Though the Middle Eastern tradition of puffing on a hookah pipe has been prevalent in the West, it is only in the last decade that the tradition has really carved a niche in LA. The Culture Trip has scoured Los Angeles to discover the best hookah places from fancy lounges to low-key joints where you can collapse on the sofa and puff, puff, pass. Just make sure you have your ID on you. You must be 21 or older.
Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.
Ali Mama Cafe
For a no-frills hookah spot, Ali Mama Cafe does it best. Located in the heart of Echo Park, this spot packs a Mediterranean vibe, where people come to unwind over card games, coffee and hookah. The front of the café appears scruffy, but the intimate, low-lit back room is usually where the younger crowd hangs out. They have tons of hookah flavors, and the staff is always around to make sure the coals are smoldering. For an unpretentious evening that is budget-friendly, Ali Mama Cafe is a local favorite.
Almaza
Lebanese restaurant Almaza is nothing less than a hookah hideout. The narrow patio, thick with smoke, is almost always packed with people. While many come in groups to share a good hookah over a shawarma platter, there are quite a few people who bring their laptops and notebooks to partake individually. In any case, customers return again and again because they know they can count on a perfect pipe every time.
Glass Hookah Lounge
Living up to the chic Hollywood vibe, Glass Hookah Lounge is an upscale hookah bar with fancy hookahs. Propped on a tiny tripod, their cone-shaped glass hookahs are fitted with a very sleek stainless steel hose. Sitting on the table, the hookah is oddly reminiscent of a chemistry lab project. The menu is a mix of cuisines including, traditional Mediterranean kabobs, burgers and salads. For an intimate, high-end hookah experience, Glass Hookah Lounge has all the right vibes.
Habibi Cafe
People come to Habibi Cafe for the famous lemon chicken, baba ganoush and the apple-topped hookah bowl. Given its proximity to UCLA, this hookah spot is a favorite amongst students and the Westwood community. With the DJ spinning Arab music and Bollywood numbers, this place is always bustling with ethnic flavor. On rare days, you might see a celebrity hanging in your midst.
Boba Bear
Boba and hookah is not a traditional pairing, but it works well at Boba Bear. Located in Koreatown, a neighborhood that never seems to sleep, Boba Bear is a small place that will keep you entertained late into the night. From the milk tea bobas, crepes, board games and, of course, hookahs, this laid-back joint is great when you’re just not ready to go home.
Become a Culture Tripper!
Sign up to our newsletter to
save up to $1,200 on our unique trips.
Naab Café
An unassuming place that has the best beef koobideh around, Naab Café is a gem on the busy Westwood strip for a quick Mediterranean eat. The friendly staff is always ready to lead the hookah smokers to the patio in the back, which is decked out with moody lighting. Many patrons bring their own games, so while enjoying the hookah and chowing down on the grilled kabobs, you may notice an intense game of chess in progress.
Al Layali Restaurant and Cafe
Al Layali is a little Mediterranean café in West Hollywood off La Cienega Blvd. The café wakes up in the evening, as people gather under the red awning to relax on the patio over a good hookah and a plate of succulent kofta kabob. The friendly service and great hookah keep bringing customers back.
