A shisha bar, also known as a hookah lounge or hookah bar, is a social establishment where patrons can smoke shisha, which is flavored tobacco smoked through a hookah. Shisha bars are often owned and operated by people from the Arab world or the Indian subcontinent, but they have become popular in Western countries as well. These bars differ from other bars in that they offer hookah, and usually provide a disposable mouthpiece for each user for hygienic reasons. When alcohol is not sold, shisha bars derive revenue from sales of coffee, tea, soft drinks, and snack foods.
Shisha bars have faced criticism from health experts who warn about the dangers of smoking shisha, which carries many of the same health risks as smoking cigarettes. However, many shisha bars have made the transition from offering tobacco shisha to herbal shisha, which is tobacco-free and can legally be smoked indoors in areas that have restrictions on tobacco smoking.
In general, hookah lounges have a laid-back atmosphere that appeals to a broad age range, while hookah bars tend to have a more upbeat and party-like atmosphere with louder music and a younger crowd. Many hookah bars also serve a full menu of food, and some are full restaurants that serve American or Middle Eastern fare. Shisha bars are a popular social activity that brings people together, and they provide a unique and relaxing atmosphere that appeals to many people.
