Souk

Souk stands out as a distinctive and cherished bakery in the vibrant heart of Washington, D.C., particularly within the Capitol Hill neighborhood. It is far more than a typical pastry shop; it is a globally inspired market and bakery that masterfully blends classic French pastry techniques with exotic, international flavors and spices. The unique concept, which incorporates a spice market alongside the cafe, offers DC residents a delightful sensory experience. The name "Souk" itself, meaning marketplace in Arabic, hints at the diverse and aromatic offerings within. This establishment is the creation of Dr. Winnette McIntosh Ambrose, an accomplished engineer-turned-entrepreneur and Food Network Champion, who infuses her Trinidadian heritage and passion for global flavors into every meticulously crafted item. Souk operates as a sister bakery to the well-known local favorite, The Sweet Lobby, and together they are a testament to quality, innovation, and a joy-driven approach to baking. This unique dual identity of a high-end patisserie and a specialty spice shop makes Souk an essential destination for food lovers and those seeking unique, locally crafted goods in the District.

Souk is highly regarded for its exquisite pastries that are often described as being comparable to those from Michelin-star restaurants. The entire operation, including the development of innovative flavor combinations, is handled in-house. Beyond providing daily treats and coffee, Souk extends its offerings to wholesale clientele and also provides an array of gourmet, artisan-crafted items, many from local producers, ensuring it remains deeply rooted in the DC community while celebrating a global perspective. It is proudly recognized as both a Black-Owned and Woman-Owned enterprise, further contributing to the diverse and entrepreneurial spirit of the District of Columbia.

Souk is conveniently located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, providing easy access for residents and visitors exploring the historic Barracks Row and Eastern Market areas.

Address: 705 8th St SE #100, Washington, DC 20003, USA

Situated along 8th Street SE, the bakery is easily reachable via public transport and is a natural stop for those shopping or commuting through the area. Being in the bustling Capitol Hill corridor means it benefits from high visibility and pedestrian traffic. While it primarily focuses on a takeout model, a few barstools are generally available for patrons wishing to quickly enjoy their coffee and pastry before continuing their day. However, patrons should note that seating may be limited, making it an ideal spot for a quick grab-and-go rather than an extended dine-in experience. For neighborhood patrons who rely on walking or local transit, the location is extremely centralized and accessible.

Souk offers a comprehensive range of products and specialized services, distinguishing itself through an innovative menu of both sweet and savory items and its unique retail component.

• In-House Crafted Pastries: Daily fresh-baked pastries, meticulously crafted in-house, drawing inspiration from global spice collections and French techniques.
• Specialty Baked Goods: Signature offerings include a variety of Kouign Amann (Classic, Chocolate, Honey Pistachio, Cardamom, Raspberry), unique savory and sweet Spice Buns (like Spinach-Feta with Roasted Red Pepper, or Pear-Brie), and a creative selection of tarts and mousse cakes.
• Savory Items: Beyond sweets, the menu features unique savory pastries such as the Geera Lamb Patty, Smoked Salmon, Potato & Nori Croissants, and various quiches and savory turnovers (like Spicy Cheese or Mushroom & Goat Cheese).
• Coffee and Tea Service: Full coffee menu, including Drip Coffee, Espresso, Cappuccino, Lattes, and specialty drinks like Hot Creole Cocoa. Souk proudly partners with local roasters, Vigilante Coffee Company, for its coffee selection.
• Loose Leaf Tea: Offering a curated selection of loose leaf teas from The Sweet Lobby, including unique blends like Organic Orange Ginger Rooibos and Lavender-Earl Grey.
• Retail Spice Market: A unique feature where customers can purchase exotic spices, oils, hard-to-find baking ingredients, and one-of-a-kind tableware, bringing international flavors into their own DC kitchens.
• Catering and Platters: Provides large-format catering options for gatherings and events, including assorted French Breakfast Pastry Platters, large cookie platters, and mini loaf cakes, which typically require a minimum order.
• Takeout and Delivery: Primarily focused on takeout, with delivery options available through third-party services like Grubhub and Seamless, extending its reach across DC.
• Vegan and Gluten-Free Options: Offers select options to accommodate various dietary preferences, such as a Vegan Carrot Muffin and Gluten-Free Honey-Almond Bars.

Souk's identity is defined by its fusion of international influences and high-quality, local craftsmanship.

• Globally Inspired Cuisine: The bakery's hallmark is the creative use of spices from its in-house market, integrating flavors like cardamom, yuzu, matcha, and ginger into traditional French and global pastry formats.
• Proprietor Excellence: Owned by Dr. Winnette McIntosh Ambrose, a two-time Food Network Champion, which speaks to the high standard and innovative quality of the culinary offerings.
• Signature Kouign Amann: This specialty, a buttery, flaky Breton cake, is a customer favorite and is available in innovative flavors like Honey Pistachio and Cardamom, often highlighted in positive reviews.
• Unique Bakery/Market Concept: The blending of a bakery-cafe with a specialty spice market creates a unique shopping and culinary destination within Capitol Hill.
• High Customer Ratings: The establishment consistently receives strong customer ratings, often around 4.8 out of 5 stars, particularly for the overall pastry experience.
• Commitment to Quality: The commitment to using quality ingredients is evident in their pastry fillings, such as using Valrhona Chocolate in tarts and partnering with Vigilante Coffee Company for beverages.
• Business Diversity: Recognized as a Black-Owned and Woman-Owned business, supporting local minority entrepreneurship in the DC area.

For residents wishing to inquire about catering, check current hours, or confirm product availability, here is the essential contact information for Souk:

Address: 705 8th St SE #100, Washington, DC 20003, USA

Phone: (202) 547-7685

Email: info@sweetlobby.com (Associated with the sister bakery and general contact)

Website: Customers can typically view the menu, order online, or find the most current information through their dedicated Square-powered ordering site or website.

Hours of Operation (General): While hours may vary, typical operating times are from 8:30 AM, with evening closing times generally around 3 PM to 6 PM, depending on the day. It is always recommended to check the most current hours before visiting, as specialty bakeries in DC often adjust their schedule.

Choosing Souk is an investment in a distinctive, high-quality, and locally-driven culinary experience that goes far beyond the typical neighborhood bakery. What truly makes Souk worth choosing for DC residents is the unparalleled fusion of French technique and global spice mastery. If you are looking to elevate a simple breakfast or delight guests at an event, the signature Kouign Amann—especially the Honey Pistachio or Cardamom flavors—is a must-try. These laminated dough pastries are lauded by customers for their perfect flakiness and rich, balanced fillings.

Beyond the sweets, the inventive savory pastries, such as the Geera Lamb Patty or the Smoked Salmon, Potato & Nori Croissant, offer a satisfying and unique light meal or snack that you simply won't find anywhere else in the city. The opportunity to pair these exquisite baked goods with a finely crafted coffee from local roasters, Vigilante Coffee Company, further enhances the morning or midday treat.

Moreover, Souk’s identity as a globally inspired market allows customers to take a piece of the experience home. If you're a home cook or a culinary enthusiast in the District, the ability to browse and purchase high-quality, exotic spices and hard-to-find baking ingredients alongside your pastry order is an invaluable convenience. This feature makes Souk a destination not only for immediate indulgence but also for culinary inspiration. Finally, by choosing Souk, DC residents are directly supporting a celebrated Black and Woman-Owned business founded on a foundation of professional excellence and a passion for sharing global flavors, making it a purchase you can feel good about. It represents the best of DC's diverse and innovative food scene, promising both exceptional quality and an experience full of delight.

Souk

705 8th St SE #100, Washington, DC 20003, USA