Update 3/20/2026 (after owner response): To clarify, my review is specific to the lounge area—not the speakeasy. After leaving the speakeasy, we entered the front lounge and asked directly whether we could sit for drinks and dessert. The hostess confirmed that we could, gave us a table, and handed us menus. We sat down and began reviewing options. Within minutes, a different staff member approached and told us the space was “only for smokers.” When I explained that we had just confirmed with the hostess that it was fine to sit for drinks and dessert, the response was simply, “she came and asked me,” and we were effectively told we couldn’t stay. That is the issue: two employees, minutes apart, giving completely contradictory instructions to the same guests. Your response also claims that this review was posted across multiple platforms and directed broadly. That is not accurate. This review was posted here, and it reflects a specific experience. The location operates as two distinct businesses, and this feedback is clearly directed at the lounge portion described above—not the speakeasy. More importantly, your response does not address the contradiction. Instead, it shifts to claims about “personal agenda” and tone. That’s not a resolution—it’s deflection. If the facts were on your side, addressing the sequence of events would be straightforward. If the lounge is in fact restricted to smokers, that should be communicated clearly and consistently by your staff. If it isn’t, then your team should be aligned on what is allowed. In either case, the outcome we experienced points to a breakdown in communication—not a guest-driven issue. Clear communication in the moment or accountability afterward would have resolved this quickly. Unfortunately, your response reinforces the same lack of alignment that created the issue in the first place. [Original review remains below] ------- Visited this place with a date. 1.5 weeks in advance I had inquired about a reservation which they never responded to. Went anyway to try my luck since they allow walk-ins. Place was empty when we arrived. Sat down and ordered some drinks and got to talking, maybe there for an hour. We're looking at the menu for more drinks and dessert when the bar tender brings over the check and says "I'm closing you out, it's been an hour." Not would you like to order more drinks, or even being direct and saying we require x in order to keep the table. Just "I'm closing you out." We walk out to the attached hookah lounge which is dead, tables inside, patio outside, 80% empty and mind you it's less than 2 hours until close. I'm asked if we'd like to enjoy a hookah and the lounge. I informed the hostess of what just happened inside the bar and proceeded to tell her that we're just looking to enjoy drinks and dessert and we'd be happy to stay if they're okay with that. She said "of course, pick a seat, just ensure it's not a 4 top" and hands us the menu. We're sitting and looking at the menu when a bartender from the back comes out and asks "are you smoking?" I reply no, we won't be smoking. He says "this is only for smokers" to which I reply, I just confirmed with your waitress that it was okay to sit for drinks and dessert. His response was "she came and asked me." Needless to say, I won't be returning or recommend that anyone visits here. No place is "cool" enough to be treated poorly. You're running a business that relies on customers. Figure it out.

The hookah bartender was soooo nice! However, they need a new security guard! He wasn’t polite at all. He had an attitude towards us because he allowed some customers leave that didn’t pay…which had nothing to do with us. (Mind you there was only like 10 people there) I said have a good night and he didn’t say anything. Hookah was good though and hookah servers were excellent. I would love have to leave a 5 star review but the security attitude was not good.

Really great hookah spot on Melrose Ave. The hookah was super smooth and flavorful, and the vibe was chill with great music. Staff was friendly and made the experience even better. Definitely coming back!

We went to this hookah lounge yesterday and had a very disappointing experience. We didn’t even get to properly smoke the hookah. Within about 15 minutes it burned, and when they brought a replacement it still smoked very poorly. Most of the time we were just waiting for them to fix it or replace it again. Despite this, we were still asked to pay $80 for a hookah we barely used. There was no willingness to compromise at all, and it felt like the staff didn’t care about the experience or satisfaction of their customers. Overall, the service was very poor and the experience was extremely frustrating. I would not recommend this place.

We came to smoke hookah, and after about five minutes it started burning really badly and completely burned our throats. We asked them to remake it, they did, but nothing changed. We wanted to leave because it was impossible to smoke, but they insisted that we still had to pay $80 for it. We said we didn’t want to pay because it was literally impossible to smoke, but the owner spoke to us very rudely and kept insisting that we had to pay anyway. The whole interaction was extremely unpleasant and disrespectful. We left very disappointed.