Lea GagnonInhaling good vibes at the top shisha lounges in Montreal
So I may have accidentally become a shisha expert in Montreal. It all started with one innocent puff on a friend’s dare (okay, maybe a few puffs). But before I knew it, I was spiralling down a rabbit hole of exotic flavours, swirling smoke, and way too many late nights spent in dimly lit lounges.
But hey, no regrets! Because now, I’m armed with a treasure map of the city’s best shisha or hookah spots. And trust me, these aren’t your average hookah joints.
So join me as we embrace a world where the only thing that matters is the next sweet, smoky inhale. After all, who needs therapy when you’ve got shisha, right?
Café Gitana
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Location: 2080 Saint Denis St, Montreal, Quebec H2X 3K7, Canada
Contact: +1 514-281-0090
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12:30 PM to 3:00 AM
A Montreal institution since 2001. Café Gitana is the go-to spot if you’re craving an authentic taste of Anatolia. With its plush cushions, intricate tapestries, and rhythmic clinking of tea glasses, it’s the perfect escape for a chill night with your crew.
They even have you covered with snacks and light bites to keep you fueled during your smoky adventures. And for those on a budget (who isn’t?), a typical shisha session won’t break the bank, hovering around $20 to $25.
But keep your eyes peeled for those happy hour deals and special promotions – they’re a savvy shisha enthusiast’s secret weapon.
Arabica Lounge
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Location: 1221 Mackay St, Montreal, Quebec H3G 2H5, Canada
Contact: +1 514-903-4422
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Friday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Arabica Lounge is a full-blown experience. With its plush couches, exotic lanterns, and a touch of that mysterious Middle Eastern charm, it sets the perfect scene for a laid-back evening with your rendezvous that’s a little more, shall we say, intimate?
But let’s get down to brass tacks, shall we? Their shisha game is strong, with a flavour menu that’ll make your head spin (price range from $20 to $30).
Their food game is also on point – think hummus so good you’ll want to give the chef a standing ovation, kebabs, and even a Philly cheesesteak.
Arabesque
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Location: 1241 Guy St, Montreal, Quebec H3H 2L3, Canada
Contact: +1 514-379-4799
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Arabesque is all about lush pillows, exotic vibes, and enough ambience to make you feel like you’ve teleported to Marrakech. But forget the magic carpet, because this joint is open until 3 AM, ready to cater to your late-night cravings.
Now, let’s talk shisha. They have top-tier equipment and a flavour menu that’ll make your head spin faster than a whirling dervish. You’ll find your classic mint, sure, but also exotic concoctions like pomegranate-rose that’ll have you feeling like a sultan or sultana.
Their deals are just as enticing. Happy hour from Monday to Friday, 5 PM to 7 PM, means half-off wine bottles, 2-for-1 cocktails, and beers so cheap you’ll think you accidentally stumbled into a college bar.
Habibiz
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Location: 1860 Saint-Catherine St W, Montreal, Quebec H3H 1M1, Canada
Contact: +1 514-572-4249
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 1:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Habibiz has that perfect balance of lively and laid-back. It’s a great spot to catch up with friends, have a date night, or even just unwind solo after a long day.
They offer a wide variety of flavours, from classic staples to unique mixes. While the shisha is the star of the show, Habibiz also offers a menu of tasty bites and refreshing drinks.
Oh, and their staff? Total sweethearts since they make sure your experience is top-notch. But fair warning, bring that cash, honey – they’re old-school like that.
Jumeirah Lounge
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Location: 1647 Saint-Catherine St W, Montreal, Quebec H3H 1L9, Canada
Contact: +1 514-543-0403
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Jumeirah’s welcomes everyone whether you’re a shisha newbie who loves classic mint or a seasoned pro craving unique mixed fruit blends.
But what’s great about them is that they’re not just about the smoke. You can feast your eyes (and your taste buds) on their menu that features everything from juicy smash burgers to finger-licking good chicken wings.
Oh, and did I mention the belly dancing? That’s right, Jumeirah brings the full Middle Eastern experience to Montreal along with the shisha!
KENZA MONTREAL
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Location: 1242 Crescent St, Montreal, Quebec H3G 2A9, Canada
Contact: +1 514-700-6069
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Friday to Sunday – 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM
KENZA offers an enticing mix of premium shisha flavours, a VIP Cigar Lounge, and a menu that screams luxury. The vibe here is a blend of Moroccan elegance and contemporary chic, making it a top choice for both shisha aficionados and foodies alike.
The shisha here is crafted with an attention to detail that ensures a smooth, flavourful experience every time. But if shisha isn’t your thing, their selection of cigars and gravity-fused cuisine might just win you over.
Just remember, the lounge employs a strict business casual dress code to keep the vibe classy and sophisticated.
