Love this spot!! The service is fast and friendly. They offer a lot of great flavors, as well as plenty of drinks to purchase. The atmosphere is generally pretty calm when I go in (evenings). Seating is okay, nothing special. But the prices are much better here than other spots! read more

Our favorite hookah lounge in SD. Super close to SDSU. Really chill staff and the quality of shisha is top notch. They always have a go to flavors lemon mint and blue mist. They also offer coconut coals which is not readily available at other locations. It's always clean inside and the staff is good about getting fresh coals. They allow outside food and drink. But they do offer drinks and some snacks. read more

Zodiak Hookah Lounge - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

Super chill spot to come hang out and get your hookah on. Not the flashiest. Not a ton of artwork. Not instagram worthy but this place is as solid as it gets. Staff are chill. Came here twice. Once on a Saturday night and another time on a Sunday night. People are just smoking and vibing out. There's two restaurants next door. One is a Mediterranean restaurant and I think has the same owner or they work closely together. The other is Dirty Birds. You can bring food over as you smoke. They sell beer and seltzers there. Parking can be tight. There's not a ton of spots in the lot but there is street parking. Staff are friendly and leave you be. They come around every 20 minutes to change the coals and check in on you. Both times I came there was about 7 people here. So never too overcrowded. There's an outside patio which is the prime location. Great for groups. Prices are competitive. Just about average that I've seen in other locations. Only thing that could be improved here is the music. I'm used to places that's a bit more of a vibe. Both times I came there wasn't music playing. read more

See all

Great service and great staff with an excellent hookah and so happy to see the place finally

This has to be one of my favorite hookah lounges in San Diego. The vibe in here is unbeatable and the service always exceeds my expectations. The owner packs one of the best hookah bowls ever. The hookah bowls are good quality and will last a good amount of time. Perfect if you're watching a game or just catching up with friends. The mighty freeze is my favorite flavor to get. Not only do they have hookah, but they make a mean margarita back there. Alcohol, hookah and snacks. I heard they're going to start adding food soon?! I can't wait. Everything is decently priced and I'm convinced the great service keeps me coming back here. I've never had to ask for a new bowl or for charcoal to be changed because they're on their A game here. Highly recommend. read more

Best Hookah Lounge & prices. Very nice indoor & outside Patio. #1 In San Diego.. 5 stars always

Great hookah place to chill w/ friends n fam! We like to sit on the patio and order food from Abraj right next door. (Order inside first then they will walk it over to the patio. The food is delish.) Tonite it was chilly and it was great to have the big heaters on next to our table. We've always had very good service here even back when Mike was the owner. They stay on top of coming around and checking the coals and keeping them just right. Very helpful and friendly. And there's such a good selection of hookah flavors sometimes it's hard to choose! Ice, mint or even a pineapple bowl are optional. They also sell beer and wine besides sodas, waters, juices, etc. The prices are pretty decent. Had a sweet Mother's Day time hanging out with my sons and playing dominos (they have cards, dominos, and other table games on hand to use). Nothin like blowing "smoke" and good convo with the people you love... Oh yah and I also love how they're open past midnite. Convenient for nite owls! read more

Zodiak Hookah Lounge - Throwing tiles, hookah and shawarma n hummus w/ my guys for Mother's Day! - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

First time here and I enjoyed myself. If you want a chill bar this is the place. Friendly staff. Good flavors or even options to make your own mix. Nice vibe. Not overcrowded or super loud. read more

It was great and they had a lot of different types of flavors. There is a small restaurant next to it so you can order food. read more

Zodiak Hookah Lounge - Shisha - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

Note to users: Zodiak NOT Zodiac. Hookah Lounge, not Café. I've been going to the Zodiak for quite a number of years and I cannot believe that I've never reviewed this place! I used to go there when it was in La Mesa, then they moved to El Cajon Blvd. We started going more frequently as a means to gather the UCSD college kids, secondary mates, and tertiary friends for some hookah action. Tonight was no different. All of us have lead very different, yet similar lives and we share a hookah as if time had stopped. Tonight, we shared three different flavors of hookah; passion fruit, fuzzy navel, and vanilla. We talked about life, Mythbusters, and my Yelp drama. We also quoted Tropic Thunder quite a bit. It wasn't super awesome, but I'm starting to think it may be the new cool. Killing pandas, and other valuable, tasty creatures in a film has some advantages such as memorable lines and a distinctive flavor in your mouth. The staff was extremely helpful this evening, and the dancer came out on time. I can't say that this has ever happened before, but I'm glad they always give us the "VIP" treatment now--I guess it's because we always bring a large group and order their extremely overpriced food. I highly recommend it, however, I'm reserved in saying this place is inexpensive. A hookah and a sandwich cost me $35.00. I shared the hookah, of course, so the bill for 3 hookahs and food + drinks probably topped $100.00. Not cheap if everyone doesn't pitch in. You could almost buy a baby panda for $100.00 on the black market. Okay, maybe those are a little more expensive, but for reals, hookah is getting expensive. My hookah lasted about 3 hours with only 3 people on the hookah, so I'd say that wasn't too bad. You also have to know how to distribute the coals. If you don't know how to do this, ask the staff. The music is upbeat and lively. Sometimes it's hip-hop, sometimes it's middle eastern craziness. When the belly dancers come out, the volume goes to 11. Get there early to grab a comfortable spot for you and your friends. I recommend between the hours of 8 and 9 on a Friday or Saturday to really procure your hookah, seats, and food. After that, the lines get long and the place gets packed. Normally I'd give 4 Stars. I'm being generous with the 5 stars because I saw a 1 star review that is the complete opposite of what they claim this place to be. If you search Miss A's reviews for the word "hookah" you can see for yourself. The "hookah connoisseur" has given one establishment 5 stars, while every hookah place in town gets 1-3 stars. Very suspicious indeed. read more

Zodiak Hookah Lounge - Mike with the dancer - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

I can't believe I've never been to this hookah bar before given how close it is to where I'm located. I came here last night with a couple of friends for a quick hookah session. Overall, everything was okay; it's your typical hookah bar with the stuffy indoors and so-so service. What caught my attention though was how well they packed the bowl. I've never been able to smoke the same bowl for almost two hours. This hookah bar gives you quick lights for your hookah so you add more coals whenever you want. You want see the workers come outside if you decide to sit outdoors so it's easier if you go inside and order more things. I did like the fact the offered outdoor sitting in a tent and had heaters as well. Oh, and for all you gamers out there, they have an Xbox set up inside so you can play your video games while enjoying some hookah as well. read more

amazing service! always on time! great service! great ambiance. amazing food, definitely coming back. felt at home!!! this is my favorite place!!!!!!definitely coming backkkkk!!!! TONY IS AN AMAZING HOST!!! REQUEST HIM read more

Great chill hookah spot. It looks like a lot of people come here to study or just hang out. You can also order Arabian food from next door and they bring it right over. They have a variety of flavors and they have very attentive staff. read more

*Exceptional Sheesha w/ wide variety *Unique Middle Eastern Decor *Exotic Music *Space can be LIMITED Zodiak has outside seating for those warm summer Wednesday nights. They also serves authentic chai w/ haleeb, coffees, and shakes. Last time I went they had baklava, don't know if it's fresh, but I'd rather make my own. Mostly college students and Middle Eastern crowds. The service is decent, their attention to reloads and coals is really on the ball. Cost can be a tad much. Parking is plentiful in the lot, or park on the street. Two tiny bathrooms, which are tidy, yet difficult to locate. read more

For the many, many years I have been coming here, I should have written a review a long time ago. I have been smoking hookah since I was 16 (now 21) and can tell the good tobacco from the bad, a good hookah from a bad hookah etc! The run down... 1. They use awesome tobacco (Starbuzz Premium Tobacco to be exact) Recommended flavors/mixes: California Love, Tangerine/Mint, Raspberry/Mint, White Grape, Pomegranate, Stawberry/Vanilla, Citrus Mist, and many more! 2. The staff is awesome and is very honest with you if your having trouble debating what type of flavor to get. 3. They have HAPPY HOUR! From 12 noon to 6PM, and hookahs are half price $9.00 and a refill is only $4.50! 4. They have free wi-fi so coming to do my homework here during the day is always an option (I used to go to Living Room, but lately it's been loud and extremely hard to find a place to sit, sorry I have NO patience for that) 5. Fridays & Saturdays have a belly dancer! You definitely get that Middle Eastern vibe going! 6. They have food! Middle Eastern cuisine and a few regular sandwiches, affordable prices. They also have many blended drinks, teas, coffees, etc. This place is awesome! I highly recommend to all, come with a few friends chat it up play some cards, backgammon, chess or checkers! Ps. DO NOT FORGET YOUR ID! If they do not know you they will card you (must be over 18) and won't take I forgot it at home excuse for an answer. read more

Ahhh....Zodiak, I miss a year and how you have changed. I've always loved the Zodiak and still do, though maybe not quite as much. I have spent many nights at the Zodiak, typically immersed in deep converstaion, often hiding from cool evenings amidst puffs of fruit-scented tobacco and warm tea with sugar and milk. I enjoyed the delicious late night menu (it never seems too late to order food) of delicious Middle-Eastern sandwiches, appetizers and desserts. I would brag of the brightly-colored Moroccan decor, and Arabic music videos which played loudly, giving the venue a special energy. Walking in just before 11:00 PM on a Thursday, I was happy to see the place crowded, with clientele smoking and playing backgammon, but then I was immediately disappointed...the decor had changed...no more overstuffed pillows, bright colors and no more low walls creating privacy around the sections of seating. Even worse, there were no Middle Eastern videos or music. The decor is bland and the music is your typical pop and hip-hop, as though they were attempting to expand to reach a broader clientele, however losing identity and originality....as well as much of the Middle Eastern crowd that used to frequent this establishment. We did stay, however, and I still really enjoyed my experience. We had a delicious chicken kebob platter with rice, bread and hummus, some of my favorite sweetened tea (highly recommended) and a vanilla hookah, which seemed only to get better with time. I miss the former Zodiak, but am sure I'll be back. read more

I like zodiak but when it gets crowded (and it can get reallyyy crowded) the people who work there don't give out the coal promptly enough. The decor is pretty cool but its pretty dirty and worn out now that so many people have been there...theres also some burnt holes on the couch seating along the walls. It can be kind of pricey but the people are nice....except I don't like one of the girls there that flirted with my boyfriend right in front of me! wtf...i should take another star off for that haha...but I wont. The tobacco is good, the hummus is good and I like going there so overall I recommend it...its way better than fumari or habibi's right across the street. Also, they don't serve alcohol, it was a real bummer for my bf. read more

Just horrible. Me and a few friends decide to try somewhere new to smoke hookah. Unfortunately we made the mistake to try and go here. We arrive at the supposed location, and can't find the damn place. Thinking we may be in the wrong place, I give the guy a call. A gentleman picks up and seems to be rather polite. He tells us how to get to the lounge "unmarked" easy to miss. He also tells me that he is "running late", and asked if we would "mind waiting around 30mins for them to get ready and open" I tell him that it's no problem, we drive around, come back an park in around 10-15mins. The lights are on, the door is open, there's a few people smoking hookah. Cool, it must be open. We get out of the car walk in to door, everyone smoking gets quite and stare at us. I notice a larger gentelman, who seems to be the owner I ask them politely "are you guys open?" Expecting either a "sorry, we'll be open in a few more minutes" or "yes come on in." Instead he decided to be a complete ass. Him "AREN'T YOU THE ONE WHO JUST CALLED?" Me "yes?" Him "I THOUGHT I TOLD YOU 30 MINUTES!" Me "okay then". Okay, call me crazy, but what the hell do you expect?! You have the lights on, Hookahs going, and the door open. LOOKS OPEN TO ME. Okay, you're the owner, you want to enjoy a pipe before you open, cool. At least have the door closed. Don't be rude to a customer. Pretty basic stuff. He has lost our buisness definitely (Both online purchasing of his hookah tobacco and the actual lounge) I will not support a buisness that treats customers like this. read more

The music was just garbage. They couldn't play anything else but that Trap and Mumble Rap? It's not fair or balanced when a place only plays one type of music. I can understand if they play the same genre maybe for one hour but the when they play the same garbage mumble rap and trap music it just becomes beyond unbearable. You have more than one type of customer so could you please play more than one type of music? You wouldn't serve only one drink or one flavor of Hookah would you? read more

Was here on New Year's Day around 4pm.. my husband and I were the only people in there! Assumed everyone was still recovering from the night before ; ) Found this place through yelp before our trip to San Diego & all the reviews are pretty much right on. Long lasting hookah, tons of different flavors, great service, flat screen TV's, love the decor, cool ambiance. Minus one star because it WAS expensive. But still, 3 hours well spent! read more

What a frickin cartoon this place has become. There used to be a rich Moroccan atmosphere to this place, with the oversized throw pillows and friendly staff. What happened? I'm never going back. read more

Its really nice inside and the hookah is alright. The only thing about this place is the service is a little bit more slow, also the parking sucks here =/. Other than that the ambience of the hookah lounge is awesome and i love the music. The appitizeres are good also. read more

Zodiak is where you go if you want to hang out in a hookah bar but want to go with a mix of smokers and people who are not. Not only are there a number of tasty menu options to make them feel its worth their while, but it is also very well ventilated and they do not allow you to smoke anything but hookah itself inside. It is very open & spacious and the decor is lovely and comfortable. It's not necessarily cheap, but if split a hookah three ways (the limit per hookah), it amounts to $6 dollars apiece, which is not bad for such a lovely night. The tobacco is high quality and they have a wide assortment of flavors. Fridays and Saturdays they (almost always) have a belly dancer and that adds a whole new level of charm to the evening. I was a little alarmed that the last time I went there seemed to be less belly dancing and more gyrating for tips, but I am hoping it was an off night. read more

Good shishas, especially if you get there early before it becomes an absolute zoo. Too many kids for my taste. What gives it five stars though, are the shakes. They are the best thing I have ever drank without booze. Oh god are they good! read more

Ive been to plenty hookah lounges throughout San Diego & I stuck to Zodiak for the past 7 years. I absolutely love this place. They remodeled a lot since I've first started coming here. If you don't like being inside with the smoke, there is a patio available (which I prefer to be). Ronnie is one of the guys that work there & he's a sweetheart, always makes sure that I get what I need. Mike, the owner, is such a sweetheart as well. He actually takes the time to get to know the customers that come through there. I absolutely recommend this place. If its your first time & you want a more quiet, relaxing environment.. weekdays & weekend daytime would be best. If you don't mind the crowd & music, weekend nights would work. read more

It's getting a 3 because I couldn't decide on a 5 or a 1. After all, it wasn't Zodiacs fault a hot coal landed on my leg and scarred me forever, it was my dates. It is, however, Zodiacs fault for being so awesome in it's atmosphere that it constantly taunts me and scares me to think of going back. I recommend, just don't sit on anything that looks like a stool, because it's really a pillow and the shit WILL hit the fan. read more

The Zodiak cafe is the new hot spot for young hookah enthusiasts. I went, accompanied by my young teenaged friends, to this Moroccan-themed cafe to smoke some sheesha. The counter service was very nice and the sheesha (mint and Pomegranate) excellent! read more

Zodiak Hookah Lounge - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

I've been smoking hookah for almost a decade now and Zodiak is among the best. They have a wide variety of flavors and a typical smoke can last for an hour if it's just you on the pipe; with friends, of course, it goes more quickly. The prices are a bit steep ($16 for a pipe on average) but the quality of the smoke is good. I only wish they'd go back to the natural coals; the self-lighting compressed discs are horrible. I don't cough when I smoke but if you put a freshly-lit disc on, you taste it and it's horrible. That quickly goes away but the low-quality coals really do change the flavor and experience of smoking a hookah. It doesn't ruin the experience, though. The place is big enough for upwards of 100 people and on Friday and Saturday nights, it gets packed. The interior is a little bit worn-down, but that's a testament to the turnover they get. They play a lot of Arab dance and folk music too which adds to the ambience. On weekdays it's more mellow, and they sometimes put on the TVs or play Frank Sinatra (to the person who complained about that: really? He's the freakin' Chairman of the Board!); you can always play backgammon or cards, or browse the net on the free Wifi. The food is quite good too as are the drinks, but the focus here is the hookah. I don't go here that often any more but the occasional pipe after work is nice; I don't even consider going to other hookah bars now because they're not really as good as Zodiak is. My only real gripe is the fact that they're using those terrible self-lighting coals; if they went back to natural hardwood charcoal, they'd definitely get five stars. read more

leaves you with a bang and the quality of the tobacco was the best. There happy hours was 11.00-2.30am and I usually go there the late night. By far it was the best, wonderful staff, best service, and best hours. There all the girls was friendly too. Oh! belly dancer at 11pm and live Arabic music, it was very interesting. read more

Several hookah choices to choose from!! The staff is not very tentative to their customers. They dont really come around to check to see if you need anything. There should be someone tending to the coals. I have a hookah at home. If i wanted to tend my own coals i would stay at home and smoke. I go to enjoy a night out not to work. read more

Do not order their food: you might be hungry, but don't let your lightheadness fool you! There is a restaurant 3 doors down, and you can bring food in. We ordered this hummus, lamb dip and the meat was like beef jerky. Hookah: Got the rose water fruit (something like that) and it was soo delicious! It was minty, oddly enough and it went down a lot smoother. You definitely want to put 2 coals at the same time to get a better puff. Atmosphere is chill and the service is great. There is always someone coming around making sure you have enough coal. It was great because you can literally sit, not move a muscle and smoke the night away. I like how there are chairs and couches, variety of music, interesting people. The neighborhood is kinda sketch, but don't be stupid and you should be safe. read more

Music: great (if you like hiphop/rap) Crowd: very young (18+) Service: descent (answered all questions but did not check up after serving the hookah) Atmosphere: laid back/casual Does not serve alcohol All and all great spot especially for 21 and under. For the grown and sexy, this might not be your spot. read more

It has been a year since I have visited this specific hookah spot. After returning from Miami, I have noticed some upscale changes to the establishment but the service remains basically the same. The seats are more club-like in comfort and arrangement, the patio area is more sophisticated and inviting. But those who work there, not so much. I feel that if I didn't go to Zodiak with the same friends I normally go with, my experience, for lack of better words, would simply, SUCK. The food is decent and the teas and such are good. I'm still waiting for the day that Zodiak begins to serve alcohol however, because when that day comes, I could then realistically bump this rating up to a 3/4 star experience. Maybe. read more

I went into Zodiak at 11 on a Tuesday night. It definitely has some pros and some cons. Hands down, my favorite part is the fact that there is a delicious Mediterranean restaurant next door, so you can order your food and then smoke hookah while you wait. And then when you get your food, you can keep smoking! Yes please. Anything to support my inner fatty :) As far as cons, I unfortunately had terrible service! The girls never brought out the drink I had ordered and also forgot to change our coals out. Another downside is the price. It was over $30 to smoke hookah, which seems crazy to me but I guess it's just how it goes. I'm not opposed to ever coming back here, but also not rushing over any time soon. read more

This is definitely my go to hookah lounge. Everyone that works here is wonderful. They are so sweet and welcoming. Quality hookah and good prices. They also have a patio which is great. The manager Rani is awesome and always makes sure I'm taken care of!! read more

Zodiak Hookah Lounge - Thanks Rani for the amazing drinks! - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

Been going here for almost a year now , the service is always excellent and I'm always given the upmost respect . The workers are so sweet and attentive . Irish peach, mint is my absolute favorite and they make it amazing . read more

This place is amazing (; I love this place they have a Happy hour!!!!! And you can get food too bomb read more

Zodiak Hookah Lounge - Love this place (; - Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

The Zodiak is a beautiful place with tons of memories. I started going a while after they moved to this location on El Cajon Blvd. After a few weeks I was convinced that this had to be the new hangout spot. I'm still at a sweet little age below 21 below so I really don't have a lot of late-night places to go to hang out, that's why I started going here. I started to bring different friends here just to hang out and talk about current issues or just BS and relax. I even had the guts to reserve the section in the center for VIP one night, and to my dismay I was short 2 people (13/15 came), but I tipped big! I own several hookah pipes, and one of my favorite single-hoses are from the Zodiak. The place is comfortable overall, good seating, ventilation, good mix of middle-eastern hip-hop/pop and American hip-hop. The usual club vibe. The limit is 3 people per hookah, which is slightly annoying at times.The price is a little high if your friends don't really pitch in (which is usually my case) so you might end up paying 21 bucks for the works at only 3 people per hookah then another 2 dollars for the dry feeling the price just left in your mouth. But you can make it last 3-4 hours if you know what you're doing. The staff is really cool, especially when it's not totally packed in there. They finally got new girls working there, one of which is absolutely gorgeous and nice. The dudes that work there are awesome, Sean is the BEST EVER, and I do magic tricks with all of them. Bring your I.D. at all times if you don't come here often, because starting off, you will be carded by the very large and intimidating manager. You don't just have to go there to smoke hookah either, there is food, desserts, drinks of all kinds, cards, backgammon, entertainment on TV, or shisha and supplies to take home. Drawbacks: The occasional headache from instant-light coals, ever since they stopped using Chinese stick-coals. Sometimes you might sit by an unusually annoying group. Bonuses: They have a buy 9, get the 10th free program! I used to come here every weekend, but now I'm limited to about every two or three weeks on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. Those are the best days to go anyways. I'd recommend this place to anyone! Catch the belly-dancers at 11pm on Fridays! read more

I've been going here for years, and it's an overall great place to hang out and relax with friends. The staff is really attentive and they're pretty much on top of everything you need. Very few times have I asked them for my coals (they refill it for me every so often). The staff goes as far as to know you by name after a few hookah sessions. The ambiance is very relaxing and it's a great place to hang out with friends. I definitely recommend this place for game days, especially for soccer. Zodiak also has outdoor seating, so it's great if you want to play some backgammon or dominoes (which they supply). If you're looking for a cool place to hang out with friends, this is the place to be. I've been to quite a few hookah lounges in the San Diego area, and this is the best one in my opinion. read more

YAY i'm so glad i found a good hookah place down here! thank you, yelp. came here with a friend last night. REALLY easy to find, but a bit of a drive from my place near UCSD. it's a really nice spot. good size, nice decorations, nice guy working, good tobacco, good music. i have NOT tried the food yet, but next time i will! i have no idea what Posh P. is talking about. everything he/she said about this place does not apply. DEFINITELY recommend this place. go! and enjoy! read more