The Hookah Up: 6 Spots to Smoke Shisha in San Francisco
The City of San Francisco has a prickly relationship with hookah businesses. In fact, city lawmakers famously consider the popularity of hookah lounges a “scourge,” reminiscent of California’s tenuous dynamic with foie gras.
But, please, don’t let that stop you from having fun.
San Francisco’s hookah lounges offer a unique night out which can be more entertaining than a typical night at the DNA lounge (no offense). Choose the hookah flavor that stands out to you—if you’re indecisive, ask for the house favorite—and order some hot mint tea or an imported beverage to complement. If you’re hungry, you can smoke and eat: most lounges serve Mediterranean and Arabic cuisine.
If you’re planning a great night out but want to step away from the generic watering-holes, then check out the 49 Miles guide to hookah in San Francisco:
Hookah SF
$$ | 419 O’Farrell Street, San Francisco, CA
Hookah SF is located inside Marrakech Restaurant, which has an extensive Moroccan food menu and Maghreb decor. They also have nightly belly dancing shows, live music, and catering for events.
Hours: 10PM – 1:30AM daily
Website: www.hookahsf.com
Laguna Cafe
$$ |1821 Haight Street, San Francisco, CA
Laguna’s primo location on Haight makes it a stand-out spot. Additionally, they provide cups of soapy water and tubular do-hickeys to blow smoke bubbles (It’s fun.). Weekend nights get busy once the DJ starts playing the hits and everyone starts dancing. Also, they have a festive collection of decorated hookahs to spice up the vibes.
Hours: 3PM – 2AM daily
Arabian Nights Restaurant
$$ | 2345 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA
In addition to hookah, their food menu is devastating: charbroiled meats, home-made mezza (small plates) and freshly baked pita bread. They also serve imported beverages.
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 5PM – 11PM, Friday & Saturday: 5PM – 12AM
Website: www.arabiannightssf.com
724 Hookah
724 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA | $$
Steph Curry has been here, allegedly. One of the City’s most popular hookah spots, good for birthdays, private events, or just kicking back and watching television as you blow rings.
Hours: 5PM – 2AM daily
Website: www.724hookah.com
Pride of the Mediterranean
$$ | 1761 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA
Sharky, the owner, recommends the hookah flavor “love”, complemented by their quintessential mint tea and the menu of staple Arabic cuisine. One of the first hookah businesses in the City, they have been around for 25 years.
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11AM – 12AM, Friday & Saturday: 11AM – 2AM
Nile Hookah Lounge
$$ | 544 Jones Street, San Francisco, CA
Happy hour runs from 4PM to 6PM for $15 hookah. In business for over 8 years, they are known for their old-school hookah shop vibes and classic coffee and tea.
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 4PM – 2AM, Friday: 4PM – 3AM, Saturday: 2PM – 3AM, Sunday: 2PM – 2AM
Website: www.nilehookahlounge.com
