Mess Hall

I’ve been using Mess Hall as my commercial kitchen space for several months now and am really happy with the facility and the staff. Jordan, Al, and Stephan are extremely friendly and helpful. They helped me get all my ducks in a row to get my business license, offered suggestions on what kind of equipment would be best to make my product, and made some great industry connections for me. I’ve worked most closely with Jordan — she is a superstar! The maintenance staff are also great and work hard to make sure the spaces stay clean. One of the pros of using a shared space is all the other great food entrepreneurs you get to meet. That being said, there are times when the kitchen gets pretty crowded, spaces get messier than usual, and you have to wedge yourself in to get a workspace. I have a more flexible schedule so I’ve figured out which times are quieter, that’s just par for the course. I also love that there is a coworking space above the kitchen so you can take care of admin work without going far. Overall, I’m really enjoying my time here and look forward to continue growing with Mess Hall as my business gets bigger.

I must admit I was a bit nervous about operating an online ordering / carryout restaurant inside of a shared kitchen with all of the intricacies involved and the sense of urgency required etc… However, after nearly a year in business, it's been a pleasurable endeavor operating inside of the Mess Hall. ✓There are three large kitchens each equipped with ovens, stoves and lots of prep tables. ✓There's also a large walk-in fridge, plenty of freezer space and shelving, a clean building and a ✓✓great management team that help foster a family- like communal environment and offer quick responses to address any concerns. ✓✓✓Though I am most impressed with how all of the businesses share the space we work in and look out for one another. A great place for a start-up restaurant. It definitely checks all the boxes for me.

Al and the team have truly worked to make Mess Hall a special gem for weddings and events in the DC area. I’ve worked with them as a wedding coordinator, and they made the process an absolute dream. From clear communication, quick problem solving, and friendly attitudes, they really made everyone, from guests, to vendors, to - of course - the couple, feel so well taken care of. I look forward to working with Al and the whole team at Mess Hall many more times down the road!

Hosted a wedding dance party at Mess Hall for ~180 friends and family. It was an absolute blast! Cannot fully express how absolutely wonderful Al, Jordan, Ashley, Marcus, and all the staff and vendors were to work with. So communicative and did everything they could to make our vision a reality. 11 out of 10, would host another event with them!

The space, Al and Jordan were amazing in ensuring this day was a success. Truly thank you - it was exactly what we needed and everything went well. If we ever do another cooking class or I know someone else who is interested in doing one, I would absolutely recommend!

I had the pleasure of working with Al and the Mess Hall team on an annual event showcasing forthcoming restaurants to the DMV... The team clearly understood how restaurants/chefs work and anticipated many of their questions/needs ahead of the event. The event organization and comms exceeded expectations. The event itself was sold out, a huge success for my clients, and promoted extensively. The Mess Hall venue was well appointed with tools and spaces we needed and had a great indoor/outdoor mix with a cool "block party" kind of vibe. Couldn't recommend this team / this venue / New Kitchens on the Block annual event more.

Our experience at Mess Hall has been awesome. The facility is spacious, very clean, and thoughtfully designed to accommodate a wide range of food businesses—including beverage products like ours. What truly sets Mess Hall apart is the leadership team. They go out of their way to ensure businesses have everything they need to succeed, offering not just a workspace but a real sense of community. The team is knowledgeable, proactive, and genuinely invested in helping members thrive. Not to mention, they’re highly responsive and respond to emails quickly! When we were looking for a new commercial kitchen home over the holiday season and had a quick turnaround time, Al (the founder) even took the time to meet with us on Christmas Eve before he went out of town. If you're looking for a top-tier commercial kitchen that prioritizes both functionality and support, Mess Hall is the place to be. Highly recommend!

Great venue for a wedding reception! Staff was very helpful and professional. Lots of great photo ops and cool textures at the Mess Hall and nearby!