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Best Hookah Bars In Tampa Bay

Hookah bars have perhaps reached an all-time high in popularity in the United States. They are very popular among college students, and since Tampa Bay is home to several colleges -- University of South Florida, University of Tampa and St. Petersburg College, for example -- hookah bars are thriving. You don't have to be pulling all-nighters to enjoy the atmosphere of a hookah bar, however. They first originated in India and were used by men to relax and socialize. Adults of any age can enjoy these local hookah bars in Tampa Bay.
Meridian Hookah Lounge
11401 N. 56th Street
Temple Terrace, FL 33617
(813) 569-7701
www.meridianhookah.comThe Meridian has been open since 2004, offering premium Fantasia tobacco, free WiFi and even live music. The half-moon couches can fit up to 12 people and hookahs are unlimited. The tobacco comes in dozens of flavors, including mint, guava, honey and chocolate. Tobacco prices range from $12-$15 depending on the brand. It's the perfect place to kick back and relax on a budget.
Blue Lizard Hookah Lounge
5025 E. Fowler Ave.
Tampa, FL 33617
(813) 936-6970
www.bluelizardhookah.com
Blue Lizard has all you need for a relaxing evening out, including coffee, kava, beer, wine and, of course, hookah. It offers premium, U.S.-made shisha in a wide variety of flavors. Blue Lizard is also the only hookah lounge in the University of South Florida area that serves alcohol. It's open every day of the week, so you can get your fix whenever you want it.
Alibaba Hookah Lounge
10038 Cross Creek Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33647
(813) 991-1216
www.facebook.comAlibaba has only been open for a year, but it is well loved by locals. It offers three brands of quality tobacco: Fantasia, Starbuzz and Al Fakher. The flavor selection includes mango, apple, grape with mint and more. You can even stop by the shop and take home your own hookah sets, water pipes or flavored tobacco.Related: Best Bars For Singles In Tampa Bay
iHookah Lounge
6541 54th Ave N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33709
(727) 320-2279
www.facebook.comIf smoking tobacco makes you hungry, iHookah is the place to go. Not only can you get some great shisha, but you can also get Middle Eastern-inspired meals and snacks, such as falafel, hummus and grape leaves or meat and cheese pie. During Ramadan, you can even get special Nutella crepes. This lounge also hosts special events, such as live music, a Halloween party and Ramadan festivities.
Habibi Lounge
711 3rd Ave. South
Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 678-6430
www.facebook.comHabibi Lounge offers a relaxing atmosphere, soft music and outdoor patios. The beautiful Moroccan-style decor and plush, comfy couches will make you feel like you've left St. Petersburg entirely. The Turkish tobacco is of the highest quality and there is a variety of hookah to choose from to personalize your experience. Habibi Lounge also hosts special events such as College Night, First Friday and Halloween parties. In addition to tobacco, it also offers tea, coffee and cold drinks.Related: Best Bars With History In Tampa Bay

Amanda Mole has been writing since she was old enough to hold a pencil and cooking since she was tall enough to reach the stove. She believes that food provides more than just vital nutrients: it is an irreplaceable part of countless cultural and social activities. As a Tampa Bay resident for the past 21 years, she is well acquainted with the incredibly diverse range of restaurants, bars, and food festivals that the area has to offer. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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