Souk Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar — Restaurant in Toledo

🗣️ Let Jess Tell It ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.5 if I could)

📍 Souk Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar | 139 S Huron St, Toledo, OH 43604 🗓️ Visited: July 2025 💰 Price per person: ~$30 (cocktails + food) ⏳ Wait time: No wait on a weekday night (bar seating available) 🔊 Noise level: Moderate — conversational but energetic 🪑 Seating: Bar, indoor tables, full patio 🚗 Parking: Street parking only — might need to circle a bit 🥗 Dietary options: Vegetarian dishes available; menu leans fresh/whole food ♿️ Accessibility: Yes 👶🏽 Kid-friendly: Not the vibe I’d bring a toddler to, but teens or well-behaved kids would be fine 🍹 Alcohol: Full bar, specialty cocktails, espresso martinis, bartender-driven custom drinks

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💡 If you’re just skimming, here’s the quick take: • Best bet? The cocktails — especially if Aaron’s behind the bar. • Unexpected standout? The French onion soup. • Dish to tweak? The short rib hummus could use salt or seasoning to match its plating. • Vibe? Sophisticated but chill. It’s giving grown-up comfort. • Would I go again? Yes — with curiosity, not cravings.

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🥂 Full Experience:

We came to Souk on a summer evening with no reservation, and even before stepping inside, we could feel the buzz. A full patio, cars slowly circling for parking, and the kind of sidewalk energy that makes you slow down — especially in downtown Toledo, where things are typically quiet. It made us say, “We’ve never seen this much action at a Toledo restaurant.” And after the visit? We understood why.

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🍸 Bartender Breakdown: Aaron (ask for him!)

I wasn’t planning to drink. But Aaron didn’t push — he asked thoughtful questions and made a custom tequila cocktail based on my preferences (citrus, ginger beer, mint, light/fruity — no syrupy stuff). What he brought out? Hands down the best cocktail I’ve ever had. Smooth, summery, balanced, and sneaky. I fell asleep on the ride home — safely, in the passenger seat — and I mean that as a high compliment.

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🧅 Food Ordered: • French Onion Soup — Deep, rich flavor. Not the “cheese lid” style but still excellent. Even the bar guests next to me ordered it after watching my reaction. • Short Rib Hummus Bowl w/ Veggies — Looked incredible. Fresh produce was top-tier. The meat needed more salt or finishing oil, and the hummus leaned tahini-heavy without much zing. • Spicy Italian Pizza — Amazing crust. Sausage: flavorful. But toppings felt mismatched overall. Mushrooms were a bold move. I’d try another pie next time. • Tomato Soup (observed) — Our neighbor at the bar ordered two bowls. Looked hearty, thick, and clearly someone’s comfort go-to.

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🧾 Total Bill: ~$60 for 2 people

Included 2 cocktails, 2 soups, hummus w/ fresh veggies, pizza, and extra veg. Well worth it for the quality, service, and ambiance.

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🌟 Highlights:

✅ Bartender knew how to read the room and tailor drinks ✅ Soup was a shockingly strong category ✅ Open kitchen ran like fine dining without the pretension ✅ Bar felt communal — we left with new Instagram friends and a dinner invite ⚠️ Hummus + short rib plate needs a flavor boost ⚠️ Pizza toppings didn’t quite hit as a combo, but still solid ingredients

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If you’re from Columbus like me: Toledo isn’t trying to copy us. It’s doing its thing — and Souk is proof. It’s stylish without trying too hard, and the kind of place where strangers chat, soup gets shared by suggestion, and a bartender might change your entire drink game.

Would I return? Yes. Would I come just for the food? Not necessarily. But for the experience? Absolutely.

📌 Save this spot if you’re passing through Toledo, looking for elevated Mediterranean eats, or just want to sit at a bar that feels like real conversation is still possible.

Let...

The waiter must have hated himself and didn't even want to be there. Had a horrible attitude and was pushy with alcohol. Got offended I asked about the price of a mimosa as it wasn't on the menu. He was blantly racist at my table of mostly black women and a hispanic myself. The food was mediocre at best. I asked for vegan options and he didn't know the difference and got upset with me when I kindly said vegan and vegetarian aren't the same thing so if I could please have the vegan options where there are no meat or animal products...I asked very polite as I always am polite and he was just over everything apparently. He overcharged and brought the wrong food and when I asked for a box he took my food away and tossed it sloppily in. I didn't even get to put my own food in the box which wouldn't be an issue but with how he was being spiteful and hateful I didn't really want him taking my food. He didn't ever bring me my pita bread I paid extra for as I got extra pita and when mentioning it he rolled his eyes and never brought more. Never again. Over priced and not worth the price food or service wise. He was only treating our table this way with distance and annoyance eye rolling among other things. It was very clear he had an issue with us. If you're a minority they will not treat you as a human but like you're a burden on them. Everyone at the tables food looked amazing but taste wise it was basic at best..

As to your reply no I had no issue with him being gay as one of the people in our party is bisexual. I can assure you he was very unhappy about serving people. I don't give bad reviews lightly. Don't try flipping things because you're upset about a bad review. Also were you there? because everyone at the tables can vouch how it was. Also you can say it didn't happen but it very well did. It was placed in a cup in a box with hummus all over the cup with lid so it wasnt due to being thrown in a box. but somehow still all over in the box. I'm aware people are human but it doesn't help contribute when he's already in a horrible mood and everyone at the table got "racist vibes" from the guy. I'm sorry you're offended about our actual experience but I'm offended it happened. I waited for the review because like I said I don't do things lightly. I take time to process and I felt the need to do so. And you left the part out where he threw away all my pita I ordered double of and the part where he was real short and annoyed giving off being pushy. Being gay doesn't make you rude. It's a fact. Also he didnt know the difference between vegan and vegetarian as when i asked he got very annoyed with me i asked if something was vegan he said yeah its vegetarian so i said "so does it have milk or something? some animal product?" and he said no so i said ok and left it at that because thats not knowing the difference. Also if he was black he was mixed not just black and that's ignorong the fact he has a diverse background and youre just tossing a lable at him of being a black man. An issue bigger than us i wont bother to address. Also that doesn't mean he didnt treat our table poorly and made it seem as it was due to race. Thanks. Oh also you got it backwards on the order of what went down. Thanks....But go ahead and try to be a narcissist by flipping it on me making it seem like im the problem for acknowledging an issue we faced and trying to gas light it into being me with the issue sayimg what I said was false but have a...

Souk Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar: A Culinary Journey to the Mediterranean in Toledo Stepping into Souk Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar, I was immediately enveloped in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The rich interior decor and cozy ambiance set the stage for a delightful dining experience. We opted for the lovely patio, which offered a charming view of the farmers market and a colorful mural. The patio was adorned with umbrellas, providing a welcome shade on a sunny afternoon. Our culinary journey began with cocktails. I chose the "Pedro Piper (Picked a Peck of Pickled Peppers)," while my partner opted for the "Fuzzy Wuzzy Buzzy." Both drinks were expertly crafted, bursting with vibrant flavors and presented with artistic flair. However, I was slightly disappointed to find that only tap water was offered, especially considering the upscale nature of the restaurant. Bottled water or a choice between still and sparkling would have been a more fitting accompaniment to the meal. For appetizers, we indulged in "Auntie Camille's Grape Leaves" and the "Crispy Short Rib Hummus." Both dishes were exceptional, showcasing the rich flavors and textures of Mediterranean cuisine. The grape leaves were tender and flavorful, while the hummus, topped with crispy short rib, was a delightful combination of savory and creamy. Moving on to the main course, I opted for the Scallops, while my partner chose the Garlic Roasted Duck Breast. The duck, in particular, was a standout dish. It was cooked to perfection, boasting a succulent tenderness and a robust, rich flavor. The accompanying slaw complemented the duck beautifully, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment that Souk offers the best duck in town! As a side dish, we shared the Roasted Fingerling Potatoes. While they were tender and cooked well, the flavor profile was a bit underwhelming. A touch of garlic or butter would have elevated the dish and added another layer of complexity. Throughout our meal, our server was attentive and accommodating, ensuring that we had everything we needed. The service was prompt, and the kitchen staff deserves a special mention for their culinary expertise. Overall, our dining experience at Souk Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar was delightful. The warm ambiance, expertly crafted cocktails, and delicious appetizers set the stage for a memorable meal. The standout dish was undoubtedly the Garlic Roasted Duck Breast, which truly lived up to its reputation as the best in town. While the tap water and under-seasoned potatoes were minor disappointments, they did not detract from the overall positive experience. Souk is a culinary gem in Toledo, and I eagerly anticipate my next visit to explore more of their tantalizing...