Hidden Cafe Reviews
by B L.
never had a problem here. the servers are cool just gota warm up to them. the hookahs are great, and the music though loud at times is usually pretty good, at least when they keep it on the trance/house xm station. they play movies and sports games sometimes. of course theres alot of kids that come here. what the heck else are they gona do. its a good place if you dont mind the kids and noise.
by Alice W.
In my health-defiant, eff-cancer, hookah heyday, there was nothing better than a jaunt to Hidden Cafe to smoke 4 hookahs. Now, its been nearly 2 years since I've been (and renounced hookah), so proceed with caution.What made the experience here all the more nourishing was their little menu of Mediterranian appetizers and beverages to wash all that smoke down with-- fruit smoothies, hummus? They've got it. The crowd is definitely young-- newly minted 18 year olds quick to flash their now-valid ID's. It lacks the sophistication that an older crowd would favor and I doubt I'd venture here anymore. TVs are always on and the music (hip hop, house) is bass heavy. The flavors of hookah range from the usual Apple to more exotic offerings. Also, they do combination blends as well. There are plenty of tables and a few couches strewn about. I've never left here without a thick raspy voice the next day-- a mark of a productive evening. They also have a hookah VIP card-- smoke 9 hookahs and get the 10th one free.
by littlej s.
I used to like this place when the actual owner ran it, but now it's terrible. You have to be friends o the workers to get service, so when you do ask for coal, expect to be ignored. Also, the seating is very uncomfortable, they've got these little tiny tables and you're kinda squeezed in with everyone else so when you ash the coal, its all over you in a minute. Also, when you leave, smell your clothes...they'll smell like coal. This place sucks, trust me, you'll feel awkward when you go, if you complain, oh my god, it feels like you're gonna get killed...place sucks...
by kevin s.
I went here once a few years back..... Pretty chill place they have a big selection of flavors..... Would definitely like to go back there some time
by Danny C.
This is pretty much a 18-20 year old hang out. It is a bar for those too young to go to an actual bar. The dark lighting and loud music make it difficult to do much except smoke hookah, which seems contrary to the social atmosphere hookah bars are supposed to be. I guess they see themselves as being to hookah what Lucky Strike is to bowling.It wouldn't be too bad except for their ridiculous rules. One hookah per 2 people. Most other places don't care how many people use a hookah as the more people that use one usually mean the shisha burns faster and they'll order more. With their one hookah per 2 people rule, you're pretty much stuck smoking one the whole night. Not good for those who like to try different flavors. It is also incredibly unfair to odd numbered groups. Imagine a bar having a 4 drink minimum for couples, but any single customer has to buy 4 drinks for himself. It is also horrible for people who don't smoke. They used to let you off the hook as long as you bought some food and drink, but the last time I was there they told my friend he had to get a hookah. Haven't been back since. Rules like that are why the only people who go here are 18 yr old kids with nowhere else to go.
by Michael C.
The Good: Dim and loud atmosphere, sort of like a club. If you're into hip-hop music, flashing lights, and smoking hookah, this is it. I like this place when I'm in the right mood. If you want to go somewhere chill, go to the one in Anaheim. The Bad: Sometimes, it could get a lot of hectic and this place does get busy during those weekends. Try: the iced tea. It's made very well.Don't Try: touching the coals with your bare hands. Obviously.
by Randall T.
I have a confession to make. After quitting a while back, I've started smoking hookah again.This place is alright. The flavors are good, but sometimes, the hookahs they use can be in various states of disrepair. The last few times I've gone, my hookah had leaks, introducing air into my hose as I tried to smoke the shisha. I confirmed this by blowing into the hose and feeling for escaping air.Also, it's too dark and the music is too loud. It can be difficult to talk to your friends sometimes. If they turn the lights up just a little bit and turn down the sound a notch, I think I would have a better time.Alas, this place will never compare to my old favorite, Al Basha Cafe.
by David L.
This place is usually packed. Full of youngin's who aren't old enough and those who are but choose to spend their nights here just to chill and be away from the bar scene. There's usually a good mix of people and there's lot's of eye candy to peruse while billowing your cloud of fruit scented smog into the air. Good looking women, good hookah, and friends. What more can a person ask for? Good service, that's what!My friends and I were there on a Saturday night. The place wasn't packed, but still good. We managed to get a table right away. We chose what we wanted but had to wait about 10 minutes before anyone would take our order despite us putting the table light on to signify that we needed service. When we finally put in our order it took 10 mintues for the hookah to come out. Not too bad right? Do you know what's essential in smoking a good hookah? Coal. Nice hot coal. We didn't get any for about 20 minutes. We waited and looked around. Finally a guy came around to give everyone fresh coals. RIght when he gave the table next to us their coals he ran out the door to talk to his friends! My friends and I just kinda looked at each other in disgust and my friend said, "you better Yelp this place." I guess the only way you'll get any attention in this place is if you're a good looking girl.Hidden Cafe, I hope you receive the same amount of luck as The Hidden Kitchen and close down.
by Lauren G.
I like coming here with a group and hanging out for a bit. I usually come early in the evening though to avoid having to wait or putting up with groups of tittering Esperanza high schoolers. The drinks are pretty bad, so stick to bottled water. During peak hours you will have to wait for coals and once or twice they've forgotten my drinks or tobacco refill. It's close to home and they have a "frequent buyer card" which is a minor perk. Sometimes the music is too loud but it's still fun if you bring good company.
by Bryan T.
I like this location the best. The other one is really HIDDEN and sometimes isn't as filled up. You can find a steady crowd of people filtering into this Hidden Hookah Cafe up until 4 AM in the morning. They don't serve alcohol, but they like to smoke hookah into the wee hours of the night.If you are going to choose between locations, I recommend that you go to this one.