BLOCK & DRUM — Restaurant in Chamblee

I was really looking forward to attending an event at the end of March, but unfortunately, I didn’t even make it past parking. There appeared to be dedicated parking right in front of the venue, but a parking attendant let me know it was valet only — at a cost of $20. When I politely declined and started to leave, he then mentioned there was “free” parking available on the lower level of a nearby Walmart. He told me to look for signs for “Block & Drum,” which would lead to a walking trail that connects to the venue.

Sigh I decided to give the free parking option a try.

To access the venue, you have to park on the lower level, then walk up a ramp to the upper level before spotting the not-so-visible signage. From there, you follow a trail to the venue — and let me tell you, it’s not a short walk. It felt more like an adventure straight out of Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Needless to say, I left. I noticed I wasn’t the only one — the lower level was nearly empty, which makes me think others may have turned around too.

Looking at other reviews afterward, I think I dodged a bullet. Many guests mention an automatic 20% gratuity — or what some are calling a "Black Tax" — paired with underwhelming drinks and service.

At the end of the day, I truly believe that not everyone is meant to be in business. In 2025, can we please normalize running businesses that value transparency and customer experience?

It’s...

Response to Business: That sounds like a great cocktail experience and why we came, but the experience we received was jose cuervo pre-made margarita mix that I saw with my eyes. The patio bar does not have signage that an auto 20% gratuity is added.

We'd seen all the great reviews so decided to check out this spot Saturday. We walked in and saw the pop up bar in the lawn and ordered 2 of the mango margaritas for $13 each. I saw a bunch of filled carafes so figured they were batched cocktails. Unfortunately, it was just store juice and pre-made margarita mix- which is super overpriced, but it is what it is. The bartender handed the mobile card reader and said tip was already included. We paid and then realized they had added an $8 tip to the drinks. The venue is cute and looks fun, but paying $34 for Jose cuervo marjarita mix is ridiculous, and we left after. We did notice afterwards that they have a bar inside, so they might make proper cocktails there, but then they shouldn't offer such a quality difference in 40 feet. Wish it was a better experience but will not...

The vibes are nice and there is enough parking if you get there early enough. Initially hard to find because it is behind another building and the signs that tell you to go to the back are small especially depending on the way you come in. Unfortunately drinks alcohol and non alcohol were the worse drinks I ever had (no layers, no taste of alcohol, no beers or wines). I went to the bartender on the left by the entrance so maybe try the other end or the bar. Also, the waitress was told to keep my tab open, I ordered drinks at the bar and bartender said he couldn't find my tab, found waitress spoke with her initially said I wasn't good then turned around and said I was (so of course I figured he would add to the tab). All in all they end up running me 2 tabs and charging my card 20% gratuity on 2 separate transactions (20% grat is automatic) Overall, okay but...