Hookah lounges are rapidly becoming a fashionable part of the urban nightlife. These lounges offer a variety of services, but the most popular, of course, is the renting of hookah water pipes. For about $20, a group of friends can smoke a mixture of fruit, honey and tobacco through a three-foot hookah for an hour or longer, depending on how many people are in their party. Offering a relaxing place to unwind in the big city, hookah lounges are a popular stop after, or on the way to, downtown restaurants and nightclubs. San Jose is host to several of these lounges, and hey, if the Caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland was into it, why not you, too? Here’s the rundown on three of San Jose’s most trendy houses of hookah.
Hookah Nites371 South First Street, San Jose408-286-0822Daily: 6 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.$15 per hookah with two people for one hookah. Refills are half price, and you can mix flavors, add ice, or get a larger bowl for an extra $1 or add flavored syrup for $2. The interior is lined with comfortable booths and ottomans for seating. On the walls are big-screen televisions and a huge projection screen displaying everything from movies to sporting events. The music played includes hip-hop and trance. Also Patio seating is available in front, where guests can puff away and people-watch. “Hookah Nites” is more than just a hookah lounge: there are a variety of coffees and teas ranging from $1.75 – $4.75, too.
Giza Hookah Lounge18 North First Street, San Jose408-998-4622Mon. – Thurs.: 8 p.m. – midnightStandard flavors are a flat $16. Premium flavors, which have a better taste and longer life, are $22. Refills are $10 for standard flavors and $15 for premiums.When Giza opened in 2002, it became the first hookah lounge in San Jose and set the standard for lounges in the city. Every week there are new featured flavors. Last week featured Watermelon Mint and Peach Pineapple Raspberry. The interior is newly remodeled, and includes booths and couches. Egyptian murals add creativity and ambience. Music is always bumping, and during the week they play a combination of ambient and lounge music. On the weekends, top hip-hop and eighties hits can be heard. Manager Tri Luong and staff are always friendly and make this hookah lounge great for newcomers and veterans alike.
Shisha Hookah Lounge84 North Market Street, San Jose408-298-0300Daily: 7 p.m. – late night (may vary)$20 for any flavor hookah. Shisha offers only the highest quality hookah tobacco and accessories. A large selection of retail hookahs is available, along with accessories, drinks, snacks and fine cigars. The interior provides an authentic Middle Eastern feel. Murals and cabana style fans lazily spinning overhead offer a relaxing vibe for you or a group to enjoy. Patio seating is available outside and they play a a wide variety of music. If you want to experience an authentic hookah lounge, Shisha just might be the place for you.
