Bassra Cafe

Great hookah but definitely only gets three stars because of lack of ambiance. There were not a ton of places to sit down and have a big group get together. We had to pull chairs over from other places in the bar.

However, the service was outstanding and the hookah tasted good. We wished they had served alcohol, but do not have a liquor license.

Meh sums this place up pretty well.

I started coming to Bassra after American Hookah burned down. I only came here because I was not really knowledgeable about the various other H-lounges around Riverside, so after trying a few other places, I've never been back.

Always took forever to get half black/red coals and the shisha was always of low quality. Out of 50 or so times I visited this place, there were probably only 10 or so enjoyable experiences. (good service, good coals, good shisha)

Theres much better in Riverside.

Tried Bassra on a whim with two of my friends because we ran out of hookah tobacco.  There is a decent amount of patio space outside that is usually packed full of people on weekends so we decided to give it a try.  The prices are very reasonable; $10 for a basic flavor, and I believe $12 for Starbuzz or one of their house mixes.  

The attendant was very attentive and friendly and changed our coals regularly.  They play an eclectic mix of music (I think they let customers put on their iPods and play what they'd like) but I have quite varied tastes in music so I enjoyed it.

It's nice if you just want to smoke and chill on the cheap.  I like the laid-back atmosphere as opposed to the sometimes uptight vibe I get from Mediterranean Palace at the UV.