Electric Pawn Shop remains an enigma.

I’m still confused.

But in a good way – in fact, I predict that Electric Pawn Shop is going to blow the top off Dubai shortly!

Doesn’t look too comfy, yeah?

Well, in some twisted, counter-trend, in-your-face “pawn shop” way, it’s not designed to cuddle with you – instead it’ll bite your head off, if you’re not careful!

No, not really…

But… actually, you never know!

Above all, I felt Electric Pawn Shop is provocative; intentionally, as its raison d’être.

It was fantastic on so many levels, which I’ll try to describe, and yet it was so edgy, it kept me guessing!

I loved it!

Finally in Dubai a venue that is unashamedly and purely its own creation – without giving a duck about the usual flowery, soft, fake, “customer is always importantly right” sweet-mouth flattery.

Above the DJ’s booth there’s a big red sign: “No Requests!”

Basically, duck off – I play the music, you listen. Dance if you like.

And yet, once they get warmed up I think Electric Pawn Shop is going to deliver not only top music, but also world-class events. You’ll see.

Actually, they’ve just opened – brand new, and setting up shop at No.1 Sheikh Zayed Road… how ’bout that!

I ask for a cocktail – can you choose me a colorful one?

Bartender: “Not really, my concept is sophisticated minimalism…”

This is what I got:

No ducks given…

I struggled to get some light for the pics to make it look instagrammable. It was almost totally transparent, except for two little green leafs on top. Any less colorful and it would have been an empty glass.

But was it good?

I almost hate to admit it, my colorful request dropped cold, but it was exceptional!

There’s some real talent behind the bar counter at Electric Pawn Shop – later I found out Electric Pawn Shop’s pedigree includes winning Best Bar in Africa and the Middle East in the 2019 World’s 50 Best Bars!

So, would you prefer colorful sugar-water or a masterfully mixed cocktail?

Along the same irreverent ethos, Electric Pawn Shop describes itself as an Asian Mediterranean – huh!? – bar restaurant inspired by the ’70s Chinatown of New York.

Whatever that means.

But there’s no doubt that the Electric Pawn Shop bar restaurant of 2022’s Dubaitown in UAE has a special energy – you can feel it.

I’m not into Feng Shui, nor mystical readings of Zen buildings, but Electric Pawn Shop is actually… electric.

I promise you.

I don’t understand how or why, but the atmosphere has a raw energy feel to it – captivating, mysterious, swirling around you, pulling your hair playfully… and the menu is off the charts in both uniqueness, and as you taste the dishes, mesmerizing flavors!

For instance, here is the Island Satay Chicken Bomb, with tempura chicken – except, of course, that satay is skewered and grilled over coals… and has nothing to do with deep-fried tempura. In the mundane world, at least.

But the taste?

Excellent – give me more!

Extremely creative, even innovative – again, irreverent and provocative – but genius in its own way.

Below, a delicate velouté with tender scallops – phenomenal.

For mains, a brilliantly prepared Mahi Mahi Ko Samui Curry, which I’m pretty sure the likes have never been tasted on Koh Samui – but, who cares? It was delicious!

And actually very cleverly suited and maybe a better choice than the southern Thai curries!

I regret not trying the Sumatra Sticky Short Ribs, with sambal balado jus over a butternut purée – I’ll definitely remember that missed opportunity.

The Sizzling Muay Thai Ducking Noodles: a great comfort food, so hot and yummy, the mung bean glass noodles just melting in your mouth!

And the drinks menu is award-winning just at the first read! Wow!

Several beers are available, including a sexy Hitachino from Japan – and I noticed a very interesting selection of sake and soju.

I also regret not partaking from the extensive wine list – with my sticky short ribs next visit!

And so Electric Pawn Shop elbowed its way into my fancy.

Why does one go out to a bar, if not to move into another reality, into a different mental space far from the every day?

Are we so zombied and spineless that we seek reassurances in fake comfort and platitudes even in our supposed time-off, more brain-fed TV / Social Media coccooning, or does the electric shock treatment from behind a concrete bar counter count as a wake-up slap – Time to live! Really live!

Yes, Electric Pawn Shop operates outside of reality – – – Good, we have enough of inside reality in our everyday lives…

Overall, Electric Pawn Shop is in a universe of its own, unabashedly and sincere – take it or leave it. I absolutely loved the experience, found it refreshing and unique, even just a few days after its opening; and I think Dubai is witnessing the birth of a game-changing bar and restaurant – the authenticity of Electric Pawn Shop is irresistible, even among its eccentricity representing the Asian Mediterranean 1970s New York Chinatown.

And they’re not even on Google Maps nor Zomato yet… no ducks given again!

Disclaimer: no real ducks were harmed in writing this feature review.