9th Street Hookah Lounge brings eclectic sophistication
- March 14th, 2010
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9th Street Hookah Lounge brings eclectic sophistication
The hookah lounge opens Friday.
Published Feb. 19, 2010
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Nick Agro/Staff Photographer
A hookah pipe sits in the front of Columbia’s newest hookah bar, 9th Street Hookah Lounge. the cozy new establishment, which opens Friday, offers both tobacco and molasses-based smoking experiences.
Sweet aromas rise up from the beautiful vase-like structure in the middle of the table. Hoses go ’round and ’round as a smoky haze envelops the room. Chatting about music, people and the wonders of life, savants puff gently as they pass the pipe from person to person. Whether it’s flavored tobacco or the healthier flavored molasses you’re into, hookah can be social and relaxing. But during the harsh Missouri winter in which we reside, sharing hookah is nearly impossible outdoors. where can hookah enthusiasts turn?
Hookah-ists, fear the cold no longer. take refuge from the brutal weather at 9th Street Hookah Lounge, the first of its kind in Columbia. the idea sprouted for owner Marcia Davis when she fell in love with hookah lounges near her home in Chicago. Soon after, she realized the cool, calm personality of the lounges and the cool cats who frequent them.
“I was really impressed with the atmosphere,” she said. “The kids were relaxed and having a great time.”
And so the endeavor began. Davis’ love of Columbia, hookah and Columbia’s prosperity for new businesses compelled her to pursue this dream. with the help of friends and partner Buck Jennings, she began developing and renovating the lounge, which sits right across from the Blue Note, a primo location.
Some hookah lounges have lavish furniture and belly dancers. And though she won’t rule anything out, Davis said she wants her lounge to be almost like an inviting living room. Walking into 9th Street Hookah Lounge, you’ll find tall tables, low lying sectional seating and even two faux fireplaces. with its lodge-inspired design, the lounge could be a homey place to study, socialize and share hookah.
“It’s a nice place,” Davis said. “Very upscale but comfortable.”
What’s on the menu at 9th Street Hookah Lounge? Try 36 flavors of shisha and six flavors of tobacco-free molasses, ranging from raspberry to peach and many others. for the caffeine fiends, try some “power bull,” a flavorful representative of Red Bull energy drinks with a little kick. Devour these delectable flavors through extravagant hookahs: their brushed glass, bejeweled vases and wooden pipes can make the experience all the fancier.
Although the lounge sells shisha and provides customers with a hookah, bring your own beverages (non-alcoholic beverages, that is). Davis said though the menu consists of only the tobacco and molasses, she hopes to soon be able to sell lavish hookahs and accessories.
What type of scene does Davis want to see on opening night? A huge crowd, an eclectic mix of people and a friendly setting with much meeting and greeting. She hopes to meet future lounge regulars and give people a place to kick back and relax after a long day’s activities.
“I hope people are standing in line to get in!” she said.
Finally, a smooth lounge for people to indulge and relax becomes local. 9th Street Hookah Lounge opens at 4 p.m. Friday. Hit up this new hot spot to escape the cold, make some new friends and have a flavorful good time. Marcia Davis gladly welcomes all to her lodge-like abode.
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As hookah smokers know the atmosphere is big in smoking. I am going to get my first hookah and I would like some suggestions as to what kind of music would go good with the hookah atmosphere. of course there is stuff like Pink Floyd and the Doors, but I am curious about more world music/middle eastern/indian music that would go well in such a setting. Any song suggestions would be great.
I’m considering upgrading to the black pyramid base but i want to know if i will still be able to see the smoke inside of it
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