Mystique Hookah Lounge

Well. That was a little awkward. Apparently they shove all groups of two {we are lame, okay.} at the back by the bathrooms and prep area. We invaded the space of a perfectly nice couple and awkwardly sat across from them. Not by choice! That's just where they put us. The waitress tried to seat another couple on an awkward bench with no back shortly after and they declined. Good call. Not *that* big of a deal, but...

No alcohol served which I thought was totally weird for a hookah lounge. Not that I was drinking, but they usually go together at other hookah lounges I've been to in LA. Where I also didn't drink...obviously not a deal breaker for me, but something to consider. You can BYO for a small fee.

You're charged a $5 sharing fee which I've also never seen before *and* gratuity is included. Our server was perfectly nice, but I think including gratuity is so sneaky. I've worked at places that do it, just another something to be aware of.

Don't get the "ice" thing. It's {obviously} BS.

Clean, but slightly cheesy. I just wanted it to be my favorite shady hookah lounge in Westwood ran by a man who parks his white Bentley outside and only takes cash.

I realize I just called this place a little shady and then went on to describe an even shadier place as better.

Whatever......

I can't really comment on the quality of their hookah or the ambiance. I haven't been to enough places to really be an expert. I do agree with everyone's comment about them nickel and dim-ing customers, which irritated me.

This place is DISGUSTING! Went there with my friend after work one night, not my first time there so I wasn't hesitant to bring my friend along. But boy was I wrong this time...

As I'm turned to the side talking to my friend, I notice something crawling on the wall. Thought it was just those dotted lights they have...
But this crawling thing caught the corner of my eye a second time.

Yup, cockroach.

I freaked out and jumped up really fast. (with all those crazy drapes and pillows they have everywhere, you wouldn't even be able to see HALF the crap crawling around)

The guy bringing coals around finally noticed I looked really disgusted and came over. I told him exactly what happened, and he was really quick to walk away and say the manager will be right over.

Manager comes over, and we point out where we saw it. He takes a look and says he doesn't see anything. And also mentions that he has seen one before and thinks its coming from the cracks by the door. I explain that I want to be moved, and I don't think I should have to pay for this bill, when half of it was knocked over from me jumping up.

He say's he'll move us to the "VIP" section, which was just a few tables away, and said he would take care of us. Okay...fine....but I am not staying much longer.

But of course, I'm paying more attention and keeping a look out for anything crawling around. And guess what? Spotted 2 more on the COUCHES! Where people sit...

So that's the last straw. I refuse to be sitting in an infested, dirty, shit hole. I get up and stand in the walkway, away from any type of fabric, and ask for the check.
Now I thought I wouldn't have one, because of what I just experienced...
But I am not a cheap person and I would have liked to leave a tip for the waitress who did help us. Its not her fault she works in a dump.

Manager hands me the bill... 15% off? Oh gee thanks, hope I don't get any diseases now.

Needless to say, I won't be back. And the board of health should be there soon.