THE HKAN.

The boho-chic style of the Hkan combines bar, venue, art gallery, restaurant, and hookah lounge. Couches line the brick walls both up stairs and down, while artwork (most of which is for sale by local artists) litters the walls. A cover fee isn't unusual, as a variety of bands play often on the main floor. The hookah flavors, including cuppachino and rose, are all excellent. Their cool smoke hanging in the air, the smell of fresh flat bread pizzas and the warmth of exotic teas create a truely decadent experience. The aesthetically stimulating atmosphere of the Hkan is worth experiencing.

THE SPHINX CAFE.

The new Sphinx Cafe Oakland, formerly a local church, lies tucked away on the back streets of Oakland. It has long claimed to be Pittsburgh's only authentic Hookah Bar, owned by a local eqyptian family. Its high wooden ceilings arch over the floor cushions & low tables scattered below. Stained glass windows lining the walls flood the open atrium with light. Not only does the Sphinx provide authentic hookahs, beverage, and food, they also carry 5 brands of shisha & an impressive array of beautiful, quality glass hookahs. As most Pitt students know, the sphinx is truely a local treasure.

401 Atwood St
412.621.1153
Sun-Thu: 4pm-12:30am & Fri-Sat: 4pm-2am

HOOKAH BOOKAH LOUNGE.

The Hookah Bookah Lounge, located dangerously close to SouthSide Works, is Pittsburgh's newest hookah bar. Although lacking in aesthetics, this humble cafe is quite keenly priced. Less than $15 for a large hookah, and no beverage purchase is required. A small outside patio allows hookah smokers to watch East Carson, although its towards the more barren end of Southside. The variety and price of their hookah makes up for any accused lack of authenticity.

NICK'S IMPORTS.

Its not a hookah bar, but its the best place in the city to buy everything you need for a hookah. Tucked away on East Carson, this little store carries some of the best quality tobacco for as little as $3/box. Their selection includes numerous styles and sizes of hookahs, the smallest ones for only $25. The store is packed with a variety of incense prodcuts, jewlery, hand drums, and homemade boxes. Reminicent of the Culture Shop, this is definately worth seeing.

1913 E Carson Street
412.381.2625
Mon-Thur: 11-7, Fri&Sat: 11-8, & Sun: 11-5