While most people got their first glimpse of hookahs from the riddle-spewing, opium-wreathed caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland, hookahs originated in 16th century India as entertainment for palace dwellers. The first manifestations relied on a small pipe distended from a coconut shell (lending historical precedent for the collegiate practice of making bongs out of apple cores). The smoking devices traveled on a wave of popularity to Arab countries, where hashish and opium were mixed with dark tobacco. It took several more centuries for the hookah to crop up in Western territories, but now the prevalence of decadent, pillow strewn lounges heralds America's newfound appreciation for Middle Eastern sensibilities-at least when it comes to hashish.
:: : NEW YORK : ::
Ever the trendsetter, New York City blazed the trail of US hookah lounges with a smattering of plush, high-end boutique venues. Le Souk gained attention when East Village passersby caught wind of the intoxicating tobacco blends while strolling by the lounge's breezy sidewalk front. Sadly, the Lower East Side establishment closed its doors earlier this year. Following closely on its heels is Karma, Souk's slightly more austere cousin, with carmine carpets and velvet couches that look like they were recently pilfered from the Silk Road. Now the city is home to Cafe Khufu, El Dar, and the incandescent Kush in the Lower East Side.
As New York City being the leader of the current hookah trend, Latinos won’t have any trouble finding a place to call their own. In Manhattan’s Dominican-dominated Inwood, Mamajuana Café serves as an elegant neighborhood hideaway with a mouthwatering tapas menu, mimosas for the ladies, and live Brazilian bands performing. Their Hookah Nights provide the perfect setting to wind down after a hard day at the office. To get your fix on a weekday, go up north to The Cloisters for Hookah Wednesdays at Serie 56. Not only will you get free admission, but the club also features an open bar. O Lounge in The Bronx also offers Hookah Wednesdays with free admission where DJ Kast plays the best in rock en espanol, Hip-Hop, and other Latin hits. Over at Astoria, Queens you’ll find Tantra Lounge, a favorite among Latinos on any night, particularly Colombians. Expect gorgeous bar attendants in belly dancing couture, an exquisite Middle Eastern setting, plenty of cumbia, salsa, and bachata, as well as hookas in mixed fruit, apple, and peach flavors.
:: : MIAMI : ::
Fortunately, New York City isn’t the only location where hookah’s popularly continues to grow. Miami quickly followed New York City's lead, and D'vine opened its doors to the tourists and natives hungry for a cosmopolitan fix, candlelit patios, and a modern art gallery veneer. Lincoln Road picked up the vibes and opened a slew of low-key Middle Eastern joints where Miami natives could select various flavors of tobacco and unwind on overstuffed couches. Then Oasis popped up on First Street in the burgeoning ethnic foods scene south in South Beath. Though the elegant little hookah spot earned up a well-deserved reputation for serving beer to minors, the tapas menu and warm interior won over high-brow locals on the prowl for a worldy evening.
:: : LAS VEGAS : ::
True to its ballsy, brash heritage, Vegas rejuvenated its own hookah lounges with the upscale flare worthy of sultans and shahs. Paymon's Hookah Lounge settles guests into private, cushioned nooks and then sends "The Hookah Man" over to each table to give experts and tiros alike an informative appraisal of each hashish flavor, complete with a tray of tablets so customers can determine their desired flavor. The somewhat mellower Red Hookah is ideal for patrons who want the pipe without the fuss, and as an extra bonus they offer free wireless internet. Really gives the freelance lifestyle an Oriental touch.
:: : LOS ANGELES : ::
The trendy neighborhood of WeHo leads the LA pack of hookah lounges with Habibi, a teeny, packed little affair off Broxton where tables are crammed so close that you can probably cross pipes with your neighbors. This set-up might offend uptight city folk, but this is the most authentically Middle Eastern layout we've seen in the country. Hookah lounges are supposed to be social gatherings in Muslim countries, and Habibi offers Los Angeleans an excuse to mix and mingle. But if you're yearn for elbow room, check out the extensive flavor collection at Gypsy Cafe, where over forty versions of hashish range from the standard strawberry to an unexpected liquorice.
:: : SAN FRANCISCO : ::
Like Los Angeles, San Francisco also offers some notable hookah hotspots that will entice both beginners and experienced patrons. Kan Zaman on Haight Street (coined as “Stoner Row” by residents) features breathtaking belly dancers as they perform tricks involving knives and fire. Their hookahs are reasonably priced, which is why this venue gets packed before midnight everyday! Beginners will also appreciate Sunshine Coast on the same street where the wait staff demonstrates how to smoke hookah properly. Visitors have even stated that if you’re friendly to the staff, you’ll be able to bring all the Presidentes or Coronas your heart desires. Cairo Nights stays open until 4AM, a rarity in San Fran, especially for hookah spots. This new establishment offers over 90 imported hookahs in flavors, like classic cola and guava.
:: : CHICAGO : ::
Even Chicago is getting in on the hookah action. Sigara Hookah Café and Lounge is known as the first and certainly one worth visiting. Their tobacco flavors are fruit infused and molasses-based, providing a sweet and spicy kick that will last into the night. Sigara also serves wines and rum to help enhance hookah flavors, thicken its smoke, and deliver an even more relaxing experience. Aria Lounge has numerous locations in the suburbs of Illinois and offers unique flavors, such as cosmopolitan and white wine. Aria’s atmosphere is warm and cozy, which will explain why patrons have to wait at least half an hour just to snag a table! Lux Chateau is also a favorite among both tourists and residents for its “royalty” scenery. Lux has an exclusive selection of over 200 flavors, an overwhelming menu reserved just for coffee, and they feature reggaeton on Thursday nights. Don’t like your choice of sheesha? Lux will refund your money, plus groups get one free refill during happy hour.
:: : BOSTON : ::
While there aren’t too many hookah hotspots in Boston, this doesn’t mean you can’t find a place to wind down and enjoy this exotic tradition. Stanza dei Sigari is a cigar parlor and fine liquor bar that has been around since the 1920’s and is still kicking. Their knowledgeable attendants and “Stanza Girls” helps visitors combine their own hookah tobacco with liquor. Sheesha Lounge highlights Latin-inspired flavors, such as mojito, pina colada, and tropic mix, which is blended with mango and pineapple. Patrons at this spacious venue can also eat authentic Middle Eastern food. Local artists can seek refuge in Spiritual Haze, which has successfully hosted hundreds of events featuring art, music, karaoke, yoga, and open mics. Spiritual Haze describes their sheeshas as tobacco leaves soaked in honey and molasses, flavored with various fruits and spices, resulting in a gentle smoke that’s filtered through water, juice, or milk.
