Cairo Cafe - The Mirage of Knoxville

by Loretta L.

Well, they have hookahs after 9, I believe. I've actually not tried the hookahs there, but I like how all the smoking is off limits until a certain hour. Their selection of vegetarian entrees is zero, but their appetizers are very good, and since I don't eat much anyway I was happy.I will be back.

by Michael L.

Updating my review to 4 stars...been there a few more times and service has improved.  One of our favorite things to do when people come visit.Large Space, Arabic Music Videos, Comfy Floor Pillows, Belly Dancers, Tastey Hummus and Even Tastier Hookah...I've visited this place around 3 or 4 times now, each time for Hookah ad drinks.  Their prices are very reasonable(compared to places I used to go in Boston).  The food is good, though I haven't had too many things.Turns out I'm a big Hookah fan, and I recommend the Melon for beginners (like me) and the Cherry for those wanting a nicer buzz.  They will also mix any flavors you want, and my friends love a Caramel and Coffee mix.On Saturdays they have live belly dancing...most nights after 11 or so they crank the music up and everyone starts dancing a little, so if you're looking for a place to relax and have quiet conversation, try to get there around 9 or so before the place turns into a "club".I'd only give them 3 stars, because the service has been rather poor (at one point I had to literally get up and find our waitress because our Hookah coals had completely gone out) last couple of times we've been there, on both Hookah, drinks, and food.  It's an understandable relaxed atmosphere, but when there's only a couple of people in the place not seeing your server for over 30 mins is a little silly.

by Audrey D.

This review is not about food (we didn't eat there that night).  Just ordered the peach hookah smokes.  There was occasional belly dancing.  I liked the vibe and I will return to try the food.

by Sarah W.

I'd give 'em 3 1/2 if I could. The hookah's great, lots of flavors, and insanely cheap. I've paid three times as much for hookah and not had nearly as good an experience. Haven't had the food yet, but the fianC says it's great. I'll definitely up the rating if that's the case next time I go. The service is spotty. One time we didn't know whether to sit down or wait to be seated, so we waited, and waited, and waited some more, until the owner got up from the bar where he'd been staring at us for a while (not joking) and asked us if we wanted a table... Just got back from there this evening, and wouldn't yet be home if the coals hadn't gone out on the hookah (though was time to be gettin' home anyway)...The atmosphere is okay. Belly dancer is a nice touch, though the one we saw tonight is obviously American, which I thought was a little bit of a downer. Decor is little shoddy, but aight. Let's just say, the place could stand for a little competition in the area. That'd bring it up a notch.

by Mary T.

First off, I always call this place Mirage.  I think the name of it at night is Mirage and during the day it's Cairo Cafe.This place makes you feel like you are in a different city other than Knoxville.  It was truly a cool experience with hookah smoking, belly dancers, and a front room filled with cushions where you sit on.  I tried several of the appetizers however my favorite was the feta dip.  It was wonderful.  The hummus, baba ganoush, and the stuffed grape leaves were also quite good.  I also tried the Kofta Kabob (ground beef).  It was fantastic.  The lamb chops are also a great choice!The service was lacking majorly.  We only saw our server every 20 minutes or so.  We would order a bottle of wine and they would be out and it would take her a while to get back to us on that.  Overall I thought it was a unique experience unlike any other you will find in Knoxville.  It will also make you feel like you are out of Knoxville which can be a great feeling!  Try it out!

by Grace L.

The cushy interior is very conducive to a relaxing night of jasmine and rose shisha.  Bring a few friends and they'll keep the coals going for four hours if you so desire, and they'll be happy to split the $10 per hookah check at the end of the night.  The Arabic television will keep you entranced while you lounge around, and the hummus and babaghanouj come garnished with olives with unlimited refills on pita bread.  However, come here with a lot of patience.  Sloooooow service and it wasn't even busy.  20 minutes for a glass of water.  Why???

by janelle p.

Cairo Cafe is the reason, my friends, why Al-Qaeda has attacked the USA.  Terrorists are not provoked by our foreign policy, nor our hunger for black gold, nor George Bush.  Rather, terrorism occurs because we let Cairo Cafe defame and blaspheme Middle Eastern cuisine.As a resident of the greater Detroit area--the Halal capital of North America--it is my duty to heighten Americans' alert to phony, disgraceful, sacrilegious Middle Eastern food.  And in the spirit of remembering decade-old movies, here's my list of "Ten Things I Hate About You", Cairo Cafe.I hate your store-bought pita bread,that's Greek and not Egyptian.I hate your grainy hummus,that has more oil than my hand lotion.I hate your foul-tasting foul,an injustice to Egypt's national food.I hate your Chinese lucky cat;confusing cultures is downright rude.I hate how alcohol is front and center,though Muslims do not drink.I hate how you call a la carte "tapas",because Spain and Egypt are the same, ya think?I hate your shish tawook entree,which tastes like Applebee's.I hate your Thai sticky rice pilaf,all wrong to so many degrees.I hate your sky-high prices;this is Knoxville, not New York.I hate that chicken penne's on the menu,as sinful as would be pork.But mostly I hate the way you didn't enthrall,not even closenot even a little bitnot even at all.