That Kabob place in San Marco on Hendricks?

[Pavers]

Anyone know about that new kabob restuarant that's in San Marco on Hendricks, down the road from Jack Rabbits?  Was curious if anyone's been there or is familiar with the ownership and their plans.

[billbo]

Pretty mediocre.   I went there last night and paid about $40 for two orders of kabobs and a side salad.  The inside is pretty neat, but it's kind of like they're trying to re-invent the wheel.  I say this because Layla's is just down the stret and this place also has hookahs and a similar menu.  If I'm eating kabobs or any middle eastern food I'm hitting up The Casbah (which is about to expand and get liquor).  Like I said, it's not bad but nothing to write home about.

[stephElf]

It's called Mare's Sweet Kabob.  I thought it was decent.  I didn't care for their hookahs( a little harsh) ... but their happy hour prices are good. $2 pints and I did order the shrimp spring rolls. They were huge. 3 for $6.99 and each one had 3 large fresh shrimp in them.  The server Nikea was really nice too.  They aren't just Mediterranean food, they have an eclectic offering including some Thai dishes.

As for the Casbah, I think their food is terrible. Tastes like frozen greasy crap.

If I want good Greek/ Mediterranean, I am going to Layla's or Athen's Cafe.  I am a Layla's regular, going their about once a week, I can't say enough about their hookahs, service and food.  The apricot hookah is awesome and so is their Hummus with Schwarma, Goat Cheese Pizza and their Gyros.

[David]

I like the sidewalk seating at this place, it makes you feel like you're in NY with all the traffic whizzing by down Hendricks.

Oddly, their pizza was really really good at that place, I believe we tried the bbq chicken. The beers are cheap for now, I believe they're trying to drum up business, the hookas are pretty good as well, but no one tops Casbah (no not even Layla's StephElf:P) The owner says they plan on having live music there on the weekends, StephElf and my lady spent some time talking to them so maybe they have more info.

Is it me or does it seem like there's been an influx of new restaurant openings in the urban core lately? Every month i'm trying some place out new it seems - lovin it!

[stephElf]

I like the sidewalk seating at this place, it makes you feel like you're in NY with all the traffic whizzing by down Hendricks

good point, totally forgot about that ... it is an added bonus!

[jacksonvilleconfidential]

Im Arabic and Casbah is the closest thing to home cooking ive had in Jax. Laylas is good too, but Casbah still takes the cake. The Bahalias (sp?) do a great job.

[David]

Im Arabic and Casbah is the closest thing to home cooking ive had in Jax. Laylas is good too, but Casbah still takes the cake. The Bahalias (sp?) do a great job.

What are your favorite entrees at the Casbah? I've only had the falafel and the shawarma there.

I've learned over the years to only go during the afternoon hours, particularly Sunday afternoons, nice and chill at that time. I like to get in there before it turns into Club Casbah, knawhati'msayin?

[jacksonvilleconfidential]

Honestly, they have the best Grape Leaf Rolls of any restaurant in town and those are my overall favorite Arab food, their tabouleh is also awesome. You have to understand though that at my family gatherings where have HUGE pots full of grape leaf rolls and everything else in large quantities, so the 6 you get as an app. arent really enough for a meal.  So i usually get an app. trio with GLR's, Tabouleh, and hummus, it also comes with a basket of warm pita.

For something a little more of an arabic-american fusion, try one of their pizzas. I think there are two different ones and they are both awesome. Pretty much everything else follows suit.

The ONLY thing I dont like at Casbah are the lamb Kabobs, they always seem to be a little fatty and low quality. Also I dont like that peeps can smoke hookahs INSIDE. The air gets a little thick mid-evening. And yeah, Club Casbah, LOL

[The Compound]

Im Arabic and Casbah is the closest thing to home cooking ive had in Jax. Laylas is good too, but Casbah still takes the cake. The Bahalias (sp?) do a great job.

I like to get in there before it turns into Club Casbah, knawhati'msayin?

The proper spelling is "Nomsane?"