Cafe Chanta

by L L.

I find that your experience here varies with the service given. The first time I went I looooved it and they made me the most amazing chai. The next time i went they didnt even know what chai was and gave me some crappy tea with a tea bag... it was my bday and the service wasnt that good and we were the only ones in the place. the waitress was new but she knew absolutely NOTHING, i mean i know you're new but you should at least know a few things on the menu, since there are only like 5 items. Below is my review of the first time I went there:I love this place! I When I go to smoke shisha i want a comfortable relaxing environment that i can chill in for hours just chatting with friends and listening to music- and thats why this place is great.Atmosphere- warm, comfortable and not too crampedService- very friendlyFood- hit or miss (hit: hummus, tabouli. miss: babaganoush, dolmas)Hookah- awesome, not too many flavors and they were out of 2 things i asked for, but they give you bubbles and that kept me amused for quiet a while :)Dancer music- great and entertaining!My favorite hookah lounge in the city.

by nikki m.

i don't smoke hookah... except for when i come here. this place is my exception. they don't mess around with the same ol' hookah flavors. if you want watermelon flavor... there is a full on watermelon being stabbed by your hookah getting the life sucked out of it... which is amazing. their chai lattes are really good, they're open late, they have a few snacks like bagels and such which is great after coming back wasted from a bar with the drunchies. i love this place, nothing bad to say about it.

by Tammy C.

(See pics)What defines a city is not its big name stores or franchise restaurants or a few landmarks, but its smaller venues of eateries that have characters, uniqueness, friendliness, and subtle Wow-ness.Cafe Chanta has just changed ownership about 10 days ago from Gallery Cafe Live (http://www.yelp.com/bi...).They have already replaced the glass cabinets with a black granite bar counter and will be replacing the Jack-in-the-box style furniture with low plush benches.I came here after meeting a few new friends at Ryoko's and they just went to the new Cafe for a quick drink before dinner. They decided to go back for some hookah and I went with them as they told me how the place has been changing.The new place, while still under renovation (hard to tell since there was no dust but you can see its accompanied changes-- physically (furniture), mentally (atmosphere) and soulfully (clientele). It's already looking classy, elegant yet a very friendly place for those who want to socialize with friends with a puff while having a glass of wine/cocktails and food.One of the owners, Mike originally from Argentina, brought us some red wine, Black Label, etc while serving us their new hookah.This place is full of potential with the lovely chandeliers, beaded curtains, some beautiful Mohammed Hourian paintings,  and some new cushioned benches (they are replacing all the furniture to lower benches with cushions during this week), a black granite bar counter in replacement of the old glass cabinet, as well as they are moving the kitchen to the back. The new more relaxing and friendly style will dramatically redefine you weekend from going to a bustling night club night or as a pre-party venue beforehand!During the day, you can come here as a nice spot for some kababs and drinks. I have not tried them but am told they already have a chef who is also personal friend coming in to make some great food.Toku Wu is an excellent musician who plays modern (old as well as new) soothing music with his electrifying electric guitar that brings a sultry mood to a beautiful evening.Sumaia from Argentina was giving us a sneak preview on her shaking hips that showed a woman's curvy moves like a ripples of the river and at times like ocean's waves.Come and check out the new place as they are transforming the old cafe into a new food and socializing venue.

by Danielle M.

There's not a ton of room, but we lucked out getting a table and a hookah with no wait. Belly dancer was really good, but she didn't dance long at all. They have a water bottle mechanism to blow bubbles with smoke. It was amusing, but didn't look sanitary. The flusher to the toilet was broken and I had to lift the back of the toilet up to flush it manually (shit like that is not cool). Also, there's a man with a tshirt that says "hookah man" that starts your hookah. All the while I saw him doing it in the back, I kept thinking of swine flu. I'm not too much of a germ a phob, but it left me wondering what guidelines for sanitation hookah lounges must meet. It was my first hookah lounge state side, I have been to one in Kuwait and it was more authentic.  No belly dancers there though.

by master b.

great mediterranean feel. 2 belly dancing shows friday nights. hookah bar. beer wine only. highly recommend this place for something out of the ordinary. service was ok the waitress didn't seem like she wanted to help us, we weren't rude but, we did have a big group.

by josh g.

I went to this place last month. The place looks nice, the food is okay, the hookah pricing crazy. They put alil apple on top to fill it with flavor, and they charge you $15 extra just for that???? for an apple. Anyways, not only that, they charged me entertainment fee at a cafe???? anyways, the server was nice with an English accent. The atmosphere is nice and cozy, they definitely need to bring their pricing down if they want my future business.  I would go there if i don't find any other good spots

by Andrew K.

This is a very cool, chill place. Music is great, but a bit loud for conversation. Hookah was delicious - $15 for lots of smoke. We were not rushed out; it was real relaxed and we chilled until after 2:30 am. The owners were nice and gave us a free upgrade on wine. I will go back.

by Kendra W.

My best find of the month!! I think there is nothing better than finding a restaurant that feeds both the stomach AND mind, and Cafe Chanta does just that. I came here after a night of clubbing last week --- hookah is the perfect way to wind down! We ordered a few beers and the Mezza appetizer plate. Among other great items, the hummus here is the best I've had. Hookah prices are a bit on the expensive side, I think ($15, or $35 for double-dose), but its worth the money because the place is not overcrowded and clouded with smoke. Guava hookah was nasty (had a black licorice after taste), but Apple was great. Best part to me was the live ethnic music, instruments you can strum along with, and great friendly service of the staff. The owner even made me a bubble blower out of a plastic water bottle some soapy water -- I had more fun blowing smoke bubble than I'd like to admit :P. I've always complained about how SF clubs close too early, but with an after spot like this (open til 4am!), I think I'll be OK :).

by Hot Tequila B.

Cafe Chanta is great. They completely transformed the space from what it looked like before. There is cool comfy bench seating, low moroccan style tables, sectioned off seating which is great for groups of people. I love this place now. Not only can you go and smoke some Hookah but they have a full menu and bar. Everytime I go there is always live music and belly dancing on the stage. The owner is so nice and the staff is so attentive. Thanks Borhen!

by Zara A.

I love this place! Hookahs are great! happy hour $10 hookah after that $15!. Beer, wine coffee. Belly dancing on Fridays and Saturdays. Such a perfect spot in downtown especially b