The Hookah House

Reviews & Tips

• 0

  Just across the street from one of my favorite restaurants in Lawrence (715) is the Hookah House.  Sure, they are playing some arab music videos from youtube, but if that doesn't bother you (and they are pretty hilarious, some of them) then sit back, order some tea and hookah, and relax.  It's a nice way to start or finish a night.

  Review Source:

  Posted on 05.12.13 Stephen H.

  • Report
• 0

  The Hookah House is nestled in a little loft above the hustle of Mass Street. Upon entrance, the room is a long rectangle with windows at each end and low, colored lighting. Painted murals of the Middle East adorn the walls, and a variety of unique decorations. They've recently added string lights, which add an even nicer atmosphere at night. Sitting by the window allows for a view of the street below! Seating consists of two low sitting benches that run the length of the room, with a bunch of colorful pillows to separate you from your neighbors. Music is played at different levels, during busy times the music can be rap and hiphop, but electronica, alternative and Middle-eastern type of music is also played frequently.
    The servers that run the business are all members of an Arabic family (Although now there are some outside hires). They're very friendly, and regulars will have the treat of getting to know them personally. Coals on a busy night may run low, but asking is all it takes for them to be refreshed. Flavors are now available based on brand - 12.99 for a basic, 15.99 for premium, and 17.99 for Nirvana, the shisha made by the Hookah House family. Basic includes flavors from Al-Fakher, and Premium includes Fumari, Social Smoke. Food prices are acceptable, water is no longer freely available (.99 now) due to FDA regulations, but outside drink is accepted. Refills are based on the type of shisha you order.
  The Hookah House stays open late, and during the spring and summer there are a lower amount of people around. There's a lot of college kids who frequent here, but older crowds have also made appearances! Even when it's loud and busy, it makes for good conversation - no one to overhear you, and during down time sound doesn't carry.
   I've been to a few hookah bars, but even while this seems more expensive than others I have been to, it has never failed to provide me with a good time, and the atmosphere is much more conducive to relaxation or bonding time with friends.

  Review Source:

  Posted on 04.30.13 Caitlin B.

  • Report
• 0

  Pretty cool for my first hookah experience.  There seemed to be a lot of young guys (who look like they play a lot of Magic) hanging out.  Also, I wish they would pick one music genre and stick with it; they were literally playing YouTube videos from their laptops and one minute it would be some bangin' Rick Ross, the next some weird belly dancing.  I liked this place and I'd definitely try a hookah bar again.

  Review Source:

  Posted on 03.19.13 Rachael G.

  • Report
• 0

  I thoroughly enjoy the Hookah House.  The people who run the place are AWESOME.  It has a cozy interior, and is a great place to go chill with a group of friends and chat around a hookah and some snacks.  It's great any time, but I have to say I usually end up there at 2am when the bars close - it's a great way to end the night and sober up before driving home.  I also like it that time of night because it's pretty lively!

  Review Source:

  Posted on 12.19.11 Lizzie L.

  • Report
• 0

  I used to spend some serious TIME here back in my KU days (what I wouldn't give to be a restless hippie college kid again...)
  
  I started coming here right after they opened and have been fortunate enough to watch it grow and evolve over time getting larger, getting prettier, and the service has never once faltered.  The family that owns/runs this joint is fantastic.  After you go a few times they really get to know you, know your name, know your flavors, know your drinks.  Its the kind of special touch that makes you want to go back to a place.  The hookahs are beautiful, they use super tasty shisha, and the food/drinks are killer!  I'm not playin' when I say that some of the best hummus and babaganouj have come from this joint.  I moved away from Lawrence before they had the room next to it and turned it into a little bakery/shop thing so I can't comment too much on it.  But I did hear that its where they make all the food that's served inside of the Hookah House and as such, I can attest for how good it is.
  
  The ONLY thing I don't love about Hookah House is something that is truly bittersweet.  I wanted so badly for this place to really catch on and do well in Lawrence, and after a little time it totally did.  This means I don't have to fear for its disappearance in the ether of flash-in-the-pan Mass street joints.  Unfortunately, since its only 18+ it also means that EVERY high school kid that doesn't have a fake ID will be there, all the time.  I guess part of me is jealous that this kind of place didn't exist in my hometown for my 18 year old days...but it also sort of ruins any hope for peace and a good unkilled buzz when its jam packed full of teenagers.  
  
  That said, I've never let the potential crowd dissuade me from going, but I have turned around and gone elsewhere a few times after showing up and it looked like a high school holiday dance.
  
  I miss these guys and as always will visit whenever I'm back in town.  Keep it up!

  Review Source:

  Posted on 02.06.11 Nate M.

  • Report
• 0

  This is the second hookah/nargile bar I've visited in Lawrence.  The location is interesting: second floor of one of the buildings on Mass, right across from Cafe Beautiful.  If there were half stars, the place would get 2.5 stars on a busy night, and four stars on an empty night.  (See below.)
  
  The Good: Good quality tobacco.  The service was prompt: drinks were brought out swiftly, our nargile was brought out often, and our charcoal was refreshed often.  They have backgammon sets.  Always a plus.  When it's fairly  empty, I'm guessing it's a very nice atmosphere.
  
  The Bad: It wasn't empty.  It's loud.  It's hot.  There's no middle eastern tea (Turkish çay, or something similar). Instead, it's regular old black tea.  Meh.  
  
  The Ugly: The place is crawling with older high schoolers and college freshman who can't get into bars, and want to do something "adult" on a Thursday night.  This ruins the atmosphere completely.  I should come out on a slow night to see how the place is then, but until then ...

  Review Source:

  Posted on 04.01.09 Chris P.

  • Report