Short and sweet (longer review below) - this has been the best hookah bar I've ever been to and I've been to hookah lounges all over the U.S. Amazing service and the hookah was packed perfectly! I highly recommend this place. Longer review - my friend and I walked in and were greeted immoderately. We sat down and looked over the menu - they have a great selection (Fumari fans, this is your place). We ordered our hookah and when I say that the bowl was sparkling clean, I mean IT WAS SPOTLESS. I could've read a book through the glass. My friend and I frequent hookah lounges and we've visited so many during our travels, Samah is hands down the cleanest hookah we've smoked out of. Gury and the other staff person (will ask for his name and update this) were attentive, friendly, and the epitome of what great customer service looks like. We were both impressed by our experience. It looks like they have happy hour specials on hookah during the weekday and I'll definitely be taking advantage of that. My other friends and I are going there this week. Will update this review if anything changes. This is a must-go for all hookah lovers. Trust me. read more

Samah Hookah Lounge - The hookah is sooo clean and packed perfectly - Hookah Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I don't smoke hookah often, but this place had a cool vibe. The place is decorated well and the service was good. A great place to catch a game or fight even if you don't smoke. The smell wasn't overpowering (for me). read more

I am a frequent hookah smoker so it was nice to find this place while visiting Chi Town. Staff was super friendly and had great recommendations. read more

I normally do not leave reviews, but I have to based off of how bad the environment of this place is. As a local resident by Samah I feel unsafe with this hookah bar in my community. There have been countless fights, acts of violence, and emergency services called numerous times (almost weekly). This business should not be able to stay open. Somehow after being closed this summer the business was able to reopen. I would give this zero stars if I could and recommend that you do not go here and give your business somewhere else. I feel unsafe and so do Loyola students who live in Rogers Park as well. read more

Guess who's back, back? Back again- SAMAH's back!! Came here with my fiancé for the grand reopening on a super busy Thursday night. Wow- talk about makeover! Location, location, location: located a few blocks from Loyola University, Samah is accessible by 155 bus, 147 bus, 22 bus and less than two blocks away from Loyola and Granville red line station. In addition, there is street parking available right in front of Samah and residential street parking is available after 9 pm (darn you zone permits!) Atmosphere- poppin' is an understatement! Beautiful space- dark walls, grey colored floors and spacious comfy couches make for the perfect hookah experience. I really loved the exposed silver via ducts and the setup of the wall lights- both additions really complimented the dark blue colored walls. The atmosphere is very inviting, from the moment you walk in the door, your brain switches to chill mode due to the dark walls and subtle lighting. I had a super long day but I felt relaxed as soon as I walked in! After sitting on the couches for about an hour, I understood why people hang around hookah lounges for hours on end! The couches are extremely comfy, that sink-into-couch-and-not-get-up-for-hours type of good. Sometimes hookah lounges can be super cramped together so you feel like your legs have no room between the couch and table but everything here was spaced out proportionally. The hookah itself was good- my SIL ordered the blue mist with mint and we ordered the lemon mint. It went down smoothly and it was not too strong. I couldn't taste the lemon as much but my fiancé said he could really taste the lemon. I guess you can say the lemon is not overpowering due to the smoothness of the mint. The blue mist with the lemon was really good- highly recommend! Servers: I really appreciated the service- the servers were constantly going around checking the charcoal and asking if we needed anything. I've been to hookah lounges where you order a drink and wait ten to fifteen minutes for it to arrive- not here. As soon as you ordered something, it was delivered right away. The owners themselves came to each table to inquire how the hookahs are and if we felt like it was weak, they asked if they could test it for themselves with their own hookah cap (or whatever you call it). I'm not the greatest hookah smoker out there (judgement free zone here) but the owner explained to me the best way to smoke so you don't get light headed which was super helpful. So don't be discouraged to try it again if you've ever had a bad experience! It is this type of service that makes Samah hookah experience memorable and keeps people coming back! I appreciated their concern for their customer's experience. Also, the servers were quick to clean up when someone left and very amiable. If you're not "lovin" the lounge area, there are booths in the back as well. We didn't get a chance to try for ourselves but they look like it's a good area if you want some privacy with your friends. Prices are reasonable- don't forget to tip the servers on your way out! Also, major bonus, they have wall plugs that also include USB cord so for all my iPhone (and android) users, you just need your cord not the wall plug (Samah FTW)!! They also had three TV's up- makes me think this place is a really great place to come watch a game or hang out with friends. read more

If I could give zero stars, I would. Service was extremely rude and borderline racist to my friends and I. We literally had to flag down servers for water and juice and when they finally approached us, they acted as if we were the problem. The bar last night also, out of nowhere, with zero explanation, announced that they were closing early and basically told everyone to GFTO. I'm an entrepreneur and I've worked in hospitality for 15 years and I was literally appalled at the way they were treating their customers, especially considering some people were there celebrating their bdays. My friends and I also paid $40 cover just to get in. When I politely asked one of the bouncers if I could speak to a manager or the GM, because they gave no explanation why they were closing early, he basically told me to get the F out. Idk how this place is still in business and I would never go back even if they paid me too. There's a ton of other hookah bars in Chicago that I've gotten tremendous service from. read more

My favorite hookah lounge!! I have been here multiple times with my friends and every time we have a good time. I have been to multiple different hookah lounges in the area and this one is still my favorite spot. The atmosphere is chill and fun. Definitely a great place to come catch up with a group of friends. I appreciate that they play a variety of music and something for everyone to enjoy. They have many options of teas but I like to order the lemon and ginger tea, it's a perfect combination with the hookah. Another great option is the spice chai lemon mint. The staff usually helps me pick out a new and different hookah flavor to try. My favorite is the white gummy bear with Sargent huckleberry. Highly recommended read more

Terrible service . Rude . Waited to get in even tho I had reservations. Just terrible .

My favorite hookah place. Gury is the best in preparing the best hookah with the best flavors. He also remembers all his clients orders and their likes in hookah and drinks.His service is impeccable respectful and very professional! I enjoy it whether for a weekday to work or weekend to hang out. Thanks Gury!! read more

This is my favorite hookah lounge. My friends and I come once a month and are never disappointed. They have so many flavors and the hookahs are clean and the lounge is too. Beverages from outside are allowed with just a $5 additional charge. The place is always packed and lively. read more

I was in awe when I found out they were "closed". Yelp reviewers reported that this location was closed. I managed to drive by and double check Yelp (yes, because we're tech reliant...and lazy). I would have been EXTREMELY disappointed if the layout and ambiance changed. Everything, with the minor exception of the counter being placed in the middle, stayed the same. I absolutely LOVE the fact that the back was EXACTLY how it was before; curtains, pillows, and mini ground tables. The music selection is ALWAYS on point, in my obvi opinion. My friend and I were just bumping to Frank Sinatra and 50 Cent. Hands down will be my go to hookah spot. read more

Okay, so this place is nothing like the pictures seen online. However, it's a very chill and small place to relax with friends. We tried the pineapple express. Great flavor! My only complaint is that it took them forever to greet us, and forever to bring the hookah. The service is okay. Im not sure if I'd come back. read more

Samah Hookah Lounge - Pineapple express - Hookah Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

They're doing hookahs right. Dislikes: 1) hookah menu unique blends are not descriptive at all. Drizzy drake, snoop dogg, obama... no clue on what they taste like. Having to ask the servers and they don't look too exited about talking about their products. Have it on the menu, don't make me uncomfortable for having to ask you what's this taste like for 16-20 blends. 2) let me know that you included a 18% gratuity on my bill. While checking out, you guys don't show that. On top you ask for tip. So when I tip, I end up tipping 36%. Your place is great but not that great. 3) i hate receiving a hookah with the wrong equipment. ask us if we want coco naras or three Kings. Disposable hose or silicone hose. read more

Traveling all the way from Houston Texas. I wanted to find a fun and relax place to hang out. I had an absolutely wonderful time here and can't wait to come back! Thank you so much for your excellent service this was awesome. read more

This hookah lounge was pretty cool. We came here on a weekend night, and the place was crowded. It may have been because there was some sports game going on, not sure. There were several TVs with sports playing. We were still able to get a table quickly. I ordered some hot tea and hookah. The hookah was really nice and I enjoyed my tea. We noticed a lot of people with pizza boxes at their tables and we were hungry so we ordered some food to be delivered there. They were nice enough to give us utensils to eat. This is one of my favorite hookah bars in Chicago, the rest are kind of dingy. read more

I will not lie. I will not lie. I think I just went to the best hookah lounge in all of chicago. I'll challenge anybody to show me a better place. The atmosphere was the BEST! Every party had a private enclosed area surrounded by curtains.You could literally stretch your legs out and prop yourself up with your elbow while smoking some really good shisha. I believe we had Aladdin's Lamp and the Cubby Bear. Oh they were so good!! :D I must have been inebriated or super buzzed but wow the hummus and the pita was freakin amazing!!! To those at Loyola, you are such lucky people that this place is so close to you. Jealousy takes over// read more

Great hookah and even better atmosphere! Conveniently located near my college campus (Loyola) so I stop in after class to relax and do homework! Service is impeccable, and the hookah made by Gurry is great, he also recommends new flavors to try and never disappoints! Highly recommend! read more

Love this place I go there whenever I can! Excellent customer service Gurry always goes above and beyond to make sure everyone is having a great time. Not to mention the orange head he made. I will never smoke a regular head again! read more

Samah Hookah Lounge - Orange head - Hookah Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is awesome! The hookah is great and not to mention their coffee is just as great. I loved hanging out with my girlfriends we had a privet room. The server was attentive and checked up on us throughout the night we did not have to go looking for him. I can honestly say it was relaxing hookah was great and we will definitely be back its nice place to hangout and chill. read more

As a hookah enthusiast, I was excited to try this hookah bar for the first time on a recent saturday evening. Myself and 2 friends came in and were led to one of the back curtain rooms with floor seating. And there we sat. For about 25 minutes. I eventually had to go up front to put in a hookah order. The employee admitted to "forgetting about us," but we let it go. Our hookah arrived and we got to smoking. Long story short, the bowl was seriously overpacked and our hookah tasted burnt and harsh. Coal changes were also few and far between. Prices were average for a hookah bar like this, and the bar itself was nice, but the bad service and poorly made hookah didn't make for a good experience. read more

Great hookah, interesting drink selection, big flavor list. Problem was with service. Our waiter was INCREDIBLY nice and helpful in every way, but noted it was a "1 man operation" so he was running around all night. Major delays for drinks and even our first hookah. Our package included 5 flavors, but only got through 4 over the course of 3 hours. I get that it's a small business and that hiring more help is tough, but on a Saturday night where every table and room is occupied, you simply have to have more than one employee. read more

Its simple hookah place . The heads for the hookah are very small and after like 15 minutes you can taste the burnt hookah flavor . The service was rude . No menu was given to us of the flavors and we were not even told what they had . The charcoals were not changed while we were smoking and when we paid the bill and were about to leave, a new charcoal was put . read more

Hands down the best hookah place I've gone too! The service is fast, greeted instantly, and waiter was attentive! I smoke hookah all the time and this hookah was on point! The atmosphere was super fun, great place to go to with your significant other or group of friends. I definitely recommend making a reservation just in case, the place gets packed fast. Huge variety of drinks including coffee, cappuccino, even lattes! Also, loved the variety in music! They had a bunch of different games, even game stations set up in the private rooms. Loved the fact that they even have snacks available just in case you get the munchies. The place has something for everyone! Can't wait to go back! read more

Samah Hookah Lounge - Hookah Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Samah is the best place I've found in the neighborhood to get away from a hectic lifestyle and relax with friends or even by myself. We went tonight after enduring a week of riding through brutal wind and I was really pleased with the atmosphere, hookah & blend, price and service. The lounge is divided into a large front area with tables, a bar, wi-fi and televisions and a back area of private rooms curtained off with low tables and plenty of pillows. TVs are on in the front area, but the private rooms only hear relaxing music and the murmur of other patrons. Samah has an extensive list of flavors, and I was a little intimidated, but our server Adam described a few varieties and offered some suggestions. We had the "pineapple express" with pineapple, plum, passion fruit, and maybe something else. The blend was fragrant and sweet. We were very pleased, and the hookah seemed to last forever. Our server was attentive, replaced the charcoal, and was genuinely interested in making our experience pleasurable. The lounge also offers beverages, my friend had "fruit cider" which was some sort of fruit malt beverage. Delicious! Samah has a $7 hookah deal if you visit before 7pm so I'm sure I'll be there a lot this winter. read more

Came here twice, both times with parties of 4. The service was good, the hookah was good and the vibe was nice. I will be back. read more

This is one of my favorite hookah lounges in theChicago land area. The hookah is great, providing lots of different options and the service they provide is remarkable. Great location by Loyola University. Highly recommend. read more

Gurry was an incredible host. Unfortunately the night we arrived there was a private event-- but Gurry promised to accommodate us if we returned the night after. He seated us immediately and the hookah was very good. Highly recommend for great service and great conversation. read more

I was extremely disappointed a few years ago when I learned that Samah had shut down. Upon visitation last week and witnessing/experiencing renovations, all I have to say is: wow. Samah is on par with the most notorious hookah lounges I've been to in Europe. I'm extremely glad you guys re opened, and re opened the right way. Cheers to the owners, can't wait to visit again when I find the time. From one business owner to another, salut! read more

Great atmosphere, customer service is great. Newer place. Hookahs are clean! They have game systems and newer TVs. Highly recommend the place. FYI the tea is phenomenal read more

Easily the cleanest and most affordable hookah lounge around. Greeted with so much respect and energy right when you walk in. I highly recommend stopping by if you want to enjoy some of the best hookah in the Chicago area. read more

I'd have to say probably one of the best hookah bars in town great atmosphere wonderful people working there and just all-around great experience highly recommend it read more

Smoke music I am in smoke hookah listen to Strange Music it was actually different I liked it a lot I would definitely go back people were very nice very accommodating you can also buy a bottle service and it's not that expensive for a big group This Is The Place To Go definitely something different read more

Best hookah lounge in Chicago, amazing staff, amazing hookahs, they play music that everyone likes, the place looks so nice as well, owners are super chill and friendly, definitely the spot to come with friends, hangout and have a fun time, I even come alone sometimes to do homework and chill, what more could you want, I love this place read more

Best of the best in the city and the only lounge I visit when I'm in town. Orange heads are now being offered and the TVs with PS4 is a great touch. Samah is a great spot to enjoy some amazing hookah and a place where i can beat some of my friends in Fifa! This is definitely a place to stop by and check out, the owners and workers are all very cool people and easy to get along with, the service is unmatched. read more

Great Shisha in here. Great authentic decor and scenery. Two TV's going along with music too. They also have water as well as other drinks and tea & coffee. 30+ flavors to pick from, the menu has a slew of options to pick from as well. read more

Amazing place. My co-workers knew this place. First time for me. We had a great time Bravo! Pune te mbare read more

Well , the place decor is very nice and the hookah is not bad .. But i was freezing while i was sitting at that place , the heat didnt work and when we asked abt it , they said it was broken , come on guys broken heating system in Chicago !!!!! Beside that , they had a fixed minimum charge for each person 10$ wether u smoke or not , for me i found it very unreasonable ... Over all experience wasnt very satisfying read more

We visit hookah bars all over the world and this one is on point. The hookahs are made perfectly with the choice of fruit heads or regular heads, quick lights or coconuts, modern or classic hookahs. They have it all. Will for sure return the next time we are in Chicago. The people in the shop are super nice and knowledgable. Also the leather couches are on point. If you like hookah, this is the place to be in Chicago read more

We came to Chicago for 3 days and came to this shop every night. The people who work here are amazing, they are super nice, know how to make a proper hookah, the conversation is great as well. The vibe is very chill, plenty of TVs, games and really comfortable couches. They do fruit heads and regular heads on modern and classic hookahs. This I'd one of the most accommodating hookah lounge we have ever gone to. They want your experience to be perfect. Absolute best feature about them Next time we are back in Chicago we will be back. Make it a point to come here for a relaxing hookah with a super chill atmosphere. read more

This is definitely one of the best hookah places I've been to in the city. The place is always clean, the music isn't too loud, the servers are very friendly and they make sure that everyone gets the best experience possible. Definitely a place I'd recommend. read more