My favorite hookah lounge in the city. Ahmed is family, I have been coming here for years. Speedy customer service and an amazing ambience. The only place in the city to go for hookah 💫🥳🏆

I’ve tried real hookah before, the kind where two puffs and you immediately feel the effect, but this one didn’t feel like anything. It was just smoke. There are much better hookah spots out there. The staff was very friendly, but the place itself doesn’t feel exclusive or high-end at all. It actually looks more like a cheap option. I wouldn’t go back. 18% gratuity included!

Found this place on google maps and had to check it out! The decor inside is cute.. but that’s the patio and it’s hot in the summer…Obviously. They do put really big fans in front of your table. I just wanna notate that because next time I will sit on the AC inside because I can catch really bad headaches if I sit in heat too long. I feel like you’re at an Egyptian mom’s house here. You get mismatched utensils, the cups are different sizes when you get a refill lol, but.. Service was great! Very attentive. The Hookah is really good and you don’t wait so long for hot coal refill. The food is SO GOOD! I mean really good!! I loved my kofta platter. The meat tastes so good and seasoned. The lamb sliders were 12/10. I mean delicious. I loved the platter because you get salad and a side of hummus and grilled veggies and a few pieces of pita with your protein choice. Great plate! The fresh lemonade is so refreshing. I had a great first visit. Great food and hookah all in one. Only thing I don’t care for the music choices. Would’ve preferred maybe Arabic music or a different type of American music. It was too raunchy with curses. Still I give 5 stars!! And will be back! Oh and the nice guy gave us a few pieces of baklava on the house when we ordered tea. Thank you!

Some places just completely understand the assignment. Sahara East was supposed to be a random little hookah outing to break up the monotony of city life and instead turned into one of the most charming afternoons my husband and I have had in ages. First of all, Paulie’s hospitality was unforgettable. In a city full of transactional, flash-in-the-pan experiences, being treated with that much warmth and attentiveness actually catches you off guard. You leave feeling less like a customer and more like someone who stumbled into a favorite neighborhood haunt by accident. The space itself is exactly what you want from a hookah lounge: warm North African and Middle Eastern-inspired decor, lantern light, tucked-away corners, and a deceptively spacious back patio draped in tents that somehow makes you forget you’re still in Manhattan. Then the food arrived and honestly? Incredible. We shared the falafel platter and could not get over the generosity of portion size compared to the price (a point I cannot emphasize enough). Everything tasted shockingly fresh, like somebody’s grandmother was in the back hand-chopping herbs and toasting spices with deep personal conviction. Even the presentation looked borderline Michelin aspirational. The homemade cardamom tea and mint tea were unreal, fragrant and comforting and served in generous pots that made us want to sit there for hours. Then came complimentary baklava that was rich, flaky, and decadent enough to feel dangerous. What really stayed with me was the feeling of the place. Sahara East somehow manages to be both a perfect spontaneous escape and the kind of spot you immediately start planning to become a regular at. We’re already looking forward to going back.

Best kept secret, except for those who know, there is an exceptional Egyptian restaurant at 184 1st Ave., between 11th and 12th St., in the East Village 38years called Sahara East. They are professionals in what they do, which is obviously why they have been a neighborhood trusted favorite for so long. Generous portions. Deliciously satisfying, high-quality food. Friendly service. Cozy atmosphere. The enormous year round temperature controlled hidden tent out back in the “garden”, which is a hookah lounge, is fun party space for all occasions. They have large screen TVs for watching sports also. Open ‘til 3 AM! Our baba ghanouj was excellent with a unique chopped parsley. We loved the flavor. The hummus was whipped to perfection with a smooth consistency, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, tasting as good as it looks The lamb Shawarma with vermicelli rice was flavorfully done. The Argentinian Malbec wine was a perfect pairing The cottage fries had a crispy texture yet soft inside. The baklava came piping hot fresh out of the oven. Great rice pudding with rosewater, coconut, walnuts, and cinnamon. The peppermint tea with fresh mint was the perfect ending for a wonderful dinner. This was the first hookah lounge in New York City. I didn’t think that I was in the mood for Middle Eastern food, but as soon as it came, I cleaned my plate so fast and it was so good. I am grateful that my friend chose this restaurant with excellent fresh high-quality food! You will feel blessed , too. Thank you!!