Desert Rose Hookah Lounge

After driving by for a few weeks, I decided one evening I had to grab a book for company, go in and see it for myself. The inside is larger than you might think from the small storefront, and semi-separated into an area in the back with small tables, chairs and a bench along the wall; an area with pool tables; a food/drink bar; and a "VIP" area near the front window. There is FREE Wi-fi, so if you'd like to study with a hookah rather than an overpriced coffee - this is the place.

The hookah flavors are pretty wide-ranging, with a more advanced blends for a small premium (see their website for the full list, but I think it was 50+)

Staff was friendly, and it was relatively empty on the weeknight I dropped by. Offers for new coals, more tobacco, etc were frequent enough to be polite and attentive but not overbearing. There is a small food & drink menu, and when asked they said they were in the process of obtaining a liquor license, but there is tons of red tape due to some other shady hookah lounges' actions (I personally know of 2 that I would describe as such - and they're the only 2 in the area..)

The "VIP" area if you ask me is misplaced. The former dojos bench was just flat wood (no cushions or pillows) and after 30 mins of puffing, my a** was asleep and lower back hurt from the awkward positioning - and this is coming from someone who's sat hour long sesshins in cold temples on hard floors.  Sitting near the door and big plate window doesn't seem so "VIP" to me either. It'd probably be more intimate if it was in the back.

I am however glad to see a new clean hookah lounge in the area. It's a kind of tough location (Middle Country Rd, across from the McDonalds, near nothing else in particular unless you count Mulcahy's - which being the elitist snark monster I am, I don't.  Ouch, ok I take that back Mulcahy's)