We have just released a beta version our brand spankin new hookah bar, lounge and cafe directory.  We’ve created it in such a way that it encourages reviews from YOU and the more you review the better it will serve YOU.

Here are some of the great features you can expect the directory:

• It’s powered by Google Maps so you know it’s easy to use and powerful
• We currently have a database of more than 500 hookah bars which is growing all the time.  We are still verifying locations so some listings may not be up to date but don’t worry we’re fixing that as you read this.
• User submitted locations: If we are missing a location you can submit it right to the site so that the directory contains the latest reliable info for you.
• User reviews and star ratings: each hookah bar has its own profile page that contains information about the location as well as comments and reviews submitted by none other than you.  Give some love to your favorite spots in your hometown.
• Worldwide support:  Locations come from all over the world so you know where to go when you travel abroad.

We hope you enjoy our brand spankin new directory and please give us ample feedback on your thoughts, concerns, criticism and praise.

Enjoy!

You can find almost any type of place you want to have a session.  Whether you prefer a more cultural feeling with less of a “done-up” style or a classy restaurant where you can enjoy drink service alongside your shisha, you can find it in the DMV.

This past weekend I had the opportunity to stop by Chi Cha Lounge on U Street.  Chi Cha is one of those club/lounge/hookah bar hybrids.  They have a full menu of mostly Spanish fare and full bar to accompany their decent shisha selection.  The hookah is a bit on the pricey side for the area ($18) but price reflects the premium atmosphere they promote.

The furniture and seating arrangement really adds a great aspect to the whole experience.  In the main bar area you’ll find very low comfy ottomans breaking up the large open floor in front of the bar.   A corridor wrapping around the perimeter of this main area has wall to wall velvet benches with tables staggered for smokers that want a more private feel.  Some would call it cramped, I call it cozy.

Probably the biggest surprise about the whole evening was the sheer number of people that flooded the bar just after 11pm.  Granted it was a beautiful night in a city that hasnt seen one like it since last fall, but it definitely isnt the scene typical to many DC area hookah bars.  Everyone came dressed to impress and with a great energy.

Even though the mob of people in the main lounge were enjoying a mix of dance and house tunage, the perimeter lounge, where I sat, wasn’t overwhelmed by how loud the music was.  It wasnt difficult conversing with company and it was nice to know that there was a party going on in the next room.  Again, not your typical hookah bar.

My only complaint lies in how our hookah was prepared.  I believe both of the bowls we ordered through the night were a little over packed causing the shisha to burn harshly.  I usually don’t mind too much and enjoy a little extra edge every now and again but my company did not appreciate it.

I know I’ll be back to Chi Cha.  It has a lot to offer and this time I’ll probably go check out the food.  It’s what I imagine is an urban hookah smoker’s delight.  It allows you to go out for an evening with friends who don’t like to smoke and still have a good time at the same place.  Chi Cha may be the pioneer of the up and coming DC hookah scene,  definitely check it out this spring and summer.

Chi Cha Lounge
1624 U Street, NW
Washington DC 20009 (map)
(202) 234-8400‎
http://www.latinconcepts.com/chi-cha

I like this product for 3 reasons:

1. Without being too cliche and using current popular culture buzzwords, this is an environmentally friendly way to smoke hookah.  With this product you’re actually recycling your old jugs of moonshine and bottles of Jack Daniels for use as your very own tacky but “green” hookah water pipe.  Leave it to us Americans to take the culture out of the hookah.
2. I like the idea of being able to customize my hookah with whatever bottle I can find.  I would take pride in experimenting with different types of bottle shapes and bottle sizes.  It allows you to fit your hookah to personality or your living room.  I’m really interested to start seeing some pictures of what people have come up with using this product.  Please don’t hesitate to send them to me.
3. I especially like this product because it’s dirt cheap.  It’s less than $15 to get your own Witch Hookah set up.  Thats a great deal especially if you’re new to hookah and dont want to commit to a nice one yet.  Check it out in our Store

I’ve read mixed reviews about how well the product works.  It apparently works better on plastic two liter bottles of soda rather than on glass bottles.  Though I’ve hard any leaks are easily sealed with electrical tape, which maybe ruins the whole point of having your own customizable piece of hookah art.

Another similar product I’ve heard about but its significantly more expensive is the HoboHookah.  In addition to the clever name, it looks promising but it’s less available out there.  HoboHookah does have a Hookah Gangbang video to it’s credit:

I’d love to hear your feedback about how these products work.

I am dying to know what the scene is like at Alhambra Palace Restaurant.  I stumbled on this photo of this hookah bar (or maybe I should say kingdom) place when I found the picture you see to the right, which I found on flickr.  Upon further investigation I found that this place looks to be nothing shy of immaculate but I have no idea because I’m nowhere near Chicago.

I know this seems like some shameless promotion but this is entirely based on intrigue.  I have a special place in my heart for restaurants and venues that aim to sell an experience such as the one shown in this picture.  If you are in the area and can visit Alhambra tonight, well I’m jealous.  If you’ve already been, tell me about it so that the rest of us can live it through your experience.What’s it like?  Astronomically Expensive?  How’s the hookah?  How’s the music?  When’s the best time to go (because you better believe I’m putting it on my list of places to visit based on looks alone)?

If you’re like me and you’re several hundred miles away make sure to check their web site and view the images under the tour section.  You will not be disappointed.

Speak!