A hookah is a multi-stemmed device used to smoke flavored tobacco using water vapor. Popular in the Middle East, hookahs are gaining popularity in the U.S. as a way to hang out with friends without solely relying on alcohol. If you’re looking for a place to try this new social trend, then head to one of these best hookah bars in D.C. and get your hit of shisha today.
Chi-Cha Lounge
1624 U St. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 234-8400
www.chichaloungedc.com
For a casual night out, head over to the Chi-Cha Lounge where you will find comfy couches, great conversations, hookahs, happy hour specials and fun events. Choose from a variety of hookah flavors including watermelon, jasmine, mango, grape mint and peach. The menu is Andean-inspired and features a “Nuevo Latino” cooking style, like homemade plantain chips served with fresh guacamole and empanadas. Happy hour specials include $4 draft beers, $5 mixed drinks and $13 hookahs. Saturday nights feature a DJ and dancing.
Soussi
2228 18th St. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 299-9314
www.soussidc.com
From its red-walled bar to its cozy seats, Soussi is all about being intimate. Start off your night with a sweet blend of hookah flavors, like coconut and cherry or double apple and mint. Other flavors include orange, grape, mixed fruit and apricot. Afterwards, indulge in a blend of Moroccan- and French-inspired cuisine, like paella, lamb couscous or steak marinated in Moroccan spices. Happy hour specials include half-price drinks. Enjoy socializing with friends atop the rooftop bar or outdoor covered patio.
Related: Best Sports Bars in Washington, D.C.
Barcode
1101 17th St. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 955-9001
www.barcodedc.com
Whether you prefer a relaxing evening enjoying delicious food and drinks or a wild and crazy evening on the dance floor, Barcode has it all. This trendy lounge features a modern open-air concept and decor, dining tables and massive booths with plenty of space to mix and mingle. Tasty menu items include spicy buffalo chicken pizza, fried chicken and waffles and grilled lamb chops. Share a hookah with friends at the outdoor patio. Happy hour specials include half-price drinks. Weekday specials include half-price bottles of wines on Tuesdays and Latin parties on Wednesdays. Best of all is there’s no cover charge.
Ozio
1813 M St. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 822-6000
www.oziodc.com
Recognized as DC’s premier martini and cigar lounge, Ozio also makes a great hookah destination. The multi-floor chic and stylish lounge features six fully stocked bars, a rooftop patio, weekly happy hour specials and an American/Mediterranean blend menu. Nosh on decadent menu items, like sesame chicken tenders, baked stuffed shrimp and pasta primavera. Special events include Tropic Thursdays and Daytrip Saturdays, which feature parties that start at 4 p.m. Try one of six hookah flavors, including mint, pineapple and peach.
Susan Diranian is a freelance writer living in Ashburn, VA. She is covering Travel & Outdoors. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
