Hookah Lounge Chicago

Amidst the bustling metropolis of Chicago, USA, lies a hidden oasis of relaxation with the many hookah lounges and shisha bars that are peppered around the city. These alluring havens offer an escape from the daily grind, where the aroma of flavorful wafting shisha smoke blends seamlessly with the vibrant urban atmosphere. If you’re on the lookout for the best hookah bar in Chicago then look no further – we’ve got a full list here.

Before we jump in, the history of Chicago is worth pausing to think about, and how shisha came about to be so popular. A tale of growth, resilience, and transformation Chicago was originally inhabited by Native American tribes. The city’s name is derived from the Native American word “shikaakwa,” meaning ‘striped skunk’ or ‘onion’, a reference to the region’s abundant flora and how all the lakes and streams around Chicago were full of wild onions, leeks, and ramps (a North American species of wild garlic).

In the last 17th century, French explorers, missionaries and fur traders arrived though it wasn’t until the 1800’s that Chicago started to flourish, becoming known as a crucial transportation hub due to its strategic location along Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, and the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal in the 1840s only helped solidify its status as a key commercial center. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was a devastating setback that destroyed a significant portion of the city, though undeterred, Chicagoans united to rebuild, resulting in a renaissance of architectural innovation that led to the birth of the modern skyscraper and would become known as the birthplace of Modern Architecture.

Today, Chicago stands tall as a vibrant metropolis with a thriving arts scene, world-class architecture, and a resilient spirit that continues to shape its dynamic and storied history. We’re pleased to see that hookah smoking has also found its place in this buzzing city with an array of shisha lounges nestled alongside the many other cafes, bars and restaurants.

You can find out more about the history of hookah in our other post.

On the hunt for a hookah bar in Chicago? aka, the Windy City? Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or a curious soul seeking new experiences, the hookah lounges in Chicago are no different to any other US city in that each has its own distinctive charm but the difference being, you’re in Chicago! What a city.

1.House of Hookah
607 W Belmont Ave
Phone: +1 773-348-1550

House of Hookah is a BYO venue. With a great choice of tobacco, and reasoable pricing you can easily lose a few hours here. Service is good, friendly and they will be on hand to change coals as required. One of the smaller bars to visit, you’ll find locals and regulars alike enjoying a smoke. If you like something authentic with traditional pipes, but without all the bling and modernity that comes with the more contemporary venues, then House of Hookah is a good one to notch in one afternoon or evening.

2.Cairo Nights Hookah Lounge
3446 W Foster Ave
Phone: +1 773-961-8131

Modern yet understated, Cairo Nights Hookah Lounge is cozy, clean and comfortable. Cairo Nights offer more than 100 flavors of tobvacco, and are open 7 days a week from 12noon to 3am and till 4am on the weekends! With belly dancers, fruit bowls and delicious cocktails, Cairo Nights is somewhere you can hang for hours. So whether you’re after a quiet smoke, or somewhere to watch the game, you’re in luck. They use natural charcoals, are BYOB and have parking nearby.

3.The Blue Hookah House
3524 W Irving Park Rd
Phone: +1 773-654-3970

Established in 2005, The Blue Hookah House is a premier Chicago hookah bar. With modern and contemporary fittings and furniture, if you are looking to smoke in style then The Blue Hookah House should be one to visit. Another venue where you can BYOB. Stocking over 60 tobacco flavors some of which include their own in-house made blends, you’ll find something you really like. Open till late 7 days a week,

4.Alibaba Hookah Bar
4046 W Lawrence Ave
Phone: +1 773-202-1992

Alibaba hookah bar and restaurant first opened back in 2005. With the aim to ‘keep Egyptian culture alive’ in Chicago, this bar has been created to give Middle Eastern customers somewhere that feels like home, whilst also serving others seeking out a new experience. What is great about Alibaba is not only the extensive range of fruity tobaccos, but the delicious traditional food. All fittings, furniture, the shisha pipes have all been shipping from Egypt so as to be in keeping with as much authenticity as possible. Open every day of the week, if you’re after a truly convincing shisha experience this is one to stop by.

Image credit : Alibaba Hookah Bar

5.Samah Hookah Lounge
1219 W Devon Ave
Phone: +1 872-208-7908

Samah Hookah Lounge have been around since 2004 offering a wide selection of tobacco flavors and Meditareanian entrees. Food is a focus here with delicious desserts plus tasty hot drinks such as Arabic chai or Turkish coffee. With cozy booths and floor pillows, they offer both quick lite and natural coals, and a high quality service . If you want to catch the game, or host your own event, that’s cool too.

6.The Red Room hookah lounge
7021 N Clark St #1
Phone: +1 773-786-6173

7.Hubble Hookah Lounge
3308 Harlem Ave
Phone: +1 773-887-3995

8.The Lyon’s Den Hookah Lounge
2123 W Division St
Phone: +1 773-770-3442

9.Luxe Hookah Lounge
4821 N Pulaski Rd
Phone: +1 773-463-7612

10.Hookah Joint Lounge
2755 W Devon Ave
Phone: +1 773-465-5665

11.Arabia Cafe Hookah Lounge
1046 N Milwaukee Ave
Phone: +1 773-276-2345

12.My Hookah Cafe
5806 N Lincoln Ave
Phone: +1 773-293-2233

13.Mr. Hookah Cafe
5005 W Lawrence Ave
Phone: +1 773-725-1235

14.Hookah Time And Habano Cigar Lounge
6416 N Lehigh Ave
Phone: +1 708-669-7787

15.North Park Hookah Lounge
3316 W Foster Ave
Phone: +1 773-478-7045

16.Prince Hookah Lounge
5001 N Harlem Ave
Phone: +1 773-408-9300

17.Milan Hookah Lounge
1527 W Devon Ave
Phone: +1 331-231-8984

18.Noon Hookah Lounge
617 E 55th St
Phone: +1 773-643-1674

19.K&M Mobile Hookah Bar LLCS
East End Ave
Phone: +1 773-412-6358

Hookah at home?

If you’re looking for hookah lounges in Chicago, there are plenty for you to choose from and each one has its own distinct vibe. Chicago is an amazing city, and you should absolutely check out some of the hookah bars, however don’t spend all your time indoors – there is lots to see out and about too! We’ve also listed some of the best places to visit around the US, taking you through all the hookah bars in NYC to shisha bars in Miami, so be sure to check them out.

For those looking to have some chill time at home it’s easy to set up your own kit for home, and we’d recommend you getting up and running with one of our glass hookah packages which ships with all the equipment you need to get started. All you’ll need to source is your tobacco, and maybe some ice, for that truly ice cold smoke sensation.