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Cairo Nights - CLOSED
Category: Nightlife Bars Hookah Bars Hookah Bars [Edit]
829 Geary St(between Hyde St & Larkin St)
San Francisco, CA 94109
Neighbourhood: Civic Center/Tenderloin
(415) 931-6930
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- No
- Smoking:
- Yes
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
T'Hud W. said: "I decided to bring a friend of mine, who's much more knowledgeable about hookah than I am, to use a Trubate I'd purchased on a whim. The staff was so amazingly attentive and generous with advice, information, and assistance.…" read more »
251 reviews for Cairo Nights
Review Highlights
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"We got chocolate mint, citrus mint, and white peach." In 7 reviews -
"and the shisha was fresh and very smooth." In 25 reviews -
"I ALWAYS, have a GREAT time every time I go." In 19 reviews
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251 reviews in English
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Review from ruggy j.
Updated - 2/27/2012 2 Check-ins Here
:(
R.I.P., Cairo Nights. You were responsible for some of the weirdest evenings of my life, and now that you're gone, I have no idea what I'll do on Saturday nights between 2:00 - 6:00am. Sleep, maybe?Listed in: Sauce it up on Geary, Get Yer Smoke On, Smoke, smoke, smoke that…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/18/2011
I'm no hookah expert by any means, but I challenge anyone to find a more lively spot in San… Read more »
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Review from Veronica C.
San Jose, CA
12/16/2011
Came here on the eve of my birthday. Fun place! Much different than other hookah spots I've been to. This place had a $10 cover which included the hookah. I can't remember the flavor I got. I got what the worker recommended to us and it was good!
I didn't care for how closely we were sitting next to the others. Everyone was crammed in the place like sardines! Luckily for me, the people at the tables on the sides of us were cool and didn't bug us.
This place should have a limit on how many people they let in though. I felt like it was a fire hazard lol. Good place though and $10 was a good price per person. I would come here again, maybe on a less crowded night? If you're lucky, you'll find parking along the street. Be aware of your surroundings though, some of the surrounding streets seem a little shady.
*They play good music here! -
Review from Tina W.
Walnut Creek, CA
12/7/2011
Loved this place!
Went on a Saturday night, to celebrate the 30th birthday of a great friend. There was at least 15 of us (possibly more - this was the 3rd stop of the evening, so it was getting fuzzy) and they accomodated us without issue! (Although to be fair, we DID call while en route to forewarn them of our headcount.)
Yes, we were squished in, but had a FANTASTIC time! The owner was wonderful, and super friendly. It's not the fancy-shmanciest hookah bar I've been to, but I really wasn't expecting fancy. The crowd was young and fun, the music kept us bouncing in our seats (while others danced their cares away in the walkways) and we left happy.
Would def return. -
Review from Manyasha S.
San Francisco, CA
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
The hookah is leaking, hardly any smoke. They weren't following the limit on number of people allowed in so the Fire Marshal closed it down at 2:40am, 5 minutes after they took our cover charge. No refund.
People near by were having issues with their hookah leaking as well. -
Review from Albert L.
11/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yo, here's the ALL-NIGHT breakdown!
- 44 Hookah flavors ALL NIGHT.
- ONLY $10 PER (with group) ALL NIGHT.
- YouTube music ALL NIGHT.
- Awesome hospitality ALL NIGHT.
- Kushy pillows ALL NIGHT.
- Blowing hookah bubbles ALL NIGHT.
And besides,
there's a freakin' Pyramid in their bathroom.
Check it out for yourself, ALL RIGHT! -
Review from Mona W.
12/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
My first real Hookah experience was at Cairo and I enjoyed it. Took me a few tries to figure out how to inhale properly. I don't really care for the flavors but blowing bubbles sure was fun. It was a great place to just chill and socialize with your friends. I actually prefer this over the typical bar scene. They open until 4am every day too. How great is that?
It gets quite busy on the weekends and the place is small. Might not be the best to bring in a huge group unless you don't mind cuddling real close to each other. Cairo is not as swanky or fancy as other newer hookah lounges. Just very down to earth casual ambiance with an enthusiastic owner that will take good care of you. -
Review from Sharon S.
Hayward, CA
1/14/2012
The owner told us $10 go each person and you get unlimited hookah n flavors. First we ordered a house mix , a melon dew lemon mint and coconut lemon mint. The house mix and melody dew tasted horrible, so we told them to change to something else. After 15 min, they changed 2 new bowls. However, they gave us the same flavor!!!! We told them to change it again. We waited another 20 min for the new bowls. Omg, they gave us the same flavor again. Is this a joke? We tried for the third time, and unbelievably same crappy again. The entire night we were just trying to get the correct hookah flavor.
I have been hookah lounge all over the bay area. By far, Cairo night is the worst! Service is bad, place is small, loud and smoky. So loud you need to wear ear plugs.The crowds are mostly high school kids. Are they even old enough to smoke I wonder??? -
Review from Katy H.
Hookah-it up!
I'm no expert on hookah bars of smoking in general, but I've been here twice and had a ton of fun each time. The music is loud, the lights are off and everyone is always having a good time. Prices are decent, service is prompt and there are tons of tobacco options. If you're not sure what to order, just as for a suggestion. -
Review from Analleli G.
San Francisco, CA
10/16/2011
Very disappointed. Went here on friday night to celebrate my bf's 18th birthday and we were greeted very rudely.
We asked for a party for three and got thrown in the back to wait, and a group of dressed up i-look-too-hot-to-talk-to-you girls came and asked for a party of like a million and they got in right away.
UHMMMM,
peace. Never coming back again. -
Review from Mike S.
San Francisco, CA
10/19/2011
ok, the hookahs are ok. the place is alright, the service is not too bad. But what the hell is up with the noise level.
My idea of a hookah lounge is go and chill and be able to carry on a good conversation with friends w/o having to shout over laud music and/or people. AND YES, it does get packed. I suppose that;s good for business, and good if you're looking for that sort of atmosphere, but if you're looking for a chill hookah spot, and Cairo Night is only place near by, then get there EARLY. -
Review from D Marie M.
Oakland, CA
10/31/2011
Love it on the weeknights....weekends are a bit too busy crowded with a younger crowd-but i have always had a good time met interesting folks and had good conversation.
Khalid is the perfect host and has an amazing variety of flavor options -
Review from Amber Y.
Saratoga, CA
8/12/2011
Khaled never disappoints! His hookah spot has got me hooked and coming back for more. And I live in San Jose! They're open late, so if you're like me, who is a late night-crawler, come to this place! I frequent here around 1 am until closing..
My first time here i'll admit, I was one of those crazy 18-year-olds bumping and dancing to the music. But now, I really just like to sit down and enjoy a good, smooth hookah, puff puff passing with my bests. I always order my favorite Melon Mint and when we asked for some exotic flavor, he suggested Sex on the Beach. Friends say it tastes exactly like the drink!
Really get to know Khaled, he remembers a face and always ensures that you're having a good time! -
Review from ahmed e.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2012
Sad to c Cairo nights gone! But looking forward for the new spot hopefully to open soon!!
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Review from Vashelle T.
San Francisco, CA
5/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Such a dirty place.
Loud annoying music that the customers get to change.
Annoying white girls pretending that this is a dance club.
Crowded and just plain dirty! -
Review from Cindy O.
Hooray for Cairo Nights! and yelp, because if it weren't for all of the good reviews on here we wouldn't have made the trip from San Jose just to be in this legendary place. It is just like everyone says, loud, chill, and a blast! once you get in the hang of how to blow smoke filled bubbles your whole group will be having more fun than you thought you would at a hookah lounge! the owner is hilarious and very customer centric, he made sure we had hot coals and even brought us an extra hookah even though there was only four of us. much appreciated:) we were there for what felt like 30 minutes but in reality was 2 hours, we had to leave when our time was up but $10 for that long is for sure worth it. Once you get lightheaded you're all gonna be in your own world, you'll even feel more comfortable with the strangers around you. It was awesome, we will for sure be back soon:)
p.s. to find parking is a NIGHTMARE, be prepared. -
Review from Henry Y.
Bayside, NY
6/11/2011
Had some unique experience in Cairo Nights. You will definitely enjoy it if you like hookah with loud music, a fun crowd, and friendly service.
I came here at friday night around 10. It was super crowded and loud. We weere lucky enough to have seats immediately. The owner and employees were pretty chill. The service was pretty quick even though that place was super packed. The hookah was ok (i've had better ones). There was one employee that keep getting us new charcoals from time to time. The high school crowd was crazy and they treated this place like a club.
If you are looking to spend a quiet peaceful night with your dear one, then this place is not for you. You will see skanky high school girls dancing everywhere. You will also be sitting on a small spot with people bumping into you. Seats are not comfy and guys will be grinding some girls next to your prince/princess. I am 22 years old and I am already the old guys over there. -
Review from Katie D.
El Cerrito, CA
2/19/2011
OMMGG!!!!!!! this place is fuckin ridiculous! Me & my 2 girlfriends went to here late at night considering it was the one hookah place in the area that closed at 4am so we thought HEY! gotta check this out...........
little did we know it was a shit hole. Its as tiny as a closet! and the owner was DRUNK! and kept yelling "FUCK YEAH!!" joining the other under aged teenyboppersdrinking & smoking hookah.. grinding on eachother ..no room to walk an inch.. smokey everywhere..music too loud.. dirty EVERYWHERE tables floors etc..
dont bother...
If you come early MAYBE you would have a different experience.. theres still HOPE!
Other cool hookah place in the area!!! HANDS DOWN MERRAKECH IN SF ON O'FARREL...LIVE BELLYDANCE, BAR, HOOKAH, YUMMY FOOD...CANT BEAT IT..CLASSY & YOU WONT BE DISSAPOINTED VERY AUTHENTIC ;)
G'LUCK -
Review from Jessica D.
San Ramon, CA
1/4/2011
Not even going to lie, this place was crackin'... on a Sunday!? Damn, that is a feat. I called and asked if they served alcohol and they said that was a no go, but super cool about it. A friend and I were looking for somewhere in the city 18+ to kick it before midnight (she turned 21 at 12am) and we stumpled upon this little place. (Thanks to yelp!) Music was pumpin', people were waiting outside to get it. Nice!
$10 per person for unlimitied hookah! Joog! They kept tellin' us we were VIP, lol. And whenever they would see me they would both yell, "Jesssssica!!!!" Haha, too funny. Both dudes were cool and had great service, our hookah was refilled asap when we needed it. I think we had white peach and sex on the beach. Who knows, but it was very good. They also have these cute little bubble blowers so you can blow bubbles with your hookah smoke. Good for pics!
Anyways we spent a good 3 hours here waiting for midnight to come around and we both had a great time. They even let me be DJ for a quick minute. Wish they would move to a bigger location and get a bar! LOL. -
Review from Shelia L.
San Francisco, CA
12/25/2011
Came here with a few friends at 2 in the morning. Wasn't expecting this place to be so packed.It's pitch black inside, with tables all jammed together. House music was blasting all night. Everyone inside was drunk. It wasn't too bad though, just way too overcrowded. Flavors were ; Sex on the Beach, Peach, Banana, Blueberry. Alright flavors. The free charcoal, unlimited smoking, and ten dollars a person is pretty worth it.
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Review from Rosa D.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/19/2011 4 Check-ins Here
So I just wanted to update my review by saying that there has been a slight change in the price. Its no longer $7 bucks per person! (I know! Bummer, right?) They have bumped up the price to $10 bucks per person for unlimited hookah. At first I was pretty shocked because I am so use to paying only $7 bucks.... But now that I think about it, its still the best price in the city for hookah.
The customer service is still top notch with Khaled and his brother, Mike, (forgive me if I got your name wrong! I always have a hard time remembering your name for some reason.) as the main men in charge. Always very welcoming, friendly and attentive to everyone that comes in. Let me tell you, Cairo's hasn't lost its chill vibe! OH, and I want to get into a little depth about how the unlimited hookah works. So lets say you come in a group of 10 people and obviously 1 or 2 hookahs isn't going to be enough. Because everyone has paid $10 for unlimited hookah, you can choose up to 3 or 4 flavors. That way the less people have to wait for the hookah to come around.
So with that being said, $10 bucks is really not that bad. I like the idea of paying a flat fee, rather than having alternating prices. It irritates me when some places make you pay more for "special flavors." Or you have to purchase food with your hookah. Cairo's has none of those silly requirements so there really isn't anything to complain about.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/28/2010
Hands down, Cairo Nights is the best hookah bar in sf. I have been going to Cairos for over a year… Read more »
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Review from Tatyana K.
San Francisco, CA
12/31/2010
Still holds a good spot on my Hookah bars list even if it seems to be overrun by teenagers as of late. The place is tiny, served yummy tea and you're welcome to bring your own wine.
Major bonus for being next to Whiskey Thieves! -
Review from Antonio W.
San Francisco, CA
2/3/2011
Note: if you're like 567 years old and you hate teenagers, don't even bother pulling up. SAVE YO TIME AND YO MONEY.
BUT if your young high school/ college and you're looking fro a CRAKIN' place to hang out this is the spot!
$10/person all for all nigh, you can bring your own drinks, hekka flavors, GREAT service coals never burn out. AMAZING playlist. I don't know who gets the music for this place but whoever they are they're doing something right: New songs, Classics, bay slaps, international. its the best!
This is one of the chillest spots to hang out with friends especially late at night. -
Review from Daniella B.
San Francisco, CA
1/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Sat on a floor of cushions and pillows, smoked melon hookah plentifully supplied throughout the night with the wonderfully, attentive service (Khalid holds it down, down to the late, late hours of the night), listened to a eclectic mix of music from Dr. Dre to Arabian nights, and shhhh imbibed some beverages. ;)
I simply adore you Cairo nights, stay off the radar. -
Review from Lauren H.
San Francisco, CA
2/17/2011
REALLY disappointed my friends and I didn't even get a chance to step into Cairo Nights!!! It was a line, which I noticed, from previous reviews, this happens regulary.
Two stars because the owners were really cool, and were willing to make a table for us outside-so we could smoke. My girls weren't down with it though, because A) they were slightly creeped out by the TL and B) there were three guys who were being total "creepers!" It didn't help it was almost 2a.m, I guess.
I told them, if the "creepers" tried anything I would've shoved my heel where the sun don't shine, (the owners laughed) but I guess that wasn't enough. @_@
So, a wasted trip! I won't give up on this place though. I really want to check it out. I guess I'll have to go when they FIRST open up or when they're about to CLOSE! -
Review from Sasha A.
Los Angeles, CA
1/16/2011
AWESOME!
One of the best places I've ever been to.
The hookah is great, the staff is perfect, the place is small and cozy.
And yes, drinks!!!
Fok yea! -
Review from Jessica T.
San Francisco, CA
1/9/2009 1 Check-in Here
It's often the places which I adore, and I mean truly adore, that I have the hardest time writing about.
Cairo Nights is the type of place that I hope continues to stay under the radar (because it's super tiny), but it's also the type of place that I feel it is my Yelp duty - to make sure it continues to exist, by being one of many to help spread the word about it.
Cairo Nights takes me back to Doha, Qatar. Easily.
I was first introduced to this place last night -by my co-worker Alex.
The owner Khalid is Egyptian and knows his stuff. He's hilarious, young, adorable and charming. He welcomes people in with open arms. He'll let you pick the music if you ask (he's a huge fan of Michael Jackson, Hip-hop (Akon, Eminem,) Bob Marley, and other catchy stuff). He'll let you bring in food and drinks. He's all about people really enjoying their time in Cairo Nights - so there's no pressure to hurry up. The shisha is amazing and top quality - and shipped in from Egypt (there are probably about 30 unreal flavors). The pipes and pillows are also all shipped in from Egypt. They have free wi-fi (yes, you read that right, free wi-fi) and - above all - the prices are right. You can split a pipe for 13 dollars. A pipe that will last you all night (Khalid will also make sure to constantly check in on you to make sure the coals are restocked and burning properly.)
The flavor we tried was citrus mint - which was a dream to smoke. Light and refreshing. But with a kick. Even if you don't smoke shisha (it's not necessarily the best of habits) - you can still enjoy the fun intimate atmosphere here)
Oh and the coolest part about this place.
Get ready....
Are you ready yet?
It opens at 4:00 pm and closes at 4:00am. Yup. If you're tired of bars, and hangovers - take your mellow butt over to Cairo Nights. Be sure to bring a pack of cards, some food, and some water - and get ready to talk and puff the night away at Cairo Nights.
AWESOME! -
Review from Connie C.
San Jose, CA
2/5/2009 1 photo
God Bless Jessica, for turning this non-shisha smoking sista (yes, you can still love this place even if you don't smoke) into a devotee of Khalid, the owner of this tiny hookah lounge in the Trendyloin.
Things I love about Cairo Nights:
- Khalid is always in super high spirits and is so welcoming to everyone.
- It's open from 4pm to 4am, and Khalid runs the whole thing by himself 7 days a week.
- Free wi-fi so you can yelp all you want from 4pm to 4am.
- BYOB AND BYOGrub. Bring in food from across the street, A La Turca or Osha.
- Ikea shag carpet by the window, perfect for a big group to lounge on. I hope that thing never catches on fire.
- Candles/decor are from ROSS. I know, because the price tags are clearly still attached.
- Music playlist includes AKON and Michael Jackson. With some Backstreet Boys thrown in for good measure.
- Everyone is just really chillaxed.
To sum it up in one word? AWESOME. -
Review from Lauren C.
San Francisco, CA
8/28/2009 ROTD 1/27/2010
The crowd was too young, too drunk, and too loud for my taste. But the haze of smoke, Club Hits soundtrack, and super lenient BYOB policy combined to induce a mood of euphoria and indulgence. We made happy, non-judgmental faces at the girl who was slurring lyrics at the top of her lungs. We shrugged and dusted ourselves off when some guy did a backflip in the packed lounge and knocked off the hot coals on one of our hookahs.
The driving force behind this attitude of bonhomme? Khalid, of the 55 reviews that mention him so far. He's like the world's best party host, making you feel instantly relaxed, making sure everyone has what they need, and neatly dispatching the riffraff (I'm talking bout you, Señor Backflip). Khalid probably got laid a lot in high school.
I came here with a couple of friends from Israel, where hookah is very big. Cairo Nights uses the brand of tobacco in the silver can with the maroon label, vs the cheap green and pink boxed brand that Boyfriend and I buy. We had the melon and some fruity minty one that Khalid recommended. I liked the fruity minty, my friend Michal liked the melon better. The kids at the choice spot on the floor next to us were having chocolate mint, with milk instead of water, in a bubble hookah! OMFG. I must try this.
Anyways, I live about three blocks from this place and I have my own hookah (that Boyfriend sent me from the actual Egypt) yet I'm definitely coming back here. The atmosphere is wonderful. Cloudy, but wonderful. -
Review from Ligaya T.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2009 1 Check-in Here
We all have those times when our eyes touch down and our breath catches, when we know deep in the pits our bellies that this moment anchors a point in our personal histories. Crossing the threshold into Cairo Nights my future tumbled forth; it was clear I'd be gliding through many after dark hours savoring the enveloping glow and billowing smoke.
Nestled into of the Tenderloin, the luscious flavors of shisha and gregarious owner coax lingering smiles. Here your coals will always burn brightly, and your pipes will flow with sweet, hazy vigor. Your shoulders will move to the lively soundtrack on their own accord. You'll bond with strangers without even trying. Keep this review a secret and there will always be a nook for the taking.
Tote along a bottle, take my hand, and let's ease into the night.Listed in: Lazy Sundays, Awesome Owners, lounge and let go, Smoking-friendly
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Review from Diane L.
San Francisco, CA
8/5/2009 ROTD 5/8/2010
If there is one place that can make me giddy like a little school girl and infatuated like a teenager is with their middle school crush, it's Cairo Nights.
I get giddy over the delicious flavors of white peach, fuzzy navel and blackberry shisha (not all at once, mind you) that have a field day in my mouth. Aside from the trance-like state you'll be in while blowing the hazy smoke through your mouth, the relaxed setting and upbeat music will definitely set the tone for your night.
I am infatuated with their no-holds-barred policy of BYOB, BYOW, BYOHard Alcohol, and BYOFood. This is no joke or an exaggeration. I threw the SO a surprise birthday party here a few weeks ago, and I literally brought in party trays of food. No questions asked. It's also not uncommon to see pizza delivery guys throughout the night here.
I am enamored with Khalid's friendliness and the fact that he called me his "sister" only after meeting him for the first time. He is so welcoming and accommodating. The SO's surprise party went off without a hitch, all thanks to Khalid.
I wish this place were a hidden secret, but it's just inevitable to be THE place everyone wants to hang out at. Each time I've brought a friend here, they've fallen in love with the place. And what's not to love about $13 hookahs that will provide you with hours of entertainment?Listed in: Diane P. tested, Yelpers…, Find me in da 'Loin -- the…
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Review from Peter D.
2/17/2009
I know that people often express the sentiment that they could live in a bar, but I could ACTUALLY live here. I mean, the place is roughly the size of my NYC apartment, and a lot more fun.
Khalid, the proprietor of this tiny establishment, would be my roommate. We would get along great. Khalid is a big fan of Akon, Michael Jackson, the Backstreet Boys, Ludacris...so if you know me, you know that is all I listen to. Like, ever.
His excitement is so contagious; if at any point you ask him how he's doing, you'll get back and emphatic "Awesome!" And you believe it, because Khalid IS doing awesome.
Sure, he might drop a coal every once in a while. So what if it burns a hole in the sheepskin rug in the front; spray a little air freshener...it's all good. I'm no neat freak. As long as he puts the cap back on the toothpaste, I won't piss in his hamper.
Either way, you should definitely come hang out. We don't have anything to eat or drink, but our place is BYO anything. Feel free to pick up some beer, wine, Thai food, whatever you need and bring it on in. The wi/fi is free too, because you know I can't live without the internets.
You might smell a bit like hookah when you leave. OK, you might stink of it. But the shisha was top-notch, the company was great, and you had a fucking blast. So quit your whining. -
Review from Connie Q.
San Diego, CA
1/9/2011
Lost my HV here with a transy lookalike. Love her! And Khalid, you didn't do us wrong at all. Right when you walk in he greets you and his psychic whom was trying to retrieve my number the whole night but failed. This hookah joint is more of a hangout for the younger teenage crowd especially since its a BYOB. Super chill and friendly drunk people. Many homeless getting kicked out for selling drugs out of a BMW. Free gharadelli chocolate? Pass. Brazilians and hispanics with girlfriends insisting to sit with us. Homeboys. Huge window containing slors with belonging cheeks rubbing against it. Bathroom=closet. Had a lot of fun people watching in the Tenderloin area.
As for the hookah? You pay 10 bucks for excess. White peach all the way. Will come again. :) -
Review from Jason C.
El Cerrito, CA
1/16/2009
A voice screamed out "ALEX!" right before I entered Cairo Nights. The abrupt, loud, but happy proclamation rang out with such authority that it made me flinch. Khalid, the owner, has a friendly way of welcoming his regulars. If call centers only treated their customers with such enthusiasm, people would feel more important, business transactions would go a lot smoother, and we might just all get along.
A group of cool cats and dorky me met at Cairo nights after the Yelp Elite event at Tropisueño (Thank you to all the hardworking folks that put this wonderful event together). In the sea of storefronts that litter the Geary TL corridor, the new addition of Cairo Nights geographically places it next to Caffeine and Whiskey Thieves. It's also flanked by a mini mart across the street, a Thai restaurant up the block, and surrounded by the wonderful people that make the TL famous.
But you won't miss Cairo Nights as the pleasant aroma of flavored hookah smoke drifts seductively into the street, its soft touch like a beautiful Egyptian princess tenderly grabbing your arm to guide you inside. Oh wait, that's just Jessica and Ligaya... The friendly atmosphere shines through the hazy smoke like a lighthouse shining its beacon through fog. There are 30 individual flavors on the menu and you can even mix and match. It's kind of like a fruit smoothie that you smoke. Prices are great ($13) and the fur rug by the front window provides an excellent nesting spot, roomy enough for 2-3 hookahs and 6-8 people. Alex B. recommended the minty lemon and guava flavors, which were mild and smooth. Very pleasing. Each bowl could last up to 2-3 hours, depending on how much herb you smoked in a previous life. I don't know how healthy it is, but it sure is relaxing.
DK dozed off on the rug (it's open til 4am), Jay relaxed with some PBR (you can bring food and drink inside), JT typed away on her laptop (free wi-fi), and LT captured CM, AB, and Dennis's attentions by recounting stories of her first job. I sat and it dawned upon me that this was one of the coolest places I've been to in a while. It was the combination of awesome company, great music (they play hip hop and other random fun stuff - I read they even take requests), great environment, and friendly mood that came together in perfect bliss.
This is the perfect alternative way to wind down a night. I can second Jessica's conflict to keep this place a selfish secret but want to spread the word to help the owner. I'm sad to say this conflicting dilemma creates a bittersweet result: I want you all to know about it, but don't you dare come here on a Wednesday. That's going to be my night, beezos, and I want it all to myself.Listed in: My favorite times, The local list of cool
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Review from Nicole G.
San Francisco, CA
2/5/2009
In Libya, we would order our shisha and sit out in the warm still night air, lazily lounging deeper and deeper in our chairs and indulging in marathon conversations into the wee hours. Going to Cairo Nights is the closest I've been to returning to the Middle East.
This cozy little spot in the TL has warm bold colored walls, tables and benches and pillows all around for chillaxing and inhaling. If you're lucky, you'll find a seat on the thick shag carpet near the front window where you can lay back with all your friends and breathe in, breathe out while the buzz ensues.
Khalid is the owner, and will show you the ways of the Starbuzz shisha. The citrus mint is an invigorating and refreshing, and the white peach is a tasty treat. Be sure to bring a little something since it's BYOB, and you might be there until as late as 4 a.m., when the joint closes.
Gimme a little more of that sweet Arab disco... and I'll smoke myself into a comatose state of Benghazi bliss. Blizzow!Listed in: Tenderloin in San Francisco
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Review from john-michael c.
Santa Clara, CA
6/2/2009
I'm at the infamous back room of Bliss Bar celebrating Pam's bday and meeting her hawt "sister" when I hazily overhear that I should check out Cairo Nights after I go over to another birthday @ Rye. I get to Rye but segue inside Ambassador instead and promptly leave due to the level of douchebaggery that is rampantly overwhelming my own douchebaggery. Not to mention I can't seem to find Jessica with her bottle service either which way. So I head down the street looking for this this shisha gathering but take a step into a dive bar for a drink or three.
I finally wander over yonder to find this hallowed hookah mecca, Cairo Nights. Through the drizzling rain I found people inside and outside exhaling that fruitfully intoxicating aroma. Fortunately for me and mine, a space was already set up for us on the floor on rugs and what. And there already keeping the coals stoked was Michael along with a pair for sore eyes, two of Yelp's Finest - Connie and Jessica.
wootWOOT!
And away the night is passed... from left to right.... right to left... backwards to forwards... forwards to backwards.... to and fro all while to the mysterious beats and the owner's wildly orgasmic gyrations that danced to them!
hahahaha
XD -
Review from Joe F.
San Francisco, CA
6/15/2009
What a fun place! Despite being a bit overcrowded, everything else about Cairo Nights was great.
My friends and I were looking for an enjoyable alternative to the clubbing/bar hopping scene, and I'm really glad we ended up here. The vibe was lively, yet chill and unpretentious, the host was friendly, helpful and attentive, and the playlist was a cool mix of throwback rap, Middle Eastern instrumental, current hip hop, late 90s boy band pop, and everything in between. The crowd was awesome too - an eclectic mix of hipsters, yuppies, and punksters.
The hookah itself tasted great and was never overwhelming/too much to handle. We got the lemon mint, strawberry kiwi, and pomegranate (my favorite!), which lasted our group of 8 the entire 2 hours (and probably could've lasted another half hour if we didn't decide to end the night early). Best of all, Cairo Nights has a BYOB policy! They don't serve alcohol in the lounge itself, but they let you bring your own beer/alcohol in with no charge and no hassle. Overall, it was pretty sweet.
Two hours of hookah, music, and all around good times cost about $8 per person (including tip). Overall, a great deal for an awesome time.
So far this is my favorite hookah lounge out of the few that I've been to. I regret not making it out to Morak Lounge for the Yelp event earlier this month (I heard that place was awesome), so that's definitely next on my list of spots to visit. -
Review from C E.
San Francisco, CA
2/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
The most fun I've had on a Wednesday night.
This cozy, unpretentious hookah lounge provides a chill atmosphere and excellent service. Khaled the owner is awesome! He let me DJ a few times via his macbook. By the end of the night I felt as if he became a part of the group. Such a cool guy. Oh yeah, hookah is $10 per person, unlimited flavors. I'd come back on a random weeknight with another fun group of people! -
Review from Kathleen M.
Atlanta, GA
2/8/2009
Hellllooooo, San Francisco!
Lemme introduce myself. I'm Kathleen M (as you can see to your left) and I'm the CM over here in Atlanta. I was in your fine city for CM week, and your fearless leader Jessica (I believe Cairo Nights' number one fan) brought me to this wonderful hole in the wall one lovely Tuesday night.
I'm not a hookah smoker, never have been. It's all a bit too fruity for me. That being said, I really like the feel of many hookah bars: the occasional gurgling from the beautiful intricate hookahs, the smell of sweetness in the air, and usual decor consisting of silk cushions and low lighting.
Cairo Nights is everything you'd ever want in a hookah bar, even for those of us who don't partake in the hookah. My favorite spot is of course in the front window, lounging on silk pillows and white shag carpeting. Khalid, the resident owner/greeter/purveyor of hookah, has an infectious spirit. The music consists of your favorite hits from 1998 (Backstreet Boys) and 2007 (Akon) but it's all stuff you'll be singing along with. It's BYOB, so be sure to hit up the fully stocked mini mart across the way before you enter, cause you'll be here for a while. Trust me.Listed in: The Land of "Full House"
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Review from Ashley M.
5/10/2009
I was in here one night with a couple people who live very close by and we were, consequently, receiving free hookah action. I was very drunk. I knocked a hookah over. Dude was nice about it. He simply said, "I love America!" Dripping with sarcasm, yes, but it could have been a lot worse.
Because of this, however, I will never be going into Cairo Nights again. I don't even like to walk by when I'm in the neighborhood. Even though I'm sure he doesn't remember.
I also won't be going in because I'm no longer friends with the people I was there with. But that's another story.
In all seriousness, tho, this is a cool place. Say what you will about the TL, but this block of Geary is actually really cool. You're by Whiskey Thieves, there are places to eat, and a hookah lounge where you can inhale flavored tobaccy to your heart's content. What more could you want, right? -
Review from Natasha R.
San Francisco, CA
5/20/2009
I first came here with my Moroccan Hookah buddy, who just loves to impress me by asking for more coal in Arabic. ;-)
So the following night I brought my hookah smoking girlfriend here, and we came prepared with our own booze. Khalid the owner remembered me, was totally welcoming, and I can tell you exactly why this place is so damn popular. Look at all the reviews, everyone is raving about how wonderful he is. In a mere four months since he opened, he boasts the most popular Hookah bar in San Francisco. That's impressive.
And I couldn't help but notice Khalid is oozing some kind of sexy Egyptian mojo..... Seriously ladies, give him 30 seconds and that 'je ne sais quoi' he radiates will catch you off gaurd and sudddenly you can't help but stare and think dirty thoughts. (Bad Natasha!)
Oh, yeah the Hookahs are good too.....can't forget that part. ;-)
