in Pasadena, CA

Isis Lounge LA

1615 East Washington Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91104
(626) 414-4386

http://www.isisloungela.com/

Details
Shisha: Starbuzz
Hour: Mon-Sun 5pm-2am
Price Range: $$
Credit Card: Yes
Outdoor Seating: No
Alcohol: No

August 07, 2010

Rating:

Music, Smokes, Good Vibe, but a bit pricey... by mrhookah

This place is right next to Bliss Cafe - another hookah lounge, but the vibe here is much different. I'm reminded of going to a club when visiting this lounge. It's located in a building that they have revamped into a hookah lounge. From the outside, it looks like a closed off building but it opens up to a hookah lounge at night.

The music is kind of interesting. The DJ started with arabic music, moved onto pop music, and ended with hip hop. I was surprised that the crowd was already disappearing around midnight. Compared to Bliss Cafe, you'll notice the clientele is much older.

When you order, the first thing you notice is they'll upsell you. You want the normal hookah - but they'll ask you to get additions. Also, they don't have normal water. You got to order '1 drink minimum' per person. Plus they have cover charge on special occasions. I assume most weekends will have cover charge.

The feel is good for those wanting an upbeat energy-driven scene. They have two rooms - one for large groups and one music room. The music is a bit harsh for the ears - possibly better speakers or just lowering the music would help. The music room needs more ventilation. It can get quite stuffy. It be nice if there was a larger crowd with people dancing too.

Overall, it's an average hookah lounge. The music is ok. Their service is pretty good. They come by to make sure your coals are replaced. Their bathrooms are clean. They have good food. The price is the negative here - cover charge, hookah price, drink minimum. I have to knock it down a point for that. I'd expect to be going to a very nice lounge if I have to pay cover charge and follow the club rules when I smoke.

Average Review Score:

(4.5) 2 Votes 102

August 17, 2010

Rating:

Owner by Sarkis Gregorian

First - in order to be fair, I wont give Isis a higher rating than "average". I'll let whoever comes in determine that.

Second - this is more of a response to the initial review.

We don't have a cover charge. We only have a one drink minimum. If this review was written on the Aug 7 - then the reviewer PROBABLY came in on the 6th where we were doing a Fundraiser Event for a UCSD Sorority (AGA, Zeta Chapter).

They needed help, and we gave it to them - the cover charge of $7/person was all that was requested that night from the house. There was also a $10 entrance fee which went completely towards the Fundraiser. The DJ that night was DJ D-Lite who was brought in by the Sorority. And has no relation to us. This occasion was STRICTLY for that night alone and will probably never be repeated.

Our hookah prices are as follows - $10 for AlFakher, $15 for Strabuzz, $13 for our Premium Mixes, $17 for Exotic Mixes. We also have 6 different Fruit Heads available varying in prices based on the cost of the fruit and the amount of shisha they can contain (apples 50-60 grams, oranges 70 grams, cantaloupe 100 grams, pineapple 130 grams, mini-watermelon 150 grams, king watermelon sitting on two hookahs - over 300 grams). Also our average bowl can take about 25-30 grams and our extra large bowl takes around 50 grams.

We have 2 kinds of hoses to choose from and most patrons who come in on more than 2 occasions opt for our Sultan Hose Upgrade for $2 more. Considering you can get hookah for $10, making it a $12 hookah and getting a bigger hit is usually well worth it.

Lastly, I'd like to personally thank you for noticing our food quality and our cleanliness as well as our strive towards better service. I hope you visit us on any other night as you'll have a much different experience. Just a note - we have two DJ's who spin for us on Fridays & Saturdays and play different sets each time. Any other night of the week is much more chill and relaxed.

Thank you for visiting us & see you soon!

-Sarkis Gregorian
CEO
Isis Lounge & Restaurant

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