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    Ali Mama Cafe

    4.5 (167 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 3:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 2 months ago

    Ali Mama Cafe Photos

    ALI MAMA CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Ali Mama Cafe

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    Reviews With Photos

    Sitting on the couch on the top
    Rachael D.

    A for ambiance. The stairs need help. More railings. But overall it was a nice place to smoke hookah. It's 35.99. Drinks are 4 dollars like kerns and soda. The service was great. He kept the coals hot. The grape mint flavor hookah was nice. We had a good time there. Will go back.

    Primo hanging out and making our night
    Tony K.

    My wife and I stumbled upon Ali Mama Cafe after having dinner across the street and it quickly became one of our favorite spots in the area. When walking in we took the stairs all the way to the top outdoor area and we were greeted by the cutest and friendliest cat Primo. He spent some time with us and we couldn't have been happier. The owner (I believe) was very very very friendly and accommodating. He turned on the heaters for my wife, let us play music on their Bluetooth speaker, and even offered to let me charge my phone. It felt like I was visiting a family members home. With the outdoor lights, comfortable seating, and Sunset Blvd view the ambiance was perfect. The watermelon peach hookah was good and never got harsh or died out even after a couple hours. The African tea and tea latte were also very good and you can tell they were homemade. Overall we love this spot and you will too if you appreciate friendly service, good ambiance and hookah. We're definitely looking forward to coming back here and bringing some friends!

    Elite Employee
    Andie P.

    Amazing Service Amazing Drinks!! Chill spot with a great view, Owner is extremely nice and attentive!

    Outside patio, has a great view.
    Uri R.

    My new favorite place for hookah and Arabic coffee. Great vibe, and the hookah server makes you feel like you're at home.

    Entrance
    Isabel F.

    My cousins from out of town and I were looking for a hookah place nearby, and I found this place on yelp. Didn't have many reviews but none of them were bad so we decided to go check this place out. When we got there we thought it was the wrong place, just looked like it had a couple of tables, some snacks, and a tv, we were about to leave when the server or owner I can't recall came to greet us, and asked if we wanted to be seated. We hesitatingly said yes because he was really nice, then told us to follow him to the back. When I tell you my jaw dropped when I saw what was behind the scenes is an understatement. You had to go up stairs to different levels, and all of them were awesome! We decided on the top level, and hung out under an umbrella with a big net around it, it also had a bug zapper for the mosquitos. We were immediately relaxed when we sat down, and he let us know we would be able to put music on the speaker with the blue tooth. We did not want to leave! Reasonably priced hookah, snacks, and awesome view! Please check this place out.

    outdoor seating area at night

    I love this place, every time I come here I feel welcomed and I appreciate their hospitality. Their outdoor area is much more aesthetically better than indoors!

    Mancala game
    Amber N.

    Absolutely cool and awesome place to relax and smoke hookah. Bluetooth enabled so you can play your own music. Owner is the nicest man and goes out of his way to make you feel welcome and relaxed. You are not rushed and there are games to play while you just smoke and chill. I had the black cherry tobacco and had miik in the reservoir, it made for a really mellow smoke. Definitely the best Hookah in Los Angeles. Can't wait to go back.

    Irish prach flavor in outdoor patio in back.
    Julian A.

    I have been to many a hookah lounge. Ali Mama Cafe, right in the heart of Echo Park, is no different than the rest; this place, like many others I've been to, have been great experiences all around. I was in the area with my long time bro looking for a place to indulge our hookah needs! I yelped up this place, which had an average of 4 stars. I can see why. The service was very impeccable. From the outside, it looks like a tiny room with only 2 tables. Inside, they have a darkened room as well as an outdoor patio where you can smoke. We decided to smoke outdoors. I chose the Irish Peach flavor, which was amazing. They do charge for a 1 drink minimum or a $3 cover charge per person I believe. The only downside is their cheap coals- they burn out too quick! Guys, use Titanium or Cocoa Nara coals! Street parking only, as it is with other establishments in the area. If I am in the area, I'll be sure to drop by. Loved it here already!!!

    No whip...lots of marshmallows

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    1 year ago

    This is a hookah lounge not cafe sure they sell coffee but last time I went you needed to purchase the hookah

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    Business owner information

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    Amine G.

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    3 years ago

    Great donuts! Great staff! You have to try the matcha munchkins! Also the Vietnamese iced coffee boba cream puff is soooooo good!

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    11 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Best mint tea in town !!! Great service and atmosphere. Amin always takes good care of us.

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    7 years ago

    Amazing atmosphere. Hookah is always smooth and the upstairs section is just a whole vibe.

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Ali Mama Cafe

    Is there still karaoke?

    Yes event

    Hi! Do you have Darkside hookah?

    No All HK

    Is this place still byob? I see old reviews mention it.

    Move around a lot of places are hurting because of COVID 19 Everyone is trying to pick up the pace where they left off… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Ali Mama Cafe

    Highly recommend the Turkish Coffee, and definitely get ice in your hookah (it makes the whole experience better).

    Mentioned in 22 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    I love going to a lounge where the owner is genuinely passionate about the customer experience, and…read moreLA Hookah is exactly that! GG is an amazing owner, always so welcoming to me and my friends, and he consistently goes above and beyond when creating mixes for us. They have a huge selection of flavors and the pipe selection is top-tier (nothing beats a Regal Hookah!). And one of my favorite parts: parking is always so easy. There's unlimited parking directly in the front, which makes the whole experience even better. It's the perfect spot to come with a good group of friends, relax, smoke, and hang out. Can't wait to go back soon!

    I stumbled on LA Hookah Lounfe thanks to Yelp, and at first I wasn't totally sure if I should go…read morein. Pulling up it gave major "are we sure this is open?" vibes. The outside is super dark and from the car I was questioning if I should even try it. But once I opened the door total surprise. It was completely safe inside and had a laid-back, cozy vibe that caught me off guard in the best way. When we got there, there were only a couple of other tables but it started to fill up slowly after. Still, the place never felt too packed or overwhelming. Just chill vibes and low-key energy perfect for relaxing. They do have board games, which I thought was cool but they're kept locked up so you have to go ask the staff to access them. A tiny inconvenience but not a dealbreaker. Honestly, it would've been nice if they were just out and ready to grab but I get it. Now let's talk about the hookah I now consider myself a hookah amateur, I was surprised by the amount of options they had. There were so many flavors I'd never heard of, plus different types of setups. One of them was themed after cartoon characters like Labubu or ziMomo (I forget the exact name but it was so fun and random in the best way). I had no idea hookah came in such creative setups! Service was fine no complaints. They were helpful when we asked about the hookah types and got us set up quickly. All in all this is definitely one of those hidden gems you'd probably never walk into unless you knew it was there. But I'm so glad I did. It's not flashy or fancy, but it's the kind of spot that makes you want to stay for hours and unwind. I'll definitely be back.

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    Yama Shisha - Amazing view of LA

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    3.9(128 reviews)
    4.0 miHollywood Hills

    The vibe and aesthetic were great. The menu was accessed through a QR code, which was convenient…read more We booked the VIP room for a private party and were able to play our own playlist, which made the experience even better. The DJ on the main floor, however, didn't seem to be mixing much and mostly replayed the same songs after about 30 minutes. The service was spectacular. We ordered three bottles, which came with a pitcher of juice and four hookahs. You could choose to add mint flavor to the hookah or leave it out, though it still had a slight hint of mint even without it. Everyone also ordered individual drinks, which were about $25 each, and the wine bottle was $85. Anything we needed was brought to us quickly. We didn't get the private belly dancers, I guess they didn't come to work. Overall, it was a great experience and I would definitely come back again for a special event.

    HAHAHAHAHAH Waitress…read morethought I was an idiot! We ordered 1 hookah and 2 drinks. The machine showed $180. I am like that is kinda high. I asked her if that included gratuity. She said no, I asked again are you sure she says NO. I couldn't check the machine because before she handed to me she went all the way to the tip scree that said additional tip. I was like this SHADY af. I asked for a receipt and she said printer broken. I AM NOT MAKING THIS UP. So I grabbed the machine back and put my number in to get the receipt texted to me. Low and behold 22% tip and she charged us for water when I asked for tap water. I go back to her and show her the receipt and she is like oh I don't know what that is. I have never seen that before. Pleassseeeeee What a scam artist, she probably has done that to everyone there but everyone there is on a date and no one wants to be embarassed. Well IDGAF. She offered to give cash back and not tell her boss. Honestly he probably knows. Never going back. Ive been here 8 times. EVERYONE CHECK YOUR RECEIPTS!!!

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    Salam Hookah Lounge - Amazing hookah

    Salam Hookah Lounge

    2.9(31 reviews)
    1.4 miKoreatown

    They dont answer the phone.takes you straight to voicemail and its never open at 6 pm waited 1 hrs…read moreand nothing

    If you're searching for an exceptional hookah experience, look no further--this place sets the…read morestandard. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted not just with warm lighting and a relaxed atmosphere, but by a team that truly understands what customer service should feel like. What really separates this lounge from the rest is the incredible service. The staff is attentive without being intrusive, always just a glance away and quick to refresh coals or check in to make sure everything is perfect. You can tell they take real pride in what they do. Orders come quickly, the hookahs are prepared to perfection, and every detail--from flavor recommendations to making sure your seating is comfortable--is handled with care. Whether you're a regular or a first-time guest, you're treated with the same VIP-level attention. The staff here isn't just friendly--they're passionate. They know their flavors, they understand how to mix for the perfect pull, and they genuinely want you to enjoy your time. No question is too small, and they're happy to explain or customize your session. You're not just another customer here--you're a guest. There's no rushed vibe, no cutting corners, just pure hospitality. What really elevates the vibe here is the presence of the owner. You can feel it in the culture of the place--someone who cares deeply has built something special. The owner is often around, chatting with guests, checking on service, and making sure the energy of the lounge stays top-tier. It's rare to find a business where leadership is so clearly involved in the day-to-day experience, and it makes all the difference. It's not just a hookah lounge--it feels like a home away from home, curated by someone who gets it. Add in smooth music, cozy seating, clean interiors, and beautifully presented hookahs, and you've got a place that doesn't just serve you--it hosts you. Whether you're unwinding after a long day, celebrating with friends, or just enjoying a quiet solo smoke, this lounge is the kind of place you'll keep coming back to. It's rare to find a hookah lounge that balances ambiance, flavor quality, and outstanding service so flawlessly. This isn't just a place to smoke--it's a place to connect, relax, and be treated like someone who matters. Highly recommend. 10/10 experience every time.

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    Salam Hookah Lounge
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    Velvet Hookah Smoke - Minimalist and modern set ups that add to the vibe.

    Velvet Hookah Smoke

    5.0(1 review)
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    i had one of the best experiences with their hookah mobile catering servic. I came out here from…read morewestern New Yor for vacation and I had a good time. their hookah flavors were tasted good and I got alot of clouds. I recommend the melon alfaqar flavor, very good

    From the owner: Hookah Catering - let us handle the smoke…read more On call and available 24/7 Bringing the tastiest hookah flavors and top tier vibes to your function!! At Velvet Hookah Smoke, we bring the ultimate luxury hookah experience directly to your event—anytime, anywhere in Los Angeles. As the city’s #1 mobile hookah catering service, we specialize in elevating all types of events, from private parties and birthdays to weddings, corporate gatherings, lounges, and nightlife experiences. Our full-service hookah catering includes: • Premium Hookah Setups with modern designs and custom themes • Top-Shelf Tobacco & Herbal Flavors including exclusive blends • Professional Hookah Attendants to ensure smooth operation all night • On-Demand Setup & Breakdown for stress-free event hosting • Customizable Packages to match your vibe, guest count, and budget Whether you’re hosting an upscale celebration or an intimate kickback, Velvet Hookah Smoke delivers a smooth, flavorful, and unforgettable hookah experience—because your event deserves nothing less than velvet-level

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    Sunset Rooftop - Salmon eggs Benedict, wouldn't recommend

    Sunset Rooftop

    3.8(359 reviews)
    2.8 miHollywood
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    Food music and drinks were great my waiter mercy was great great personality and great serviceread more

    Cute Spot with Great Staff but Different Vibes Day vs. Late Night…read more Ambiance and Setup This place is super cute and has a really nice patio style "rooftop" area (technically the second floor). The decor is fun and aesthetic, and it's a great spot for brunch, drinks, or hookah. You do have to walk up about two short flights of stairs to get there. I didn't see an elevator, so that's something to keep in mind. Parking There is shared parking downstairs with the other businesses in the building. During the day it can get pretty full, but when we came late at night there was plenty of parking available. Food and Drinks On our recent visit we ordered the nachos and added protein, and they were really good...flavorful and filling. I've also been here before for breakfast/brunch a couple years ago and the food was great then too. The mimosas were really good, and overall the brunch experience was wonderful. They also offer drinks and hookah, which is one of the reasons we wanted to come back at night. Games One thing I thought was really cool is that they provide some games for guests to play. We didn't end up using them, but it's a fun little touch that adds to the experience. Brunch / Breakfast Experience (5 Stars) When I came during the morning for breakfast and mimosas, the atmosphere was relaxed, cute, and really enjoyable. The staff was friendly and everything felt calm and welcoming. It was honestly a great brunch spot and I would absolutely recommend it for daytime visits. Late Night Experience (3 Stars) We came back late at night around 2 a.m. for food. While the staff and food were still great, the overall energy was very different from the daytime experience. The late night crowd was louder and higher energy, and some of the guests were a bit unfriendly, which made the atmosphere feel a little less comfortable for us personally. This isn't really the restaurant's fault, but it did change the vibe compared to the relaxed brunch visit I had before. Hookah Policy They do have a hookah minimum policy. For example, tables of three must order one hookah, tables of five must order two, and so on. If guests choose not to order hookah, there is a required minimum spend or a small fee per person. Just something to be aware of before going. Service Charge There is an 18% service charge added, so keep that in mind when budgeting. Service The hostess and waitress were both very friendly and attentive. Even when things got busy, they stayed calm and professional, which we really appreciated. Overall Still a really cute place with great service and good food. I'd personally recommend coming earlier in the evening or during brunch hours if you're looking for a more relaxed atmosphere. I'd definitely return during the daytime again.

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    Sunset Rooftop - Umbrella patio

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    Avocado toast, that only thing I actually liked

    Sunset Rooftop - Strawberry Lemonade, didn't taste like Lemonade at all. More like flat Strawberry soda

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    Strawberry Lemonade, didn't taste like Lemonade at all. More like flat Strawberry soda

    Ali Mama Cafe - coffee - Updated June 2026

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