Located on the lively corner of Woodmont Avenue and Elm Street along Bethesda Row, matchbox draws in passersby with oversized windows lining the sidewalk and a front-row view of the blazing pizza oven. Once indoors, the vibe remains warm and residential, as though guests are being welcomed into the matchbox home. The design achieves this effect through elements like draperies to soften some of the more industrial edges and add texture, open shelving and wine displays, light gray wood wainscoting, and hardwood flooring throughout to lend natural warmth. Hand-painted murals from local artists add further context to the neighborhood, and bring in a touch of personality as well.

With a total of nearly 90 seats available across high tops and stools, the bar at matchbox is a focal point of the dining experience and offers ample seating for large groups, whether for a quick lunch or after-work happy hour, as well as five TVs. Lamps stationed along the bar cast a warm glow and lend coziness to an otherwise high-energy area of the restaurant. A private dining room can be enclosed for seated gatherings of up to 42, or open to the main dining room as flexible seating to accommodate large parties.

Outdoor seating on patios along both Woodmont Avenue and Elm Street offer plentiful people-watching in warmer months.