The Kasbah Lounge

by Eduardo C.

I patronized Kasbah on a Second Saturday and so my review is generous when it comes to the service my group received.My group of ten arrived and were seated within 15 minutes.  At ten pm.  On a Second Saturday.  I think that was fast.We ordered a couple of hookahs and some drinks.  The waitstaff were as helpful as one could expect on a Second Saturday.  The night went well although we waited a while for the check and then for them to process our plastic.The bar is very pretty.I would ordinarily give this place three stars but their beer list makes me give them one extra star.  They offer beer from Armenia and other farflung countries.  I am fascinated with transcaucasia and I studied it a bit in college.  I want a beer from Armenia.  I will come here just for their beers.  Geography drinking is fun.  I also want to try the food.  I like merguez.I shall return.

by Rose C.

The Kasbah Lounge is one of my favorite places.  This is where you want to go if you want to get cozy with your date. Why? The ambiance is so cool with the sultry Moroccan décor, candles and cozy intimate seating in the booths with pillows. NICE. Again, you have to WANT to be THAT close with your date otherwise you'd have to scoot over to the bar or to a table!Even though it's "nice", it's also casual. You can kick up your feet, walk in and out and just RELAX.   The Moroccan music is fun, as well as the live band, belly dance entertainment and the hookah smoking outside. I also like the menu. It's not everyday I get to eat Middle Eastern food or Spanish food, so that's fun, too.   I always get the pita appetizer and The Chi Chi Al Fuego( flaming cheese).  This is a must order, not only because it's tasty since it has brandy in it but I also love the fiery presentation. Very cool.The tiny tables are cute but they are wobbly and TINY, especially when you have several orders!!  I also like that you can order from Tapa The World, the restaurant next door since they're owned by the same owner.  It's nice to have more choices!Service isn't consistent. It's usually just "okay". I've never had "great" service there.  Regardless it's still one of my favorite places!

by ericka L.

Christy and Julie took me here last Friday night for drinks and I loved the vibe. The seating that wraps around the space is softened with hanging lights, Moroccan arches, colorful pillows, and beautiful drapery.We took seats in the corner and ordered Mint Tea for Christy and Kasbahpolitans (pomegranate martinis with Cointreau) for Julie and I, along with Banana Beignets for us to share. The Kasbahpolitans were a little sweet and could have used more alcohol, but the Mint Tea was amazing. It's made from nothing but North African spearmint and honey and it was so soothing to my sore throat.The highlight of the evening was definitely the Banana Beignets, simultaneously creamy banana and lightly crisp dough. Paired with vanilla bean ice cream, this could not have been a better dessert. Julie confessed that she once decided not to sleep with a date after trying this dish, for fear that the evening could only go downhill after such a sensual eating experience.Our server was pretty delicious as well.

by Olivia L.

In terms of ambiance, this place takes the baklava (that's Middle Eastern for "cake." Yes, I can say that--I checked my "Don't be an Egocentric Douche for Dummies" handbook.)Not going to repeat what Slade H. and others have already said so eloquently, but I will add that I was expecting Robin Williams (as a plus-size friendly genie) to materialize from the middle of the room in a cloud of smoke. It's that cool inside.But if you do bump into any men formerly trapped in bottles, ask him for just one wish: a small loan. 'Cause you're going to need it at this place. That's where the star deduction comes in. I guess they are just trying to keep it classy ... but lawdy lawdy, it adds up fast. Paul, you rock my world.

by Rose C.Olivia L.Slade H.

The Kasbah Lounge is one of my favorite places.  This is where you want to go if you want to get cozy with your date. Why? The ambiance is so cool with the sultry Moroccan décor, candles and cozy intimate seating in the booths with pillows. NICE. Again, you have to WANT to be THAT close with your date otherwise you'd have to scoot over to the bar or to a table!Even though it's "nice", it's also casual. You can kick up your feet, walk in and out and just RELAX.   The Moroccan music is fun, as well as the live band, belly dance entertainment and the hookah smoking outside. I also like the menu. It's not everyday I get to eat Middle Eastern food or Spanish food, so that's fun, too.   I always get the pita appetizer and The Chi Chi Al Fuego( flaming cheese).  This is a must order, not only because it's tasty since it has brandy in it but I also love the fiery presentation. Very cool.The tiny tables are cute but they are wobbly and TINY, especially when you have several orders!!  I also like that you can order from Tapa The World, the restaurant next door since they're owned by the same owner.  It's nice to have more choices!Service isn't consistent. It's usually just "okay". I've never had "great" service there.  Regardless it's still one of my favorite places!In terms of ambiance, this place takes the baklava (that's Middle Eastern for "cake." Yes, I can say that--I checked my "Don't be an Egocentric Douche for Dummies" handbook.)Not going to repeat what Slade H. and others have already said so eloquently, but I will add that I was expecting Robin Williams (as a plus-size friendly genie) to materialize from the middle of the room in a cloud of smoke. It's that cool inside.But if you do bump into any men formerly trapped in bottles, ask him for just one wish: a small loan. 'Cause you're going to need it at this place. That's where the star deduction comes in. I guess they are just trying to keep it classy ... but lawdy lawdy, it adds up fast. Paul, you rock my world.I decided to go here since I was looking for a place that had good entertainment and to try my hand at hookah. First off let me say that the interior is magnificent. I felt like I stepped into a Moroccan lounge with the wonderful tables, throws and pillows lined up around the  walls. The ceiling even had wonderful fabric drapery hanging down and the walls were decorated with Moroccan antiques.As for the Hookah, of course it has to be smoked outside. However even the outside has wonderful tiled tables and heat lamps to keep you warm in the cold. We got the Melon/White Peach mix, which honestly was kind of hard to taste. However it could just be we were new at it and doing it wrong hah.Back inside we got a cup of jasmine tea and turkish coffee. Both were absolutely splendid! A lovely flowery aroma from the tea and a deliciously dark, strong shot of turkish coffee. To top it off their tea kettle was wonderfully worked iron and the turkish coffee came in the most awesome little decorated cup.The highlight for the night was the belly dancer who was fantastic. She even made my friend get up and belly dance with her!I would love to come here again!

by holly m.

I absolutely love the Kasbah! I have to say it is a bit pricey however well worth it. The food is excellent, I've had quite a few things there. Most memorable the chi chi del fuego. Its basically cheese that they light on fire at your table, very awesome. My favorite however is the Fatima's Platter. You get hummus, and babaganoosh, and something else and the pita bread is all you can consume....as long as you have dip left. :) The hookah...amazing. I, as well as most of my friend, own my own hookah which is by far much cheaper however I don't mind splurging here. They have just about any flavor shisha imaginable. You can get about 2hrs out of a bowl and their coals just amaze me cause they glow yellow. As far as this inside, I'm not in there ofter because the hookah smoking is going on outside. However, the decore and ambiance is amazing. It always smells so good, inside and out, and the belly dancers are just fun.

by Ulla T.

Amazing atmosphere, beautiful interior, great food music, great service, what else can you ask for? I like how themed everything is, they serve you food and beverages in very traditional and unique silverware.   I love getting a seat by the wall where they have pillows and you can even take your shoes off, and have more privacy, or enjoy watching belly dancers, one of them offered me and my friends a lesson in belly dancing, she was awesome and friendly (didn't get her name, she was a blonde)Mint tea is amazing, also best mojito I've had, very well made.  Hookah is outside and is very enjoyable, so unlike other hookah bars around town that are too crowded, dirty,  loud, and are underage kids hangouts.

by Sierra W.

The Best Place to Rest Your Feet And Show Off Your Sex-Lubricated-Joint-Grace After Taking Lomo Pics of the One-Man BandI don't 'hang out.'.I'm not a secretary or sorority girl looking to get trashed fast and grab a cute girl to make out with. So I expected to feel out of place when one of my very hip young blogger friends asked me to meet her here.BLISS.The doorman/owner sprang to open the door before I hit the entrance. One guy in a group of dudes having a hookah on the patio spoke to me (respectfully) in a language I didn't understand and then said "You look Moroccan".  I am, about 1/4, but no one EVER says that to me.People who aren't locals apparently come here for the food!  It was going to be a good night.The tables are wobbly and tiny, the music sounds like a neutered Amon Tobin with some world-beat Hamburger-Helper production, the hipsters fighting over every item on their separate checks over at Tapa are annoying, but the food, the dance, and the ambiance redeem all.The Lentil Soup is better than it sounds. In fact,it's some of the best I've ever tasted. The fried cheese is sophisticated and satisfying, and just the thing to  eat before a glass of one of the pleasantly- astringent imported wines washes your veins clean again. Then some mint tea. Bliss, I tell ya.I missed the live music nights, but the belly dancers are the real thing. Real serious tribal fusion or cabaret-style performers and troupes, not cute amateurs doing the Girls-Gone-Wild undulation they try and pass off at other clubs. The drinks are incredibly strong, fresh and authentic. (The wine list is awesome as well). If, like me, you're not particularly image-conscious or young, you can still turn a few heads here  by accomplishing  a slinky, controlled route- of -flight amongst the rattly chairs, low banquettes, gyrating dancing girls and tipsy Kasbahtini-drinkers.  I saw adults of every age and color the nights I was here. Everyone appeared to be getting treated well.Service was stellar. A fun night out if you love everything Moroccan....or just look like one.

by Rose C.Olivia L.Slade H.Andrew N.Eduardo C.

The Kasbah Lounge is one of my favorite places.  This is where you want to go if you want to get cozy with your date. Why? The ambiance is so cool with the sultry Moroccan décor, candles and cozy intimate seating in the booths with pillows. NICE. Again, you have to WANT to be THAT close with your date otherwise you'd have to scoot over to the bar or to a table!Even though it's "nice", it's also casual. You can kick up your feet, walk in and out and just RELAX.   The Moroccan music is fun, as well as the live band, belly dance entertainment and the hookah smoking outside. I also like the menu. It's not everyday I get to eat Middle Eastern food or Spanish food, so that's fun, too.   I always get the pita appetizer and The Chi Chi Al Fuego( flaming cheese).  This is a must order, not only because it's tasty since it has brandy in it but I also love the fiery presentation. Very cool.The tiny tables are cute but they are wobbly and TINY, especially when you have several orders!!  I also like that you can order from Tapa The World, the restaurant next door since they're owned by the same owner.  It's nice to have more choices!Service isn't consistent. It's usually just "okay". I've never had "great" service there.  Regardless it's still one of my favorite places!In terms of ambiance, this place takes the baklava (that's Middle Eastern for "cake." Yes, I can say that--I checked my "Don't be an Egocentric Douche for Dummies" handbook.)Not going to repeat what Slade H. and others have already said so eloquently, but I will add that I was expecting Robin Williams (as a plus-size friendly genie) to materialize from the middle of the room in a cloud of smoke. It's that cool inside.But if you do bump into any men formerly trapped in bottles, ask him for just one wish: a small loan. 'Cause you're going to need it at this place. That's where the star deduction comes in. I guess they are just trying to keep it classy ... but lawdy lawdy, it adds up fast. Paul, you rock my world.I decided to go here since I was looking for a place that had good entertainment and to try my hand at hookah. First off let me say that the interior is magnificent. I felt like I stepped into a Moroccan lounge with the wonderful tables, throws and pillows lined up around the  walls. The ceiling even had wonderful fabric drapery hanging down and the walls were decorated with Moroccan antiques.As for the Hookah, of course it has to be smoked outside. However even the outside has wonderful tiled tables and heat lamps to keep you warm in the cold. We got the Melon/White Peach mix, which honestly was kind of hard to taste. However it could just be we were new at it and doing it wrong hah.Back inside we got a cup of jasmine tea and turkish coffee. Both were absolutely splendid! A lovely flowery aroma from the tea and a deliciously dark, strong shot of turkish coffee. To top it off their tea kettle was wonderfully worked iron and the turkish coffee came in the most awesome little decorated cup.The highlight for the night was the belly dancer who was fantastic. She even made my friend get up and belly dance with her!I would love to come here again!I really enjoyed this place, but only gave it 4 stars b/c the price.We enjoyed a bunch of their appetizers including their empenada of the day, which was andui and mushroom. They were all ok. The fries were also good.My FAVORITE part of my experieince by far was the sangria! WOW THAT WAS YUMMY!  Some of my friends commented that it could've used a bit more wine, but for a weakling like me it was perfect ha ha A Pitcher was 18 bucks or something and filled up about 6 cups.Hookah was cool too, but pretty pricey. There was an 18 or 20% automatic gratuity charge on it.I would go again, but probably not too often due to what I got for me money.I patronized Kasbah on a Second Saturday and so my review is generous when it comes to the service my group received.My group of ten arrived and were seated within 15 minutes.  At ten pm.  On a Second Saturday.  I think that was fast.We ordered a couple of hookahs and some drinks.  The waitstaff were as helpful as one could expect on a Second Saturday.  The night went well although we waited a while for the check and then for them to process our plastic.The bar is very pretty.I would ordinarily give this place three stars but their beer list makes me give them one extra star.  They offer beer from Armenia and other farflung countries.  I am fascinated with transcaucasia and I studied it a bit in college.  I want a beer from Armenia.  I will come here just for their beers.  Geography drinking is fun.  I also want to try the food.  I like merguez.I shall return.

by Kally T.

I like Casbah quite a bit!  Great bar, beautiful decor.  On the weekends they've got belly dancers...and they kind of freak me out a bit, but they're really good... I'm just a little freaked by belly dancers in general.  I love the Kasbahpolitan.  Yummy.  Great food as well.  Everything I've tried there I enjoyed.  Plus it's right in the heart of midtown so it's fun to walk around the area and enjoy a nice Sacramento evening...  If you're a hookah fan, you'll love the scent of the fruity smoke wafting around the courtyard area outside.  (there's no smoke in the restaurant itself).