Dining with Natalie: Block & Barrels

As a native of culinary melting pot Malaysia and the daughter of a restaurateur, UG student Natalie Voo knows her food. Every other week, she reviews Groningen’s student-friendly dining scene. This time: Block & Barrels.

Having eaten my way through most of Groningen, Block & Barrels had somehow evaded me, despite the glowing reviews and hype. So, armed with an UKrant assignment and an empty stomach, I finally made the pilgrimage.

We ordered the rump steak, BBQ chicken, and mac & cheese. The steak was cooked perfectly medium rare (a shockingly rare feat in this town), and was otherwise… fine. Beefy, tender, not too chewy, but not melt-in-your-mouth either (to be fair, we ordered the cheapest steak, I’m sure the more expensive ones are better – you get what you pay for). The potato gratin was more cream than cheese, but the veggies were actually lovely, roasted just right, seasoned with care.

Perfection

Then came the plot twist: the BBQ chicken pulled a full Beyoncé and upstaged everything else on the table. Juicy, smoky, and draped in a sweet-spicy sauce that had absolutely no business being that seductive. As a lifelong thigh enthusiast (team dark meat forever), I’m shook to report the chicken breast here was flawless. Moist, flavourful, perfection. Pair that with fries that were crispy and coleslaw that actually brought a little crunch to the party. 

The mac & cheese was barely cheesy, flavourless and just… there. I don’t know what it is about restaurants and mac & cheese, but while it seems like the ultimate comfort food cheat code, somehow it’s always a letdown. Or maybe most places are just lazy, because I’ve personally made a killer mac & cheese before. Granted, it cost me 40 euros in fancy cheese and the mere presence of it almost took out my lactose intolerant roommate, but still – standards, people.

Worthy splurge

Service was warm, accommodating and on point, and the huge outdoor terrace was a sunny-day bonus. It’s a big, breezy space perfect for groups and casual catch-ups. Yes, it’s a little pricey for students, but for simple, quality food well done, it’s a worthy splurge. Just skip the mac and bring your appetite.

Dutch