The Pineapple Express is my favorite flavor here. Â I highly recommend this as a chill date night place. Â you can talk and not have to talk over any loud music. Â the service is equally nice as well. Â kyle our server was extremely knowledgeable about the menu and was very patient with all the questions we had. Â if you're not a huge smoker, you should probably bring more people with you cause one hookah flavor is more than enough for about 4 people. Â and if you have more people, you can sit in your own private room surrounded by pillows and long sheer curtains dividing you from the next room. Â
i wouldn't recommend going on a friday night cause it gets a little crowded. Â my boyfriend and i like to go during the week to wind down.
I enjoy going to a hookah bar with my friends over the weekend after a long week of work, just to sit and relax. This place did just that, I enjoyed my time here and I felt very comfortable with the atmosphere. Everyone around here minded their own business and you can really have a good time here while at the same time you can relax. I'll make sure to bring out the good word about this place to all my friends!
Review Source:I was a huge hookah smoker in college. It was just part of what we did.
When I moved to Chicago I definitely didn't smoke as much - mostly because I didn't have the friends around that liked to do it often.
I had one at home I'd smoke occasionally, but then my cousin tipped it over and burned holes in our carpet in a drunken stupor... so we decided not to smoke at home anymore.
This place was conveniently a block away from home so I tried it a few times. Once I sat in the front at a table - not the most relaxing way to smoke a hookah... so we made a reservation for the next time and got one of the cool private rooms with cushions on the floor and a table for your coffee/tea and hookah in the middle.
Tons of flavors to choose from and you can mix them. I don't really remember the prices, but I wasn't overwhelmed by them.
I think it's a great place to go if you feel like gathering with friends, but don't feel like drinking.
First time hookah experience was great, and Samah definitely made it enjoyable. The wait for our reservation was around 30 minutes, but it wasn't that big of a deal. 2 pipes for 4 people and it was roughly $10/person, which was good. I think they have a better deal that's a bit more per person.
Kinda wish some of the areas were a bit more private, but they've got a really long list of flavors and drinks. The atmosphere was cozy and fun and inviting. Everyone seemed to be having a good time, and I'd say it's a great hookah bar! Definitely will be coming back!
Should've reserved a room because the front tables weren't the coziest.
Between me and two friends, we chose one flavor and smoked that quickly...too quickly. We didn't order anything other than drinks, but the original beverage I had chosen was out of stock and I kept hearing the server telling other people that almost everything they wanted wasn't available either.
Also, this was a Saturday night.
Meh. Just meh.
The only other places I've smoked hookah has been in India, South Africa, Turkey, and Spain. I was excited to check out this place right here in Chicago, and it lived up to my expectations. The atmosphere has you feeling like you are somewhere exotic in the Middle East, it was a very chill space, and we relaxed with some tea and pineapple hookah. Loved the floor cushions, music, and lighting. We will be back.
Review Source:Samah is the best hookah experience I've had in the city so far. Â Sitting on the floor pillows in the curtained private rooms under the dim lighting with soothing background music will make you feel as if you've been transported to an Arabic harem. Â They have many flavors to choose from and our hostess helped us pick out a couple of flavors that we really enjoyed. Â Food is not bad, your usual Middle Eastern appetizers like hummus and pita which comes in to-go boxes. Â
This would have been a 5-star review were it not for a few negatives: Â Gratuity is automatically included on all checks even if it's a party of 2. Â Water isn't free and they tend to rush you out when it's busy. Â Finding parking on Clark street can be challenging to say the least (not their fault tho). Â Other than it's all good here.
I am a lover of hookah bars and the Twin Cities where I'm from doesn't have much. So when I heard that Chicago has a lot of hookah bars, especially indoor ones, I decided to take a visit when I was on vacation with my sisters in Chicago. For four girls, 2 hookahs, and beverages, it came up to $45.
The lounges are fun are quite romantic, in my opinion. There are a ton of flavors to choose from and the crowd of people who visited the hookah bar is diverse, which I really like.
I had a great experience here. My friend and I got the couple package and both of us enjoyed two hookahs and tea for 40 bucks. We were in there for a good two plus hours. The service was great! Our waitress was helpful, fun and super attentive. Good selection of flavors and teas.
I've been here few time in the pasted few years, I think is time to give the space a face lift.
I've been here a few times. Â My only other hookah experience was at a sketchy place in DC, and Samah tops that. Â Still, I don't love Samah. Â The service is usually slow, even when there are very few people there. Â On the plus side, I've never been rushed out - even on a Saturday night. Â The flavors are pretty good, though, and the blends are kind of cool. Â I've only tried the hummus here, and it was alright. Â The food here is definitely overpriced, and I'd never even think of ordering anything other than an appetizer or two. Â
They have belly dancers some nights. Â We had a lot of fun with one of them while celebrating one of my friend's birthday. Â Later, though, the dancer knocked over the metal sign holder that sits by the hostess stand which then hit my head. Â I barely got an apology. Â Since then, they've put in a glass case or something between the front and that first booth.
They are good at giving recommendations, and the decor is kind of cool. Â I liked the ambiance from the dim-ish lighting and the large couches. Â My experiences here have just been kind of meh, for lack of a better word.
Samah has definitely impressed me. Been there a few times and every time has been a great experience. The staff there have consistently been friendly, accommodating, and ready to send some witty banter your way as well.
Everyone there is knowledgeable on flavors and everything hookah and ready/willing to help you decide which to try or to let you know that they have some killer special mix that they'd like you to try. I'll admit that I haven't been steered wrong yet. The hookahs come out ready and I've always been able to start blowing some great smoke rings almost immediately.
The ambiance is also pretty great and sets a great mood for dates, to just chill by yourself, or to be with a bunch of friends having a good time. In other words, this is a "versatile" place and will most likely fit any sort of adventure you'd want to have with people. Be warned though!
This place will fill up quick so RSVP in advance, or at least call to check to see if they have enough availability for you to just walk in.
Wednesday night, January 3, my friend who lives in Boystown took us to Samah. Being used to California's hookah bars/lounges, entering the place, on the left you see curtains, sort of tent like draped down. The person at the register will ask if you would like a reservation, California terms: "would you like a table behind the curtain or on the side?"
We get a reservation, approaching these tent like sections, you see like Arabian lighting, beige/tan walls, a mosaic table in the middle with huge sitting pillows surrounding it, and curtains on the encasing each section so each party has privacy.
The hookah itself was really good. I give this place 3 stars, because we were kicked out. Samah's reason was that our reservation was up and a party was waiting. WT* happen to "relaxing with a hookah". This is not a hookah place if you cannot relax and enjoy it then interrupted to leave. Unsatisfied service!!!!!!
As I continue to "Hookah America" I have stumbled upon this gem. Â
I sat here debating where or not to give it a 4 or 5 star review. I came to the final decision of 4 for two almost three reasons:
One: It's pricey. I have smoked hookah now in five different states and it's probably the second most expensive place I have smoked. Â
Two: They let people smoke cigarettes... they don't "technically" let people smoke cigarettes but if someone lights up they wont stop them. - I HATE cigarette smoke. Â Plus it's beyond me that anyone would want more tobacco with their tobacco, but that's besides the point.
Three (ish): There is no alcohol served, and that's fine. But everything in Chicago seems to be BYOB.... bring your own seems out of the question, but then again it could be one of those "well technically" kind of ordeals.
I love the private rooms. Â I love the pillows on the floor. Â I love the service and the people that work there are down to earth and pretty knowledgeable.
I haven't eaten the food, I don't eat the food at hookah lounges because in my experience, if they aren't a restaurant FIRST the food is terrible and stay away. Â To me it's kind of like having espresso in a tea lounge.
I've been to Hookah Lounges in 4 different countries! I have my own hookah at home, I have friends with hookahs, my father has one and I grew up setting up the coal for him... however, if you want to be overcharged for (bad) hookah and bad food, then turned over and f***ed before leaving for the evening... you should come here!!
First of all, the hookah taste was BURNT and I was not the only one who thought so, the people across of me complained about it as well. Secondly, I went in on a Wednesday late afternoon to do some work - the place was empty! Why on God's green earth would I be charged an 18% gratuity fee!! What the fuck!?
Then, the menu says that the teas and coffees are free refills as long as you are dining in. When I asked for a tea refill the waitor asks me if I want to change the tea bag, I said, "Umm... sure, I don't really care." And then he charged me for TWO teas because he changed the tea bag. When I questioned him about it, he laughed like I was tickling him with pink feathers and said, "Everyone knows that if you get the tea bag changed you get another charge." Even though he was laughing like a hyena in heat, he was not joking!
This place is perfect if you are not Middle Eastern and do not know what good quality Hookah and Middle Eastern food is. If I could give a ZERO star rating, I would.
I have to revise my initial opinion of this place because it can be either a delight or a nightmare, depending on how the dice roll.
On the positive side, it is a polished, sophisticated venue with really creative private rooms, good music, and good ambiance. Sitting in the private rooms, you will be on the floor with pillows and the hookah in the middle, like you're in a Middle-Eastern harem. I personally am not a smoker, but the food here was superlative. So, if everything goes smoothly you'll love it, you'll be fine.
Thing is, there's a potential for mishap due to their reservation policies. Most negative reviews for this lounge focuse on the fact that Samah is almost impossible to get into without a reservation, and once your reservation is up they literally throw you out. So, you'll have potentially many good times here, but logically the reservation stuff will get you eventually. One of the reviewers related a story where her company received their second order five minutes before their reservation was up -- and the management threw them out upon the end of their reservation! I mean yeah, this is supposed to be my review, and not someone else's, but having been in here, I believe this story 100% -- especially given how many different people are telling it.
Overall, the place is great, but you'd better be prepared to leave when your time is up, or you'll end up sorely disappointed.
This place is AWESOME! I love their package deal. It's $10 or $11 per person and you get all the shisha you want plus drinks. The seating arrangement is awesome and very relaxed. I love how they have each area sectioned off to add some privacy and make it seem more exclusive.
I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in Chicago.
This place is amazing! It was our first hookah experience, but we will definitely be back! The ambience is amazing, and it is so relaxing.
Service is pretty great, the guy we had, I think he was new. He had a cheat sheet of the flavors when we asked him about them. It took him a while to bring us our things, though, but they were really busy, and he had a lot of tables. So, I didn't mind.
We didn't have a reservation and just walked in, the four of us, and we were able to get the couch, luckily. Next time I will definitely make a reservation in advance for a private room! I just REALLY wish it was BYOB, or that they had alcohol!
Their party package is an EXCELLENT deal. It's optional for 4 people, but required for groups of 5 or more. It's $10 per person, each person gets to pick a flavor, you can also combine 2 for free, and you get a free drink. Coffee and tea have free refills! They told us we had an hour and a half, but they let us stay for 2 hours, we were stoked!
We tried Nelson Mandela, a flavor the staff there was raving about, and Jolly Rancher first. Our waiter got the two hookahs mixed up, so he wasn't sure which was which, but when we tasted them we kind of figured it out. One of them I did not like at all, it tasted like green tea, but the other was very fruity.
Then we had 2 combo flavors, chocolate mint and orange vanilla. Basically their Choco Mint and Dreamsicle flavors. Those two were delicious!
I've been to Samah NUMEROUS times, and I won't be going back any time soon. Â
I went there with my friend, and made a reservation for 2 about a week prior. Â They sat us in our room, and notified us we had the room for 1.5 hours, unlike 2 hours which they used to offer. Â
We weren't sitting by our clock watching the time by any means, and ordered a second flavor and an order of hummus. Â Our server brought everything to us accompanied by the bill. Â He then notified us we had 5 minutes left in our reservation. Â WHAT?! Â We JUST got our second flavor and food. Â Are you kidding? Â
As there were numerous high-top tables available, we asked to be relocated as the tables were first come first served. Â Our server said it shouldn't be a problem, but had to check with the manager. Â It was a problem. Â They would NOT reseat us as they said everything, even the high-tops, were booked. Â So booked means empty?? Â
We got the extras taken off our bill, left, and bought our own hookah. Â I suggest you do the same.
"On your left you'll see the one and only place Chicago has to offer for hookah, Samah."
This is hands down "thee place" people take their visiting friends. How could they not? Located on a stretch of Lakeview that is known to allure and entrance, a glance inside and the gorgeous interior beckons even the strong-willed.
If available (make a reservation on weekends), get a private sitting room with the carpets, curtains and pillows, you WON'T be able to leave. THIS is the experience you want from hookah. But if you miss out on the private room, even just sitting at the high tops is an experience in itself.
The price usually runs with a per person deal that include a drink. That may vary. Regardless, make this a stop on your windy city tour.
This hookah lounge is a very trendy place. The atmosphere is dimly lit with excellent house/arabian music and private floor-seating rooms. With plenty of space and pillows, it's a great place to kick back and relax with friends.
The prices are also pretty reasonable, there was a special for unlimited hookah with a desert and drinks... something like that. I remember taking advantage of it and liking it.
Service was pretty decent too, I never had any problems with that. You will need a reservation if you plan to go at popular times like Friday night and weekends.
So now you're wondering... why the 1 star??
The Hookah blows. Yup. Anyone who has reviewed the hookah as excellent CLEARLY has not tried enough hookah or is some typical uncultured American trying to buy into the hookah scene and feel hip/cool.
Honestly, the hookah here is coarse and flavorless.... which is the main focus of this establishment. The music, setting, service, this is all secondary to why you're at Samahs.
I've been to other locations in the Chicago land area and experienced smoother hookah with strong(er) flavors... don't waste your time here unless you want to simply go thru the motions of smoking without actually enjoying it.
Ahhhh....I want so'mo Samah! This is what after work should be--on a  daily basis! I, along with another friend of mine are  hookah newbies and were accompanied by our hookah-head friend/co-worker to Samah. Surprisingly for a Thursday night, it wasn't crowded.
Picture this: Kick off your shoes and relax into an oversized satiny pillow or two. A Moroccan style decor surrounds you with jewel-toned draperies as you puff-puff-pass the hookah tube. Talk about cozy smokin....The middle eastern/loungey tunes set the vibe perfectly, urging you to move.
Typically, I don't like feeling buzzed and have never enjoyed smoking, however, this was just enough buzz to give me a nice mellow feel. I know for next time, though, not to hit it too hard or I'll end up with a headache again.
Good conversation, good nibbles. We got an order of the spinach pie (which tasted way better than it sounds) and were swoonin' over this bottled iced tea. At first, I was giving the take-out container that the appetizer arrived in the side eye, but I figured what the heck; not a major big deal.
Our waitress was cool, attentive and friendly. And I must mention that she didn't boot us out after our reserved time was up. Nice. It was all chill. Wouldn't mind hittin' some late night hookah and checking out the belly dancer. Make sure you reserve a spot early, lest you get the table seats sans the private curtained areas w/pillows.
I'm giving this place four stars but I feel I have to give you all the caveat that I was tagging along in the company of two seasoned Samah patrons. They just told me "hey we are at Samah, why don't you join us"! So they already knew to make it a late night and have a big party so I had the easiest time on enjoying my Samah experience.
Two trips to this place and each time was a bit different. The first time it was a nice laid back area in the middle of the place with private curtains. Our server seemed to know what he was talking about and gave good recommendations. I even liked the belly dancer that came that night ... she got me to dance salsa with her which I won't ever say no to!
The next trip was a bit of a bigger group so we had a couch lounge area that worked out well. I was able to see how it is from a medium size party to a bigger one. I must say that I wouldn't find this place all that fun with any less. It seems to be laid out better for groups and definitely make reservations for an easier go of it.
I now love Samah!!!!!!
As An P stated in his review, it is best to roll deep and make a later reservation. Rolled in at 11:30PM this past Friday with 14 peeps and they were really great at accommodating our party. My boy Sam, made sure we were really taken care of. It was $10 per person and a free drink per person (they don't serve alcohol).
We had hookah blowing all over the place as we chose many different flavors. I recommended everyone to try the Miami Vice flavor, which is not on the menu and it was a big hit with everyone! Usually they give you a two hour window, but since they close at 3AM and we were such a great group, they let us stay until closing time
Good times!!!
The secret of Samah is to roll deep and to sure as hell make reservations.
After departing from Yelp Office Hours at Caoba in the early afternoon, it was due time for a reunion with Andre W., Rafael C., and Diana R.. Andre made reservations for 11:30pm, I made reservations for midnight and beat them there with the couple I had dinner with from the Spirit of Chicago Cruise. After ordering hookahs and tea, the waitress informed me someone named Andre W., wanted to join me. "Hell no!!!" I yelled, "Who the hell would want to hang out with that fool!" Â No, not really. I said come on through and our party of four instantly became a party of seven.
Little did I know that six was the magic number! With six people, they open up their party packages featuring all you can smoke shisha, all you can drink tea and a bad ass time guaranteed. People started taking off their shoes and we were all sitting in a nice booth with curtains that we kept open, lest scandal be suggested. The Arabic music mixed with electronic ambiance took me to some other place while the shisha was mad delicious to snuff out the alcohol.
Then came a belly dancer doing some mad dancing and when she came back the second round the boys tried to put money in her clothes but I said, "She is a belly dancer, not a stripper!" One unnamed party then proceeded to do some madhouse dancing with the belly dancer! Â As the night went on, our party got sleepier and sleepier with three of our seven conveniently taking naps. The waitstaff didn't kick us out and let us keep going!
A+
Ahh the fresh fragrance of Hookah... I love it! Â I've been here a handfull of times and I've always enjoyed my experience. Â I was much more in to Hookah before I turned 21, but now and then I still enjoy a trip over to Samah. Â I have only been to Samah and Sigara a bunch of times, but Samah is definitely better. Â
The place is pretty small, so call ahead for reservations, especially if you're coming with a group. Â I was taken aback at the actual length of this place - from the outside it just kind of looks like a brightly lit space with some tall tables and a counter for sitting. Â My first impression definitely wasn't the best. Â However, upon entering, you realize the space is so much longer than it seems from the outside and the back portion is beautifully decorated with low lights, curtains, pillows and private rooms. Â I think that's what I like so much about this place - all of the smoking areas have privacy curtains so it feels like you're in your own little Hookah space. Â A lot of places just have a common space with tons of pillows where you can sit and gather, but this was much more intimate and cool.
I've never actually ordered from their "regular" menu because we always get package deals when we come here. Â I highly, highly recommend the packages (referred to as "private parties" on their website). Â The $10 package is our normal choice and that includes one drink and two styles of Hookah (unlimited refills). Â I have always been really pleased with the package and I love that it comes with a drink (hint - get something like tea or coffee that comes with free refills and you'll be set all evening!). Â
My only issue is with the service.  I like that generally the groups are left alone to hang out and talk, but the service is super, super slow.  When we actually needed refreshers on the Hookah, our server was no where to be found.  When we needed drink refills - nothing.  Some servers have been better than others, but I'd say that the service is generally crappy at this place.  I think they need to get a handle on how long it takes groups of 6, 10, 15, etc. to actually finish a Hookah so they can come in and refresh on a regular basis.  Or at least  be around so we can find you!
This summer, I visited Samah for the dessert portion of the most spontaneously romantic date... ever. We were seated in a cozy, private, curtained room- even without reservations. (However, it seems like we must have caught them on an off night, and I'd make reservations in the future.)
The service was attentive but respectful of our space. We shared mouthwatering cake and a delicious combination of tobacco flavors, which I remember being suggested by our server.
I may be biased, but the whole experience was hot, and don't mean from the smoke!
Well well well! A venue that actually listens (read: reads) to its reviews!
Samah has totally replaced the carpets (and the lounging cushions too, it seems) and I'm in love with the gorgeous ambiance once again!
The mouthpieces are still too big and the charging for water is still unfair, but on a recent weekend visit, it was a much more adult crowd, and a far less high-schoolesque hangout. Â My original word of caution remains though- MAKE A RESERVATION! (And since they only answer their phones after 5pm, do it early!)
Otherwise though: very nice Samah, very nice!
5 stars for the room, very beautiful.
Unfortunately nothing else impressed me.
I called to find out about the parking situation and the hostess couldn't help with because she didn't drive.
It was freezing cold in there,
The floor pillows and the carpet in the private rooms were full of stains.
They closed the place 30 minutes early and did not mention that there is 90 minute limit for the booths when I made the reservation.
They don't allow any alcohol.
I had a perfect romantic night planned here and was very dissapointed.
I recommend Sigara instead of this venue.
I went with one of my friends and we had one of the rooms. We were both Hookah virgins until this night.
We cashed those HV-Cards in and we cashed them good! Both of us being fans of fruit, we ordered the Vimto which was just fabulous. We tried the Alladin's Lamp (banana, melon, cinnamon) and Hawaiin Boobs (coconut melon...boy did I get a kick out of that one when I finally understood why it was coconut melon). Yum yum.
Samah, I don't care what others say about you. I'm glad you hosted my first time.
We came to Samah on a whim while walking down Clark St late night on a Monday. I had never been to a hookah bar because I'd incorrectly associated it with smoking. My boyfriend, who is a non smoker, assured me that if I could puff a cigar, I could try hookah. I've been known to smoke a fat one out of spite so I agreed to give this place a try even though images of the caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland were making me giggle on the inside.
The inside is dimly lit and decorated in dark draped cloth. There are tables in the front, but a bit further back there are two carpeted elevated levels that run to the back of the room. The levels are divided into small (12x12?) sections by curtains that are bunched together at the bottom. For privacy, the strings on the bottom can be removed to create a makeshift room.
We cozied up in on the pillows, and listened to our waiter Felix tell us about the different varieties. We ordered his suggested caramel apple which was a mixture of apple, vanilla, and cinnamon along with a green loose leaf tea. The hookah itself was interesting and quite intimidating to this hookah virgin. After watching my boyfriend take a few puffs I decided to try. It was easier than smoking a cigar, and even though I was inhaling, my lungs did not burn. Instead my body felt as if I were baking an apple pie. As much of anti smoker as I consider myself, I really found myself enjoying this.
While I don't see myself visiting too often (merely because I don't like the thought of inhaling that much tobacco) I really enjoyed the setup and the idea of this place. They don't serve alcohol, but it was nice to snuggle up on pillows and just talk about life with this novelty smoking machine. I'm told that on weekends you have to reserve the rooms with large groups, but seeing that hookah won't make me miserable at work the next morning, I can see us unwinding here every so often during the week. They also serve Mediterranean cuisine so I look forward to coming for dinner next time. Unlike other reviewers I saw no problem with the service and the manager actually took a few minutes as we were leaving to explain how the room rentals worked. This was a great accidental find! They even have a Yelp! sticker on the door!
If you are going out with some friends and would not mind spending some cash - this is your place.
So for $30 you get an appetizer, entree, dessert, drinks and hookah (the drinks and hookah get unlimited refills)
Try to be sneaky and split this special - it is enough food for two - three people!
Pros: THE BEST HOOKAH FLAVORS IN CHICAGO, period. Â Fantastic music, wonderful seating ONLY IF you get a private room, great ambiance, good price packages.
Cons : Incredibly annoying & incompetent management (enough to turn hundreds away), overpriced food, overpriced water, incompetent management, terrible seating in the front room...did I mention a terribly incompetent and borderline retarded manager?
Things to remember : Don't you DARE walk in on a Friday or Saturday night without a reservation and wait for a tiny table in the front room - you WILL be turned off. Â Make reservations a week ahead of time. Â Its a good place for a first date, a group of friends, or any other occasion. Â When you call ahead to make your reservation, have the person explain in crystal-clear detail how much time you'll have...its unnecessary, but you'll be glad you did.
If you like hookah and have the patience of an Indonesian monk, you'll love Samah.
I've never eaten here; this place is pretty great as a Hookah lounge goes. But only *if* you make a reservation and have a booth. My current bf took me here on one of our first dates; it was fucking magical, so of course I have a tiny little sentimental attachment.
If you don't have a reservation, skip it. The tables out in the front are not comfortable AT ALL. We went back again once w/o a res, and shared a hookah at the glass tables in front. We actually had to move twice b/c the tables were wobbly! Needless to say, this time there was no fucking magic. jerks.
But I will def be back, *with reservations*, to relive those warm and cozy, hookah-smoking-new-love feelin's.
p.s. stop charging for water
I used to frequent this place quite a bit back in 2004/2005 when a friend worked there. Â I loved, and still love, the decor and overall feel of the place with regard to layout. Â But the quality and service seem to have taken a hit, since I was gone. When I returned, I was SHOCKED that you could not get a glass of water, unless you want to shell out 3bux for Fiji.
Smoke is an irritant (my favorite irritant) and they have the gall to charge for water?
Ridiculous.
The food was about the same as I remember (the vegetarian platter is great), Â but the servers were not nearly as friendly, and willing to chat (even during a completely dead time) as before.
Go to sigara, or (if you're like me and really love smoking) go a block south of Samah, and get your own hookah. Â This place has fallen off.