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Noon Hookah Lounge
Rating Details »
Category: Hookah Bars
Neighborhood: Hyde Park1617 E 55th St
(at Cornell Ave)
Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 643-1670
- Hours:
Mon-Thu. 5:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Fri-Sat. 5:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Tue, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- None
- Smoking:
- Yes
- Coat Check:
- No
8 reviews for Noon Hookah Lounge
One of the few occasions where I had a satisfactory evening of shisha. Where I didn't get ripped off, weren't surrounded by obnoxious people, had fresh furniture, and the hookah was quality.
The place is quite small, so if you want a section for your group like the picture I posted, you should make a reservation.
Another bonus: lavazza coffee
I live just down the street from Noon Hookah and was excited to discover it, as it would save me the long bus ride up north if the urge struck to smoke. The first time I went in was just to grab a coffee to go. The place is small, quiet, and unassuming, with a nice atmosphere (though if you're there in the winter, the front room can get quite cold, with all the windows and no shelter from the door). The coffee was excellent, so a few weeks later, a friend and I went back for sandwiches, tea, and a hookah. The sandwiches are good, but nothing extraordinary. They are really inexpensive though, so that's a bonus. Noon has a great selection of tobaccos, and the staff is good about keeping the hookah burning.
A few times, I've been in and the place has been too crowded for the one person who is usually working at the time, so the wait has been long (there are books and games to keep you busy, if you haven't brought your own). I've also been hassled a bit by staff for not ordering quickly enough. I'll order a sandwich and tea, and even when I assure them that I'll order a hookah after I'm done eating, they've stood over me and told me I can't take too long unless I'm going to smoke. I guess that's the downside of being a small establishment. And that's the main reason they get 3 stars. The place is chill...except for when the workers have had too much caffeine, perhaps!
The hookah is good. I've never had a bad hookah.
But the sandwiches are better. OMG the sandwiches.
This place needs to sell wine and beer, though.
Noon Hookah is a great place to unwind and relax with friends, or smoke shisha while you study. They also supply hookah owners with quality tobacco, including their own unique blends.
Strengths:
1.) Conveniently located on 55th in Hyde Park, great for us UofC students.
2.) Wide variety of flavors, from classics like Apple, Rose, and Melon to creative concoctions such as "Purple Haze," "Tequila Sunrise," and "Cuban Mojito," though these flavors cost more. You can also request to use fruits as bowls, have your base filled with sangria or wine, or use a "three-headed dragon" hookah for an additional charge.
3.) Good music most of the time. Lots of Umm Kulthum.
4.) There are punch cards for frequent visitors. My friend is a frequent visitor and has treated me because of this card. Thanks!
5.) Delicious candy to eat after you smoke.
6.) They are planning on expanding their space in the front, so more customers can be accomodated.
7.) Friendly service. I am always treated kindly and they are constantly replacing the coals.
Areas for Improvement:
1.) They are rather strict about carding (they wouldn't let my friend in even though she had a college ID, which should be enough to prove one is 18 in most cases) , but I guess they have to be so that they don't get closed down. Just make sure you have your ID.
2.) WiFi doesn't work for Macs.
3.) Prices are not high, but they aren't that low either, especially if you want add-ons.
Many restaurants and cafes have tried there luck at this location in years past. Nuthin' doin'. However, after almost a year since opening it's doors, the Noon Hookah Lounge has become a small but popular hangout for U of C students and Hyde Parkers.
The two guys that run the place are really cool, and create a really chill atmosphere. They truly know their stuff: their hookah rental is cheap, and their menu items are good. I highly recommend the mint and pipe flavored tobacco mix here, it is phenomenal!!! Also, they have a nice glass case humidor, with a small but top notch selection of cigars.
They also have a pretty nice food menu, and do a great job with espresso drinks (being a former barista, I know a good latte when I see one).
One of the more enduring things about this place is it's ambiance. It successfully gels together the intellectual touch of the U of C area (a la the small stash of classic books in the corner) and the middle eastern flair for aesthetics (manifested in the small back room of the place where floor cushions are placed for a group, surrounded by palm trees).
This place is truly a gem, and I certainly hope it is here to stay for a long time. If you find yourself on the south side, and are in the mood for a smoke, definitely stop by here!
Noon Hookah Lounge opened recently, inside of a former cafe that had been vacant for years. It seems to be slowly building a clientele, mainly (of course) of local U of C students.
You get a good selection of tobaccos at Noon (the cola one is lovely), and while it's a bit pricey, you do get a lot for your money (a friend and I stopped in one evening and it took us almost two hours to finish one bowl)! The decor is nice, with a middle eastern feel, the owner Ali is a friendly guy, and in addition to the smoking stuff, Noon also serves GREAT coffee drinks (Lavazza brand), and even has a few sandwiches and food items on their menu. If I'm not mistaken, they also have free wireless internet. All in all, a great place to bring your laptop, smoke a bowl, sip some coffee and write the Great American Novel.
I stopped by the lounge (after passing it countless times and thinking I SHOULD check it out) on a Friday evening. We got the last table (there were only two of us) and proceeding to watch several groups of 4-8 people come in replacing others as they exited. We tried the melon tobacco and had a couple of hot teas, and enjoyed it all.
Both of the guys who work there/own it? were friendly, relaxed and helpful. The space is definitely tight when all seats are occupied, but it's not like your running around the place. I'll definitely be back to try the sandwiches, try some of the coffee drinks, and smoke a little more. A great Hyde Park gem.
The way a hookah bar should be. We come here to relax, listen to some arabic music, talk about anything, drink some tea or coffee, but really what sets this place apart is the attitude of the owners. They are very friendly, always eager to help you with a smile and provide a really good service. There is a large variety of hookah flavors and you can tell what you are smoking from the scent. Personal favorites include the watermelon and the apple, but I am still working on trying all flavors before returning to these ones. The sandwiches are also good and cheap, as are the drinks, which make this place a good deal.
Be aware that there is a minimum one hookah per 3 persons, but overall this is a very relaxing place, the owners are enjoying running it, and never rush you out (in stark contrast with the Samah lounge up north, but that's another review).
Thumbs up, and I hope this remains in Hyde Park for years to come.
