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Rodman's
Categories: Food Specialty Food Shopping Drugstores Food Beer, Wine & Spirits Specialty Food, Drugstores, Beer, Wine & Spirits [Edit]
5100 Wisconsin Ave NW(between N Garrison St & N Harrison St)
Washington, DC 20016
Neighborhood: Friendship Heights
(202) 363-3466
- Nearest Transit:
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Friendship Heights Metro Station (Red)
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 9 am - 9:30 pm
Sun 10 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Validated, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
We specialize in offering quality wine, beer and cheese at affordable prices!
63 reviews for Rodman's
Review Highlights
"...to Yelp Boston and I type in the words "European Chocolates."
(in 3 reviews)
"I love the international selection and loved seeing mayorga..."
(in 13 reviews)
"Great prices on just about everything."
(in 3 reviews)
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63 reviews in English
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Review from DC Dad M.
Washington D.C., DC
1/28/2012
When my toddlers were babies, every Saturday I would walk one of them in the stroller miles down Wisconsin Avenue and always stop by Rodman's to see what surprises I would find.
First of all, they have the best beer/wine selection and prices in DC with very knowledgeable and down-to-earth experts...emphasizing down-to-earth...which is a good thing. They usually have multiple beer/wine tastings on weekends and the prices are just amazing.
Rodman's also has a huge selection of international food and you'll see expatriates buying their favorite food from South Africa, Germany, Middle East, etc and it's always interesting to try new things.
They have a decent produce section and an endless selection of gourmet items - many drastically reduced.
What a great place. -
Review from Alex O.
11/15/2011 3 Check-ins Here
What more can I add about Rodman's? Not much really, but I'll echo what others have said about the beer and wine selection here. This place is just terrific in both regards. If your idea of a good beer selection is a cooler full of suitcases of watery domestic light beer at tailgate sale prices, then you will be disappointed...perhaps even confused. However, if you're a beer geek whose taste tends towards champagne bottles of Belgian ales and six and four packs of first rate domestic microbrews, you will LOVE this place. The Belgian selection is particularly strong and the prices on everything are very, very good. I'm far less of a wine connoisseur, but from what little I know of the stuff, I've really enjoyed Rodman's prices and selection.
Also, just for the sheer oddness...go downstairs. Yes, Rodman's has an enormous downstairs that is accessible by escalator near the check-out counters in the back. It's an interesting world down there, with a strange mishmash of non-grocery items like razors and shampoo, as well as a splattering of random department store stuff, such as a counter of stuffed animals, kitchen appliances, and a pharmacy. -
Review from Lexie D.
Updated - 9/13/2011
Now that I've Rodman's-ed for the past year, I have the following tips to offer:
Go here for: olive oil. Stuffed chicken sausage. Imported chocolates. Beer. Wine. Any cheese. Any and all home/personal goods.
Do not go here for: Easy Mac. Fresh produce (mine always molds in the next day).
Dig around, even if you think you've found an amazing deal. The organization here isn't as intuitive as big chain grocery stores, and your pocketbook will thank you.
To the person who gave Rodman's one star for not returning wine: Are you serious? There is not only a LARGE sign explaining this policy at the entrance, but who. returns. wine? Even if you don't drink, it makes an excellent regift for a friend's dinner party.
My rule of thumb: if it's something even slightly exotic (I didn't think gnocchi fell in this category, but this is Amurrica), Rodman's will have it cheaper and in more varieties than Giant or Safeway. If you can readily find it $10/10 at the other stores, Rodman's is not your best option, unless you're in a pinch.Listed in: All That Glitters
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/19/2010
Rodman's - how I love thee.
Rodman's is the best grocery store on the planet. Period. There is no… Read more »
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Review from Maria A.
Washington, DC
1/13/2012 5 Check-ins Here
Great beer and wine selection.
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Review from s a.
Washington, DC
12/24/2011
This is the best shop ever! They have everything from everywhere all the time - be it French, Italian, British, Persian, German, Indian, American or anything else.
typically 'gourmet' food but definitely not at 'gourmet' prices. -
Review from Frank L.
Washington, DC
12/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I cant actually say I have purchased any food from this place... However, the beer and wine selection is amazing. I have enjoyed visiting this spot when I am in the neighborhood to sample unique flavors for a reasonable price!
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Review from pauline l.
Philadelphia, PA
6/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This place is amaaazing. For food: the produce section is somewhat limited, but it's cheaper than the big chain supermarkets and generally pretty okay. They have a very well-stocked selection of non-perishable food and a decent cheese case, as well as a decent supply of FULL FAT FAGE GREEK YOGURT yum yum yum yum yum, which I can't seem to find in any of the other DC supermarkets. They also put a lot of emphasis in stocking ethnic foods (although it might not be brands you know from going to a market that caters specifically to a given ethnicity). Unfortunately their bread/bakery section is pretty limited, but they do have like 20 varieties of packaged flat breads.
The basement is a marvel of like everything household related ever - there are walkers for the elderly, a big wall of kitchen implements, and gifts - but since there are also candles and other random things, the variety of scents makes it stinky. Still, despite the smell, I think the unexpectedly fun shopping experience warrants five stars. Yay. -
Review from Pamela T.
Silver Spring, MD
10/8/2011
I just spent $300 at Rodman's and loved giving up every penny! My favorite is the White Flint store. Narrow and deep, you start out with the fancy European chocolates, through the wine, the exotic foods, the kitchen gadgets, and end in the back with a more than decent selection of beer. They have great wine at great prices and free tastings every Saturday afternoon. There is always someone there to give advice and they will give you a discount if you buy a whole case.
The food selection is exotic and very varied, also all at good prices. Where else can you always find marzipan, Indian spices, radiatore pasta, jelly bellies, and several varieties of olive oil? This shop is smaller than the other ones, but I don't go to Rodman's for Doritos or fresh produce, so who cares? Another bonus, the Homegoods shop next door! -
Review from Jennifer N.
Washington, DC
Updated - 7/29/2011
Rodman's, you are the best. For starters, Rodman's is the place to get all your sweet needs met: Ritter Sport, McVitties digestives, Toblerone, Lindt, you name it, they have it. And here's the best part: they have it for cheap. Normally, World Market is my go-to place for cheap candy, but often times Rodman's is as cheap (and sometimes cheaper). And here's another secret: while I couldn't do all my grocery shopping at Rodman's, and some of their produce is not super-fresh, a lot of the items they stock are a good 50 cents-$1 cheaper than places like Giant. I don't know how they do it, but I hope they keep doing it for a long time, because I love them.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/3/2010
I've been in DC all of two days, and cookie supplies are starting to run low. I read about Rodman's… Read more »
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Review from Hawk E.
McLean, VA
4/29/2011
I really enjoy Rodman and find that each of the 3 locations seems to be a bit different.
I love the basement area of the Wisconsin Avenue location -- always something new.
Even though all locations have an extesnive supply of international cakes and candies, the Rodman's in Rockville is where I get my international foods like British Aah Bisto gravy granules.
The Randolph Avenue location has better fresh food.
No I don't spend my life shopping at the different locations. I work in many different locations in the DC area and always love it when I'm near a Rodman's. -
Review from Liz C.
Washington D.C., DC
4/2/2011
Oh Rodman's! You are indeed a puzzle.
Is this place a grocery store? Is it a drug store? Is it an eclectic collection of everything in between? Yes, yes, and yes.
I only go here a few times, but these are the highlights:
-Cheap or affordable and good wine
-Finding cool random stuff in their basement
-Italian Baci/Bacio chocolates!
-ILLY!! (fantastic Italian espresso)
Downside?
-Finding lots of random stuff
-Moldy bread (ewww)
-Limited selection of fresh groceries
So, it depends on what you go in here for. If you just need the quick staples (bread--don't do it, milk, eggs), then yeah it's fine. But I suggest going for their wine sales and random fun stuff in their basement. :) -
Review from Katie L.
Bethesda, MD
10/27/2010
I am a huge fan of Rodman*s!!!!! They have a great selection of foods and products that you can't find anywhere else. I tend to wander the aisles sometimes and always wind up leaving with new things I never knew I wanted or needed but then find I can't live without and go back for more.
The top floor is produce, beer and wine, and other yummy gourmet food goods. They have a great selection of cheeses and a wonderful selection of gourmet chocolates. I buy chocolates from Rodman*s on a regular basis to give as presents and people always tell me how much they like them. I love love love the beer section as well. So many microbrews and great beers you just can't find at other stores. Dogfish, Great Lakes Brewery, Bells...I could go on forever. They also have great sales on wine all the time, making it easy for me to try new bottles at an affordable price.
Don't miss the downstairs either! They have a wonderful selection of beauty products including Aveda which you really can't find anywhere except in salons or an actual Aveda store! Not to mention they carry everything from hair dryers to flat irons. They also have lots of kitchen gadgets and products, including my favorite brand, OXO. They even sell toaster ovens and other housewares, making it convenient to get everything you need in one place. I usually get my prescriptions filled at the pharmacy while I shop. The pharmacists are always very friendly and helpful and fill prescriptions in a timely manner.
Overall, prices are fair and Rodman*s is still a family owned business as it was when it opened. The people that work there are very friendly and have often helped me find things in the store...all you have to do is ask! It's not uncommon to see the owner, Mr. Rodman, around on any given day as well. Be sure to check out their ad each week and you can find really good sales from time to time. I'll continue to wander the aisles of Rodman*s and you should too!!!! -
Review from J R.
Chevy Chase, MD
11/13/2010
Best kept secret in DC for foreign foods. Preparing for a nice dinner you can get wines, cheeses, and everything else you'd need as well as the basics, all in one spot.
Go downstairs for more Rodman's goodness.
I've been going to Rodman's for years and am (obviously) a big fan. -
Review from Miriam W.
3/11/2008
Rodman's had me at the cornichons. I first tried these tiny, tart pickles at a dinner party in Capitol Hill. When I asked the host where he got the cornichons he said "Rodman's." I knew then and there that I had to get to Rodman's at once.
A few months passed and I found myself back in Capitol Hill asking my host if he had any cornichons. He found a jar and handed it to me. By now I decided I really needed to get to Rodman's and buy my own.
Yesterday I finally had the chance. In addition to the conichons I picked up a bottle of Nine Stones McLaren Vale shiraz and a jar of my beloved Maille mustard.
I noticed but resisted the call of the numerous Kinder Chocolate offerings (no Happy Hippo snacks here, in case you were curious).
Rodman's is a bit of a jumble sale so don't go expecting gussied up shelves or pretty end-aisle displays. If you love to spend too long looking at wine, cheese and chocolate or get excited by obscure foreign foodstuffs, you'll love this place!Comment from Jason F. of Rodman's 7/9/2010
We now carry the Kinder Happy Hippo snacks at Rodman*s.… More » -
Review from Libby F.
5/12/2008
I thought I was in love with the Rodman's on Randolph Rd. in Silver Spring. That was until I revisited this location. Now I know that was just a crush. This is the REAL thing. Rodman's on Wisconsin, I think I love you!
One thing I recently discovered: Your escalator. I never knew you had such depth! I must have wandered your lower level for an hour gazing upon all your gadgets that I never knew I needed, but must buy NOW! Scented soap from Greece? Yes, please! Shower curtain liners for $2.99? It beats scrubbing the old one! You even have the exact same bath mat I saw in the Sky Mall catalog for half the price!
Back upstairs you amaze me with all your foods from far and near. My sweet tooth loves you! Delirium tremens in the pint size for $9.99? Worth the splurge! And how many different kinds of teas do you carry? Far too many too count after downing a pint of Delirium tremens!
I worship you, Rodman's. You are a cleaned-up, steroids-induced version of your sister stores.
Rodman's, I will stalk you forever! -
Review from Paul M.
12/1/2009
Dear God - how have I managed to live near this place for nearly three years and never darkened its doors until a recent Saturday.
an amazing store:
1. Beer
- best selection of micro brew, import, belgian and other interesting beers i have ever seen. I picked up a four pack of Bourbon County, and drinking that beer was close to a religious experience.
2. Wine
A phenomenal selection - they had a whole section devoted to Greek wines whereas most places will only cover a bottle or two - and the prices were fantastic.
3. Food / Snacks / Ethnic stuff
Hob Nobs, Marmite, HP Sauce, Barry's tea, PG tips, selection boxes- my people's food -at great prices - and the stuff from everywhere else for Friendship Heights cosmopolitan denizens
4. All the other usual grocery deli stuff - great selection, great prices.
reason number #167 why I love this city. -
Review from Kathleen M.
Atlanta, GA
3/11/2008
Exactly one year ago today, my roommate decided that instead of doing fancy dinner out, she wanted my fabulous homemade pad thai. Good decision, roommate.
Problem was, I couldn't fine proper thai rice noodles anywhere. Nor could I find the proper selection of sauces and spices. After trying the social Safeway, the Giant up Wisconsin (shudder), and Whole Foods, I was about to give up. In my need for rice noodle frenzy I happened to drive my Rodman's and decided to give it a shot. Lo and behold, they had my rice noodles, along with every Thai spice and sauce I could imagine.
In addition they had an incredible beer selection, great cheeses, and an easy in/out parking lot. The produce didn't look too fantastic, though. -
Review from Paul W.
Takoma Park, MD
8/2/2007 1 Check-in Here
Love Rodman's! Love Rodman's! Did I mention I love Rodman's?
OK. Great wine selection, great prices. You've heard that before. But don't just browse, ask for help. You'll be shocked how knowledgeable the staff is about wine. It's like the Calvert-Woodley style advice at a store that also sells alarm clocks, Windex and key copies.
The thing my lovely-petite-size-2-and-staying-that-way wife and I love are the great snacks. We do this amuse-bouche thing on our rooftop deck just about every night, and keeping that healthy but tasty has been our challenge. Rodman's is the answer. Pickled mushrooms/baby corn/cornichons. Bottles of bruschetta topping, put on melba toasts. You get the idea. Pop open a decent chianti, rose or Rhone red, do the Rodman's spread, and watch the sun set.
The thing that is so striking is how their choice of merchandise gives their shelves such an ALIEN look. You walk into Safeway to see all the name brands, perfectly marketed and lined up. You walk into Whole Foods and see their organic alternative brands, perfectly marketed and lined up.
You walk into RODMAN'S, and get all the strangest, weirdest Euro-stuff that is all delicious and interesting. It's the same kind of effect I get when walking into a French grocery store. But it's here in DC, and there are lots of hunched elderly people in very fine attire, young couples, vaguely ex-pat types, all wandering dazedly. Very cool. Exactly what I need about once a week!
I really do want to know the stories of the shoppers. It can't just be that Rodman's is local. I think they're coming for the wine prices, or the memories of their times in Europe ... or for an alarm clock. -
Review from Sawyer T.
Washington, DC
10/24/2010
I bought some cranberry lemon scones from Rodman's bakery today. When I got home, I took a bite out one, only to discover they were soggy and ooold. I looked down at my scone and there was black mold growing on it. It was disgusting.
I took them back to the store to find that all of the scones on the same shelf were old. The salesmen weren't concerned, but they let me exchange the scones for a product equally priced. I got "brownie brittle", which, I soon discovered, tasted just as ancient as the scones.Comment from Jason F. of Rodman's 10/25/2010
Sawyer, I am very surprised to hear about your scones and… More » -
Review from Claire M.
Washington, DC
4/12/2010
In my opinion, this is the best store in DC for beer. It may lose a by a hair to Chevy Chase Wine and Liquors on craft beer selection, but it beats everywhere else handily on price. You can always find a sixer of truly exceptional beer for 7.99 - Bells, Founders, and Great Lakes are a couple of their recent sales. And their regular non-sale prices are still better than sale prices most everywhere else. They have a great selection of imports and domestics, and a wide range of single bottles too. (!)
Hoppy Dave (the beer dude) is a monument to customer service - quick with advice and answers, and not ashamed to get a little misty eyed about a brew he loves. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to him wax poetic about the Oskar Blues Gubna for...several minutes the last time I stopped by. The store (probably mostly Dave himself) is great about customer education too - signs everywhere explain beer styles, offer reviews, and point customers to great web sites like Beer Advocate to learn more.
I've also gotten a lot of sweet glasses here for 2.99. Actually, I got a couple for 2 FOR 99 cents when the cashier didn't understand my saying 2.99. But the cashiers are a whole other story. At least that time it worked in my favor.
The rest of the store is similarly cool - eclectic selection of international items, gourmet cheeses, and very reasonably priced produce. The basement is pretty odd - candles, plates, a pharmacy, watch repair, and pretty much anything else you can think of. Well worth the trip. -
Review from Meg G.
6/13/2010
Rodman's is one of those places you would love to get lost in, spending time wandering from aisle to aisle. It could be your local neighborhood grocery - or your secret spot for exotic, rare culinary treasures.
The fact that they had Walkers Shortbread cookies (yeah, yeah... I know it's 'biscuits' in Europe, but I see them & think COOKIES) on sale for nearly half the normal price was a plus for me. My fiancee loves them & keeps them in stock on a regular basis. I would like to find the McVittie's brands, myself. I also like the Dorset cereal brand they carry... yum, muesli(x)!!!
They have a pretty vast selection of wines. In this department, they give Cost-Plus a little run for their money. I still can't find a good bottle of scuppernong, though. One of the Rodman's employees even assured me that he hadn't heard of this type of wine being sold since the sixties... yikes.
So the benefit of going to Rodman's is... I can still find some of my international products (that I'd normally run all over VA & MD to get from African/Asian markets) in one place. You can complete your regular grocery shopping AND pick up some great specialty foods. So it's kind of like a TJ's meets WM meets CVS meets Giant in a way. Grab your Malbec & your jerk seasoning, some onions & a cast-iron skillet. One-stop-shop... on steroids.
***The only benefit that WM has over Rodman's is the fact that they sell jewelry & furniture, as well. Then again, Rodman's has more cheese... and I'm a foodie first....***Comment from Jason F. of Rodman's 7/9/2010
We do have a Jeweler on the lower-level. His specialty is… More » -
Review from Stacy A.
Somerville, MA
6/14/2009
Every Christmas, I go to Yelp Boston and I type in the words "European Chocolates". And I then I get a list of shops selling undoubtedly delicious European-inspired truffles and bon bons. Alas, this is not what I seek.
One day I will type in these words, and my search will lead me to a place like Rodman's. At Christmas time, they have the BEST selection of European marzipans, cookies, and chocolates (a la Cadbury, Lindt, Kinder, Milka, and the like). One year, I found these ridiculously cute packs of yummy tiny hollow chocolate Christmas elves. I bought several and planned a scavenger hunt in my office, all leading to the grand prize, an even tastier giant chocolate Santa. I'm sure people thought I was a bit nuts, but they loved chocolate as much as me, so they played along. ;)
I give the place five stars just for making my Christmas special every year! -
Review from Jane P.
Washington, DC
7/21/2009
True Story: Rodman's is at least 50% of the reason I haven't disgruntedly fled DC in search of decent food, drink, and independent businesses.
Until I discovered Rodman's, I would have told anyone that Wisconsin Ave. was one of the absolute worst destinations in the city - and dare I say Washington one of the worst in the country? - for beer. But Rodman's blew my mind with their broad and deep selection of six-packs and some singles; as far as I've seen - and I've been looking all over for a while - it's the best variety in the city.
The food selection is fantastic too. Their mustard shelf alone puts Whole Foods, Wegman's, and anything else that passes for a specialty market in the DC metro area to shame. I think I counted five separate brands of cornichons. Two shelves of Cadbury chocolates. Dozens of vinegars. I'm in love with this place, it's easily the best specialty food and drink locale within city limits.
Oh, and downstairs, I think they literally have everything you could ever need - luggage, kitchenware, a full pharmacy, folding chairs... Just for the sake of supporting the awesome things the food and drink buyers are doing upstairs, I'd buy anything here before hitting up a CVS or Target.
Bottom line: Awesome selection of food and beer at an independent business in DC = something I absolutely didn't think existed and am SO glad does! -
Review from Alicia G.
12/26/2007
I love Rodman's.
When I hosted a Chinese dinner party, I came here because I knew I could buy a case of Tsingtao. That alone makes me love this store.
In addition to selling my favorite Chinese beer, they also sell just about everything else you will ever need in life. Beer, wine, snacks, small appliances, household products, napkins, cards, knicknacks...etc.
I actually bought these rather cheap plastic plates here that I re-use over and over again. They're great. And so is Rodman's. Check them out!Listed in: Favorite Places for Grape…
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Review from Zsa Zsa D.
Washington, DC
11/9/2007
I heart Rodman's, just like everyone else. Maybe the best way to illustrate this would be to list some of my memorable Rodman's purchases:
1) a BIG cast iron dutch oven for 50 bucks
2) Weyerbacher Double Simcoe IPA
3) Mayorga coffee beans
4) the best coffee grinder ever- for 10 bucks
5) Huge bottles of Aveda shampoo for cheap
6) cardamom pods
7) One of those things you put on the stove to lay your spoon on when you're cooking
8) Many great wines recommended by the helpful wine guy
9) Belgian beer!
10) wafer cookies from England
I'll stop at 10. I like to get to Rodman's as often as possible. They often have a few items (like the dutch ovens) at an amazing price, and once they're gone, they're gone. So you have to do a regular patrol. Also, this is one of the best places to buy beer- they manage to get some limited edition stuff like the Weyerbacher- but again, you've got to be on the lookout, as these things come and go. -
Review from Caroline P.
Washington, DC
11/10/2007
My Dad introduced me to Rodman's about fifteen years ago. He goes mostly for the $5 wine, but I'd propose some better reasons for frequenting this place:
a) the British candy: crunchies, smarties, winegums ...
b) the enormous beer selection
c) really great wines for, well, $8
d) cheap, cheap, cheap bath products
e) Amy's frozen meals -
Review from jenn h.
Washington, DC
10/9/2006
They call themselves the area's original discounter of nationally branded products, family owned and operated since 1955. Rodman*s has been anointed by the Washington Post as "The Weirdest Little Drugstore In Washington."
My fiance says they have a good selection of wine "and chocolate and other Euro-stuff." All I know is that they have good deals on different kinds of wine every week. And when we buy a case of non-sale wine, we get 10% off. Their staff is knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to picking our bottles. We've saved so much money by buying so much wine at Rodman's, I think they owe us money now. -
Review from Steve G.
Washington, DC
1/30/2007
Rodman's is drug store and oh, so much more;
which you'll soon realize as you walk through the door.
A simple little hovel, you might say on floor one,
but really the fun has only begun.
Up top are your groceries, and beer of all kinds
and downstairs the seasonals, gadgets, and blinds
For they've got quite a range of sundry house things--
tikki torches, vacuum bags, shower curtain rings
Those in the know know to go to this place
when they want something strange to fill up a strange space
Whether fridge or shelf or bathroom appointed
the "King of all Drug Stores" Rodman's should be annointed!Listed in: "Exbooze Me Please", Pills 'n' Pantyhose
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Review from Roger F.
Washington, DC
10/20/2008
Yes, this place is very eclectic and has a storied DC history, but I just wasn't all that impressed. It really isn't all that nice, and it's very cramped and full of rude customers. There was definitely stuff in here you'd never find in a typical grocery store, but there wasn't really all that MUCH stuff you wouldn't find.
The whole downstairs area is nothing special (some random housewares and a pharmacy area), and there are really only 2 or 3 aisles upstairs that are interesting.
It's still worth a look if you've never been in here - maybe you will have a different impression, but I've found that World Market's food section is so much better than here. Then again, I'm not looking to do any grocery shopping at either of these places - just looking to find some amazing goodies. -
Review from Molly B.
Washington, DC
8/16/2009
Holy cow! I wish I had discovered this place earlier!
I've lived in Tenleytown for 3 years now. I've never been big on "specialty" grocery stores like Dean & Deluca, Whole Foods, and Balducci's, since I'm a student on a budget (and refuse to be scammed into spending more for "organic"). But walking passed Rodman's, their advertisement for "X-Large Brown Eggs: 99 cents!" caught my eye and figured I'd look around a bit.
My findings: same exact items as the other specialty and regular chain grocery stores at half or even a third the price. In Tenleytown/Friendship Heights of all places! They really have a great selection for all shoppers: regular brands you'd see at stores like Safeway and Giant, specialty and international brands you'd see at stores like Whole Foods and Balducci's, a HUGE beer and wine section, and tons of European chocolates and candies. All at prices significantly lower than other grocery stores in the area.
Can't wait to do more shopping here in the future!Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Scott H.
Alexandria, VA
3/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place has a great selection of alcoholic beverages.
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Review from Abbey A.
Chevy Chase, MD
11/25/2008
Hands down, Rodman's is my favorite place to buy wine in the Friendship Heights area. They have a diverse selection with wines in every price range. The staff is happy to make recommendations for food pairings, and doesn't try to sell you the most expensive wine.
They don't have the best produce section, but I don't really go for the produce. I love that they carry a lot of international products and when I'm feeling inspired to play in the kitchen, I like to stop by and wander the aisles. Sure there are other stores with similar products, but Rodmans is reasonably priced, and feels more like a family-owned store which is very welcome in an area that is turning very commercial. -
Review from Alycia J.
Washington, DC
3/14/2010
I went on weekday night armed with the weekly mailer I receive via email. I wanted a few key items that were listed on sale. One in particular Mozzarella di bufala. When I couldn't find the buffalo mozzarella or even regular fresh mozzarella in their very unorganized dairy section, I asked and no one in the store even knew what I was talking about. I ended up at Whole Foods for the mozzarella, which was actually cheaper than the Rodman's price.
The positives, they have a decent wine and beer selection and a few hard to find items in the aisles. If you have the patience to wonder the packed and narrow aisles for a while, you can probably find what you came for. I think I'll like it a lot more next time now that I have an idea of what's there.Listed in: My *NEW* Neighborhood West of…
Comment from Jason F. of Rodman's 7/11/2010
Alycia, please feel free to ask for me if and when you are… More » -
Review from Max W.
Washington, DC
8/7/2008
Rodman's is a great store, for the most part. Their international section is really the best around, perhaps even better than World Market. So, if you're searching for some good ingredients for making Asian, Indian or South American food, this is probably the place to go. Or, if you happen to be an ex-patriot from Europe or South America, then you'll find yourself at home. I don't know many other places that stock things like HP sauce from England or Mate from Argentina. One time I got some Arabic rock candy in the international section, pretty cool. Also, they carry fresh bread via Firehook Bakery, and there's Gifford's ice cream stocked in the frozen foods section.
However, and despite a plentiful produce section, they don't have any fresh meat. That's my only complaint. -
Review from Matthew H.
Hyattsville, MD
1/14/2010
Rodman's is a gourmet grocery store at the Friendship Heights station (if you take the south exit from the station its only a block from the elevator). It's a little small but it packs a lot of stuff into the store. The primary draw for me is the beer / wine selection.
About 1/4 of the store is devoted to beer and wine. The wine selection is impressive and extensive. Several hundred (pushing 1000) different bottles of wine at any time. A helpful and attentive staff. There is also a great craft beer section. There is a beer director at the store and he's always willing to help. He'll tell you when special beers are arriving and when is the best time to get there to get them. They even have an email list you can get on to reserve special beers. A very very cool place. -
Review from JuJu S.
Washington, DC
12/6/2009
I can get lost in the place. They have the usual and the unique. Great gourmet/international section, lots of wine as well as your typical grocery fare. Amazing price on their produce, even when it's not on sale (their sales are usually fabulous). They also have such an interesting candy/chocolate section.
Then there's the downstairs! Once you go down the escalator you're in a mecca for such about anythings. You can buy a hot pot, moisturizer, a dust or a cane. I always walk out of this place with things I didn't know I needed and a good price. I only wish it was closer to my house...or maybe that's a good thing. -
Review from Anna C.
New York, NY
2/27/2011
Rodman's feels like the kind of place my grandparents might shop at, and I mean that in the best way possible. It's classy yet modest, affordable yet luxurious. You can buy everything from canning jars to British tea cakes to microbrews here, and there is always classical music being piped through the sound system. I love this place and will be sad when I no longer live down the street from it.
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Review from Flaneuse D.
Hyattsville, MD
4/4/2011
A great place for specialty & novelty foodstuffs, but not, I daresay, for staple grocery items. Easily walkable from Friendship Heights metro stop, it's the place to go for imported European chocolates and other desserts (e.g. an extensive cookie, cake and cracker section, with goodies from Germany, the British Isles, Israel...). My favorite is the Dutch Honey Cake, which they've been out of for awhile. I tried to find a staff person to ask about it, but I wasn't able to communicate very well with the staff, whose English was limited. The wine section is very good. Rodman's is a lot of fun to browse in, and it's a Washington institution. But the customer service can be uneven.
Comment from Roy R. of Rodman's 4/5/2011
We buy the Honey Cake from a small Dutch importer in… More » -
Review from Lukas H.
Washington, DC
10/8/2009
The produce is much cheaper than at a regular grocery store. In some cases it's 40% less - we are talking 1.29 a pound for green bell peppers rather than 2.00 a pound.
Interesting beer and wine and tons of great international items - last time I was there I also picked up Marmite and Spotted Dick Pudding. -
Review from Evan F.
Washington, DC
8/28/2009
I don't shop for groceries here, since most of what I buy is terribly unhealthy and really expensive here. But their produce is less expensive than other places.
This review is about the beer and wine selection. And whooey, do they have a selection. Just about any beer or relatively inexpensive wine you could think of can be found here. And their weekly specials can't be beat. I spend way too much money here.
