The legal weed: Hookah, by Smart Cookie

I recently had my first experience with a Hookah Lounge about a month ago, and let me tell you...I thought I was breaking the law....

For those of you, who've never heard of a Hookah Lounge, it's basically a place where you smoke "flavored tobacco". The atmosphere was very tranquil and relaxing. Everyone sits on plush couches and in the middle, the Hookah sits on a sits on a table. As you can see in the photo, there is a large contraption that is used. There is a menu that lists different flavors, and in my case we chose strawberry-orange. Hookah typically costs around $15 and last about 45 minutes plus depending on how many people you are with. There were four of us, and sorry, I was in a rather drunkenly state, so I don't quite remember, but I know it lasted more than 30 minutes. Ofcourse there is specific etiquette, but we didn't know any better and just used the ol' "puff puff pass". At first you feel slight crackheadish, in that you are basically sucking on this huge pipe. Bubbling water at the bottom of the pipe ensures that you are smoking it properly. If you don't get any bubbles as you inhale, you aren't doing it properly, and you have to take it "to the head", so to speak. I must say after about two rounds and a few drinks, I was feeling pretty damn nice. I was floating on cloud nine, I couldn't believe that "flavored tobacco" could have such an effect. Please broaden your horizons and visit a Hookah Lounge, you'll enjoy it. Also, some of the more posh lounges actually turn into more of a club atmosphere after hours, in which the hookah becomes only available to those who actually have a vip room. I recommend going with a group of friends and reserving a room. That way once everyone is pretty nice, you can dip in and out into the club area if you choose. Only reserve a room if you are going to a lounge that turns into a club atmosphere, and keep in mind that hookah lounges vary depending on the set up, so you might not need to reserve a room.



Here are a few hookah lounges that I found to be pretty nice...

NEW YORK: Kush Lounge, located on 191 Chrystie Street, between Stanton and Rivington. There website is http://www.kushlounge.com/

CHICAGO: Sigara Lounge, located on 2013 W. Division Street, phone number: 773.292.9190, There website is http://www.sigaralounge.com/

WASHINGTON D.C.: Chi Cha Lounge, located on 1624 U st. NW, phone number: 202.234.8400, There website is www.latinconcepts.com/chica