Hookah Tour of Gainesville

Monday, 08 February 2010 00:00

Considered by some to be less stinky and more socially acceptable than cigarettes, the 3,500-year-old tradition of smoking hookah is a trendy, fun way to spend a night out with friends.

By Ashley McCredie; Slideshow photos by Rodney Rogers

People enjoy the relaxing environment as an alternative to drinking or smoking cigarettes (but just don’t overdo it—it still isn’t really healthier than cigarettes). Gainesville offers a variety of places to enjoy these Middle Eastern water pipes, with even more flavors and combinations of shisha (the combination of charcoal and tobacco). We went around to some of our favorite hookah hot spots to give you the low down on what they’re all about.

Most Chic: 101 Downtown
201 SE 2 Ave, 352 376-4177
Cost: $12 ($9 special on Thursday)
Most popular flavor: Strawberry Mint
Atmosphere: Hookah is available on the outside patio. It’s a chic setting complete with lush egg-like chairs and trees for ambiance. 101 also turns into a club on certain nights and offers brunch, complete with hookah, on weekends.
Attire: Girls wear heels and a dress or nice jeans and guys a button-up polo or similar.
Food and Drink: 101 has a large dining menu with everything from duck to calamari to quesadillas. It also has a fully stocked bar and specializes in martinis, which are on special Tuesday and Thursday nights.
Recommended for: Date night or girls’ martini and hookah night.

Most Creative: Sharab Lounge
109 S Main St, 352-505-5155
Cost: $16-22
Most popular flavors: Skittles, Vegas Bomb and Blue Moon
Atmosphere: Sharab is a downtown club that offers hookah on the lower level, outside and in VIP booths. Smokers can have their hookah placed atop a high table to stand around or in a lounge area with white booths and hanging silver beads.
Attire: Upscale club-wear.
Food and Drink: Fully stocked bar.
Recommended for: Midnight hookah followed by dancing until 2am.

Most Authentic: Hookah Nite Café
2614 SW 34th St, 352-377-6789
Cost: $10-16
Most popular flavors: Anything with berry
Atmosphere: A Middle Eastern look with colored lamps, plush pillows and gold accents with Indian music and videos playing in the background. There are also private rooms available for a small or large party.
Attire: As dressed-up or dressed-down as you want.
Food and Drink: Alcoholic beverages available.
Recommended for: A “chill” night when no one feels like the bar or club scene.

Most Flavorful: Farah’s on the Avenue
1120 W University Ave, 352-378-5179
Cost: $10-18
Most popular flavors: Skittles
Atmosphere: Restaurant setting with an indoor patio with ivy and wicker furniture in the front.
Attire: Casual
Food and Drink: Full menu of American and traditional Middle Eastern food.
Recommended for: Group dinner followed by hookah or weekend brunch with hookah.