by Cadence R.

My Downtown Hookah Bar experience made me frustrated from the moment I arrived. I handed over my ID and then they proceeded to ask me for $8.  I must have a look of horror on my face because they quickly assured me it wasn't just for a temporary membership, but also because they were going to have belly dancers.  I'll be honest, in my 5 months away from the state I had completely forgotten about the requirement for temporary memberships, but usually they run at $5, so I guess the other $3 was for the "entertainment."  I would have just left, but there isn't really a better alternative nearby and it was cold out. It just seemed easier, although heart wrenching, to part with the money.When we got in it was pretty empty, but it filled up as the night went on.  The first room upstairs has a lot of couches and lounge chairs as well as either a DJ or a live act depending on the time or day.  We decided to stay more towards the back room.  If you have ever been to the Venetian hotel in Las Vegas that is EXACTLY what the room looked like.  Fake sky, fake ivy twirled around columns and super kitschy looking furniture.Drinks were only $4, but they were incredibly weak and won't do much for you.  Expect to buy at least 10 if you want to be buzzed.  The hookah was given two thumbs up for blackberry vanilla, thumbs down for orange and a very enthusiastic applaud for cherry vanilla.  I don't enjoy hookah so I can't really add my own opinions, just the general thoughts of the group.The only bright spot of the night was when I was standing in line for the bathroom and before I could go in the owner of the place went in to pick up and add more toilet paper.  I enjoy a hands on owner and enjoy clean restrooms.  While they get points for it being clean, it was very odd. It looked like they couldn't decide on the color and had panted swatches on the wall and just decided to leave it.  There was also a hole in the wall where it had been punched out and more fake ivy twirled around a pipe coming from the ceiling.I saw belly dancers for maybe 2 minutes. Not worth the extra $3, but for a good night with close friends, I can't get too upset about spending the $8.