Midtown – With mouthwatering wings and a relaxed vibe, The Block will make anyone feel like they are a part of the neighborhood. That could be because owner Stephanie Byrd and her family built the neighborhood.
“My father and his partner actually developed the entire block, the physical block,” explains Stephanie. The block she is referring to is on Woodward Avenue between Alexandrine and Selden on the west side. She called the development a “labor of love” for her family, so they called the restaurant “The Block” to commemorate that.
They are very proud to be Black developers and like to use their success to help promote other Black-owned businesses. Ellis Island Tea, for example, is owned by their family friend, and they feature the tea in their newest cocktail, The Blacker the Berry. That is a part of their Black Wines and Spirits Happy Hour, along with the McBride Sisters Estate Wine “Black Girl Magic Rose,” Uncle Nearest Whiskey, and Anteel Tequila. All Black brands are $5, and Happy Hour is weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
In terms of food, they like to keep their menu approachable with American comfort food. Favorites include their BBQ broasted wings and their new Cajun shrimp pasta. One of Kim DeGuilo’s favorites is their salmon BLT, which is served on a cranberry walnut bread with a citrus aioli. Another popular item is their shrimp and grits, and they have plenty of salads and sandwiches, something for everyone.
Currently, they are open for carry-out and dining on their patio. If you would like to try The Block, it is located at 3919 Woodward Avenue.