The number of hookah bars in American cities and college towns has significantly multiplied over the past decade. As one of the world’s most multicultural cities with numerous institutes of higher education, DC is no stranger to this phenomenon.

What is hookah?

Dating back to the 1500s, hookah smoking has its origins in the North Western provinces of India. Originally a status symbol for Indian noblemen and the aristocracy, the pastime soon spread westward to Iran and then the Middle East.

A hookah is a water pipe that’s traditionally smoked communally at small get-togethers. Hookahs utilize a special, sticky type of tobacco called shisha, which is flavored with molasses and fruit. Hookahs typically have one or two hoses – but can sometimes have three or four – from which people draw the sweetly flavored smoke.

Shisha flavors are incredibly diverse. Numerous shisha brands — some of the most popular including  Starbuzz, Al Nakhla, and Al Fakher — offer anything from fruits (apple, cherry, peach) to candy flavors (chocolate, bubble gum) to alcoholic drinks (passion fruit mojito and sex on the beach)!

Why hookah?

Although hookah has been around for centuries, it is still a relatively novel concept to western society. Hookah bars are becoming increasingly popular in America because they enable people to hang out without having alcohol as the primary social lubricant. These locations are also often open late, offering sophisticated alternatives to pubs and clubs, and offer a variety of Middle Eastern food, coffee, tea, and soft drinks. Some hookah bars also have liquor licenses.

Popular DMV Hookah Bars

Adams Morgan

Soussi Restaurant

2228 18th St., NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 299-9313

Hours:
*Monday – Thursday: 5 pm-1 am
*Friday – Saturday: 5 pm-2 am
*Sunday: 5:00pm-midnight

Website: http://www.soussiindc.com/

Soussi offers a variety of eclectic Mediterranean food, high quality shisha, quick service, and clean hookahs.

Arlington

Tarbouch Mediterranean Grill

3110 Lee Highway
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 528-9200

Hours:
*Sunday – Thursday: 11 am-1 am
*Friday – Saturday: 11 am-4 am

Website: http://www.tarbouch.com/

Tarbouch is a top of the line destination. With the smoothest hookahs and delicious flavors around, it also boasts a large outdoor patio and excellent Lebanese food. Plus, it’s open until 4 am on the weekends… a perfect spot to finish a night after clubbing!

Dupont Circle

Gazuza Lounge

1629 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 667-5500

Hours:
*Monday – Thursday: 4 pm-2 am
*Friday: 5 pm-3 am
*Saturday: 6 pm-3 am
*Sunday: 6 pm-2 am

Website: http://gazuzalounge.com/

This trendy and cozy venue is known for its smooth hookahs, tasty sushi, strong cocktails, house music, and chill atmosphere.

Downtown

Barcöde Restaurant, Bar and Lounge

1101 17th St., NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 955-9001

Hours:
*Monday – Thursday: 11:30am-2am
*Friday: 11:30am-3am
*Saturday: 6pm-3am
*Sun: 6pm-2am

Website: http://www.barcodedc.com/

Voted the best happy hour in DC by the Washington Post, Barcode also boasts hookah on its elegant outdoor patio on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday nights! Be sure to grab a pizza, some pasta, a steak, or some drinks off its menu… the kitchen is open until midnight every day!

Georgetown

Zenobia Lounge

1025 31st St., NW.
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 339-0555

Hours:
*Sunday-Wednesday: 11 am-1:00 am
*Thursday: 11-2 am
*Friday-Saturday: 11 am-3 am

Website: http://www.zenobialounge.com/

Zenobia features a wide selection of hookah and food but is also a multicultural cafe and bookshop. Featuring live Arabic music, hundreds of books, CDs, and DVDs, and free Wi-Fi, it is a great place to brush up on Middle Eastern history and puff the day away.

Northeast DC

Glow Patio at Fur Nightclub

33 Patterson St., NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 842-3401 ‎

Hours:
*Saturday: 10 pm-4 am

Website: http://www.clubglow.com/

The Glow Patio at Fur is more than just a place to smoke… it’s one of the city’s top outdoor party destinations! With hookah service, a full-length bar, raised VIP seating and tables, a bumping sound system and renovated DJ booth, it’s easily the hottest hookah destination in DC on a Saturday night!

U Street Corridor

Chi-Cha Lounge

1624 U St., NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 234-8400

Hours:
*Sunday – Wednesday: 5 pm-1:30 am
*Friday – Saturday: 5 pm-2:30 am

Website: http://www.latinconcepts.com/

Chi-Cha is an incredibly popular, Latin-inspired lounge. Offering excellent hookah, modern Andean cuisine, sangria and tapas, it’s one of the best values around… hookahs start at $9!

Click here for more information on Chi-Cha Lounge.

Vienna

Lebnan Zaman

8411 Old Courthouse Road
Vienna, VA 22182
(703) 748-1400 ‎

Hours:
*11 am – 2 am daily

Website: http://www.lebnan-zaman.com/

One of the most popular and well established hookah spots in the area, Lebnan Zaman brings has a solid reputation and loyal crowd. The place serves up over 22 shisha flavors, as well as tasty kebabs and other Lebanese food.

College Park

Prince Cafe

8145 Baltimore Ave.
College Park, MD 20740
(301) 513-0800

Hours:
*Monday – Thursday: noon-2 am
*Friday – Saturday: noon – 5 am
*Sunday: noon – midnight

Website: N/A

If you’re in College Park or nearby, odds are Prince Cafe is one of your only hookah options. Prince Cafe also has locations in Tenleytown, Georgetown, Adams Morgan, and Falls Church.