New Kitchens On The Block 11 - NKOTB 11

New Kitchens On The Block returns to Mess Hall on Saturday, April 26. The eleventh edition of long-running food festival offers a onetime-only opportunity to savor signature dishes and drinks from 8 of DC’s most hyped new restaurants by the city’s buzziest, award-winningest chefs – before they open. For two hours, guests have the unique chance to meet the talent behind these forthcoming hot spots, get the behind-the-scenes lowdown on their latest ventures, and take a few selfies with them.

NKOTB 11’s participants are*:

• Marcus DC by Marcus Samuelsson (Red Rooster) and Anthony Jones (Dirty Habit)
• Nhau by Moon Rabbit by Kevin Tien and Thi Nguyen (Moon Rabbit)
• Chai Pani by Meherwan Irani (Chai Pani Restaurant Group)
• Electric Bull by Victor Albisu (Taco Bamba)
• Barbouzard by Cedric Maupillier (Convivial)
• Old Westminster Winery & Burnt Hill Farm by Tae Strain (Momofuku CCDC)
• Marv’s Dogs by Diane Gross (Cork Wine Bar)
• Snow Crane by Takeshi Nishikawa (Rose’s Luxury)

Guests will enjoy beer by Right Proper Brewing Company and cocktails powered by spirits provided by Prestige Ledroit. Topo Chico is the official water of the event.

Washington City Paper dubbed New Kitchens On The Block “the Godzilla of pop-ups,” DCist raved “If there’s one food event that outshines them all, it’s arguably Mess Hall’s New Kitchens on the Block,” and The Washington Post gushed, “The restaurants serving up bites are so cutting-edge, they haven’t even opened yet.” Previous editions gave diners a first taste of Oyster Oyster, Maydan, Jônt, Call Your Mother, Your Only Friend, The Salt Line, Unconventional Diner, Lucky Buns, Daru, Bar Cana, Providencia, Piccolina, Cielo Rojo, Colada Shop, RASA, Hill East Burger, and many others.

Date and time: Saturday, April 26, 2025, for two separate two-hour sessions; 12-2 p.m. and 3-5 p.m.

Location: Mess Hall, 703 Edgewood St. NE, Washington, DC 20017; messhalldc.com

*Ages 21+, Please drink responsibly. While the organizers of this event represent the list of talent as accurately as possible, some things are beyond our control; restaurants, chefs, menus, beverages and sponsors are therefore subject to change. Photographers will be on site; by attending this event, you agree that you may be photographed and that your likeness may be used for promotional purposes.

Also check out other Food & Drink events in Washington, Festivals in Washington.