Hookah exploded in Austin in the mid-2000s, and while the trend has died down a bit, there are still several places in Austin to lounge luxuriantly in a cloud of scented smoke. Here are some of the best.
There are over 30 hookah flavors on the menu at this brightly decorated, Airport Boulevard lounge, including some special in-house blends.
This Lebanese chef-owned eatery is famous for their gyros and shwarma, but their outside patio hookah -- a deal at $10.99 per use -- is mild and lovely, not to mention a novel (and calorie-free!) way to top off your dinner.
An ambient West Campus hookah lounge with a big student following. Also on the menu: coffee, tea and smoothies.
Now that the hookah lounge in the back is gone, The Surfing Hookah is more like a mix of Oat Willie's and The Gas Pipe, where you can find quality shisha and buy your own hookah accessories -- should you care to set up your own, at-home hookah lounge.
Board games, a HUGE tobacco menu (70 flavors. 70!), belly dance nights and Turkish coffee make this south Austin hangout a popular neighborhood destination.