Shouk Lounge

by josh r.

it is hard to imagine a more disappointing experience.  my girlfriend and i ordered a salad, a small appetizer, and hummus for take out.  the bill was something like $30 for almost no food and the hummus was like soup.  it was the worst hummus i have ever had.  it was one of those rare experiences where the food was so bad and so expensive you felt as if the restaurant had actually STOLEN from you.   if you are interested in smoking a houka, shouk is probably fine; atmosphere inside the restaurant is fantastic. if you are interested in even remotely decent food, go somewhere else.  blech.

by Jillian A.

I always loved Shouk.  My experiences there have generally included really delicious cocktails that tend to knock me on my ass, great atmosphere and quality hookahs.The most recent time I was there was on a first date.  I picked it for the occasion because it has an intimate atmosphere and how better to get to know someone other than over hookah cocktails?  Well, the table we were sat at was unsturdy and we kept knocking the table with our legs, endangering the drinks and hookah.  At a point in the night, the music the live DJ was spinning got so loud that we were literally screaming across the table to each other.We returned to the place later in the night to find the same type of music; however we were sitting in a much more comfortable booth.Ultimately, as long as the music isn't blasting and you're not sitting at one of the two-person tables up against the wall, you're good.Oh, I have to mention, the service is totally dependent on the person.  One of the servers is the best of the best and one of them, I wouldn't give another penny to.Oh Shouk...I love you anyway.

by Catherine F.

Hip, moody, cozy interior.  If your date is too cool for school, take them here.  But be ready to splurge on the pricey drinks- though delicious they'll set you back around 10 bucks.We went late on a saturday night and had trouble getting the servers' attention due to the busy state they were in.  But when we did succeed the servers were friendly and prompt.Not my style as it's really for the girly-drinks-with-an-edge crowd but the shisha was tasty and actually nicely priced.  I'd come here again for a birthday or some such special occasion but as I'm partial to a cheap beer at a dive most nights of the week, I can't say I'll be back to Shouk anytime soon.

by Lauren H.

Shouk is a true gem, tucked away just off of South Street. The food, an Israeli/Mediterranean mix is both affordable and delicious. The tapas-style menu offers a series of small appetizers and large entrees that are perfect for sharing. The menu changes daily, but here are a few must-haves: the labaneh, a yogurt-cheese dip ($7) ; the hummus with pine nuts ($5); the pomegranate chicken skewers, which come with spicy Israeli fries and grilled asparagus ($17), and the wheat/barley/fig salad ($12).Shouk, formerly a BYOB, now also offers an assortment of cocktails, beer, and wine. My friends and I walked six blocks from the subway in a torrential downpour, and the hard mint tea ($4) warmed me up instantly, and in combination with the amazing food, made me forget that my pants were completely soaked through. One of my friends opted for the Turkish coffee ($3), which was fragrant and rich.The restaurant has two areas - a downstairs dining area, with warm orange walls and mosaic tiled tables with red couches in lieu of chairs, all lit by multi-colored lanterns. Upstairs is the sheesha lounge, which is available for private parties, but also for dining. One of my friends held her 21st birthday up there and maintains it was one of the best nights of her life. You can also smoke hookah in the downstairs area. The prices have gone up in the past year (one hookah is $17), but there are a variety of flavors - I recommend Mixed Fruit or Mango.Overall, the ambiance was delightfully chill and mellow, the wait staff friendly and attentive. The first time I came to Shouk with a friend, we were upstairs in the lounge, and the chef came up and talked with us for a bit, making sure that we liked everything. It's one of my treasured Philadelphia finds.

by Sonalee R.Kantiki J.Michael M.Dell P.JP S.

THIS PLACE IS A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH.I walked in with two friends Friday night after reading about their $2 pomegranate martinis until 9pm. After having an odd experience with a rogue bartender at Tattooed Moms, we were seated close to the bar (which is always convenient) and Stephen introduced himself as our lovely host for the evening. We ordered a mixed fruit shisha ($17 + $5/coal after 1st) that he mixed fresh himself. We also ordered a hummus plate with cucumber and feta ($7 + 3 + 3) which was DELICIOUS! It came with warm grilled pita and pita chips. And as a final munchy snack for the three of us to share was their fabulous fries served with a cool mint yogurt dip (~$7). All in all we had a fabulous time and would recommend this atmosphere to small groups and those looking to have a great night on South street :)Please note: Do not bother being seated by ANYONE ELSE if you're planning on having a fantastically well-attended table and a personable experience. Stephen is a genuinely caring host who conveys the true meaning of jack of all trades. He didn't hesitate to warn or recommend us certain dishes, which shows true moral character.Firstly, Shouk is a hookah lounge. Anyone who doesn't smoke or even like the smell of it should steer clear... let alone write a review and blame their own choice of attending on the very nature of the place.The environment is plush, with ambient lighting and decorated with a Middle-Eastern vibe. The booths are nearer to the ground, true the an almost Moroccan style. To get one of my only two complaints out of the way, a more down-tempo (even trip-hop) selection of music would fit the atmosphere far better than their current selections.The food is excellent. Most Americans have adapted to the high-lemon, high-tahini content used in Grecian hummus. The hummus served at Shouk is a more North Israel (even Lebanese) variety, toning down the non-chickpea ingredients to allow the flavor of the toppings to shine thru. If Grecian hummus is a pickle, this hummus is a cucumber. Or, if you prefer a desert analogy, if Grecian hummus is cherry pie, this hummus is cherry cheesecake. Dig?There's really only two drink choices you should concern yourself with on the menu: what wine you are going to have along with your Turkish coffee? The coffee, true-to-form, is often served with cardamon seed for a hint of sweetness. As with any shisha experience, the flavor of both the coffee and the tobacco are enhanced by each other. The wine is for the meal.The hookahs... ah, the hookahs. They pack a good variety of shisha. If you came alone, you're in the wrong place. If you brought a group, you're just getting started. Smoking a night away at Shouk often brings you into contact with other tables, as well as into conversations with the workers (who will often sit down and really get to know your experience).To avoid the music and the crowds, simply show up around six or seven. The added attention you'll get should really take your experience to a new level.I mentioned there was one other complaint. The price really is a bit over what you want to pay. As Shouk is conveniently located right off of South Street, I have a good idea where their money is being sapped... but it makes the stop a bit painful... especially when you can't say "no".Slapped with a cease operations order, this place will not re-open.Looks like the place is kaput. It had degenerated from a cool restaurant to a BS hookah joint. No wonder it bit the dust.I just moved to Philadelphia from Miami, so I know my share of good and bad restaurants/lounges. I received a friend request from Shouk Lounge on MySpace and thought it looked like a cool place. So my roommates and I went to have dinner, drinks, and of course, a hookah. As soon as we got there, I immediately liked the decor and feel to the place. Its dimly lit with tons of candles. They have a bunch of art hanging on the wall, the music was a good selection of things I don't normally listen to, but like none the less. We ordered Israeli fries and these lentil fritters which were really good, but above all else, their Moroccan martini is AMAZING! If you come here, you MUST give it a try. I am not a martini person, but I was won over with this one. For dinner I had this steak with a thick olive paste on it which was really really good. If you like olives, you will love this! For our hookah, we ordered the melon flavor which was great and not very smoky to inhale... I'm not a smoker, but smoking out of a hookah was fun. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and helped us out with this whole hookah thing, since we were all new to it.  If you are looking for a nice romantic date place, Shouk is also great. If you and your date are ok with the smell of smoke and being around it, I would definitely recommend it! I have been back to Shouk many times to have drinks with friends, and I always order my Moroccan martini!I give it 5 stars!! *****-JP

by Rachel F.

I went to Shouk for an anniversary dinner on a Sunday night, and it was delightful. There were enough people so it didn't feel creepily empty, but few enough customers that it wasn't noisy and the service was still really good. My favorite dish was the haloumi cheese appetizer--a middle eastern cheese that can be pan fried into tangy, oily, incredible bites. Hookah is the real reason to go to Shouk, especially on a slow night. There is nothing better than relaxing after a big meal and passing hookah back and forth. Our entrees were aclso excellent, though I found their beef to be tastier than their lamb. The only thing I wish I would have passed on is the cardamon and rum tea--it just wasn't very tasty. Their drinks are good, though you might want to order your own if you don't like all the sweet cocktails on their menu.

by matthew l.

Shouk seems to fly under the radar for cool places and they don't seem to mind for as a hookah lounge, I'm certain it has its strong following.  As such, smoke sensitive friends may not appreciate it. The cocktails are different and well prepared and delicious though not cheap which is expected.  The decor is pretty in a minimalist harem kind of way. Very appealing and comfortable and the lighting is extraordinary in how it is bright while being romantically dim and is, I'm certain the work of a lighting maven.  The food is excellent with the hummus among the best in the city and the tasting plates for carnivores and vegetarians a must.

by JP S.

I just moved to Philadelphia from Miami, so I know my share of good and bad restaurants/lounges. I received a friend request from Shouk Lounge on MySpace and thought it looked like a cool place. So my roommates and I went to have dinner, drinks, and of course, a hookah. As soon as we got there, I immediately liked the decor and feel to the place. Its dimly lit with tons of candles. They have a bunch of art hanging on the wall, the music was a good selection of things I don't normally listen to, but like none the less. We ordered Israeli fries and these lentil fritters which were really good, but above all else, their Moroccan martini is AMAZING! If you come here, you MUST give it a try. I am not a martini person, but I was won over with this one. For dinner I had this steak with a thick olive paste on it which was really really good. If you like olives, you will love this! For our hookah, we ordered the melon flavor which was great and not very smoky to inhale... I'm not a smoker, but smoking out of a hookah was fun. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and helped us out with this whole hookah thing, since we were all new to it.  If you are looking for a nice romantic date place, Shouk is also great. If you and your date are ok with the smell of smoke and being around it, I would definitely recommend it! I have been back to Shouk many times to have drinks with friends, and I always order my Moroccan martini!I give it 5 stars!! *****-JP

by Kass H.

I am not a smoker but for some reason I really enjoy a hookah now and then. This place is cute, although if you do not smoke cigarettes, I suggest you go on a weekday,  Mon-Thurs. Otherwise, between the cigarettes and hookahs, your eyes are blood shot and you feel like you dumped all of  Shouk's ashtrays on your clothes and hair. Oh, and the food is nothing great. I would eat at  Southwark and then wonder over for a late night toke.

by Kantiki J.

Firstly, Shouk is a hookah lounge. Anyone who doesn't smoke or even like the smell of it should steer clear... let alone write a review and blame their own choice of attending on the very nature of the place.The environment is plush, with ambient lighting and decorated with a Middle-Eastern vibe. The booths are nearer to the ground, true the an almost Moroccan style. To get one of my only two complaints out of the way, a more down-tempo (even trip-hop) selection of music would fit the atmosphere far better than their current selections.The food is excellent. Most Americans have adapted to the high-lemon, high-tahini content used in Grecian hummus. The hummus served at Shouk is a more North Israel (even Lebanese) variety, toning down the non-chickpea ingredients to allow the flavor of the toppings to shine thru. If Grecian hummus is a pickle, this hummus is a cucumber. Or, if you prefer a desert analogy, if Grecian hummus is cherry pie, this hummus is cherry cheesecake. Dig?There's really only two drink choices you should concern yourself with on the menu: what wine you are going to have along with your Turkish coffee? The coffee, true-to-form, is often served with cardamon seed for a hint of sweetness. As with any shisha experience, the flavor of both the coffee and the tobacco are enhanced by each other. The wine is for the meal.The hookahs... ah, the hookahs. They pack a good variety of shisha. If you came alone, you're in the wrong place. If you brought a group, you're just getting started. Smoking a night away at Shouk often brings you into contact with other tables, as well as into conversations with the workers (who will often sit down and really get to know your experience).To avoid the music and the crowds, simply show up around six or seven. The added attention you'll get should really take your experience to a new level.I mentioned there was one other complaint. The price really is a bit over what you want to pay. As Shouk is conveniently located right off of South Street, I have a good idea where their money is being sapped... but it makes the stop a bit painful... especially when you can't say "no".