The Block

Restaurant · Midtown

The Block

Restaurant · Midtown

3919 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Highlights

Contemporary restaurant & bar serving global-inspired dishes for lunch & dinner, plus Sunday brunch.

3919 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201 Get directions

theblockdet.com

Reserve

@eater

"The Block is a restaurant located in Midtown Detroit, also co-owned by Stephanie Byrd. It joined other restaurants in opposing the City Council's proposed ordinance on restaurant food safety. The proposal was seen as potentially harmful to Black restaurant owners, according to Byrd." - Serena Maria Daniels

Detroit City Council Has Rejected a Proposed Food Safety Ordinance - Eater Detroit

View Postcard for The Block

@eater

"When a power surge forced the Block in Midtown to close suddenly on Mother’s Day, the ownership behind the popular brunch spot decided not to let the grits, chicken wings, and other favorite menu items prepared for the day to go to waste. Owner Stephanie Byrd told WDIV that when she learned that she would have to close the restaurant on one of the biggest brunch days of the year on Sunday, she choose to donate the unused food (which she estimated cost between $5,000 and $6,000) to Food Rescue US-Detroit, a nonprofit that transfers excess fresh food from restaurants and other food businesses to social service agencies focused on addressing food insecurity." - Serena Maria Daniels

This Detroit Restaurant Donated Its Food to Local Charity on Mothers Day - Eater Detroit

View Postcard for The Block

@eater

"However, the Block Neighborhood Bar and Kitchen — a casual gastropub — has permanently closed." - Brittany Hutson

Black-Owned Restaurants in Detroit Are Hard Hit by the Pandemic - Eater

View Postcard for The Block

@eater

"Just a few blocks away from CCSS, Stephanie Byrd was preparing to close up operations at her family-owned restaurant on Monday afternoon in response to a statewide directive." - Brenna Houck

Restaurants Donate Perishable Food to Food Banks Amid COVID-19 Pandemic - Eater

View Postcard for The Block

@eater

"Midtown dining spot the Block is considering an expansion to metro Detroit, DBusiness reports. The restaurant, known for its casual American food and affordable happy hour specials, is reportedly looking at several suburban areas for new locations including Royal Oak and St. Clair Shores. The Block is also preparing to finally take advantage of the sunshine by opening an 8-seat patio this spring along Woodward Avenue. There’s even a new carryout menu in the works for those who prefer to eat on-the-go. The owners of Flood’s Bar and Grille opened the Grille Midtown at 3919 Woodward Ave. in 2013, but shed the name and the decor in 2015 in an effort to appeal to a broader clientele. The Block was unveiled in September 2015. It’s been going strong ever since." - Brenna Houck

Midtown Happy Hour Mainstay the Block Plots Metro Detroit Expansion - Eater Detroit

View Postcard for The Block

Emma Thomas

Google

Went here yesterday before the Red Wings game and I was super happy! The food and drinks we delicious and fairly priced. Our server Keke was super nice and hospitable. I will definitely be coming here again! The wings with sweet chili sauce were my favorite (not pictured because we devoured them).

Erica Lee

Google

Yo, so I was in downtown Detroit the other day, and I was craving some brunch. I googled a place to eat and found this spot. Let me tell you, this place was bomb! From the hostess to the bartender, everyone was super friendly. I had a fresh salad and a salmon BLT that was out of this world. The cook nailed the salmon—it was juicy and flavorful. Everyone else's food looked amazing too. My bartender was a sweetheart—super attentive and kind. I can't wait to go back!

Starpointe Photography

Google

I have been going here since they opened! I discovered them, through a friend who loved to try new restaurants during their Happy Hour and became a fan instantly! This however, maybe my last visit!! 90% of our experience was great! Our server was delightful, food and bar drinks were delivered quickly and everything was tasty per usual. The issue came at the end of the meal...our bill was delivered on a small iPhone like device and while we were waiting for our payment to be collected, I began to think that the price was off. My friend paid the bill and asked for a paper receipt. 18% gratuity had been added to the bill automatically for a party of two. Keep in mind , when she collected the payment, I have a 15.00 cash tip. So for a 60.00 bill, she collected just over 25.00!!! Had we known about the gratuity beforehand, I still would have given extra because that's just what I do!! Not notifying the guest beforehand either verbally or by visably posting it somewhere is deceptive, and I don't like that! Had there been a paper receipt, I would have noticed it and everything would have been fine. We felt tricked,and to be honest, it soured the whole experience. No one likes to feel like they are dealing with a dishonest establishment. Who expects to pay gratuity on a party of two?!?!

Carolyn Suttles

Google

We had a very nice dinner on a Wednesday - we just missed happy hour, but would return for that! 3:30-6:30. I like the vibe - lively with views of Woodward Ave. There is always an eclectic mix of people walking by. Our server Van was attentive and friendly, and made our special requests for us. Drinks and food came out fast, and they gave a very nice pour on my hubby's drink. The food here is better than I expected. They have a rather small menu, but I think that works in their favor, because everything tasted really good. The wings looked a little dark, but were juicy on the inside and very flavorful - seasoned well and the homemade buffalo sauce was very yummy. They also have the good ranch here. Our salads were very fresh with nice spring mix and veggies, and my salmon and broccoli was seasoned and cooked absolutely perfectly. I didn't even ask for hot sauce. The salmon was smoky and juicy and tasted so good. And when I asked for double broccoli instead of potatoes, that wasn't a problem at all. It was really fresh and perfectly cooked - a very nice healthy dinner. My hubby had the double down burger and added bacon, and fries. The burger patty itself was actually seasoned and cooked really well with high quality meat. The homemade cheese sauce is dangerous! It's so good, you'll want to dip fries in that for sure. The fries were super crisp and seasoned; excellent fries. All in all, a very good meal. I will say that their bathroom could have used a little cleaning, and the hallway leading to the restrooms has chairs lined up and looks like a storage area - not the vibe. This aspect keeps them from being a 5-star place. That won't keep us from returning though. The food and service was excellent and we really appreciate the fresh ingredients and cooking skills here. Check them out!

Will Wat

Google

My friend invited me out for Sunday brunch and let me tell you, this place is a VIBE!!! They do have a DJ and it is very loud, if that’s not your speed then steer clear, but if that’s cool with you then this is the right spot. This a black owned local small business which is great, smaller sized place but the big windows make a good open concept so you don’t feel cramped, and with good views of Woodward. I ordered a Mojito and although tasted good was a bit too weak for my liking, my friend had mimosas and enjoyed them. Presentation was very nice as well. Food was decent. I had the Salmon Burger with Breakfast Potatoes and not a single complain at all other than maybe a little more sauce on the sandwich. The Shrimp and Grits my friend got was very good as well. Perfect spice level. No salt on the table but there was pepper so not sure if that was intentional or not. Overall I would certainly come back here. The service was great and I felt like everyone in there had such a positive vibe. Lots of people which is great for a small business’s success. If you’re in the area for weekend brunch, or weekday lunch and dinner, check them out!

Celia T-Y

Google

Best Mocktail I've had so far (it didnt have a name or was on the menu. I hope they can add this one) - Not too sweet not overly sour, just right! The waiting time between the appetizers and main course was spot on. It felt like I waited only 5 minutes after I finished eating the appetizers. The only feedback would be to reduce the salt on the meat part of the short rib tacos. Other than that, it was amazing.

Destiny Jones

Google

My partner & I went here on Juneteenth around 1:35p or so! The restaurant was full as expected. It was very loud! We were told 15min wait because we didn’t have a reservation. We were actually sat in 9 mins. But the food took long to come out. Over an hour to be exact. Ppl who arrived after us were eating before us. As we complained to the server, she sent over 2 drinks on them & the manager accompanied the bill. We were disappointed that the app came out with the food & our side salads weren’t right away either! We adored every thing we ordered though. The salmon burger, the salmon blt, short rib fries & the 4 say less congacs. & the drinks had the liquor taste on top for whatever reason. Lol we felt a good buzz. We’ll be back to support this black owned business but they need to speed up the process & treat customers w/ urgency. I honestly think the waitress forgot to put our order in, yet she blamed the kitchen for only having 2 cooks! She was really nice & caring though. Oddly some man ran the food & questioned did we order our appetizer when our waitress delivered it to us!

Felicia Forletta

Google

I was in the area, so I Googled brunch spots in the area. The Block came back with high remarks, so I thought I would give it a try. They didn't disappoint me. It's recommended that you make a reservation. I didn't have one, but it was just me. I still had to wait 20-30 minutes to sit at the bar. Sundays, there is only a brunch menu and a DJ that plays R&B. I had the seasonal item, Salmon & Grits. I added shrimp for an additional charge. It was DELICIOUS! The service was GREAT! The atmosphere was also AMAZING! It was worth the wait, and I don't have anything negative to say. #HappyCamper

@eater

Detroit City Council Has Rejected a Proposed Food Safety Ordinance - Eater Detroit

View Postcard for The Block

@eater

This Detroit Restaurant Donated Its Food to Local Charity on Mothers Day - Eater Detroit

View Postcard for The Block

@eater

"However, the Block Neighborhood Bar and Kitchen — a casual gastropub — has permanently closed." - Brittany Hutson

Black-Owned Restaurants in Detroit Are Hard Hit by the Pandemic - Eater

View Postcard for The Block

@eater

"Just a few blocks away from CCSS, Stephanie Byrd was preparing to close up operations at her family-owned restaurant on Monday afternoon in response to a statewide directive." - Brenna Houck

Restaurants Donate Perishable Food to Food Banks Amid COVID-19 Pandemic - Eater

View Postcard for The Block

@eater

Midtown Happy Hour Mainstay the Block Plots Metro Detroit Expansion - Eater Detroit

View Postcard for The Block

Emma Thomas

Google

Erica Lee

Google

Starpointe Photography

Google

Carolyn Suttles