I'll be living in Drumcondra for 3 years this October (WHAT?!) but I'm pretty much still a stranger to the area. Now that I'm free on weekends I'm trying my best to remedy being a hermit and much to my absolute vegan delight a new restaurant opened its upcycled doors just a stone's throw from my gaff.
Shouk is a Mediterranean restaurant from the people behind Alon's Pita Bar (which sets up outside the front of ABC Drumcondra on big match days for all the hungry fans at Croker). The restaurant can be found cosily nestled inside the ABC building with ample seating both inside and outside at the back carpark.
The front area is as warm and welcoming as the staff, with an ambient setting and group table seats. At the back, a bright, airy nook leads out to the car park/weekend market and is perfect for catch-ups over coffee. I sat down to a late Saturday afternoon shared mezze platter which was all vegan apart from the mayo aubergine. It was thoroughly tasty, I'll be back again for a proper meal including the vegan dessert they had run out of (a good sign, I think), and to take them up on the BYOB with no corkage! This place is my Luke's Diner (Gilmore Girls fans will know this means I have found a rare gem).
Shouk is family friendly and caters for omnis, with vegan and gluten-free options. It's a sweet spot for a date, or to meet up with friends, or just earwig on the locals. You may need to book ahead for a group as it gets busier in the evenings.
https://www.facebook.com/shoukdrumcondra/