This post is not sponsored nor do I work with the brand any more
My first memory of Social was a birthday party thrown by my friend Noor at the newly opened Hauz Khas Outlet. The year was 2014 and good places to go out were few and far between. I recall being in what later became the workspace, admiring the offbeat food and drinks on offer. Post that, I went to Social for many occasions- to show some foreign friends around, for college reunions or quick catch ups.
It was in 2017 that I got the chance to work with Impresario, the brand behind Social as well as Smoke House Deli. Initially hired for the latter, I soon got to know both brands, handling them in the North region. I can honestly say I had never had a better job. Post Impresario, I have worked with other hospitality brands but it was at Social & Smoke House Deli that I truly understood marketing, what it is like to have family at work and what a great brand is.
So, without further ado, let me present the Top 5 reasons why SOCIAL is without a doubt the best watering hole you and your friends could ask for:
1. THE FOOD
Helmed by the most badass, no bullshit executive chef Shamsul Wahid, the food at Social proves that bar food can and should be great. Taking inspiration from all over India, his clever use of ingredients and interesting presentation has made Social food not only Insta-worthy but very, very satisfying and a favourite for restaurant reviews. My top dishes have to be (and believe me spending as much time as I have in different Social outlets, you have to try these!):
Jalapeno Cheese Nads: Best had with a beer, these yummy cheese filled goodies are decadent and worth the calories, and definitely a most popular choice
Aslam Butter Tikka: As Chef Shamsul knows, butter makes everything better. These buttery kebabs are made yummier by dipping them into the piping hot butter sauce
Sid’s Posh Breakfast: My favourite tray, named after the posh Sid Mathur, consists eggs, bacon, sausage, coffee and more- a complete meal!
(Gone but never forgotten) Nacho Soup: My fave hangover cure, I’d add in some tabasco to this and was in spicy soup heaven
Crispy Corn Chakhna: Great munchie to go with your drinks
Hot Tennessee Chicken Wings: The sauce on these is sweet, spicy and everything awesome
Truffled Three Cheese and Tenderloin Burger: Yummy and with the addition of truffle, it’s a winner
Mirchi Boti Pizza: Spicy buff on pizza- what’s better?
Social Keema Spaghetti: Old school spicy spaghetti in a meaty delish sauce
Achari Basa: A tasty fish dish when you want to eat healthy!
Fantastic Mutton: Melt in your mouth curry, perfect with some naans!
Butter Chicken Biryani: My go-to comfort food
PB & J Amazeballs: Bacon, peanut butter and jam- a crazy yet tasty combo!
My food reviews for them could go on and on but yes these are the must-try dishes here, and why it is one of my top places to eat.
2. THE DRINKS
Served up by the king of flair himself, Vijay Prakash, the drinks at Social stand out not only because of their deliciousness but because of the magic of the presentation style. Long before it was cool to add drama to your drinks, Social did it. They pioneered some amazingly tall LLIIT’s that now everyone is out to copy.
The Banarsi Patiala is by far my favourite cocktail, and every single person I have plied it on has said it is now their favourite too.
The Sanskari Mojito is an amazing mocktail that I would binge on during my work week. The coffees (It’s Dope Coffee) is one of the best in town. A few other must-haves are the Goti Sodas, the Acharoska (with an insane pickle flavour) and the Thai Maalish.
3. THE AMBIENCE
Every single Social outlet tells a story, be it the fairground at Nehru or the Wabi Sabi of Vasant Kunj. With an insane eye for design, CEO Riyaaz Amlani knows the devil is in the details.
My personal favourite spaces is the Chawl space at Cyber Hub with its insanely graffitied tubes where I often lounge, work and have some fresh air, and in whose rooms, I spent many an afternoon having work fights, making friends, holding meetings or having fun.
The other stand out to me is FC Road Social. A humongous space, this outlet embodies greenery, and has touches that make it an endless paradise for anyone looking for the perfect profile picture spot. The mixture of workspace and bar was a concept Social pioneered and has long been copied by others, but their workspace remains the most successful one I’ve seen in an F&B space.
However, the all time cultural icon will always be Hauz Khas Social. With the brilliant Chaat, working at this outlet never ever felt like work. A true icon of the city
4. THE CULTURE
One quality Social embodies that I had never seen before or have never seen since, done as successfully, is culture. Marketing people for outlets were known as culture heads and under our former fierce leader, Shobita Kadan, we were taught to think of the larger picture of what we were doing to drive footfall in terms of how it reflected on the brand and its values.
The brand is and was at the centre of everything we did, and no other F&B brand in India has quite been able to achieve or say the same. The music gigs, the art and creative events, poetry readings, LGBTQ focused activities, drama, dance, you name it, Social did it.
I met some amazing people in my time working there, artists like Santanu Hazarika and current favourite Shark Aman Gupta. I got to witness some amazing artists play in spaces like antiSOCIAL and hear discussions on some of the best subjects given by curated speakers. Culture is and was at the forefront of what Social did, and the culture was always one of inclusiveness, creativity and friendliness.
5. THE PEOPLE
Lastly, the people. As Anna Sewell said “It is good people who make good places” and never has that been truer to me than when I spent time here. From the staff, to the managers, to the heads, to my colleagues, almost all of them were some of the nicest people I’ve met and learnt from.
I met my mentor here, Mr. Satyajit Dhingra, who is someone who has taught me more about marketing in hospitality than anyone I’ve ever met-as well as how to be a more business savvy and mature human being. I have never met a better operations person who manages to make sure Impresario is the top of its game in the North.
Shamsul, Diljeet and Vijay also made my life fun and taught me a lot about how to be a better marketeer. Some of my closest friends I met here like Shambhavi, Varun, Sonal, Shashvat and Rishabh.
The staff always welcomes everyone with a smile on their face and with the best service possible. For me, that’s why this will always be your friendly neighbourhood bar with a heart.
PSA: Order directly from Social on dotpe. Not only does it help the restaurant but you get better deals too!
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
All images taken from Social’s pages or my own archives
For more food reviews click here
This post has my heart! I love SOCIAL and have been to the ones in Bombay and Bangalore. Still to visit the one in Delhi though. I don’t think any place comes close where the food, drinks, and ambiance are concerned. Your post has made me all nostalgic and I want to visit again!
That’s so good to know 🙂 It’s def my home away from home
Waah jee Waah, Tabiyat khush kar di aapne. Social is my Fav too for so many reasons, But coming from an Insider this takes my Love to the next level.
I consider myself to be a Part of SOCIAL family and it makes my heart swell with Pride.
Thanks Meetali jee, Awesome ho aap
Thanks so much Tikku jee! Social made me meet you also after all so it will always be special to me!
This seems a lively amazing place!
It is !
Socials is definitely a happening place. Being a fussy foodie, I want the food to be good and I completely agree that the food and ambience is lovely. Next time, i will try the dishes that you have mentioned
Thanks so much 🙂 hope you like them
I have been to so many socials and loved the ambience in every place. Their food is really good and the decoration, sitting space are just perfect for hangout.
True that 🙂
I’ve visited Social Vashi for a date with my husband and agree that its a lovely place to hang out. Good food and great cocktails!
Great to know 🙂
I have had pleasant experiences in Socials in blr but haven’t been there in other cities.. your post brought back memories of the good old pre covid days….
Yes you should pay them a visit again soo, they have covid protocols in place
It’s been ages since I’ve visited Social. And your post makes me want to plan one soon. Completely agree with you. Hauz Khas Social is indeed an icon.
Thanks so much
Never heard about Social before your post and from what you have said its worth a visit.
Def try it out when you can
I have not been to Social but your food pics are droolworthy. Next time I am in Delhi, I am going to make it there. Thank you for sharing so many details.
You should def visit it when you come next!
It is a lovely place. I have been there a few times and really enjoyed the food and ambiance. In fact, Hauz Kas has a lot of iconic places.
For sure, the HKV outlet is a landmark
Looks like a really amazing place and you seemed to enjoy the place more because it reminded you of your time spent with your friends. The food also looks tasty.
Everything about it was great 🙂
When I visit Delhi next will surely follow your recommendations.
Thanks a ton!
Place looks amazing and food looks delicious. Thamks for the recommendation
No problem 🙂
Definitely seems to be a great place for food and drinks.. I’d definitely love to visit sometime I future
You should!
I never get a chance to visit this place but after your detailed post I will sure visit here atleast once.
Great to know 🙂
This place looks like a great place for hangout. I can well-imagine myself with my lady’s group for an amazing evening out.
It’s great for ladies- super safe as well!
I’ve been to Social in Delhi & Pune and I completely understand from where the love for it stems!
Good to know 🙂
I have been to Social in Bangalore and agree the food the the drink and the ambiance are awesome and yes the fun loving people too.
Awesome 🙂
Awww what a treat this post was! It was fun reliving the awesome memories, and I completely agree with you – Social is my favourite too!
I have been to the SOCIAL in Mumbai but I didn’t know where it is in Delhi. I loved your post mostly the pictures and the food.
Thanks so much!
I have been to the one in Bangalore & agree that both the food and place are awesome! Your post speaks volumes about your love for the place.
Thanks so much 🙂
Nice post, what a detailed review, I am yet visit Social, If I get a chance to visit any bar next, it would be Social.
Thanks so much, you must you won’t regret it!
I have heard a lot about social but never get a chance to visit. Seems like a cool place to have fun with friends.
You have given me a must visit place when I come to Delhi.for my vacation. Thank you so much.
No problem!
Haven’t ever explored this place. Looks really happening. Definitely going to check it out.
You should!
Wow. I’m salivating. Been to the Social’s in Mumbai and Pune, guess this is the Delhi one you’ve covered. Love the spread and ambience.
Thanks 🙂
I love trying new food bit more than that I enjoy the presentation. They are quite creative in all their presentations.
Yes they do both well 🙂
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