House of Hookah

by Kate N.

I had been to House of Hookah once before (on a week night) and had a great experience. NEVER go to this place on a weekend or busy weeknight - it's too small and too crowded. We had 4 people at a table for 2, and when another larger group got up from their table I asked an employee if we could move there - he said no because they had larger groups coming in - understandable. We had one hookah and when an employee came to change the charcoal for the 2nd time, i asked if we could get another hookah instead - he said he would come back. When he came back he brought us our bill! I told him that we weren't finished and would like another hookah to which he replied "we have a wait list and need this table.".... WHAT?!?!? We are PAYING customers wanting to enjoy another hookah at full price and you're telling us we have to leave because you have other people that need our table. Let's put this in perspective - say I go to a busy restaurant for dinner - I enjoy my entree and ask for dessert. The server would NEVER say I couldn't have dessert because they are on a wait and need to seat another table.So, while i was sitting there I called Samah (3330 N Clark - MUCH BETTER SERVICE AND ATMOSPHERE!!!) and asked if they could get us in right away. We left and took our business (and tip) elsewhere.Thanks, House of Hookah, but I will NEVER return to you again. There are other much nicer places in the city that I'd rather spend my money.P.S. I never write reviews for places online like this - but I was appalled by the service and behaviors of the staff.

by Rhonda G.

Puff puff pass...the hookah. What did you think I was talking about?Hey, the truth campaign didn't say anything about flavored tobacco..or do they? Whatever. Not the best place to go in my opinion. In fact this place felt kind of skeezy and dingy and I actually felt like I was doing something wrong by being here. We ended up here by accident when the place we wanted to go to was closed.I know smokeshop staff peeps are supposed to be laid back and whatever but these dudes were completely inattentive and rude to us.Also, $3 additional for a person who is just occupying a seat and not inhaling flavored smoke. Corkage fee is $2 per person and they don't open anything for you but they will give you a wine bottle opener with someone's old ass cork in it. One other group in the place and they didn't have wine so no telling how old that wine cork was. Kind of gross.I won't go back here...many other places to try.

by Nick H.

It's just not a very comfortable environment, which is key for a hookah lounge.  Way too small and crowded.I'm not going to pretend to rate the hookah because I'm a clueless white male.I love the music videos though.

by Andrew H.

The ambiance could really be enhanced. I would really advise them to put in more plush seating, not just around the corners and against the walls. In fact, the tiles on the floor along with those tables and chairs in the middle make it seem like a cafeteria. Great concept, awesome videos, but the comfort level should be improved.

by Lindsey S.

Hookah smoking is really not my thing, but I ended up coming here for a friend's birthday one night and found that I rather enjoyed myself. They have a variety of flavors to choose from and the setting is very comfortable - lots of comfy pillows to sit on. The best part, strangely enough, are their coffee drinks. I ordered a latte and it was delicious and super cheap. I might come back here if I was looking for something chill to do on a week night since it's so close to my apartment, but I'd say that if you are interested in trying something new it's a cheap alternative to eating out or bar hopping.

by Bethany M.

Loves the hookah, loves the Arabic music station.

by Monika G.

This is by far my favorite hookah bar!  I've been going there since they opened and have never had any complaints.  The owner is super nice, and the guys that work there are just awesome.Their tobacco selection is wonderful, and they're constantly coming up with new flavors and combinations.  Oh, and their coffee is seriously delicious!They do get busy and it can get crazy, but that's just part of the fun of a hookah bar like this.  I like that it's a big room full of people sharing the same experience.As long as you understand that the guys working and running around trying to get everything done and are friendly to them, they'll be super nice to you and treat you with above and beyond service!I can't wait to go back!

by Terrence M.

while the ambiance is less then perfect for a middle-eastern hookah place...the environment is really comfortable and the staff is very hospitable.  the menu is really good in terms of providing a comprehensive list of flavors, everything from watermelon to jasmine and blueberry!Despite people having horrible experiences there, i've had one good experience - that's not to say there aren't better places out there!  In any case, i woudl definintely go back again to check out some other flavors.   I have to say that there are a lot of smokers in there and the ventilation is pretty decent, so that gets all that mess outta the air so you can really enjoy the hookah.  we stayed until really late on a  monday way past closing time and we weren't pressured to leave or anything which is nice on the manager's part.

by Clay J.

Went here once on a Saturday night and had a great time. Stayed until close and had a few hookahs with friends. Good coffee. The old man who seems to run the place gave us a surprisingly delicious recommendation of Blue Raspberry... BUTWent back last weekend and had a terrible time. I agree with Chiara N., I thought they would be real chill, but they weren't. They ushered us out of the place after an hour, when we had been waiting for a guy to come and offer us a refill.Plus the place is packed with high schoolers, like it or not.The Arab-American videos that they show are, however, very awesome.

by Heather S.

I've been here twice, and will probably never ever ever go again.  This is, without a doubt, the worst hookah bar I've ever been to.  It looks like a cheap coffee shop inside, the service stinks, the prices are too high, and they rush you out as quickly as they can.  There is not relaxing, having fun, it's smoke and run.  Do NOT go here!