I felt pretty claustrophobic. The staff were extremely friendly. There's also a bar at the front of the restaurant...I didn't get to walk in to see what it looked like but was told by my waiter that the windows in the bar area slide open. They'll open the windows it in the spring/summer when the weather is nicer (obviously). I had the mozzi as an appetizer and the 3-6-9 bar burgers as an entree. It was amazingly delicious! My friend had a pizza but I didn't try it...she said it was pretty good. I will definitely go back again!
(5)D K.
The little things count. Great drink menu. Ordered the Ayinger beer. Awesome. I've now started a mission to find it in stores/bottles. Rather large place, but not too loud. I'm surprised it gets so full on weekends. We made reservations, so no wait for us. Smart. Started off with Shrimp & Grits. I've missed Grits. It was decent. Shrimp was overcooked, but next time, I'll get the Sliders. It seems like those are the most popular. Fire & Smoke pizza. My bf chose it. I can't handle spiciness, but I was up to the challenge. I like the garlic puree, and it definitely gets you sniffly and your tongue burning, but funny thing... it doesn't last. I was fine by the time I got the check. Maybe the beer helped to numb my senses, but it wasn't too bad. It was an interesting pizza to have, but next time, I'll choose something else. Thin crust with a few burnt edges, but they warn you about that in the menu. The main reason I bumped this review from 3 to 4 stars is the service. My bf and I had to leave early, so we asked the server to give us our check if possible. No problem at all. She was more than happy to split it. Sometimes servers grumble and you get the slightly exasperated "FINE..." look, but our server was more than happy to oblige. I will return, Matchbox. You've earned a return visit.
(4)Clarisse B.
My boyfriend and I went to dinner at Matchbox in Rockville on Friday night, and since we've been there several times before, we weren't surprised when they told us it would be an hour and 20 minute wait. (I highly recommend you get a reservation before coming here, we didn't as it was a last minute decision). We grabbed a couple drinks and waited at their bar, I had a glass of Malbec (the Catena, I wasn't crazy about it), he had a corona, the bill was like $15! The bar was crowded too, but was comfortable and there was still plenty of standing room and great people watching. Every once in a while a server came around with some pizza samples to feed all of us that were waiting for a table! Once our table was finally ready, they seated us in a little room they have with tables past the bar, absolutely the worst section ever and I had never even noticed it's existance prior to this visit. After waiting so long for a table, I was not happy. We went back to the hostess stand and asked if we could get back on the wait list for a better table in their main room, and she showed us straight to another table, on the second floor, overlooking the main area. MUCH BETTER! I was really impressed with how accomodating she was, I mean, afterall, they have to put someone in that crappy past the bar section, but I'm glad it wasn't us! Also, as a side note, this really is a beautiful restaurant. There's some wood on the walls, with lighting behind it, and it does a great deal for ambiance. It's contemporary looking, open and spacious, and just a great place for a date. Once seated at our table, our waiter who was very helpful came to us and offered some wine selections. He was very informative and clearly knew what he was talking about, they had just had a wine tasting the previous night. He recommended the Shiraz Layer Cake, and I loved it! Normally we start off with the mini burgers, and they are hand down the most delicious sliders I have ever had EVER. However being Friday during Lent, and us being guilty Catholics, we were going all vegetarian that night. So we went for the Mozza Carozzi, kind of like a bruchetta. It was really good, especially considering it was vegetarian, but we did miss our mini burgers. For our entree, we shared the Vegetarian pizza. It comes with spanish onions, roated poblano peppers, roasted garlic, mozzaralla, fresh herbs, and fingerling potato crips and we subbed sundried tomatoes instead for the mushrooms. It was great! Although about 1/4 of the pizza was extremely charred, to the point where when we tried to eat it all we got was that yucky burnt taste (hence 4 stars instead of 5 for this review). All in all, I highly recommend this place! The restaurant is brand new and beautiful, the servers are really friendly and accomodating, and the food is delicious!
(4)Lisa G.
I went met a friend here for drinks recently. The place is huge compared to China Town but I would have thought that the bar areas would be bigger. We found seats at the main bar and camped out for hours. We had Ice Tea Martinis which were good and then moved on to Red Wines. The bartender had excellent knowledge of the wines..forget his name though. After a few hours we ordered a small pizza and the couple next to us shared their donuts with us. Overall it was a great spot for drinks and catching up with a friend. Will definately be back.
(4)Corey S.
Not as good as the original. Service was bad - from the hostess stand to waiters. Wait time took more than twice as long as told when checking in. Waiter was non-attentive and missing for long periods of time. Food was not as good either. Pizza crust was soggy and spiciness in their spicy pizzas just wasn't there. Maybe an off night, but it was really off.
(2)Erin S.
Beet salad was good but the beef short ribs were very disappointing. Super fatty and not in a good way. I know this place is supposed to be very popular but I was not impressed at all.
(2)Grace L.
If I could have given them 3.5 stars... then I would. I've been to Matchbox in Rockville twice now. The first time, I went with my fiance and 2 of our friends during the week it opened and was extremely disappointed by the poor service. The waitress could not offer any drink recommendations and was very unhelpful in helping us order. Lucky for them, the sliders and pizza were delicious so we went back. The 2nd time was A LOT better. We were seated promptly (party of 6 on Memorial Day) and our waitress was great! We ordered the sliders (which were amazing) and the pesto chicken pizza, fire and smoke pizza, and sun dried tomato. The pizza was a little overcooked and there was too much charring for my taste, but was good overall.
(3)Mark R.
Order the Chicken Pesto pizza and a beer on tap.
(5)Jennifer M.
Great place with excellent pizza. Good meeting place with two bars as well. They have awesome garlic breadsticks that are perfect with marinara sauce.
(4)Anna Sofia B.
Great drinks, pizza and mini burgers (try them with Gorgonzola) in an unpretentious environment. The service is friendly but they seem unable to anticipate your needs such as, another drink, condiments or an extra spoon to share a dessert.
(4)Munzer M.
Fantastic pizza! I was torn between the braised short ribs, the bone in rib eye steak, and the Serrano ham pizza with buffalo mozzarella, ricotta cheese and oven dried tomatoes. I opted for the latter and thoroughly enjoyed it! I ate every bite and although completely stuffed, had a slice of my girlfriends chicken pesto pizza! This is by far the best pizza I've had in DC and quite possibly anywhere else & I've lived in NYC (not to mention above a Rays Pizza), and Chicago! My mouth is watering just writing about it! Check out our blog at samplefly.com/blog
(4)Adam B.
Great pizza and awesome service.
(5)Vivian A.
Very very very very very very very very very very very very very bad service.
(1)Andy J.
I have only lived in the DC area for about a year and a half now. I am in constant search for good places to eat. Matchbox is one of the few places, so far, that has impressed me. Not only is their pizza good, their steaks and sandwiches are also good. In fact, one of the best sandwiches I have ever had came from Matchbox. I love their atmosphere, and the service is friendly and swift. I will definitely continue eating there in the future.
(4)J M.
Stopped by Matchbox a few weeks ago after reading some of the reviews on Yelp. It was very crowded during lunch so we decided to come back another time. Our second visit the place was less crowded and we were seated right away. Our waiter was very friendly and brought us water right away. The table we were at was a little small even for two people but it's also cozy if you want to snuggle up. We ordered one pizza with basil, fingerling potatoes and caramelized onions. The pizza wasn't bad but neither of us were fans of the sauce. I've eaten a lot of pizza all over the country and this was not a sauce I liked. Probably would not go back for the pizza. I tried the Chicken Muffaletta sandwich which I thought was pretty good. Definitely would get it again on another visit. It's a very large, filling sandwich. We did not try an appetizers or desserts.
(3)Kelsy S.
Some things are good here, some things aren't...the fire & smoke has changed...not really a fan anymore.
(3)Suzanne P.
My boyfriend and I went here for dinner tonight, and were very impressed. The food was simply amazing! I found this place online while looking for a spot to hold a family event, and wanted to try it out before booking it. Everything was wonderful from the quick service (Thanks, Erica!), to the delicious tuna tartare (a little spicier than I expected), and a simple tomato and cheese pizza with artichokes. We finished it off with the chocolate raspberry ganache, which was really yummy! I also found their prices reasonable. And, I liked their variety of entrees with a mixture of good pizza and steaks and crab cakes and a great beer selection. After dinner, our waitress showed us a few of the rooms that could serve for a party and we met the manager who was very pleasant and helpful. I loved the ambiance, with the big open room, and can't wait to sit outside on a nice night near the fire pit.
(5)Jeff S.
This is the best restaurant I've been to in years. High quality, delicious food, quick and friendly service, good prices, and really nice atmosphere. I was really impressed. I definitely understand now why the place is always packed. We had the Apple & Pear Salad to start--a great mix of sweet and savory. Our entrée was a Sweet Sopressata & Wild Mushroom Pizza--very tasty, with just the right amount of spices. We agreed that it was a pizza perfectly geared toward adult tastes. Finally, for desert, we had the delicious Gelato Cookie Sandwich. The service was really great too. Our waiter was constantly checking in on us and getting us refills. He recommended a great beer, the Delirium, as well. If I had to give one knock against it, it would have to be the acoustics for the music they play. At times, all we could hear was bass. It was a little distracting, but it didn't cut into the atmosphere too much. Definitely still a 5 star restaurant, in our opinion.
(5)AJ S.
Great pizza and very accommodating folks. You can really have a nice time here. They also keep nice fancy liquors like Islay scotches.
(5)Alex D.
The reason I gave Matchbox 3 stars is because of the price of the food. The service is above average which makes the dining experience good compared to other restaurants in the area. The food on the other hand is sub par for the price. $9 for 3 cheeseburger sliders?? $14 for a 10" pizza?? Ive eaten here a couple times and was satisfied with my meal, until the check came. Sliders w/cheese $9 Small Chopped Salad $6 Crab Cake Sandwich $14 10" Matchbox Meat $14 Stella Artois $7 Tiamo Pinot Grigio $7 With tax and tip (20%) that's $71.00!!! While we waited almost 30 minutes for our table we went to the bar and looked around the restaurant. We were both amazed at the design and the decoration of the restaurant. I liked how their upstairs had a couple booths and a huge table that could seat up to maybe 14 people. The upstairs patio is a great new addition but the wait to be seated there is normally double the standard wait time. This is a little absurd to me considering your just staring at peoples tail lights. But different strokes for different folks. The main bar is very cramped with a mix of happy hour patrons and families waiting for their table. This tends to make the bar area hard to get comfortable in and even harder to get a beer. Your best bet is checking out the front bar by the outside dining area. Since this bar is off to the side it tends to get over looked by newcomers and may work better for a more relaxed wait time. All in all it was a good experience but i still cant get over the fact that it was $70 for essentially a pizza and crab cake sandwich. Yes, i realize we got apps and A drink a piece, but still $70?? Not a go to restaurant but a would go restaurant.
(3)Lisa W.
Arrived right at noon on a Friday and was told a 45 minute wait. I noticed people walking in and getting seated immediately. There were very few servers and tons of empty tables. NOTE: make reservations before arriving especially at peak times!. One hostess was not wearing a bra so it was the talk of the waiting area. The young man working the hostess stand was very personable and polite. He was checking with folks waiting to make sure everyone was comfortable :) Got seated by a manager(?) he was apologetic for the wait -. The waiter was very informative about the menu. We started with the 6 slider appetizer, and the pear salad. Both were fantastic. My son who is not a lover of salads even thought the pear salad was delicious. We ordered a larger pizza with salami and mushrooms. Again the food has fresh ingredients and was great! Since we figured we would not be back soon (he is away at college) we decided to order the hot doughnuts. I bit into the first doughnut and it was raw (ugh). After a great meal this was a downer!. The waiter was great and swooped the doughnuts away and we got a fresh batch. I realize the place is new and I think once they staff up , and get the flow of how things operate it will be a go to place. The outdoor bar and seating area looked very appealing - can not wait for the warmer weather.
(4)Lucy B.
Still a no thank you. You should be doing way better Matchbox.
(1)Sebb J.
I ordered a starter salad and the sausage pizza. The salad was decent but a bit on the acidic side. The sausage pizza I wolfed down easily, it was not best pizza i had but for suburban Maryland that was really unexpected. The service was just above average. She was quite friendly and talkative but towards the end even though the clientele had faded didn't come to us very often.
(4)Sandra A.
I like matchbox in general, I like the atmosphere, and have been many times, my only issue is everything I loved on the menu is no longer on the menu. From my fav drink to entree to dessert....How I managed to pick everything that will be taken off, beats me but I'm no longer excited to go there because I can't look forward to the the things I liked.
(3)Robert R.
wood-fired masonry oven pizza and mini burgers (not sliders) are the specialty items at these self proclaimed village pizza bistro's. the rockville restaurant, a stand alone structure in a big box shopping center along 355 is open and airy with two floors, an open pizza kitchen, two outdoor patios and two bar areas. this restaurant fills a big void in the area but expect lengthy waits on friday and saturday nights. favorites: mini burgers, cheese pizza, tuna nicoisesalad and all desserts
(4)Ann S.
This place was fun, friendly and delicious! Beautifully decorated and furnished!
(3)Emily P.
I've had the veggie, fire and smoke, meat, and meatball pizzas. I'm not sure if its because I've had a number of better experiences prior with brick oven pizza, but eating the pizzas here left me feeling heavy with terrible indigestion. I've also tried their other dishes like bacon shrimp and grits, tuna tartare, scallop gratin, crab and avocado salad, which I thought were mediocre at best. However, I recommend their burgers and definitely their onion fries (amazing!). Service here is usually spotty.
(2)AJ F.
Great food, reasonable price, with decent service... Second trip for me, will go back again. Make sure to make a reservation, there is always a line to get a seat. Overall, good place with great food.
(4)Ray M.
Food is excellent, but a little pricey. Service ok. Great, clean atmosphere :)
(4)Debby W.
Our group of 6 had a little of everything they offered and LOVED it all! The pizza was perfect~the crust was crispy and the toppings were delicious! We practically licked the plate of the avocado/something appetizer..and the beet salad was delicious. While the swordfish was little over done, the Short Ribs were amazing! OMG, the bread pudding was another lick the plate thing and so were the donuts! Our server John was very, very attentive. Yes, a little pricey...so I knocked off a star, but I haven't had such delicious food in ROCKVILLE, since I can remember!
(4)Robin O.
Was expecting MUCH better, since Matchbox seems to be the newest ballyhooed restaurant on the Pike. The waitress was very nice and seemed knowledgeable about the menu. Since it was our first time, the five of us decided on items we all could try. I ordered the Cream of Crab soup and it was very good, the portion was large easy to share and it had a nice hump of shredded crabmeat on top to stir in. Son ordered the Apple Pear Salad, we all liked it. One ordered crab cake sandwich which he said was very good, but accompanying FF's were overcooked, cool and tasteless. The kids (25, 28) split 1 lg wood fired pizza. Good toppings, flavor enjoyed by all. The bad: TOO MANY TECHNICAL ERRORS. Hubby's Gin & Tonic was served in a girly Martini glass, waitress said they were out of the right size glasses. (The place was 90% empty.) Hubby's beet salad was served heavy on the beets and lettuce but with miniscule amount of goat cheese. The kids large pizza split: half matchbox meat, half Serrano Spanish ham & Pecorino Romano. The toppings were very good, garlicky, tasty, however thin crust was not so good. Over-cooked, a bit tough and chewy, very hard to cut w/ the knife that came with pizza, which should have been serrated, not butter knife edge. It was comical trying to tease out a slice of pizza using exaggerated sawing motions. This caused the topping to come off and you had to re-build your piece. Hubby ordered the Short Ribs which had a pleasant flavor, there was some berry jam flavor going on, interesting, it was very sweet. Waitress called it a wine reduction when asked. However, the meat was dry, most likely due to sitting around. The side dish was Brussel sprouts w/ bacon and gorgonzola but was way too heavy on the gorgonzola, it was a mouthful of cheese and you couldn't taste anything else and it looked like a pile of mush. I ordered the Grilled Romaine & Hanger Steak Salad. This is served on a plate with grilled whole Romaine lettuce and hanger steak cut into about five 3"slices. The meat was heaped in a small pile on plate, not sitting on lettuce. (pictured.) It's garnished with a halved boiled egg, three croutons, and Caesar dressing on the side. I tasted the meat, and it was tepid to cool. The waitress came by, asked how our food was, I asked if the steak is supposed to be served cold and she said "No, it should be hot." She took my plate away, it came out 10 min. later, the 2nd time the meat was placed in strips, not heaped in pile (consistency?) and again the meat was tepid, but decided not to complain. This whole dish tasted heavily of PROPANE, including charred lettuce, 75% more charred the second time (consistency?). I think they take a propane torch to cook the meat on the plate and the lettuce, as well. I suggest renaming this dish "Propane flavored Meat Salad." My dog enjoyed it very much. Our waitress said Matchbox "excels at dessert". We ordered Molten Chocolate Cake. The portion size was paltry, 3" across, (pictured) so between 5 adults, only got a teaspoon bite for $8. In the middle was caramel, so why the name Molten CHOCOLATE cake? We were expecting 'To Die For', but not much flavor, not enough sugar, simply BORING. I ordered "Donuts and Coffee", (apparently the new restaurant craze... as we ate at The Palm last week and ordered Coffee n' Donuts for dessert and it was SUBLIME.) It's supposed to be served with an Espresso Kahlua Creme Sauce to dip the donut into -- imagine my surprise after dipping donut into sauce, popping it into my mouth and discovering that the dipping sauce was Caesar Dressing!!! YUK! GAG! The donuts were terrible, over fried rocks, inedible. These owners need to go to the Palm and see how this dish should be made. Scratch that, it's probably where they got the idea to do it in the first place. FAIL! After all these mistakes; puny glass size for G&T, meat served cold, Caesar Dressing as dessert dip (which will become legend in our family) there was no comp. We didn't ask, but they definitely should have offered SOMETHING. Mere Annoyances: I didn't realize that there's a bread shortage going on. Bread is offered at an extra $1.00 charge. We received 2 rolls for 5 people. They split rolls in half with melted garlic butter, then grilled it. It could have been good but it was too salty. As we left through the 100% empty bar, there were two Bartenders standing there. We walked passed and neither of them said anything to us such as "Thank you, come again". They just glanced at us and then looked away, (probably counting their money). That cold shoulder was the perfect end to an imperfect dining experience. I was told that Matchbox has 4 REAL chefs. Really? So many technical errors; over cooking, over salting, heavy handedness, and forgetting ingredients. There's an overall lack of finesse, quality and consistency in most dishes we tried. This place is HEAVY on the EGO and LIGHT on the TALENT. $150 bucks down the drain on mostly mediocre food.
(2)Rolf H.
I ate a mid-afternoon pizza with my daughter. The pizza was pretty good, if not great. Service was really good, and they had a good selection of beer. What really annoyed me was the incessant beat of the synthetic techno pseudo "music" they play -- a full hour of techno beat with no melody or anything else that could actually be called music. It was like a jackhammer to my head -- just really, really irritating. Why do they think someone can enjoy a meal with a robotic woodpecker pecking non-stop at their brain?
(2)Yama A.
I guess you should not go there on a tuesday night. We were seated right away but the service was slow, we had to call a waitress over to our table. The food was barely edibale. The waitress messed up our order, got raw burgers, greasey and burnt curley fries. The waitress was unattentive,not concerned even though my wife hadn't touched her meal, she did not ask us if anything was wrong... we just wanted to get out of there.... not worth the $60 we spent on a meal for two.... will never go back....
(1)Carrie W.
Awesome, our server Reece was wondeful!
(5)David M.
Food, drinks and service are all deserving of four stars. A pleasant treat on the Pike!
(4)Onawa C.
I'd love to say I actually ate there but I didn't. My birthday celebration is 2 weeks away and, October 1st and Alicia the sorta kinda party planner does not book two large parties in one night. As a corporate events planner myself, I've never heard of such a thing. Not to mention she never offered anything other than to split up my party and suggested I couldn't afford the room rental again not that she would even book it. So Matchbox ain't the place for large parties. I typically review restaurants for potential work conferences and meetings. I should just show up with my party of 18 people and see how they handle it but I couldn't even get in the front door so service would just go down here from here. Enter at your own risk!!
(1)Julia P.
Was waiting for full recovery after the food poisoning in Matchbox,Rockville. First there was a fake waitlist with a lot available tables and about 7 people waiting for an hour. Drinks are mixed not just wrongly but they are way too strong. Food is overpriced and has too much fat in it. After working as a chief cook in French cuisine restaurant, I can hardly give a star to the Matchbox in Rockville location. My friend was food poisoned right there and refused to eat at all. I ate about 1/4 part of my meal, and next day was struggling for 12 hours. The people who are working there are nice and friendly...I guess the rating star is for them ;-)
(1)Johnny P.
We had the scallops and large pesto chicken and steak & onion (half and half). The scallops were excellent, pizza was good. The pizza was thin and wasn't hard to eat. Fed 3 people to satisfactory. Kinda pricey though. $24 for scallops.
(4)Victor D.
Great brunch! And they finally built one big enough to seat everyone!
(4)Cornelius E.
I thoroughly enjoy going to this place. Very cool interior with good food to back it up. I always get the slider when I'm here as I am a big fan of these mini bun goodness. There might be a couple of better places to go in Rockville for eating alone but this is the place if you want to unwind after work or a date night. 4 stars for the ambiance alone. Hip but not pretentious.
(4)Sunshine W.
Pizza is great. Kids got mac n cheese which was excellent. Not too much else to choose from for kids though. The donut balls are a must.....delicious. Staff is on top of things. Atmosphere is nice and modern.
(4)Dennis R.
The atmosphere was great, a very open feel with plenty of outdoor seating and parking. We enjoyed the bacon wrapped shrimp and grits, which was spectacular and in my opinion something you must order. The cream of crab soup was great, a bit lighter than your typical cream of crab soups, which I enjoyed. The matchbox chicken sandwich was excellent, and the mini burgers were really good too. The portions were generous and our server was very attentive. Fantastic experience, can't wait to go back!
(4)Suzanne R.
I thought it was on the louder side. Open. Trendy. Very good for groups. Th pizza crust was very thin & very good. The sauce was nothing special. Spicy meatball pizza was mild. The tuna tartar was superb & the doughnuts are very good! Its clean, worth going to, good food. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Greg p.
This is true wood oven pizza, nothing stamped out assembly line about it. The extra crispy crust and the browned bubbling cheese is perfection. Good selection of on tap beers and some fun house cocktails. Just a bit on the pricey side but worth splurging for every now and then.
(4)Neville S.
Great restaurant! Good pizza and great chopped salad. We loved the chocolate Lava cake!!
(4)K D.
Matchbox is by far the coolest place you can find in Rockville/North Bethesda. Yes it's on Rockville Pike, yes it's a suburban area, but once you pull up to the restaurant, you can automatically feel it's super TRENDY VIBE. For Maryland, this is as LA as it gets and I love it. Great staff, great food. There are often waits on the weekends because it's the coolest spot in town right now and it's worth the wait. I'd much rather wait a few than stumble upon an empty place only to leave regretting it! Go to Matchbox!!!!! You will love. I can't wait to sit on the patio this summer and chill. :)
(5)Mariella B.
I've been here several times, most of the time during the lunch hours. The restaurant is def a big step up from the old restaurants that stood there, the new renovation will keep patrons coming back especially since it's two levels with a nice outdoor space. I haven't been wow-ed by this restaurant, as much as I really want to love it...I just don't. I think the pizza's are just okay, majority of the times I got the pizza the crust it too chewy and still doughy in the middle. I know some reviewers love the pizza but too me it's just way too overpriced and bland. I have gotten the Margherita, Fire & Smoke, Pepperoni, and Matchbox Meat. The best thing going for at this place are the cheeseburger sliders, this is what makes me want to come back especially those onion strings. The wait can get pretty long here and the waiting area is really not a waiting area. The hostess stand is too close to the entrance that when there is a long line it ends up winding out through the entrance. Boyfriend and I came here on a Saturday night, we requested for a table and we saw that they had the outdoor heaters on and the fire pit so we asked to sit outside. It would be a 30 minute wait so we went to the bar to have a drink. We got comfortable so we decided to just have dinner at the bar. That was a great decision the bartenders are awesome and seem to be more attentive than the servers are and were fun to talk to. So next time you come and it's just you and a date...skip getting a table and sit at the bar. I may not like coming for the pizzas but coming for drinks and appetizers will most likely have me come back and it's a great place for date night.
(3)Jason P.
Terrible experience. After a long wait for a table, we ordered a pepperoni pizza. While I realize the menu said "some charring can occur due to the temperature of the ovens" - our pizza was BURNED. Waiter never returned after a kitchen helper dropped off the pizza until it was time to drop off the check. When he finally did and we expressed our dissatisfaction, he only responded with "Well, next time, you should order it less well done." Evidently poorly prepared pizza is the responsibility of the customer. I'd recommend driving past this place to one of the many other fine restaurants in DC (or even in Rockville for that matter).
(1)Saleh M.
The atmosphere here is great. When weather is nice, the back outside bar is a good place to drink, socialize, watch the game. The bartenders are friendly and attentive. Though I like to come here for a beer, I can't rave about the pizza. just so-so.
(3)Brandi K.
Everything about this place is pretentious and annoying. We were told--somewhat rudely, I might add--that there was an hour and 45 minute wait for a table for 2, at 2 p.m. on a Sunday. Thanks but no thanks. Get over yourself, Matchbox...it's not as though overpriced restaurants on Rockville Pike are a rarity.
(1)Ronni G.
The great food, good service and urban casual atmosphere I expect from an outpost of this upscale chain. Sweet calamari salad and local brew hit the spot for lunch. Came back the next day for more at dinner time. Pepperoni and cheese pizza was terrific.
(4)Ashley E.
Yummy. Love the outside fire pit!
(4)Chris H.
I LOVED this place. Not only is it stunningly gorgeous and spacious on the inside, but the staff is beyond friendly and all smiles. My partner and I went on a Saturday in the afternoon, and were seated immediately and sipping our water within 5 minutes. We had Josh, the friendliest waiter I have ever met in my life, who came to check on us at the right moments and was very attentive. The food was great to say the least. I'm looking forward to the next time I have an opportunity to eat here again. Definitely a welcome addition to the chain restaurant wasteland that the area has become.
(5)Alex R.
This is my favorite Restaurant in the Rockville. Love the structure, love the food. The one thing I would add is to try the brunch; my favorite pizza here is the Brunch Pizza. Can be annoyingly busy though, even on weekdays.
(4)Nicole L.
The building was transformed into a beautiful space, I loved the interior of the restaurant, it was much more spacious than the Chinatown one. We just wanted to meet with friends at the bar but after few hours of standing, we decided maybe it was a good idea to get a table. We sat down at this table that opened up, it was getting late and the crowd was dwindling but the server semed displeased with our decision. To make her feel better, we ordered the trio of meatless burger, mini crabcakes and scallops as well as the Fire N Smoke pizza that our friend was raving about. I thought it was slightly costly for $19 it was vege pizza but it was spicy like described. My friend commented that the Chinatown one was spicier. The server was friendlier after that fact that we ordered food and more beverage, I wished we werent made to feel bad. If you wanted better tips you should just give a provide a good service and not care about what people order!!
(3)paul g.
This is the new hyped up place in Rockville. haven't we seen this b/f? Not the place for happy hour. Too cramped and drinks $10 plus. No happy hour pricing. Food about average. Nothing special. Service was overzealous probably b/c of complaints. My advice, wait until the hype dies down and they get used to a regular clientelle. It will probably improve. for now go to your local place in ur hood! P-
(2)Nicholas M.
After being a long time patron of the location in Gallery Place we decided to try the a Rockville location to celebrate a graduation. We were very pleased to find the same quality of food and service, without the usual long wait, and will definitely return. The braided short ribs were so tender they fell off the bone and melted in your mouth. The pork in creole sauce was full of inedible flavors and would have been amazing if it was not slightly overcooked. The crab cake sandwich was so big it would have been difficult to finish by itself let alone with the generous portion of fries. The rockfish was well cooked but was on the bland side and we were not wild about the risotto. The Matchbox meat pizza was everything I hoped for and satisfied my craving for it. It has a ton of flavors though I would like a slightly thicker crust to help the pizza keep its form as I try to eat it. On whole, the menu provides a wide range of options and their beer tap selection always has something new to try. My only complaint is the price of drinks at the bar. One round for 4 was almost $50 for two rail mixed drinks and two premium beers. Maybe that is just me though.
(4)Lauren S.
The atmosphere, food and wine were great! So was the service. I went here with my date, who was being a stiff, uptight prick that night, so I went ahead and ordered the Rockfish. His eyes buldged out, but he wasn't a hater. It was a great choice. It was light, flaky, a amazing. It was on top of a creamy risotto, which was also delicious. Although I was hungry like 4 hours later, at least I now know that this place is great for so much more than just pizza. My date loosened up a little later. But who cares what his problem was....it was his problem....with the light, perfect glass of white wine I had, and that great food, it was easy to just bounce his energy off. And later on I fixed his whack little attitude, anyway. So there.
(4)Antony C.
The food was great and service as well. My only two issues were the price and having to make a reservation.
(4)D C.
When you spend a ton of money to renovate a building and then install a very expensive brick oven wouldn't you also bring in the right people to cook a decent pizza? My biggest complaint about Matchbox is what they are known for, the pizza, is not good. All serious pizza lovers know that it starts with the crust. Matchbox's crust is sad. It is like tasteless cardboard. You would think that great brick oven would impart some flavor and save this pizza experience but it doesn't. Their sauce is not very good either and there isn't enough of it. The cheese layer is skimpy and then overcooked. The pizza that comes to your table is overcooked, hard, dry and so not what one would expect for the prices they charge! You know when you go to a convenience store and they have the pizza that has been under the heat lamp for 3 hrs? That is about what the Matchbox pizza experience is like. They boast freshness, and maybe the ingredients really are, but the pizza is so poorly executed it doesn't make a difference. I have this other problem too. Right across the street is this other (new) pizza place that opened in 2011 called Pizza CS. It's a smaller place where the two owners are nearly always there. They are friendly and they truly care about their product. They have a brick oven too. It's probably a lot smaller and they don't have a full bar like Matchbox... but the pizza! It is so unbelievably good! I cannot, with a clear conscience, eat a Matchbox pizza... ever... again. Why in the world would I subject myself to the poor service, overcrowding and high prices of Matchbox when I could get a pizza 10x better right across the street? Another thing I like is supporting the local (small) businesses. Matchbox could care less who I am, how my experience is or how likely I am to come back. Pizza CS is the opposite. I apologize that this is feeling more like a Pizza CS advertisement but having them across the street from one another begs me to do the comparison. Since I work in the area and am daily faced with "that" question... what should I do for lunch? Every now and then someone suggests Matchbox but more and more we all answer with WHY!?! Mediocre product, bad service, high prices and extremely uninspired pizza. Go to Pizza CS across the street and see what I mean. Matchbox has some okay dishes other than pizza. I like their crab soup, scallops and tuna appetizer but I just cannot go there for pizza. And before someone sends me a PM asking about my affiliation with Pizza CS (or any other restaurant), I am not. I am a professional in an entirely different field with no connections to the restaurant industry.
(2)Beth H.
Service was good, the food was excellent! Nice environment; very comfortable.
(5)Alex D.
Brand New Location in Rockville, the interior is spacious. I love their idea of creating a different feel to each room. When i first entered Matchbox its always crowded so be prepared to wait or make a reservation ahead of time. The Menu is simple and they have a good selection of Draft Beers. Also each beer gets their own special glass, I tried the Allagash which is a Hefeweizen. It was pretty good had a nice wheat flavor. We started out with Appetizers I had the Tuna Tartare which was amazing, nice raw tuna with a complimenting wasabi sauce on the side. A Friend Ordered the Mini Burgers which are amazing! Cooked to however you want it..Med Rare ordered, and came out the way we wanted them. Love their drink selections, they also have a house made Pineapple and Watermelon infused Vodka. The service was outstanding, Our server Nick was knowledgeable of their draft beers, liquor, and cocktail selections. He was able to give us his suggestions and there was not one miss. The food was outstanding, always go for the large pizza its only a few more dollars and you get a good size you can always take home and enjoy later. All in all the food, drink, and Service was amazing thanks to our waiter Nick.
(4)Ron T.
Love the Pizza here. I have always had good service and the drinks are good as well. I would highly recommend for Pizza
(4)Chris B.
I really liked the pizza here, despite it being slightly over priced. I would recommend you opt for the buffalo mozzarella, because it really makes the pizza that much better! There was a pretty long wait when I went, so reservations can't hurt. I suppose that this can be viewed as a sign that the food here is pretty good. I could comment on the great decor, but I'm a straight dude, so I would have likely said it was great even if I sat on a cement block while eating my meal.
(4)Aesah L.
We went for a late lunch on a Sunday and were pleasantly surprised to find a jazz trio playing. I got the bistro burger which was just decadent (and massive!) and the onion rings were amazing. The rest of the table got a margarita pizza which was delicious! We'll definitely be back, especially since they'll be bringing the brunch menu back in the next few months.
(4)Gina S.
Only spent a few hours in Rockville and hit up this local hot spot for dinner. Good stuff. The bar has a wide variety of liquors (always nice after a long day of work/travel) and the pizzas were tasty. I chose the sausage and sun dried tomato pie and enjoyed it very much. The staff was nice, nothing over the top, but kept the drinking/dining experience positive.
(4)Sara D.
I'm giving this a "3" because the staff at the front of the house is terrrible. I made a reservation two weeks prior to visiting. Yet, it was INSANE at the front desk when we walked in the door at 6 pm. Our friends had already arrived and said they'd wait for us. I wish they hadn't because I litterally had to stand over one of 4 hostesses to make sure we got seated. I realize they've only been open a few weeks and they don't want to anger anyone but still, they need to get their front door in check. If I'd never been to a Matchbox before I would've been ready to walk out. (That and the fact that I ony needed tonight's reservation on Open Table to score a $50 gc.) The disorganization at the door, combined with the large number of empty tables between it and the area we were seated - both on the way in and the way out - were HUGE negatives contributing to a lower score than they probably deserve. As was expected, the food was great. We stuck to pizza tonight, with a salad, and all three kinds were fantastic. I would have been disapointed if they hadn't been. I've eaten at the MB near the VZ center, and like tonight walked out feeling like a day at the gym is definitely due. However, I was more than pleasantly surprised by the excellent cocktails (try the "girly martinis" - the Pamatea was to die for...), reasonably priced wine list, and stellar desserts. Having lived in Rockville for over 10 years and visted this location in all of the various restaurant lives it's lived, I'm excited to see the really awesome decor and design they've done. I'm looking forward to warm night outdoors, and hoping the bar will spill into the really cool exterior when it warms up. Oh, one more negative, we took our kids - we weren't the only ones - however, I think the restaurant team thinks their concept is too good for that. They don't have a kids menu nor a paper placemat to color. Yes, I know it's pizza and yes, they bent over backwards to cater to our children, but is too much to ask you keep some crayons and paper placemats under that overstaffed and inefficient hostess stand? That being said, I'm looking forward to our next visit sans kids con designated driver, as this could be a new "hot" spot. (Well, at least as hot as it gets in Rockville. :-) ) On the other hand, judging by the cliental in the ladies room on the way out, I'm definitely lacking fake hair or, fake ta ta's, or fake fur, or a combination of the three to "fit in." I guess that crowd has left Timpano's for here. (Unfortunately!)
(3)Sa'lome H.
Great new spot
(4)linda d.
Went out with coworkers for after work drinks here on a Monday night and expected it to be rather empty cuz who goes out on a Monday night? Apparently everyone in Rockville?! Luckily, our group (~10) got there on the earlier side and was able to grab a few tables so we could sit outside together. The outdoor patio is great and perfect for having drinks on a warm evening. The pizza and food here is just as good as the one in DC. They don't seem to have any happy hour prices yet, but they said to check in with them in the future.
(4)H D.
Nice pizza place in rockville, but expensive. The drinks are super expensive also. We order the fire and smoke pizza, not as spicy as the menu labels it to be. Will come again for sure.
(4)Ann S.
Disappointed. I have been to the location in DC several times, and never been unhappy. (Even after a 90 min wait). Went to try the new one in Rockville last Saturday. When we walked up, my husband asked "are you sure they're open?", as there was still construction stuff being done outside. Since a coworker had eaten there the day before, I assured him it was. When we went in we were told it would be about a 15 minute wait. We were both puzzled by that as there were several empty tables, but assumed there probably wasn't enough staff. So we went to eat at the bar instead. We sat there for several minutes and saw the bartender take care of at least 3 orders before she even acknowledged us. (Remember- we were sitting AT THE BAR, RIGHT IN FRONT OF HER). Both my husband and I have worked in the service industry before, so I realize when you get busy, you do miss things. I don't have to be waited on the minute I arrive, but I would like a simple "I'll be right with you". We got zippy. In fact, the other staff that was just finishing their shift and leaving out the back door got attention before us. The rest of meal didn't really advance much. (At least it didn't get worse). . The beer selection is good, the location is horrible. Being on the pike is well... being on the pike. It sucks to get into, sucks to park on a weekend, sucks to get out. The pizza- eh-it isn't good enough to justify the hassle. The bar staff (as that was all we encountered) needs a little more polishing.
(3)Laura C.
Lots of selection, nice bar area.
(4)Dave C.
UPDATE: I am lowering my rating substantially due to the exceptionally bad service in addition to the last two meals being mediocre at best. On my last visit the lazy hostesses lied to us about the availability of outside seating. I know because we were told to get an outside table for lunch would take an additional 25-30 minutes or we could be seated indoors immediately. Since we had to get back to the office for work we chose indoor seating. We got a table with a great view of the patio - and 4 empty tables. No one was in line in front of us to get in and they sat people at these tables while we ate. The server got our orders wrong and the pizzas were overcooked. I had an iced tea that wasn't refilled once even though the glass was obviously empty. I doubt I will return to a restaurant that treats customers so poorly.
(2)Dia F.
The scallops with Sweet Mashed potatoes and pork loin is DELICIOUS!!! you can also never go wrong with Matchbox Punch ;)
(4)J.m. R.
Awesome restaurant, but very busy. Lots of family's till about 7ish. A little loud. Great food can't go wrong.
(5)Melissa C.
The food was very good, we loved the ambience & our waiter, Reese, was excellent!
(5)Joel S.
Food it good, service can be spotty and the wait is always too long... but I keep going back.
(4)Adam R.
SO glad Matchbox expanded into the 'burbs. Now they have a spacious location that they clearly put a lot of effort into, and it pays off!
(5)Lena K.
We had a nice lunch. Food had a beautiful presentation and taste, however the place was very loud. One cannot have a conversation
(3)Veronica S.
The place was really nice looking. I live nearby and was waiting for the perfect opportunity to go. I finally went with some friends today. The place is huge. Lots of available seating both inside and out. The pizzas were good. I had the Smoke & Fire. It had a great kick to it. I would like to come back here with more friends. :-)
(4)Andrew S.
First of all, I would like to state that I am giving this 5-stars because of the overall experience, based on food overall, I'd probably only give it 4 stars. Great location, HUGE restaurant space, and great food. Surprisingly the pizza, is the worst dish on the menu. There's really nothing special about it. It's like most trendy pizza places, it's more artistic than anything else. What truly impressed me about this restaurant more than almost any other in the area is the produce. Restaurants in this area are famous for passing off limp barely edible produce to their customers. Ordering the sliders as an appetizer, I was actually worried when the menu said pickles would be on them. But the surprise was quite pleasant when the perfectly sliced, crisp, semi-sweet pickles arrived on the sliders, which themselves are juicy, tasteful, and great! The best and I mean absolute best aspect of Matchbox, however... the desserts! I was lucky enough to actually get a chance to tell the chef that his take on Molton Chocolate cake was seriously the best I'd ever had in my life, it was delicious to the point where you wanted to be a 5 year old and be able to lick the plate and not get in trouble! I would have gladly paid $30 at a 5-star restaurant for my $8 dessert at Matchbox. Great wait staff, friendly atmosphere, that is just the right mix of casual and upscale... my only complaint is that I don't understand why they are a pizza place. The space and kitchen talent is wasted on pizza, they should be a fine dining establishment.
(5)Lina K.
Overated by far. Also FYI they make you wait even though there are tables available, only to make their restaurant seem busy. I have seen two couples wait an entire 20 minutes when the table next to me wasnt occupied neither reserved. LAME!
(1)Alan W.
Iza good foodage. Pizza is the economical choice and all the sandwiches look great.
(4)sarah t.
Nice atmosphere, good food. We'll definitely be taking our out of town guests here.
(4)Kristy P.
I really liked the pizza here, but those burly men with me thought it wasn't filling enough. I give it to them, for the price the pizza's are not honking full of meat, BUT they are delicious with unique combinations. I think if you are going to spend this much on dinner, I'd rather eat sushi. That is the major complaint with this place for me, is its expensive and lets be real its a pizza joint! The interior is beautiful, the bar has a great selection, but when it comes down to it, paying that much for a pizza is a bit ridic. (not to mention an hour wait on a Thursday).
(2)Michael W.
The place is nice but not excellent. The decor is good and the high celling makes it really spacious. The staff is quite nice and obviously still training. The food on the other hand did not live to the expectations. My wife ordered a tuna salad nicoise and although the tuna was cooked as it should be, the potatoes were completely raw. I ordered the 3.6.9 mini-burgers and they were good. I have to go back a couple of times and try additional plates to make my mind about the food. So far, I would say that this is a nice place to go for lunch or dinner in Rockville. It isn't a woohoo kindda of place but it is definitely a decent option in the region.
(2)B T.
Been there twice, pizza is nice and tasty, but deserts are not really good. Will definitely visit there again for pizza :)
(3)Aaron C.
Definitely the 'hippest' restaurant in Rockville. Yeah, that's probably like being the valedictorian of summer school or the world's tallest midget. But it's true. This place is great. Very cool atmosphere. Makes you feel for a short while that you're not in rockville but rather in DC or even NYC. And the food is excellent.
(4)Kathy S.
I finally got to go to Matchbox and I really, really liked it! The pizza was delicious and came out of the kitchen pretty quickly. I had delicious beverages served by really nice bartenders. The decor was ok there -- very open. I'm on the cusp of giving it 5 stars but I sort of like to save that rating for when a place is almost unbeatable.
(4)Tammy S.
Went for the first time this weekend. Very good food. Wonderful atmosphere - drinks a little pricey but food menu is pretty average price for a place like this. I will definitely go back.
(4)Angelica S.
Their pizza was good with unique choices but I think that they are a little overpriced. They do have very good sliders with a huge pile of onion rings. This place a good for a late night dinner if you have no reservation because it is usually packed.
(3)Alex C.
Trendy, yuppie atmosphere, decent but overpriced pizza, good beer, creative apps, and down-to-earth good service. Went with a large group, early, with a reservation. Great draft beer selection, but WAY overpriced. Yuengling for $7...eh I don't think so. The server handled our large group with effortless skill and patience, which was much appreciated. We split a giant plate of burger sliders with a mound of the curly onion ring things. The sliders were good, but not really anything to write home about. Also tried the fried bruschetta. Eh, fried bread is not really something I would ever crave or order again. It was creative and interesting to split among a group. The pizza... our group mostly went with the chicken and pesto pizza combinations - 'Q special' i think. They really put a lot of chicken on the pizza which is a plus. Others at the table got the pepperoni pizza, which they required a couple handfuls of paper napkin to sop up the puddles of grease before eating. I got the salami/wild mushroom pizza, which had a nice assortment of fresh herbs chopped and sprinkled on top. The mushrooms were tasty and the salami very salty. They are generous with the toppings and a "Small" size is plenty for one person. The crust was nicely charred, but lacked in flavor and chewiness. There really was nothing wrong with the food, but also nothing truly memorable about it either. I think I'd avoid this place if I was in a table of two or three, as there were around 80 people waiting for tables when we left. Definitely get a reservation if you can. The hostess seemed to enjoy putting on a show of snooty aloofness when dealing with customers. For the fact that it was a Tuesday evening at 6pm and that the whole dining space feels overly designed and fake, which left me thinking that Matchbox is WAY OVERRATED. Come down to earth and lower your prices some, and I consider going back. For the price and better pizza, I'm a much bigger fan of Mia's pizza ( yelp.com/biz/mias-pizza-… ) in Bethesda, where you get better pizza for a better price in a more intimate setting.
(3)JADE N.
Ummm....I am here to spread some life into these reviews. First let me say that we have gone to the capitol hill and Chinatown locations many times. However, we are always discouraged because of lack of parking, large crowds, and long waits. Not anymore!!! This location has tons of parking and the wait has never been more than 15 minutes. In addition, we can make reservations on Friday and Saturday nights...plus! Food is great, as all the matchbox locations are. Though I usually stick with pizza. My hubby loves the burger. I enjoy the ambiance, friendly service, and drinks! The long island is tasty because they use their own sour mix. I am writing this review after instruction from the hubby because of our last visit. We went on Saturday night. We always order a half matchbox meat/half pepperoni and onion pizza. Welp, needless to say they messed up and somehow forgot the pepperoni. Instead of throwing a few pepperonis on to appease us, they told us to snack on what they had made while they made a new pizza. The chef hand delivered the pizza while apologizing for the mix up. We went home with 2 boxes of pizza. That is above and beyond service in our book. We will be back often. FYI, I have had the rockfish before but didn't care for it. I hadn't even complained about my meal. The waitress just saw that I had barely touched it and asked me if I enjoyed it. Her response when I was dissatisfied...choose something else! I had the beef and mashed potatoes instead which my hubby liked. It was ok. I don't know what the complaints are about. Good food, service, drinks, etc!
(4)Debra A.
Service and food are great. Best roadsliders ive ever had the salads pizzas and entrees (had almost every one and all delicious. Only once had bad service.
(5)Christine K.
Definitely not worth it! I had ordered a pizza to-go and was very disappointed! It was soggy and it tasted like one of the celeste pizza that could have been bought with a dollar instead of $13! I was expecting gourmet pizza just like Pizzeria Paradiso in DC/Old Town Alexandria. I had a better pizza with Pizza Hut! So disappointing with so much hype! Never again! I have learned my lesson......
(1)andrea d.
The food was good, the atmosphere very different than your usual Rockville based restaurant, but it was pretty expensive for a restaurant on Rockville Pike, running over $70 for two glasses of wine, two salads and an appetizer. We got the trio appetizer and two salads (the apple/pear and the sweet and tangy calamari) which were all wonderful. The scallops on the appetizer were really good. It was a little loud to talk intimately, but it was a nice place to go for an evening with my mom. The wait also wound up being only 8 minutes, after the hostess warned us it may have been up to thirty without reservations, so we were pleased. We would definitely come again.
(4)Nancy T.
Okay, granted, I went here at 4:30 on a Monday evening. But let me tell you what happens on 4:30 on a Monday evening. The shift changes. These beautiful waiters and waitresses come on duty and hug and chat each other up as they polish each and every piece of flatware and crystal on each and every table. The food was great. I wanted to try everything on the menu. I settled for a white prosciutto and olive pizza and designer beer. Awesome. Can't wait to come back.
(4)Ricardo V.
It's right around my house and I just love this place , I have dinner or lunch every other week. Great service and I love the food. The space outside is perfect for the spring and summer.
(5)h g.
Mini Burgers and Pizza was awesome. Liked the Service and the surroundings.
(4)Caitlin A.
I went with family this past weekend. We got the mini burgers and the straw fries. Omigosh!! I want to put one in my house. The pan-seared chicken dish was ok. The chicken was a little dry, but all in all the service was fantastic.
(5)Kelly M.
Their burger is phenomenal. The onion rings are way better than the fries in my opinion. They sell the burger in a normal (but large) portion and in mini-sliders. They have a full bar and patio seating. However, the beers were a bit expensive--7$ for the cheapest pint. Wine list is standard and cocktails are also a little too expensive. Great place for families as the menu is kid friendly.
(3)Allen D.
Hamburger overfilled beware
(2)L G.
Went with the family yesterday (a Monday) for lunch. Was interested to see what their Rockville location was all about, given Matchbox's reputation. The food was OK, but nothing particularly special. The two pizzas we ordered tasted good, but we've had tastier elsewhere. The burger was the same -- good, but nothing special. The cream of crab soup had some nice flavors, but was way too thick (it was like a heavy paste) and much too salty (too common a problem with soups in restaurants it seems). The one thing about the food that's a bit pretentious is that just about everything is served somewhat burned -- on purpose. Yeah, we get that the pizzas are made in a brick oven -- but is it necessary for the crusts to be burned black in order to prove it? In addition, the burger was charred black on the outside and the fries that came with it were overcooked and dark brown -- apparently all on purpose as well. The service was a bit lacking. In particular, there seemed to be a lack of effective communication between the front and back of the house. All of our food was only luke warm when it arrived at the table. The salad we ordered never came, although it did make it onto the bill. Given the quality of the food and service, we left feeling like we didn't get the experience and value we would have expected for the money we paid. We absolutely don't mind paying more if we're going to have great food and a great experience, but this wasn't it. Note for anyone with a family: There is no childrens' menu. Not a problem for us, but it might be for others. It's a bit surprising that a restaurant like Matchbox would make a big investment in a suburban location and then ignore the fact that at least some of their prospective customers are families with children. The restaurant looks and feels great on the inside -- kudos to the designers. The vibe was pretty good, but in the back of my mind I kept wondering what the heck is a "vintage pizza bistro" (as Matchbox bills itself) -- other than a somewhat pretentious contrivance? Overall, we were a bit disappointed, especially given the hype. Not sure our family, or my spouse and I sans children, will be returning.
(2)Corinne D.
We had the mozzi carrozzi which was awesome but the pizza's taste exactly as you expect. Nothing wow'd me but the appetizer. I would go back and try something other than pizza.
(3)Toni K.
Place is great. The service is friendly and the food is consistent!
(5)Marilyn e.
After visiting MatchBox in Rockville I've decided I won't return. My Pear & Apple salad at a cost of $12 was very small with very little blue cheese and walnuts. The salad was also missing the pears. Manager suggested that I was mistaken and that the salad did have pears. Okay, I'm the customer. Manager did not introduce herself and offered no alternative salad since this one was incomplete. Poor customer service. Guess MatchBox is so popular now they don't have to offer good customer service.
(1)hoot k.
Great to see a decent place open up in the Rockville area - in particular this location where it seems like restaraunts have been cursed... but glad to see Matchbox is doing well ...and i think mostly people in the rockville/bethesda area have been waiting for a place to go.. Like most folks (i think) i'll stumble in matchbox after a caps/wiz game and grab drinks...sliders, pizza.. which seem to be the staple.. this time i decided to do the seared salmon which wasn't bad at all.. i do think it's slightly over priced but overall didn't mind too much. We also got the roasted linguini.. which was ok..nothing too special but overall was a nice experience. As from experience, i think we've ordered every pizza throughout the years.. fire/smoke is decent - yes a bit spicy but a good choice to warm you up (esp. this winter season..) although my fav is the veggie.. but i'd recommend asking to leave the potato fingers/chips or whatever they are off - just an odd combination and overall too greasy.. Reason i'd give it a 4/5 (actually a 3.5).. is the drinks: in particular the cocktails.. WOW they are small!! with the ice, it's like a quarter of an ounce of vodka, gin or whatever your flavor is... and 1/2 ouch of club soda. all for ~$10.. so usually i'll just stick to the decent beer selection. but for beer, i'd head over to muscle bar in bethesda...(that's another review of course as they have a few great beers on draft - which is un-heard of.. esp in this area). Also for the rating, the pizza isn't as good as it's hyped up to be..i think (at least for me) each time i would go to the DC location after a game, i probably didn't have all of my senses after a couple (cough) of drinks at a game. But overall, there are some things here and there that i could complain more about but i'm just happy MoCo (in particular rockville) is starting to bring some better places people have been yearning for!
(4)Ros B.
Soup, salad, burgers awesome. Pizza just ok. Great atmosphere. Will go back.
(4)Craig S.
Been great both times. Fire and Smoke was great and the atmosphere is pretty cool too.
(4)Chris L.
The beef ribs, and pepperoni pizza are fantastic. Waitstaff nice. The only issue is the long waits, and it's hard to get to the bar when it's crowded. The place is know for it's sliders, they're OK, not a fan of them.
(4)Maureen K.
good pizza, salads. not huge but nice enough. extra points for the solid servers we have had twice
(3)E L.
Huge space, with very high ceilings. Kind of rustic feel. I liked it, my companion didn't. But we really didn't go there for the looks, but rather for the pizza. And there, we were disappointed. The fire & smoke was hot alright -- almost too spicy. The "make your own" pizza was too salty, and nothing special about the crust or the ingredients. The only dish we thought was above average was the grilled lettuce and beef salad. It was a decent cut, done to our request level and the dressing was tasty. Service was courteous, but very very slow. And that when there were no lines, and the place was more then half empty!!! Summary -- OK food, slow service, too expensive. P.S. I didn't like the fact that many of the dishes had pork or pork derivatives as an ingredient.
(2)Kiah Jane C.
My husband and I were really excited for a great (and large) restaurant to open on the Rockville Pike. We'd heard a lot of hype from the other Matchbox in Chinatown and were really looking forward to checking this one out. We arrived at 4pm on a Sunday and were told that there was a 30 minute wait. We were lucky to grab a couple of seats in the patio bar and grab a couple of drinks as the wait was closer to an hour. The frustrating part was that there were several tables in the bar and the restaurant that just weren't being seated, and though there seemed to be staff swarming EVERYWHERE (mostly at the bar) they appeared to be understaffed. We listened to some great employee conversation (what wasn't working, who slept with who) and were finally seated at a table that was so small that we could barely share the salad we ordered with two plates. We ordered a large pizza with roasted red peppers and received a tiny flat circle of nothing with a sliver (if that) of roasted pepper on each tiny little slice. This type of restaurant clearly appeals to someone - clearly people were waiting, and from what I understand the other location is always busy - but it wasn't for us. Three beers total, a shared salad and the smallest large pizza I've ever seen and we dropped $78. A little pricey since we still had to go eat dinner afterwards. We likely would have excused the cost - everything is pricey down here, it's just what you live with to live here - but the outrageous stinginess of the toppings coupled with the total unprofessionalism of the staff will definitely keep us from returning to, or recommending, Matchbox in the future.
(1)Sylvia P.
I came with a group of 9 on a Sunday evening, we asked how long the wait was and they couldn't give us a time frame. So we stood there (the waiting area simply sucks-- no seating, just standing) for about 40 minutes, and finally asked if we could split up and the hostess says we might as well wait for a 9 person table. We wait another 25 minutes and ask to be split up because countless groups of 4 and 5 have been seated before us. (They seat us promptly.) The seater brings us to our tables, without menus, seats us down. After 15 minutes, a waiter finally realizes we don't have water or menus and proceeds to bring us some. Bleh. We ordered appetizers but the waiter didn't even brings us plates. We had to eat from the appetizer plate because she never came to our table to check up on how we were doing. The food comes out, it was delicious because we've been waiting for over an hour and a half-- anything would taste good by then. We got the check, and we split up the payment and our waiter charged my card twice which was a huge inconvenience, the waiter didn't even take care of it, the manager came up to me and basically said to wait two days before the payment is refunded back to me-- whatever. Bad experience, slow service, don't know if I'll be returning.
(2)Jennifer R.
This place has great thin crust pizzas! I had the veggie pizza, which is so delicious. My husband tried the spicy meatball and that was pretty good too. Definitely one of my fav pizza places in the area.
(4)PierAngeli M.
I recently visited Matchbox for lunch with friends. Prior to being seated, had a pamatini, pretty much a martini but it was awesome. As we waited to be seated, we watched as many great-smelling dishes wafted past our noses. The waitress was very knowledgeable about the menu and recommended the mini burgers with onion straws and the Matchbox meat pizza. The mini burgers were delicious and literally melted in our mouths (cooked medium with gorgonzolla cheese). Also, the pizza was great and had us arguing over who was going to take the last few pieces. Service great, food great, will definitely return for round two. The salads looked like art, can't wait to try one on my next visit.
(4)Saraa B.
omg! i cannot wait to eat here again. i wanted to come back the next day and order the same thing but hubby wanted to try else where.. boooo to you hubby!! i ordered the salmon w/ cheesy grits and bacon wrapped green beans... ( i believe that's the order, as it was a few wks ago now....) but the salmon on top of the cheesy grits was amazing!!! staff was great... i'll be back when i'm in the mood for an 45 minute drive :)
(5)Sabrina B.
The space is lovely on the inside, so thank God for a restaurant in the Rockville that at least makes you feel as though you're not sitting in the middle of a strip mall. My fiance and I have eaten here a few times and the food has always been lovely. The service is a little hit-or-miss since they seem to employ some seasoned waitstaff and some cute younger girls who seem more decorative than functional, but we've never had service so bad that it really detracted from the experience.
(4)Cynthia J.
Came here Sunday night with my husband and kids. We had the best server ever! Katie was so knowledgeable and friendly but not overbearing. Food is always good here but Katie really made this a great evening out. Keep up the great work Matchbox!
(5)A K.
Matchbox has great food. The service is always good. Great for happy hour and the outdoor area is awesome. The worst part about this place is that Rockville Pike can be a nightmare for traffic and thus actually being able to eat here can sometimes be a challenge. Having to wait to be seated is not Matchbox's problem however. It's a great place to eat and I'm glad to have them in Rockville as an alternative to the massive and awful chains everywhere.
(4)Bordeaux B.
I swear this place puts MSG in their food. Both my husband and I had a strange heart racing reaction to their pepperoni pizza and he being Chinese and used to MSG in his food compared it to some MSG laden food he's had in the past. This was not heart racing in a good way mind you. And the salt! The salt! My grandmother would spin in her grave if she got a hold of that pie! But if you like to stand for an incredibly long time next to a drafty door or crowded bar to wait for some salty pie this is your place....
(2)Anonymous P.
I love the veggie pizza from here but was surprised when I ordered take-out today and the guy behind the counter had the audacity to say,"It's been a slow night - I haven't gotten any tips." In the moment, I felt bad for him and gave a tip, but in retrospect, staff have to EARN tips, not demand them. I would have given 4 stars since the food is good but I'm still so irritated from the lack of customer service!
(3)Indianqueen2 M.
Service was fantastic! You must go there for the pizza. The wine selection is great too
(4)Lisey W.
Came here with some girlfriends and we all ordered the mini burgers as an entree with a salad. The burgers come with a huge plate of fried onion rings poured over them - enough to share. A salad was good and fresh and the salad dressing used was delicious (champagne vinaigrette?). The waiter we had was excellent and attentive. This is fast becoming one of my favorite restos in Rockville.
(4)Sarah A.
This place is great! Make a reservation for dinner and weekends though, I can't stress this enough. Unless you plan on eating at the bar (which is still a wait), you probably won't be seated, especially if you have a group. There's a really spicy pizza with like caramelized onions and the like, I would definitely recommend it. It's my favorite. I forget what it's called though. Portions are iffy though, and definitely skip the salads.
(4)Linda P.
Yay for finally opening up in a location where parking isn't an issue! I was first introduced to Matchbox at the Chinatown location but parking is always problematic. It's super busy here b/c it's apparently the new talk about town restaurant but if you make reservations, it shouldn't be an issue getting seated. People seem to complain about the slow service but I've been here several times and this was never an issue. *knock on wood* The interior of this place is very spacious and I can't wait until the weather gets warmer and they open up their patio. Ok now for for the important stuff--food. The sliders are a must here..a MUST. You have the option of choosing 3 different cheeses: gouda, gorgonzola and mozarella. I don't discriminate against when it comes to cheese so I usually ask for a slice on each slider. The cute little beef is sandwiched in b/w this warm, toasted brioche bun...drool (excuse me as I salivate) and they come with a heap of onion straws that are just delicious. It's crispy and sprinkled with parmesan cheese. YUM. The pizzas are good--what you would expect from a wood fire grill. They're nothing to rave about but it's probably the best pizzas you'll find in that area. I wouldn't recommend the fire+smoke pizza though because it is SPICY. Being able to take spicy is in my blood but this was too much. I couldn't appreciate the pizza because I was too busy drinking water after each bite. Aside from the pizza, I've had the seared sea scallops which were uh-mazing. The scallops are huge and its on top of braised pork belly..,.mmm. Oh and it comes with this sweet potato puree that is soooo delicious. I'm not a huge fan of sweet potato but this was damn good so if you aren't in the mood for pizza, I highly recommend this entree.
(4)Corey A.
Bad service. Food was ok. Nothing special.
(2)Judy S.
Pizza was not hot but overcooked stiff crust.. so must have been sitting around. The wine selection is sub par. My wine was served in a dirty glass. Many people in their 50's sitting around the bar eating average food. Mini burgers look good.. I have had them in their DC location. Service was decent.
(2)Rhan K.
I understand that this is a nice gem for the area. It is a pizza place that is better than CPK and much more sophisticated. The only problem with this place is that it lacks anything special. Our waiter spent about ten minutes telling us that the cool thing about this place was that it was real brick oven, not gas. Most pizza places that are legitimate (ie not pizza hut) are like that, its nothing to brag about. Second, the glass that I got was really filthy. I know most places clean their dishes using one of those steam cleaners and there will be marks and such on it, but if I am paying 20 dollars for a pizza, I would like my glass to not have food stains on it so bad that I can feel lumps under my fingers when I pick up my glass to drink Third, the service was awful. Our waiter was almost impossible to grab a hold of but the bus boy came around every five minutes to see if we needed plates cleared. By the end of our meal, we were joking that this guy was crushing on someone at the table because he would just walk over and look at our table so often. And our waiter, came by every 10 or so visits that this bus boy did. We did not get to eat our meal in peace but when we did need something done, that was also a task! Worst of both worlds. Finally, the thing that really bugged me was that considering the mediocre food quality, it was trying to be super high class. The food wasn't great, it wasn't anything special, and the place just spent too much time trying to have this super upscale atmosphere (at least for the area) that it just seemed lame. I don't know if the Boston area just has better pizza places than the DC area, but after having pizza from Upper Crust, Pepes, and Stonehearth pizza, this place just seems overpriced and mediocre. I will gladly pay 20 dollars for a good pizza. This was not worth it. The only reason it gets 2 stars and not 1 is because there aren't that many great places for pizza in the area, so by regional comparison, it isn't too bad. If you have never had brick oven pizza, go. You will think it is amazing. However, if you have ever had pizza that is of higher quality than California Pizza Kitchen, this place sucks. Save your money, go somewhere else.
(2)Brian M.
Love the experience at this place! Sat at one of the many bars inside for dinner and loved getting to see them make the pizzas. Service was quick and attentive, and the menu had a great drink selection. While I didn't get a chance to eat outside (there are tables and bars out on the patio), the atmosphere is very welcoming and I am sure that it would be fun for the nightlife. The food was fairly good, although the pizza was on the greasy side. Overall, I'd give it 4 stars for being a lively, fun place!
(4)Matt M.
Disappointing overall. Great building, but loud, very crowded, and chilly temperature. Slow, but friendly service. Drink order for our table was screwed up as it was for the table next to us. Appetizer was great, but entrees were luke warm when they arrived and not worth the price. The pizza was the biggest disappointment...it had sat for a long time before it got to our table, and was too spicy to eat (even though the menu didn't say it was spicy). Short ribs entree was 75% fat. All in all, it felt like an average chain, family restaurant, not the hipper, unique experience we were hoping for. Much prefer some of the other more established restaurants in Rockville over Matchbox.
(2)Nicole A.
The food was fantastic. A friend and I went there yesterday to have a business lunch. I can't say enough about the food. The drinks, I have no idea because our server never even asked if we wanted any. I was dying for something to drink other then water because I was coughing due to a dry throat. Our lunch started off on a bad note, though. We wanted to sit in the bar area. We found that it was more relaxed. I went to the table that was saved for us by the host. When I got there I was told by the server that I wasn't allowed to sit there and I needed to leave. I explain that the table was reserved for us and my friend was talking to the host as we spoke. That didn't matter, she still told me to leave. I was in the service industry for over 10 years. You don't do that. My friend tried calming me down, but soon lost his patience when our server was repeatedly condensending. One of the many rules I learned in the business is never pick up the glass near the rim where people drink, and suck up to the woman present. I will go back because the food was great. (I highly recommend the crab soup) I will, though, sit AT the bar. The bartender Nicki was wonderful. My friend had eaten at the bar previously, and recognized him. She came over to our table, introduced herself, and told us if we needed anything to just grab her and let her know. I hope my next experience is different, because I will be bringing my husband. He is more picky then I am about service.
(3)Renee S.
I came here a few times for dinner and brunch. The menu is filled with delicious fish, pasta, and seafood selections. Especially the huevos rancheros! The mimosas are wonderful too - so many to choose from! The outside patio is a great place to sit on a summer afternoon. I'm a fan of Matchbox in Chinatown and so glad they brought the restaurant to Rockville!
(4)Camilo V.
Great service, terrific food, beautiful decoration, nice price, it's perfection
(5)C.M. P.
Don't get it - tried to come here last week with coworkers and were told they did not take reservations so when we showed up the wait was 2 hours. Tried again on a Tuesday night and there were tons of empty tables but again was told the wait was at least an hour because they were being held for reservations. Can't seem to win! Too bad I know that their pizza is really good from their downtown location.
(2)Tracy W.
Had a terrible experience on Sunday night. I had a reservation for 6pm for a party of 12. It was so crowded we did not get seated till 6:30, and even then we didn't have enough seats for our entire party. At 7:15 we finally had all our seats. Management did nothing to apologize or make it right. They seemed like they didn't care at all.
(1)Lisa A.
Might give this location a little bit to work out the "new phase" kinks. The restrooms were pretty sad - TP and hand towels were strewn all over the place. I personally told them twice, both responses were "thanks" but it was never remedied. Sliders turned up hockey pucked and the server didn't really know the menu. She was very friendly but seemed to have a hard time working her section. Most of the servers actually seemed a bit green. The food runners were more attentive. Per usual the pizza was delicious but the experience was a bit non match box -y.
(3)Ashley W.
Headed to Matchbox for a long lunch to check out the new digs today. I am so impressed with the looks of it both outside and in. Sure, it matches the rest of the shopping center from the outside, but that particular shopping center is quite nice-looking anyway. When we walked up, the first thing we noticed was a large outdoor area that is currently under construction. Large heat lamps hang above the whole area which includes a large stone firepit encircled by a standing bar ledge, and a separate outdoor bar. Can't wait for that to open!! The inside has an open floor-plan except for a separate cozy bar area off to the right. When you walk in the first thing you see is the pizza oven. There is seating in front of the oven in case you want to watch the pros in action. There are metal stairs that lead to the second floor, which is a row of booths and tables that overlook the rest of the restaurant. The ceilings are exposed and the front and back walls have old recycled wood slats nailed to them, creating a log cabin-industrial-chic look. Yes, I just made that up, let's go with it. One unfortunate thing we noted on the second floor, where we sat, is the heat. In fact, we overheard a fellow diner say "man, it's a sauna up here!" as he walked past. It's probably a combination of the open floor plan and the midday sun beating in through the windows with inadequate shading. It wasn't the end of the world and probably wouldn't be too hot at night. Food! I was keeping my expectations low for the food and service departments, since they just opened this week. However, I was pleasantly surprised that the service was fast and friendly, if not friendlier than the Chinatown Matchbox. The food was also just as good as any I'd had in Chinatown. I didn't order the pizzas, but my fellow diners seemed to enjoy every last bite of the ones they ordered (sopressata and wild mushroom, veggie, and Q special). They looked nice and crispy-charred and fresh from the oven. I ordered the Chicken Muffeletta with a side salad instead of chips. The sandwich contained chicken, serrano ham, provolone, spinach, and olive tapenade on focaccia bread. I was nervous that the tapenede would be overpowering to the rest of the components, but it wasn't at all. The whole thing was a bit greasy, but that's my only complaint. The side salad was fresh and delicious. No one left hungry, that's for sure. I can't wait to go back for happy hour or dinner to see what the nightlife is like there. There was a decent amount of people there for lunch so it looks like their reputation has preceded them. Viva la Matchbox!
(5)R B.
Love Matchbox in DC and I am so glad they decided to bring their place out to the burbs. The space is cool but I am not so sure about the ceiling which is just made of plywood, are they going to finish it?? The food is exactly like their other restaurants which is a good thing. The service was another story. Very very slow and the funny thing is they had an army of young hosts in black at the front door just standing around. One of the owners was on site and you can tell he is proud of his new child. All in all the Restaurant is a welcome addition to the area which is filled with boring chain restaurants. Just pick up your service and all will be fine.
(4)David S.
Matchbox is kind of the tale of two restaurants... The ambiance is super-hip and trendy, the prices indicate you are in an upscale restaurant and the service is very good. The flip-side is the food itself... more specifically the pizza they claim to be known for. I ordered a 10 inch pizza with extra cheese, banana peppers and spicy meatballs on our visit and while the food really was good, it was nowhere near good enough to justify the price tag. The pizza looked good and used high quality ingredients, but there was no trace of the wood-fire stove used to cook it. I would rate it as above average, but way too bland. All in all, Matchbox is definitely a better pizza option than the chains like the dreaded Dominos, Papa John's and Pizza Huts of the world, but it does not even come close to running with a lot of "mom and pop" pizza places in the area for a lot less money. If you are looking for an upscale pizza place in the same vein and price range, but with much better pizza (albeit in the same kind of style) try the superb Bertuccis instead.
(3)Zen R.
the decor was classy, there a lot of space for group and a bar. ive only been there twice. first time was ok and that not saying much. went there for lunch pizza was interesting and there waiter was very nice. the secound time was probally a one and a half star. waited an hour to get seated, the time for food arival was ok for me but my food was burned so i asked them to take it back. the were complied with a smile. my suggestion is go with a group of people, the company helps.
(2)Yolit Y.
After 20 times in this time we arrived there with a party of nine,I ordered a silver oak wine 2008 from the menu(98$ value) The waitress came with 2010 and I told her that they should price less and asked for a discount,she spoke with the manager and he refused to do it without even coming to explain,I took the wine because I like the silver oak and we were in a kind of celebration but I am very disappointed from the manager,by the way ... The waitress was great and really took care of us
(1)Gabrielle G.
We were starving and the smell from the wood fire grill led us to matchbox. The salads are awesome not the typical iceberg lettuce and tomatoes I had the "simple salad" which I was very impressed with and they allow smaller sizes on some which is great! The pizza was pretty good too and smelled delicious. Our waitress brought us out a dessert to try (I think the doughnuts?). Which the icing/sauce was delicious ... I will have to return here!
(5)Ginny H.
It seems to me that as more and more restaurants close and cut back in our area, we are becoming increasingly thankful for average dining experiences. The Matchbox has a lot going for it. It is one of only a handful of places that serve food late in the evening, the decor is great and the waiters and waitresses are attentive and aim to please. I've had both lunch and late dinner here. The food was, in some cases, above average. The crab soup was wonderful but tepid twice. (This is a real problem with a cream soup, by my way of thinking. Maybe they should use a bowl instead of the flatter soup plate, which lets more air hit the liquid on its trip to your table. Or, heat the bowls before ladling the soup. ) The pizza was better than Dominos but not as good as Bertucci's and certainly not as good as you can make at home with a burrito wrapper and a pizza stone. We had the dessert pizza which made use of the same tasteless pre-fabbed disk as the expensive dinner pizza, only with drizzles of chocolate and cream, and some good berries. (Here's a tip for matchbox: try brushing the crust with some sweet oil while toasting, and sprinkling with powdered sugar after the toppings are added.) The server did get the orders right (something you can't count on late at night at the Silver Diner, down the street) and the prices are better than at the very good Tower Oaks (also close by).
(3)Robert D.
Matchbox seems to be one of those restaurants that has become a go-to place for me on the Pike. I've been here to meet old friends for dinner, on a date, for a work lunch, happy hour, etc. It's not fancy, but it does have a pleasant, bustling ambience. I've only really had the pizza for an entree, but the menu seems to be generally Italianish. The mini burger appetizers are quite tasty! The pizza is thin with just the perfect amount of sauce and cheese. They also have a nice variety of them to choose from, or, if you prefer, you can make your own. The service has always been good when I've visited with attentive but not overbearing wait staff. Overall, I continue to have positive experiences here and would recommend it.
(4)Candace S.
Excellent pizza as usual. I have frequented Matchbox since 2013. The food has always been right on spot. One of my faves is the Matchbox meat. The shrimp and grit appetizer is very creamy and tasty.
(4)James W.
This was a good pizza place if you like wood fire pizza. The place gets pretty busy in the evenings but if you can get there before 6 you can probably get in without too much trouble. The service was fine, not particularly noteworthy in the positive but certainly above acceptable. The food came out pretty quickly as well. We had the matchbox meat and spicy meatball pizzas. Both were good if not exceptional. I prefer Coal Fire's pizza to Matchbox but I think Matchbox has a wider menu and a more upscale ambiance. So Matchbox may be better for dates or events where such things are important. The value was pretty good but not great. I certainly can't complain but at the same time didn't feel like I really got a great deal. If that not important to you then don't worry about it. If you're in the area and looking for pizza it's certainly worth a try.
(3)Dee A.
While our experience eating there about a month back was average and not bad, I am extremely dissapointed about a recent attempt to book a large party reservation there. I attempted to contact their event planner several times by phone, going into the location twice, sending messages through employees, even waiting in their foyer for 20 min in the early afternoon to speak to the manager on duty and just leaving my number because we couldnt wait any longer, and still in 3 weeks had not gotten a response. Finally reaching them a week before the date, I asked about bringing 20 people in on a saturday afternoon at 1:30. I was basically treated like they would be doing ME a favor by making themselves available -- informing me they would have to put us in a back location near the main bar, and since it was a private area (which it really isnt - its just tables located near the bar) there would be an $1100 minimum (thats $55 per person for late lunch...not impossible but IM not guaranteeing that!). Fourtunately I had already inquired at other venues about having this reservation elsewhere after not being able to reach a Matchbox mngr or event coordinator for several weeks, and the other places were eager to accommodate me bringing them the business, especially at a fairly off-peak time of the day. Maybe Matchbox is just sooo busy and so exclusive and successful that they can afford to put off groups of 20 ppl for a late lunch, and dont need the additional business. If so, good for them. But I was in there recently on a Saturday afternoon and didnt see this long wait for tables and packed house they told me they have every day - thus neccessitating a minimum for a reservation. I will probobly go there again sometime for a bite to eat with a friend or two, but will never again attempt to book a large party reservation, and do not reccommend them for any kind of pre-planned event seeing as how they are too busy to call back and not very accomodating once they do, clearly giving off the impression that they do not need the business of large parties or groups. I ended up choosing Copper Canyon at the Rio instead.... probobly a better choice anyway because of the beautiful location, the outdoor bar, and having had great experiences there before. I have spent 20 years working in the restaurant/hospitality industry, including event planning and operations, and can tell you that pretending to be exclusive and acting like youre doing the patrons a favor by allowing them to bring you the business only works for swanky venues that are never empty, not for new pizza places who are practically empty on most early afternoons.
(1)Sharon T.
Coming here is great for lunch or dinner. The atmosphere's a nice modern and hip place, yet not too overbearing. The food is good. I like the burgers and pizza
(4)Cat C.
Went for dinner with an old friend. Wanted to have a great meal, with solid service and ability to talk. That was the PLAN. The location is very easy to find, and if you don't have to park right in front of the door, there is a large amount of free parking available in the mall-type stores behind it. Also, lot is very nicely lit, so don't worry if you are walking to your car after dark. They take reservations, and also walk-ins. Recommend reservations, and be specific about what you want or perhaps, what you don't want. Remember, my goal was to have a lovely meal where we could talk. The hostess initially took us to a table that was exactly in the corner of their seating made up of booth/table chairs. (You know, the back is booth, all comfy and long; table and chairs on opposite side. Very close are the tables...) So, took a look and no, no, nope! On one side, a family with their baby in a carrier and they have it squished between the table (our side) and booth. I like kids. At home. Not next to me at what I had hoped would be a "grown up" place. Now to be fair, the sweet little cherub was sleeping but we all know how long that lasts. Other side, a couple who didn't look happy to be there, with each other, and in the space of those seconds, I heard her call him an ass. Hmmmm. Nooooo, think that while he may very well be an exit orifice, didn't want to listen to why this was so. {Had I been there with girlfriends, it could have been fun, cheering her on~all in who you're with} Asked hostess for another option, quietly saying "no kids/babies" with a pleading in my eyes. She found us a high top table, in a good spot and seated us with a smile. Big points for this! The place was very busy so noise was a bit louder than I like but totally understandable. We didn't hear any overbearing or heavy drums music. On to food and wait staff. Wait person came pretty quickly, provided us menus and asked if we knew what we wanted to drinks. Ordered those and off she went to get them while we reviewed the menu. The variety of food was good, from grill to pasta/pizza to seafood. Makes this a nice choice for folks who have different tastes or perhaps a large group. My friend selected a seafood pasta (mussels and shrimp with linguine), I selected rigatoni. Our waitress suggested I swap the sausage for meatballs. She loved their meatballs, spicy and yummy. Said the sausage was very good, but something about those meatballs... No bread was offered while we waited. Food came and it looked very nice. No salt/pepper on the table, nor was any fresh pepper or fresh parm cheese offered. My pasta did not need salt but I did want pepper. Took a bit to get our waitress and then a bit more for her to bring it. She didn't come back to check on our drinks (a sangria and also a glass of water). The seafood pasta was very good (friend's words) and he has eaten seafood from all over; my rigatoni was also very good. The meatballs were just right, spicy and not too big or dense. We did order dessert: an absolute delight. One carrot cake and one bread pudding that was heaven. I would come back for this alone and a cup of coffee. By the way, did order coffee with dessert. Served perfectly, with a container of real cream and sugars on the side. Coffee was lovely, strong but not bitter and piping hot! The bread pudding. Yes, deserves its own review. Dense but not that thick lump of bready goop. It had small chocolate chips, but not so many as to take away from the yummy bready goodness of the pudding. Two good size square portions were cut and stacked. Then a caramel sauce (made fresh) poured over with bananas sliced within. Topped with powered sugar. Totally kicking myself, should have ordered it and skipped everything else. OK, maybe a slight exaggeration but really it was that good. Asked for the check, also took a bit of time arriving and the whole paying process. So why the four stars: 1) when I called for reservations, explained what I wanted. {in case you're curious, the baby woke and parents let it cry for almost 15 minutes before finally taking the child outside. And we were across the dining room and could still hear the poor baby.} 2) no follow-ups on our food, needs, drinks 3) lengthy time for the few requests we made (salt/pepper), ordering dessert, asking for the bill Overall, would go back . Food was very good. Dessert was even better. I would call ahead and ask what is their least busy day, and book a table for that day. As we were leaving, they had opened outside seating. Now that would have been my preference for our evening. Weather was cool, slight breeze and noise was very quiet. Sounds of people talking, laughing and enjoying their meal. Oh, and this was done rather spur of the moment as our first choice, booked through Open Table, had gone out of business. Cheers
(4)Gail R.
We had a going away party lunch for my boss at this place. Parking looked a bit limited during lunch, but we were able to find a spot. There are other spots behind the restaurant in the big shopping lot for Congressional Plaza, but you have to walk just a bit. In walking up to the restaurant, I could see a few lit fireplaces for folks who wanted to eat outside during the cold months. I am not ready to experience that (put me inside the restaurant anytime). There were about 8 of us and so we got one of their big round tables on the first floor. I had eaten here before with a group of folks on the upper floor, so this place is great for group seating as well. We started off with a few appetizers - salad, cream of crab soup, 3.6.9 mini burgers and the ginormous meatball. The Cream of Crab Soup was delicious (perfect temperature and I tasted crab pieces in my soup). The mini burgers were great as well (I am not sure how many we got total - 3, 6 or 9, but I know I had about 2 of those burgers...they were great...juicy). The ginormous meatball can be shared with 3 folks - that thing is huge. It is like a pan with pepperoni sauce, some wood fired bread and an enormous meatball in it. If I were eating alone, I would have sat there and used the bread to eat up some more of that sauce. Our entrees came out right after we had our appetizers. We did not have to wait long for that to occur. Most at our table had pizza and I could tell that almost everyone was going to be taking some home - I can only eat like 3 slices of pizza in one go, so I knew I had to try something different for my entrée. I opted for the Pan Seared Salmon. The menu stated that it came with carrots, zucchini, yellow squash and citrus butter and with all that and the salmon, the dish was wonderful...Yummy, plus I was trying to go the healthy route. The ambiance was great even though our gathering of friends was bittersweet. I will definitely come here again and trying something else on their menu.
(4)Laura P.
First time here-we got to sit in the room with the fireplace (great ambiance but very loud!). Anyway, I prefer a restaurant to be busy rather than empty! The food: Sliders are a great app! We also got the cream of crap soup (delicious), and a large pizza (half matchbox meat with meatball added & half prosciutto + black mission fig). We loved the meat half and just liked the other half :) the dough was a little bit soggy in the middle of the pie, but it was so tasty and only in the middle that we will just ask for extra crispy next time!
(4)Sunshine C.
This is a really nice place to have a big group. there were 9 in my party. We ordered the sliders and man the Chicken pesto pizza, some of the people at my table had the spicy meatball pizza and some other stuff, but my pizza was certainly the best one. we also ordered some huge mozzarella Stick type of thing for an appetizer with our sliders and that was yummy. We had the trio dessert thing that came with the brownie, donuts and coffee (amazeballs) and sorbet. This would be a great place to have a birthday party type of event. our service was outstanding. Food was above average, but the atmosphere really sold me.
(3)GT W.
A much larger, but still very crowded incarnation of the Chinatown sensation. Loads of parking, huge outdoor patio seating with area heaters. Very trendy, popular upscale pizza place with about 1/2 pizzas on the menu and another 1/2 with stuff like rib eye, duck, etc. Pizzas are around $14 for individual, $21 for large if you want to split. Ambiance is fireside relaxed, large open spaces, a bit awkward in the table arrangements with massive circular tables, tables inset into the wall opening up on either side (??), crowded, semi-fancy sports bar. Live Jazz when we were there on a Sunday! Prices are not too bad. Pizzas were delicious. Tap list is small, like 10 taps or so with one seasonal and one rotational. Sierra Nevada, Flying Dog, He'Brew, Dogfish Head, Ommegang. Decent stuff, nothing on tap here that you wouldn't easily find anywhere else in the DC area save for the He'Brew Hop Manna. Service was kind and very attentive. Food came out very quickly. The server knew a little about beer, but both their "seasonal" and their "rotating tap" were nonexistent the day I was there. Unfortunate.
(4)Catherine S.
I love the pizza here and the drinks. It's my mother's favorite spot so whenever she visits she insist on coming here and I can't say I blame her.
(5)Daniel S.
The BLT Benedict was amazing. I would have never thought to add a fried green tomato, but it totally worked. Definitely coming back for that. My wife ordered the French Toast without pecans (allergies) and they come out as equally awesome. I am always worried when you take things off a dish that it will lose something, but that was not the case thankfully. Also bonus points to the manager John who brought us a couple of extra strawberries when we asked because our daughter plowed through the ones that came with her dish. That was very much appreciated.
(5)Ericka S.
Great burger bistro, good pizza, nice wine selection. However, I'm updating this review to 4 stars simply because of the continued amazing, high levels of customer service provided by Isaiah and his team. Someone make that man a manager, please.
(4)Original B.
Better-than-average service, stellar food! It was my first time eating there. I was amazed by the beautiful layout of the restaurant, and its beauty started to pop when I was welcome by the lovely staff. I ordered the Brunch Pizza, while my mom had the special of that day (Chicken and Waffles). While it took a little while to receive my food, it was amazing. I can assure you that I will return to Matchbox very soon.
(4)Lucas T.
The chicken pesto pizza is superb. The bread is also great. There pizzas aren't the most filling, but they are delicious.
(3)Jessie K.
I'm knocking one star off for the attitude from the hostesses. There were lots of pros - but the first 5 minutes really soured our experience. We had a reservation for 5 people (including a highchair). They wanted us to put the high chair at the corner of a square table - so our child could only have a few inches of the corner to eat. I asked if there was maybe a booth or a rectangular four top so our child could eat with us. They seemed to have a lot of difficulty fulfilling this request. The manager(?) finally figured out that they did have space upstairs at a rectangular table. But, there seemed to be lots of attitude about this 'accommodation.' We even made a special point to thank the hostesses for their help on the way out - and one hostess ROLLED HER EYES. I have looked at this space to book events, but I'm wary that my guests will have to endure the attitude from the hostess stand first. HOWEVER, the waiter was fantastic. The Captain Healthy children's meal was great (I saw someone else on here posted a pictures of it). It was a great selection - and I'm glad we had a table where my child could actually have a plate of food. We've been here many times because the food is consistently good. The pizza, the burgers, the fish - we haven't ordered wrong yet. I'm just really sad about the attitude at the front - it really doesn't represent the rest of the experience.
(3)John G.
I ended up here with a buddy of mine after a rained out Nationals game. Great place to hang out and catch up. The pizza was ok - nothing special but it served its purpose. I did enjoy the dessert pizza more than I expected - I said I'd have a small piece and ended up eating half. Easily accessible right off the Pike.
(3)Ken M.
Quite an amazing place. Lots of nice ambiance with interesting wood and a big open floor plan on a couple of levels. The acoustics are great. You can hear the person across the table from you even though the place is packed and people are talking everywhere. The food is so-so. It has a corner on the market for artisanal pizza... pizza made with weird and exotic ingredients that comes in both personal and sharable sizes. Evidently, they're also famous for their burger sliders or "mini-burgers" that come in multiples of three. The wait staff have these black t-shirts with 3 - 6 - 9 on it to denote the number of mini burgers you can get. I had a chicken sandwich which turned out to be pretty messy so I ended up eating it with a fork and knife. The french fries that came with it were fairly tasteless and visually unappealing. Parking is a bear especially during peak hours. Congressional Shopping Center has lots of parking but it means you have to walk a ways to get back and forth to your car. The staff is friendly but somewhat aloof. Although, they are efficient and plenty quick. The deal with this place, as far as I can tell, is the hipness factor (way high) and the ambiance. Prices are decent for what you get. So, if you're hip and cool and preferably under 35 this is the place.
(4)Dan W.
First time here. Tuna tartar was god awful. Sent it back. Got another dish and it was just as bad. Presentation doesn't seem to matter to this company. They sell food that is over priced and made by amateur cooks. Improve your menu and then maybe people will eat this garbage. No seasoning and very bland food. I'm still waiting for the pizza but I'll vomit that up later. Thank god for beer to wash this waste down.
(1)Jarrod F.
This was a pleasant little surprise... We sat outside on the patio/ bat area, adjacent to the Bon fire. I loved the atmosphere in the whole restaurant.. Kind of like a big log cabin with urban flare (brick,metal, and exposed piping). But Outside was definitely the best spot in the whole place especially because it was first come first serve so we didn't have to wait. We started with the giant meatball ($14). The meatball itself was too dry, not enough breading or cheese. It almost tasted like they didn't use enough fat. The sauce was spectacular though. So was the bread they served the dish with. For dinner we ordered a pizza (half pepperoni/half chicken and mushroom). Although too thin for my liking,the pizza had good flavor. The sauce was tangy and the cheese not overbearing. - good char on the rim as well. The Ty chopped salad we ordered was the winner of the night. This was probably the best salad I've had all year -- salami, provolone, chick peas, onions, radicchio, and romaine all tossed in a light dressing. Our server was very good and so was my cucumber and lime gin and tonic. We would definitely come back, but next time we will try a different appetizer.
(4)Melo R.
The pizza was very delicious. My friend got the seafood pasta, and that was also very good. I would go back.
(4)Kat F.
I've been wanting to try this chain forever but didn't have the opportunity until this past Sunday. We brought some friends here to say thank you for slaving away and helping us move, and it was awesome! (Matchbox, not the moving.) We got there in time to catch the tail end of brunch, but we also had the option to choose from the regular menu as well. The restaurant is beautiful, and we got to sit at a really awesome "pimp booth", which made the experience even more special. I started with the apple/pear salad, which had great flavors. I am a new fan of blue cheese, and it was the star of the salad. A few of us split a pizza, which is what this place is known for, and now I know why. I love the smoky char of the crust, and the toppings were great too. I am not usually a fan of crust in general, but I ate every last bit of the pizza. Everyone else was impressed with the food, too--it was definitely a crowd-pleaser. Can't wait to come back here!
(5)Philip L.
I was not impressed with this place. I like the spacious place, but the food kind of made me wonder what the hype was about this place. Not only that, I felt like the food was pretty generic. The service was a bit slow and reminded of the older days in Red Lobster as if it was more of a family restaurant. I would not describe it as horrible, but it was not top notch or on the attentive side. I think I asked for the check and it came about 10 minutes later. I ordered a salad and a pizza (I don't remember them exactly, which showed how much this place left an impression on me). If you are left with no other choices, which I would respond that there are better places out there, especially in the area, you should only come here if you are bored and have nowhere else to try. I did not find the price to match what I was paying for and would rather have gone to Chipotle for a better tasting meal.
(2)Bridget E.
Absolutely loved this place! Food was fresh, tasty, and the service was phenomenal! Would highly recommend this restaurant to everyone! Friendly staff and above par food made for a memorable experience! Will be going back again!
(5)Jen F.
My experience at Matchbox Pizza was great. I came for brunch and ordered the breakfast pizza. It was delightful. I loved the scrambled eggs on top! I also split the peanut butter banana waffle with a friend. My mistake was splitting this dish because it is so freaking good, I could have eaten the entire thing by myself. The breakfast/brunch drinks are a bit pricey but the food is reasonable and worth it! Service was great, very attentive. They sat us in a room that seemed like an addition to the restaurant and it was freezing cold! I'm assuming it was because of draft coming through.
(4)Johnalee S.
Over priced. Seated next to a family with kids in fleece PJ pants. Not a dinner atmosphere. Kid was loud and rude, no one said anything to the family or to us. Ruined the dinner. The food was ok but VERY overpriced. Save your money get a flat bread from Trader Joes and dress it up a bit. You can stay at home and avoid the bratty kids, sub-par wait staff, and wear your jammies where it is appropriate. On the couch with a giant beer and tv.
(2)Matt W.
Seriously enjoyable lunch! I really like this location (have been to the ones in VA and Palm Springs). I found the pizza to be much better than my experience in PSP and the service to be stellar from the Host Station to the wait staff. They were all so wonderful, particularly the two servers that helped us out (a young Asian American, maybe Filipino American woman training and her supervisor). They were really nice and accommodating to my 92 year old grandfather that can be a bit over flirtatious. They handled it too well and were really kind! They also did a fantastic job getting us everything we needed and more! We shared three items- a pizza, the trofie pasta and the calamari salad. All were quite tasty. While I would say the pizza is overpriced by about $3 I would say in terms of what I expect/experience at high end pizza places, it was still decent. The pasta was very very good. We really enjoyed it! While a tad too salty, it had great flavoring. It is a shame it is coming off the menu soon :( The salad is also excellent! Part of what you are paying for here is ambiance, and clearly, Matchbox is a runaway winner! It is beautiful, modern and hip. I feel like I am back in LA instead of in the Maryland burbs when I am here. Definitely will return and tell others!
(4)MyMy C.
It's ok. Atmosphere was good. We had the crab and avocado app (good), trout (over cooked and pesto cous cous side overwhelmed the dish), and scallops (good but one was undercooked). Slightly overpriced for quality.
(3)Georgio S.
Got the 9 burgers as an appetizer, all loved the burgers as they were perfectly cooked. The kids Mac and cheese was great. The pepperoni pizza was also really good. The lamb sandwich was horrible. It was dry and Inedible. Desserts took a long time to come out but overall service was better than expected. Out of the 3 desserts we tried the bread pudding was tops. Brownies were hard and stale.
(3)Norman G.
I mostly eat at a table in the bar when I go here, usually alone. The choice of beers is quite good and the pizzas are excellent (if you avoid the exotic concoctions. They have a number of TVs over the bar and you have a choice of sports channels or close-captioned news. Although the food and drink are the same, the cavernous dining section is a different proposition entirely. Often, there's a wait to be seated, service is erratic and the noise level is very high. Unless it's pretty empty inside or the outside seating area has room for you, I'd stick to the bar or go elsewhere.
(3)Margaret N.
I definitely recommend this restaurant! Their mini trio appetizer is amazing and filling! You get two scallops, burgers and crabcake... yum! Pizza could use some more salt/sauce, but I liked the Q special and fire & smoke! Definitely plan on going back!
(4)Elias V.
I always have enjoyed the flavor and selection of Matchbox Pizza. I either get the Spicy Meatball, your typical Pepperoni or the Matchbox Trio I think it's called. I must say deeeeeeee-licious! First time here I thought I wouldn't like it. I was beyond wrong I love it, the pizza has so many flavors and each has it's uniqueness. The matchbox salad also is really good, I tried that for the first time. Matchbox Punch, also very good. I just left here full and service was exemplary. Ellen was spectacular! She was energetic and bouncy! With an hour or so left before closing she was awesome, no fatigue of a possible long work day. She had a bit of a humorous side, big plus. I always applaud great service because it's service such as her that makes you want to come back. Thanks Ellen. No bad juju here, all spectacular. Huge plus on service and food. I love the interior layout and design. Try this place out guys def a winner.
(5)Dixon M.
I love Matchbox. I have been there many times, and nearly everything I have had there has been fantastic. I am not a fan of their sliders, which were somewhat dry and lacking in flavor when I had them. Service at the Matchbox is always very good. The Cobb salad at Matchbox may be the best one I have had. I also love the Matchbox Punch, a delicious "girly drink" that builds on watermelon-infused vodka to create a fruitily fantastic drink. Iced tea at the Matchbox is always freshly brewed and delicious.
(5)Marc L.
Ate here last night with visiting out-of-town family. Crystal clear evening, perfect temperature. Seated in outdoor area. Server was outstanding, efficient, and cute as a button. Food was outstanding. Beer selection outstanding as usual, two of had a very hoppy He'Brew that the server characterized as "overwhelming hops", which was perfectly hoppy for me. Nephew had a burger with bacon and Gorgonzola cheese, rest of us had pizza and salads. We could have stayed there all night, it was such a magical and perfect atmosphere. I have eaten here several times since my earlier review and have never had a bad experience. This place is consistently excellent, hard to do these days.
(5)Pierre D.
Do not miss Matchbox. I have been here many, many times, yet this last Saturday encouraged me to actually get myself in gear and write a review. For starters, this place has never (not once!) disappointed me. Am I a fanboy? Quite possible to be guilty as charged. Around 4:00 my wife and I started with the tuna tartar. It was robust and flavorful, and clearly used a high-grade tuna. Because there are too many delicious pizza options we always order a pizza each and then go halfsies and gorge ourselves on bready/cheesy/otherworldy goodness. The pizza is wood-fired, crispy, and the ingredients are fresh. What else could you want? Ah, yes, beer. I have had many beers here, but this visit brought me back to the milk stout. Simply irreplaceable, and excellently paired with both the tartar and the pizza. Did I mention we also had our 16 month-old child with us? The server was kind, playful, and interactive with the little one. Without missing a beat the server got my son's food out asap. This is, as a parent, the difference between a successful dinner and an embarrassing event where one parent is eating alone and the other is walking around the restaurant trying pointing out the apparent interest in all the lights and fans to the child. Hats off to our excellent server for keeping my wife and me seated across from one another.
(5)Aimee G.
One of my favorites, always delcious.
(4)Tom T.
Standard wood fire pizza. Decent but nothing to write home about.
(3)Monica H.
Pizza's pretty good, like that they take reservations (even for larger parties), staff is nice. BUT it's in Rockville, which isn't convenient for anyone except people who live in Rockville, and which means your crowd is mostly families instead of young people. That means that a raucous dinner with your twenty- and thirty-something friends doesn't really jibe here. I've only ever gone here because friends REALLY wanted Matchbox on a Saturday night but couldn't get reservations at their DC location. I wouldn't come back. There are plenty of great pizza places in DC that don't make you wait 1.5 hours for a table. This is a good restaurant for a quiet Friday family dinner if you're local, but I wouldn't go out of my way for dinner here again.
(3)Heather W.
Great selection of interesting pizzas. Burgers on the appetizers menu make this place a junk food paradise, but you can pretend it's healthy with toppings like arugula. The brunch is interesting. Eggs on a pizza...all right. No happy hour deals, apparently. Disappointing.
(4)Cassandra P.
Pizza was good. Rich. But good! Would definitely go again! Wine was delicious! The atmosphere is nice too.
(4)Brett M.
Really expensive for the portions of food you receive. I don't mind paying a lot for great food because I'm a foodie, but I did mind here because the food was meh and the bill made me feel like I was eating at Volt.
(2)Jen B.
I like the style of this place, and the pizza is great. I tried the Korean pork sandwich once-- out of their wheelhouse, you would think-- and that was also really tasty. It is better than the average chain, in my opinion, and as far as choices along the Rockville Pike, it is a solid place for lunch or dinner and drinks with friends.
(3)David K.
Great go-to restaurant for all demographics. Easy parking too. Only problems are the slow service outside the bar areas and can be very crowded during peak evening hours. But popular for good reason!
(4)PG. R.
Beautiful restaurant, service is very good. Food is pricey though. Ordered two pizzas, not bad, not great either. Nothing to gush over in my opinion. Ordered Blackberry Pisco sours and they were very, very good. I love pisco so I was happy with my choice of cocktail. Finished our meal by sharing a desert, we ordered the Trio of deserts. It was ok, nothing spectacular. I'd go back but only to have some drinks at the bar, food is not bad at all but it isn't fantastic.
(3)Patti M.
Friends have recommended Matchbox so I was in the area and decided to check it out. It was a Monday night and not crowded. Our waitress was nice, helpful, and friendly. The food was just okay, i'm not sure what the hype is about. We ordered a pizza....half meat, half fire/smoke. Was kinda cold under the cheese....yuck. Also ordered the burger sliders. They were good but not excellent. Our bill was $37 and we didn't order drinks or dessert.
(3)Rick S.
Food is good, beer is good, service is OK, place is a little loud, price is a little high. I've been here twice now and wasn't ever blown away. It's just... good. I'd go again without opposition if I were with a group of people that wanted to go, but I don't think I'd suggest it. Though, they do have some unique pizzas; If you find that you absolutely love one of them, then this might become one of your favorite places.
(3)Helene M.
The food is excellent. Service is good. Busy place. Worth the wait to get in. Noise level is high.
(4)Evan H.
I love the original matchbox in Gallery Place. The food is always great, the service too. I wish I could say the same about the one in Rockville. I guess that is the cost of expansion. The rockville location makes it a little easier to get a table, but i would still make a reservation during a weekend. The space itself is huge, and renovated from the previous 15 other restaurants that have filled this location. The problem for me is that it's dark. Really really dark. The upstairs area feels like you are dining in a cave and while this is sometimes ok (Like in Paris or at a better restaurant), it's not ok here. The food isn't as good as the location downtown. The Fire and Smoke pizza is a tad bit less spicy (which for some could be nice), and also the crust just doesn't seem to have the same quality as the other location. Overall, it's just not the same place as the downtown location. But, with that said, it's better than most places in the area in terms of non-ethnic food. So if you are craving a decent burger, sliders, or a pizza, it's probably your best bet in the burbs.
(3)G M.
I don't remember writing my previous review, BUT I was surprised when I read it. I came here recently and got a large pizza. I really liked how they let you do half and half of any two that catch your fancy. I got half prosciutto & black mission fig and half spicy meatball. When the pizza came out it looked like it had been made hours before and was reheated (it's probably not the case because it was an odd combo, but I think it is a testimony to the subpar effort gone into making the pizzas). It certainly looked nothing like the pictures on their website. The taste was the same - old pizza that was reheated. This was not worth $23+ for a lackluster pizza. italian pizza kitchen and &pizza are far superior in taste, texture, and quality. . . cheaper too. pros of this restaurant is it's very beautiful inside and our service was very good. But I don't see a reason to come back.
(2)Rob N.
Nice place to eat in Rockville. they have decent pizza selection and nice desert. price is reasonable.
(4)Amanda L.
Happy hour choice with colleagues and they have a good selection of spirits. We sit in a table where it actually really looked like a box from outside,definitely an open box. I learned that there were some matchboxes under each table and you could take one matchbox home in the other location on 14th street downtown DC. I would suggest pizza to share and some soups for yourself. Also, match that with local DC beer which was really brewed locally.
(4)Joshua H.
Overpriced food and lackluster service.
(2)Don H.
Foods good. Pricey for the area. Service is not always inviting and the atmosphere can get noisy. 3.6.9 sliders and most of their pizzas are good.
(3)Samantha L.
Ate here for brunch over the weekend with some girlfriends for a baby shower for a friend. Really liked that they gave us a round table for 8 -- much easier to talk to everyone and not have the group split based on who is sitting where. The food was ok. I've had brunch at the Eastern Market and Chinatown locations before, but never in Rockville. All 3 menus are slightly different... and i think this one was my least favorite. Nothing really stood out. I had the veggie omelet -- which was just ok. The eggs were slightly overcooked and nothing about it really stood out. I like matchbox for what it is and i'm happy there is one in Rockville now -- since I live in Bethesda. I like the fact that they take reservations... especially for brunch :-)
(3)Tara B.
Pepperroni Pizza is delicious and service was great. It gets a little crowded for dinner on Thursday and Friday evenings, but the wait time was worth it.
(4)Britney B.
Ok, so the prices can get a little high for groups, but I can promise you that its worth it!! They took our short notice reservation for 5 no problem. Our server, Ellen was SO incredibly awesome! She was extremely friendly and took the absolute best care of us despite having 2 other tables of 5 AND a birthday party of 10!!! The atmosphere is nice, not too quiet and its easy to carry on a conversation. Comfy booths, we all fit with plenty of room. The Coffee & Donuts dessert was ama-za-zing. Coffee was fresh, not burned. The pizza wasn't the absolute best I've ever had in my entire life, but I would still definitely order it again. Burgers are really good. Always always always try the Specials!!! The Lamb burgers are to die for, and the Surf n Turf shrimp was impeccable!! We will definitely become regulars here.
(5)Cheryl T.
Love their location in Chinatown, and was happy to see it in the same shopping as BuyBuy Baby (the only reason I go to Rockville). As always, their sliders are to die for. They were also very accommodating with my stroller (baby's first meal out!).
(4)Jeffrey T.
If your thinking of expanding, make sure the product stays consistent. (read Lorena B review which I agree with). I used to love this place. I thought the pizza was great and for a while comparable to 2 Amys (especially since much closer to my house) as well as Mia's in Bethesda. However the last couple times not only has the food gone downhill but also the service. To start last time I went there, it was not busy at all 3:30 on a Saturday afternoon, hostess asked how many and I said 2. She said okay well have a seat on the waiting benches I will be right with you. Well after seating two other tables of two after us, I went up to her and asked if the people she just sat had a reservation. She said no and then I proceeded with, then why haven't you sat us. SHe had forgotten about us. Not only has the service decreased in that once I ordered a pizza that was suppose to come with arugula on top and didn't, Waitress said she would bring some and by the time it came we had finished the pizza. We always get the matchbox meat and as of lately the meatballs are always dry and I feel like they changed the recipe or cooking technique of the dough because it is either undercooked or really over cooked and lately has been laking flavor. So it is sad to say but while Matchbox used to be on our go to list, it has seen it's days and is now off the list. RIP
(2)Sarah M.
I guess my phone lost my review of this place... darn! I wrote a lot. In short though, we were very happy with our experience! Our server was super attentive and helped us choose between the wonderful choices on the menu. The kids were very happy to play with their pizza dough "play-dough!" The mini burgers/sliders were out of this world. They were amazing and worth the hour drive to go out there and order them again! We'll definitely be back!
(5)Sharon J.
solid appetizers solid pizza great atmosphere nice place to eat out on a Friday.
(4)Dana A.
I have been to the DC Matchbox location and the Rockville location a few times. The Matchbox Rockville location is one of the best restaurants I have been too. Every time we go, we have an amazing experience. Last time we went, we ordered the pepperoni and sausage roll and it was delicious. About halfway through the waitress came out with another one and told us that the first one wasn't done to Matchbox standard and so they took it upon themselves to remake it for us! I have never had that happen in my life. Today, we sat in Katie's section and she was wonderful! They apparently took the pepperoni roll off the menu ( noooooooo) and we were wondering what else we were going to order since that is our favorite dish! She said she understood and that they had just changed the menu and went to the kitchen and asked if they would still make it for us and they did! I also overheard her other table stating that they wanted to sit outside but the wait was too long and she said that she would keep a lookout for a table outside and if they wanted to move they could. That is a top notch waitress. Not only is the food amazing (onion straws, sliders, salads, etc) but the customer service at this location is outstanding. We live in Arlington and drive the extra time to avoid the DC location and stay loyal to Rockville!
(5)Paola G.
Where do I start? Let me begin with, I only went here because Yekkta across the street was packed so I thought, why not try Matchbox and see what the hype is all about?! Note, my friends have all been here and their experience was very "mehhhh", so I wasn't completely disappointed because I know I was in for a hit or miss. Our waitress was sooo friendly, I wish I remembered her name. (small sweet Filipino girl). We ordered the Spicy pizza, which is more of a mild and that was good. In fact it was the only good thing on that menu worth trying. My bf got the burger because some of our friends (on yelp) recommended it. Super dry, nothing that sets it apart from the many burgers I have had. I was also in the mood for a sandwich so I got the ribeye sandwich, which was sort of like a upscale steak and cheese. That was disappointing too, I think I can make one better at home and at a cheaper price. Our friend got the crab cake sandwich which he also said lacked flavor and wasn't very good. He decided to try the lobster soup which we all tried and it was delicious. But I like type of creamy soup so I may be biased. Im glad I finally tried their food so that I can finally take it off my Rockville Dine spot list. Other than that, nice sports bar, good drinks and nice ambiance.
(2)YoungMee C.
Great menu and atmosphere. Our waiter did great service and patience with us, which we were at the booth for 3 hours with 4 different orders.
(4)Crissy D.
Good food. Great atmosphere. I dont go to chain restaurants often since I live in DC, but Matchbox has always been good. I recommend going with a group of friends as they have seating to accomodate larger groups.
(3)Nancy N.
the best seat in the house in my opinion is by the fireplace! It's so nice and toasty and if you combine that with a glass of wine...MmMmMm good! I know it's not home but it adds the cabin feel that I love. I ordered the crabcake sandwich this time. I've had other things here...like PIZZA but I'll comment only on the crabcake sandwich. It's a standard crabcake. It's not as lumpy and meaty like some I've had elsewhere but it's not all filling either. Oveall, an average crabcake. A very filling dinner overall! The back section (small room) is cold if you're not sitting by the fireplace (by the windows). The overall atmosphere seems welcoming and cozy.
(3)Priya M.
Love their pesto chicken pizza, wine both white and red. I love the ambiance the waiters have always been friendly and really attentive. Very classy yet affordable place to dine. check it out :D
(5)Nadine M.
Food is good, but it's pricey for no reason. Maybe the ambience...
(3)Troy H.
One the food was great. I got the Q special, my friend got fire and smoke and my other friend got the spicy meatball pizza. Two, the service was awesome, John Brown was awesome. He was speedy, sociable and attentive. Ill be back soon. It was a baller time.
(5)Mark D.
My wife and I ate there last night. Decor and service was fine, but both our stomachs are still recovering from the experience. Over priced and poor quality ingridients. We will never dine their again.. Too many better options in the area.
(1)Beth L.
Came for dinner with my fam the other eve. Had the calamari salad and the fig/proscuitto pizza (shared 'em btoh with my mom). Ordered the pizza with the proscuitto on one side, since I don't do meat now. The pizza came out with the proscuitto on both sides :/ The 'za was really nice (love this one) tho my mom thought it could've used more figs. We both enjoyed the calamari salad. I like their selection of beers on tap and the atmosphere is nice.
(4)Alan W.
I was familiar with Matchbox from the location in DC so my wife and I stopped in here when we happened to see the Rockville location. The food was excellent, I had a perfect summer meal/snack of Gazpacho followed by the tuna tartare appetizer. The service was excellent as well until near the end of the meal. The only complaint is that the server (after keeping or water glasses full from a purchased large bottle of water) saw my glass was only half full and topped up the water glasses at the table with chlorinated tap water from a pitcher. After such good food it was just disappointing to have chlorine be the final taste in my mouth. Other than that everything was great!
(4)Mark R.
Came here Saturday with my girlfriend, and it was probably the 5th or 6th time we've been at a Matchbox together. We didn't make a reservation so we sort of played it dangerous. We requested to sit outside, but the lower patio was full. Not a problem, because the upper patio had open tables, so we were seated almost immediately. Disclaimer: the lower patio is far more intimate, while the upper patio is more open and with a view that leaves a bit to be desired. That didn't matter to us, because the cross-breeze was more than welcome, given that it was an August night and the weather, while not sweltering hot, was warm. Drinks: always 5/5 here. I had the Whiskey Smash, and she had some other cocktail (sorry, I did not mentally jot down what it was). I tried hers and she tried mine. I really liked hers, even if it was a bit sweet for my tastes, and she at least pretended to like mine (she's not much of a whiskey girl). We both ordered the cucumber infused gin and tonic for our second and final round, and as always, it was refreshing with just enough kick without being overpowering. Ordered the Mozzi Corozzi for an App because we wanted to go light. We didn't read the description close enough, I guess, because the mozzarella is more deep-fried than "lightly breaded". Still, it was delicious. She got the Korean Pork sandwich with fries, while I ordered the crabcake sandwich, also with fries (yea we weren't watching our diets on this evening). I live in Baltimore so I kind of get "crabcake fatigue", but I really enjoyed my sandwich; this, in spite of the fact that I could tell they use a lot of filler material and not a ton of crab. Still, I ate it all and really liked the flavor (and it wasn't extremely filling, which is a good thing in my book). My girlfriend said she liked her sandwich, but she didn't finish it. I chalk this up to her being a petite girl, though. Fries were also very good. The service was also good. Nothing extraordinary, but I don't expect my waiters/waitresses to wash my feet while I dine, so she did a very good job. A very solid meal, with great drinks, all in an hour on a busy Saturday. You can't ask for much more than that. 4/5 only because I reserve 5/5 for extraordinary dining experiences and/or shockingly good results. I've been a fan of Matchbox for about 2 years now, and the great experience does not shock me. Will be back many times.
(4)Scott A.
I love this place. Great food - great atmosphere and the deserts are to-die-for. Simply a great restaurant. Its my kids favorite!!!!!
(5)Tilty A.
Ordered carry-out; 2 personal pizzas and an appetizer; it was nearly 50$. Only one of the pizzas was good but not 20$ worth. The other was dry and had barely any topping. I guess maybe you're paying for the ambience.
(2)Patti B.
Exceedingly disappointed...I was sitting at the bar before 5pm and ordered a dinner dish. The server who brought the food burned me with the plate! The dish was not cheap (scallops) 3 to the order...and there was no offer for compensation (either comp my glass of wine, etc.). Hindsight: Should have left the restaurant then. Ate the food but left a small tip.
(1)Keith C.
First off I enjoyed the atmosphere, fireplaces throughout the restaurant along with a fire pit outside was very cool to see. Our server was very attentive. The appetizers and the food did not take long to come out, they were staggered appropriately. Awesome restaurant that will do very well in Virginia Beach. Definitely going back!
(4)Claire D.
Great restaurant with great food. The sliders are absolutely delicious and pizza is delicious too. The setting outside is very nice, sometimes the interior of the restaurant can be chilly. Service is not exceptional but the restaurant setting and food make up for it. Perfect for family and friends.
(5)Connie L.
I've been to Matchbox several times in DC.. this was my first time at the Rockville location. It was definitely less busy when we went which was a plus and service was very good. The Braised Shortrib dish was very tough and the sauce was not that great. We also got the chicken pesto pizza which was pretty good. Overall, I like Matchbox so it gets 4 stars. Definitely get the scallops and the fire and smoke pizza!
(4)Beverly S.
This place has excellent food! We went here on a whim one Friday after work. The wait was about an hour, but we figured since so many other people were waiting it would be worth it to stick around and try it. It definitely was! (FYI: They do call ahead seating and reservations, which we now know). We got the mini-burger trio appetizer, which was amazing. The meat was delicious and the onion straws it comes with are awesome. My husband got a meat-lovers style pizza and said it was the best pizza he has ever had. I got their crispy chicken sandwich, which was juicy and very flavorful. Overall, a delicious meal and we will definitely be back.
(5)Elias K.
Absolutely love this Pizza!
(5)Cindy H.
I've been here a couple times and have never been dissatisfied. A little pricey, but their fresh made pizzas are amazing (despite a couple expected burn spots, expected when it's wood-fire). Their pastas are excellent and are very filling. I'm always excited for their desserts, they are awesome! The service hasn't dissappointed me thus far, and they always make a great recommendation. Only reason I give them 4 stars is for their seasonal menu. I understand they are complying with the fresh ingredients available to them, and it's nice for those who are tired of the same ol' thing. But if you love a certain dish on the menu, chances will be that you won't see it again the following month. But believe me, this won't stop me from coming back!
(4)Shachi B.
It's ok - the service is a bit slow (ok, a lot slow) but the food is decent. Given the lack of pizza options in the Rockville area, this fills the void quite nicely. It's a nice upgrade from Vince and Dominic's! I do love the layout though - the lofty ceilings and spacious feel definintely makes you forget you're in a strip mall in Rockville. Well done on the decor! The noise level is a little loud, but nothing unbearable. If you're in the area, come at 11:45. That's juuuuuust before the lunch rush begins so you'll likely get a table quickly. Also, the takeout door is on the right side of the restaurant (if you're facing the front door), so it's easier to sneak in that way and pick up your takeout rather than meander through the entire restaurant to get to the back.
(3)James M.
Overall very unimpressed. Food was nothing special at all with a very shallow menu and limited choices. The pizza, their marquee item, was borderline unacceptable--greasy with a hard thin crust (and I like thin crust). Nice big building with a substantial outdoor seating area and nice bar area. Typical overpriced trendy place. Skip it!
(2)Elizabeth D.
My brother in law has been raving about Matchbox for as long as I've known him. Did not disappoint when we finally made it here for dinner. Great wine selection and I was very tempted to try the cocktails. Started with the pepperoni and mozzarella roll, which was good, but I wish there was more cheese. Satisfied that with the mozzi carrozzi - so much cheese. The prosciutto and black mission fig pizza was awesome. Needed a little more blue cheese but otherwise perfect. Loved the honey on top! The Fire & Smoke pizza was another table favorite. For dessert, had to try the gelato cookie sandwich. Split it with someone as it's an indulgence. The outdoor patio is pretty incredible. I can imagine it gets pretty crowded in general but the space is huge (I spotted 2 more bars).
(4)Karen G.
Beautiful urban modern dining experience! Went in for the first time on Saturday party of 5 and surprisingly the wait was not too long even with a full house! This place is big and its matchbox concept is displayed everywhere in a tasteful way. I love their 3,6,9 mini burgers their a small taste of goodness with thinly sliced union straws on top made it perfect! Their chicken pesto pizza with the home made sauce was pretty yummy! Nice amount of chicken (Just a little more cheese next time:) And the Gelato cookie sandwich was also amazing and a nice ending to the entire experience. Definitively a new spot to go to.
(5)Lydia R.
I got the vegetarian pizza for lunch at Matchbox, which lasted me two days! So the portion size is awesome, and the taste of the pizza is alright. I was expecting more from a place that specializes in pizza. My vegetarian pizza only had artichokes and tomatoes, but a whole lot of cheese, so I did not feel very healthy for going veggie! Our table got burger sliders as an appetizer, which was okay-tasting, too. I did not feel healthy after leaving this place, but next time I'll stick with a salad and report back! I would also love to try the outdoor seating...
(3)Irene F.
After having made 2 attempts in the past to try Matchbox (and always never being patient enough to wait an hour or more)- we finally managed to get there on Friday at 11 AM (when they open) and were the first to be seated. YAY! Or server was very accommodating- he brought my husband a taster of a beer he'd never tried before. He allowed me to get a mini burger each with a different topping (mozzarella, Gouda, and Gorgonzola) and gave me a big thumbs up and smile when I asked if we could split a pizza with 2 different toppings. Now- I know that doesn't sound like I was being very picky- but the place looks like it might be the kind of place that might be a little full of themselves and thumb their nose at making too many special requests. That was hugely refreshing. Also, they list the prices of all of their alcoholic beverages- which are NOT overpriced! I ordered the Matchbox Punch and for $8 it was a great deal- they did not skimp! It wasn't served in a tiny cocktail glass- it was the size of a soda glass! It wasn't so full of ice that you wondered where the drink was---And it was delicious. (And yes I did drink a cocktail at 11 AM- but I was on a rare date with my husband without the kiddo!!!) We ordered the mini burgers medium rare with the onion straws. They were perfectly cooked, and pretty tasty. They weren't to die for- I wouldn't write home about it or anything- but they were yummy. I liked the Gorgonzola version the best- but then again...my husband says I always like the stinkiest cheeses the best. The onion straws surprisingly tasted like onions and not just of batter. Next we split a large pizza- my side was the White Anchovy and Capers and my husband's was the Veggie. Mine was ok. I think I would have preferred the anchovies be sliced a little thinner and more spread out rather than in nearly whole pieces. My husband's side was delicious. (darn him for always picking right!) Ultimately I don't think this style of pizza is for me. I prefer my crust a little less crispy, and a little more cheesy, and with more sauce. For the style of pizza- it was good...it's just my personal preference and should not be held against the restaurant. We ended our meal with a cup of coffee- it was better than McDonald's, but worse than Dunkin Donuts & Starbucks- according to my husband. The whole bill came out to about $50 for a beer, a cocktail, 3 mini burgers, large pizza, and a coffee. Not too bad considering the ambiance. I would definitely come back for the drinks and the mini burgers. Next time I will have to try something else though besides pizza. Or maybe I'll just double my burger order...
(4)Greg O.
Matchbox has one of my favorite pizzas on their menu- the fire and smoke pizza. So spicy and so good. I don't even need to look at a menu when I come here. The mini burgers are pretty good as well, and come with a huge serving of onion straws too. The service was good the entire time. However, when you compare this matchbox to the one in Chinatown, its really missing some of the ambiance. The alleyway, exposed construction, lighting, etc. at the Chinatown locations just adds much more personality to the restaurant, in the way a box at strip mall never could unfortunately. Overall, I'd definitely go back a few more times!
(4)Katherine P.
i've had most of the pizzas, but the burgers are where its at to be honest.
(3)Arija R.
After a failed attempt to see cherry blossoms on a Sunday afternoon, my date and I made a u-turn for food instead! With high hopes, we chose Matchbox Rockville for a fun experience filled with food and baseball - this plan failed too. ATMOSPHERE: Matchbox has a cool urban vibe with its wood, bricks, and mortar design. Fitting for DC, but feels out of place in this area. It's still cool. High end casual - is that a thing? FOOD/DRINKS: They don't make/have the sangria, fireball, or frozen drink I wanted (no blender @ Matchbox). We got beer and the delicious Q Pizza. The beer was poured perfectly and their vintage pizza is worth some of the drama haha. SERVICE: Our bartender was super sweet, but this place was clearly understaffed. It took a while to get service and once we placed our first order, it was tough to get a hold of anyone after. My date chose seats in front of a huge TV to watch the local Nats baseball game which had just started. Instead of already having this game on as we expected them to, the TV was playing info-mercials for fitness. Cause that's just what we want to watch when we're trying to stuff our face with pizza and beer! Again, since there was one bartender, she wasn't able to change it (after we requested a couple times) until it was already over. Also, we were right by a computer/wait station and there was a lot of internal talk among the staff that wasn't good. A lot of them were stressed and saying things customers shouldn't hear - it killed our vibe. We get it to an extent. My date and I joke about how most of our dining experiences are ruined by our acceptance from being too understanding since we've worked in the service industry. It's still not fair for us to justify poor service (at no fault of our bartender - areas of improvement were needed beyond her since she was actually trying despite the overwhleming demands). OVERALL: We still have high hopes for this location since I've had positive experiences with the DC locations. We'll give it another try and hopefully we have a 5 star worthy update for ya!!
(2)Felicity M.
Love this place for every occasion, but their staff can be very hit and miss and closed on THE most important days? How can a restaurant afford to do that nowadays? Even if it's hugely reduced hours and with a credit card number at reservation..... Don't get it?!! Otherwise.... Fabulous food, delicious wine and great beer and the best garlic bread sticks and butter on the planet!!
(4)Tara S.
I love this place! I used to go more frequently before I became a vegan, and every time was great. I'm not sure why everyone seems to say that you need a reservation as I've never had a problem, but you can reserve a table on Open Table so it's really easy. Their Fire and Smoke pizza is amazing if you like spicy. And their breakfast pizza for brunch is also great. Not to mention their "bloody beer" is actually not bad either! I would highly recommend Matchbox to anyone! And you can even sit outside!
(5)Jonathan K.
Matchbox is excellent. I've tried almost all of the pizzas on the menu and you really cannot go wrong. The 3/6/9 sliders with Gouda are also excellent.
(5)Robert C.
I'll give this place 3 1/2 stars. The Thin Crust Pizza here are pretty good, they offer unique pizza, which's pretty cool. The ambiance and decoration is pretty cool too; very modern like. However they can be pretty expensive. They're about $12 - $14 for medium and $18 - $20 for large. I suggest getting the large because the medium sizes won't fill you up; the portion's pretty small here. *Sliders/mini burgers - angus beef, toasted brioche, pickles, onion straws & gouda cheese (9 for $18). These sliders're good, however they're really small & not really worth the price. *Spicy Meatball Pizza - spicy meatballs, bacon, crushed red pepper, fresh garlic puree, zesty tomato sauce & mozarella. My favorite pizza from there. It tastes really good and the spiciness within the meatballs really give it the extra kick. *Fire & Smoke Pizza - fire roasted red peppers, spanish onions, chipotle pepper tomato sauce, garlic puree, smoked gouda & fresh basil. This pizza's pretty good too even though it doesn't have any meat. However, I don't recommend adding any additional meat, it'll ruin the flavor. I did that and I found out that the original fire & smoke is better.
(3)Ashley W.
huge!!! this place is so much larger than it's DC counterparts... - perfect for dining on the patio during nice weather... upstairs/downstairs dining rooms and separate bar area...... This location is perfect for large groups... - excellent wait staff Menu choices are very extensive... from pizza... to salad.. to sandwiches... also great wine list! I'm looking forward to returning for brunch...
(4)S L.
My rating is based ENTIRELY on the only thing I eat here, but man is it worth those 5 stars! The chicken pesto pizza. The best pizza I've ever eaten. Hands down. It's arguably my thing to eat. Their red sauce pizza isn't bad, I think pizza CS across the street is way better at it though. Nothing holds a candle to that chicken pesto pizza though.
(5)Roy S.
Went with a lage group and had a good time. The decor was cool and I liked the set up. I had the meat lovers pizza and it was very nice but I felt like it lacked some panache. Maybe some basil or rosemerry or something to set it apart from other similar thin crust pizzas. My friends had the burgers and really loved them. The crab cake was rated subpar and not "the best crabcake in MD" like the waiter said, haha... The waiter was really cool and we got plenty of attention. I really liked their dessert trio also. The fruit pizza was a huge hit as well as the sorbets and chocolate cake thing. It is a little pricey, but what isnt these days?? I will be back!!
(4)Sam O.
Not too bad... this is a great environment that is better than just taking someone to pizza hut. I've had a wide variety of pizzas here and have to say that they're not too bad but there isn't really a pizza that stands out. The Chicken Pesto is probably my favorite. For brunch they offer some decent items. I had the Brunch Pizza... I have to say it's actually not that bad and def is better than what you think.
(4)Mary E.
Almost everything about this visit was great -- our waiter was amazing, the food was fresh and generous (I had the black bean burger, which I would get even if I weren't a vegetarian). I was there with my son, who is in kindergarten, and my husband, to celebrate the former's yellow belt in karate. My son had a great time. The only thing that was a bad note was that the hostess who walked us to our table (who had long red hair and was tall in case someone from Matchbox reads this and cares) just looked at us stonefaced and brought us to our table. I don't expect a hug, but considering that my son and I both smiled at her, it was really awkward and kind of passively hostile that she didn't smile back. I'm not the type of person who really cares about this kind of thing, but anyone would have been taken aback by this woman. So, if you can get past the cold greeting at the front door, you will probably enjoy your visit. I'll be going back, but I'll also be complaining about the hostess. There are too many people who would be glad to have her job and who would not have a problem being friendly to customers, especially in this economy.
(3)Fred K.
I went here when it first opened the door and was the first paying bar customer! It was good to see a good draft beer selection in MoCo as I was afraid that their beer selection would suffer like at nearby Againn. Julia is a great and friendly bartender! Been back two times and very happy it opened on the Pike. The sliders with the fried onion rings are a hit for an appetizer. My only complaint is that the main entrees/pizza just comes out way too fast if you order an appetizer. My advice is to order the main entrees when your appetizers come to your table. They do accept reservations via opentable, so please make sure to get reservations or you will be waiting for quite some time, unless you get seated before 5:30.
(4)Jeff C.
Ok, maybe I caught them on a bad day, but I really thought this place was overrated..The food was average and the service sub-average. However, my friend swears by this place, but even she was somewhat disappointed with the service. I felt our pizza was fairly basic and not really worth the price. However, the bar was nice, and I think this spot would work for a drink rather than a full meal..
(2)Patrick R.
This place is ok... In all honesty, I never really understand why anyone would suggest this place and I genuinely don't get the hype. Their pizza is pretty good, but the amount you end up spending on it there are easily other places you can go for better pizza that might even be cheaper. I don't know how they try to act like they're a fancy restaurant when essentially half of the whole thing is very obviously a sports bar. Their other menu items are mediocre and gimmicky. I feel like they spread themselves a little thin and if they cut some items and allowed their cooks to focus more there would be less instances of bland or undercooked food.
(2)David H.
If you've got a hankering for thin-crust, wood-fired oven pizza, then this is a decent spot, although the food isn't spectacular enough to explain the massive crowds and lines for tables at this and their downtown locations. Their growth has come at the expense of their food quality. Far better wood-fired pizza is to be had in this town (eg, Pizzeria Paradiso in Dupont Circle, one of the first). While inspired, some of the pizza topping combinations are odd and random flavor combinations, as though they were trying to empty out the fridge and dump all the leftovers into one dish. On a recent office happy hour outing, I found myself wishing I'd made my own combination of toppings (which is an option, and which is something I usually do). Being a big fan of stinky cheese, I spotted a prosciutto, gorgonzola, and fig pizza that looked awesome, so I ordered it in excited haste, not noticing that the toppings also included peppered honey (which made the pizza too sweet when coupled with the ripe figs), and arugula (whose dominant pepperiness clashed with everything and ruined the pizza, as far as I was concerned...a little arugula goes a long way). The bar menu is exhaustive, offering a wide selection of cocktails, but I found their "cutesy" (one assumes that was the reason) categorization of libations into "manly" and "girly" drinks to be offensive. What century are we in? If I wanted tired gender stereotypes with my buzz, I'd get a beer at the baseball stadium. I ended up ordering an old classic, a gimlet, but it was too sweet for my tastes. I like them tart (like my reviews...)
(3)Christopher J.
Went here for lunch last week. We have tried to go 3 or 4 times before but the wait is always too long. We were off work that day so decided to try it, FINALLY. During the mid-week lunch, no wait. Staff was super friendly and kinda cool atmosphere. I order a mid day alcoholic beverage...the Quencher I believe and the wife got a Pomegranate Martini. Both were excellent. The server, Ryan, could not have been nicer. Gave us good recommendations and was very attentive and on point (IE didnt talk too much, engaged with us but left us alone, maintained filling our drinks etc). I got the Smoke and Fire Pizza and added chicken....VERY tasty, good amount of spice, flavor and freshness. LOTS of chicken which was great. Really enjoyed it. Wife got the Spinach Salad, but replaced spinach with Arugula. Not the biggest salad ever, but very filling, tasted great and she said she loved it. Ordered a Lemon Tart for Dessert. Deliciously tart and chilled. Very lemon-y and the fruit compote that came with it was great. All and All a great restaurant. ONLY down side is that there is nearly always a wait. Slightly pricier than other places around, but definitely worth it. Excellent service and food is worth the money.
(5)Tiffany P.
Came here for lunch during the week. Loved that you could get half/half personal sized pizzas so that you could try more than one flavor. I got half White Prosciutto and Half Smoke & Fire. I wasn't really impressed with the Half Smoke & Fire, and the White Prosciutto had enough garlic to kill an onslaught of vampires and prevent anyone from wanting contact with me for at least 24 hours. 2 Glasses of wine and a personal size pizza = $29.. so a little on the pricey side. Not sure if I will be rushing back any time soon.
(3)Tram N.
Definitely had a great first experience at Matchbox! I reserved a table for my sister's birthday for a party of five and everything went smoothly. Our waitress was consistent and frequently checked on our table and provided honest and helpful suggestions. We had a mixture of brunch and dinner entrees. The cinnamon rolls are AMAZING so are the French toast dish. Love love the presentation of everything. I had the crab cake sandwich which came with a pickle and fries. Also got the small Matchbox Meat pizza which wasn't bad at all. Definitely enough for everyone. Atmosphere is private and comfortable. Loved that it is also kid-friendly. Service was great and will definitely be returning =)
(5)Natasha T.
I've been here a few times, for brunch and lunch. Everything I've had, particularly the pizza, has been delicious. We reserved for a large group for brunch, they easily accommodated us and we were able to sit in the upstairs (semi-private) "room."
(5)Alexia G.
This is some of the best pizza that we've found in the area! I had the prosciutto fig pizza and it was awesome. My boyfriend loved his matchbox meat pizza. The chef thought that the pizza he made me was a bit small (I didn't notice) so he can upstairs with a box and a brand new pizza because he wanted to make it right. Great service too!
(5)Tiffany T.
I have been to this location many times and I must say that I prefer the DC locations. The food is always great, although at my last visit I was given the incorrect pizza, which was annoying since I was with a large party and I had to wait for it to be fixed while everyone else ate. I definitely suggest that you make reservations. Any time I tried to go without a reservation, the wait is always at least 45 minutes for a Friday or Saturday night. The service is hit or miss. I don't know of they just don't have enough waiters but sometimes it takes a while for the server to come back to to table just to ask if everything is okay. At one visit I ordered a glass of wine and after about 10-15 minutes the waiter admitted that he forgot. He was very apologetic and brought it out immediately after that but telling me that you forgot is unacceptable. I will go back since I live close and I love the restaurant but I hope they hire more servers.
(4)Laura S.
Yesterday was my third time here in two months. The atmosphere is great--it has the best outdoor space on R'ville Pike. The waiters are attentive without being smothering, and the food has always been solid. I've had sliders and pizzas. Nice wines and the Allagash white draft beer was crisp. This will be our new go-to spot, having moved close by from D.C.
(4)Edward S.
Last night they had a roasted duck special. It was outstanding. They said it's available only this week. Its worth a special trip.
(5)Stephanie A.
I'd like to rate the restaurant 2-star in service and 3.5-star in food quality. I've been to all locations of Matchbox and usually really enjoy my time there. This location is HUGE! They have a great layout of the restaurant with a front bar, pizza oven seating, bar, upstairs, and outdoor seating. Decorations are urban pizza kitchen with great use of metals, concrete and brick. Food, is good I wouldn't say amazing but would definitely say better than most places in the area. There is also a wide variety of items to choose from, so even the pickiest eaters should be able to find something. Service, I've been here a couple of times and usually had good wait/bar service each time. Last night 12/19, I was there for a company party and had issues with the service so felt compelled to write this review. Our serving staff was GREAT - attentive, readily available and friendly. My issue, along with several of my colleagues, felt that the manager on duty and the bar staff (main bar AFTER event was over) were rude and under par. Working in the hospitality industry, we understand the need for customer satisfaction because loyal customers generate revenue. We were surprised that after our event was over, the manager came over to our group (about 30 minutes after allotted time, I checked my phone) and rudely kicked us out. Stating something similar but much ruder to "it's 40 minutes over the event time you booked, we need you out in order for us to re-sit this area." We completely understand where he was coming from but the delivery was just rude and almost ignorant. I understand if we were warned a couple times before and this was the final straw, but we weren't, first offense. I'm actually shocked that is how this manager approached the situation, not thinking of the potential of repeat customers or private parties in the future. At that point nobody walked away feeling great of the experience, even though this happened in the last 5 minutes - what a shame. Next the main bar, the bartenders and bar back were just rude, forced friendly, and aloof. Not sure why they're in the service industry if they don't enjoy being personable, but generally maybe they all were having a bad day. Also walked away, not wanting to come back by choice anytime soon.
(3)Ginger W.
I really really like this place. We came here once for a free meal from my s.o.'s family and another time I went with my mom. I am always super impressed with the pizza and beer/spirits selection. One star off because although I usually eat outside, they often have fairly rowdy groups and both times I have been here I've been knocked into by some drunk patron (one male, one female) acting pants-on-head. It sort of kills any remote possibility of feeling like you're having a pleasant or relaxing evening -- not romantic! That said, it is fun, people have fun all around you, and the pizzas are both unique (fig and black pepper honey?! OMG YES) and really well executed -- crispy but not black. The service we've had has been very good as well, striking a good balance between attentiveness and obsessiveness. I would come back here if I was having a party. That way we wouldn't be the party of two getting bumped into, but rather be more part of the fun.
(4)Jon E.
Good food and service and atmosphere for the most part. Really expensive pizzas. Not worth the price.
(2)Esq. H.
Beware when dining in the warm months. They have multiple doors that they open to the patio and leave open creating a super highway for flies and other winged creatures to fight you for your food. Sometimes people like to sit inside for a reason. My colleagues and I swatted off several flies throughout dinner and I even got bit by a mosquito. We came on a Wednesday after work - party of 10 and had no problem being seated, I've been here before but generally speaking unless you have it in good with the bartender and you are at the bar your drink will be weak, I had the matchbox punch and it had .001 % alcohol in it and I am not an alcoholic. I had the crab cake sandwich it wasn't terrible and I know this place is a pizza place but just in case some people were wondering it's not worth it, stick with the pizza and water. We also had the donut holes - I'm not sure of the official name, but they were good, not super sweet or large and the accompanying sauce is perfect.
(3)Maria L.
Appetizer: 6 sliders; the meat was cooked medium & was juicy! The onion straws were YUMMM :D Apple & Pear salad was the best thing I ate there. Entree: 1/2 MatchBox Meat & 1/2 Spicy Salami& mushroom pizza; The Meat Side was yummy & juicy. The other half was just as great. Overall: the atmosphere& service seemed rushed. The waiter spilled water on our table & didn't apologize. The place is loud & crowded. Maybe I'll give this place a second chance...& maybe I won't.
(3)Tasha B.
Ordered the apple and pear salad - blandest salad I have ever had in my life. No dressing on top & basically the greens were just washed & put on a plate Also ordered the "make it your own" pizza with basil: spiciest pizza I've ever had in my life - I LOVE spicy food (drunken noodles, spicy sushi, etc), but this wasn't even good spicy - it was like if you took pizza from the mall & added a ton of hot sauce. Never again
(1)David N.
Great pizza. Had meat pizza taste really good and service is fast and courteous. The only down side is the pizzas are over 1000 calories based on myfitness pal app
(4)Paul M.
rather extensive pizza selections to fit many different tastes. My adult children and their spouses, along with me and mine, visited at the suggestion of a family member and were not disappointed. We sat upstairs in a booth that was comfortable, although we were at a railing looking out on the rest of the building. A little warm, but that is expected in a pizza joint with hot ovens going all day. Every one ordered something different and we shared family style. Pies were all terrific, Son had a steak that he said was quite good (rotten lil' *** didn't share) and drinks came in a timely fashion (and kept coming.) I'll return but probably not on a Friday or Saturday night when I am told there is quite a wait. I am OK with that though, since every night is date-night for me and my bride.
(4)Van J.
Everything everybody says about the ambience is spot on. Nice lofty feel with indoor or outdoor dining. Food is overpriced but you would expect that given the look of the place. We split a beet salad and had to ask "where's the beets". Literally, a plate full of arugula with half a beet and lightly, very lightly, sprinkled with goat cheese and walnuts. Oh and it comes with ciabatta bread. A thin slice of ciabatta bread! My husband had veggie pizza that was lacking. Believe me, Papa Johns does a much better veggie thin crust sans the tomatoes. The crab cake sandwich was good, found a few shells though. Wait time was about 30 minutes, Friday night at 8 pm with several empty tables. Ironically we asked if we could be seated at one of the empty tables and was told we had to wait to be seated. Well, we ended up at the table we asked about. I'll stop by for drinks but eat somewhere else.
(2)Scott S.
Fantastic layout of a much larger version of the restaurant in DC. Pizza is great, but not amazing and the sliders are defintely a must. Even has rooftop seating or you can reserve it for large parties!
(4)Joyce R.
My friends and I went here to try it for the first time and it was pretty good. The shrimp and grits were off the chain! I am pretty sure they had someone from the south back there in the kitchen cooking that. NOM NOM NOM. I ordered the fire and smoke pizza and it was delish. I enjoyed the spiciness but damn there were alot of onions on each slice... gum anyone? I had the chocolate molten cake and that was oh so awesome. I loved the caramel drizzle thingy they had going on. Great waiter and the place was nice and clean. I will definitely go back (even though they aren't the cheapest).
(4)Karen S.
My favorite pizzas here are the prosciutto and black mission fig and anything with pesto (including the veggie and chicken pesto). For starters, I've tried the cream of crab soup, which was pretty good (very rich), the mini burgers (which come with a huuuuuge heap of onion strings) and some mahi-mahi tacos (very big and enough to share among a couple people) that were a special of the day but that we turned into an appetizer. I like the spaciousness of the Rockville location, especially since it's easy to fit big groups. I'd like to try sitting outside in the warmer months.
(4)Willie T.
Great food and ambiance really enjoyed the meal. Are the breakfast pizza and it was fantastic!
(5)Emma W.
This parking lot is a little tricky, but this place is visible from the road. There are flames.... There is a lot of outdoor seating at this location, and can accommodate big parties. The largest I've been apart of is around 15. I like the pizza here. The spicy is not too spicy, and you can add Rd pepper flakes if necessary. They add an ample amount of pepperoni and meats... and good flavor combos. Nothing I haven't liked so far. I Would say its best to share so you can part take in the desserts. Yummy fresh made donuts with an espresso sauce.... I can eat the whole thing! And 6-7 mini donuts is not trivial. Also they have a trio sampler.... the brownie--- chocolate lovers rejoice! So coming soon to the menu is a lamb sandwich. So good, and well I was starving, I didn't get a picture. But think-- flatbread with lamb meat and cucumbers... AND chickpea fries!!!! Don't laugh, since they are amazing....
(4)Christina S.
From the friendly greeting at the door, to our AMAZING server Brandon, who gave honest and delicious recommendations for food that will rock your taste buds!! This is the place that must be tried!!! Promise you will keep coming back!
(5)Yolanni S.
I went to Matchbox for the first time over the weekend and I really didn't know what to expect. Walking into the restaurant we were welcomed and seated immediately. While sitting and waiting for the drinks to arrive at the table I watched as servers delivered food to other tables. I couldn't help but to notice how delicious all the food looked. Literally everything that I saw pass by looked oh so tasty. As we were on a double date we ordered 1 order of the sliders with Gorgonzola cheese and the other order with mozzarella cheese. I wish I had taken a picture of the sliders they were perfectly portioned with a heap of thin fried onions. Omg they were so good. Then we wanted a sweet treat so we ordered the matchbox trio that came with homemade donuts (to hard for my liking), a fudge brownie with ice cream, and a trio sorbet (it was supposed to be three different flavors however we were only given to favors of sorbet. The lemon basil one happened to be my favorite! All in all the food was delicious and I would definitely recommend it!
(5)Kamer K.
We went Matchbox with my quests from Europe on a Thursday night. It was very crowded and noisy. The sliders and the onion fries we had was vey tasty and juicy. My sangria was ok. My friend loved the Spicy margarita. I liked the fig and bacon pizza so much. But the vegetarian pizza was very greasy. I recommend chocolate chip bread pudding. It was very rich and yummy. Enough for 4 people!
(4)PureClass M.
Waiter and food were awesome! We enjoyed the MatchBox pizza and sliders...those little ones were amazing! A great upscale place to go in the local area.
(5)Brandon G.
Went here tonight with my girlfriend. When we first got there, we were impressed with the ambiance of the restaurant. Really organized and clean. Not busy too busy for a saturday night. Reminded me of a Las Vegas restaurant. Service: The hostess promptly let us know how long the wait was. The wait was only about 3 or 4 minutes then we were seated. The waitress was nice. Sat us in a nice spot by the bar(inside). Menu: Not too intimidating. Not like the cheesecake factory where everything in life is on the menu. You know exactly what you're going to be getting there. I ordered the pepperoni pizza. Ordered a Lemon quencher cocktail. Basically a spiked sweet tea. That was good as well. Food: The pizza was REALLY good. My girlfriend's pizza was great as well. She enjoyed hers probably more than I enjoyed mine. She's the true "foodie". Overall experience was good. Definitely will be going back!
(4)Elizabeth W.
It's definitely 3.5 stars, but closer to 4. Matchbox is a beautiful place with an upscale aura. I have never been here before but we came during happy hour time so no one was around. It was a perfect time to come. I took a recommendation from my friend and got the Mini Triple as a meal, while she got the Matchbox Meat Pizza. I also enjoyed the Matchbox punch which was delicious! The triple includes 2 scallops, 2 crabcakes, and a bunless burger. It was so good! The big complaint was the server. She wasn't horrible, but she didn't really check on us that much and my water cup went dry. She never asked me if I wanted another drink and then disappeared after she gave us the check. We were in the bar and it wasn't that busy. I honestly wasn't impressed with her but the food is definitely what gives this place the 4 stars. I'd come back once in awhile.
(4)Liale B.
The service wasn't the best. I had to ask for a glass of water. I should not have to ask, should be at the table without question. Half of my party received food before I even made my orders for drinks. To get the waitress attention I had to raise my hand like I was in grade school. Hands down NYC has the best customer service.
(1)Trina L.
When will Matchbox kill the pounding, headache inducing music that consists mostly of a beating drum? We avoided the restaurant for years, after they instituted the music, but recently heard it is quieter. Wrong. Unfortunately, "the beat goes on". Too loud to enjoy talking at the table.
(2)Natasha J.
I would give it less than one if I could. I have not been for months with no plans to return. I was not going to post because I hate giving bad reviews. The service was horrible. I came here with a friend from out of town. A waitress came over. We placed our order after waiting ten minutes for her. The waitress disappeared for another ten minutes or longer. Then, we received our food. Waitress disappeared again. We needed water and wanted more drinks. I had to get up and ask for another waiter to find our waitress. Then, they told us that they were confused by who was suppose to service us. We paid for the food and left. I have not been back since. I live close and travel to Matchbox in DC. I would not recommend. Poor service and it was not busy. The restaurant looks okay too.
(1)B. M.
Had dinner and drinks last night with my co-workers. I haven't been to matchbox in 3 years and was craving their delicious table dough bread. I almost left the restaurant because the hostess (a pretty Asian girl) almost beat me up!!! (Not literally, but she was highly upset!). She took us to a table and I had asked for a booth, so I kindly repeated myself at the table, "can we have a booth please?" And she slammed the menu shut, and gave me the look of death, rolled her eyes furiously and said, "Sure, fineeee!" A table nearby stared at her and shook their heads. My bad for asking??? Anyway, Katie was an amazing server and she made up for the bad feelings. AWESOME JOB KATIE! Maybe I'll go back soon and ask for Katie, in hopes the hostess doesn't change my mind at the door. Managers: PLEASE recognize Katie for a great personality, impressive food & drink menu knowledge and great recommendations. Tip: talk to your hostesses; after all, they are your restaurants first impression. :)
(3)Nhi T.
The interior was nice. One of the walls inside looked like a bunch of ends of matches. Pretty neat and there was also a open kitchen feature. I sat just far enough to be able to watch the kitchen work away! But I will say, it was super chilly inside. I am kind of sad, we were not asked if we wanted to sit outside! Looked so neat when we were leaving. There was a round table with a fire in the middle. I am totally a gimmicky person and that was astounding to me! It was pricey for what it was I thought. My boyfriend ordered the spicy meatball pizza and he loved it! The crust was a bit blackened, but it is written in the menu as a warning prior to ordering your pizza. I got the seared salmon, which had a nice presentation, but was bland tasting, in my opinion. Lastly, the service was subpar. The waiter forgot about us. He didn't give us a refill until after we were sitting there with empty glasses for several minutes and waiting for the check took forever. We could have literally walked out without being noticed. But I still give it a 3/5! The service may have been better if we would have gotten a better server.
(3)Heather J.
I'm a fan of the Matchbox restaurants in general, and this one is no exception. Our server was incredibly friendly, almost exceedingly so, and the food was as good as any of the other locations I've been to. We started with 3 sliders, each one with a different cheese. The one with gorgonzola was my favorite. Then we got the spicy soppressata salami and wild mushroom pizza. It was really good, and I love the crispy thin crust. I wouldn't hesitate to return to this location.
(4)Hillary C.
I visit this Matchbox location semi monthly for a networking group meeting. The food is consistently good and the servers are quick and friendly. Extra bonus when they have a seafood special. Today's fish tacos were delicious!
(5)Karen R.
Great lunch. Expertly crafted wood-fired pizzas and lots of good food to satisfy the most discerning palate. Atmosphere, friendly staff, good libations and really good pizza.
(5)Mike Y.
Matchbox Rockville is the second Matchbox that I've been to in the DC/MD/VA area, with the first being the one in DC. The matchbox website states that it is the largest of the three Matchboxes. The food as many reviewers have mentioned is very consistent. However, the it still tastes freshly made versus having come out freezer-bagged from a central distribution facility. Despite Matchbox's reputation for pizzas, our plans for a big dinner in the evening relegated our Friday lunch to salads and sandwiches. Lunch crowd was mainly local professionals grabbing a quick bite. To sit it was a 5-10 minute wait. No biggie. We started with the crab and avocado tower. The word "tower" I felt was a bit misleading as it was more a puck. But I guess "crab and avocado puck" doesn't sound too appealing. It tasted as it sounds...crab and avocado. Not really seasoned but I guess it doesn't really need to be? For some reason my plate only came with four crostinis. We had to ask for more. Because...I mean...really. How are you going to offer a dip with only four chips? Moving on...I ordered the sweet and tangy calamari salad. The SO went heavier ordering the a crispy MB chicken sandwich. The sweet and tangy calamari salad was...interesting. It tasted like a mediterranean-thai fusion. Not terrible, but just an interesting combination. Imagine....thai sweet chili sauce + mixed green + olives and banana peppers + fried calamari. Funny thing about it though, there is no not sweet chili sauce in the salad its actually a ginger miso vinagrette, which leaves me wondering wheres the sweet coming from? The crispy chicken sandwich was definitely the better choice. Bread was soft and brioche-y. Chicken was crispy and well fried and breaded. The buttermilk sauce added the moisture to keep it from being a mouthful of dryness. Fries were good too. The waiter we had seemed disinterested in his job and although not terrible; didn't really try. Hope it was an off day. I wanted to go 4-stars, but after writing the review I realized it was just an 'okay' experience. The food didn't really knock my socks off. The waiter was underwhelming. However, if you're looking for lunch options on Rockville Pike you could do worse.
(3)Don V.
Upside: The food. If you're looking the standard American fare such as pizza, sliders, salads you can't go wrong here. Those items are usually on point. The atmosphere was also pretty nice - it has an upscale wooden decor look with medium mood lighting for a good balance for a date or a night out with friends. There is also an outdoor patio seating area with its own dedicated bar and a fireplace. Downside: The service towards the end. Well specifically last night...on our anniversary night. Our waiter apparently left to go home before either closing us up or transferring us to another waiter. We ended waiting 25-30 minutes before my girlfriend had to flag down a manager of some sort. Eventually another waiter came to box up our food as well as provide us a check. I was hoping for a simple apology (which would have sufficed) for the misstep but received none from either person. Unacceptable. Result: The lapse in service caused us to miss getting dessert at the next venue as they closed by the time we finished sorting out our bill (30 minutes). In conclusion a simple apology from anyone would have resulted in NO negative yelp review and an understanding from our part because everyone has a bad night once in a while. Instead no apology was offered. Matchbox Rockville ruined what should been a special night for my girlfriend and I. And we missed dessert at her favorite place.
(2)Ray C.
To give a 5 star rating I have to be totally blown away by both the food and experience. Sadly- although the service was great and the atmosphere up beat - if you ask me in a week what I had for dinner I probably won't remember. My waitress Stephani was great - very attentive and took the time to explain the menu. I had a half pepperoni and half prosciutto pizza and felt my cells shrivel up from the salt- almost inedible. After dropping $15 on a small pizza I should have been more impressed. It was Stephani and the environment that saved this rating from a 3 star but the chef (I think he was wearing a toga holding a spear yelling "pizza pizza" ) that kept the rating from a 5 star.
(4)Lindsey G.
So, I'm biased, because I live right across the street from this place and it's super convenient for me. However, that doesn't make the food, ambiance, and service any less top-notch. Even though Matchbox's specialty is pizza, they also have delicious non-pizza items. I'm on a fairly strict diet and don't eat bread, so when I come here I'll get either the veggie black bean burger that they prepare wonderfully with sliced avocado, chipotle mayonnaise, and their house-cut fries, or the crabcake sandwich, served with fries and a tangy sauce that I love. Their salads are also a yummy alternative for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions. The house, simple salad and apple/pear salad are light and refreshing, and next time I dine here, I'm going to try the ahi tuna salad. The only frustrations I've experienced here is long wait times on popular nights when I didn't make a reservation. Some of the table seating is a bit close, but the staff are always willing to re-seat if you aren't comfortable. I love this place! :)
(4)Steve L.
Excellent bloody mary burger. Kind of pricey but it was really good. I will have to save up to come back with the family. I sat at the bar and service was excellent. Available drafts were a very nice selection. Was told all the food is fresh and no freezer in the back so I will have to try the fish next time if I can get out of a burger mood. Okay. I have to add the tissue on the way out the bathroom door to grab the handle is a really cool touch.
(5)Sakeeeennnnaaa H.
The food is consistently good at this place. I've been here several times with my best friend. We really like the sliders they come piled high with these delicious fried onion straw things topped with Parmesan. The breakfast skillets are tasty. The food is always fresh and hot. Server are courteous, prompt, and attentive. If you do decide to get an appetizer they are big enough to share.
(4)Cristine C.
I have been to almost every Matchbox location in the DC area and this one was not exception to what I'd expect. The food and service was great, consistent with the other locations. I've been here for both lunch and dinner and while it was full and energetic, it's never too loud.
(5)Megan H.
Whiskey Smash is Matchbox's rendition of a whiskey sour - most satisfying whiskey sour to date! Granted, the majority of my whiskey sours have been enjoyed at casino floors or club settings, so there's not much competition to compare to. The mint infused bourbon gives this beverage the mystery X factor that keeps you coming back for more. I've been here enough times to have tried a majority of the items on their menu and I've never been disappointed with any of my selections. To be fair, I haven't quite been blown away either, but I like the reliability of this restaurant to deliver good food and a very vibrant social ambiance, which is why Matchbox ends up being my "go-to" place for random dinner meetups with friends and family. Bonus points to the spinach salad, ribeye, sliders, and prosciutto & black mission fig pizza!
(4)Michael Y.
I have been to Matchbox many times since I moved down here 2 years ago. One thing I could say then, and I can still say now, is that their food is consistently on point. I have had everything from pizza to crab cakes to steak and eggs. Every time, a home run. Normally, I dive into the crab cake sandwich, easily the best I can find. When they say "jumbo lump," they mean it. No filler, no fluff. And it comes with a perfectly zesty remoulade sauce. This, of course, is prefaced by the best sliders in town. Listen to me! Get the sliders! Every time I order them medium, which restaurants ALWAYS overcook. But every time, they come out cooked a perfect medium. They also come out with a pile of crispy onion straws sprinkled with Parmesan. Pro tip: Get the Gouda!! Alas, with food this consistently good, I thought I would explore a sandwich outside of my normal Sammy Circle. On tonight's visit, I got the Spicy Korean Pork Sandwich. Yum much?? The pork was tender, the spicy-sweet flavors of the sauce was great, and it came with a generous serving of french fries. Another tip: if you want the flavor without most of the spice but you forget to ask for no jalapeños, they are lined on the bottom of the roll. Easy to take them off and enjoy! So why 3 stars? Just as consistent as the food is, the service is equally inconsistent. There are times I wish I could tip the kitchen directly. On this particular visit, the server didn't approach us for 15 minutes, and when she did, she was inattentive and rude throughout the meal. The manager did his normal service check-in, and we told him what was up. The server then proceeded to get worse, clearly thinking she should give up on any chance of getting a tip. The service was good once, but it seems like it gets worse with each visit. So, final word? Kitchen: 5 Stars Service: 2 Stars (started at 5, working it's way down)
(3)Alexander A.
One of the best places in Montgomery County. Great food and excellent drinks. The outside patio has a great feeling with fireplace. The people are very professional and friendly.
(5)Kat A.
ALERT! Be forewarned! They changed their menu in September 2014 and as frequent diners for many years (since back when they only had one location!) we are so not impressed with the changes. Many of the best items have been taken off the menu and have been replaced with dishes that are simply too expensive for this place. We used to eat here at least once a month and after our most recent visit we could care less about returning. Most importantly - the chopped salad on the menu now is nothing like the old one!! The fact that it's still on the menu as a chopped salad is deceiving. No more pasta ringlets and creamy herb dressing. Now it's chickpeas, red peppers, and fennel salami with an oregano vinaigrette. Euccch! The old chopped salad had me coming back for years. Even if I was just in the area I'd stop in to get a salad to go. Not anymore! Our waitress said a lot of people have been complaining about it so we weren't the only ones. What a let down as the old salad really set them apart from other restaurants in the area. Otherwise, the food is generally good but nothing spectacular. Certainly not worth the price and the wait time and lines they create to boost their egos (Chinatown location especially!) Other changes to the menu include new appetizers - a "ginormous meatball" for $14 and crab and avocado tower for $17. Sadly, they also did away with the pepperoni and meatball roll we used to get (with our beloved chopped salad!) They also got rid of the Caesar salad and added a wedge salad with "artisan romaine" instead of iceberg lettuce. I've never seen a wedge salad with artsy leafy greens in my life! Seriously, whoever was in charge of salads on the new menu really dropped the ball. As for the sandwiches, I haven't gotten one here in many years but it seems like they added new ones and did away with others. The pizza seemed more or less the same (types and prices thank god) however, the pepperoni pizza we shared was definitely more spicy than usual. The entrees also changed a bit with mostly seafood options (I believe all but 3 are seafood) and the ribeye is now $31...a bit much for a place that's not a steakhouse. In terms of service the kitchen seemed just as confused as we were with the menu changes. It wasn't busy at all but the food was taking unusually long to come out and wasn't paced well at all. Matchbox is known for getting food out abnormally quick so for those of us who are used to that it was again another letdown compared to what we're used to. Overall, as regulars since the olden days when they only had one location, my family is beyond disappointed with the changes made to the Rockville restaurant. Sometimes restaurants just need to stick with the food that made them successful in the first place and honor the customers who helped get them there. Straying away from what you're best at isn't always a good thing and I'm sure others will soon agree.
(2)Maria P.
Props to Hanna for making sure we had a pleasant guest experience after my boyfriend didn't enjoy his salad. It was taken off the bill despite us not saying a word. Drinks and my entree salad were great. If in the MoCo area and you're looking for a simple, fresh approach to Italian cuisine head here!
(4)Séamus C.
I like the lofty ambience of this place. The pizza was okay, not the best, and slightly overpriced. Overall, a fun place to go, but not necessarily for the food.
(3)Samantha L.
After running errands around Rockville, we decided to hit up Matchbox for a late lunch/mid afternoon snack. Upon entry, I told the hostess booth about a reservation I had (but they marked me off as a no show). The hostess walked us to our table and gave us menus. Shortly after, our waitress came to take our order. Both of us ordered an Arnold Palmer, which was a perfect combination of iced tea and lemonade. It came with ice. It wasn't too sweet or tart. We shared two appetizers - mini trio which consisted of two pan seared scallops, two mini crab cakes, and two bun less mini burgers. Neither of us have been here in awhile and didn't look closely into the revised menu. I was expecting them to ask us what type of cheese we would want like previous times. For the 3-6-9 burgers, you have a choice of cheese - gouda, mozzarella or gorgonzola. However, in the mini burgers in the mini trio, you don't have an option (unless otherwise specified). The pan seared scallops were large, tender, and tasty. They were garnished with green leek. The mini crab cakes were cute, filled with minimal filler (no crackers, which was nice), and had a great flavor (with a hint of spice). The mini burgers were a bit overcooked in my opinion. They were topped with gorgonzola, sautéed mushrooms, onion straws, and parmesan. We also shared the Apple and Pear Salad, which consisted of mixed greens, shredded apples and pears, gorgonzola crumbles, and candied pecans tossed in a homemade honey-balsamic vinaigrette. We expected the cheese to be either on the top or on the side for easy removable but it wasn't.
(3)Mina C.
I had a really great meal here! The service was phenomenal! I wish I remembered our servers name so I can give him allll the props he deserves! A couple friends of mine came here on a Monday to catch up. We got seated at 5pm, for a very early dinner, the restaurant was pretty empty. Since I hadn't seen my friend in several months we were just chatting and kind of ignored the menu. Our server came back 3 times before we ordered but was really nice about it. So, my friend decided to ask "What do you recommend?". Whenever I've asked this most servers respond with the "depends on what you like", so I've basically given up on asking for recommendations. BUTTTTTT our server went into every part of the menu and suggested things he liked from the sandwich section, the pizzas, apps, etc. Which I thought was great. A good wide range, so my friend could decide on her own. We had some crab cake sandwiches (YUMMMM), and some pizza (black mission fig & a veggie). Delicious! Overall, the experience was really positive. No one rushed us out. They let us catch up, have our time, and didn't push us to get desserts (even though we wanted it). I also have to mention, they didn't force a check on us to try to clear us out, which is something I feel like a lot of the busier restaurants have adopted as an acceptable practice.
(4)Trish J.
I do not get the hype. This place is always swarming with people but for what I have yet to figure out? Poorly made drinks? Overly complicated pizza? Oh, oh! I know! The ridiculously uncomfortable seating! Yeah, that much be it.
(2)Brittany T.
Love this place. Nice atmosphere, spacious, great pizza. They have a great outdoor space with a bar and fire pit when the weather is nice. The Tuna Tartare is outstanding - fresh, a little spicy with black and white sesame seeds and malanga chips. It's delicious! Pizza is always great, prepared in their wood-fired ovens. They are super accommodating if you want to split a pizza or customize your own, too. I love their Oven-dried tomato & fresh mozzarella pizza (I usually add arugula) but all of the options look great. They have something for everyone. I hear they have a great brunch, but I haven't been yet. You have to try the Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding..trust me.
(4)Janelle J.
I highly recommend the pear and apple salmon salad. It comes with candied nuts, sliced apples and pears and Gorgonzola cheese. It's also topped with a vinaigrette dressing. Since I'm not a fan of cheese on salads, I asked for it to be omitted. It was light, fresh and really hit the spot. It comes in two sizes unlike the Cobb which only comes in large
(4)Shelly J.
I finally had the patience to come here. This place is always packed during the weekend. waiting time for more than 30 minutes is definitely, not worth it. I came here with co workers during the middle of the week and at lunch time. we were hungry and the wait wasnt long. We all decided not to get pizza and decided to get other stuff thats isnt so common. I got crab and avocado tower with crostini. It was very good. I was looking for something that was semi healthy and light. This was the perfect balance. Then I got the apple & pear salad. That was good and it had a good balance of salad, fruits, nuts and cheese. The honey balsamic dressing was okay. A little tangy. The service was good. Our waiter was good. Our food came out in time. There are so many things to try here. So I will definitely come back & order a drink to go with my meal.
(3)Jennifer M.
Half onion and sausage and the other half sun dried tomatoes...nommers! No need to go into detail....I love pizza, especially pizza from Matchbox! If you haven't been, go! There are multiple ones in Maryland now, so you have no excuses!
(5)Mel A.
On the very rare occasion that it's in the mid-70s in the DC area in the dog days of summer, take advantage of dining al fresco. A buddy wanted to meet somewhere casual halfway for lunch and I thought of Matchbox in Rockville. They have outdoor seating, and although you're several feet away from busy 355, the street noise isn't too bad. In cooler months, they have heaters above. There are a lot of decent choices on the menu, but I'm gonna go straight to dessert. Rarely do I save room for dessert because portion sizes are always larger than what they need to be. But when I'm at Matchbox, I always finish off with their coffee and doughnuts. 8 or 9 (I always lose count) of these hot cinnamon doughnut holes coated in powdered sugar come out with an espresso Kahlua crème to dunk them in. Delish. Do yourself a favor and order some doughnuts for dessert.
(4)Boris S.
Mini Trio $18 (4/5 NOMs) Why not have it all. Sometimes you just can't pick one, so why not go with three different on one plate. You get the two of pan seared scallops, mini crab cakes and mini burgers. Each one is even more amazing then another. My favorite is still their bun-less mini burgers topped with fried onion strings. Meat patty is so juicy and flavorful, its like they put crack into it. Its simply addicting. Ask for some buns and you can make some super yummy mini burgers. Sweet & Tangy Calamari Salad $12 (4/5 NOMs) Dive into the greens. Making healthier choices in Rockville, one of DC metro suburbs. This was a right choice to satisfy our craving something light and healthy. It maybe a salad, but its all about the crispy calamari. It looked as if they packed a whole bag of calamari in there. Th fact that every bite we could taste the freshness made it so much better. Calamai tasted so good and fresh that you could mix them into anything and it will taste good. Salad came packed with a whole lot of field greens, banana peppers and roasted red peppers. Combination of balsamic vinaigrette and kalamato olives gave it a nice kick. Excellent order for any salad lover out there. Cobb Salad $13 (3/5 NOMs) I'm all cobb with prosciutto on my salad. Not just another cobb salad, but with a unique touch that Matchbox brings to every dish. Oh the yummy avocado, prosciutto, egg and gorgonzola. Very strong flavor ingredients, but none outshines the other, was a perfect flavor combination. Tasted very healthy and light. So why 3 you ask? Well, the portion just didn't match the price. With so little you just have to order extra meat on top. Just didn't feel like a lunch portion for a hungry nomster.
(4)Katie H.
I love matchbox! Can't say I've ever had bad service, food is delicious and the bar drinks are awesome. Try the matchbox punch, whiskey smash or toasted Manhattan. I've actually never tried their pizza which is their speciality, but they have so many great other items on the menu! So recently I had the bistro burger - ahmazzzzingly thick & juicy. The blue cheese crumbles with the bacon & mushrooms compliment eachother so well. Today I was feeling edgy & gave the veggie burger a try. I've only had maybe three veggie burgers in my life, and was maybe only impressed with one. THIS ONE IS SO GOOD. It's a patty made from scratch with black beans, corn, onions & red pepper topped with avocado, chipotle mayo & thinly sliced tortilla strips. Hands down best veggie burger I've ever had! Besides burgers & sandwiches they have plenty of pizzas. My boyfriend had the crispy half chicken which was delicious:) The atmosphere is nice too. Dim lights, modern & cozy feel.
(5)Vicki C.
Good service and food! Atmosphere is great! Can get loud on a busy night in the dinning rooms. Outside seating is sweet with a fire pit/bar that you can sit around at during happy hour. Food came out fairly quickly and there are lot's of choices to choose from. The fire and smoke pizza is pretty spicy! Not for the weak! Will return!
(4)Katrina C.
After not visiting Matchbox for probably three years, I found myself at the Rockville location twice in two weeks. Holy moly I had forgotten how good their pizza was. I got the same thing both times, the personal sized chicken pesto pizza, which is covered in their housemade pesto sauce, herb-roasted chicken, and mozzarella. So, so, tasty! The chicken was juicy and well seasoned, and there wasn't too much cheese or sauce. Everything was well balanced. On both visits, the service was pretty lackluster. Plates were not cleared from the table in a timely matter before moving onto the next course, and on my second visit when we ordered dessert, it took 20 minutes for it to show up. On that note, the dessert we ordered was delicious. We ordered the cinnamon doughnuts with kahlua creme sauce, and they arrived in a cone container with a little container of the sauce. The doughnuts were still hot when we received them, and there was just enough sauce for dipping - a perfect sweet after dinner treat. I love the atmosphere in this restaurant, especially when sitting upstairs. It's so fun to people watch all the tables downstairs, and it really didn't get too loud when we were up there. When warmer weather returns, they have great outdoor seating with a fire pit.
(4)Chris H.
I have visited matchbox plenty of times but I've always teetered between 4 and 5 stars. I've finally decided after my last visit that it's a 4 with the caveat it will average more at 3.5. Sorry for being complicated but ratings are serious! Anyways, it is a solid choice as a place to eat and/or drink. They have a good enough variety of beers and a full bar so that never is an issue. The food is solid and varies from okay to very good. My most memorable experience was brunch. The cinnabuns stood out the most, they were banging. My last visit I made a custom pizza which surprisingly I REALLY enjoyed. I am pretty good at picking ingredients though, so it's probably mostly me (sarcasm). Service: 4.5/5. Solid, very friendly. They were trained very well and are very attentive despite how busy they get. Atmosphere: 5/5. This place is so awesomely decorated. When I went for brunch, I sat in the top balcony area and it was great. The industrial theme really hits my preference. Food: 3.5/5. Like I said, it goes back and forth but you can expect between 3.5-4 depending on what you get. Drinks: 4/5. Solid selections and full-bar.
(4)Sara J.
They recently have changed their menu for the better. Now serving steak, French fries and sandwiches as well as a new desert line up. For appetizers we got 3 sliders. They come on a bed of crispy onion straws which are crispy and nice to munch on. The sliders were prepared well and juicy. For entree I ordered the large pizza with pepperoni and sausage. The pizza is a little pricey. $20+ for the largest size with toppings. 2 -3 people can share it. Crust was crispy and the pepperoni provided plenty of flavor. I recommend. My friend got the chicken sandwich with fries. A good sized sandwich but it is small in comparison to cheesecake factory's chipotle chicken sandwich. Sandwich was crispy and wasn't dry or over cooked. Fries were homemade and are similar to the 5 guys french fries. Fresh cut and fried to a good crispness. Service was good although it did take the waiter a good 15 minutes to bring me the check after we finished eating. Not a fan of the desserts here. I would skip them entirely.
(3)Stacey M.
Lunch on the Pike has gotten an upgrade. Matchbox's menu offers somethimg tempting for every taste and appetite. He enjoyed the light, tender, perfectly browned crabcake sandwich. The crab and avocado stacker is the ideal match of briney crab, creamy avocado and sweet & tangy mango, pepers and red onion salsa; it was on the appetizer menu but was the prefect portion for my entrée. We finished our meal by sharing the bread pudding which left smiles on our faces. But the true key to this 5 star dining experience is the friendly, attentive and knowledgeable waitstaff. If your lucky enough to sit in Andrea's section you'll get more than service with a smile, you'll get lunch with a new friend.
(5)Emilia B.
I would like to try more of the pizzas, but I'm hooked on the prosciutto & black mission fig one. It's so flavor-tastic and I love the thin, flavorful, and nutty crust. The apple pear salad is delicious, and the highlight of this salad is the honey-balsamic dressing. I also enjoy like to dip my pizza crust in this dressing.
(5)K B.
This is definitely a go-to place for me. I have been here a few times with the hubby, a couple girls' nights out and a few special occasions. This place is usually on point. The only thing I don't really care for is that the music can be a little loud in the evenings.
(4)Sonia C.
My boss took me to this place and swore that I would love the fried chicken sandwich. Which I did and it was amazing and will be back again. You need to try this sandwich. Onion rings are HUGE so make sure you share.
(5)Michelle B.
Spicy meatball pizza was delicious. The kids gave MB a 10 out of 10 for food, service and decor.
(4)David D.
Food was very nice. Service was great. Beer selection was small, yet varied. Vast selection of wines by glass or bottle. Woody sensual smoky smell & interior was great. Pricier than thought.
(4)Karena J.
I really love the ambiance and atmosphere. There are outdoor fire pit tables and bar area/ tables under heat lamps. This area is especially great in early spring or fall. There are two indoor bars. No happy hour specials. Bummer. Wine list is pretty good. Draft beer list decent with plenty of rotating craft beers. Food is okay but not memorable. The sliders are tasty. The pizza is decent but not as good as Sugo or Pizza CS. Chopped salad was nice, fresh, with soft avocado. Service is underwhelming and twice, we actually had drink orders that never came. Odd. Still a great place to meet friends.
(3)Julie O.
My husband and I were driving by and decided to grab dinner on a Friday night. We did not have to wait long to be seated. We looked over the menu and asked the waiter to tell us about the pizzas. He said the small is about 8 inches and the large is 13 inches. No other description. We decided to get the Matchbox Meat pizza. We told our waiter our order for the pizza and said we might want to order something else but asked if he could go ahead and place our pizza order. We had decided to get a large simple salad but before we could order it, our pizza arrived. It is a thin crust, which I enjoy but my husband would liked to have known before hand. The waiter came back by after our food was delivered but didnt bother to ask if we wanted anything else. We decided the pizza was enough and so we didnt order anything further. The pizza itself had good flavor and lots of cheese. It had a decent amount of mini pepperoni and small sausage but not enough to justify the price. I started eating my pizza with a fork as it was a little hard to pick up the entire slice with the heavy cheese and thin crust. But halfway through the slice I put my fork on the big platter that the pizza came on. Once we were on our last slice, our waiter returned and proceeded to pick up my fork and move it to my small plate and then remove the serving dish. I think it was pretty unprofessional, not to mention probably not protocol to touch a customers utensils when they are still using them. He was young and seemed like he was new. Overall it was decent pizza but perhaps not thrilling enough to return. Service was ok but could use improvement.
(3)Kristin J.
The cram of crab soup...... Out of this world. Highly recommend this one. Had the sliders as well, there's a reason these are a top seller here. Definitely come here with your credit card in hand. The prices are a little high but the food is quality noms.
(4)D J.
I've only eaten here once, but overall I would say it was a good experience. I went with a friend on a busy Saturday night. It was difficult to get a drink at the bar while we waited for our table. The restaurant is a bit loud. Not sure I would go for a romantic date, but for dinner with a friend the atmosphere was okay. We had the sliders as an appetizer. The burgers were really tasty. Delicious. I liked the onion straws, but the burgers came with way more onions than anyone needs to eat in one sitting. If that's your thing, you'll be happy. For dinner I had the ahi tuna salad, and I loved it. It was flavorful, a little spicy, full of ingredients that complemented each other really well. A delicious salad. I would eat here again, absolutely.
(4)Denise L.
My fave pizza restaurant! This place does everything right. Pizza, salad, veggies, seafood and burgers! The cocktails are also great. Be sure to try the pepperoni and meatball pizza roll (amazing cheat day treat), the trio (great mix of meat and seafood) and the 3-6-9 burger...yummy! You can't go wrong with this place. Great for date night and girls night out.
(5)Madison L.
I visited with a friend, my first time and the food was good, bit pricyish, very spacey and nice interior. But our server Katherine, whose name I got off our check..stopped by our table twice, once to take order and once we called over for refills. We had to ask another passing server for napkins, which she graciously brought over right away, was not able to catch her name. I did not think our server would stop by our table again so we asked for the check early. When she brought the check, she said thank you have a nice rest of weekend..and that was the longest phrase she uttered. For the price of food we paid, I thought we deserved more attention then what we experienced. I could eat pizza somewhere else~
(2)Dave H.
Brunch on Mothers Day, with a reservation, we were seated right away. The brunch menu has some nice options and you can also order from the regular menu. From the attractive layout of the restaurant and the quality menu choices, why only 3 stars? It's all in the execution of the dishes and lackluster service. My kids both ordered the Captain Healthy, a great selection of munchables for a kid, but when asking if we could substitute the peanut butter for something else, the waiter was useless. How about ranch dressing to dip the carrots and celery? He tells us they don't have it. No biggie, but come on. I had the BLT Benedict, which was tasty, but lacking... maybe they are rationing the hollandaise and arugula? I mean, why else skimp on it? My wife had the huevos rancheros, which was tasty but cold. Cold eggs take away from a dish, and a great solution is to plate the food on a prewarmed plate. Our plates were cool to the touch. Tsk tsk, seems pretty basic. But wait, there's more! Our server was friendly, but lacked the knowledge that you keep returning to offer coffee refills before the customer has to ask. Okay, okay, but it wasn't that bad. We decided to order the cast iron cinnamon rolls to share for dessert, he tells us they're out. It's 11:45am, and they're out. He tells us its busy, they usually last longer (newsflash -its Mothers Day, a day families traditionally flock to brunch... make extra!). A collection of minor issues come together to leave us with a sour taste. I'll be back, I like their pizza, but really, there's no rush.
(3)Ana P.
I really love Matchbox. This was my first visit of their second location and I was very pleased. BP and I splurged one day when we were supposed to oh to the gym... Ha ha ha, best decision EVER! We ordered a pie each since we could not decide on one together and shared. For dessert we continued the indulge-Fest and got the dessert platter with all of the dessert options. The sherbet was amazing and were the donuts. I can't wait to go back. The restaurant is so beautiful. It would be so cool to rent it out for a special occasion... 10 year anniversary? I'll start saving now!
(5)Mesha M.
One of my favorite places to go for pizza. To start I highly recommend the cream of crab soup, which has just the right amount of crab meat, then the meatball pizza with spicy meatballs, bacon, garlic purée, mozzarella cheese and crushed red peppers; a must try! Lastly, the must have mouth watering chocolate chip bread pudding with caramel sauce and bananas. I love to sit at the bar and watch the pizzas being made or outside on the patio when the weather permits. The service is always beyond great which keeps me coming back for more.
(4)Kat D.
I've eaten here twice this week because I'm staying at the hotel nearby for a business trip. I'm impressed! While I was ordering a simple salad earlier this week, I made the comment that I didn't see a Caesar salad on the menu. The waitress said, "oh we can make you one." Sweet! I asked for grilled salmon to top it off. The salad had the perfect amount of dressing and the salmon was hot, fresh, and cooked perfectly. I think I tasted a hint of sea salt on top. Very nice flavor. I deducted one star only because the brownie dessert is not good. The brownie under that ice cream is hard and cold. If they replaced that brownie with a warm, moist one they would get 5 stars from me. Tonight I ordered the Matchbox Meat pizza. Anchovies are not on the menu but I took a chance and asked, expecting a NO. I was wrong. They added anchovies to my pizza and it was fantastic. I finished it off with the Angeline Pinot noir. Very satisfying!
(4)George M.
So, 4 stars....hm....don't know how to do 3.5. I have to say to their benefit, since each RedBox is a little different inside, you never get that dreaded sense of sameness. Food if ok, but not to die for. Reasonable mid-priced wine selection; their food didn't seem to me to be overly "bad", in the sense you go to some places and you eat a weeks worth of calories without even realizing it. Their flatbreads compare to Seaons's 52 which in my humble opinion are the best of the best. It's a very good choice for a good quality dinner.
(4)Elsa M.
Matchbox Rockville is just a fabulous as the Matchboxes in DC, and, I have to say, that is saying something. Nestled near a bunch of chain stores, you would think that the restaurant would have lost some of its "cool factor" in the 'burbs, but not the case - and more importantly, it didn't lose any of the fabulous foodie flavor either. As usual, I opted for a variation of a Margherita Pizza and was not disappointed. My husband got crazy-dense Cobb Salad and a friend of ours order the grilled calamari salad. Every single bite was worth oohing and ahhhing over for sure. Matchbox is perfect for a date night or a night out with friends, and you can rest assured that the service will be stellar and the ambiance will be welcoming as well. It's definitely a place you want to sit and have a long, leisurely meal.
(5)David C.
Yeah apparently my wife daughter and I were invisible. We waited 15 to 20 minutes before we left due lack of service. We watched servers walk by multiple times no one even asked if we wanted anything to drink. As we were leaving a server apologized that we were not served due to a "miscommunication". That shows that even though they knew we were there the chose not to serve us anyway. At least the food smelled delicious.
(1)N - Pyranhadoc - W.
Surprising good! Excellent service in a very interesting and well designed restaurant. Soup, salad & pizza were first rate. I agree the the prices are high but they match the quality of food & service. Recommended highly. Please note, we were in for brunch and there were only a few folks in the place but I could see how sound levels would escalate if it was packed.
(3)Ani J.
I love Matchbox. There are tons of vegetarian options, and the vegetarian options are flavorful and delicious. The difference between Rockville location and Merrifield location is that Rockville provides outdoor seating, which is great for the summers. I also feel that service at Rockville is subpar when compared to Merrifield. Here is what all I have tried: - Mozzi Carrozzi: Delicious. Initially, I thought this was something like bruchetta, but its totally different. This is some sort of bread that is fried, stuffed with mozzarella, and served with tomato sauce. I am not a cheese person at all, but this appetizer was soo good. - Black Bean Banh Mi: OMG - this is DELICIOUS. I highly recommend you try this out. I was expecting a black bean burger, but this is not a burger. The black bean patty is freshly made in the restaurant (not something that is frozen and heated). Its served on a ciabatta bread along with some salad. I chose to get Chickpea Fries instead of the salad. The Chickpea Fries are amazing. This is my absolute favorite at this restaurant. - Fire & Smoke Pizza: Now I cannot handle spicy food, but for some reason, I always tend to order this pizza. Yes, this pizza is that good. Of course I drink water after each bite and mouth is on fire, but I just love this pizza. If you can handle spicy food, I highly recommend this pizza. - Veggie Pizza: This is decent. Honestly, I would choose the above options over the Veggie Pizza, but its good to have a vegetarian pizza on the menu for people who want pizza and can't handle spicy. The ambiance is great. In the evenings, this place is packed and reservations are hard to get. I love their food and variety of veggie options. Thumbs up from me!!!
(4)Kathryn A.
Gotta say "yes" to this one!!! As a Chicagoan, I am picky about pizza; however, I was willing to try this place when it was recommended by a friend. This pizza is unique. If you're looking for NY or Chi-town style, this isn't the place. If you're looking for gourmet pizza...not the CA Pizza Kitchen blah, blah, blah, but something truly different, this is the place. The pizza is nothing short of excellent! The variety is exciting...a change for Rockville. They have added a new happy hour and not only do they offer excellent lite bites, but this is one of the only places around to get a fairly priced import! Our waiter had talent, skill and this too, is rare for the area, where we encounter these young, 20 something, "I'm just here for the summer" wait staff. Instead, you will be served by a person who knows the restaurant business and the best way to present an excellent meal!
(5)Janet K.
After visiting Matchbox at least 3 times I think I should have a review to post! This is a wonderful beer-drinking place, because of the variety. The price of the entrees and appetizers are a little pricy though. I was here recently and only wanted an appetizer, but found that they were almost as expensive as the entrees. I ended up getting an entree (extra calories!) and my husband got the "sliders." The previous reviewer was correct when she said that the sliders were expensive for what you get! I am sure we could have saved "in bulk" but I wasn't ready to eat all of that. The food was tasty but not the best, I believe they are a 3 to 3.5 star restaurant considering the price. Most likely the reason for that price is their location on Rockville Pike which is very convenient.
(3)LaToya E.
I chose Matchbox as the location for my birthday dinner so I put together a small group of my friends to enjoy the experience, after hearing such great things about the place and reading all the reviews I couldn't wait to give it a try for myself! I first deduct a star because they don't take reservations over ten at peak hours.. I guess that's good for them but sucks for people in the threshold of over ten but not 15 (party size). I gave the star back when they were willing to let me call ahead (two hours early) for the table so it would be ready at arrival. When I got there I noticed how beautiful and large the restaurant was, unfortunately two people and my group were on crutches and they offered no accommodation for those who it would be difficult for them to climb the stairs (-1 star) Our waitress was extremely accommodating and very knowledgable of the menu, she even had pictures of some of the dishes! The food was great (I tried a few pieces of pizza around the table) and the drinks were great tasting! They even put candles in my dessert for my birthday! I will be here again to try other things on the menu!!!
(4)Matt S.
The reason I give Matchbox 5 stars is because it is the most consistent and best restaurant chain I've ever been to. Whenever my family has a reason to go out to celebrate, which is about almost anything, we usually end up at the Rockville Matchbox. I've catered a happy hour with Matchbox sliders and pizzas which are all great. But, usually when I'm there for dinner I go with one of their entrees. I usually start off my meal with a small chopped salad which is great. When last there I had their rainbow trout with butternut squash and green beans. The combination of the buttery green beans along with the sweet squash and delicious trout made for an enjoyable meal. I also tried the creole pork tenderloin. Also a great tasting dish. These along with most of the other entrees are all great choices. I would highly recommend all of the Matchbox locations within the area. If you're looking for a great meal with a great ambiance for either a date or for a group, go to Matchbox.
(5)Janelle H.
If you are a fan of thin crust grilled pizza this is the place to go! We got the Fire & Smoke and it was delish! Friends that came with us got the chicken pesto and meatball, everyone said how good their pizza was. Super trendy atmosphere with upbeat music. There isn't a kids menu but what kid doesn't like pizza?! Various craft beers as well as specialty drinks. The only issue was the waiter (David.V) wasn't very attentive and we had to ask what the specials were and to continually refill our drinks. Giving 3 stars due to the unwelcoming server and price for pizza was a little high for the size per pie.
(3)Rachel A.
Love Matchbox, it's hands down my favorite place to go for a relaxed dinner. It's loud, so don't expect it to be a place for an intimate dinner, but it's a fun, lively atmosphere. The service is generally pretty good, and the waitstaff are friendly and accommodating. I sometimes go with a friend who needs certain seating accommodations, and they are always very gracious about it. My absolute favorite thing on the menu is the sliders with the onion straws. Try it, and you'll be hooked! Perfectly made, delicious, moist. MMM. I've eaten almost everything on the menu, and I love it all! PS: go for brunch and get the cast iron cinnamon rolls and you'll be dying happily!
(4)Elaine D.
The first time I ate at Matchbox was shortly after they opened, and although the server was very nice, our appetizers came out after our entrees and there were various other glitches. Okay. They were new and needed more time. A month or so later, my daughter and I went back and ordered steaks. We were very careful to discuss with our server what medium and medium well meant in their kitchen. We were okay with some pink but didn't want any blood. So, of course, when our steaks came out, they were floating in blood. The server wasn't particularly apologetic and basically started to argue with us about whose fault this was. She went to get a supervisor and I thought certainly the supervisor would offer to recook or replace the meat. Oh, no, she was just as argumentative and unpleasant. Those two experiences made me stay away from Matchbox until today when I was at Congressional Plaza and needed a late lunch. Decided to give them another try. The server was great. I ordered a cup of cream of crab soup and a lamb sandwich. The soup was okay, nothing special for $6. But I was very disappointed in the sandwich. It looked good with feta, sliced cucumbers and onion and sliced lamb on pita. It was completely tasteless and lamb is usually a strongly flavored meat. I had specified that I wanted the topping on the side because I was afraid it would overwhelm the meat's flavor. Well, even without the topping, I could not discern any taste to the meat. The sandwich was accompanied by chickpea fries. Very cute elongated cubes stacked like firewood. Again, absolutely no taste. Needless to say, I will not be a repeat customer at Matchbox. They're always crowded, so I'm sure nobody will miss me!
(2)Alene Y.
I've had the burgers for lunch and finally made it here for brunch with friends. Everything was delicious, we had the cinnamon rolls, the crab cake Benedict, coffee & doughnuts and many mimosas. Service was also very attentive, I will be back!
(5)Susana M.
I'm really disappointed with this restaurant. A couple years ago we had a dinner with friends and family and everything was delicious! After 2 years I came back and big surprise, bad service, food needs salt and extras to taste a little bit better, to be honest I was expecting an Incredible pizza but what I got was really close to little Cesar or papa johns
(1)Alan S.
Great meal today. A big step up from last time. We got the Seared Salmon and Ribeye. Both were delicious. Lots of cool sides that really complemented the meats. Not a big fan of their pizzas as they are tp greasy for me. Fruit pizza was okay. Cooks need to chop fruit up more as whole blackberries and strawberries were placed on top. Will try donuts next time.
(5)Harris H.
Went for Mother's Day with my wife. We were a few minutes early for our reservation but were promptly seated. Server was great and we have always had a good experience. However, against my better judgement I ordered a half and half pizza. One half was meat one and that was average. Little taste and very forgettable. Honestly, I would have rather eaten Domino's instead. The other half was the smokey one and it was horrible. It literally tastes like chili or cayenne pepper and nothing else. I will never get their pizza again. We did have a great time so that is why 4 stars. My wife loved her crab cake.
(4)Brian H.
I'll start of by saying first that this is a generous three. I would say 2 and half if posible. Second, this is the only Matchbox I've ever been to and friends and coworkers have told me the Chinatown location is better in regards to one of my big complaints but I haven't made it there yet to be able to truly compare. Anyways... on to the review. I'll start with the good; the burger sliders were awesome. They alone would definitely make me consider going back to Matchbox. The pizza was 'good'. I liked it, but I do think it was overpriced. It's maybe like a 6/10 pizza at a price that I would pay for a 9/10 pizza. The atmosphere is where things get weird for me and makes a great transition point from good to bad. When you walk in it's this huge open room, you can see the fire in the pizza oven and stairs going up to the second floor. Impressive and overall nice. Also really really nice was the outdoor patio area that some customers were braving on that 45 degree evening. We however did not brave those temperatures and were brought to a side room with dining tables. I seriously felt like I was eating a meal in some baby boomer's family room circa 2002. Really, please Matchbox, complete the look by adding an oversized leather sectional and a Chevy Suburban parked in a driveway outside. I will happily eat in a dive if the food is amazing and the price is right. I will also happily pay top dollar for great food in a hip and well designed restaurant. What bugged me about Matchbox is that I paid top dollar for good food in a bland a poorly designed space that one must assume the owners think looks good. The lighting was also weird and gave me a headache even with my glasses on. In summary I'd give Matchbox another chance but I would prefer to try the other locations or sit outside at this one on a nice day.
(3)Kyle F.
I've frequented the Matchbox at the Merrifield Town Center in Fairfax so going to the Matchbox in Rockville was a "no brainer". I'm surprised how much larger this restaurant is than the one in Fairfax--was able to get seated right away. I suspect there's a lot more competition along the Pike. I had lunch downstairs, the service is great and the food is excellent. Highly recommend, even though Matchbox is known for their pizza they have a wide selection of typical American Bar & Grille fanfare. If you want to sit by the fireplace, request to be seated in the fireplace room. It's a smaller intimate setting, especially nice in the cooler months.
(4)Steve J.
Pros: Great place to hang out. Staff is extremely good. They have limited but decent selection of craft beer. I also enjoy the food and love the Matchbox Meat pizza. For me, it does not get any better - right balance of bread and meat. They also have nice liquor and wine selection. They never rush you out. Cons: Can't think of any but they could rotate more beer however it is an issue with Montgomery county and not the restaurant. Slightly on the expensive side for the food.
(4)A V.
We have always enjoyed the food at Matchbox. When I mean food, I am only referring to the pizzas. Our favorite is the Fire and Smoke, very unique, very spicy with an awesome smoky flavor. Never tasted a pizza like it before and the taste has remained consistent over all the years. To top it off, they have a decent selection of beer on draft. If you are looking for a place to chill out, get some beer and eat some tasty pizzas then Matchbox is highly recommended.
(4)Lorena B.
If you happen to read my old review for Matchbox on H Street, you'll know it was once my favorite restaurant. Now I don't go nearly as much because I happen to think the chain has lost a few steps since expanding. This outpost was several steps down from the H St and Capitol Hill locations in previous visits. My favorite spicy meatball pizza is usually good anywhere but when I ordered it here last fall, the meatballs were dry and the dough burned black in some areas. I also ordered a bread pudding to go, which was also dry and flavorless. I resolved not to bother with this location again. Well, after Sunday's awful experience at Mosaic, I decided to give brunch here a try. The huge restaurant was almost empty (except for the patio) so we were seated right away. I ordered the BLT and the bf got steak and eggs, as well as cinnamon rolls to share. We were starving and asked for the rolls to be sent out first. At $6 I think the rolls were reasonably priced but they weren't great. I was expecting them to taste somewhat like Cinnabon but they're more like Pillsbury. Plus, they took foreverrrr to come out! The presentation in a cast iron skillet was cute though. The entrees were pretty damn good. My BLT is actually more like eggs Benedict, but with maple glazed pork belly (!!!!) instead of Canadian bacon, topped with arugula and served over grilled ciabatta, with a side of potatoes. The poached eggs were cooked just right and the sweetness of the pork belly gave it a nice contrast. The potatoes were good but nothing you couldn't get at a diner. His steak was seasoned well and tender, and served in a cast iron skillet like the cinnamon rolls. Maybe the food tasted so good because Mosaic left such a sour taste but I was pleasantly surprised by brunch. I probably wouldn't go out of my way to return but this last visit redeemed Matchbox Rockville for me.
(3)Joodie T.
Came on a Saturday night and was seated within 5 min which was great considering they were pretty busy. Waiter was good and told us about the specials and we ended up ordering 2 out of the 3 offerings. The baseball sized meatball appetizer was a miss; too much filler and the bread was a pizza crust folded up, baked and sent out as some sort of dipping doodad. The other special we got was a ribeye with mushroom seasoning, blue cheese wedge salad and potato croutons. The steak and salad were delish, the potato croutons were measley and greasy. Blah. I would come back for the tried and true menu offerings and steer clear of the specials which were a bust.
(4)Jessica H.
Our first visit was really great. We loved the décor and the service was very good. My husband had the French onion soup as a starter and it was PHENOMENAL! Truly the best French onion soup either of us had ever had. We split a veggie pesto and chicken pesto pizza. Both varieties were amazing! The only reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 was because my father-in-law's pizza was very undercooked. However they did comp us the pizza, which was nice. My husband and I are looking forward to going back soon!
(4)Todd R.
Excellent pizza! I had what is considered to be a meat lovers. Was one of the best pizzas I had in DC. The IPA was great to. Think it was called a raving bitch. Service was prompt. Enjoyed the experience.
(4)Yaka H.
A friend suggested we meet here for brunch and I was pretty surprised they even offered a brunch menu. I will admit that I was a bit prepared to be a bit disappointed at the brunch fares, but I was pleasantly surprised. The breakfast pizza was alright, I think the biggest regret about ordering it were the eggs. They tasted like the prepackaged mixed eggs, so they didn't have the best texture or taste to them. In addition, it was hard to eat slices without all of the toppings spilling out. Flavor-wise alright with an exception of the eggs. Real eggs cooked with a runny yolk would have been a nice addition compared to the travesty of such scrambled eggs present on the pizza. I also tried the fruit and yogurt, which is quite simple, but the berries were pretty and fresh. Friends tried the waffles (sandwiched with peanut butter, banana, and bacon) and the New Orleans french toast (french bread french toast with candied pecans). Everyone was quite happy with their selections and were quite satisfied. So this isn't too shabby of a brunch choice. In particular, it's a nice place for brunch and they serve up a pretty good bloody mary too. It didn't seem that busy when we went, so it isn't imperative to make reservations for brunch, although, we did just in case. They serve the lunch menu in addition to brunch for those wanting a more savory option.
(4)Jen C.
The pizza is still cardboard. (But the mushroom prosciutto is the best out of the bunch.) No, Mo's Magical Brownies are not melt-in-your mouth magical. If theirs is magical, then my Betty Crockers are some hypnotic phenoms. The tuna tartar is mashed up now, no longer nice moist chunks. Oh my god, clean out your fryer oil cause the doughnuts are disgustingly overpowered by old oil. BUT-- The ambiance (both indoor and outside) is still amazeballs on the Pike. The drinks are still delectable. And waitstaff always makes me smile. Which makes me still crawl back for more....
(3)Zach M.
I have always had excellent pizza here, but for some reason, every time I bring friends, they are not impressed. I don't know what they are missing or what I'm loving too much, but this is one of my favorite specialty pizza places.
(4)Sammy S.
Love this place! The food was good and the customer service was great. My friends and I were visiting from California and we had the privilege of being assisted by a gentleman named Joseph. He was extremely friendly, provided great recommendations, and made us feel very welcomed. I highly recommend this place to locals as well as those visiting from out of town.
(5)Patrick W.
This place is a must go. There food and service is great. I know this is a good place for pizza but there crispy chicken sandwich is awesome. If you want a real treat get there crab cake sandwich. It's off the chain! If your really lucky you might get BRANDON as your server. This guy goes way out of his way to make the experience memorable. This is a great place to bring a date or just meet with friends...
(5)Starr C.
I came back to Matchbox Rockville for Valentine's dinner, and I just wasn't feeling it as much as last time. I think that in the future, I will play it a bit safer and stick with their yummy pizzas. We had a reservation and were seated very promptly even though we came in early. My boyfriend had a vase of roses waiting for me, which was super sweet and nice to see when I walked in. Our server was nice, but seemed a little bit not there. Maybe he had other things on his mind on Valentine's Day. :( In general he was nice, but he seemed to be slightly forgetful. We ordered the mini trio appetizer instead of the 3-6-9 because we were trying to expand our horizons and be fancy. The seared scallop and crab cake were good, but the bunless burger wasn't as good as I thought it'd be. I guess I didn't realize it had cheese on it, so this ruined the burger for me a bit. In fact, I think I can argue that I didn't really enjoy my meal because of the cheeses. So I feel a little unfair because a lot of people would probably have loved my food for the very reasons I disliked it. We ordered the fig & prosciutto pizza in an attempt to be adventurous, since I've seen this combination many times before but I haven't tried it before. This was maybe not the best place to try it, because the cheese on the pizza does NOT go with figs. It was extremely difficult for me to eat, personally, because I felt the flavor of the cheese was severely overpowering the toppings. We also got the swordfish, which was tasty on its own, but the sides it came with were so weird. The root veggies it was served with were just kind of..... meh? I don't know what was wrong, but I didn't gobble them up the way I usually do. And it was served on this bed of... rice? Couscous? I don't know what it was, but the sauce was super bizarre to me. I just... couldn't eat all of it. We had ordered drinks when we ordered our food, but those came out kind of late, actually. Our server seemed a bit absentminded that night, but he was SUPER friendly so we couldn't get upset with him. We did overhear him forgetting something at another table also, shortly after he admitted to forgetting to place our drink orders. I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt (maybe his manager was forcing him to work on Valentine's Day and this was his way of acting out!) because he gave us our drinks on the house and was generally really nice. But he was forgetful and not super attentive to us over in the side room of the restaurant for a lot of the evening. Now I had only been 21 for about 2 months when I had this, so I definitely am not very good at enjoying alcohol yet. That being said, my vanilla peach iced tea tasted like cough syrup. My boyfriend ordered the boxcar off the "manly martini" menu. I was not ready for that kind of drank, I'll tell you that. I felt really disappointed with my second visit to Matchbox Rockville. I'm a little bit scared to come back, to be honest, but my first experience still rings true and I hope I have a better time if and when I return.
(2)Satang L.
pizzas are great .. appetizers are awesome! drinks are solid .. but .. at this Rockville location ... Match Box , you guys seriously need to work on your host staffs .. we dined here last night .. there were a male host and two female hostesses on duty during dinner shift. The male host were nice and polite, so was the cute Latino hostess who greeted us with her beautiful smile. They gave us a buzzer since there's a wait by the time we got there. we waited a little bit, the buzzer was buzzed, we went to the host, here comes the star of the night .. we gave the buzzer to the host, and then another hostess (asian, long hair, skinny) came to us without saying hello, or greetings of any kinds. She told (her tone of voice was kinda not so welcoming) us to follow her. we were seated upstairs, at the very end of the hall which was very close to wet station and storage while there are plenty of tables available elsewhere with much better view. after she rated us, she put the menus down in front of each one of us and guess what happened? She just flicked off! of all these times, she never looked at our face, no smile, no "enjoy" , nada! ... if it's not because of this hostess issue we had, 5 stars isn't enough for this place. unbelievable!!
(1)Adam G.
Been here countless times. Really good pizza but so many other things as well. The crab and avacado app is delicious. Make a reservation as it can get really busy. Happy hour is busy here and a good time but no specials so can be pricey. Brunch is good, try the cinnamon rolls. They have special menu but regular available also.
(4)Sara O.
This place is so yummy! The staff is consistently nice and helpful with recommendations. My friend took me here for my birthday and it's become a frequent place to go now. The food is different and very delicious! I've heard people say it can be hit or miss depending who is in the kitchen but I've never been disappointed. A great place to go for an occasion or just to stop by on your way through for a drink.
(5)Jackie C.
The design of the place is gorgeous, but I'm not paying to eat the decor. Outdoor seating is at a premium when the weather is nice, but there isn't an organized way in which to get a seat fairly. The pizza is... good, but not memorable. The staff is friendly and attentive.
(2)myra f.
Not sure I get the attraction to this place. Our service was lackluster. Servers seemed like they were unhappy being there and actual service was spotty. Especially at the end, coffee no spoons, coffee spilled all over the cups when served. Food was tasteless. Especially the pizza. I liked the thin crust, but toppings had no taste. Q pizza and meat one and veggie would not order again. Salads expensive for serving size. Crab & avocado tower yuck, crab was not fresh and brown avocado, really? Tuna Tartar just okay.
(3)Christopher P.
When matchbox opened its doors down the street a couple of years ago, I was quite excited. There weren't too many great bars or pizza restaurants around, and it looks like a really cool building. Matchbox does not disappoint. It has numerous types of dining spots inside: two bar areas, an upstairs balcony, a slightly more private side area, the main floor, a pizza bar, and an outdoors patio. Very nice, simple decorations - the east wall is very cool with old wood and backlighting. It does tend to get a little noisy when full, but the atmosphere is lively and not overwhelming, and you can almost always find a spot...but it's always safe to go with reservations. The menu is surprisingly diverse for a restaurant billed as a pizza joint. There is an extensive cocktail selection, numerous (12 or so) beers on draft, and a decent-enough wine list. The beers mostly don't rotate, although there are a few selections that are seasonal, and there are more choices out of bottles. Appetizers range from mini-burgers (which are awesome - served with a big tangle of onion straws) to delicious soups. The main courses feature wood-oven-fired pizzas (with occasionally charred crusts), salads, and several entree and sandwich options. Up and down, the choices are unique and varied - I am particular to the Fire and Smoke, a pizza made with spicy chipotle tomato sauce, smoked gouda cheese, and sausage (I think?) or maryland crab soup. Even the desserts have plenty of options, ranging from fresh fruit to insanely-rich chocolate indulgences. All in all, a great neighborhood place to eat. It can get crowded, and sometimes the waitstaff doesn't know their bar selections, but I've always found this a comfortable and fun place to eat pizza and have a drink or two.
(4)Andrew F.
Ate here with my wife a while back, and wanted to comment finally. If you want a cool atmosphere (way cooler than we are), and music...go for it. But the pizza here is kinda....watery and floppy.
(2)Jen R.
Got the matchbox meat pizza, mini trio, guac crab stack and apple gorganzola salad. All were very good as was the pom martini. We will definatly be back again. We sat upstairs and our waiter Charles was great. Wonderful first-time visit.
(4)Margaret Z.
Definitely make a reservation if you come here for brunch. On that note, this review is ONLY about the brunch... I've been to Matchbox on several other occasions at the other locations and I would say the quality of the food here based on the brunch offerings was still pretty consistent. I ordered the pork belly eggs benedict and my boyfriend got the steak and eggs. The portions are huge! We paired it with Matchbox Mimosas, which I highly recommend - they are tiny and pricy, but delicious and worth trying. The pork belly eggs benedict is AMAZING. I'm a HUGE fan of pork belly, and I would say that this is much tastier than the crab cake EB I had at the Gallery Place Matchbox. The sweetness of the pork belly was the perfect pair to the poached eggs, and the meat itself was so tender. The steak and eggs come out in a cast-iron pan and the steak was skillfully cooked as well. The scrambled eggs were nothing special, but my boyfriend couldn't stop raving about the Texas toast that came with it. The atmosphere here is beautiful - very roomy and great for large groups/families or a date. The service is a little slow but the waiters are extremely friendly. All in all, a great meal!
(4)Jeneane B.
When this Matchbox location first opened, you couldn't get a table for weeks. Now that the initial luster has worn, it might only take an hour to get a table walking in on a Friday night (which is not bad in Rockville). But if you enjoy a good beer or a nice drink, you can wait at the bar. It's definitely a trendy place, but not overly so. My husband and I have come here for weekend brunch, lunch and dinner and the experience is different at each meal. Service seems to be a bit slower at brunch than it is at dinner. The food has always been good though. We like their specialty pizzas, but find that ones with vegetables tend to be a bit underdone/soggy, so we stick with the spicy meatball, fire & smoke, and Matchbox meat. The sliders appetizer is perhaps the best food item on the menu. They have a good drink menu, with fairly reasonable drink prices - again, for Rockville.
(3)Rob H.
As always the food was great here. What I really enjoyed about my experience was my server. In fact, each time I've been, my server has been different but the experience was the same awesome level of courteousness and attentiveness.
(4)Leonard A.
This place really has overpriced pizza. Not to mention that theirs nothing special about the pizza.
(2)Patrick M.
What a tremendous experience at Matchbox in Rockville. The atmosphere is unique and the drink menu is awesome. Definitely sample one of the few appetizers on the menu -- great taste. The pizza is of excellent quality with lots of great selections for every preference. The outside looks like an awesome spot for happy hour, and it is a great dinner spot, as well.
(5)Christina O.
Oh, what a disappointment. I should've known better than to expect much since it is a chain eatery after all, but having come from a lifetime in NYC and all the amazing Neapolitan pizza joints in Brooklyn, I was almost in tears when I bit into my Matchbox pizza. There was no bubbly outer crust, the bottom crust was rather thick, stiff and dense, and the whole thing was drowning in grease. Oh, Motorino, Barboncino, how I miss thee!! Please send someone over to teach them how to make proper use of their oven.
(2)Eddie K.
I've been here way too many times. I think the quality of the food and drinks have gone downhill since it opened. The last three times I've been here they ran out of most of their draft beers. I don't know how that happens. Yesterday, they were out four draft beers. They need to do a better job of inventory control. The pizzas are still good, but they changed the dough a little bit. It isn't as thin as before and they aren't that generous with their toppings as in the beginning. Also, the pizza came out hard - like a cardboard. The tuna tartar was dry (been sitting in the refrigerator a little too long) and didn't taste fresh. The mini-burgers are still good.
(3)K C.
Great waiter, prompt service even though it was packed for late lunch/brunch. 3-6-9 burgers were as amazing as reviews. Angus was super juicy and the seasoning went well with it. Also had the Special Q pizza with roasted garlic added. I didn't really taste the garlic, pizza was ok...sauce needed a little more something. Good experience, would try again!
(4)Jackie F.
I have came here about 3 times and it is definitely a really nice place to have dinner with friends, family, or a date! Every time I have come here I have gotten the 3 6 9 burgers which are mini burgers topped with onion strings on top! They are very tasteful! I have also gotten the pizzas here and are pretty good as well! Usually I don't have any room for dessert, but I definitely recommend trying their dessert it is really good! The reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because the last 2 times I have tried coming here the wait time is 40 min to an hour! Also, every time I do come and eat here my food takes a very long time to come out! I have gone to other restaurants that are pretty big and busy and do not take this long. Overall the food is pretty good, the staff is friendly and nice, and the decor is lovely and modern!
(4)Harsh Deep Singh N.
Loved the ambience, and the food, Almost anything you order off the menu will be good, from pizza to steak to grilled fish. One of my favorite restaurants around. Just wish that they had a few more options with chicken though.
(4)Chaz C.
Really good place, a bit pricey but expected for Rockville now and with the quality of food. I had the cream of crab soup, seared salmon and seasonal sorbet (which was strawberry) and all three items I would recommend. There was a minor issue but talking with the manager he was dedicated to making sure things were right. Good food, lovely atmosphere despite at times getting loud at what might of been happy hour and caring staff. Give this place a try, it is worth it.
(4)Jeanne K.
I come here all the time with my family. We usually get some combination of a pizza, a 369 slider burger, shrimp & grits, and their doughnuts for dessert. I particularly like their prosciutto and mission fig pizza and their pesto based pizzas. My dad likes the matchbox pizza and the other one with lots off meat in it. We typically order the large and do 1/2 and 1/2. I love the sliders here. You can choose from 3 different cheeses (gorgonzola, gouda, and I think swiss) They come topped with these thing and crispy onion straws (I think that's what they're called). With the patty in sliders being so small, they do a great job in keeping the meat moist. As for dessert, their doughnuts look somewhat like doughnut holes but aren't so round and uniform in shape. They're coated with some sort of mocha powdered sugar, and they are crunchy on the outside and moist and rich on the inside. They come with this espresso/coffee cream, and when you dip the doughnuts in the cream, it's amazing.
(4)Bill M.
This was probably 4th or 5th visit to Matchbox, 3rd to this location. However this is the first time we opted to eat something other than pizza and sliders. What a disappointment. I had the Turkey Club, no taste at all. My wife likewise found her wood fired lamb sandwich to also be tough and bland. So stick with pizza and sliders. Seems the other food is all an after thought.
(2)Shawn K.
Doing matchbox with the family. Beat out over mamma Lucia's, everyone got something different. Nice and modern with everyone in black uniforms. Looks professional, no wait and food was fast... And good. Wish everyone here wasn't so young as it doesn't add to the family atmosphere, Mamma Lucia would've better fir that. But overall good place
(4)Todd B.
Visited here in mid-August. The call ahead feature is useful. Essentially, it's like putting your name on the seating wait list from your home. Host is cagey when it comes to an exact wait-time, but who'd want to leave their table early on a nice evening? No wait for tables inside - but we wanted outside. Wait was about 20 minutes for 4 of us at 7:30P on a Friday, but we were rewarded with their outside upstairs seating. While the view was essentially parking lot - it made us feel light years away from Rockville Pike! Service was attentive and relatively quick despite a large party at the next table. Ordered 3-6-9 sliders and onion straws which are a staple there. Main course was Fire and Smoke pizza for one side of the table and crusted ahi tuna salad for the other. Finish was amazing on both. Wonderful selection of craft brews with good descriptions. Can't recall what was ordered (how's that for a review?) but from NY finger lakes region. Waiter boxed up leftovers and we were pleased with a delightful meal at Matchbox. Will return again!
(5)Zhuozhen L.
the service was great. but i'd rather get crappy to ok service than crappy to ok food. my friend and i ordered the half and half the matchbox meat and prosciutto white the matchbox meat was good, but tad on the salty side. now, the prosciutto white was super salty side. i'm not sure if they understand that to taste good does not equal to loading up the salt...ricotta on the white was like...one slice. not that i am hating, it was a long piece, but wow i could not chew through that it was mad awk. service was good though. she was super sweet and accommodating to us. kind of wish she'd stop by just to ask how the food was but i get that some people don't dig that. atmosphere was great. we were seated at this corner though. that was kind of awk too....i get you tryna make space but yo there are so many open seats. overall i would probably not come back for the pizza, at least. it was too expensive for mediocre pizza. i heard other stuff on the menu is bangin', though.
(2)Jose P.
Matchbox!!! mini burgers and pizzas only!!! I have never order anything else. Beautiful decoration, great ambiance. Service is ok. Have fun and enjoy it!!!
(3)Armin V.
We went there on a Fri night. We got two pizzas (Matchbox Meat & Ham Arugula). Our food was very salty and a little overcooked. but overall it was fine. The Ham/Arugula pizza was much better than the other one. Our server was Okay! I really like the environment of Matchbox in Rockville.
(3)Jesse W.
Me and some co-workers picked up the 9 sliders for an appetizer. Then shared one of the spicy all meat pizzas. This place was incredible! From the swanky music all the way to the multiple patios with great views. Nothing to complain about and the food was TREMENDOUS! Usually burgers sliders are thawed and so cheaply made. NOT HERE, they were absolutely delictible. I would come back every night of the week if I could! Eat here you won't regret it!
(5)Karen K.
Good experience today at Matchbox. Our family group have different eating preferences and all were satisfied with the menu offerings. Our waiter, Brandon Metro, was super conscientious, offering,suggestions from the menu, refilling drink glasses without being asked, and bringing more ketsup too when he noticed we were running low. Pizzas and burgers well received all around. The grilled lamb sandwich was good but the lamb itself could have used some seasoning. The accompanying tzasiki sauce and veggies served with the lamb on grilled naan helped but maybe even salt and pepper would have made the lamb more flavorful. The restaurant worked well for the multi-generational group.
(4)Ryan H.
Saturday afternoon and we were looking for a place to grab a late lunch/early dinner. Although there were a lot of people, we were able to grab a table with ease. With the weather being really nice today, sitting outside would have been a great option. I really liked the décor of this establishment. Brick/mortar, wood and steel. I basically want to live here. This place is a lot bigger than what it looks like from the outside. We were seated promptly. This place was pretty crowded and a bit noisy, but I guess that is expected. The age groups varied from little ones to old ones. During the day or early evening, this would be a great place for families to check out if they're looking for a pizza with some edge. Judging by their extensive drink menu, this place could also be a great place for a date or night out to get your drink on. Our server was extremely friendly and very personable. Although she was really busy, she made sure that each of her tables had the attention they needed. We didn't have to wait long for our food and drinks either, which is a huge plus. The pizza was cooked to perfection and my beer served cold. Friendly staff. I will definitely be coming here again. P.S. if you do decide to get your buzz on, Twinbrook Metro is down the street. Just sayin'
(5)Faride S.
I really liked the pizza I ordered at matchbox. I forgot the name of it but it was one of the best pizzas I have ever tried in the dmv area. Our server was attentive, but he forgot the green pepper that I wanted to add to the pizza :(. Other than that the service was nice and prompt. We sat in the outdoor patio, it was kind of romantic with low lights and heated lamps. Great place for pizza and nice atmosphere. P.S. Don't get the brownie dessert, it wasn't that great.
(4)Eric H.
They have a very good quality pizza but they should not change their menu without informing clients , leave the veggie pizza like it was and make me and others to come back, I recommend them.
(4)Wayne R.
I didn't eat here so this is not a real review but this came up in a search for "live music." I called to find "we don't have live music anymore" so this is an update.
(3)Margaret L.
Matchbox is terrific! Great for large groups and it has delicious pizzas! Come for the pizza. Parking here is easy as well.
(4)Casey K.
Came here for faux happy hour with a coworker, a "Fappy Hour" if you will. I use faux because we were here right after work when any other restaurant has their happy hour in full effect. My coworker and I were seated, we asked about happy hour specials, to which we were told, "We do not have happy hour"...what?!? You could tell the server even thought this was idiotic because she followed up with, "Yeah, we're probably the only restaurant on Rockville Pike that doesn't have a happy hour". So, with that said, expect to pay full price for your after work get-togethers at Matchbox. We ordered our drinks, a pomegranate martini for me, and a cucumber gin and tonic for my coworker. Both were excellent, I highly recommend either. I ordered a large Prosciutto and Black Mission Fig pizza, and my coworker ordered a small Oven-Dried Tomato and Mozzarella pizza. I figured I could take home whatever I did not finish. However, in the end, we both ended up talking for forever and sharing our pizzas. This was actually a good amount of food for two hungry lady's after a hard day of work, we both left very well satiated but not "regret your life" full. The black mission fig has a ton of garlic on it. There is no tomato sauce used, so it is a white pizza. The sweetness of the fig works really nice with the saltiness of the prosciutto. I did not like the flavor that the arugula brought to this pizza, it was a little too bitter for my taste and in the end I picked it off and just ate it separately and not with the pizza. The crust was thin, crispy, and not at all burned. The mozzarella pizza may have been cooked a bit too long, the edges were black in some areas and had that off putting burned taste. To put it into perspective a bit, I had nothing left on my plate from the prosciutto and black mission fig, while with the mozzarella pizza, I had crust left over on my plate. Overall, I could take or leave matchbox, the food was just ok to me with nothing too memorable. Instead of having dessert at matchbox, we actually drove down the pike to have the yummy and ginormous Tiramisu at Timpano.
(3)Tamika H.
The atmosphere of this place is really nice and great for a date night or just a low key place to sit at the bar and watch sports. I had the chicken pesto pizza which was delish and perfectly cooked. They had different types of cocktails to try. The waitress seemed a little bit off but very nice. I would go back in a heartbeat to try out another dish.
(4)Rob W.
Someone had recommended Matchbox to me and I'm so glad they did. This is a relatively brand new restaurant built new from the ground up. For a place that specializes in pizza, it's probably the nicest I've ever seen. It's definitely casual but you wouldn't look out of place a little dressed up either. All the pizza here is fresh made to order in a wood fire oven. There is a large selection of gourmet pizzas and so there is definitely something for everyone. The service and food here was excellent. The personal size pizzas are perfect in size - the dough is pretty thin, so if you're coming here with an appetite you should have no problem eating one by yourself. I ordered a salad as an appetizer as well and that was delicious. If you love pizza and want to try something different, this place is awesome. The prices are completely reasonable and you will definitely not be disappointed. I'll be back soon!
(5)Ashley G.
Went for brunch and sat on the inside patio bar. Server / bartender didn't know the specials, but took our order fast. After taking our order she never came back to check on us. Just to fill water once. Another server had to remove our appetizer plates and someone else had to deliver and bring back the check. The entire time she stood there talking to what if looked like the manager about school. She paid us no mind. I don't know if she was an air head or just doesn't know simple customer service Besides that brunch pizza was amazing!!
(3)Evonne L.
three stars for two reasons: their sliders and their fig pizza. the other pizzas are decent but really nothing special. the fig pizza is good but only if you like sweeter, drier pizzas. but those sliders- oh man they are the ish! slide into my belly! also, don't get the fish, it's pretty terrible.
(3)Gina R.
I've been here a few times today the service is a little slow today but the food is excellent. I get the spicy meatball pizza and trio appetizer it's delicious!
(5)S B.
Loved this place! The mini burgers are excellent and the pizzas are all delicious!! Everything I have tried there has been excellent. Nice atmosphere too!
(5)Matt V.
I went there, loved everything about it, nice people awesome food and never let me down. This place deserves all stars
(5)April P.
I went here for my birthday dinner and the food was great! Drinks were a little overpriced and the waiter seemed a little overwhelmed with the amount of people at the table. It was a party of 12 so I understand. However, I wish he would have checked back in a little more often with everyone. The pizza and sliders are great! The design inside the building is really nice too! I want to try the locations in D.C. to see how they are! I recommend this one though!
(4)Anthony C.
I had wanted to try Matxhbox for while--even though I am not into the whole artisan pizza in a brick oven thing. Tony Kornhieser had said he liked it on his show, and that was enough for me to want to give it a try. (I'm a little.) We had the mini-burger appetizer which was fine. Not the greatest, but the little buns they had for the burgers were worth it all alone. You can order a pizza split, with each half different, which we did. One side was Prosciutto & Black Mission Fig and the other Sweet Sopresatta Salami & Wild Mushroom. Both were very good, but I enjoyed the fig more. It seemed a little silly to do anything resembling a standard pizza: brick oven pizza is not regular, NYC, pizza. We also did a desert, which I recommend: The Trio Dessert: Molten chocolate cake sorbet trio house-made doughnuts. We did not finish any of it, but for $12 it was a lot of food, and you got to sample a bunch of different tastes. The little donuts were like New Orleans beignets. Cafe Du Monde is a tourist trap, pain in the ass: but man those little donuts are good. Matchbox's had these little things done right. Our waiter was very good, and we were checked on several times by other staff. All in all, a good night out.
(3)P F.
Have been here twice so far. Great restaurant overall. Customer service is always great. Both times I went, I ordered the prosciutto and black mission fig pizza. It is amazing. I highly recommend! My brother ordered the spicy meatball which was equally delicious! Also, make sure you try the 3.6.9 burger sliders for an appetizer. One of the best burgers I've ever had!
(4)Phi N.
Forget the pizza! I came back here and was very impressed with their mini trio and bistro burger. I actually wanted to just get more mini trios, hahah. But instead, we decided to try the tuna tartare. It was good, but not nearly as good as the mini trio. I still think the pizza is overrated, but these items have upgraded their rating from me. Finished off our meal with chocolate chip bread pudding. It was really good, but who can eat that much dessert?? We even split it and still couldn't finish.. Smaller portion please... **Add-in** The steak & cheese is not worth the order. Go to a real sub shop if that's what you want.
(4)Jessica F.
Honestly I wasn't that impressed. The pizzas are way over priced for what you get, I don't care how many fancy toppings you put on it. $23 for a pizza that didn't satisfy two people is disappointing. I guess I was paying to look at the re-claimed wood accents than the food.
(2)Erica G.
I may be in love I don't know. But everything about this place is amazing, the atmosphere, the service, and most importantly the food!! I've had ever burger on this menu and I just can't their that good. Matchbox is a must for anyone who wants to feel like they're in heaven even for a few minutes.
(4)Mark N.
I've been to the Matchbox in DC, but havent given a review to that location although I really like it there. The food in the DC location tasted a bit better, but maybe its just the city atmosphere. This Rockville location blew me away since I remember when it was That's Amore. I was really impressed with the size of this restaurant and the sheer space. Everything was well spaced so you were not cramped up with other customers. Although I like cozy places, it works for this restaurant. We went on a Friday for lunch and were seated immediately. I could not help but look around and absorbing the high ceilings, the brick structure, and the size of this place. Our waiter was fabulous as he knew the menu inside and out. He was able to quickly recite the ingredients to each dish and gave us his take on how it tastes. That was extremely helpful since some of us haven't eaten at Matchbox before. My wife got the pasta and she loved it. My friend ordered a Muffaletta Chicken sandwich and he said it was tasty with plenty of flavor. I had my usual Spicy Meatball pizza, which I enjoyed, but it wasn't as satisfying when I had it in DC. It may be because I was enjoying drinks for happy hour at the time? I took a look at the bar and it is a really big space. I'm supposed to go there tonight for a birthday party so I'll probably add to my review soon. From what I see at first glance, the bar seems nice. The only thing I am surprised and disappointed in is that the restaurant closes at 11:30. I guess this is common for Rockville, but that's usually when our group is just getting started!
(4)Vanessa S.
Great experience! Nice atmosphere, good food! We sat outside, traffic was a bit of a bother but Matchbox has no control over that.
(5)Jay V.
When I said that I would be coming to matchbox again I was not lying. It has been less than 24 hours and I have already found myself enjoying another pie. This time the Pesto Chicken pizza. Just like last night, the pizza was absolutely perfect and the waitress was again extremely nice. I was so happy to go again so soon and I hope I can return again very soon. Matchbox deserves five stars. Anyone who comes to the DC area should try this food
(5)Nee J.
Decided to checkout Matchbox-Rockville on a whim Saturday night. For starters they have ample parking & it's easy to locate. The hostess gave us a 30 minute wait time when we noticed they had PLENTY of seating available--we assumed they didn't have enough staff to cover the unseated areas. Our buzzer went off after waiting for only 10 minutes--YAY!! The hostess sat us in a congested area--I brought to her attention that the chairs had food in them---thinking she would've cleaned them--NOT she took us to another table to be seated then 5 minutes later she sat someone else in the same dirty seat. (Not a good look---just clean the seats why dontcha!) Our order Appetizer - Me, shrimp & grits=the bomb.com & my dude, 369 mini burgers w/ onion straws=seasoned well and tender Entree - Me, crisy seared salmon and grits & my dude, the matchbox meat pizza Drinks - Me, banana peach martinia & my dude, mango mango martini==both were the bomb.com Portions were great for hunger people. I love their grits---I am a GRITS! ;-) Their drinks were very smooth. Check it out you will love it!!
(4)Jay C.
Colin is great amazing bartender friendly and very knowledgeable chris Kim is a great waiter
(5)Eugene H.
The atmosphere is kind of nice, but the pizza is just so-so. My bar's pretty high for a sit down pizza place, because when you think pizza, it's usually something quick and easy. Add in the sit down atmosphere and I feel like you really need to raise the bar on the quality of the pizza you're serving.
(3)A K.
Good food, good drinks. Pizza is especially good. Service can be hit or miss depending on who you get. Almost always booked on the weekends, but try calling if you don't see anything on OpenTable. Apparently they reserve only 30% of their tables for online reservations.
(4)Rick R.
Stopped in for pre dinner. Lucky #7 (Evolution Brewery, right near me) was on tap and I was excited. The bartender was quite occupied by a couple across from us. Not sure if they were friends, if the couple was a pain in the butt, or if the bartender was slow. I noticed the bartender start making a Mojito and I figured the couple across was just being a PITA. Eventually they released the bartender and we were able to order. After a first round of drinks we decided to order a small pizza. 1/2 Meat half pepperoni. Pizza was good, GF thought the meatballs were spicy.
(4)Melinda V.
My husband and I went for Sunday brunch today. I liked this place from the minute we walked in. It's roomy, and nice looking, and smells great. The server was smart, friendly, attentive, and obviously having a good time with her job. I ordered the steak and eggs off the brunch menu, and my husband ordered the scallops with butternut squash risotto. I'll add pictures here, because I thought the plates were very nice to look at and made my mouth water before I took a bite. I loved the skillet presentation of the steak and eggs. The potatoes had seasoning on them that blended in with the egg to make one gooey yummy combination. The steak was cooked perfectly and had a nice smokey flavor I really liked. My husband thought the scallops were perfectly cooked and seasoned nicely, but wished there'd been a bit of sauce on them. The risotto was perfect, and might have converted him to a butternut squash lover. I've never been able to get him to try it before so kudos to Matchbox for that. Overall, I really enjoyed my meal. The ambiance was relaxing, the food was great and the price is...borderline expensive but not horrible. I saw pizzas on lots of the tables as we walked by and they all looked fantastic. I want to go back and try one of those.
(4)Dana Z.
I'm liking this location a lot more than Chinatown... like Mike S said, it's most due to the space. It's big and open, fireplaces, big tables, spacious... and a nice area for outdoor seating (which obviously we didn't use since it's November...) The menu of course is identical to the other locations. The more I come here the more I'm liking Matchbox. They're consistently good and always have something on the menu someone will like. Also, we sat at the Playboy matchbox table which we loved :)
(4)Jenn D.
The Fire & Smoke pizza was said to be very spicy, it wasn't at all, even with added crushed red peppers! Everyone else's food looked good though. Service was great even when busy.
(2)Abhi K.
Everyone raves about the sliders, but I sadly have not yet tried them. I had the shrimp and grits appetizer. The grits were nice. They still felt a bit stony (a good thing) and were infused with a generous portion of cheese. They sat in a bath of sausage and gravy. All of this was fantastically prepared! It was so well done that I wish they had left shrimp out of the dish entirely. The shrimp seemed to be an afterthought as it was not spiced at all and was bland in comparison to the rest of the dish. Perhaps the shrimp was to pick up the flavor of the gravy, but if that were the case, they should not have stood the shrimp up for presentation. I have been to this location once before where I had the Q Special and the Fire and Smoke. Do not doubt the fieriness nor the smokiness of Fire and Smoke. While delicious, it is seriously spicy. The peppers are sweet though, which nicely offsets the spice. The Q special used to be my favorite pizza here. I rarely like chicken on a pizza because it dries out, but the chicken on this pizza remains moist. I ordered it again on this visit and was not disappointed. However, I found a new favorite. The prosciutto and fig is out of this world good. Opting out of a tomato base, the pizza boasts a garlic puree mixed with honey. I never say no to garlic. I never say no to honey. I never thought of putting them together, but the combination ignites sparks. Over top is well salted prosciutto and large, plump figs. I highly recommend everyone give this one a try as it is an unusual combination that ends up working extremely well!
(4)Renan D.
If you love pizza and want to try something different, this place is awesome. The prices are completely reasonable and you will definitely not be disappointed.
(3)Amanda K.
I have been here twice. The first time was decent, while the atmosphere is beautiful the food is disappointing. The salmon and spinach was delicious but their pizzas and other entrees were mediocre. The second time, there was a ROACH crawling on my seat and all the manager did was nonchalantly move us to another section. The waitress casually mentioned that they have roaches all the time. Nice! I find this unacceptable for an "upscale" place like this in Rockville. I cannot fathom returning there knowing there's roaches in the dining area, God knows what there is in the kitchen. Plus the management/staff is horrible and clearly does not care about their reputation or customers. With so many great restaurants in the area, it's a shame this one chooses to operate this way.
(2)R Q.
Absolutely miserable. Been here a couple of times and the pizza was atrocious. I ordered the 'fire & smoke' on the recommendation of the waiter; they substituted the pizza sauce for BBQ sauce. The result was ghastly. I have never tasted anything so awful, and despite the fact that I was famished (finished hiking for 4 hours and came for lunch) I could not finish it. The waiter also didn't know what beers they had on tap going back and checking multiple times, and half the beers we asked for he told us they ran out of. Avoid at all costs, if you really want pizza just go across the street to pizza CS. It might be expensive but at least it doesn't suck.
(1)Kelly G.
The Fall 2011 brunch showcase was TRULY AWESOME! You can't cook brunch like this. And even if you can, why would you want to with Chef Jon in the kitchen (and on Sundays between 10-3, The Big Joe Trio playing jazz)? Oh we started with breakfast staples like mimosas, fruit & house made granola served atop orange and lemon zest infused greek yogurt, and warm cinnamon buns baked in a cast iron pan and slathered with cream cheese icing. The veggie frittata (full of spinach, cremini mushrooms, feta, roasted red peppers and onions) topped with breakfast potatoes and a basil pesto really helped soak up that "matchbox mimosa" which has the added kick of Patrón Citrónge. Next up: the bloody marys at matchbox: rockville. They REALLY bump it up a notch. Three I tried were handsomely adorned: the #3 with a cucumber and sea salt; the #6 with a crispy bacon strip and Old Bay seasoning; and the #9 with a prosciutto stuffed olive. Trust me, with the Skyy Vodka & house made bloody mary mix coursing through my veins, I needed a serving of the huevos rancheros (black beans, pico di gallo, avocado relish, chipotle sour cream, green chili sauce). This dish is as delicious as it is visually appealing. The base is not so much a corn or flour tortilla but moreso a flattened, crispy crust. Delicioso. At matchbox: rockville's brunch, it was quite evident where breakfast and lunch collide: the brunch pizza. You read that right: brunch pizza. This wood fired pizza sports smoked gouda, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, pico de gallo, and chipotle sour cream. All the handheld, meaty cheesy goodness of a pizza (lunch) combined with all the egg-ish-ness of breakfast. This thin crust slice of heaven is also packing some heat. Don't count out the pico or the chipotle on this pie. The pièce de résistance in this whole brunch, this combination of breakfast and lunch just has to be Chef Jon's BLT Benedict. Its beautiful. Its delicious. I'm sure it's nutritious. And it's not on the menu. Here, the bacon is a maple glazed pork belly, the lettuce is a few arugula leaves, and the tomato is a crumb coated fried green tomato. Add in the usual poached egg, toasted english muffin, a little Chipotle Hollandaise and voila! Brunch. At matchbox: rockville. Get your but up out of bed and go because this is as good as it gets! Woohoo!
(5)Allie K.
One of my favorite "local" spots - a go to with out of town guests. Nice, large, California-eqse atmosphere and a lovely outside area with a bar and fire pit. Love coming here for brunch because of their awesome specialty drinks and variety of bloody marrys. I love the #6 Bloody with (wait for it....) BACON! And an Old Bay seasoned rim. Delish. There is no "brunch special" with drinks included, etc but that doesn't keep me away. I've also come here for dinner and been happy with my orders. I thought the crab cake sandwich was my favorite until I tried the Cubano last week - it was so good! Not only did it have the signature slow roasted pork, mustard and pickle of a traditional Cuban sandwich, it also included prosciutto. OMG. And the meal came with home made potato chips. Grand Slam. I must note that this place is also known for their pizza...I have tried it and it is very good. My roommate LOVES the meatball pizza to no end. Hope to come here more in the summer to enjoy the outdoor seating!
(4)Lauren M.
We recently tried the Rockville location after visiting the Gallery Place location multiple times. The owners tried to make the restaurant "scenic" by including a large fire pit and booths outside, but you really can't compensate for the fact that it's right on Rockville Pike. It definitely has a strip-mall feel because, well, it's on a strip mall parking lot. The interior was very nice. It had a much more open feel than the Gallery Place location but definitely did not have the same character as the other location downtown. That being said, the holiday decorations were beautiful and the ambiance seemed warm yet trendy. We sat near the kitchen, so it was a bit loud despite a mostly-empty restaurant. Service seemed a little slow, but the food was very fresh. The cream of asparagus and cream of crab soups were excellent. The braised short ribs were extremely tender and the rockfish was solidly good, though not as flavorful as other dishes. The crabcake sandwich had a good crab-to-bread ratio and was extremely large. Only real complaint about the food was the pork--extremely flavorful but a little tough from overcooking. Matchbox has a great selection of craft beers AND has Chimay on tap. (Although, truth be told, the difference between Chimay on tap and in the bottle seemed negligible). The mixed drinks had a good liquor-to-other-stuff ratio but were a bit pricey. $50 for 2 mixed drinks and 2 Chimays. (Chimay was $9 a glass!) We definitely would return, but you really need to think of Matchbox Rockville as a completely different restaurant than Matchbox Gallery Place.
(4)Donna J.
I love this place! The avocado & crab appetizer is ridiculously good. The Cobb salad is awesome too. The burger is great. I can't wait to go back to try something new. Update: I don't know if it was just an off day, but we went to Matchbox for lunch on Saturday and the food was awful. My Cobb salad was gross. The chicken was super dry and the prosciutto was rancid tasting. I won't be ordering that ever again.
(4)Ken L.
Matchbox in Rockville is a really good place if you want to eat good food and drink a few drinks in a nice environment. I especially love this place during the summer because they outdoor seating and its right in the middle of Rockville. When its colder out they have two fire pits where you can have a couple of drinks and keep warm. I always get either the awesome pizza (I like the meatball one a lot) or the mini-burgers (comes with burgers and onion straws). They have a pretty good beer selections to complement the burgers and pizza. I will definitely keep coming back here.
(4)Clarence S.
Overall, not bad, but a little pricy when compared to the dish we had. Went there with my wife and daughter on a Friday evening ~7 PM. We had the Large Spicy Meatball pizza, and our drinks were two craft beers and a glass of wine. The place is a little loud, but manageable. Lots of families with 2-3 small children in tow. I wish we had been seated in the patio area away from the loud music but as I said before, it was okay. As for the food, I've had better pizza with slightly less money spent. The service is decent, selections are not bad, and the atmosphere is lively. For a Friday after a long week, it was not a bad place to have a slice of pizza and a beer. Just be prepared for the loud atmosphere.
(3)Jess Y.
3.5 stars. This was my second time to Matchbox. The first was with a couple of friends because I just had to check out this new restaurant on Rockville Pike that always seemed crowded. I love the atmosphere inside and the architecture/interior design. It is so unique and has this warm wooden feel to it. Great attention to detail: even including different pairs of matching matchboxes underneath the glass of every table. The huge warm fires outside also make for a really neat outdoor seating option---but in the dead of winter, it's pretty empty. The ambiance is also very nice--a a little bit louder on the decibel scale but it's a good, bubbly, "things are happening" kind of feel. The pizza is great. Thin crust and baked with brick oven love. Only problem is that when you combine the two of those, the middle of the pizza often gets a little soggy. It doesn't bother me too much because it's still so tasty and the crust is always crisp to perfection. The flavors of the pizza are great---albeit a little pricey. In my last visit we ordered the Veggie pizza. I thought it was flavorful--the peppers definitely added a little kick to it but the crispy potato medallions (aka itty bitty potato chips) seemed gimmicky. We had already eaten so much fried stuff, they seemed out of place and just thrown on in the end. I don't remember the pizzas that I ordered last time I was here--but I remember enjoying them. The 3-6-9 mini burger appetizer is also very popular. You can choose to order 3, 6, or 9 mini burgers with a huge mound of fried onion straws. I loved the onion straws although some were not as crispy as I would have liked. Okay, but now onto the service. The first time I came I don't remember thinking anything poor about the service. But, this time, I was just so underwhelmed by the performance of our waiter. Firstly, he was noticeably disappointed in the fact that we did not order drinks--I'm sorry but I was just enjoying dinner and I wasn't really in the mood for a drink that night. Is that a crime? He was so hung up on the drinks though that he forgot that he had asked us and came back to our table again to ask if we wanted to order any drinks. Secondly, it took forever for our mini burger appetizer to come out. I was eating with my mother who only eats things well done, so we had ordered the burgers well done. It took at least 20 minutes for an appetizer to come out. The waiter explained that the burgers were taking longer because we wanted them well done. I'm not an expert, but I think grilling burgers well-done takes GENEROUSLY 1-2 minutes longer than medium well. And if they are mini burgers, they sure as heck shouldn't be taking 20 minutes long--we still wanted a juicy burger not something burnt! Clearly, that was just an excuse and the kitchen was probably just backed up with orders--which is understandable, but lying and giving us a lame excuse that makes it sound like we are idiots was annoying. (Note also that it only took 10 minutes for the table next to us to receive their order of mini burgers). Also, the bathroom for such a trendy/upscale place was out of sorts. The first time I went to the bathroom there was water all over the floor. The second time, at the end of the meal, I saw remnants of someone's menstrual cycle out for display hanging out of the waste disposal. Now, I know that a restaurant is not responsible for the behavior of its customers, but they are responsible for the upkeep of the restroom--which grossed me out, given the near perfection of the rest of the ambiance/interior design.
(3)M S.
DC Matchbox is better. Very disappointed in my recent visit to Matchbox. Firstly, the service was great. The restaurant interior is clean and fools me into thinking I'm trendier than I actually am. Most disturbing was my glass of tap water that tasted like a moldy dishrag. The $15 chicken spinach salad was sufficient, I was hoping for a better presentation for the price. For anyone else like me who needs a 60/40 brownie to ice cream ratio in order to be happy, be advised: the double choco brownie dessert comes with a tiny scoop of vanilla frozen dairy dessert (not ice cream). Presentation of the dessert was also lacking. My husband got a customized white pizza, which was good, but not amazing. I blame that on his weird modifications. One beer, one salad, one pizza, one bottled water, one dessert=$60. Dissatisfied. I"ll try again, but not any time soon.
(2)L S.
I'm convinced after 2 YEARS LATER, they still haven't entirely gotten their shit together. We arrived around 7:50 PM. At the beginning, the hostess says that there's open seating at the bar so we go to check it out. There was an open bar booth, we sit down, and the server immediately told us that the booths were assigned seating and that we needed to go talk to the hostess. We go back to the hostess stand and she's like "Oh yeah those are assigned seating and we reserved that bar booth so someone can take it." Why did you make us look like dumbasses? Earlier on, she says that the wait was to be between 25-45 minutes long. We waited 7 minutes. I used to be a hostess. I was good at it. Beggars aren't choosers. I have NEVER heard of reserving a specific spot in the restaurant just for the wait list. You can only take what you can get. Don't pull shenanigans on me. We get seated and our server was nice, but he didn't seem all too there. Took a while for water and drinks to come to the table. My party ordered the 3.6.9 burgers and a large Matchbox Meat pizza. Food took a good while to come out. When it did come out, it was good but it was quite greasy. My parents and I love your carry out services. I think I'll stick to that from now on, forever and always. 2 stars will be for the nice server (his timing wasn't good but I'll admit that finding nice servers in Rockville are hard to find) and for the delicious drinks. PS: Get your dress code together too! Seeing the young girl with thunder thighs wearing sweaty gym gear in front of the host stand was unsightly. I wouldn't let her sweaty ass in my restaurant. PSS: I agree with one of the posters here on how the cocktail menu comes off extremely gendered. I noticed that too, and was thinking, "It's 2013. Why does this matter anymore?" I can enjoy my Manhattans, thank you very much.
(2)Joshua J.
This place is great. Great decor and atmosphere, a bit congested and loud but not over the top. We ordered four different pizzas and they all tasted delicious. The only gripe with the food is that the large pizza is said to serve 2 people but 1 hungry person like myself needed a whole large to myself. We had the chocolate chip bread pudding for dessert and it also very delectable. Since it was my sister's birthday, the waiter lit a candle on the bread pudding and it was also on the house. This is a sign of a good business in my eyes. The prices though, are fair. Feeding four people, the bill came out to $53 before tip, not bad. Definitely will be coming back.
(5)Erica C.
I really like the layout and the feel of this place. The menus even look cool. I've been to Matchbox twice. The first time I really liked the pizza, so I figured it was a go-to before shopping at the awesome Container Store. The first time we went, we ordered a large pizza and split it. A large pizza was plenty for two. The last time we went, we ordered the mini burgers with gouda and a small pizza. The mini burgers were fantastic with buttery brioche buns. The fried onion straws with the burgers were fun as well. I could have ate those and have been totally satisfied. The matchbox meat pizza was a bit on the burnt side, but it was still good. I've always wanted dessert, but I've been too stuffed to truly contemplate it. The drink menu also looks quite nice, as does the beer selection.
(3)Stephanie C.
We tried Matchbox tonight for the first time and liked it. The menu is limited but it has items you don't normally find on a regular menu. Chicken with brussel sprouts as a side and a steak with sweet potato. I got the steak sandwich which was pretty good, but would have been better with lettuce tomato and grilled onions. My husband got the ultimate burger which he said was good. The service was wonderful considering how busy it was. The only drawback I had was that we were in a room with several babies and some parents do not realize that you shouldn't take whiny little ones out to dinner. They don't enjoy it and neither do the other diners. Most of the little ones were good, but we got next to a whiner and it wasn't fun.
(3)Susan P.
Pricey but worth it
(5)Shira S.
The best thing about Matchbox was the genuine surprise I felt the entire time I was there. We utilized their call ahead service, which greatly helped our wait. When we called ahead of time, they quoted us an hour. We got there about 25 minutes later and were seated within 5 minutes. There went the drink at the bar, but that's okay! Our waitress (truly wish I remembered her name) was excellent. She helped by making great recommendations from food to wine, but didn't push us to order the most expensive item on the menu, either. Instead, she chose an item or two from each section to recommend, while also answering our questions about possible substitutions. We ended up ordering a bottle of wine which, I felt was very reasonably priced ($24 for the bottle) and made both myself and my dining partner happy. We then shared an appetizer (mozzi carozzi) which was awesome. It really took the traditional mozzarella sticks to a different level and the frying was not heavy. There was plenty for two and probably could have been split by three. We then each ordered an entrée. I had the duck confit salad as it sounded different and yummy. I was not disappointed. The sunny side up egg on top was cooked perfectly and there was lots of duck on my salad. My friend had the crabcake sandwich and said it was good. She was able to get a side salad instead of french fries which made her happy. Since we were already on a roll, we decided to share a dessert and enjoyed the gelato cookie sandwich. The waitress brought a steak knife to cut it for us but also offered to have the kitchen cut it if we needed. The coffee gelato inside was very good, although not quite as good as my homemade. The oatmeal cookies on the outside were delicious and balanced the gelato very well. All in all, I fully enjoyed my entire experience at Matchbox and will definitely return sometime in the future.
(4)Lina B.
Just doesn't live up to the hype. The food is OK but not for as much as I am spending for it. The drinks are good and they have a pretty good beer selection with seasonals. It's always really crowded. The sliders are the go-to but I don't think they're absolutely amazing that you need to come here to get them. Onion straws overpiling the sliders..so much and so salty. I was enthralled when it first opened, but now I am just bored of the same thing. I have gotten the pesto pizza, the fire and smoke pizza (or whatever it's called...it's not even that spicy) and I have gotten a few of the chicken sandwiches. Save your money. It's a place to see and be seen and has a fun ambiance, but I am not really impressed.
(3)Tosin O.
Great food, great service, lovely ambiance...I absolutely luvv it and i will be back.
(4)A K.
Food is great, service was so-so. We ate here on a Sunday in December at 1 pm. We had a reservation - but it wasn't too crowded - so we probably didn't need it. The restaurant is large but still warm and cozy and was decorated nicely for the holidays. We had the mini burgers, apple/pear salad, meatball pizza, prosciutto and fig pizza, and the bistro burger. The food was excellent! For dessert we had the cinnamon donuts, which were served warm. They were so tasty. They also have a large drink selection and a brunch menu on the weekends. The waiter seemed attentive at first, but seemed to lose focus on our table. Our sodas sat empty for awhile (this is a pet peeve of mine). He also didn't check on us after the meal was served and we had to flag him down for salt and pepper. Overall, I would recommend this place and look forward to going back.
(4)Mike K.
Forgot last time I got a salad with crabmeat I was not happy and this time I got an app with mini crabcakes and promise to not make that mistake again. The tuna tartar was chopped up and I didn't love that either. Rockfish special was great but dudes, serve jumbo lump or 86 it! Their slider burgers are great as is the pepperoni roll. Pizza is okay. No happy hour here so will get my happy appies and party starters at Potomac Grill or Clyde's.
(3)Mark S.
The food was very good and they have a nice selection. I also found that they have a good selection of beers and mixed drinks. My only complaint was the inattentiveness of our waiter that evening. He did not come around very often to check if we were OK.
(3)Crystal S.
Fantastic pizza! I've been here twice now, and the food was great on both occasions. I had the prosciutto and black fig pizza, and it was wonderful. Party members who ordered pizzas were very happy, but the other offerings did not quite meet the mark - decent, but not memorable. For example, the chicken sandwich was gristly and dry. We tried desserts the first time and they were a bit uninspired. Worth it just to go for it on the pizza and be done with the night on a high note. Service both times was okay, great during some portions of the meal, friendly etc., and then completely forgotten near the end of the meal. Customers really shouldn't need to be flailing around for someone to take their money, best to finish up the table just like it started! All in all, we will certainly be back.
(4)Mike M.
My most recent visit, Jan. 8, was a bit of a disappointment. The waiter introduced himself and said he and another waiter would be sharing our table. Rather than better service we got really bad service. Couldn't get refills for the kids drinks, asked for the check and waited (I kid you not) 30 minutes for it to finally be brought out. The waiter(s) were pleasant enough but seemed completely overwhelmed by a Tuesday evening crowd. Looks like they need some more help. Unfortunately, the pizza my kids wanted is apparently no longer on the menu, I think it was called a cheese steak pizza or something like that. In fact, it seems they've lost their focus regarding pizza as there are far fewer pizza offerings and the pizza takes an overall diminished role on the menu. When our pizzas arrived everyone at the table (6 of us this time) thought the same thing: It's not as good and something has changed. The biggest difference was the dough which wasn't as thin and light as in the past. We had a small Fire and Smoke, a large White Cheese, and a large Meatball. With three hungry teens you would have thought there would have been no leftovers but we took home a whole box. It's a shame because the family has always LOVED this place and now it seems they're not particularly interested in going back.
(3)Deb G.
A great place for brunch with a group. The restaurant is very large, so it's no problem to get a reservation. The service was also very accommodating - moving us from right next to the jazz trio to a quieter room where we could chat. The boy had "the 9" bloody Mary to start with and really liked it, although that might have been due to the prosciutto stuffed olives. He had the brunch pizza and I got the Bloody Mary burger, both of which were excellent. I kind of wish I had realized the burger came with a (very good) salad instead of fries. Our server was attentive and good with a large group and kids. All in all, a nice experience.
(4)Jess Y.
The brunch here appealed to me more than dinner did. I tried the huevos rancheros, and it was pretty good. The only complaint I would have is that it was cold and a bit too runny. There were a lot of things on the brunch menu that I wanted to try, but I was too full. Will return for brunch one of these days... 3-6-9 Burgers are always delish, however the onion strings are occasionally burnt. Dislike. The tuna tartar was average... (what do you expect, Matchbox is known for their pizza!) Pizza is nothing too spectacular. The wine list is alright, & the service is usually pretty good. I'm glad to see that Matchbox Rockville will survive the spot of the previous failed businesses. :P It's a lot less cramped than the DC location.
(3)Samantha D.
Matchbox has become a family favorite of ours... The pizzas are amazing, and we definitely recommend the 3-6-9 burgers. Aside from that we recently had a brunch for a table of 14, and it was the absolute perfect place. The brunch menu has many options to please everyone, and the cinnamon rolls are a MUST!
(5)Elizabeth M.
Just went for a late lunch (2:00). Waited forever for a waitress as the tables seated after us spoke with their servers. Just as we stood to leave, our waitress appeared, apologized and asked for one more minute. We left.
(1)Liz C.
Matchbox has really great pizza, as that is what they are known for. I first experienced matchbox in Chinatown DC and I've had really yummy pizza everytime. This location in Rockville is okay. I like their outdoor space during the warm months. The outdoor bar is a fun place to be. Usually I get the Belgian beers, and they're perfect everytime, especially with the pizza, but the last two times I've gotten mixed drinks or cocktails. They were so super sweet! And I couldn't taste any of the alcohol. I'm way too shy to send drinks back when dissatisfied, but I seriously questioned if they put any alcohol at all. It wasn't even the "oh it's so good that you can't taste any alcohol". No. I think the DC locations are trendy, but I have mixed feelings about the suburb locations. Overall, PIZZA IS YUMMY, Beer is great, and cocktails not so much. Of course I will continue as a patron for the food and beer. :)
(3)Nick S.
Matchbox has good ambiance and feels quite 'chic' inside, but sadly their pizzas don't have much flavor. Consolation prize? The mini burgers are pretty damn delicious, and they have Chimay on tap.
(4)J C.
Delicious! I'm obsessed with their mini burgers with the fried onion. I can just eat the fried onion by it self
(4)Peter L.
YOU NEED A MANAGEMENT OVERHAUL! This is a review that I have to say is tough to write because I know one of the original owners and I sometimes have to tell it like it is. Yesterday my wife was reserving a table for 8 at the big round table. All went well until she called to confirm and she was told that it was not reserved because it was not fair to the other diners who want o experience a fine dining experience. Are you kidding...we were just checking in and as frequent diners of MB I was incensed by the response so I requested the Manager. Not only did this not get resolved, but HE was no better than the first person we spoke with. Let me tell you...ever since one of your former owners decided to depart MB has taken a downturn in customer service. The servers are great, but the management is rude and does not get it. As a parent of 5 kids at several of the neighboring private prep and public schools I will have to make it known that MB is not a family friendly place and only caters to walk ins...very sad considering what was good has turned sour.
(2)Huntting B.
So, it's matchbox, and I friggen love Matchbox. The people there are even nicer than the one downtown. Here's the thing, though, the burgers here weren't nearly as good. The bread was STALE :( How sad did that make me... I will say that I had the meatball/pepperoni pizza roll thing, it was AWESOME...and my waitress was great cause she had them use the spicy sauce for me...it was SOOOO good. The wait, here, is so much less than downtown, which is great cause it can take a while to get seated at the other location. All this said...the next time that I want Matchbox...I'm heading in town and not here (unless it's raining and I sorta need to drive)
(3)Kayleah M.
Overpriced, sorry excuse for pizza! You're better off buying a frozen pizza at the grocery store! Never again...
(1)Anita C.
Came here last night for my little sister's birthday dinner, and had a pleasant experience. We arrived around 6:45pm on a Wednesday night for a party of 5, and waited about 15-20 minutes with no reservation. Ambiance: one of the most noteworthy things about Matchbox. The interior is huge and beautifully decorated, with a modern vibe to the place. Food: We ordered the six of the 3.6.9 sliders ($14?) with mozzarella cheese. The sliders were yummy, but the onion rings were the highlight - lightly fried and very thin. Highly recommend! My dad ordered the petite filet steak special ($22), which was cooked perfectly and on a bed of mashed potatoes and red wine sauce. We also ordered three pizzas - veggie, matchbox meat, and chicken pesto ($20 each). My favorite was the veggie - lots of light veggies with small potato chips on top. The other two were too salty for my liking - wish they had eased up a bit. Definitely a nice alternative to CPK, and just slightly more expensive. We shared three pizzas between four people and brought back two of them because we were so stuffed. Huge portions! Our waiter was very friendly as well. Recommendations: 3.6.9 sliders and the veggie pizza.
(4)Pia A.
Came here for a Monday night dinner. Busy busy busy for a Monday night. I ordered the serrano Spanish ham pizza. It was good, not phenomenal. We ordered a bottle of the meritage, which was delicious. Went very well with the pizza. Since it was a birthday dinner, I was treated to chocolate chip bread pudding. This was really good. Not too sweet with its rum caramel. The atmosphere was really fun, for a Rockville pizza joint. On a cooler night, I'd love to sit outside. Reservations a must. I saw people just walking in without them and they had to wait an hour. One hour at 7:30p on a Monday. Ridiculous. Would definitely come back, perhaps try their other pizzas and may change my rating.
(3)Julio E. G.
I have been coming to Matchbox since it opened a while back. This is a pizza joint and a bit more upscale than Ledo's Pizza. The food quality is consistently good and they have a very good wine list. I love the salads and they also serve a very good salmon garnished with asparagus wrapped in bacon. My wife likes to come here for brunch or a casual lunch during the week. The bar is nice and they have an acceptable beer selection. I don't pretend to judge the waiters because there is a different person each time I go. This is not a mom and pop joint and the turnover of waiters is fast. But, who cares, they seem to do the job. They even have a counter in the waiting area of the lobby where a desperate customer can order food. On Sundays they have a jazz trio and it is always nice to hear live music in a restaurant. The musicians are not as hip as in the west coast, but something is better than nothing. Live music is a rarity nowadays. The layout is nice with two levels and outdoor seating with a pit fire and heaters. Not bad for a chain restaurant
(4)Missy Y.
I remember when I was a kid and while my mom would be at work I would make a quick bite to eat. I would take a piece of bread throw some Ragu sauce on it along with some cheap mozzarella cheese pop it in the microwave once it was finished I would top it off with some McCormick oregano. Well recently I had a pizza at Matchbox and the only difference was that the pizza I made at home didn't cost $25. The service was great though
(2)Sarah C.
Complete Your Review: Matchbox Rockville 1699 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852 ________________________________________________ Rating [ * * * ] Roll over stars, then click to rate. Your review We used opentable.com and either we had a horseshoe up each our bums or 'twas a slow Friday night since our reservation was for 8:15 and our table was ready by 8:20 - possibly 'cause we were a party of 2?? . Our server was great....not a talker (score!) and checked on us frequently. . Hubs chose the matchbox meat 'zza while I pined for a non-'zza entree - shrimp & grits (special) caught my attention especially when the word bacon was wrapped within the enticing description. Pick 3 or 5 shrimps....I got 5 oink-oinked. . My s&g was very comforting - prettied up for show but tasted familiar and bursted with a kick of flavor on behalf of the bacon strips man handling each juicy plump marine morsel. This dish was factually filling....filling enough where there's room fo' dessert :D . Why 3 stars overall? Hubs' 'zza. They did their job since it tasted like pizza but it was very tombstone. Tombstone is fine when you consider it doesn't cost $14. To each their own. He wants to come back for the entrees - he liked my s&g special. . Coffee & doughnuts dessert was lush. Be sure to dip 'em in the espresso-coffee-like-creme. Each frolicsome unique dough pieces were attacked by cinnamon sugar mobs which made for a messy finger-lickin' delight. . This is our take of MBR369 on MDR355 3.5 stars thanks to the s&g and c&d . . Have additional tips on this business? Uh yeah: Just park at the BBB lot if their parking section is full Price Range: $$ Moderate $11 - $30 Attire: Let's just say I had fun people watching (casual's fine) . Post
(3)Tim H.
The pizza is unique and delicious--my personal favorite is the fire and smoke, but I've enjoyed everything I've had here (note: I've stuck to pizza). The price is reasonable for the quality, and the atmosphere is very nice. You could come to Matchbox for a date (especially when they have live jazz), to watch a game, or just for a great meal. There are a couple bars (one inside, one outside) which are also pleasant and serve several interesting cocktails. The beer selection is small and unremarkable (Dogfish, Allagash, etc). The crowd here is a little older than most bars but it's still a fun place to be. I've had some minor trouble with the service here--last time, someone took our drink order, then apparently left because after a while we had to find another waiter. As others have noted here the turnover of staff seems high so quality could be variable. I've never had a long wait even though it can get packed.
(4)Helen C.
Really good veggie pizza and trio dessert! I would love to come back for their sliders. We also got a special lamb appetizer, which was good, but too charred and fatty for me. My friend loved it though.
(5)John N.
Surprisingly I do not go here for the pizza. Crazy..... I know right. Sometimes what a place is known for, is not what is really the best things on the menu. I think one of the key examples of this is the sliders that they offer as an appetizer. These little delectable pieces of animal flesh put on a small buttery bun has to be one of the most pleasurable mouth orgasms I have had in a long time. What else can I say, I mean its simple but delicious. Oh and the onion straws they put on top are pretty top notch as well. Even though I have had a handful of things on here, I really like this place. It has a variety of things that are all worth trying. Except for the pizza, which I think is a little overpriced, but hey that's me. I mean domino's has a large carryout pizza for 7.99. And lets face it, when it comes to Pizza, im not trying to eat healthy....I want a greasy one, loaded with cheese and pepperoni and a crust dipped in butter...YUM. Anyways, I digress. This place is a place where you can take the family, go with friends and relax. They have an amazing outside patio with a circular fire pit that has seating around it. They have 2 bars and one of them extends from inside to outside for easy service. This place can get crazy busy on Friday and Saturday nights so either make a reso. or be prepared to wait. The few time that we went there we sat in Chris's section and he was by far one of the best Servers that we have had. Very attentive and on point. Even though he had what appeared to be a 5 table section, he made it a point to always check up on what we needed. My recommendation, go on a Sunday in the afternoon, get a bloody mary and try the Updated Turkey Sandwich!! And the Slider's of course.
(4)Semra E.
I've been a fan of Matchbox since they moved into Chinatown...little did I know that they'd hit up the suburb of MD that I conveniently work in as well! I was extremely excited when I heard the news that they'd be moving in next door to my office, finally some quality food within walking distance. When you walk inside, you don't realize how big the space is, they did an EXCELLENT job with the layout of bars and dining areas. You could have a completely different feel per section of the restaurant if you hopped around (which I'm guessing I will eventually do). I had read the Washington Post article about the shrimp & grits....mmmmmm, but I tried the scallops instead (app.) which were AMAZING!!!! I could have just gone into a food coma after trying that, but nooooo....I had to go ahead and get the chicken sandwich they had with caramelized onions....(one of the best food inventions one could wish for). I will be back to try out other things I'd heard of, you bet your dollar. Lunch service was quick & I will definitely be back soon enough.
(3)Steven W.
The architects knocked it out of the park in the design of this restaurant. The indoor/outdoor bar type area really works, and you don't feel like you're sitting on Rockville Pike. The rest of the interior again, has that "not on Rockville Pike" flavor. With the nice wood and metal...modern look to it... There's nothing wrong with Rockville Pike, other than the terrible traffic and feeling of mass density suburbia, but eating in Matchbox makes you feel like you are in a much cooler place. The food is as solid as it's sister restaurants in the district.
(4)Janine G.
I came here somewhat expecting something that tasted like Pizza Hut. I was throughly surprised at the service, the decor, the food, the menu (limited but you don't need a large menu IMO) and the location. I sure do love eating out in Rockville so I had to check this place out! Also, I was really hoping a good restaurant would take over this location, I recall a couple restaurants located here (before the building was torn down) and I also recall the old building standing unleased for the longest time, it was quite the eye sore for Rockville. I hope this place sticks around. We were seated immediately, server came over promptly to serve us water, asked if tap was okay. Then didn't harass me to see if I knew what I wanted just yet since he knew we had just arrived. He came around a few minutes later and asked if we had any questions, we proceeded to order drinks and an appetizer. My drink: Chinatown was amazing! It has house watermelon infused vodka, couldn't get much better than that (also has rum, gin, tequila, triple sec and cranberry)! I want to go back just for the drink alone! Hubs had a Lemon Quencher (firefly sweet tea vodka / lemonade), he loved his drink too. In fact, we both ordered our drink twice (and we never do that, we just can't drink more than one anymore...old age I tell ya)!! Our appetizer Mozzi Carrozzi came around and I was a bit hesitant to have it since I don't like bruschetta and it kinda sounded like it but as I took my first bite, I felt I must have pleased the gods that day b/c it was absolutely divine!! It was delishly crispy and cheesy and the tomato sauce was so good, you could tell it didn't come out of a can! Our pizza came out and reading other reviews I was afraid I'd have a soggy crust...au contraire! My crust was crispy and not hard as a rock crispy! I loved every bit of it, I'm not the kinda gal that eats more than one slice of pizza b/c I frankly get a little sick of it...I had, count em, 4 slices!! I haven't eaten more than one slice of pizza in one seating since high school (large pizza all to myself...smh). Now comes dessert, again, I'm a picky eater and I detest cooked bananas and when I saw bananas were included in the chocolate chip bread pudding I almost hurled. I asked the server to clarify, he advised me it's not cooked or IN the pudding. I took a chance and boy oh boy am I glad I did so! The bread pudding was freakin ah-mayyy-zing! The rum sauce surrounding it was just melting in my mouth and the uncooked bananas were a perfect addition to the plate! As our dinner came winding down I had to use the little girls room and I asked the hostess to assist with directions, she actually WALKED me to the restroom so I wouldn't get lost, I don't think anyone has been that helpful since I've been to La Amada in Cancun. All in all, this will become a normal place for the hubs and I to eat! I can't wait for our next visit to Matchbox!
(5)Kim H.
Yummmmm, can't go wrong with Matchbox! I was pleasantly surprised by the decor - very spacious and modern. Our waitress was very nice and attentive and the pizza was perfect (as always). However, I thought the pizza was a bit overpriced as a large 3 topping pizza cost 25 dollars (we built our own). They also offer an excellent beer selection and multiple flat screen tv's in the bar area. I will definitly be back.
(4)