Hookah bars- the new singles scene

November 6, 11:30 AMDC Singles ExaminerDanielle Duff

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Hookah, also known as shisha and narguila, is a craze that has taken DC and the nation by storm.  With fruity tobacco flavors, Middle Eastern food, and a crowded atmosphere, hookah bars have become a very popular and relaxing way to spend a few hours with friends- or even alone!  As an avid hookah smoker for the past four years I have traveled the streets of DC for that perfect smoke.  Along the way I've made great friends, met a plethora of single people and tried countless flavors of shisha.  Hookah bars are the perfect stopping point for a night out on the town to meet up with friends, hang out and meet new people.  If you're not into the crowded scene, grab a book or your laptop and head to the hookah bars during the early afternoon or Sunday when it's less crowded- you'll get the same great service, shisha, and food, plus it's the perfect way to catch up on reading for class or writing a term paper in a relaxing, quiet environment.  Without further ado, here is my list of Top 3 hookah bars in Washington DC:

1.  Soussi Restaurant

2228 18th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 299-9314

Nestled in the heart of Adams Morgan this unique hookah bar is hard to miss, especially during the night when popular dance tunes can be heard from outside.  Soussis is 21 and over, as they serve alcohol as well as shisha (for those of you under 21 check out the hookah bars below which are 18+).  Outside there is a patio where guests sit year-round despite the weather- during the winter months it is amply heated- while upstairs there is a lounge area where customers sit on comfy chairs and sofas.  Soussis is always crowded- if you want a table, come before 10pm or you’ll have a long wait.  If you do end up waiting on a table don’t fret, the downstairs area has a complete bar and room for standing- join the regulars, have a drink and a smoke while you wait, and prepare for a fun experience!

2.  Tangier

18^th and Belmont

Washington, DC 20009

(Next to Kokopooli’s Pool Hall)

 This recently new hookah bar is off to a great start.  Opening its doors only a month ago, Tangier already draws a large younger crowd looking for a haven of food and shisha.  The décor was brilliantly arranged with red and orange hues, comfy booths and beautiful hookahs.  They have a large menu with options everyone can choose from.  If you’re feeling frisky ask for their lemon shisha- it’s my favorite flavor and in my opinion they have the best lemon shisha in DC!  Also with the winter months quickly approaching I like to warm my body with a soothing glass of Moroccan mint tea, which they prepare with fresh mint- it sure beats Lipton!  The staff at Tangier are amazingly friendly and helpful.  You’re sure to fall in love with Tangier on the spot!  

3.  Prince Café

3205 Prospect St NW  

Washington 20007
202-625-6400

More fondly called “Little Prince” by my friends and I because of its close proximity (two blocks) from a much larger Prince Café on Wisconsin Street, this snug hookah café has a wonderful ambience and is always crowded during the night on weekends.  The food is satisfying, especially for the bar crowd that stumbles in after a night of drinking in dire need of replenishment.  I recommend the hummus and pita, a tasty appetizer which can easily be shared amongst the people sitting at your table.  As for shisha I recommend double apple, a favorite of new shisha smokers and long time smokers alike.  If you’re feeling creative try mixing flavors together for a truly tantalizing experience.