About The Block Foodhall DC
The Block Foodhall DC is a sprawling Asian-inspired food hall and bar in downtown Washington, D.C. that opened in the early 2020s. It’s the third location of The Block group (after Northern Virginia and Maryland) and aims to fuse casual dining with nightlife. According to its founders, it was among the first large-scale Asian-fusion food halls in the DMV (www.theblockfoodhall.com ). The space features multiple vendors under one roof, including fast-casual Asian eateries and a full-service cocktail bar. It’s owned by local restaurateur Arturo Mei, and proudly highlights immigrant/female ownership (www.theblockfoodhall.com ). Both foodies and nightlife enthusiasts appreciate The Block DC for its innovative menu concepts and late-night atmosphere.
Events and Programming
The Block Foodhall DC is built as a casual eat-and-drink venue rather than a concert hall, but it does host a lively mix of regular happenings. Daytime and early-evening programming revolves around its vendors: for example, chef-driven pop-ups and chef collaborations take place here (such as Piccoletto’s Asian-inspired pasta and Hiraya’s Filipino tasting menus) (www.washingtonian.com ) (www.washingtonian.com ). On weekends and evenings, The Block DC turns up the energy with DJs and parties. The upstairs space is sometimes used for special dinners or club nights (one Filipino-tasting pop-up “Hiraya” started weekly dinner events upstairs in early 2022 (www.washingtonian.com )). The in-house Block Bar often features late-night DJs and special theme nights; indeed, one report noted The Block’s northern Maryland location was known for its “upbeat community-focused setup with a bar, sports on TV, and weekend DJs” (mocoshow.com ). (The same lively vibe carries over to DC’s location.) In short, you’ll find everything from casual lunch crowds to birthday parties and Asian-culture events, often with no cover charge unless it’s a private ticketed party. Food prices are reasonable – for example, Pogiboy sandwiches range roughly $2–$19 per menu item (www.washingtonpost.com ) – and drinks at the bar run in the $8–$15 range for craft cocktails and beers.
Tickets and Booking
For general entry to The Block DC and ordering from its vendors, no tickets or advance booking are required – it’s walk-in casual dining. You simply order at the vendor counters (Pogiboy, Rose Ave Bakery, etc.) or at the Block Bar and pay per item. There is no central box office for daily visitors. On occasion, special private events or pop-up chef dinners (like birthday parties or chef-hosted tastings) may require tickets or RSVPs. In those cases, information is usually posted on the restaurant’s social media or sold via event platforms. If a big-ticket event is happening (for example, a holiday party or an exclusive dinner), best practice is to follow The Block’s official announcements or the hosting promoter’s channels. For most nights, however, you just show up; for popular weekends it helps to arrive early or reserve your spot at a table especially if traveling with a group.
Seating and Layout
The layout of The Block DC is open-concept. You’ll enter a large industrial-chic hall with no traditional hostess stand. Instead there are communal picnic tables and bar-height tables scattered around. The multiple food counters (Pogiboy, bakery, etc.) are arrayed along one wall, while the Block Bar sits against another with a line of high stools. The seating is largely first-come, first-served. There are a few booths and lounge chairs along the perimeter for more relaxed seating, but by and large it’s casual bench seating. Because the kitchen areas are mostly open, you can often see chefs preparing orders behind the counters. On weekend nights a DJ booth or small dance area may be set up, and large TV screens (usually over the bar) cast sports or music visuals. Acoustically it tends to be lively, so expect crowd noise and music (especially at night). If you want to watch sports or screens, sit at bar tables facing the TVs. If you prefer quieter dining, seating along the edges or near the bakery (which might be calmer) could be better. In general there aren’t reserved “best seats” – any spot is open seating – but many visitors pick tables near the center if they want a view of the whole hall. A tip: avoid sitting just inside the entrance when it’s chilly, and be mindful that when DJs play, some corners can get loud.
Getting There and Parking
The Block Foodhall DC is located at 1110 Vermont Avenue NW , in the heart of downtown D.C. (www.washingtonpost.com ). It’s on a block bounded by Vermont and 11th Streets NW, one block north of Thomas Circle. The venue is an easy walk from downtown; it’s roughly 2-3 blocks north of the McPherson Square Metro station (Orange/Blue/Gold lines) (www.washingtonpost.com ), and also within a few blocks of Farragut West Metro (Blue/Orange lines) and Farragut North (Red line). Several D.C. Metrobus routes service nearby streets – for example, the 70 and 71 buses run along 14th Street a block west, and the X2 along 11th. The D6/D2 Metrobus also stops on Vermont near L Street. There is a Capital Bikeshare station at 12th & L and multiple stands along 14th & K if you prefer biking. If you drive, The Block DC has an attached underground garage run by One Parking: entrance on L Street between Vermont and 11th (en.parkopedia.com ). Expect typical downtown rates (around $12/hour daytime and less overnight). Note that street parking is extremely limited downtown, so most locals advise using public transit or ride-share instead. Rideshare drop-offs and pick-ups are convenient on Vermont Ave NW or on Thomas Circle (just a block south). If taking your own wheels, nearby commercial garages are on Thomas Circle, 9th Street, or at the convention center.
Inside the Venue
Upon arrival, you’ll pass into a large indoor space. There’s usually no doorman, but staff may check IDs if it’s late at night. You can expect a hip, casual vibe: industrial floors, string lights or neon signs, and modern decor. On entry, feel free to take any open seat or swing by the bar to order a drink. The food vendors each have a menu board: Pogiboy sells Filipino-inspired burgers and chicken, Rose Ave offers bakery pastries and coffee, and the Block Bar serves craft cocktails, beers, and wines. You order and pay at each counter – no table service – but bartenders will shake drinks on cue. Hours vary by vendor, so plan accordingly: for example, Pogiboy operates late afternoon through evening (especially Wed–Sun) (www.theblockfoodhall.com ), while Rose Ave Bakery is daytime-focused on weekends (www.theblockfoodhall.com ). The bar stays open the latest (often midnight on weekends (www.theblockfoodhall.com )). Expect lines at dinner rush around 6–8 PM. There are restrooms inside (clean and ADA-accessible, since the building is commercial), and free water stations. If you have a question about the menu or allergens, each vendor staff is helpful. Connectivity is generally good – most guests report solid cell phone and network signals. The venue does not have a coat check (just a few coat racks in winter) and no fee for entry. You’re welcome to take photos of the fun food and décor, but please be respectful of other diners’ privacy (no flash photography disco lights). For minor guests, children are allowed in the dining area, but once the evening crowd turns up the music, it can feel more adult-oriented. Overall, The Block DC feels like a lively indoor street market–bar hybrid with seating scattered in an open hall.
Nearby Amenities
The Block DC’s downtown location means plenty of nearby options. For pre- or post-meal entertainment, you’re a short walk from the theaters of Penn Quarter (the Shakespeare Theatre and DAR Constitution Hall are both nearby). Restaurants and bars abound: for example, Chinatown’s Daikaya ramen shop and Momofuku CCDC are just a block northeast, and upscale spots like Zaytinya and Estadio sit along 9th Street not far away. If you want late-night eats beyond the hall, there’s also a 24-hour coffee shop on Vermont or a pizza place on 12th. Hotel-wise, you’re in a business district so there are several within 5-7 blocks: a Hyatt Place and W Hotel on 14th Street, or the Holiday Inn and Marriott on L Street nearby. (Reservation.com or Google Maps can list current hotels in the 20005 ZIP.) Public restrooms aside from The Block’s are scarce, so plan ahead. Late-night transportation is a consideration: the last Metro trains on weekdays are around midnight (earlier on weekends), so if your evening goes later, rideshares or a cab might be needed. D.C.’s Circulator bus “Dupont-Foggy Bottom” route also stops at 9th & K (close to 12th & Vermont) until midnight each night. For sightseeing, The White House is about 10 blocks south, and the National Mall is a mile farther – doable on foot if you arrive early. But most visitors focus on The Block DC itself and the immediate neighborhood bars for a night out.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Block Foodhall DC stands out in the city’s dining scene by blending high-quality ethnic cuisine with a fun social setting. Instead of a single kitchen, it houses multiple “stalls” run by notable chefs – including James Beard winners – serving Asian-fusion comfort foods. For instance, Pogiboy’s creative Filipino-American menu (purple ube burger buns, chicken adobo fries, sweet Jollibee-style spaghetti) has received rave reviews (www.washingtonpost.com ) (www.washingtonpost.com ). At the same time, the bar crafts unique cocktails inspired by Asian flavors, and the space feels more like a social club than a formal restaurant. Architecturally, it’s a modern urban hall – high ceilings, exposed beams and contemporary murals – giving it an industrial-chic vibe. Its video walls and weekend DJ booth create a nightclub atmosphere by night, so it’s one of the few places where downtown DC’s nightlife and Asian foodie cultures meet. This creative fusion has built a mini-community: The Block has been praised for providing a home to immigrant-owned businesses and new concepts (for example, a pop-up Filipino bakery or Kol Korean stand on different nights) in a way unlike chain restaurants (www.theblockfoodhall.com ) (www.washingtonian.com ). Locals love it as a gathering spot for friends or for celebrating that feels both cosmopolitan and intimate. In short, The Block DC is special because it’s more than a single restaurant – it’s an incubator for innovative dining and a vibrant nightlife hub all in one, wrapped up in the first-of-its-kind Asian food hall concept for the nation’s capital.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair-accessible, with ramps at the entrance and at least one ADA restroom. On-site Valet parking has handicapped spots (en.parkopedia.com ). If you have special needs, call ahead or visit just after opening (it’s less crowded then).
What to Bring: Don’t forget a valid ID if you plan to drink alcohol; cash is accepted at the food counters (cards as well, but vendors sometimes prefer card over cash for prepaid orders). You won’t need tickets or reservations unless attending a private event. It’s casual dress – no formal attire necessary. Outside food or large luggage isn’t allowed; guests might be asked to store oversized bags.
Avoiding Issues: The Block can get loud, so if you’re sensitive to noise, plan to dine earlier or sit near the bakery corner. Since music and chatter can be dense at peak, consider ear protection if needed. Lines form at 5–6 PM on weekends, so arriving shortly after opening or later in the evening can minimize wait. Don’t make the mistake of believing it’s only a bar – the food is a highlight, so come hungry. Also, remember that some vendors (like the bakery or noodle pop-ups) only operate limited hours (check online or call if unsure).
Age and Legality: The atmosphere is generally all-ages until late evening. Families with kids dine here in the early evening without issue. After about 9–10 PM, the space shifts to a 21+ bar vibe at the Block Bar (by D.C. law, minors can’t remain unaccompanied in the bar area). 18+ can usually stay on the dining floor. Smoking is prohibited inside (as per DC law), and there is no outdoor patio for cigarettes. Tipping: like any bar-restaurant, 15–20% is customary. Wi-Fi is available (ask the bartender for the network if needed). Save your receipt if paying cash in case of any questions.
Insider Advice: The Block has become a social hub in DC’s Asian-American community, so badges and themed nights pop up (like K-pop or hip-hop nights). Follow their official social media for surprise pop-ups (like Vietnamese bánh mì sandwiches or izakaya nights). Locals often grab a pre-made Path-burger to go, or enjoy a curated tasting with friends. Finally, if you’re driving through a busy city, know the nearest competition like Union Market is a few miles away in NoMa – The Block is unique in its downtown, after-work setting. If Metro’s running late, Uber/Lyft is the safest bet late at night, and surge-pricing is less at 1 AM. Overall, have fun – this is a laid-back venue where every sentence you eat often has a bit of local story behind it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are The Block Foodhall DC’s opening days and hours?
The Block DC operates roughly Wednesday through Sunday. Food vendors run on limited schedules (for example, Pogiboy is open Wednesday–Sunday from late afternoon through mid-evening (
www.theblockfoodhall.com ), and Rose Ave bakery is mainly weekend daytimes (
www.theblockfoodhall.com )). The Block Bar (cocktail lounge) is open later, typically Thursday 5pm–9pm, Friday–Saturday 5pm–midnight, and Sunday 2pm–9pm (
www.theblockfoodhall.com ). It is closed Monday–Tuesday.
Where is The Block DC located and how do I get there?
It’s at 1110 Vermont Ave NW in downtown Washington, DC (
www.washingtonpost.com ), just north of Thomas Circle. The nearest Metro stops are McPherson Square (Orange/Blue/Gold lines, about 2 blocks away) and Farragut West (Blue/Orange). Parking is in the building’s garage (One Parking, enter on Vermont) with hourly rates (
en.parkopedia.com ). Otherwise, use Metrobus lines on 11th/14th or a rideshare drop off on Vermont or L Street.
What dining options are available inside The Block DC?
There are multiple vendors in one hall. The main eateries right now are Pogiboy (Filipino-American burgers, fried chicken, etc.), Rose Ave Bakery (Asian-fusion pastries and coffee), and the Block Bar (full cocktail bar and beers) (
www.washingtonian.com ) (
www.theblockfoodhall.com ). Occasionally guest pop-ups or rotating vendors appear, like pasta or BBQ concepts. Each vendor has its own ordering counter; you just walk up and order.
Do I need tickets or reservations?
For everyday dining, no tickets or reservations are needed – it’s casual walk-in seating. You simply order at the counters or bar and pay on the spot. However, if there’s a special event or private party (for example, a pop-up chef dinner), that may require advance tickets or RSVP. In those cases, announcements will be posted on social media. In general, the best strategy for popular evenings is to arrive early, since seating is open and first-come.
Is there a cover charge or ticket price just to enter?
No. There is no cover charge or entry fee for The Block DC under normal conditions. You only pay for what you order (food, drinks) at each counter or the bar. Cover or ticket prices only come into play if you attend a booked private event or special show that requires an admission fee. Otherwise, it’s free to come in and browse.
Can I bring children or pets to The Block DC?
Children are welcome in the dining area at The Block Foodhall DC, especially during early hours. The environment is family-friendly until late evening. However, the space turns into a bar/lounge scene at night – the Block Bar enforces a 21+ rule after about 9–10pm under DC alcohol laws. Pets (other than service animals) are not allowed inside per health codes, so leave Fido at home. Note that after-hours the venue becomes more adult-oriented with music and cocktails.
Is The Block Foodhall DC wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the venue is ADA-accessible. The entrance is level, the seating area is spacious, and there are ramps to any platforms. The restrooms include at least one handicap-accessible stall. The attached parking garage provides disabled parking spaces (
en.parkopedia.com ). If you have mobility concerns, arriving during less crowded hours (mid-afternoon) will make navigation easier, but overall the hall is fully equipped for wheelchair use.
What is the dress code at The Block DC?
There is no formal dress code – casual or smart-casual attire is perfectly acceptable. Most patrons wear everyday clothes (jeans, t-shirts, casual dresses, etc.). Because it can get cool inside with air conditioning, you might want a light jacket or layers. At night the atmosphere is trendy but not upscale, so feel free to dress comfortably for dining and dancing.
Does The Block DC allow outside food or large bags?
No outside food or beverages are permitted. The hall is a food and drink venue, so security may check bags at the door. Large suitcases or coolers are discouraged. Feel free to bring personal items like a coat or small backpack, but expect them to be screened. Any containers left over from other places should be out of sight to avoid confusion. Essentially, if it doesn’t fit GDPR at your table, leave it at home.
Is there free Wi-Fi available?
The Block Foodhall DC offers free Wi-Fi for guests during open hours. Generally, you can ask at the bar for the network name and password if it’s not already displayed. Alternatively, cellular reception is strong here, so many people simply use their own data. Online ordering for pickup is handled via the vendors’ own apps, but the venue does not require Wi-Fi login to browse.
How much do food and drinks cost at The Block DC?
Prices at The Block DC are moderate and comparable to other casual restaurants. For example, Pogiboy’s menu items typically run from about $2 (for sides or snacks) up to $18–$19 for large sandwiches or buckets of chicken (
www.washingtonpost.com ). Rose Ave bakery items (doughnuts, pastries) are in the $3–$7 range. Cocktails at the bar are typically $10–$14 each, beer $5–$8, and wine by the glass $8–$12. Specials and combo deals are announced occasionally on-site. Overall you can enjoy a full meal and a couple of drinks here for roughly $30–$50 a person.
Can I hold a private event or party at The Block DC?
Yes. The Block DC is often booked for private gatherings like birthday parties, corporate events, or wedding receptions. They have an upstairs area (sometimes used for dinners or dancing) and can reserve sections of the hall or the entire venue. To arrange this, you would contact the Block’s management – details (without contacting info) are on The Block’s website under "Events" or by emailing their event team. Because the space offers catering from its vendors and a full bar, it’s popular for group buyouts. Keep in mind that big group bookings may require a deposit or minimum spend.
Is the venue noisy, and when is the best time to visit for a quieter experience?
The Block can get quite lively, especially on Friday/Saturday nights when DJs play. If you prefer a quieter meal, aim for weekday afternoons (Wed or Thu around 3–5pm) or early evenings. Saturdays around lunch (noon–2pm) can also be calmer. By late evening or on weekend brunch, expect high noise levels from music and crowds. If you have sensitive hearing, the seating near the bakery or a corner away from speakers tends to be quieter.
What is Block Bar and what hours is it open?
The Block Bar is the full bar section inside The Block DC. It serves creative cocktails, beers, wine and shots, complementing the food hall. The bar’s hours extend later than the food vendors: typically open Thursday evenings 5pm–9pm, Friday & Saturday 5pm–midnight, and Sunday 2pm–9pm (
www.theblockfoodhall.com ). It’s greatest after 5pm, when you can sit at the bar or table and order mixed drinks. The bar area becomes a social/nightlife spot on weekends, often with a DJ or live music as the night goes on. Remember to bring your ID, since you must be 21+ at the bar after 9pm.
Are credit cards and mobile pay accepted?
Yes. All major credit and debit cards are accepted at the food and drink vendors. Contactless/mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.) should also work through the card terminals. Some pop-up vendors may still be cash preferred for smaller transactions, so carrying a bit of cash can help – but in general you won’t need cash here. Tipping the bar with credit or cash is fine. There is no charge for tap or card usage beyond your purchase.
What should I wear and bring for a visit?
Dress casually. The Block is a laid-back environment – jeans, tees, hoodies, or casual dresses are all common. If it’s winter, note that the hall can feel cool (it’s air-conditioned and busy), so bring a light jacket or sweater. Comfortable shoes are recommended since there’s no formal seating – you may stand or dance. Bring a photo ID for drinking, and any essential medication. A phone is handy for menus and music identification. Large bags or outside food/drinks should be left at home (as noted above). Other than that, just bring your appetite and an open mind for creative eats!
