Cancel

Open app

Search

Tabac Cafe & Hookah

4.3 (352 reviews)
ModerateHookah Bars
Wed 10:00 am - 2:30 AM (Next day)
Thu 10:00 am - 2:30 AM (Next day)

Waitlist - Tabac Cafe & Hookah

Waitlist closed

The restaurant is not taking waitlist parties right now

Tabac Cafe & Hookah Reservations

Tabac Cafe & Hookah Photos

Business Info

Recommended Reviews - Tabac Cafe & Hookah

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Outside Seating
Lori C.

Service was outstanding. The hookah was excellent! Turkish coffee was spot on. Very comfortable place.

Karak tea
Salman S.

Had some time to kill downtown and decided to pop into Tabac to try their Karak tea. There were a few people smoking hookah around 5pm but mostly empty. The tea came out in a few minutes and was delicious. Perfect temperature but a bit on the sweeter side. Next time I will ask for half the sugar that they normally add. The tea was flavorful though and you could tell had been boiled in milk for a while. Highly recommended if you're a milk tea fan.

Food
Jake R.

I've been coming here for a long time. The location is great, they are open early so it's great to have the cafe vibe during the day and then more of a nightlife feel after the sun goes down. The bakery items are all very delicious. The Turkish coffee is something that I love to grab from here in the morning or mid day. The customer service has always been good here. The coals come on time, and you don't have to wait forever or track down anyone to get someone's attention. I'll always be a customer for sure.

Gamini G.

My husband and I were in the mood for hookah, so we quickly found Tabac in the Gaslamp area after a Yelp search. They had both outdoor and indoor seating, and we chose to sit outside because the weather was beautiful. The hookah smelled amazing, and we were excited to try it. They offered a wide range of flavors and two sizes; we went with the regular size. Our server recommended the peach and mango flavors infused together , so we decided to give them a shot. The hookah came out quickly, and they thoughtfully provided two mouthpieces, which we appreciated. Unfortunately, we didn't enjoy the flavors as much as we hoped, they tasted too artificial for our liking, and the hookah was harsh on our throats. We really wanted to like this place, but it didn't live up to our expectations. The server was kind and did their best to suggest good options, but overall, we don't think we'll be returning.

Lemon Mint Hookah (~$22)
Aya E.

Ordered: Lemon Mint Hookah (~$22) Aya's take: Great spot to grab a hookah or tea after dinner! The decor is nice, although the seating isn't super cozy. The hookah tasted great and lasted a while. Considering this is downtown San Diego, the price was also very reasonable. Definitely recommend stopping by!

Raelene P.

Everything here is amazing! I tried the chai hookah with milk base this time! So good

Andrew T.

Good relaxing vibe, lots of locals and the music was just right to relax and smoke away for a few hours.

Very good place ! A have been here 3 times and every time everything was amazing!!! Hookah, service people!

Chai Latte + white gummy bear lemon mint hookah
Fawaz H.

First and foremost let me start by dispelling a giant myth about hookah lounges or as we like to call them back home; Cafes. When you go to a cafe it's meant to be a place where friends and families can relax, drink some coffee or tea, smoke argeela (hookah) and enjoy each other's company. Cafes are meant to be places to share a conversation with others or get some work done, NOT listen to obnoxiously loud music while you're hotboxed in a stuffy dark "lounge". I don't have enough good things to say about the hospitality of the staff, the quality of the hookah, the amazing ambiance they've cultivated, and most importantly the warmth you feel sipping on your chai latte. Instead of a night out drinking and partying, try this: - go to tabac and order a white gummy bear lemon mint hookah specifying fumari tobacco - order a chai tea latte - sit outdoors and just talk with the person/people in front of you. Talk about anything at all but just talk

Menu - April 2023

See all

4 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Ron B.
180
54
378

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

20 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Lori C.
117
7
16

28 days ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

17 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Salman S.
20
255
885

7 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 2

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Lee L.
2
63
2

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Very expensive with very small portions for breakfast , nothing like Turkish breakfast

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Fawaz H.
10
39
21

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Muhammed K.

Muhammed K.

Thank you for your nice comment. Hope to see you again:)

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of M S.
0
21
0

8 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Muhammed K.

Muhammed K.

thank you so much for the good comments :)

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 2
Love this 2
Oh no 2

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Muhammed K.

Muhammed K.

Thank you for feedback :)

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

11 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

1 year ago

Very relaxing, great hookah it last for a long time. The staff is very friendly. Definitely try the food and coffee when you visit.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Alex H.
1818
475
7931

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Muhammed K.

Muhammed K.

Thank you so muchh

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jose H.
1039
59
78

2 years ago

Wrong operating times. Answer. " yeah we know it's incorrect... ". Well great. That just cost me money and time.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 9

Tabac Cafe & Hookah Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Tabac Cafe & Hookah

Review Highlights - Tabac Cafe & Hookah

The guy who works here is so kind and sweet, and they have the best Turkish coffee that pairs with the hookah.

Mentioned in 25 reviews

Read more highlights

Myst Lounge

Myst Lounge

4.2(613 reviews)
0.2 miGaslamp
$$$
10 years in business
Family-owned & operated

Yes it's a hookah lounge but I come for the food and vibes - all hits no misses the food is…read moresurprisingly GREAT! The staff is friendly and they do their job well. Definitely a chill urban vibe with a good playlist and DJ on selected nights

If you want a chill spot downtown with hip hop music/vibe, this is one of the spots to go to. Be…read moremindful because it can be ghetto so if you are looking for something bougie, this is not the place. There's often fights inside or near Myst. Giving it 3 stars because the bathrooms are DISGUSTING. There's only 2 unisex bathrooms and they are often clogged up. If it isn't clogged up, there's no toilet paper or it's just trashed. Sometimes the door lock is broken too and won't lock properly. They have been doing some renovations to their furniture but not the bathroom. It's so gross. The specialty drinks are really good. Especially when the bartender Chase is there. My favorite is the Pink Lagoon. It'll sneak up on you because it is made with tequila. It's like an alcoholic pink drink with the coconut cream, guava and pineapple. Pricy with drinks averaging $15-20 and they have an automatic 18% surcharge on weekends (that is not tip). Food is great. Some of the best wings downtown. The lamb chops are really good too. I wouldn't get the wagyu sliders. It wasn't good. It tasted like an average slider advertised to be fancier since it's "Wagyu". I've had better sliders elsewhere for much cheaper. Save your $30. Parking here is horrible because it's in the heart of gaslamp. Horton plaza parking is probably your best bet if you can't find street parking.

Photos
Myst Lounge
Myst Lounge
Myst Lounge

See all

Pushkin Lounge & Bar

Pushkin Lounge & Bar

4.3(1.1k reviews)
0.2 miGaslamp
$$$

-- 10 STARS. PERIOD…read more Just pulled up to Pushkin Bar & Hookah Lounge in Gaslamp Downtown San Diego... and let me tell you -- this place hit me straight in the nostalgia and the luxury receptors at the same time. I first visited this spot 12+ years ago when I was living in the San Diego area. Back then it was basically the holy temple of traditional Russian & Ukrainian cuisine -- the one and only in downtown SD. Very authentic, very -approved. That cute fancy borsch was literally to die for. And yes... you happily paid big $$$ because authentic Russian grandma cuisine is not supposed to be cheap -- it's a cultural investment Fast forward to today -- I walk in and BOOM They transformed the whole concept into a super chill house hookah lounge + fancy executive bar vibe... yet somehow still managed to keep those legendary Russian gem dishes on the menu. That's what I call strategic evolution. And wait -- plot twist -- they added a full-scale sushi menu. From pelmeni to premium rolls... this place is now basically a geopolitical peace treaty on a plate. If you're Russian from the hood -- you simply MUST pull up. Order the $30 pelmeni dumplings (mandatory ritual). Top them with black caviar if you're feeling oligarch-level fancy -- I mean why not, live once What they've done here is honestly genius: They took old-school grandma recipes... put them in a luxury outfit... added hookah lounge energy... sprinkled executive bar aesthetics... and created a serious relaxation & dining destination. Perfect spot to unwind, talk business, vibe out, or just pretend you're important -- works every time. Huge respect and special thanks to Julia -- the host & bar boss. Top-tier service, warm energy, yet still operating in full professional boss mode. Love to see it. Also respect to the main boss himself -- and yes, go check his stand-up comedy next door. Let's be honest... he might actually be the only funny performer in the whole joint But hey -- quality over quantity. If you've never been -- you absolutely must go. Authenticity + reinvention + vibes = rare combo Amen

It was 10pm on a Saturday night and we all wanted to try some hookah. With a quick yelp search, we…read morefound this spot. The place was bustling. Fortunately, we didn't have to wait and were able to secure a table. They had an interesting hookah menu. We asked the server if they had paan flavored hookah and to our surprise they actually did. Paan is a traditionally popular hookah flavor and we couldn't wait to try it. We also ordered a couple of cocktails to go with it. The hookah arrived quickly. I liked how they provided disposable mouth pieces for each of us - very hygienic. The hookah itself was perfect. The flavor was right on and the hookah was smooth. We were very impressed. The cocktails were strong and tasty. The only downside was that water is expensive. With hookah, water is mandatory so it would be good if complimentary water could be provided so people don't have to think twice. But overall - great hookah, and great ambiance!

Photos
Pushkin Lounge & Bar
Pushkin Lounge & Bar
Pushkin Lounge & Bar

See all

Simba Hookah Lounge - Scratched back. Even w my jeans jacket on.

Simba Hookah Lounge

3.9(24 reviews)
7.8 mi

Asked me if I had any tattoos. And didn't wanna take our cards cuz we were from LA. Security guard…read morewas wearing a ski mask kinda sus

Last night I had the worse experience with you guys. I am a loyal customer, I always bring new ppl…read moreto your establishment. It was myself and two friends there 11/10/2023 and one friend had to use the restroom, we went to the restroom and security was being extremely inconsiderate of the circumstances. There was a line for the ladies, no line for the men's so we decided the men's stall was the best option, after just watching 2 women leaving the stall. As we were waiting, a security guard decided he needed to use the restroom, cool we let him go ahead. He came out of the stall and said we need to wait till he cleans it. We waited, then after awhile she just went ahead and used it. The guard at the door felt a way because she used it, decided he wanted to kick us out of your establishment. When she came out we went back to the section, they called backup so it was a female officer and about 2/3 others that came over hostile for absolutely no reason. I asked what the issue was, she used the restroom and we're good now why do we need to leave. She said she doesn't care and we need to get out. I told her we spent money on hookah and drinks and it was pointless to kick us out, the female officer started grabbing me and I told her that's not necessary, she started swinging on me so I defended myself. They all started pushing and shoving us all around the establishment to the front door, leaving my belongings. My other friend stepped in between trying to deescalate because again it was all unnecessary. Once outside, they continued to be hostile and very aggressive. My friend that had nothing to do with it asked to grab our belongings, they told him no only the white girl can come back in. She tried and they said we have to come back in the morning. I said absolutely not, we need our belongings now if you're kicking us out. They proceeded to deny us and we stayed outside until the main aggressor finally decided to bring our belongings out, I snatched my phone out of his hand and he decided to go out of his way to pepper spray my friend, threw her to the ground then made it a point to go around the whole group to pepper spray me. There was absolutely no reason or threat for him to feel the need to do that. I feel extremely disrespected, assaulted because of all of this. Especially after spending money in your establishment. These group of security guards should most definitely not be apart of your establishment. They're not good examples of good business and definitely push away loyal customers. Good luck to you guys, your establishment. We will be in touch.

Photos
Simba Hookah Lounge - Security guard kicked me in my lip after pepper spraying me.

Security guard kicked me in my lip after pepper spraying me.

Simba Hookah Lounge - Cut open pinky

Cut open pinky

Simba Hookah Lounge - Bruised, open hit in mouth.

See all

Bruised, open hit in mouth.

Tabac Cafe & Hookah - hookah_bars - Updated June 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...