Chill out at the best hookah lounges in Atlanta

Sivas, located in one of Midtown’s renovated houses-turned-lounges, has plenty of areas and is always bustling with people. Come here for the hookah fruit bowl, which offers pineapple and orange options, and can be equipped with milk, fruit juice or a shot of well liquor as the cooling liquid, and even coconut-flavored charcoal. For less-ornate inhalation, go with the regular (for two) or large hookah, and pick your tobacco from a list of flavors that includes blue vanilla ice cream, watermelon-kiwi-blue-mist and the orange-lemon-mint 'vitamin.'

With multiple locations in Atlanta as well as outposts in Texas and North Carolina (with more to come), Atlanta-based CRU is the largest Black-owned nightlife chain in the country. Offering unique hookah flavors, hemp oils and a menu of specialty cocktails and small plates, CRU is a relaxing hangout that has become a destination among locals and celebs.

Anyone who doesn’t realize that this Persian restaurant has been sitting right off Piedmont Avenue for over a dozen years is probably intentionally avoiding hookah smoke, because those who know abide by Divan. With a serious menu featuring appetizers like duck leg confit and an immensely tasty spiced shrimp starter – not to mention kabobs, double-cut spice-roasted lamb chops and amazing seafood – you’d be forgiven for thinking this is no place for a hookah. Then you remember smoking after dinner has been a tradition for many cultures for centuries, so ask for upstairs seating, enjoy the comfortable pillows and ornate decor, and blow a little white peach smoke into the air with friends new or old.

Colorful and casual, Anatolia is a relaxing spot for hookah and Mediterranean fare. Nosh on hummus, wings, falafel and Mediterranean nachos while enjoying hookah in a variety of flavors. Colorful cocktails and mocktails are available too.

Located in Buckhead, this spot features more than 20 hookah flavors served by resident hookah masters. Enjoy a smoke inside or on the outdoor deck. In addition to hookah, Smoke City serves West African-meets-Atlanta–style cuisine, resulting in unique, flavorful takes on wings, burgers and kabobs.

Located within walking distance of Mercedes-Benz Stadium and with a beautiful nighttime view of downtown from the covered-and-draped rooftop patio, Match is inconspicuous enough to feel like a private club. You can smoke and eat on both floors, and the spot has got great food (you can’t go wrong with the jerk lamb lollipops and the flash-fried balsamic Brussels). In addition to the personal-sized hookahs, you might want to indulge in the tiki bar offerings: flaming margaritas and mojitos share space with rum cocktails served in coconuts and boozy fruit punches served in skull-shaped glass mugs.

Both the martinis and hookahs at this East Atlanta Village ultralounge are fruit-forward, even the gin-based Port More cocktail has St. Germain, cucumber simple syrup and mango purée. When it comes to smoke, those reluctant to try something sour should opt for the white gummy bear tobacco (yes, that’s a thing). Other choices include blue mist cinnamint and ginger ale. Enjoy it all in a brick-walled shotgun space with cylindrical white tables and wall-length leather banquettes.

Tucked into Atlanta’s southside near College Park, Burn Lounge attracts a sexier-than-thou crowd of revelers who like affordable drinks, vivid purple lighting and plush white couches creating a vibed-out atmosphere. Daily event programming includes themes like Comedy Tuesdays and Black Bottle Sundays. However long your hookah lasts, you’ll never get bored people-watching while you indulge, especially considering the lovely 'Burn Beauties' wait staff.