Goodbye, Souk... again. Will see you around the bend, maybe.

Souk is one of the great hole in the wall joints that has to be tried for those loving live music, fantastic food, a huge variety of drinks, and meeting some of the coolest Beijingers. Oh, and did I mention one of the nicest pool tables in the area?

Souk is owned by Robin, an experienced Manchester Englander who's been in China for over 20 years. The man knows a good beer and offers plenty of German and Belgium brews, as well as the traditional cocktails and Tsingtao's to get your night started. Bringing in the combo of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Italian, and the always needed beer battered pub fare, Mr. Austin Powers, (truly his parents blessed him with this name) is the new head chef and always welcomes guests with suggestions to those who cant decide over the countless Mezze appetizers (like Spanish tapas).

Saturday night we started off with some delicious lamb, chicken, veggie, and beef kebabs for only 10 rmb. With Austin's suggestions, the meal continued with tasty falafel and pita with real tsatsiki sauce, baked eggplant bites with marinara sauce and parmesan, and an unbelievable "Brik"; potato, lamb, and 15 spices wrapped in fried pastry dough. For those loving some crazy hot spice, ask for the homemade firehouse hot dip, just make sure you order another drink right away!

The bar itself has a great layout with tons of seating; a patio outside, plush pillows and drapes in a trendy harem like setting, a quiet back side for those wanting candle light, and the main room with barstools tables and the pool table. A great mix of Chinese, English, Canadian, Brazilian, German, and from who knows where people were enjoying themselves right alongside us. If your a hookah fan, they have tons of flavors and hoses to get your sheesha on.

Down to it: We had a blast and will definitely be back soon! And to the guy below who left that lame comment with absolutely no info or description, your right, Souk's flare is so much better than the traditional Middle Eastern food and bar. They did a damn good job with the new place.

~ OffTheGrid