I wish I would have read the reviews before coming here. If I could this place a 0 I would. For 1 hookah, 1 margarita, and an order of French fries came out to be $100. They charge a ridiculous covid fee on top of a mandatory gratuity. The margarita didn't taste like a margarita at all and was disgusting. The hookah was pricey because they use the freezable ice hose which gives a smoother pull. The hookah was cool but that's about it. The base in the speakers was terrible and gave me a headache instantly. I probably lost some hearing at how disgustingly loud the music was for such a small space. They keep your I.D and when I asked why, the security stated that that's their policy. That's not a good enough answer!!!!!!! My I.D. went from the security guard, to the guy who sat me at the table, to behind the bar, and was giving to me by a girl behind the bar after I paid my bill. With Covid going around, that's too many hands touching my I.D, not to mention the safety issue of all these people in possession of my drivers license. Identity fraud happens everyday with something as simple as somebody having sensitive information like your name, address, date of birth, and drivers license number. This place is ghetto and a complete rip off!!!!!!! Complete trash!! Save your money!!!!!! read more

Illusions Hookah & Mixology Lounge - The cheap frozen French fries aren't shown but this was $100... smh - Hookah Bars Near Me - Bronx, New York

This place was a really good time. There was a big crowd, and the music was jumping. The hookah menu was massive, and there were a lot of options. We sat by the bar, and the server was really nice, and made really good drinks. read more

Everything about my experience here was necessary! Dave, the security at the door, made me feel so welcomed! I was able to ask him all types of questions and he had all the answers! The hookah was GREAT! I am so excited that my first hookah experience happened here! The bar staff was completely attentive, checking up on me regularly! Thank you! The complimentary shot with the check in was EXACTLY what I needed to end and begin my night! Thank you, Will! Next time I am in the Bronx, I will definitely make my way back to Illusions! Thank you all for making my Sunday night! read more

Illusions Hookah & Mixology Lounge - Solo dolo hookah was worth it! - Hookah Bars Near Me - Bronx, New York

Had Horrible experience, only made better by employees who were understanding. I hate to write bad reviews being in the industry myself. Going to Manhattan originally but decided to support locally. Huge mistake. Ended up with a 260 dollar bill for 2 people. COVID surcharge? Gratuity fee for 2 people? Highway robbery. First the tables were wobbly and pressed up against the wall. Fine covid rules I know. When asked about the more comfortable tables in back , we were told they were for larger parties. It was empty and never did those tables ever get filled. Food we were forced to buy. Again fine because of law, I get it. But to have the audacity to charge 15 dollars for eight restaurant depot big c brand breaded wings, served in a cardboard box. The whole case costs about 15 dollars! Crazy not to mention cheap sauces on the side, bullseye bbq and Frank's red hot in a 20z cup. Lol whatever no one's coming here for the food. But at least if you're going to charge that much, make it worth it. Drinks way too expensive for the amount you're getting, maybe a 12 Oz to go cup for 18 dollars? It's not Manhattan and these aren't crazy cocktails. They were good, albeit not worth asking price. Hookahs, first one was awful, second was decent but nothing to write home about. 50 for a hookah? For that price it should of been the best hookah we have ever had.. Never seen that before. Nice equipment though. I get it you want to have higher prices to have a certain kind of clientele...but you need to know where you are. And where you are is next to a bodega and in front of a 7/11. Come on.... maybe hide covid surcharge in the prices, I think the mark up should make up for it as I'd. Gratuity fee for 2 people? Maybe pay your staff accordingly, not sure reason behind it. Now there were signs up if you're looking for them. Cash only should of been a warning for me, but just wanted to have a good night. The staff was very helpful and helped situation as best as they could, since there was no owner or manager present on a Friday night? Just Shameful. You can tell they were used to the people complaining about the prices and being blindsided by the surcharges. Hate writing a negative review and usually if I don't like a place I just never go back. But this experience merited a warning to others... Illusions? More like DELUSIONAL. read more

Illusions Hookah & Mixology Lounge - Robbery - Hookah Bars Near Me - Bronx, New York

Great low key environment for a simple date night. I went early to avoid any crowds. Spot was nice and clean, i like the setup. staff was very attentive, fast service. When we first got there they were playing a horrible playlist but once the Dj came he hooked up the vibe The drink menu was cool, i wish they had a drink on the menu with Hennessy but yu can also create your own. Hookah was pretty good there are a lot of flavor options to choose from. Would recommend read more

Terrible Terrible Terrible, horrible experience, the place charged us $18 per drinks, a hookah with refill was = $80, the bill was $429 for 3 ppl, once they bill was signed they pulled the tables from us, one of the worst places in the bx I have ever been too read more

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Had a MUCH NEEDED great time at this spot recently . It's super difficult to find a comfortable lounge with good vibes during Covid but this was definitely it ! From the time we arrived, we received VIP treatment from Leo. From food to drinks to hookah , and even casual check-ins just to make sure we were straight, Leo made sure we were well taken care of . We'll definitely be back to see him soon. Pull up ... you won't regret it read more

I stopped by about a week ago and as Usual I was greeted pleasantly by Miranda the Manger. I was so happy that they had food because the drinks are always Top Shelf. Hang in there Illusions .you'll be right back on the top ten list for the best bars in the Bronx. read more

Hookah was great, especially the skittle flavor. The wings were good. However , stars was lower due to the manger. She not only made Rude comments on the loud speaker. But towards the end she single us out for standing at our table while waiting for a friend to use the bathroom. Overall, she needs to be retrained on hospitality and speaking to the public. Hi Nicky, I would like to address that you claimed we called her outside of her name. This is false we did not call her outside of her name. We did stated that we had a good night until your manger was rude. We were not ask multiple times to put on our mask. We were only asked once. Only one of us had our mask down and she was sitting. she in fact yelled from across the bar, which is super Unprofessional and arguing with other staff. Prior, we did inform our waiter that the gentleman's next to us made us uncomfortable. We ask if we can wait until they leave, which we were inform that it was okay. That was the reason why was still waiting at 12:40. During this time our friend asked to use your restroom. I am a local and work within this area. However, I would not be coming back nor recommending this place based on hospitality. I wish you all the best and success. read more

I've been coming to Illusions for a few years so it's only right that I write a review. Being a Bronx baby, this is one of the best lounges that I've been to. The drinks?! ..the hookah?! . The service? I usually come on a Sunday (given my days off) so it's typically a calm scene. Saturdays it's more of a crowd but nonetheless, it's always a vibe. read more

Illusions Hookah & Mixology Lounge - a hookah and mixology bar - Hookah Bars Near Me - Bronx, New York

3 words: too damn expensive. I swear I never spent $45 on a hookah in my life but for some reason because this place has some sort of "cooling ice pipe" they think they can charge an arm and a leg. Bartender was more concerned with smoking hookah at the end of the bar than making drinks and I just simply would never return. read more

Illusions Hookah & Mixology Lounge - Vodka club soda - Hookah Bars Near Me - Bronx, New York

To start out this place is a gem in the Bronx. Great hookah and friendly bartenders. The reasoning for one star stems from my recent experience with the bouncers. On April 6th, 2019 my friend and I deceived to have an evening out at this establishment. He was from out of town and wanted to go to a hookah place in the Bronx so i figured we go to my favorite spot. We arrived around 1230 am and was greeted by a gentleman guarding the door. He stated that the bar was to capacity and that they weren't letting anyone else in. After given this information my guest and I politely stepped to the side to call an Uber to go elsewhere. Shortly after we saw five females get out of a cab and present their ID to the same bouncer that denied us entry. He proceeded to let the 5 ladies in. When i approached him and asked why he let them in and not us he stated that they were here before. I currently work and own an security company that staffs many different vendors with body guards/bouncers in NYC Clubs. I informed him that i saw the ladies get out the cab and that they weren't here before. I informed him that he was being bias and asked to speak to a manager. He later came back and stated that his manager informed him to inform me that the only way anyone else was getting in was to pay $400 for bottle service. I'm very disappointed about the front door service that i received. I've been a regular at this establishment for over 4 years and have spent lots of money here. My company and I shouldn't have been spoken to nor treated in this bias manner. I would recommend this place however i would suggest replacing the front door service. VERY BAD SERVICE. read more

In short ; food is bad, you have a to order food to get a drink, fish bowls come in sand buckets and there's an 18% automatic gratuity added to the bill that can't come off. I was told there was a gratuity sign, when I asked to see it, The manager had to ask the employee to adjust the door so it could be made visible. When I noticed this was happening I mentioned that it was unfair, that even still through all my bad experience she wasn't trying to release this gratuity. Whole story; came here looking for a nice little vibe before going home. For starters you have to order food with a drink, which would be understandable if the food didn't taste bad. I asked for a fish bowl was told it was $32 ended up paying $45. Again I would not have mind, if it were the appropriate size of a fish bowl. The hookah was bad, the person made it over a second time and we kindly declined. This establishment could've continued on, with its disappointing settings however it's the bad customer service that made me want to address this post. They include an automatic 18% gratuity, which would be fine if they gave me 18% gratuity Customer service. I asked to speak to the manager, to have it removed and she basically told me it was impossible. When I asked if she could remove something off of the bill similar to the $18 tip that was Included I was told it was basically impossible. I was told there's a sign that says gratuity is included, when I asked to see it she told one off the staff to close the door so I would be able to see the sign. At this point, I asked so in order to see this sign of automatic gratuity, someone has to move something for me to see it. She then got offended because I called her sweeties, which at this moment was beyond the point. I will be going out of my way to contact the manager, and BBB to ensure that no one goes through this same experiences I went through. Gratuity is okay to be already included but it should be adjustable no matter the circumstance . read more

Illusions Hookah & Mixology Lounge - Hookah Bars Near Me - Bronx, New York

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I've been here before but I tried going last weekend and the bouncer said that mine and my friend's IDs were fake... (our IDs are not fake, we are both 27 years old) he was very wrong and very rude. Who knows how many legitimate patrons are being turned away. read more

Me my friend really want to smoke some hookah and we found this place on yelp so we decided to give it a try. The ambience of the hookah place is very neon lights and looks chic modern. We went on a Friday night around midnight It was a good crowd of people kinda young and the DJ was awesome. I do like that the hookah's were sturdy 8 feet tall hookahs with a cooling hose. They were playing sports highlights and were just chilled and vibed out. Why am giving this place one star?! I have no idea why they like to walk around and act like they can remember orders without writing them down. Every time we ordered something they go and come back five/ ten minutes later asking "what was your order again?" We ordered 2 Red Bull's 3 Grey goose with pineapple slash of cran (They all tasted different) 1 hookah of mint 1 refill hookah of skittles How much was our bill? $209.91 We over looked our bill We had EXTRA charges 2 extra Red Bull's 1 extra grey goose and they were different prices $15 extra coal refill The hookah and flavor change was $5 more than they guy quoted. Then! $30+ gratuity Now here's the problem! We went to the bartender to explain what we actually had. He argued us up and down saying we did have all of this. I'm like we are honest people spending almost $200 in here for a few drinks and some hookah just take this extra stuff off. Then he low-key kind of called me a liar. Whatever we will gladly pay the tab and y'all have a good night. read more

Illusions Hookah & Mixology Lounge - 2 Red Bull's 3 grey gooses 1 hookah mint 1 skittles refill Total 200+ - Hookah Bars Near Me - Bronx, New York

I should've read the reviews before coming here because y'all are correct about everything. Some employees are great but overall this place is hot doodoo. Above average prices for below average quality. If you're looking for a fun time, this isn't the place for you. read more

POSITIVE REVIEW!!! Before making my decision about this establishment, I read through some of these reviews of people complaining and the person replying blunting to the negative feedback. I thought it was hilarious and had to check it out for myself. What a great time, professionalism, and environment. The doorman was professional and friendly securing the front, the bartender was a sweetheart, very professional and assisted my guest and I frequently, the hookah was delicious! Very elegant taste and chilled at your convenience!!! That freezer handle gave me life, haha... I recommend the pineapple head and coconut juice YUM!!! Drinks, "Drive Me Coconut" was delicious! The blue lights were mellow, space-vibe, funky fresh and the music was great. Will definitely return here for some hookah and a drink. You pay for what you get, this is very good quality. Not a cheap establishment, hookahs run just under $50, cocktails under $20. Can't wait to return! Be sure to tip the waitress. PEACE, LOVE AND DANCE WEPA!!!! read more

Illusions Hookah & Mixology Lounge - PINEAPPLE HEAD HOOKAH & DRIVE ME COCO COCKTAIL. - Hookah Bars Near Me - Bronx, New York

Overpriced hookah. Nice lil spot. Narrow layout. Did I say OVERPRICED hookah??? Oh and overpriced cocktails. Open late night, that's why I end up here (I've been 4 times) smoking their OVERPRICED hookahs! read more

This spot was shockingly pricier than similar spots in Mid and lower Manhattan. We were visiting City Island and thought we'd check out a spot before we headed back down to LES. The CONS They are really screaming you don't belong here, to lots of people. $30 minimum to run a card?! $3 for bubbly water out of the tap gun and $5 for bottle water. Nooooo freeeeee water. $15 per drink. $250 to sit on their small dance floor. They made a presentation about the drinks being large because of the cup size but it wasn't a nice mixologist drink, it was similar to a TGI Friday's. The ladies behind the counter we're lukewarm to us. Let's say customer experience was ok. Not horrible but I also think they realized we were not understanding their high stakes to be a customer in their bar. The sad part is the place was empty. It was $250 for bottle service. But no on was there and they created a situation where you couldn't sit near the dance floor unless you pay the $250. Trying to be a club. I get it. It's a cute attempt but they blocked opportunities for everyone to have fun. Maybe that's their way of cutting out people who loiter but I've never been to a bar in nyc with the high stakes like this one, and the clubs with similar terms are bringing in world class DJs and have more than blue Christmas lights to create a mood. Next time we will just go back to City Island. PRO Clean, bright blue Christmas lights read more

Really digging this lounge. I was beginning to forget what it felt like to have a nice night out with my girls. I was blown away upon entrance. Honestly I'm not from the Bronx and I definitely don't frequent lounges/hookah bars out here. But my cousin suggested this place and I said I'm in. We get there and the bouncer outside checks our IDs and we enter with no cover charge. Thank you. So it was really a lot of people in here but not too crowded. Looks really up to date and even though this place is small it's just like the perfect size to have a great time with friends. The music was great--they had a few DJs. Make sure you check in :) we got free shots of pineapple infused vodka & I thought that was a nice little perk to get the party started. We also sat by the bar & got a hookah. It was just really nice. I think that costed 30-40$-- I can't recall. Either way it was worth it because all three of us were smoking from it and it took a while to burn out. The place is just overall a dope, chill, hangout spot. If you're in the Bronx or you're just looking for a nice hookah lounge/bar, I would really suggest you try it out. I definitely won't hesitate to come back. Very good experience! read more

Illusions Hookah & Mixology Lounge - Pineapple infused vodka (comes free with check in) - Hookah Bars Near Me - Bronx, New York

A1 Staff Hookah Drinks Music D E F I N I T E L Y coming back w/ the whole team .. [And I came on a Monday.] VERY dope establishment. Glad to find a spot close to the crib [10 mins away] read more

Illusions Hookah & Mixology Lounge - Mango Coconut Hookah - Hookah Bars Near Me - Bronx, New York

If you smoke hookah regularly you'll probably make a better hooka than this place. They make an XL hookah with one quick lite that's weak as hell. Staff clearly doesn't care about good service either, they don't know the difference between shots and drinks read more

Place is small,feels like a long hall. Went for a Party on a Sat nite. Bouncer was acting like he was working @ 1oak! Music was ok. Hookahs were $45. Drinks were good,it's over priced that's for sure !!!!Has a few tables in the back . Parking is a bit hectic in the section of Pelham.. read more

Illusions Hookah & Mixology Lounge - Just chilling out.. Enjoying our moment!! - Hookah Bars Near Me - Bronx, New York

Amazing cocktail drinks!! The staff knows how to keep you excited. And oh by the way not only you come here for the drinks and the music but to stand for the hookah!!!! read more

Came here a weekend before Halloween, the place is really small but the decor was really cool, the ambiance was very low key and chill when we first arrived and picked up as the night went on. They have a VERY impressive hookah selection, (bonus: they also use ice hoses) they also have a very creative drink menu. The prices for the hookah, i must admit is too expensive, about $40 a head, if you're using a credit card, they charge you an additional $5 for coal on top of an additional refill charge. I got two hookahs and it was $90. Was it worth it? No. Although I really appreciated the fact that the hoses were clean, and the smoke didn't taste like most places uptown & the Bronx where you get this metallic tar taste from dirty hoses. The flavors were smooth and was a hit. The girls behind the bar were very friendly and had some great recommendations if you're too overwhelmed by the list of flavors and cocktails. They DO have happy hour specials, and if I'm ever in the area again, I'll definitely be stopping by. read more

Illusions Hookah & Mixology Lounge - One of their peach fishbowls - Hookah Bars Near Me - Bronx, New York

This hookah lounge is definitely a hidden gem. If anything, it is a Manhattan hookah lounge in the Bronx in both atmosphere, vibe and price. DJ is on point as well. It's a great place in the Bronx especially if you want that upscale feel. It has a couple of TV's showing different things so that's nice. The hookah is about $40 which is the most I've spent in the city. It does come with an ice tip and they have a wide variety of flavors but I still think it's a bit pricey and not worth it but it lasted a good time and was very smooth so that could be up for debate. Besides that the drinks are pricey as well at $14 a mixed drink but let me tell you, it's worth it! It's pretty much 2 drinks in one and it comes in a mason jar. THEY ARE NOT WEAK! I was more happy paying for the drink price than the hookah. Overall if you don't want leave the Bronx and are still willing to fork over cash, this is definitely the spot. read more

Illusions Hookah & Mixology Lounge - Hookah Bars Near Me - Bronx, New York

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Music good drinks good ... now they serve food to be honest i ordered the fried shrimp which was bad it was microwaved u can tell it was frozen boxed shrimp u get from supermarket. They have a new rule now that u must order an appetizer so that the only reason i ordered the shrimp but other than the bad food everything else is good i will return read more

Hookah burns out in 5 minuets, and the staff knows it. Also they charge 5 dollars extra for using your card. Find another place to smoke hookah read more

Illusions Hookah & Mixology Lounge - Hookah Bars Near Me - Bronx, New York

Let's start with pricing. The $45 hookah, although they ranged in flavor, was very weak and last all of 20 minutes. The $15-$25 drinks were not mixed well and could've been a lot better. Next the food my party and I received was undercooked and flavorless. Salt and ketchup couldn't even help my fries. Some of the food was still cold in the center. We did go at 2 am so I won't say much about the vibe but it certainly did not make up for the food and drinks. Other than that, the staff was nice and accommodating but I wouldn't come here again unless I was really bored and had money to waste. read more

Had a really great time with some friends this past Friday 3/13. Me & my girls sat at the bar for the evening. Connie was the bartender that serviced us all night. She makes some really great drinks and made sure our hookah was on point. We order Mango & Mint- it was so delicious. Only reason why it's 4/5 stars is because it's very expensive. Cash the hookah is $45 but on your card it's $57. That's the only down fall. However the hookah is smooth AF. The drinks are a little pricey but it's worth it because the cups are large! I ordered Henny& Red-bull all night and my girls had Patron Margaritas. The DJ was spinning great tunes all night! Ask for Connie you go here she will have your drinks lit for sure! read more

It very friendly here. The bartenders look mean and not very inviting. Made us feel a lil uncomfortable read more

Illusions Hookah & Mixology Lounge - Hookah Bars Near Me - Bronx, New York

Illusions is always a nice local place to go to. The set up and interior is dope. Plus i always enjoy there hookah and several hookah flavors. I jus always feel like the hookah prices is overpriced for a local spot in the bronx. But i still go anyway lol. read more

I LOVE coming here!! This spot is sooo laid back. The bartenders are so attentive and hook you up when you come to have a good time. There are a numerous amount of hookah flavors to chose from. Names you've never heard of and flavors you never even thought would mix well. Their signature drinks are lovely and have one for everyone's taste! Jamie knows how to hook up the hookah flavors. Miranda know how to make your drink to your liking. The ambiance to the whole spot relaxed. Lights all over the place that give off a relaxed feeling. All the way down the to bathroom. When the DJ is here he will gladly take a request to keep the party going with whatever it is you would like to hear. I cannot believe how people don't like this place, you have to have good vibe in order to get it back! Some people don't know how to appreciate a good business !! read more

The worst place ever .. 2 drinking and. A freakin hookah and this is the bill .. the bill was super high for 2 drink and a hookah.. no one goes there and this place is always empty . Definitely need new management read more

Illusions Hookah & Mixology Lounge - Hookah Bars Near Me - Bronx, New York

So, let me start by saying me and my boyfriend spent $98 for 2 drinks and a hookah. The hookah, was not good, we had to ask 3 times for it to be redone, and after the third time it was a little better but was not pulling correctly and I hate starting up my own hookah. The AC is running and fans at the same time, so it's super chilly inside. We asked the bartender to turn fan off and minutes later the AC is pumped up. Now drinks are good but they charge you $15 each and then there was an alcohol tax charge of $7.99. They also add gratuity and an extra $5 if you pay with card. It's 2017, almost everyone pays with card. Me and my boyfriend frequent hookah lounges and have never paid this much for hookah and 2 drinks, even in Manhattan. Overall you left feeling cheated and a tremendous headache from the bad hookah. read more

I don't mind spending money , that's not the issue . The issue is there is no hospitality . I came in and they were dead . We were the only people in there and they didint want to sit us where we wanted to sit which was in across the bar . The music was all drake and meek mill . When I first walked in it looked closed and I asked the lady of they were open and she had a smart remark saying yea we open don't you see people . Like obviously I don't . I don't even see a bouncer Second drinks are very light for the price and hookah was okay but I don't know why they charge 10$ for charcoal . It just don't make no sense . They charged me 220$ which is a lot for one pineapple hookah 2 coals and 6 drinks . it's just not worth it . I rather spend that much downtown at a rooftop bar where the staff is welcoming and friendly and the drinks are good . I'm not sure who owns this place but they need a better staff and work on pricing . Your in the bx not midtown read more

Came here tonight kinda early around 12:30am it was a light crowd at first but the music was already poppin. As the night grew so did the crowd there were a lot of people celebrating birthdays so it got pretty crowded but still comfy;the lighting and seating is what makes this place. The hookah is big soo big they give you four flavors I had the pineapple cherry vanilla and queen of sex lol; for drinks I had a lychee martini and a ameretto sour my friend had a Pineapple Express all yummy and strong you get a nice buzzZ. Overall we enjoyed it and decided that we would definitely come back but probably on a week night just to catch the vibe. Also the only thing they should add to this place is food that would definitely give this place the extra star. read more

Illusions Hookah & Mixology Lounge - All of the lights all of the lights - Hookah Bars Near Me - Bronx, New York

I LOVE malika and Miranda! They met my expectations to another level! I love them they made me so comfortable!!!!! Im only coming back for them!!!!!! They were sooooooo attentive! My family loved them!!! I love women like them,they are so sweet!!!!! read more

First off shoutout to the bartender Jamie for holding us down && dealing with our drunk assess. Very polite & friendly. We were out celebrating my boys birthday. Wandered here randomly after dinner. It was quiet & music playing was cool. I really love the decor. It's simple but it pops. It's a little pricey to me. Best way to put it is City Prices. To think about it it might be a little more. I paid $50 for my hookah and you have to pay for coal refills . I can't say I'm running back! read more

If anyone gives this place more than one star they are lying or have money to waste. This place is overpriced and overrated. Entered at 12 am and left at 12:57 am........spent $100 and stood the entire time. The seats at the bar were all taken and the back seating area was for bottle service. There were plenty of empty seats in the back because no one was buying bottle service but no one was allowed to sit. It was such a waste to leave home for this place.........Lesson learned. Before going to this lounge please read, in detail, the one star reviews. Everything written is correct. read more