Check it Out: Bob's Noodles 66

For starters, I feel I do need to admit that being out in Rockville this particular gem definitely pushes the limit on what can be considered “eating the district.” Now that's out of the way though, Bob's Noodles 66 is so far beyond worth the trip that you would be a fool not to drop by for a bite.

Flanked at 305 North Washington Street by an alarmingly-ethnic candy shop and a liquor store, Bob's Noodles lies nestled in the middle of a in a nondescript, Rockville strip mall. Its quirky neighbors aside however, the restaurant itself is as unassuming as it might be. No flashing light or bright colors here, just a name odd enough to give someone a moments pause, written in an equally odd (and oddly appropriate) cursive typeface. Unsurprisingly, things are not much different on the inside; with all the usual trappings of an Asian restaurant, Bob's is pretty vanilla. When I ate there it was at 4 pmish however – the restaurant was understandably empty – and as such the bulk of the staff had busied themselves with chopping up a heap of leek-like somethings at a nearby table. It seemed to slow the service down a tad, but we were in no hurry so it gave the place a welcome dash of home-cooking intimacy.

Last paragraph not get you revved up to make the hour plus trek out to Rockville? I'm not surprised. I haven't talked about the food yet. Anyone who has been fortunate enough to eat “real” Chinese / Taiwanese food knows that it's infinitely less greasy than its sauce-heavy American counterpart. The result being delicious food that packs a ton of flavor but doesn't leave you feeling bloated and foolish afterward. I was brought to Bob's by a friend who regularly frequents the joint, so I just let him handle the ordering. Largely unfamiliar with Taiwanese cuisine I had no idea what to expect from oyster pancakes, mapotofu, sizzling flounder, an sacha noodles. What I did know is that this place was legit. The food arrived and was incredible; interesting new flavors and textures coupled with huge portions and cheap prices to make Bob's one of the more memorable dining experiences I have had since coming to DC. In short, whoever this “Bob” character may be, his noodles are on point.

Yes its a hike (Metro ride + bus ride + 10 minute walk), but if you even remotely like Taiwanese cuisine, its one that's well worth your time. Suck it up and get going, Bob is waiting.