H, It's only been days since we last spent the night together, but I can't stop thinking about you. I just can't get enough of you. My friends think I'm crazy, they tell me to be strong, to try to resist you. They tell me you're not good for me, but they don't know you quite like I do. Over the past few years, our relationship has been on and off. Remember the summer of 09 when we spent almost every night together? I know we've both seen other people, but trust me, my other romances were only fleeting. You were jealous when you saw me with Sahara E., and when I got drinks with Luxor, but haven't I always come back to you? Sure, you drink, you smoke, you go out past 4am every night, but there's a sweeter side to you that other people don't know about. You play me all my favorite songs, you're never harsh, you let my friends pass out on your couch, you always know to make me mint tea at the end of a long night. Best of all, you're always there for me, making time for me whenever I feel like stopping by. You're special, Horus (Your Horus special!) - I know I tell you that all the time, but I just can't help myself. I should have written you this a long time ago, but I think I've finally realized that what we've got is real, babe. I won't ever quit you. -N
(5)
Kate A.
Okay, the first time I came to Horus Cafe, I had a blast with my boyfriend! I would've given 4 stars easy. We came in on a Friday night at around 10:30-ish and were greeted and seated promptly. The mussels were delicious, the drinks were strong, and the coals were always being replaced by friendly wait-staff. I left feeling like I had found a new hookah place, as I left my former go-to hookah restaurant after a sour experience. I was so exited to bring 2 of my friends here for a relaxing Tuesday dinner at around 8:00pm. However, we didn't even make it through the door! We were approached by an extremely rude male host, who brashly told us that it's a $30 minimum per person. I told him that I had come here before with my boyfriend about a week ago, and was told no such thing (plus, that was a Friday night, and this was early on a Tuesday) He shrugged at me and said "That's the rules." and proceeded to stand there with his arms crossed, while the other hostess greeted people and sat them (without any mention of this bullshit "rule") Needless to say, my friends and I left dissatisfied, frustrated, and hungry! Has anyone else experienced this? Is this just something I wasn't aware of, or were my friends and I just a target of a disgruntled employee? Anyway, it's going to take some time before I return to Horus again. It's a shame though, because the first time I was really impressed!
(2)
Maksim S.
I've been coming to this place for a very long time now, and I still enjoy it. The reason to come here is great hookah, and gloomy atmosphere that can be a loud-happening party on weekend nights, or chill and even romantic quiet hangout spot during the week. It just depends on the night. The decor is pretty cool too, for those who care. The food has gotten a bit worse - used to be really good, now just so and so - but like I said, hookah is the reason to come here. They usually have good Sangria, and many different options for food (meat or veg). Get the Sex on the Beach hookah, Red Sangria, and some hummus to munch on. You will not be disappointed.
(4)
Erin D.
Horus bore-us. Went here for an unmemorable brunch with the pooch over the weekend. My initial thrill to grab a very fairly priced menu and get seated outside with my pup immediately on a busy Sunday vanished rapidly as I realized only one distracted waitress was working the place, and I soon found myself sitting for at least 15 minutes without water or the coffee I ordered. Didn't get my much-needed caffeine until I started eating my "omelet" about 20 minutes later, which was really a smallish circular, 1/2" thick frittata carelessly topped with oily, overcooked 'shrooms and onions and some thin cut-up strips of barely melted Swiss. If they had just folded over the damn thing into a half-moon omelet shape, it would've looked much more appetizing, AND the cheese would've melted a bit more. I also asked for some milk for the coffee and for the accompanying salad to not have dressing, but that didn't happen. Sadly, the dog also didn't get a water bowl, but I was grateful that their patio was dog-friendly. I'm thinking hookah's the way to go here.
(2)
Dan M.
Horus is one of the worst hookah experiences I have EVER had in my life. I went there with about 4 people and racked up a bill over 2 hundo. You would expect the staff to be very nice, but despite the heavy bill were still treating me like an Iraqi soldier would treat our president. They're overpriced in nearly every aspect of the menu. REASONS NOT TO GO: 1. Unless you like radio bullshit hiphop and arabic music SO loud your ear drums bleed then I'd stay out of Horus 2. This place was bleeding out of its ass with dumbass rude college bros. Yea it's a jersey shore crowd for sure.. 3. Slow service (if any at all...)
(1)
Nirav D.
The place has stayed amazing. Sitting outside and smoking shisha at the spot is a great summer activity.
(5)
Katy D.
I cannot attest to the hookah portion of this spot, though the smells were amazing.. But three girlfriends and I stumbled upon this place after a day at the Russian Baths just down the street. It was a BEAUTIFUL afternoon, and we were seated immediately outside for some sangria and snacks. The chocolate chip and banana stuffed pancakes were an amazing, generous dish, and not too pricy at all! The small pitcher of Sangria was $30, and three of us were able to get at least two glasses out of it. -0.5 stars for the hummus; very bland, but had a generous supply of pita -0.5 stars for slow service - 1 star..they added in the "service charge" on our table of 4 without telling us. I'm sure many people have overlooked that, but folks, your sangria wasn't THAT strong to make us not realize it was added in...
(3)
Yoshi M.
Had lots of fun hereeeee! First time at a hookah bar but was fun and tasted so good!!! Waiters were very nice and friendly :D came around often to chk the hookah and added coal when needed.... Drinks were expensive though... The sangria was $50 for the pitcher.... ( I guess that sort of makes sense since there its a semi big pitcher) BUT it tasted kind meeeeeeh. Didn't care for it at all. All this is basically for the hookah and service.... Don't know about the food since I didn't have any!!!
(4)
Melissa F.
if you're looking for a restaurant with a wide variety of hookah, this place does the job. it's pretty small considering the amount of people they manage to squeeze in, but once you're situated, all's well (as long as you don't have to get up to use the restroom--then have fun navigating the obstacles to get there--which i guess can be fun?). the staff was friendly and attentive, and when i told our waitress that my beer tasted funky (the tap must have been towards the end), with a smile, she gladly swapped it out for something else. HOOZAH! solid.
(3)
Melissa S.
I'm not reviewing this as a Hookah Bar but as a restaurant. And though I give it only 2 starts, I will admit the food was fine. Nothing to go out of your way for, but if happened to be in the East Village and you wanted to sit outside near the park it should be a good choice - but it's not. I was walking by this afternoon and saw some people eating really good looking omelets - since my stomach was asking to be fed and Westville was going to be a 20-30 minute wait, I thought it looked like a fine choice. Lovely seat outside, beautiful day, ordered some brunch - all was fine. Just as my food came, the table next to me lit up their hookah. Not ideal while your eating but there was a pleasant breeze blowing most of the smoke away from me so no biggie. Finished eating, got my check and mildly surprised to see they had added a service charge. Not a fan of tips being added, but i get it, I worked as a server, it happens. (I am less offended in areas with a high tourist population - in Times Square I expect it. Iin the EV, I am a bit taken aback. I was by myself, not a party of 6, but hey whatever.) Bill pre-tip was 14.70 they added 2.46 which is less than I would have tipped but a good 17% (It was 2x the tax) - with their service charge it was 17.16. Now I figured i'd leave an extra 50 cents - maybe even all the coins, cause I normally do tip about 20% which would have been closer to $3, so I put down a $20 and waited for them to come back with my change. And much to my surprise he slapped down $2 and walked off. Not the $2.84 that I was expecting. Now I'm annoyed. Because let's face it - adding a service charge in the first place is a bit of an illegal asshat kind of move. But adding a service charge and then keeping almost a dollar extra is super asshat. And though I was going to leave it - it took the privilege of being a good tipper out of my hands. We are talking dollars and cents so it may seem a silly squabble - but if this was a big table and we use the same percentages - say the bill was $147 instead of $14.70. and they tagged on the same % making an auto-gratuity of $24.60 and they short changed me by $8.40...most people would be pissed. And because of that Horus Cafe goes from being a place I would have rated 4 starts before I got my bill to being rated 2 stars after I paid and felt ripped off. And it goes from being a place that I would have recommended to many of my friends to one that I will actively steer my friends away from.
(2)
Shinko S.
I feel like a neglected child sometimes at this place. One day I sit down, get amazing service, next day, I sit down, get service 20 minutes later. Two scenarios, I came with a friend during the summer and everything was perfect, the waiter was great, I got really good hookah and sangria. Then I came here for a party. I felt like I was in a tenement house, cramped, no service. It's really funny because the belly dancer wanted to dance with me, all I could think was, how in the world do I get out? I'm in the back of the corner lady! When it's less crowded, I'll stop by.
(3)
Carmen C.
Meh. I can only comment that the hookahs are cheap if you are into that sort of thing. It's a little gimmicky for me as I prefer something stronger. Drink minimums seem to change constantly.
(3)
Cat S.
$30/person minimum is ridiculous. A couple years ago this was at $20/person, which I was semi-okay with.. now it's too much (even though back then I was a student and now a full-time worker).
(2)
Monica J.
When my sister got into town for Labor Day weekend, I brought her here because 1. I really liked the atmosphere here the last few times I came 2. I was exhausted after work and this is right near my apartment My other experiences here have been good but on this particular evening the waitress decided to spill my sister's drink all over me and not even comp the drink! What ever happened to customer service?? That should be standard. This place was on the verge of becoming my regular hang out with good music, good hookah, yummy drinks and decent prices but now I'll have to find a hookah bar in east village that knows the meaning of service. And actually, the following evening I went in search of just that and found Scarab Lounge instead. I suggest you check out their reviews.
(2)
Benoit D.
the place is pretty nice if you want to feel like in Marroco. Besides that, do never go there for having diner. First the music is terribly loud. Impossible to hear the people you are with. Impossible to hear the waiter. Seriously terrible. wanted to leave after 2 minutes. Then Service was so slow. well, terribly slow. Incredibly slow. The lamb tajine was not very good. Lamb was very very fat, and the meat not tender. beuh. And finally, tips included in the bill. way more than what they deserved. I did not complain because I did not want to spend one more minute there. To affraid to be death for my entire life.
(1)
Austin O.
I like this place a lot for its location, as well as the good quality of their hookahs (they use real coals, for starters, and their more expensive ones such as the pineapple are really something). The side walk cafe is great, as well as the belly dancing that they have sometimes, which is pretty cool. Its nice that they also have beers - basically if you can snag a table outside in the summer time with a couple friends, it'll be a good time. Minus one star for the cost/minimum charge per person.
(4)
Nadine S.
My review is from a student's perspective... want a place that I can sit at for a couple of hours, with my laptop and hookah in a chill atmosphere. I found that this Horus location is really perfect for that until about 7ish (which is expected). In terms of their hookah, It took a couple visits before I finally got a hookah that I was happy with but they have a very nice staff that always went out of their way to make the experience better. (my personal all time favorite "go-to" hookah mix is peach and orange mixed in a grapefruit head... you can't go wrong!) I really appreciate the versatility of this place. Its a sun-drenched work/chill conducive place during the day, and a vibrant romantic lounge in the evening.
(4)
Ellen C.
great service, great hookah, and the belly dancing is interesting and people tend to get up and dance sometimes- a relaxing and fun place!
(4)
Ava R.
I usually don't waste my time on places with 3 start ratings. Why bother, right? But this was the location for a friend's birthday festivities so I didn't have much of a choice. We walk in on a Saturday night to very loud music and an admitedly cool atmosphere. Low lighting, sandy-looking walls with candles all around. Not sure why the music was so loud considering there's no space to dance at all, but ok... First we're sitting at one of the tables in the center of the restaurant. The little Moroccan style cushions they give you to sit on are so unstable and light that I almost busted my face on the table just trying to sit in one. It was lucky we moved to a both along the wall because after a few drinks that would have been a disaster. Service was ridiculously slow. We had to wait for everything an extremely long time--the menu, then the water, then ordering drinks and hookah, then food. And I did'nt understand it because there was almost a 1:2 ratio of servers to dining parties. The hookah was well priced and they put sangria in it, which I haven't seen often. The food seemed decent at best, I didn't bother to order any. The drink I ordered was very good (it was one of the champagne cocktails). So here's the kicker: on a Saturday night there is a $30 minimum per person. The doorman definitely didn't tell me this when I entered because I would have smoothly turned on my heel and sent my friend a lovely card. This information, by they way, is conveniently missing from the menu and any signage inside or outside the restaurant. So for some shared hookah, 1 drink, shit service, and no food, I paid $30. Good thing I have yelp; instead of being pissed and arguing with the manager, I left with a smile on my face knowing I would write this review.
(2)
Ruben B.
I haven't been yelping for a while now, but after the most bizarre and disappointing meal I've ever had in the city, I felt compelled to come out of retirement. Looking at other reviews it seems like Horus Cafe is a great spot to come to smoke hookah. If that's what you're looking for, by all means check out Horus Cafe. Just don't make the mistake of coming here for an actual meal like my friends and I did Sunday morning. After we were told at Westville East that the wait would be close to an hour we went in search of other options. Half a block down we came across Horus Cafe and since it was empty and we were a large group decided to go for it. This decision would haunt us for the rest of the afternoon... The food itself is fine, and could maybe even earn 3 stars if you were feeling generous. But when half-decent food takes 45 minutes to arrive, and then two meals have been forgotten altogether... Not cool. By the time our two friends' meals arrived most of us had almost finished. Two other tables who arrived after us got their food before my friends. Not all surprisingly, when one of my friends' orders finally arrived, it was wrong! When asked they comped us the forgotten meals, but that wasn't enough to erase the aggravation from the meal. There are so many great places to spend your money on around the city, this is not one of them.
(1)
Rosanne W.
1 star - For a small welcoming restaurant 2 stars - For fast seating for such a small place 3 stars - For the good hookah So me and my friend were checking this place out since I'm planning my party this Saturday night, but not here because it is way too small. The hookah came quick; we ordered a simple Strawberry hookah which was $18, a chicken ceaser salad which was like $9, and an appetizer which was another $9 I believe. The music was a bit TOO LOUD, like I don't get these hookah bars and the ridiculous loud middle eastern music. I do love music but must it be too loud that I can't even hear my friend talk? Anyways, when the food arrived after about another 5 mins, the salad was OK, nothing great or exciting. Trust me, these places aren't taken their sweet ass time cooking the chicken unless it's their lamb kebabs or chicken dishes. The appetizer basket was also pre-heated stuff like chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, and fallafel balls. After that, getting the check was a pain since the waiter was running around the place. He finally gave us our attention, started collecting the dishes and all of a sudden he dropped the dishes right next to my friend, and I WAS COVERED IN TIHINA SAUCE AND MARINARA SAUCE! Why me? Some other worker quickly got me paper towels and a cup of water to clean my sweater, my pants, and my boots off with sauce. It's just my luck that I have to get covered and my friend got N O T H I N G! The damn waiter didn't give me much attention after that. He was allover my friend, like WTF DUDE? I got covered in sauce and you couldn't help me out? All he can do was apologize but seriously, I just don't wanna go back there again for a good while. It was crowded on a Wednesday night which I personally find it odd. I guess cause it's President's week off? If anyone is going to that place, I suggest you bring some "wet ones".
(3)
Kyri K.
Went on a Sunday afternoon and had a great experience. Ordered two hookahs and tea for five of us and we sat outside. Both were good and it was a nice way to spend the afternoon. I'd go back on a night to see what its like then. Service charge?
(4)
Cynthia C.
Excellent Service! Live music-Love the watermelon and mint hookah!
(4)
Varun V.
Went here on a random Wednesday night and it was worth it. The hookahs were amazing, and although the place didn't really have a hip/happening (or any) crowd we had a bloody amazing time. The music was GREAT and perfect for dancing and making a fool out of yourself. The service was superb with the helpers refilling coals in the hookah so that it lasted longer. As far as the food goes the only things we sampled were the shepard salad which was adequate and the hummus which was, well, hummus.
(4)
Yesenia G.
Great food service and atmosphere. Would recommend
(3)
Lex L.
Ambiance - ehhh.... lots of lunchroom like tables and wooden chairs all packed together like sardines....place is extremely loud where you feel you have to practically yell in order to have a conversation Hookah - flavor was meek and didnt taste like watermelon or mint and didnt last long at all. overall - there are like 10 places wayyyy better within walking distance.
(2)
Ryan O.
This place is extremely fun, servers are present and friendly. You will not want to leave. Awesome hookah bar.
(5)
Chris Y.
Pretty standard Hookah joint with prices ranging from 15 bucks for standard flavors to 30 bucks for alcohol/cocktail derived versions. They usually are pretty good about refilling the coals and don't bother you if you sit for a while. Food is pretty blah but good for munchies or snacks. Drinks are standard NY prices of 6 bucks for beers and 8+ for cocktails. One thing of note is that they tack on a SERVICE CHARGE regardless of how many people are in your party or what you order....so be sure to check before double tipping them!
(3)
Sameer A.
Horus A . . . perhaps the best hookah smoking experience in Manhattan especially if you get a chance to smoke outside while people watching on Avenue A. Their hookah baristas are quite knowledgeable and can pack a mean bowl. Although, it is preferable to use the fresh fruit bowl, I've smoked that bowl for 4-5 hours on slow nights and it did not lose flavor. The music is nice, and not too loud. On slower nights, you can request a genre, or specific song. The belly dancer comes out on Friday and Saturday nights, its usually a different girl, but they are all pretty friendly and will dance with just about anyone, but not too scandalous. Their belly dancers bring lots of energy. They also have live music occasionally during the middle of the week. Their food is adequate bar food, not disappointing, but also nothing to write home about. The negatives: Horus is a small venue, and can get quite crowded, therefore they do impose a time limit along with a minimum. The new staff is somewhat annoying and not as friendly as the older staff, but that happens with every location, as the best and smartest employees usually get promoted or better job opportunities.
(5)
Jessica R.
I've never done the whole hookah smoking thing in the past. I actually ended up here after being booted off the patio at winebar as it was getting late. Can someone explain that to me? Why do the patios in the EV close so early--is it a licensing issue? Well, on my way home after too much wine, we stumbled into this place to try some flavored tobacco. I always walk by this place and it seems like everybody is having a good time so I wasn't reluctant to give it a whirl. That patio was closed, go figure, so we found a table inside and ordered the Sex on the Beach flavor. I'm not a fan of fruity girly drinks but it was tasty in tobacco form. The wine that I ordered to accompany it was pretty gross though. The music was BLARING in my ear and I could barely hear myself think and it got old pretty quickly. I went to the bathroom and couldn't get the door to lock so I had to pee while holding the door with my foot and botching 3 different attempts of a bust-in. Like, if you try to get in once and someone is holding the door, don't you think you should wait until they come out? This place gets three stars because the busboys were very attentive in bringing new coals every time ours got low. The serving staff was a little slow but whatever. I probably wouldn't go here again unless it was someone else's idea. Sitting on the patio would be nice to experience as it's a great location.
(3)
Lana V.
Ok I would have probably enjoyed this place a little more if I still smoked hookah, but having outgrown the habit years ago I now see Horus for what it really is, a regular middle eastern restaurant/lounge with really crappy service. Came here on a Monday night after dinner because a friend's friend's band was playing. We missed the band's performance but decided to stay for a bit. There were 5 of us and the place was pretty empty except for the band and their friends. Having just come from a big dinner we decided to keep it light. Two of us wanted to split a milkshake, and another one wanted a hookah and a cup of coffee. When we finally got our order I made the mistake of asking the "waitress" for an extra straw. She turned on me with an attitude and informed me that she was not a waitress (though what do you call somebody that gives you a menu and writes down your order?) and that a waitress would come eventually and require that each person order a minimum of one drink. Well that's something we would have liked to know before we sat down and ordered the things we did. Nothing annoys me more than being forced to order something, especially when we are already clearly paying customers in an empty place. Anyway, we needn't have worried because our true "waitress" never materialized though we waited for her for nearly an hour to put in our stupid orders of tea or something to fulfill the requirement. In fact I don't think we saw a single waitress in the establishment, though there were a ton of hookah busboys (the dudes that set up the hookahs and check up on them). Eventually we got our check and left. The moral of the story? This Horus sucks, it's small and has bitchy service. Go to the one on B, it's much better.
(2)
Lauren L.
The heat was turned UP last sunday! It was 95 degrees! The mojitos and the peach hookah were really good, a little pricey. Service was so-so. Didn't eat anything, though.
(3)
Christina P.
Went here for brunch with friends on Saturday, July 10 around 2:30pm. There was no one there (possibly due to the ominous clouds) which was just fine because we had 2 dogs and wanted to sit outside undisturbed. My friends and I decided to share the fruit cocktail hookah (delish) and each of us ordered food. I had the pancakes and the 'viggie omelet' (that's how they spell veggie here, lol). The food was nothing to write home about but it wasn't horrible. Our server was really attentive and even brought ice water for the pups. My friends and I enjoyed the emptiness because we were able to rant and rave about every inappropriate topic in peace. If you go, try the hookah and definitely sit outside (weather permitting)for the excellent people watching. This is a very dog friendly neighborhood, so its fun to see how the dogs and their owners match (or don't).
(3)
Ken W.
Great middle eastern hookah lounge with outdoor seating and great oud music. Didn't see the belly dancer, but with that it would be a perfect place to hang out and smoke. I really enjoyed this place.
(4)
Lindsay K.
I haven't taken a math class in a few years, so forgive me if this sounds off. What do you get when you place a party of three at a table for two when there is a lip-locked party of two sitting at the table for four beside them? Add in grumpy, slow service, a meh bottle of white wine, a hookah with a shoddy hose, and food that tastes nearly identical to the yummy falafel stand on 7th street but marked up 80%. What do you get? A light headed, full, and somewhat pleasurable experience weighed down by high prices, a crowded table, and piss poor service.
(2)
Daniela A.
This place is horrible ! We made reservations and they made us wait outside in the freezing rain for 30 minutes For them to then start an argument. The bouncers were not professional and when asked to speak to the manager he was an absolute joke, Do not waste your time coming here , this place is a joke and isn't worth the trouble .
(1)
Sanjay K.
Hookah was alright, service was decent
(3)
Elise A.
Horus is pretty hit or miss... but seems to miss in all the wrong places. If you sit outside during nice weather, you can almost forgive them of everything because it's just so nice smoking hookah outside across from the park. Otherwise, it can feel a little pricey and a little rushed. Your coals usually die out long before anyone comes to refill them and the food is good but not memorable. It can often get really packed inside with the music so loud that you'd literally have to scream to be able to hear anyone at your table. Overall, if it's nice outside, it'll probably be a good time. Otherwise, might try one of the other many hookah places around.
(3)
Elizabeth B.
I guess Horus on B is pretty different. I've always had good experiences there. Horus on A does have pretty terrible waitstaff - snotty and rude and definitely burn and turn, which is not what you're looking for in a hookah place. Not to mention a dollar minimum per person. I've seen a drink minimum, which, while I'm not a fan of, I'll accept. I haven't seen a dollar minimum yet - not to mention one which, if we ordered a standard hookah + 2 cocktails would not cover the minimum.
(2)
Henan J.
Hookah in a pineapple! what more can i say in the city that never sleeps you can find a great Middle Eastern meal, music and hookah to end the outing
(4)
D L.
A good solid 3+ stars for this place. Came in for dinner at about 8 with a friend and stayed for a couple hours. The server probably could use some training, but was friendly and helpful. We were never hassled or rushed. Food was good and the hookah was excellent. The server was very knowledgeable about everything, just didn't have the rhythm to get your order and keep the meal on track But don't go to a hookah bar if you're on some rigid schedule. Music was a little rough - at first it was recorded stuff and interruptions and transitions not well done. the live music was fine, but a little on the loud side for a small place. I'd recommend to a friend. honestly don't know why someone would come in here for brunch, just doesn't give that impression or vibe, and from the reviews it doesn't seem to be going well, but for nighttime give it a try.
(3)
Christopher G.
i have been going to horus cafe for a long time for a number of years, i have witnessed management change , and as everyone may know when management changes service does as well. But i am more then happy to say that the service has stayed top notch. the waiter have always been attentive and sweet even though in the night time they do have to deal with loud drunk people. In fact me and a friend once went to the cafe and witnessed a fight between the new manger and a angry drunk guy wanting a seat (all packed), the guy smack the owner and we reacted quickly and droped the other guy to the floor and held him until the cops came. The manager was more than happy with or help that he discounted or bill, gave us free drinks and 2 free hookas. The food is ok i rarely go with the idea of having a full meal, just snacks during the smoke time is normally enough. the only real complaint i have is that the new belly dancers they are bringing suck..... seriously they look like they just want to twirl around an go. They literally run out when they are done. SO GO TO THIS HOOKAH BAR ITS GREAT!!
(4)
Dustin R.
As hookah bars go in the area this is the most romantic and intimate. We ordered baklava which was presented well - I was underwhelmed by the taste but my wife thought it was tasty enough. They offer beers on draft which pleases me (in contrast with other local hookah places). The service was decent and overall the atmosphere was pleasant with music prominent but not too loud for a conversation. The hookah had a smooth consistency and lasted long enough.
(4)
Alex M.
$15 hookah $5 beer (Stella & Harpoon) 1 drink minimum Sat at a table in the center with no backs--not very "hookah-chill" but there is more comfortable seating around. Service is so-so but in their defense, under-staffed.
(3)
Christine C.
Like everyone else in the NYC world..this. is.my . favorite.shisa.place .! Shisha is awesome, and the food is amazing! Honestly, I'll go to any hookah lounge in the city if it's named Horus.
(5)
Joshua S.
I've had better experiences at the one on B than the one on A. I've went in during the weekdays daytime only. Atmosphere was great. Food is good but way overpriced. The food service was adequate and our hookahs always had fiery coals. Staff could be more enjoyable. Just glad I didn't have to deal with some of the experiences the other posters had. Overall, not worth it unless I'm just going for hookah and a few drinks.
(3)
Grant C.
Been here twice in last two weeks. Great chill place with good tea the first time, 4 stars for that visit, but rushed, crowded, more expensive and incredibly loud (with a multicolored disco ball?!?!?!) the second, 2 stars for that visit.
(3)
Chris C.
Great hookah bar. Its huge and there wasn't too long of a wait for a table. Service was okay. We had to ask for things more than once but after asking a second time, we got what we needed.
(3)
Maya M.
I had a terrible experience. I arrived with two friends. We were dressed nicely, on our way to the theater afterwards. The waiter tried to seat three of us at a small table for two. We asked for a larger table, and he went "Oh, you're going to order food?" We did order food. I'm vegetarian, my friends are not. We ordered an appetizer, to split, and I ordered a falafel salad (an appetizer) to eat while my friends had their entrees. My falafel came out at the same time as our appetizer (fine, not a huge deal), but it was burnt. It tasted scorched. Both of my friends tasted it, and agreed. When I called the waiter over, he scoffed. When I made it clear that I was upset with my food, he told me to 'settle down'. I told him my falafel was burnt; he responded that their falafel was how it was made in Lebanon, and I just didn't appreciate it. He spent a good thirty seconds telling me off. I got it taken off the bill, but I was intensely disrespected. No manager checked in with us. I will never go here again, and I will advise my friends to avoid this establishment.
(1)
Tulie L.
The first bar stop once I flew into the city at 11am! It was happening on a Thursday night, with a 5 min wait we were quickly seated. The place is pretty small and extremely dimly lit, can seat approx. 50 people max. They play lively Euro-Mix, Euro-Trash Music which keeps the atmosphere fun, rather then sleepy (cause you known dim lights makes me YAWN!!) They serve great appetizers of hummus and assorted varieties of middle eastern snacks. What was a bit sad for me was there is no grape leaves:( boo hoo.. What made it up was their peach hookah It was yummy and light. They serve a good mojito too I had to get a 2nd! The wine and beer selections are a good handful but respectable. Would be a great place to bring a date or hangout with friends. I would definitely come back if I was in town!
(4)
Pj H.
Came here last thursday for a quick puff and some pinot after brunch. Got the pineapple (which comes in a pineapple) and it was delicious. Very smooth and great flavor. There was only one other guy there so the coal boy kept us well lit. The decor is cute. After my second pinot I started to feel like I was in the middle east...or was that all the pot I smoked before?? Who knows. The only reason I felt compelled to write a review was to rave about how I saw Rachael McAdams when I walked out and down the street. I could've died... right then and there.
(4)
Dot S.
Went there on a FREEZING day and it was just as cold inside because they insist on having those annoying giant FANS blowing air in and out from the street because of the occasional Hookah smoker. We literally had to wear our winter coats, scarves and hats while we ate. The waitress was arrogant and rushed us. Soup was tasty so I was surprised when I got a super dry, old, stale salad when I ordered the beat/goat cheese salad. It was crap. I asked for more dressing (which took 20 minutes) but the dressing didn't help. The salad was beyond repair. I supposed this place is ok for students who want a smoke but the food is as crap as the service is. And once again, they need to TURN OFF THE FREAKIN' AC AND FANS! To be fair, my Husband said his chocolate cake/dessert was amazing. I hated the place. Pfft!
(1)
K E.
I was there the other week and saw a rat ran through the restaurant. yep, not going back there .
(1)
Kelsey S.
Question: Where the hell do you go when you want to smoke delicious mixed fruit hooka, drink red wine and be way too obnoxious to the poor saps serving you way past 4am? Answer: Not here, this is our place to do that. Find somewhere else.
(4)
Jason B.
Good hookah. Just had the apple mint and it was great. However it took them TWENTY minutes to get us new coals. This happened twice. They were very under staffed for a Friday night. Will not go there again. A note: The couple that was sitting next to left and gave us their leftover hookah when they left. The hookah guy came to our table and asked us where we got the pipe. We told him, he turned away and said "we don't do that."
(1)
mark s.
Booo. BOOOOOOOO! So girl and I were looking for a place to have a couple of drinks after not being able to get a seat at Common Ground trivia night. We saw some people drinking Sangria and decided to try it. We got a pitcher of white sangria. I should state up front that I don't think I've ever had white sangria before, so it's possible I just don't care for it in general, but I certainly didn't care for this. My main gripe is with the service. It took too long for a server to appear to take our order (it was NOT crowded,) too long for the drinks to appear, and WAAAAAY to long to get our check. Then when we did get the check, service was already included, 18%, I think. More than I was going to tip for the lame service we had gotten. Do I need to restate that there were only TWO of us? We paid cash and requested change, seeing as how the 18% was more than we really wanted to tip. Then the server clearly took an intentionally long time bringing us our change, clearly so we would just give up and let her keep it. I am ashamed to say that this strategy worked. Next time I'll just show up earlier at Common Ground.
(1)
Keyno W.
We got the "sex on the beach" hookah...no beach and no sex, please dont go there :P i got the lentil soup ,not bad but would be better if they served bread or even crutons... We ordered the moroccan mint tea,it was awful..no mint and no tea at all ..then i ordered the egptian tea..it was also not good ,ground tea leaves were sitting at the bottom of my glass..
(1)
Lauren B.
Been here several times, and each has been pleasant and enjoyable. Great spot for a small group of friends. I really enjoy the fruit bowl hookah selections, and the food is decent if you care to nosh! Nice, accommodating staff and the disco ball they throw on late night is adorable. 2 thumbs up!
(4)
Angie B.
No. Just no. Too loud. Too crowded. And what was up with their $20 per person minimum? We wanted to bounce the second we got there. Some of my friends actually just threw $20 on the table (even thought they just had one drink) and left because they just couldn't stand being in that cramped space with the inappropriate techno on blast. Ugh. The food was decent. But they only serve beer and wine, which makes the $20 minimum even more ridiculous. Hookahs are supposed to be relaxing. I left that place more tense than when I got there.
(1)
Raine O.
Pros: Lovely servers, relaxing music, clean bathroom and beautiful interior. The babaganoush was yummy as well as their tahini and french fries. Cons: Main dishes were tasteless and boring and the food took forever to get to our table. Does it really take 30-40 minutes to make a salad? Maybe if we had gone on a different day instead of Christmas and a different time like the evening we would have had a different experience. But for now my family and I will not be going back there.
(2)
Jonathan G.
My friends and I (a total group of 8) rolled up here late-night after a healthy amount of time at Zum Schneider. Despite being Israeli, I have had a very limited amount of hookah experience, but I can't see how a New York City hookah bar can be better than this. First of all, name me another place that will bend over backwards to accomodate a group of 8 drunks at 2:00 am. Secondly, when we were seated, our server was so sweet - a cute Albanian girl who immediately took to a friend of mine who lived in Greece and Turkey for a while. She recommended a flavor for us (Lady in Red) as well as a wine selection. We proceed to smoke and get increasingly drunk...and nobody seemed to care. Drunk people + hot coals + expensive smoking apparatus usual equals servers/bussers watching you like a hawk. Then the busboy inexplicably took our hookah away...I became enraged...Were we about to get kicked out? WHAT THE FUCK DID WE DO?!? WE ARE JUST SITTING HERE HAVING A GREAT TIME NOT BOTHERING ANYONE!!! Oh, wait, he brought it back...with a brand new order of Lady in Red, on the house. I then proposed marriage to said busboy. As if I wasn't already sold on this place. We're getting married in April. But seriously, folks...I heartily recommend this place. Granted, I didn't make it over there for the belly-dancing show and didn't try the food, but based on ambience, service, and quality of the tabacky and draaaaaaaanks, I say "yallah!"
(4)
zack s.
STAY AWAY from this over priced place!!!!! Door guy was rude and actually said "Your giving me a headache with your questions" after we asked him when they started doing a $30 minimum per person when I was just there recently with 4 friends and no minimum was set. He was so rude. Also when I was there with my gf and we had lunch and sangria the sangria was just alright. Definitely not worth the ton of $$$ we spent on it. Way over priced!!!!! Hope this place goes out of business since the staff doesn't realize that they should actually respect the customer and try to provide good service. Horus Cafe YOU FAIL!!!!!!
(1)
ilya k.
I came here with my brother and really liked the place - very good atmosphere, great good, good hookah, and excellent tea, reasonable prices! What more do you need?
(4)
Richard B.
First time in a hookah bar, I was lucky enough to see some live belly dancing too. Got the cherry flavored hookah, and tried the lamb sausage salad and the shish kabob. Everything was delicious. Weird thing though. My harpoon ufo beer tasted somewhat like the hookah. Very confusing.
(4)
Kevin F.
Awesome fun place, great atmosphere, great music, cheap hookahs that can keep going forever, good strong drinks, and very nice waiters. You can't go wrong with this place, they did a great job executing the hookah atmosphere with the decor, the candlelight etc.. I recommend you sit inside, enjoy the atmosphere, see everyone with big smiles on their faces and puff puff give,
(4)
Davide P.
Get an Egyptian or Moroccan tea together with an Egyptian Pharaon hookah, and chill. The place is cool with live Arab music, but way more relaxing and suggestive when less crowded and more quiet, as this way it'll be easier to enjoy the peculiar atmosphere of an intimate chat, surrounded by a cloud of scented smoke, while sipping tea from small glasses full of mint leaves. Downside, asking for the check will put your feet back on the ground.
(4)
Rachel C.
Stepping inside, this place smells wonderful! Well ventilated yet aromatic. They were able to seat our party of seven with just a five minute wait. Not too bad for nearly 2 am. However they put us crammed around two tables that really should have been for two people and the small, squashy stools we were sitting on did not make us fit around the table easily, I kept bumping into the gentleman sitting to my right. That was really my only gripe about this place. Service wasn't the friendliest, but the staff were attentive to our drinks as ell as our hookahs. And for $15 a hookah and $6 for my glass of wine I became happier to sit at the cramped table relaxing with my friends. I even had a conversation with said gentleman I kept bumping into and he let us finish his hookah as they were leaving! The drink selection is impressive for a place this size and they make a mean mojito, all reasonably priced. The food looked and smelled wonderful, but we had just gotten dinner a few blocks away and at a MUCH cheaper price! Not really a place to linger, they seemed eager to get us out once we were finished. I can imagine they let you relax a bit more if you were ordering food. But I would definitely come back next time I am in the city!
(3)
Juliet A.
I have to admit, I'm a bit shocked to see so many glowing reviews of Horus after my experience (albeit limited experience) here the other night. A few friends and I came in after going out elsewhere in this neighborhood, thinking Horus looked like a chill place to end the night. We were seated quickly and immediately took to the very cool, cave-like atmosphere (earthen walls with little ledges holding candles/lights). After a few minutes, a waiter approached us and asked us if we wouldn't mind moving to accommodate a larger group coming in. No problem, we obliged. After moving to a corner table, we waited a significant amount of time before any waitstaff gave us any attention. When our order was finally taken, we decided to try a fruity hookah (Horus has a pretty solid variety of hookah flavors) for $15, but were then told that there was a 1 drink minimum...which is not written anywhere on the menu. Not cool. So we ordered some drinks and proceeded to wait. And wait. And wait. After 15 minutes of sitting around, unable to carry a conversation over the unnecessarily loud music, and with still not even a glass of water in front of us, we decided to bolt. Having never walked out on a place before, I would think that definitely merits a 1 star rating.
(1)
Pinar T.
This is one example how the service quality can make or break a business! I was fascinated with the interior decoration.Apparently they spent lots of effort on prettying up the place. From the candles to the ornaments on acoustical ceilings everything was perfect. Then we were greeted by a wait staff who looked like she was going to murder somebody! When I had a question she didn't even bother trying to explain the menu. I ordered mozzarella sticks which cost 7.50$ and baklava which I admit was delicious. The food seemed to be good but our drinks were never re-filled and the place wasn't even crowded. Having experienced the "food industry" myself I don't expect the wait staff to be all bubbly,lively,chatty,sunshine out of your *** kind of people but this was too much of a drama. Then it just turned to plain horror when the bill came with a "service charge" of well over 15%. I gave this place 2 stars just because of the interior design and the atmosphere.That's it. I'd advise smoking away your money somewhere else.
(2)
Lani P.
I went here the other night after having been drinking at other places and thought of this place on a whim. I came here with my date and we sat inside with the cool air conditioning (they have tons of seats outside) and were surprised with a three piece band that played standards with a Cuban flair, as well as some Cuban songs. They were great!! I was impressed that the cafe only serves beer, wine and champagne, as I find that kind of filters a certain clientele down from the liquor drinkers. But the best part of this cafe are the hookahs. They had probably twenty or so flavours to smoke and they even give you a refill when your first pot is kicked. That I liked too. I can't say that I have had the food here yet, but I am definitely willing to come back to this charming cafe to try all they have to offer. Avenue A has plenty of bike racks along the avenue to chain your ride to. Sometimes they can be all filled up and you need to use a street sign, but usually you can get a spot right away.
(4)
Andy C.
Horus Cafe! The best place to go after a night of clubbing or a long day at work. I stumbled on this place with a few friends when wandering around in the area and we were pleasantly surprised. There's no better flavor than the Egyptian Pharaoh - it's a mix between honey, vanilla, and something else; I was a bit saucy at the time so I can't remember too well. All their hookahs are nicotine free and are a little under $20 with the exception of two which are $30 and $45 I think. Get the calamari and the mint tea when you're there - guaranteed to impress. Outdoor seating stops at 1AM, but the place stays open until 4AM. People frequently come by to replace charcoal, blow ash out of the bowl, and just to see if everything is OK. They also have a full bar too. One thing to be careful of: I went on a Friday with one other person and we were told there was a $20 min per person. I came back on Saturday and we just had to do the standard one drink per person. Overall, one of the better places in NY to smoke.
(4)
Nicole C.
Beautiful day in New York (finally) and we decided to take a walk down the East Village. What better way to celebrate the spring than to sit outside facing Tompkins Square Park? Too bad the servers all but ignored our section of outside seating leaving us waiting way too long for drinks, dishes and the check. I ordered a regular coke, and it was fountain type and it was just disgusting-- tasted so watered down I could hardly drink it. My Greek Salad was quite bland, could have used more citrus and the hummus was also too simple, not spiced enough. They do have good hookah which I have tried before, and also good Egyptian tea. If I had to choose between the loveliness of sitting outside but with bad food/service or sitting inside with good food/service I'd rather choose a place that only had indoor seating. It took them FOREVER to bring our check and we had to ask twice. They also charged us a 20% service charge (even though it was only two of us). We would NOT have given such a good tip. My recommendation? Don't come here for the food, just for the hookah/drinks.
(2)
Robby T.
In theory, I love this place. Open late, social hookah, turkish coffee, decent atmosphere. But I'm big on service & Horus Cafe is NOT. I've been here a few times and every time they're shoving the check down your throat right after you order. The wait staff can't be bothered to do anything but the bare minimum since tip is already included in your check. Last night the hookah guy literally took the hookah out of my hand while I was smoking it and said, "you're done." Really?!?! I understand the need to turn tables, but there's a better way to do that. Basically, there are tons of other hookah bars in the East Village--yelp them, visit them. There is NO REASON to go to Horus Cafe, if you want an enjoyable experience. Last night was my last time there & I'm gonna spread the word. Sorry Horus.
(1)
Z. W.
This place wins the prize for the UNFRIENDLIEST wait staff EVER. One of the waitresses gave me an attitude because I actually smiled at her. Hoping the other staff members would be nicer-- they failed too. I was so pissed off, which prompted me to make loud remarks (of course the service didn't get better). I used to be a waitress/bartender for four years... so I think I have the right to be a bitch about this. Not until I figured out that tip was already included in the bill (which sucks, because I would have given her less) I understood that they perhaps don't have the need to work for tips anyway. Hookah was great, food was so-so and the staff needs to be fired. Or the management.
(1)
Koko H.
On a Friday night around 9pm it wasn't too crowded. My friend and I were seated right away and got a double apple hookah for $15. While the hookah was good and produced really smooth and light smoke, the flavor was off. It didn't taste like apple. Some kind of weird licorice aftertaste. I asked for water and they brought me a bottle, so just make sure to specify tap water if that's your preference.
(3)
Mark M.
Went there on a whim. Was on a date and walked by and we both thought it looked like something we wanted to check out. Had no idea it was a hookah bar. I had the time of my life. I recommend it to anyone, and am planning on going there again.
(5)
Amanda A.
Went here once for hookah, its chill and they have drinks which is good. I liked the hookah and it was just a nice, laid back environment.
(4)
Seren C.
This place is packed on the weekends for no good reason. If you get a spot to sit outside and enjoy some hookah, then you are lucky. Inside, the music is blasted so that you can't even hear what song it is. Also, it is very small and cramped inside. We got a spot outside, ordered two hookahs and some drinks. The service is nice and the drinks are decent, but they don't know anything about hookah!! Just really poor quality tobacco and at $15 each, not worth it in my opinion. Real hookah is best enjoyed in Astoria. Skip this place and keep walking till you find something better...
(2)
Nait P.
Ash....the same guy who caused the 62nd street location to be shut down by the SLA is going to cause 6th and B a lot of the same problems...Corey and Mike from the SLA will be sure to know...nice job!
(1)
Jackie L.
Seriously , this place is a good time. Definitely not trendy but definitely not edgy. Definitely been done before but deintely not boring. Some of the more interesting bely dancing I've seen and a nice balance of middle eastern decor (i.e patterned sheets on the wall and dim lighting with lanterns). Servers were very lifelike compared to most generic staffed hookah bars. Great mix of music, drinks, hookahs, food, and people. Particularly people, who all seemed to be from the laid back, drama free, semi-intelligent, although definitely downtown generally chill persuasion. Everyone seems to mingle well and form one large party instead of several separate ones. My problem was with HOW crowded, HOW loud, and how house party-esque it felt at times. Its entertaining to watch how the waiters, guys with the hot coals, belly dancers, people dancing, and the rest of people passing through all fit into the same narrow space running the length of thisnot so big establishment without falling over, hurting someone, or screaming RAPE! If it had a little extra room and if I were a bit less anal then I would probably give it more stars.
(3)
Dan C.
I came here once oh a whim after my brother suggest it. Went with a friend early in the evening. The place was pretty empty so we just hung out had some tea and hookah. I doubt I'll come here later in the night though.
(3)
Mike T.
Great Hookah place. While not as large as its sister, in my opinion the hookah at this place is better and the atmosphere a little more intimate. And to emphasize what some other people have said, the food isn't so bad either. Overall a great time and worth checking out!
(5)
Abby L.
Hands down my fav hookah bar in nyc. I'm not sure if i'm more biased to this place because, it was the venue of my first date with my current beau so that place will always hold a special place for me. Aside from that, its an amazing place to smoke a hookah. Its the kind of place you want to go, smoke filled, mellow and chill, great service and just great ambiance. If you want a hookah place that is not an over-hyped trendy spot, this is the palce to be. I loved it cause, once time i had two extra friends join us and our party was already large and they accomodated me without missing a beat. Besides a pitcher of beer for $15? and they replace the coals of your hookah for you, whats not to like. If you are looking for a place to chill, smoke and listen to actual arabic or Farsi music and not be forced to listen to TOP 40 crap *cough* Karma, then this is the place to be. Go to Karma, cause the less of you that come to Horus, the more it will remain the low key cute spot it is now.
(5)
Angela C.
my friends and i been going here for 3 years. no matter its lunch, dinner or late night, the atmosphere is fantastic! awesome music, food and hookah! service is fast and staff is attentive. the guy who changes the coals come around very often. the alcoholic beverages are a little pricey but its all worth it! you can also get a table and smoke outside when it's nice out which is a plus for me. some nights, they have live music and belly dancers too. overall a great place to chill out, smoke and drink after a long day!
(5)
Caro H.
I've been here two times earlier this year. The environment is great--nice decorations and music. The service could be better--a bit slow sometimes but generally people do their jobs without being rude. The alcohol has typical pricing--drinks are typically around $7. I don't really have a comment about the hookah either. Nothing was exceptionally bad or good about it. The food, however, was way overpriced with extremely small servings. My friends and I racked up a large bill and still felt hungry afterwards. All in all, I consider this place my "safety" hookah bar--I'd only go if I really want hookah and nearby places are closed.
(3)
Richard B.
I was in the East Village on Thursday at lunch time. It was sunny and warm out and I stumbled across this cute little Mediterranean Cafe. There was only me and two other people in the place, not counting the cute Egyptian server. Not only was he cute, but he was also nice. As soon as I took a seat, he came with water and a menu. I ordered an Egyptian iced tea and a grilled chicken wrap sandwich with peppers and tomatoes. The wrap came with a choice of salad or fries. I was starving, so I went with the fries. Great choices, I loved everything!! I finished my iced tea and before I even had a chance to ask, the server had brought me another. Now that's service! And, there was no charge for the second tea. Then the server told me they had set-up their outside tables and would be happy to move me if I wanted to enjoy some sun. This man was not only cute, he could read me mind!!! So, I finished my lunch in the sun and cannot say enough good things about his place.
(4)
justin t.
never ate here, but pretty much always a good hookah experience. no hard alcohol so the mixed drinks are all really week so i say go with the beer. never been here early enough for the belly dancer but always a fan of the sick music. im no hookah expert so i dont know if its good or not but the coal man comes around often enough.
(3)
Talia F.
This place is HORRIBLE! I went with 3 other people on a Friday night. Got a hookah, pitcher of sangria, and some appetizers (all of which were pricey might I add) with about $90 bucks damage. Okay, thats fine....but when we asked for the check (like normal New Yorkers who don't want to wait an hour after they've finished their drinks) they immediately started taking everything away without asking if we were done with it. Half a basket of appetizers, hookah, and two half finished drinks. I even tried to call out after the drinks were taken to have him stop but he ignored me. So I explained to the bus-boy type fellow that we weren't going to be leaving until I finished the drink I had carefully guarded because they had already taken away everything else we paid for. He gave me some speech and then quickly gave me an incredible attitude and then called me a "WHORE!" I was not drunk, nor belligerent (I even gestured for him to come closer when I expressed my disappointment with the service as to not cause a scene) so this was COMPLETELY UNCALLED FOR. When a friend and my boyfriend began to ask him what his problem was, this asshole had my boyfriend roughly escorted out by the bouncer because he knew he had crossed the line and didn't know how to deal with it. We left peacefully because we are not the type of people to get violent or out of control, but I was incredibly disturbed by the type of people they have working at this "establishment." It disgusted me beyond just having a terrible experience, but to have people like this exist in our world just makes me sick. We intend to contact every agency that handles these kinds of complaints because it is not acceptable to treat people in this manner. What started as a great night out quickly turned to shit and this foul place just lost what could've been a repeat local customer. What a shame.
(1)
Miz C.
to this day i crave the goat cheese with honey and pita that i ate when i came here. i hopefully can go back for it again. and again. and again. the tea is yum, and its a great dark place to refuel comfortably on a drinking night.
(5)
Devon M.
If I could give less than one star, I would. Today I had one of the worst restaurant experiences of my life at this place. My friends and I were looking for a place to watch the world cup game and decided it would be fun to do it with a hookah. The four of us got there, the place was empty and we had our choice of tables. The waiter appeared happy to give us a hookah and everything was fine. Then about 15 minutes later, he approached the table and asked if we wanted anything to drink. We said not yet, we were fine, and he informed us that we were required to order a drink to keep the table (remember the place is practically empty). I objected, saying that if they had a minimum consumption rule, they should advertise it on the menu or they should have told us up front. How did he respond? By saying f*@! you and trying to pick a fight with my boyfriend. The manager didn't help either and we were left feeling incredibly uncomfortable and COMPLETELY shocked by the guy's behavior. I had been to this place a couple times before--the food is absolutely mediocre, but this experience took the cake for negativity. I plan on boycotting and you should too.
(1)
Allison K.
A rather large group of us stopped at Horus this weekend as part of birthday festivities (and were surprisingly accommodated immediately )and while the crowd was a lot more our speed than some previous hookah-bar disasters ( yelp.com/biz/5TJdeGTJSOP… ), I found the slightly glitzier atmosphere to be unnecessary. the mosaic tables were beautiful, but the leather stools uncomfortable, and i'm inclined to think that the cave-like walls studded with votives scream ''we're trying too hard!" That said, my sahlab (warm and sweet Egyptian beverage/dessert, ie, what i order when my friends want to smoke a hookah and i don't want to look like a tool) was delish and huge enough to share with the whole table, and the belly dancer was amazing (I couldn't look away when she danced with a tray full of lit candles on her head!). But be warned, when she starts to shimmy and shake, the music gets way too loud to talk to your friends over.
(3)
Joe X.
The best hookah in whole NYC , I got the Egyption pharaoh flavor ever . Good atmosphere , and great place .
(5)
Jade M.
One of the best hookah experiences I have ever had. Paid thirty five dollars each between five people, we had two hookahs, two platters of food, a pitcher is sangria which was a little weak, and that included tax and tip. The atmosphere was really chill and dim with good music and free shots before we left!
(4)
Mo H.
I understand having high prices for hookah during the evenings and night time, but do I want to drop $30 on a regular basis for a hookah in the afternoon. Fine I'm even okay with doing that on a regular basis but I got the smallest bottle of coke that the company makes and they charged $5.00 for it at 1 PM in the afternoon. I am from Cali. They usually have happy hour hookah's in the afternoon and then regular prices at night. Seating for about 80 people inside and out combined. I would come here more regularly but these prices are outrageous.
(1)
Ariel Z.
Love this place for the lounge and hookah part. The ambiance and the music were fantastical (though really loud, you have to strain your voice). Ordered the mint and grape flavor hookah, which was perfect. The staff are really good about replacing the hot coals and were really chill people. I love the votive candles tucked into the crevices of what looked like a curved stucco wall, resembling a stone cave...AWESOME!! A silly brawl between two dudes broke out at closing time (4am). However, the staff totally controlled the situation and did not hesitate to throw both on the ground when they kept trying to go at each other. Definitely comforting to know that they don't take any crap and ensure the safety of their customers.
(4)
Alison L.
We got lucky enough to come on a Friday night, and they didn't charge us the minimum amount. However, I would go back even if I did have to (I think the minimum was 30 dollars per person). You can sit there and hookah the night away, and so it will be well worth your money. They also are attentive to the embers so that the smoke will keep going strong. Music is a nice mix of top 40s. I would definitely go back!
(4)
Kevin Z.
This place changed my mind on hookah. The taste is stronger than my first time only time. On a Friday night, it's really crowded. Surprised!! Well I got into this and came out really wasted but if you bring some good fun friends along, this is a place for party. The price is pretty reasonable as costly five friends $150 for a good time including 2 pitchers and endless hookah. Had such a good time, the place offered us free shots. That's a smart move owner !! :) Going forward, the place is small putting me on the edge sitting next to the hot coal. I think they should cover them better but I have seem anyone burned so far. Be safe and do go enjoy this place. Bring a party.
(4)
James M.
Disrespectful Service! Friends and I calmly walked in and requested to sit at at a booth seat because the chairs at the table weren't comfortable by any standard. The three of us sat down and and took off our coats and began to get comfortable. Admittedly, we were spilling on to another table mainly because our space was a tad small. The server came over to us with an overt attitude. He began to verbally scold us about sitting where we had been given permission to sit. His tone, body language and volume was completely inappropriate. As a person who has worked in the industry I know the proper way to address customers about siting issues. This guy completely handled potential customers with no respect! The other employees did not come over to correct the situation but looked at us like a bystanders who had no say so regarding the culture of their establishment. I would not recommend this place to any one who is looking to have a great overall experience!
(1)
Alex B.
It was really good at the beginning until we ordered desserts. They served us the sample desserts that had been shown to everyone ( I don't know when they bought those samples but one had a happy new year chocolate on top of it and this happened on jan 10th) They didn't tell us that. we got curious and told them that we wanted to see the samples again. The waiter didn't want to show the samples first and after arguing for a while he went back to the kitchen. 10 minutes later he told us that the ones we had were the samples and they ignored us for the rest of the night. You can imagine how disgusting it was. It is your choice to go there.
(1)
Kris K.
Great spot for hookah and drinks. The food was good, service was great and hookah was amazing. Will be back next time I'm in town.
(5)
Mark R.
I have been going here for about 2 years now. I still remember the first time walking in thinking how small the place was and how crowded. I was so close to the next table that I thought we were part of the same group. I don't go here for food but for good music, relaxing environment, hookah and belly dance. Until 10 PM or so, the music is low key with Deadmaus beats with little words and the place cleans out with the dinner crowd. Then around 11 PM or so the crowd shuffles in again for drinks & hookah with the music changing over to Pop Club music. The lighting is very simple and people simply dance where they sit by getting up and doing their wiggle wiggle wiggle. It's LOUD so if you don't like the noise then sit outside because it is much quieter. I like the cushion seats against the wall where you have the view of the whole restaurant. Stay away from the middle seats because you have no where to lean unless you have ABS of STEEL. Recommend cuban mojito hookah if you want something interesting but $30 might be little over priced. I can settled for Blue Mist.
(4)
Alice C.
I was here last night with two friends and we had a great experience. It's a little out of the way, but the hookah here is one of the best I've had in the city so far. We tried the Egyptian Pharaoh, which I wasn't a fan of (it tasted like coconut...jellybeans?) and a peach mint hookah, which was very good. Additionally, they had people come by constantly to rotate the coals for us, which was great. We switched seats halfway through to a larger table, and the staff was very friendly and accommodating. They do get a star off because the food is honestly not that great, and their drink menu is very limited, which is a problem as they ask that each person orders a drink. As a hookah bar though, this is one of my favorites.
(4)
Maria F.
I have been going here since moving to NY. The hookah is good quality. The sex on the beach is by far my favorite. Their greek salad, ALWAYS fresh. I love it and my boyfriend loves their harira soup. I have tried fried calamari and hot horus combo. These were NOT very GOOD. The quality is not good, and honestly removing this and maybe other dishes like mozarella stick will not be missed. I say focus on quality not quantity; revamp your menu.
(5)
Jade J.
Been coming here for the past 2 years pretty regularly (3-4x/month) and it was my favorite hookah place up until things have really gone downhilll. Initially fell in love with this place for their smooth shisha and delicious food. My first time there, they actually changed our shisha (we were there for 6 hours)! They would automatically refill our mint tea and the staff was super accommodating. Fast-forward to my experience yesterday... 1.they no longer use real coal, but have switched to quicklite coals that make the shisha harsher. 2. forget changing the shisha, that never happened after the first time. 3. the previous time, they had told us they don't do tea refills, but can give us a glass of hot water to pour into the pot ourselves....so I did just that, and they tried to charge me $4 for two glasses of hot water. (the manager denies ever giving free refills and that this has been the policy for the past 4 years. AND he went on to say that they charge $2 for hot water because some people come in with their own tea bags...like, seriously??) 4. it really annoys me how they treat a regular customer (and they don't recognize me!!) when I almost always get food, drinks and shisha. Their food is still good albeit a bit pricey. Service is good and staff is friendly. Wednesday nights, they have live music which is pretty neat. Weekends, they have a belly dancer..but then again, most places do. I seriously question whether I would ever go back considering how they keep cutting corners and how my throat is now sore after smoking their harsh hookah. Anyone got a better hookah place to recommend? (not Cloister)
(2)
Chris C.
I love the low lighting and music. Good music and great volume. You can still have a conversation as the music is playing. service was a little weak tonight. I had to get a hold of the waitress after 15 min of waiting.
(2)
Fazeela S.
It's NOT about the food, it's about their nicotine-free SHEESHA (hookah is metal part). You go to Horus for sheesha, not for anything else. However, some of their food is really good. When they have belly-dancing or Arabic dance music playing, it can be really fun, too. In 2009, I used to come here weekly with my Egyptian friend, while I was under-doing a 3 month clerkship. We tried many other places around the city, but nothing came close to the sheesha at Horus. Since that time, I travel from Brooklyn to Alphabet City every time I crave sheesha. Having tried so many other venues, I am 100% sure that it is not worth wasting my money at any other place. FAVORITES: THE HORUS EYE SPECIAL HOOKAH (SHEESHA): I have tried pretty much every flavor. Get this, it's well worth the price. In 2009, one of the managers used to hook us up and provided us tastes of every special flavor since we were there so often. The Horus Special is smoked out of a pineapple and there are orange and apple peels floating in the water. It is so smooth and tasty. If it is ever too harsh, you tell your server and they alter it. PLUS, you can sit for as long as you like and they keep refilling the coals! In the past, I have ordered sheesha and tea and sat for hours writing research papers. Note: If you just order sheesha, you have to order a drink - it does not have to be alcoholic, but you have to order at the minimum bottled water. MINT TEA: Served like you are in the Middle East. Lots of fresh mint on the side. LENTIL SOUP: It is homemade and delicious. FATTOUSH SALAD: My favorite fattoush in the city! The pita is not too salty and it is not drenched in dressing. It's fresh and yummy. HORUS COMBO APPETIZER: This is great for vegetarians. Hummus, falafel, baba, tabouli, tahini... TAGINES: My spouse and other meat eaters LOVE their tagines. [Sidenote: When I started coming to Horus in 2009, their menu was still very Middle-Eastern - I loved it. A few years ago, they "Westernized" as some may say - and added burgers, mozzarella sticks... I do NOT like that food or that change. However, they have still kept the lentil soup, fattoush, tagines, so I've dealt with the gringo-ization. To underscore, in the end you come here to smoke the smoothest and most delicious sheesha that you can find in NYC]. [Date-Night Tip: Go to Caracas Arepas Bar down the street for dinner and then come to Horus for sheesha and end at The Big Gay Ice Cream Shop].
(5)
Ambrose C.
Are you looking for a place to "unwind" a tiny bit while inhaling some smoke from a long pipe and enjoying some drinks somewhere in the East Village after a very hectic day? Well, this place may have your answer. I have been to this place twice so far, on a Sunday afternoon and on a Saturday night, and with the right people, I had a good time getting drinks and smoking hookah. I had the red and white sangria pitchers during my visits here. I thought they were both refreshing drinks. The service has been okay so far, no serious complaints but you may have to be patient. As for the hookah, a friend got the Cuban Mojito flavor. I could taste a little bit of that flavor, and I felt a little relaxed. It's not a bad choice to share among 5 people. Interior decor is nice, and the seats inside are fairly comfortable. I enjoyed this place even more when I sat outdoors, and enjoying the nice but slight summer breeze while looking out in the stars, and you could even do some "people watching". I did see a couple ladies dancing inside this place that Saturday night, and if you're looking for that type of entertainment, this place is not a bad choice. Overall, if you are looking for a decent place to smoke some hookah while getting some drinks in this part of New York, this place is not a bad choice. If you want to watch ladies dance for you on a Saturday night, this place is also not a bad choice. I don't think it might be the best place to get hookah, but it's decent enough if you really want to fulfill your desire for the somewhat exhilarating inhalation in an area like the East Village.
(3)
Shardae W.
I went here because a friend recommended it for hookah. She raved about the hookah and service. I usually trust her judgement because we visit many places together and she knows what I enjoy. When we arrived on a Saturday night after 12 we were seated right away. Our waiter was very distant. The guy who brought out the hookah was very rude. Gratuity is already included so you would expect the service to be great. I don't know if everyone was just in a bad mood that night or they was just treating us that way for another reason. I'm a vegetarian my salad was ok. My friends said the food was good, so that's a plus. The hookah was okay. It wasn't a totally bad experience. They played up to date Arabic music. The menu had a lot of options and the setting was a good middle eastern theme. The crowd was very diverse so you don't feel out of place. I just wish the service was better.
(2)
Mimi M.
I do not care about the liquor or sheesha. I just came to accompany a friend for a night out. This is an Egyptian spot that definitely plays Arabic music with a mix of also the more popular music American style. The crowd is also makes ranging from black white Chinese Spanish and Arab. It seem like a nice crowd no raunchy ratchet people. We got the big appetizer and it was delicious. I believe I ordered the chicken kabob platter. Definitely there is a good chef in the back cuz he knows what he's doing and don't get fooled just because it's a lounge you're going to get damn good food here. The mint lemonade was also very good. I like that they had the traditional Egyptian food on their menu including macarona bechamel. Food is not cheap about $15 just for the appetizer and then another 15 - 20 for the entree and the drinks even though not alcoholic are about $7 I believe. The desert was blah. I wouldn't even bother. My bill for two people came up to 100 something. Overall I had a lot of fun I had a nice little spot in the place and I ate really really good.
(5)
James W.
Great Friday night out here. We came here at around midnight and waited for about 15 minutes, which isn't too bad. Good music and vibe. Their hookah is decent - we got watermelon, and they replaced the coals twice over the course of 2 hours. We got one of the corner tables. We also ordered some tea to go with the hookah. Fun times was had by all. I found this place to be very well-ventilated and not so loud that you cannot have a conversation.
(4)
Sari A.
I know it is famous for its shisha (i.e Hookah) but i gotta say it was just okay! Not the best, probably because i'm kinda picky and if i do it better at home then why the waste of money. Anyhow, we went there for my friend's birthday which insist to go to NYC as change of scenery,( she owns a hookah lounge herself here in Philly) So I got my usual double apple shisha and it wasn't worth the two hours drive. They had one of my favorite Egyptian Dishes ( Kosharee : Lentils, pasta and chickpeas with tomato and garlic sauce ) which made the night a bit better. I can say that I enjoyed it. The place is to chill out and have fun, no doubt. Three Yelps!
(3)
Cary M.
Fun place with outdoor seating and hookahs Friendly staff Reasonably priced Bar with specialty drins
(3)
Yashpreet K.
I've been hooked to this place for the past 10 years... Love the shisha options and food menu plus they serve alcohol which makes it easy to hang out with diverse crowd at one place.
(5)
Ali C.
Maybe I'm spoiled by other hookah spots further north than Horus but .... The bouncer told us $30 per person ... All we wanted was a hookah to share plus maybe a few beers.... As we were walking away the manager? Said it'll just be $20 per person ... Okay now we're talking! We were sat alllllll the way in the back away from the crowd and the DJ which made you feel you can only sit down and smoke, not get up shake a groove thang. We ordered a watermelon mint, it was pretty okay, kind of harsh in the beginning but the coal guy fixed it. It's nice to get coal refills often. Well drinks at $10? No thanks. On the menu Corona was $6 but charged later as $8 with a whole gratuity and tax included excuse with of course it charged separately... Pet peeve is automatic gratuity and you receive less than sub par service. Woe is me. Totally not worth your $30.
(1)
Nicky C.
I came here on Wednesday night around 9pm and it was pretty dead. We tried to order some patron shots but they do not have top shelf. So we proceeded and order mojitos instead. The mojitos were good. We got hookah, and the hookah was good as well. As for food, we ordered calamari's and mozzarella sticks. The calamari were okay, and the mozzarella sticks were made from cheap cheese. They were decent to eat. The music was terrible. We complained about the music and nothing was done. I understand it was a Wednesday night. However, the music didn't have to be so terrible. The music was def a buzz kill. As for the service, it was very good. The server was very attentive and sweet. Will I go back to this place. Not really. It was okay for a Wednesday night.
(2)
Yunjia L.
Horrible place. Bad service, the Arabic guy manager was very rude and disrespectful. Found a roach in our drink and he kicked us out because we asked to change the drink, with very inappropriate language. Food had weird overnight taste too. Very disappointed. I wonder why couldn't I give zero star on yelp.
(1)
Tricia O.
This place. Has everything you could possibly want, such as, but not limited to: 1. Ballin playlist (shout out to my girl, Demi Lovato) 2. Amazing hookahs 3. Brunch til 5 on the weekends!!!! Mimosa pitchers CHECK 4. Excellent sandwiches and a vast array of hookah flavors including fresh fruit 5. Amazing servers that give great suggestions 6. Unpretentious clientele, comfortable seating, and unique decor 7. Great location 8. STRAWBERRY BUTTER for French toast. Check it out!
(5)
Abe N.
Nice place , especially on a Tuesday night it's quiet and private , good for a meeting or a relaxed date.
(4)
Diana A.
Hookah place was decent. They had a lot of different favors. Just wished the place was not so congested and cramped up. They need more room. Aside from that .... I enjoyed and had a good time.
(3)
Lisette R.
5 stars for the "mixed grill" dish alone! Attentive service, great hookah, cute little place. The middle eastern music can be a bit loud. Gets hot inside.
(5)
Kru K.
It's a really fun spot. Make sure u reserve in advance if you plan to go on a Friday or Saturday night as it gets really packed. We were a group of 10-15 ppl and had great time. Good food, music, hookah and drinks and frnds ofcoz :)
(4)
Fatima S.
hands down best hookah in the city and i am a hookah snob. the staff is super nice one of the biggest reasons i come back. It's my home away from home.
(5)
Sean F.
We were a party of five and they told us we needed to spend $30 a person to come in. Don't think so... Go down the street to kazuza much better
(1)
Tiffany G.
My girlfriends and I are regular visitors to Horus! It's "our" special spot. The staff is so friendly, and we're always greeted with warm smiles and sweet hugs. It's clean, beautiful, and the hookah is the best I've ever had. Drinks are fabulous, food is fabulous. I definitely recommend this spot to anyone looking for a chill spot with a sexy ambiance. (Also, the music is amazing! And just wait until you see the belly dancers.)
(5)
Sandeep R.
Located in East Village amidst a cluster of bars and sheesha places, the hookah flavor was amongst one of the better ones I've had in a while ..The ambience was perfect for a late evening chill with friends and the music wasn't too loud while still being decently audible in the background ..That being said, no whiskey at the bar and not so great drinks are the reasons I'm gonna go with a 3 and not 4
(3)
Taj H.
Why has yelp still not yet succumb to the zero stars that so many of us plead for? But, on a serious note, I have never been treated with the most disrespect and made to feel so incredibly humiliated as I have at this establishment. Not only were my date and I yelled at by the hostess for moving (alert human rights violation for moving tables because I am sensitive to the sun due to a procedure), but then she refused to give me her name so that I could complain. Luckily, before this chic could continue to treat me like a POS, the waitress stepped in and made her go inside and gave me her name and apologized. Listen, I know this is NY and a lot of places give poor customer service, but as a retail worker for a good 5-6 years while in undergrad and grad school, I understand how customers can be. i usually tip well and try to be considerate, this girl was in no way attempting to be even cordial - full of contempt, hatred, and attitude - I beg of you Horus please hire people that actually like people! My suggestion, this girl should probably live in seclusion...maybe on a deserted mountain top away from human contact, but then she'd probably abuse the bears too and they don't deserve that. I will not be returning. Try hiyate or kazuza or farfasha, hell even babylon or le souk. Oh or Casa La Femme in West Village, basically anywhere but here.
(1)
Sweta C.
Love!! This place!! I have been coming here for the past 4 years and I absolutely love this place. Great service and amazing service! Best hookah place in NYC
(5)
Alex H.
Food very mediocre at best
(2)
Stacey B.
I enjoy coming here at least once a month. It's a different scenery than other hookah bars I'm used to. Their food is pretty good & so are their drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic). 4 stars because they are a bit pricey (this is normal for city prices) and their hostesses and waitresses should be a little more friendly. Plus, their service can definitely be a little better. All in all, It's a nice chill spot to come with a couple of friends.
(4)
R A.
Been here too many times, i love the outdoor seating good service when its not crowdy, ( small - cozy - nice hookah )
(4)
Michael R.
A group of 6 of us tried to get in but the bouncer said that they required a $30 minimum per person. We looked inside and noticed that there were a lot of empty seats. We explained that we have been going to this place for years and never had to pay a minimum before. The bouncer did not care and said it was the manager's rule. As we were about to leave the bouncer then said the minimum would be $20 per person. We then asked to speak to the manager who had been making these rules. The manager came out and we told him that we would really like to get in but not all of us are willing to commit to that much money upfront. He started getting annoyed with us, so we left. I just don't understand how it makes economic sense for a business to turn people away from a pretty empty restaurant by requiring an arbitrary minimum. We would have ended up spending a decent amount of money there too. Unfortunately my friends and I will not be returning to this place, and will not be recommending it to anyone.
(1)
Priya S.
An upscale hookah bar, hookahs were pretty good. The lighting was sort of dim but I liked it that way, it had a certain vibe. They had a one drink minimum requirement for everyone on a table if you're only going to hookah. We got mint and blue mist and both were great! A bit pricey but it is nyc...
(4)
Daryoush F.
Bit pricey but good shisha. Vay good shisha. Havnt tried the food yet. Servive is very good
(3)
Abby S.
They're hookahs are well priced and their menu is decent. I really enjoy myself every time I go. They have indoor and out door seating. They have these Morocco cigar...it's filo dough stuffed with seasoned ground beef, seafood or veggies and deep fried. 2 thumbs up! This hookah spot is not a night club but a resturant so you can have a conversation and hear your party. They play good music....not too loud. Do try it.
(5)
Jim A.
Mediocre service! Hair in food! $20 sangria for $50! You, too, can have all this and more at alphabet city's WORST VALUE RESTAURANT! Save your money, search Yelp for something higher quality. You deserve it!
(1)
Jennifer F.
I have been coming here for years!! I live down the block so I come here to work and relax. I love all the hookah flavors... Blue mist is my fav! Drinks are good...my fav is guava mojito! Staff is attentive and lovely! Love the outdoor seating!
(4)
Nick C.
Horus is one of the most well known hookah bars in the East Village. The ambiance is cool. I especially like the big Eye of Horus they have on the wall that changes colors. They make a decent hookah too, just needs a lot of work to maintain the quality of smoke that I like. Tobacco is Starbuzz depending on what you order. They don't use instant lights coals either which is good. Drinks are kinda expensive, $10 a pop for the frozen ones. Not too strong either. There are better hookah options nearby.
(3)
Fahim H.
One of my fav hookah lounges in the city hands down!! Best hookah I've had in the city, good drinks, great food music could be a lil better. Chico is the guy to look for, very friendly very attentive and he makes the best hookahs. Egyptian pharaoh is a must. I've been coming here for past few years never been disappointed once. I am from Long Island other then mystique hookah lounge in Westbury this is my go to place for all the birthday and other events.
(4)
Jason R.
Went here for a friends birthday. The place was packed and the atmosphere was nice. We each ordered a mixed drink and they were all pretty watered down. Not worth $10 each. The food was good, but the service was very slow.
(3)
Robin L.
Hookah was good. Drinks tasted like paint thinner. Left without finishing either. Also, the only music they play is loud rap.
(1)
Sunshine W.
I had an excellent experience here with 2 of my friends. We ordered a hookah, some tea, and drinks. The waiter was SO charming and sweet. There was a drip from the ceiling due to the air conditioner and he came by to apologize before we even said anything and then came by to wipe the ceiling every so often so it wouldn't drip on our heads!! The drinks were excellent. I got a recommendation from the bartender and it was just right. The hookah was smooth and well tended to. They kept bringing coals and changed the hashish at the appropriate times. The decor is BEAUTIFUL with candelit walls and a light up Eye of Horus insignia at the far wall. It felt like I was in a cave in Egypt. I loved it. I 100% recommend this cafe to everyone. I am a hookah fanatic and have been to many places, including astoria where it is cheap, but Horus Cafe just blew them all out of the water. Thank you!
(5)
Alexis M.
Pros: service is ok. Cons: hookah is not so good, uncomfortable seats, food can be tastier, too pricey for what you get, only place to sit with pillows has to be with a group of 8+. Poor selection of alcohol. All in all, this used to be one of my favorite places to go to after hours or for just a great night out to unwind. Not sure what went wrong or what new owner took over but this place has changed to much to where it's not even enjoyable to come here. This place needs a new renovation of the menu, bar, and seats/tables!
(1)
Natasha S.
This place is really close to where I live so my boyfriend and I decided to check it out. We waited approximately 10 minutes to be seated but were looking forward to enjoying our night. The music was okay and the decor was cute; however, it was extremely crowded inside and the chairs were tiny. To emphasize, whether you have a small, medium, or big butt, the chair has only the capacity of fitting half your butt cheek. If you go, ask to be seated in the booths/couches. We ordered a hookah which was placed next to our table in the walkway and we were constantly in fear of getting burned by the coal. To continue, we ordered drinks which tasted like rubbing alcohol and cost $10 each. They were so horrible that we couldn't even finish them! While the hookah was decent we left because we felt nauseous (probably from the rubbing alcohol they used to make the drinks) and will not be returning!
(1)
Ahmed K.
First , I don't recommend this place to anybody for many reasons; The place is too tied and it is not properly ventilated you can't even breath. The hookah sucks and over priced. The service was bad since we got in the store starting from the Hostess who unwelcome us. And the service was bad , many times we asked for water and we got ignored. Finally, the manger or the owner kicked us out" literally" because a was trying to get some extra coal from the coal guy. Those guys don't know how to run the business
(1)
Mo J.
I've been going to this spot for the last 3 years. Recently it's become a Sunday evening ritual. The place is chill, especially if you get a seat outside. Inside with the smoke gets a bit too much for me. On weekends the music is pretty great and it's rowdy. I think they have cover on those nights. The scene gets def younger so I typically avoid it then. Only con I can think of is that the service gets slow at times but that's usually when they're packed. Def check it it.
They're super strict about their $30 min spend per person. Sure, if you're getting food and drinks and hanging out there all night, that's pretty easy, but if you just want to get one hookah to share with a few friends, how in hell are you going to spend that?! Each person get 1.5 hookahs so everyone can get super f*cked up!? Mint tea feels like it's clearing out your sinuses, so take that however you want to. But we just all ordered another round because we didn't know how else to rack up $30 a person. Ended up having to order a massive platter of meat even though we've all already eaten dinner. Had to flag down waitress every time to get her to clean up our coals. Excuse me, but that hideous attempt at our service does not deserve an 18% gratuity. And why put up a belly dancer if you're going to have the lighting so dim you need to bring flashlights to even see your friends sitting two feet from you? I never want to see you again, Horus. Oh wait, I live a block away from you and use the Citi bike station right across the street from you. Grrrr
(1)
Kristie C.
Hookah was alright, service sucked though... Waiter tried to sucker us into purchasing the grapefruit or pineapple bowl, saying "grapefruit or pineapple?" as if we had no option.
(2)
Colbylto C.
The Horus Cafe is one of the grimiest hookah bars I've been to. The bouncer acts like it is a club and they treat noisey obnoxious women like they are royalty. I would rather go to a place with a better more open atmosphere than be stuffed in there with their mediocre dishes, mediocre hookah, and mediocre attitude. I go to those places to escape the superficial atmosphere and when i walk in there it really ruined my night. Very crowded aswell, not enough room.
(1)
Hillary F.
Can't say enough good things about Horus. I have been coming here for the past few years and I always have a great time. Their hookah is amazing, and the food is delicious. Sunday brunch never disappoints.
(5)
Vanessa B.
If I could give this place 0 stars, I would. I have never had such horrible service in my life. The waitress had absolutely no idea what she was doing, but instead of apologizing for wrong orders, she was rude when we asked her to correct something. After waiting for over an hour, and watching other tables get their food, drinks and hookah before they finished bringing our orders was the last straw. When we complained to management, all we got was excuses. How can you tell a customer that the food was brought out, someone else must have eaten it.... We're still waiting, if it was brought to the wrong table ( which it prob was), then fine. Don't make excuses. Apologize and get the meal out. NEVER COMING HERE AGAIN. Side note, Drinks were NASTY. Sorry for the rant.
(1)
Randall H.
Horus Cafe: Stepping into another culinary world? I've decided to search for something light and cheap so as I walk past Thompkins Square Park and see dim candles through very dark windows and a foreign language on the awning of a restaurant, I'm intrigued. Middle eastern food,(which I've not ever had purposely by myself) so I decide to go in. I confirmed the kitchen was open (@ 12:30 am) and was told to sit anywhere I like. The back corner called my name and with just 5 other bodies dining the vibe was very cozy. Some music played loudly which my uncultured mind concluded to be gypsy music and my host was a dark skinned gentleman with dreadlocks. Not too hungry I ordered lentil soup to start. My table quickly filled with soup, a basket of fresh pita, and an endless supply of water. The soup was piping hot so I savored every sip. So simple yet with great full bodied flavor, I just needed a little pepper and lemon to be completely content with this starting dish. Before I was even halfway through my soup, my waiter said something along the lines of get ready here comes your main dish. A little disappointing but the energy was so mellow I just took it in stride and told him that it was all good. My "main dish" was served piping hot as well so I dove right into the mashup of spices, herbs, heavy sauce, and various lamb and mixed sausage: Beautiful. Perhaps it was culture shock but I was stimulated with the simplicity of taste yet uniqueness of flavor. Sausage, lamb, "stew" on a plate with fried egg on top. I don't know how this dish came to fruition but I am very curious to delve deeper into this genre of cuisine in the future. It really wasn't anything out of this world though again I feel with this unprecedented experience I may have been over reacting in my palate's gauge of satisfaction. The crowd increased just enough to counter those who exited maintaining a minimal attendance which was lovely. I asked the waiter how late they stayed open and got the typical NYC response "Open til 4 depending on crowd". Bravo. To be fair, I did not have much of an appetite but what I did consume was very pleasant and simple. The music shifted from gypsy to eqyptian circus to R&B grooves which was a little out of place but at the end of the day, I was out of my element amidst my first homeless night at this needle in a haystack of a hookah restaurant in the east village. Really happy with this find however I cannot fairly rate the food so I leave this open until the next time. If you do come across Horus Cafe, I recommend you give it a shot so long as you don't mind going back in time to when you'd dine in a smokey dining room.
(4)
Joseph T.
I been coming here for a years and Horus always has the best hookah and make sure Shiko is the one who makes it and great belly dancer show and one of the most important things they never close before 4am 7 days a week
(5)
Tyler L.
Horus Cafe is a hookah bar. They have long tables inside that small groups can sit around. The hookah here is nicotine free, and they had over 20 flavors. The apple flavored one and the pineapple flavored one were the ones we tried and they were very good. The food that I tried there (their hummus and kebabs) was so-so, but this is not a place I recommend for food. This is for sitting around and smoking some hookah.
(3)
Atikarn V.
The best thing about this place for me was the service. First, the man at the door went out of his way to help us find a parking spot on a busy Saturday night. They warmly welcomed our group of five. We had "Al" as our waiter and he was the best ever. He was probably the nicest and most welcoming waiter ever. The music was really good--mostly hip hop (Drake, Lil Wayne) and occasionally EDM. It is a little bit hard to talk because of how loud it is. But the atmosphere is cozy and cool. It is not a big place but we liked the dimmed atmosphere a lot. The food was good. The portion was big though and we couldn't finish but Al happily packed it up for us. The hookah was pretty good quality as well. I'd say the downside is the $30 minimum per person but with the service we got we didn't really mind it. We'd go back in a heartbeat! Great place to hangout at night (place doesn't close til 4 AM).
(5)
Heidi W.
Meh, slow service, rude enough to leave for sure. Drink was mixed without any love or care, flat soda. Nice sidewalk seating, but that is too easy to find in EV. If you skip you are not missing anything and probably better off. It gets better: 2 drinks see a $2.70 "service charge" on the tab. And better, waited for 20 mins and did not bring back our change. Finally left out of annoyance. Ouch, so definitely skip this circus. Soooo....
(1)
Chels B.
I used to frequent this place in college. Apparently, I grew up or something, because I was pretty floored to learn that while every cocktail at their bar costs $10+, they only serve (watered down) well liquor. $10 WELL LIQUOR! FOR REAL? No. Further, both my colleague and I ordered fish, and both of our orders were dry, flavorless, and again overpriced for the quality of the food. The other Horus is fun enough when you are a Freshman at NYU, but the grown up version is a complete waste of space.
(1)
Elizabeth L.
Food was bland , meat was over cooked , and this is a first : we got 3 of our 4 course dinner all at the same time . Talk about feeling rushed ! Also not a fan of all the hookah smoke all around me , Shouldn't there be a separate area for the customers who are just there to eat and drink ? I went there on a living social special , and still wound up paying an extra $45 for 2 non refillable teas , 1 beer , 1 virgin piña colada,tax and 18% service charge By the way most of the food went back .... Even a dog wouldn't eat a doggy bag from this place. MESSAGE TO OWNER : Get rid of your cook , I would never call him a chef ! And separate the dinner customers from the ones that are smoking .
(1)
Sunny B.
Don't read bad reviews anymore, 'cause this place is so so good! I ordered chicken salad which was amazing and delicious! And my husband tried penne vodka with shrimps and he was so satisfied with that. And! Hookah! I think it's the best hookah ever especially Hasnae Special! The service is good too. We've been waiting for our food maybe 15-20 min, so I think it's pretty cool.
(5)
Nicholas V.
This is definitely one of the better hookah places in the city. The hookahs are really strong and very fresh. The strawberry and melons are their best flavors. Stay away from mint! It's such an icky, blah flavor. This is my to-go place every time I'm in the mood for hookah. The place is decently-sized. They have indoor and outdoor seating, so it's nice to be able to choose where to sit. They have a good staff here, too. It's a small place, so it's not too hard to screw up on customer service. Friday nights are usually packed, of course, and they also have belly dancers that perform on the weekends I believe. They also have a good selection of food here and it doesn't take too long for the food to come out. The food is a little bit on the expensive side, but it's pretty good. All in all, a good hookah joint in the village.
(4)
frank a.
They have great food and hookah! I like to sit out front Nd just hang out on 2nd ave.
(4)
Laura H.
I'm huge into hookah and live near Ave A so I often switch between Horus and Kakuza. Kakuza is my favorite in terms of the service, the atmosphere and the quality of the hookah but I really like the port they serve at Horus (and the hummus). So I struggle some times with what is more important and then that's where I go. But yeah, if you are a weirdo like me and like port with your hookah try this place out!
(3)
Zaina O.
I went to Horus on a Friday night and it was packed. They have outdoor sidewalk seating which is a plus. The drinks were good/strong and the hookah was decent. The music was current and not too loud that you couldn't engage in conversation. However, the service was terrible and we waited a long time for a waitress to take our order. If you're in the area it's a good enough spot to do the trick, but I've been to better places before.
(3)
Isabel M.
TERRIBLE! THESE PEOPLE ARE CROOKS! I literally made a yelp account just so I could warn other people from coming to this place. I wish I could give a"0" star rating. First off, the waitstaff basically ignored us. There was no one in the front and we awkwardly stood there until we were seated. Took forever for one of the waitresses to come take out order, she puts down menus in front of us and walks away without a word. Are they trying to act cool or something? The place wasn't even crowded. The waitress, besides ignoring us when we needed her, would come by and re-fill my glass of Coca Cola which was mostly ice. I thought nothing of it...until I'm charged $15 DOLLARS FOR SODA. She was charging me for every re-fill without even asking, at $3 a refill. My friend who ordered a real drink said it was watered down and too gross to finish. The food was not that good, the apple hookah was alright. Combined with the maximum price for each person, and forced tip...Jesus. No. Just don't come here. The hookah, food, and horrible blasting top 40 music (like..horrible remixes, Pit Bull songs type of bad) is NOT worth it. All these people care about it making money on sub-par service. There are PLENTY of neighboring hookah bars...don't go to this dump. It's definitely not a nice place for dates or for a relaxing experience. Do NOT be fooled by the positive reviews. I wouldn't be surprised if they were fake/friends of the owner.
(1)
Saad M.
Horus is a little slice of the Middle East across from Tompkins Park. The outdoor murals, outdoor seating with views of Alphabet City life and the dark cozy indoor ambience is perfect for a hookah night out. I've had all the flavors here and every one is up to par; my favorite is the Watermelon and Double Apple. The food here is very good with the babaganouj and hummus tapas being favorites. It can be a bit pricey ($8 for hummus?) but it has prime real estate and you pay for what you get. I'm a big fan of the green and red teas with mint; with the hibiscus not being as good as the others if you're into sipping on tea with your hookah. The liquor drinks are quite pricey with double digits for the frozen and mix drinks. The price here would be the only downside but to be expected. Service is pretty good with constant refilling of water and asking how we were doing. If you're looking for a good hookah experience without the techno-middle eastern routine that normally accompanies it in Alphabet City...can do a lot worse than here.
(3)
Aziz A.
Amazing hookah...just smooth and great; I recommend the Cuban mojito on a pineapple (best flavor ever!) Why is this place so great but a 4 star? The only thing stopping it from 5 star is the size of the place and the seats. Horrible seating it's like a kinder garden chair made of wood and cushioned. Ofc it's crowded, heck, this is maybe the best hookah spot in NYC, believe me I'm a great fan of hookah and I enjoy it like I enjoy breathing air. Minimum one drink per person. Service is great, even during busy hours when the place is packed It's a really nice place to take your date to, as long as they don't mind sitting on low chairs. The outside seating area is awesome on a rainy day! The only thing stopping me from giving this place a 5 star is the size of the place and the seats. Horrible seating! It's like those wooden chairs we suffered through in kindergarten with minimum cushioning. On the positive side the crowd, the atmosphere and the hookah makes it the best hookah spot in NYC. More info on the hookah, it's smooth, long lasting and the cloudiness is like thick fog, you're breathe will def. smell good to other people :D you can't go wrong with this place for hookah :)
(4)
Damon R.
First I would like to start off by saying this place was cool. I've read some previous reviews and I didn't want to come here but I did. I'm not sure about the other patrons but you should know where youre going before you go. This is not a place where your gonna get excellent service or food. You go here for the hookah the atmosphere and the people. Now for my visit, I stood in line for quite some time 40mins to be exact. There was no structure to the waiting area turned mosh pit. I was unhappy with the people coming in and out pushing each other and being loud. After I got in to my seat things were ok. The hookah was ok and the drinks were average. The people on the inside were dancing......like people from the sims..lol the music was loud. Someone discovered the club mix techno reggaeton dubstep and cheesy hip hop and gave it to the dj. I will say it made me want to dance...in fact I did some what in my seat...don't judge me. The night overall was ok. The scene was diverse which I like. I did dislike people smoking a hookah(tobbaco) and taking 5 to 6 some breaks within 30mins. Shit cigs are 12 a pack in NYC who can afford that?
(3)
Reb R.
I've been coming here for years, and upon countless searches for similarly good hookah joints, I have barely come up with 2 that are comparable. The service sucks, I agree, but the food is great, the hookah is easily the BEST in the City - NOTE they use REAL coals - not those crappy singular disks you can set with a lighter, like nearly every other hookah bar. Most of the staff are from Egypt or Morocco, with the exception of some of the servers, which, in my opinion really enhances the experience. The hookah's are only $18! Compare that to Suite55 ($30 Mon-Thur, and $40 Fri-Sun...fair hookah, again, one stupid disk to light the whole thing) The hummus is spectacular, as is their lamb. Don't get American food here, it won't be good and it makes NO SENSE to order anything but the traditional dishes. I love that they don't make you rush out after you've eaten. I'll come here to read a book or enjoy a coffee over hookah and I can stay for a couple of hours with no problem. One the weeknights, however, like any other bar/lounge/restaurant in NYC, they prefer that you order food, or at least a drink to occupy a table. Who cares? Why deny yourself delicious appetizers and a perfect hookah? :) I've ordered the regular, mango & peach hookah since 07' - I love this mix. They frequently provide new coals at no charge.
(4)
Luke W.
I went to this place for a friend's birthday a few months ago. Was decent, but from the pictures on the website it appeared a lot bigger. Space was actually quite tight, and since it was a birthday, we had a great deal of people which was not conducive to this at all. The prices were average to slightly high, but it was not of concern. Atmosphere was nice, typical dim hookah bar style. I cannot forget when a friend of mine had asked if they could turn on a TV which was in the corner, immediately next to our table (since the Rangers were in the playoffs), and the waitress told him no. My buddy was livid, but I kept egging on the waitress to deny him because he was so mad! Not a big deal, but it didn't make sense why they even had a TV in the first place. There's belly dancing as the night gets later, which is a nice touch. The dancer will grab people to start dancing with her, and it can be really appealing to the eyes, or your worst nightmare! Some people just shouldn't be jiggling like that! This place was ok, I just think I would have preferred it more if the prices were somewhat better.
(3)
Amy H.
Undeserving of even one star. First, the poor service. I ordered iced tea, but received hot tea. I ordered french toast and fruit salad but received french toast and sausage - as a vegetarian this was not ideal. The hot tea tasted like the rusty metal kettle it came in, and I did not drink it. The french toast was soaked in "strawberry butter" which look like pink yogurt. The $10 orange juice was a full glass of ice cubes and some watered down oj, almost transparent in color. They really have some nerve charging that amount for some ice water. The most upsetting thing was that we were charged a full 18% "service fee", even though we were only two people. When we left cash, the server Jasmine asked us if we wanted our change... as if we were going to leave an additional tip, for poor service and bad food, on top of the generous tip they forced us to give them. Our change should have been $6.88, but they decided to only give us $6 back. Obviously .88 cents isn't a big deal but on top of a forced tip for horrendous service, this was too much. I will never return to or recommend this rip-off establishment.
(1)
Si A.
I've been to Horus many times and have enjoyed the atmosphere and hookah. However, as others have said they do get shady with the bill. Last time I went, my friend who has also been to Horus many times ordered a pot of tea. The waiter brought over the pot and one glass. My friend asked for three more so we could all take a glass from the pot. Little did he know that that quadrupled the price we would be billed for the pot from $5 to $20. Two of the people ended up not even drinking any. Upon seeing the bill he asked the waitress and she insisted it was normal. The other issue people have brought up is that they add around 18% gratuity to each bill even if you're a small party. It's shown as a line item when you get the bill but is not shown on the receipt you sign which also includes a line for tips. If you have a late night out you may not notice and tip 40+%. In any case the food is decent, the atmosphere is nice and the hookah's good. The service can be frustrating.
(2)
Sam O.
the food was great, as well as the dessert - pretty authentic!
(5)
Lara G.
About twenty-two (22) of us went out to lunch after serving at a volunteer legal desk at the Saturday soup kitchen on 11th Street. Horus was empty except for our group but it still took them a long time to get our food ready. Three (3) of us opted for the merguez sandwich which was great although I would have more merguez in there instead of more olives and I'd go easy on the feta. The salad that came with it was refreshing and I enjoyed it. My friend who sat across me ordered the grilled chicken and offered me some of her food. Of course, I accepted seeing that she had rice and the Asian in me thinks rice is always calling out my name. :) I had a cup of cappucino here, just to keep me from going nuts because it was a long wait for the food and the conversation was on ox tail and I was remembering the dinner we had at a Cuban restaurant. The coffee was actually surprisingly good. :)
(3)
Jackie F.
My love affair with Horus began in the summer of 2009. Having owned my own hookah for the past 6 years, I am generally quite picky about where we smoke hookah because the quality varies so much at hookah bars in the city. I can say with 100% confidence that Horus is, hands down, the best hookah bar in NY Why, you ask? The Horus Special, of course. Grape and orange-flavored shisha inside a hollowed out pineapple doesn't sound like the most appealing combo, but BOY do they make it work. The hookah is smooth and flavorful, and the buzz hits you like a brick (the good kind of brick). The staff is attentive and quick with service, and the turkish coffee and mint tea are BOMB. Best times to visit: - Weeknights. It's literally a party every night of the week. Some nights they bring in a belly dancer, and she really knows how to get the party started. For some reason, I've never had to wait for a table when I come, but the place is always just barely full. No idea how they manage to bring in a full house without overcrowding or long waits, but props to them for getting it right! - Summer weekend afternoons. I just love sitting in their outdoor area when it's nice out, sharing a pitcher of sangria, a hummus platter and the Horus Special. Other quick tips: - $40 min per person on weekend nights, so plan accordingly - Get the horus special - Don't have the turkish coffee if you're planning on sleeping anytime soon. stuff is stronggg - Get the horus special - If you're a hookah owner like me, ask them for a pair of tongs so you can regulate the coals yourself - Get the horus special - outdoor seating closes around midnight (noise ordinances or something) - Get the horus special - they will only let you split 3-4 credit cards, so if you're in a bigger group, bring cash or deal with IOUs - JUST GET THE HORUS SPECIAL OK??
(5)
Stephanie G.
This place wad ok! Their hookah was avg the flavor and smoothness didn't last long. Their drinks were reasonably priced. They had more diverse music than I had expected! They played a lottle hip-hop, dancehall, r&b, spanish music and middle eastern music. Their fries was THE WORST I habe ever had! No matter how much salt I added it just couldn't get better. This place is really small and cramped. But with a little pregaming and the right group of friends you can make the most of it. However this won't be my go to hookah bar.
(3)
Janet M.
Been coming here since around 2007, never fails!! You want hookah? Ya got it. And its friggin GOOD hookah, at that. And why not add an entire pineapple on top, while you're at it. You want hummus? It's delicious! You want belly dancers? (for the boys) She shows up a few nights here and there. With most of the hookah good bars in the city going out of business, this place is a diamond in the rough. Go and support!
(5)
Mina P.
We got a seat outside on a gorgeous summer Friday night within 10 minutes. The drinks were STRONG (no complaints here) and the hookah was smooth. They used a much better coal than most establishments and had someone coming around frequently to change them. It was a bit of a bummer that the outside area closes at 1am on the dot but I'd definitely go back.
(4)
Shawnie J.
A good place to have lunch/dinner unless you mind the hookah. Their menu has something for everyone, including my fellow vegans. I loved the Horus Combo. The service was so accommodating and patient. They somehow managed to tolerate my obnoxiously drunk friends without throwing a tantrum. The music is great, too. I just don't understand why the lighting is so dim. You might need to use a flashlight to find your way to the bathroom, which by the way is very hot. You'll burn a million calories as soon as you close the door behind you. The front door staff act like they're protecting the president and are skeptical about letting people in. The venue is very small so expect to become close friends with anyone sitting next to you. Although the food and the service were enough to give this place 4 stars, the cramped space really peeved me.
(3)
Janna M.
Absolutely a ripoff. We had a pitcher of watered down sangria that seemed like it was diluted with koolaid based on how it stained our mouths. It cost $50 and barely gave us give five glasses. We had five people and they automatically put in a 17% service charge, which is way more of a tip than our waitress deserved given her bad attitude and rude comments. I would 100% never come here again and wouldn't recommend my worst enemy drink here.
(1)
Leslie A.
This spot is more loungy than their other location on weekends although the crowd is more or less the same. I'm Moroccan and am very critical of a real Hookah lounge and this, my friends, is one of my best spots in NYC. When you order any Hookah, just SAY CHICO'S SPECIAL and will you will taste the best hookah ever. I give them a 5 for their Hookahs because it is super rare to find good hookah (except maybe a few spots in Astoria). The service I get is usually good too, although could be pretty slow when it gets hectic Fri/Sat nights. Between Fri - Sun nights, get there before 11 if you want a seat guaranteed. Everyone loves their venues because, like I said, The Hookah is great and the food is very tasteful as well =) I personally love their Merguez sausages and Taboule salad. Their other location is great for bday parties on weekends. I guarantee your party to be a memorable one. Its very often that stranger will crash and join the fun!!
(5)
Bernadette S.
Hot mezza plate and hummus plate was good. Small sangria pitcher good for 6-7 glasses. Guy kept our shisha burning until we left. Nice place to chill
(4)
Marissa P.
I had a great time here. $15 hookahs. Nice flavors and good quality. Good service. Very friendly and attentive! Didn't have to ask once to change the coals (at most places in this city you have to ask!) The food is also really good . We had a combo platter with a variety of dips and falafel. Awesome!
(4)
Princess S.
Love this place, probably one of the very first hookah places I've went to after moving to NY. And STILL love it! Very good pina coladas too! Its really busy at night- but during the day its more of a calm atmosphere for lunch dates with friends. LOVE :)
(5)
samantha d.
I am so disappointed in this place. It's long been one of my go-to places to hang out on a weekend with friends (it has a quiet "coffee shop" feel in the afternoon, with free WiFi), and the service is usually ok. However, the service today was so unforgivably atrocious that I may have to stay away just on principle. I ordered a hookah at about 2:30. I got the hookah at about 3. Ok, fine, no big deal. We got about two puffs each out of the hookah, then realized the coals were already dead. We saw other people getting new coals, but they ignored us. We asked for new coals several times, and the waitresses kept making excuses that they needed time to "heat up," even while fresh hookahs and coals were coming out for other people. We finally got fresh coals over a half hour later, and they were not apologetic at all. They actually seemed annoyed with us, even though we had been perfectly polite the whole time. I used to be a waitress. I get it: shit happens, sometimes orders get mixed up or take too long; it's ok. The thing that really bothered us was the attitude of the staff. For that amount of wait and inconvenience, they really should have apologized and just brought us a new hookah, or at least comped us some tea. We really would have been completely understanding if they had made ANY effort to keep us as loyal customers. I've been spending money at your establishment and bringing friends here for years, so show some appreciation! If the owners/management are reading this: I want to continue being a customer, but unfortunately I'll have to find a new place until you get staff that can provide decent service without attitude. Also, the outlets are not working, so the entire point of coming (working on laptops) was rendered moot, anyway. Amending this review to add: The guy actually changing the coals was fine. It was just the waitresses who were problematic.
(1)
Minji K.
The ambiance is nice and the workers do refill the coals in a timely manner, but that's all that's good about it. They have a minimum amount (you need to buy drinks), which would be okay if the drinks tasted good! I ordered "fresh lemonade," but what I got instead was lime water. I also ordered a tiramisu and it was literally bread and whip cream. The check also includes a service tip so even though your experience wasn't satisfactory you have to tip a certain amount.
(1)
Chris L.
Been coming here for god knows how many years now, probably since 2006? Some of the best hookah in the city as they keep the milk out of the base and the pipes relatively clean. Pros: - Great hookah, Horus Special and Blue Moon are my personal favorites. Can't go wrong with either as they come in a pineapple and grapefruit bowl respectively - Belly dancing certain evenings which is very entertaining for 10-20 minutes. - Outdoor seating is lovely on a cool summer or autumn night. Beware the mosquitoes if you sit around the back side of 10th street, Ave A side is much nicer. - Decent food, I always go for the hummus or hot chicken wings. - Has Stella - the go to beer Cons: - Very crowded so try to reserve in advance if you have a group larger than 2 or 3. - Table per person minimums now up to $30 on certain busy nights, again call in advance if you can - Can get very squished when it's busy, they'll pile 4 or 5 people on a 2 top - Extremely uncomfortable stools inside, try getting a chair with a back if you can - Expensive sangria, it's tasty but definitely not worth the money. Grab a hookah, sit outside on a nice night and enjoy the weather and delicious shisha. The thing lasts for hours and you can always ask the nice hookah artists for coal when it starts running low.
(4)
Isabel L.
Due to the limited Hookah Bar options in the area and occasional requests from friends, I found myself coming back here more than I would like.. I just remember every time after I come here I'm thinking" Please, this will be the last time" To make sure I remember, I hope this 3rd and final review serves as a kick in the foot and a final pact to myself. Ok. First things first. The reason why you find me here. 1) whether its a weeknight or a weekend, this place is always filled with people 2) good ambience( belly dancers at night) However, the subpar hookah, expensive drinks and craptastic service can really kiss my behind. I know it when the hookah is choky but after asking the server to fix it, he unwillingly blew a few puffs and threw it right back at me. seemed bothered that I even waved him over in the first place. Same to that other lady server who totally ignored our request for water when she was literally standing there checking her phone. On weekends they also outrageously ask you to spend minimally 20-30 dollars a head. Yeah. ok. You're not some hot shot nightclub that can demand a cover. I do feel that when I come with a big group and order massive alcohol they are alot more accommodating, either because we are bigger customers or I'm too buzzed to notice how crappy the service is.
(2)
Priya M.
Went on a Friday night. Eh. I can't really think of anything terrible to say, but I really can't think of anything great to say either. Drinks and hookah were really pricy in my opinion- I may just be used to BETTER hookah that was only $10-$15. Atmosphere was really nothing special. Service was acceptable. It's a shame that all of the hookah places in the city are slowly closing down, but if this is the best we have left then I'm really sad. I did like the belly dancer though. Overall just not memorable.
(2)
Luna S.
I really like the Horus cafe. A lot of people have made some complaints and there is truth to some of them: -it is small and can be super crowded, particularly at night. The tables are really close together. -it can be loud, but this I also found to be at certain hours, mostly nighttime. However, neither of these things bother me very much when I go at night. The shisha is nice, my favorite is the jasmine, and our servers were pretty attentive to the coals without being the obnoxious kind that are on top of you. In fact, it took us a really long time to decide when I went a few weeks ago and they applied literally no pressure at all to hurry us up. I tend to feel comfortable there, day or night. Not to mention that they are decently priced for hookah in the city. The food is actually pretty good, I really like their falafel, which seems to taste drastically different from place to place. But I'm sure most people bypass the food anyway. Drinks are a tad pricey. I bring my friends with me to Horus cafe. I don't understand the suggestion to keep walking, you'll certainly miss out.
(4)
Miriam W.
We arrived at Horus already pretty euphoric - I blame the pizza, the wine, the Martha Stewart sighting - and this hookah house kept our spirits high. We squeezed ten or so people around a table more suitable for five and sucked in shisha flavored like mango and strawberry. If you must bid New York adieu, Horus ain't a half bad place to do it. Just make sure to bring your own entourage and know that pre-gaming is must, trust me when I say that this is not the place to start off your night!
(3)
Morgan D.
Just O-K. I can say I won't be eating here again. I ordered Chicken kabab and even though there was nothing 'wrong' with it, it just was so-so. I like good food especially when I'm paying someone to prepare it for me and this just didn't cut it. It was basically chunks of grilled flavorless meat, with some bland veggies and ok rice. Nothing to brag about. at. all. Not to mention the service here was kinda terrible. The waitress took about 30 minutes to bring out our starter of pita and tahini sauce...and 2 minutes later our meal came...major pet peeve. Now to the good parts...this is definitely more of a hookah bar or somewhere you would like to order some fine homemade tea. This is not someone you would go to order a main dish. The location is great...right in Alpahbet City and they have outdoor seating...major plus! Horus next time I come to you, It will be to order some of your hookah! :)
(3)
Peter D.
This is where I discovered that you cannot sneeze and pee at the same time. Well, at least you shouldn't. And from the slippery floor in the bathroom, it seems as though many of my predecessors had not learned this lesson. I also learned that Horus Cafe can be a really good time, although everything seems to be entirely too expensive. Also, it's a small spot, and a party of ten is too large to fit comfortably, especially since there's nowhere to hang your coats. But smoking things out of a pineapple is a good time, and a relaxing, if head-lightening alternative to karaoke.
(3)
Rammi S.
the best hookah in manhattan. They're staff is awesome as well...mohammed and phillip always take care of myself and my group when we go. The outdoor area can get packed, but we usually get a table within 20 minutes. I ALWAYS get hookah in a fresh fruit pineapple, my favorite shisha there is the egyptian pharaoh...and my own concoction of lemon and mango mixed. They're great about refilling your charcoal as well to make sure your hookah keeps burning. The kebabs are really good, although I like the food better at the 6th street and avenue B horus better. The drinks are not pricy, however they don't have high end alcohol (kettle, goose, etc). On a nice day get a bottle of wine, a hookah, some kebabs and throw your feet up and relax and enjoy the day at horus.
(5)
Jennifer D.
I am not sure the reason why there are so many bad reviews - sure you have to wait to get in, but where can you go on a Saturday night without a wait. Once we got a table, we got an excellent waitress as well as some pita and tahini sauce. We ordered some drinks and food - hummus, koosheri, lamb stew, falafels - all of which were great. The waitress even brought me some fautoosh salad for free since I had asked about it. I didn't try the hookah but everyone at the table enjoyed it. They were a little slow to bring it out, but they kept changing our coals and even moved it for us wen we asked. DJ got better as the night went on, and overall we had a great time.
(4)
Tolik K.
Very good hookah
(5)
Jason G.
Really lame that they enforce a $20 minimum per person on the weekends. Wtf is that? And the Hookah lasted for all of 5 minutes. But, I got the chicken wings. Boy, were they surprisingly good. Any place with good chicken wings gets 4 stars in my book.
(4)
Michaela J.
Hookah is good, sangria was terrible and 50$! The tall lanky waiter is also a total jerk.
(2)
Chrissy C.
3 stars only because the mint hookah was AMAZING. Our waiter was nice too. However, the people at the door really try to scam you. They tell you all sorts of nonsense of how much it is per person that night. DO NOT LISTEN TO THEM! There is no per person charge!!!!!!!! They told us $60/per person. Yeah, okay. We didn't listen to them and our bill was well under that. Not a peep about it. They just want you to sit down and order as many things as possible. That really irked me. ALSO, some girl must have puked in the bathroom that night. I was drunk myself, but I could still smell the awful stench all night long everytime I entered there.
(3)
Nick C.
I used come here a lot with a few friends every time. Living out on L.I we lack such places. Some days it was just horrible. No room to move...worst part no place to breath. Other days they have nice music and not so packed out. Mint Tea is really nice with hookah. Big problem I notice with Hookah places in NYC is that the really good ones close down within a year or so. So this place I keep going back too since its always been their. Know of any good ones let me know..
(3)
Payam Z.
I'm not a huge fan of Horus on A (see Horus on B). This could be related to the less than savory wait staff experience. While I still enjoyed the Hookah, I was more or less pushed into ordering the most expensive one ("sex on the beach" something I'd never order regardless of the price!). The waiter also brought lamb chops which I had not ordered (it was ~2:30am) saying that he had opened the kitchen just for me and this was very special... Maybe it's because we were the only ones there on a Tuesday night or maybe it's because he thought I was wasted, either way, I wasn't too happy. That being said, I'm willing to give it another shot in hopes that this was just connected to the one waiter. Food:*** Hookah:**** Drinks:**** Service:*
(2)
Nicholas S.
This is probably the best hookah place in Manhattan. The hookah is good, and they know how to make it: they don't burn the tobacco and they frequently bring fresh coals. The drinks (particularly the sangria) are actually pretty good, and the food is decent. One of the best places to chill out with friends after some bar hopping.
(5)
Valerie V.
Well first off we came here because on their website they offered "From 11 am to 5 pm regular hookahs are only $10.00, and liquor flavor & Fresh fruit hookahs are only $15.00" horusona.com but the waitress had no knowledge of it and when we did show it to her she said okay, but then came and said that it was not this cafe but the one of ave B.........it was on the website HORUS ON A! wtf. I was mad because without it we paid 15.00 for a cantaloupe hookah and $25 fresh fruit grape fruit blue moon hookah..I was frustrated because we came there early at 4 pm to catch the deal but they didn't honor it and we just left it eeeeeeeh minor detail but still. As for the experience it was great! When we first got there it was only a few people there and we were seated by the window with a couch and opposite seat was a standard chair, the tables were tight but it was okay since no was next to us. I liked that there was outlets underneath the couches so I charged my dying phone. We ordered the Hot Mezza Basket which was pretty small and it consisted of three chicken wings, a handful of fries, three falafel, and three mozzarella sticks it was really good especially the wings but for $15 I thought we would of gotten more. Drinks we got blue moon ($6 each), a strawberry daiquiri ($10 each), each a lemon drop shot ($8 each) which was huge than the expected amount for the a shot and Moroccan tea ($4 ) which was delicious! The hookahs were amazing, we got a cantaloupe and fresh fruit grapefruit blue moon flavors. I originally wanted fresh fruit pineapple but the grapefruit was delicious btw the waitress didn't write our order down I guess that's why it was mixed up. One of the best hookahs I 've had and the coal lasted a very long time which was surprising. Overall the experience was great and the service was okay. I felt that it was over priced and disappointed at the fact the website offers cheaper prices than the actually ones, whatever. Don't honor the prices on the site. But will definitely come back.
(4)
Steve B.
Good hookah selection, especially the Horus Special ones where they use half a pineapple or whatever (orange&grape tobacco), they are really good and smooth. But every time I've been there the service has been rough - once it took 25 minutes from entering to get our hookah, and it was then the wrong one. Beer prices aren't bad, Brahma, Presidente and Efes are among the bottles available, even though they didn't have one of them when here last. It is a good smoke once you get setup and they will refresh the coals, but at times it takes forever to get started - at least the prices are reasonable ($15 for a basic hookah, $25 for the mentioned special hookah)
(3)
Calvin M.
I Was In The city on a weekday and wasn`t even expecting to go out, but me and some friends decided to go to a place with hookah and chose Horus. 30 Dollar Minimum, The drinks were strong, Service was ok, Could`ve been better for the money you`re spending, And the hookah was strong and good. There was also a good mature crowd, Sometimes you get your young kids, but they have to live too! But i see it more as a restaurant or weekday relax spot with friends, Not like a let`s get crazy and go to horus saturday night! No, no, No. Overall, It was ok.
(3)
Erika R.
Horus is my go to spot whenever my friends and I feel like doing some hookah. The place is small so seating is cramped and at times uncomfortable, but its something that can be overlooked. For more group of more than 4 people, make sure you make reservations in advance or it may be a long wait. Anyway, the atmosphere is great and I always have a good time. The only downside is that during weekend nights, they sometimes play music way too loud and it's damn near impossible to talk to your friends. They do have a belly dancer on weekends though so that's fun and entertaining. Hookah ranges from $15-25, I think there are some specials that run up to $30, not too sure... I recommend fresh fruit hookah. I usually don't get food here, but I've ordered the lamb kebabs once and they were amazing! I don't recommend getting any drinks here though, because they are highly over-priced for being so mediocre and watered-down. The service is decent; my friends and I have become cool with some of the staff so we never have problems with service. Horus is definitely a great hang out spot for hookah.
(4)
Wen V.
The food was mediocre, I get better falafels from the street carts but the experience was a lot of fun. I went here last night (Friday) with my roommates. Since it was just the three of us, we were passing the hookah frequently, which distracted us from our meal because you don't want your hookah to go to waste. If you plan on dining here with a small group you ought to finish your meal before you order your hookah. The place is small, dark and intimate. A little cramp. Around 10ish, they have a beautiful belly dancer perform. They turn up the music and turn on a rotating disco ball. Beware the belly dancer will ask you to dance with her. Patrons were laughing, clapping and overall having a great time. I would love to come back here again, not so much for the food but just to hookah and for the entertainment.
(3)
Sarah H.
I had friends visiting from out of town that wanted to smoke hookah...I live in the neighborhood and although I know a million hookah spots, I had never tried this place before so we decided to give it a shot. When we got there we asked if we could sit outside, the host said they didn't have anything open- but we pointed out a table that had 4, basically full, drinks on it...but no people sitting there, no jackets, nothing...half the staff proceeded to run down the street to find the people that had been sitting there, that quite clearly split on their check. Now, that's obnoxious...big time. I would never do that...but what stood out to my friends and I was that they left full drinks...if you're gonna split, wouldn't you finish your drinks first? Well, my friends, we later found out why this happened.... The hookah (we got guava) was delicious and pretty average priced...beers are $6 which isn't amazing, but pretty standard. HOWEVER....do not, I repeat, do not order any hard liquor at this spot...it is more than obviously watered down. We ordered a round of shots (3 whiskey, 1 vodka....all $7 each). They wouldn't let us pick what brand, they only had "house" liquor, which makes sense...since they clearly "make" it in house. The whiskey was basically clear, and the vodka tasted, I kid you not...like sugar water. It became pretty apparent that that must have been why the people before us left with full drinks and without paying...one sip of their pink mixed drinks and they probably realized what was up and got outta there. Still rude, but I understand their pain. So overall, this place is pretty ok...but I mean, there's basically a hookah spot on every other block in the east village. You can do better.
(2)
Kevin L.
Does anyone else find it ironic that the restrooms at Horus have no smoking signs in them? I mean... it's a hookah bar. There's more smoke going on in here than a five-alarm fire. At any rate, in the two times I've been here the staff has been accommodating, graciously making room on the front booth for coats and bags, and coming by on a regular basis to check on us for shisha/drink refills. The regular clientele seem to run the gamut of lone bookworm to mafia-looking duos to undergrad get-togethers. Be prepared to bring your own party and have a quality time working on blowing smoke rings.
(3)
Matt M.
Love this place. Usually end our nights here. Staff is very cool - will sit and smoke with you. Beer selection isn't that great, but I can look past that. Had many good times here. Haven't yet found a hookah bar that compares. Go on belly-dancing night!
(5)
Stacy J.
Bottom Line Up Front: This place blows. I think Dan M. hit the nail on the head, one of the worst experiences in hunting hookah. Not only do you rack up a huge bill, but they actually demand it by enforcing a minimum charge per person. Came with a few friends and were seated after about half an hour until the Horus Cafe speakers... It was death by sound, it was so loud we could hardly hear the waiter when he demanded that we order more off the menu to fulfill our minimum immediately. Well, we made sure he heard us when we said goodbye. They couldn't pay us enough to want to stay. Not worth the wait.
(1)
Florence Y.
Hookah? Check Live music? Check Fairly affordable drinks? Check Cave-like atmosphere? Check Packed on a Wednesday night? Check (This only means it's get insane on weekends) Strong drinks? Check Attentive service? Check Friendly staff? Check Great dancing music after live music is done? Check Everyone's in a f-ing good mood!? YES! I want to have my birthday party here, now who is the manager? :) Tip-bits: AC wasn't turned on inside, had to ask waitress why!? Was told they don't take reservations for parties, unless you know the manager Use the hanky-thingy if you order tea, teapot is HOT HOT HOT Loud live music makes this a dance place, not a chatty place Tables are close by to each other, be comfortable being close to strangers...who may become friends for the night. Bathrooms near that kitchen window, to the R. Single unit for each gender. Outside seating "closes" at 12 MN....i think it's cause people live upstairs. Was told there's belly dancers on weekends!
(4)
Nader T.
If you want Arabic food, go to Moustache around the corner or Al-Bustan in Midtown. If you want shisha, go to Khyber Pass. Better yet, go to Bay Ridge and buy your own. If you want a cool place to hang out, there are plenty of other quirky bars in the East Village that'll be much more worth your while.
(2)
Brinda G.
I love this place. I love the hookah. I love the food. Period.
(4)
Mia K.
I have an aversion toward these Manhattan-esque unauthentic overpriced hookah bars. The ridiculous flavor combinations (although I've made some better ones at home) combined with the pretentious atmosphere makes me want to hurl. I'll stick to Steinway.
(2)
John K.
This place is fantastic. I came here with a native New York Citian and I was very satisfied with my experience. Sheesha/Hookah with real coals instead of that sparkly coal crap. One of the smoothest sheeshas I've had. And a real cool atmosphere to top it off. Tuesday nights, the Horus has two Egyptian guitarists who specialize in Spanish Classical music. Very awesome indeed. We chilled here for hours and hours on end and the time just flew by. What's a Horus you ask? Well, Horus (Sahlab) is a very thick drink made of nuts, coconuts, & milk. The best way to describe the taste is like a hot milkshake. Most tourists go to Serendipity's for the Frozen Hot Chocolate, think of this as the converse. The Yin of the Yang if you will. Definitely recommend.
(5)
kelly m.
Friendly, chill spot, fruity hookahs are fresh and tasty, they use ice cold water in the hookah which ive never seen before but i can swear it makes the hookah flavors taste better and they change the coals often enough for it not to get too ashy. 8 us of chilled there for several hours, live music, good beats, we had a lot of fun, the setup is kinda romantic, works well for small crowd or larger crowd. the only minus was the place was a little overheated, and the drinks are hit/miss, mojjitos= a, bellini= c.
(4)
Shinsuke I.
I think I was there this past Saturday. I think I had a beer, which I was physically unable to finish. I think we had a peach peach sheesha. I think my friends father, who's an accomplished pilot(boats, ships) (coolest parent of all time) stopped by after work and had a beer and some hookah with us, AND paid for us. I think I had fun here if not at another hookah bar near by. Does anyone remember an intoxicated asian sitting with two other white kids and an old guy who looks like a pilot? Please help: lost memory, dignity and liver.
(4)
Bobby B.
The decor of this place is nice and the overall first impression is very good. But after 20 mins you may find yourself getting uncomfortable. The music is way too loud, its cramped, and you have to yell across the table to have a conversation... On the other hand the food, drinks and hookah are very good. If this place had better speakers with some nice mellow music in the back ground, and maybe a little more space, this place would definitely jump up a big notch. Nonetheless, it's worth checking out.
(3)
Danny M.
I've been here a few times, the problem is a lot of those times it's crowded to all hell, and there's precious space to move around, which can get hairy with all the hookahs around and stuff. They have the better belly dancer IMO and they're one of the few places I've been to that uses fruit with their hookahs (The pineapple hookah was out of this world). However, be wary: They have a tendency to add the tip to their bar as a "service charge". It has happened to me twice.
(3)
Dina M.
Great place, the food is good and so is the service...Heard the hookah was good..didn't try it though
(4)
Ryan V.
Whether a starting point for a night out or a place to chill on a night in, Horus consistently delivers a solid experience. I particularly enjoy the outdoor sidewalk seating. It's slightly crowded but makes for an ideal area to relax on warmer nights, smoking hookah and kicking back with friends. It's also great for people-watching; this girl once wore a huge and inappropriately shaped balloon scultpture on her head as a birthday gag, and every guy passing by had to touch it. The hookah itself is decent (though I've yet to try their fresh fruit hookahs), and I didn't care much for the drink list or the food (the hummus is kind of bland, actually). But another nice touch I noticed was their tea; a friend ordered mint tea and got this nicely presented platter of hot water in an intricately adorned pot and a glass filled with fresh mint. It was very classy, as well as an aromatic and throat-soothing compliment to our hookah.
(4)
Devin P.
Not having much hookah-joint experience to compare, I'd say this place is worth visiting/frequenting. It's a great place to just hang out with a few people and pass the pipe. The service is pretty good, and they sometimes comp good customers a desert or something. The interior is dark and cavernous with candles sunk into the walls. It can get a little loud in there, especially when they have belly dancing, but a good scene still. Their food ain't bad either, but I'd rather eat somwhere else and then spend a few relaxing hours here after.
(3)
Simon X.
A year ago, this place would've been a 5. However I think the owner has changed since then. The old owner used to bring us various ethic snacks whenever we visit. Since then, it has become a ritual for us to end our Saturday nights at Horus. Overall the hookahs here are definitely one of the best ones we've had in the city. The smoke volume is high and it lasts much longer before getting harsh and needing a coal change. Since the owner change, I believe our favorite hookah flavor "Silver Fox" has been taken off the menu, but they still make it for us when we ask for it. Give it a try, it's by far their best flavor. My only complaint is that sometimes when play the hip hop a bit too loud. Once the table next to us (I swear they're high school students) started dancing right next to us. It really took away from the chill and relaxed atmosphere.
(4)
Angie H.
Really enjoyed this place. The hookah was great! The service was great too! Anytime I needed something someone was right there to help me whether it be another drink or fresh charcoal! I will definitely go back to this place next time I'm in New York!
(5)
Divya R.
if this is your first time try the fruit mix for a lighter smoke. If you want stronger definitely get the horus special. Belly dancers later in the evenings and definitely good music. The food is suprisingly authentic and good.
(3)
Jenny S.
Horus is one of my favorite places in alphabet city. I love hookahs, and the first time I went here I knew I'd keep going back. The place looks like a cave inside, which gives it a dark, cozy atmosphere. The egyptian pharoah hookah is my favorite, i love it - and the food is pretty good too, I always get the platter that has hummus, falafel, etc. Egyptian iced tea is AWESOME too. They have belly dancers sometimes so it's always entertaining - although it does get really loud on belly dancer nights, so you won't have a quiet hookah session. Overall I like this one better than the other Horus on B because it's bigger and more lively, and the food is better. Horus on B is sweet too though because of the cushions on the floor, and the hookahs are just as good.
(4)
Vanessa Z.
when in doubt, go to horus! my friends and I have been coming here for almost 2 years, and it is always a fun time. Hossam and the rest of the crew are super friendly and always smiling. and the music is awesome--a mix of arabic music, hip-hop, reggaeton, ets, so pretty much something for everyone. you can tell this place is legitimate because most of the people coming in are arabic, so you know it has to be good. I've had better hookah in the city, but in the end it's all about atmosphere, and horus has one of the best I've seen. even on a random night of the week, this place is pretty packed, so come weekends you may have to wait for a seat. cute, cozy, and always a great time!
(4)
Molly T.
Horus is a great place to go to end the night--good ambiance and music. We got there around 3 and split a double apple hookah. My friend had red wine and I got this warm coconut/nut/milk drink that was really yummy and rich. The experience would have been perfect if not for the guy sitting next to us. He was on a date and acting like he owned the place, bossing all the servers around. He spilled beer on my friend and didn't even flinch, but his date definitely noticed. Also, they include gratuity on the bill instead of just letting you tip. Maybe they don't trust drunk people at 4 a.m. which I guess I can understand. Just for two drinks and a hookah, it ended up being $16 each which I thought was kind of expensive. I think the bar closed at 4 and we left shortly thereafter.
(4)
Wes J.
Located on the corner of 10th and Ave A, this little cafe/hookah bar is relatively easy to find. Cocktails are $8. Hookah is $15+. There is a one drink per person minimum and after 10:30pm on Friday + weekends, it's a $20 minimum per person. Food is totally overpriced. The mint tea tasted like hot water scattered with a few mint leaves. The cocktails were so-so. It's very small and gets very crowded. There is belly-dancing after 11pm. My experience was "okay." It wasn't that great and I hated paying so much for sub-par drinks. The Albanian waitress was kind of pushy and kept giving us dirty looks because we didn't order as much food/drinks as she would've liked us to. She then kept coming over to take away our plates and glasses even when we weren't finished and basically kept pushing for us to leave and give up our table to waiting customers. The lighting is dark and there are some small candles all around the cafe. My skin looked flawless in this light, though, so at least that was cool.
(3)
Jon A.
Simple terrible. The staff is rude and unaccommodating. Avoid this place if you can!!!
(1)
Eli H.
Difficult to believe that this place is still in business. Went with wife and a friend for lunch. Something was wrong with each of our orders: my burger was rare on one side, well done on the other; wife had ordered burger with cheese and no dressing on the salad, but came out with both requests incorrect and when it the waiter came back withe the "corrected" order, the cheese was wrong and the salad had hair; finally our friend had ordered a salad with no dressing, but dressing was indeed added. Almost too strange to be true. Would not return/recommend.
(1)
Mandella L.
I really love this place to the point that i find myself craving it at times. Walking in to the quaint main room envelopes you in a soft vanilla aroma. For what it lacks in space it makes up in quality and tip top speedy service.
(5)
Daniela A.
I really enjoy Hookah -- but the thing about most spots is that they get way too crowded, the crowds can sometimes be extremely annoying (a table with 5+ meat-headed guys being idiots), and the music is way too loud to enjoy drinks, smoke, and convo with friends. This really isn't the case at this location. The staff is very friendly--even when you feel it is too packed--they find a way to make room for a large group of people and everybody feel comfortable. Good music that isn't too loud. Service again is great -- Hookah's are priced well and like Emmy said--they will replace the coals if you ask. Prices are moderate but I just wouldn't recommend the white sangria (maybe the red is better). I'd definitely come back here.
(4)
S K.
I have no idea how good the food/hookah/entertainment was because we were all blinded by the OBSCENELY rude service we got. We all left after one beer. We wandered into this place on a random Tuesday night to grab a few drinks. Recap of our night...mind you, this place was half-empty. -any questions asked about the drink selection were answered with "read the menu" -when we turned down hookah, each and every one of us got an angry retort "you're not smoking?!?!"...repeated over and over again. -when we turned down food, we got a similar response wherein she proceeded to aggressively rip the menus off our table -our server proceeded to complain about us very loudly to the other servers about how she couldn't believe we were only ordering drinks -a friend stopped by to say hello and our server told him he couldn't sit if he wasn't going to order anything...he was there for 2 minutes and, again, the place was half-empty This entire visit was a trip. I wasn't even really angry, just utterly shocked. I almost found the whole thing comical, actually...mental note - never come to this place again.
(1)
Emmy Y.
This place is great. I've just moved to the NYC-area from San Francisco and have been pretty turned off by the plethora of "trendy" upscale bars that charge you $15/drink to scream your conversation directly into the person-standing-right-next-to-you's ear. I do not understand the popularity of these places. The staff at Horus Cafe (the one on 10th @ Ave A) is extremely friendly and attentive, offering you more drinks (for $4 or $5 per beer) as soon as your glass looks low, and they're not obnoxious with their hookah service like some of the other Hookah Bars I've been to in the area. They serve you each hookah with enough plastic mouthpieces for everyone in your party, and they'll replace your coals as soon as you ask (and they won't complain about it or make you feel guilty for asking for coals instead of another $15 hookah). Another fantastic plus is that they have the cleanest women's bathroom that I've ever seen in a bar, and I've heard the men's room is nice, too :) They're nothing like what I've come to expect of the typical NYC bar scene. Want to spend your Saturday night someplace chill with good drinks, food, and entertainment? A place where you can actually hear yourself think, and have a conversation with a couple of friends at a decent decibel? This place is great.
(5)
Gina C.
so...I was here last week for my friend's husband's band play...and they were awesome!!! jamming on the oud and doumbek these two did an awesome job...and the hookah smelled good...too bad the service was slow...I ordered baklava and tea...and only got my baklava. Maybe it was because the place was packed...which was a little hard to believe at midnight on a Wednesday night, so I'm thinking about giving it another try....BUT...not so sure... unless...it's to go here some live music...
(3)
Harper S.
I went here with two friends to grab a drink and quick bite. We sat outside as it was a nice night and they had their dog with them. We ordered drinks (they only have wine, beer and house vodka--no full bar) We ordered the Horus Combo composed of hummus, falafel, babaghanouj and tabouli & tahini sauce which was very yummy. We also ordered a pineapple hookah. It was good food, drinks, hookah but the service was very fair. Considering it was a Wednesday night and not very busy, they were very slow. Plus they added a service charge automatically so you didn't have the choice of how much tip you left.
(3)
lu b.
Horus is fun! The food isn't bad either. It's not the best Mediterranean food there is, but it's a fun place for a group of people. Use the 20% off coupon they have on 8coupons.com and you'll have more for a few more rounds of hookah
(5)
Romana Claretta H.
not wat it use to be. the food is good, hookah is not bad, but prices are high for the quality. gets super packed. i do like the live belly dancer.
(3)
Lisa B.
We said baklava and then just as we said it, we ran into a little knot of people who blocked our way, looked up and saw the eye of Horus staring down at us. Following divine inspiration and the smell of apple tobacco (yum!) we entered. We were just there for the baklava and some tea so there isn't much to report but what was amusing was the very inappropriate flatware that came with our desserts. My friend was given an oyster fork with which to eat his baklava, and my creme brulee came with one of those long spoons that you get with a root beer float. Would I go back? Hell yeah! If only to eat ice cream with chopsticks.
(3)
Mimo R.
I've been going to Horus Cafe for many years, and while the place itself has many faults, if you can get over them then you can enjoy some of the best hookah, Arabic food, and music and dancing in Manhattan. Cons: - On weekend nights, the huge wait to get in, and the mandatory $20 per person rule inside - The "gratuity" that is automatically added to the bill - The lack of liquor (somehow they lost their liquor license, but are still able to serve beer and wine) - At times inconsistent service Pros: - Horus really does have some good, clean shisha, and is one of the few hookah establishments that will use fruit as the tobacco holder (Try ordering a "Sex on the Beach" hookah) - The food is surprisingly good! You wouldn't think you'd get such tasty food in a club/bar/lounge, but try ordering the lamb shish kabob and rice. VERY good...and I know my lamb! - Sitting outside during a warm summer night! - When it's hopping in here, you can always have a good time dancing! Next time you're in Alphabet City and looking for a hookah lounge, try Horus over Leyali (across the street) or Babel.
(4)
Taylor H.
For years I have been in search of a Hookah bar in this great city that has both a traditional middle eastern atmosphere as well as feeling a bit upscale. Although Horus is now becomming somewhat of a chain now they still retain some charm. Every time I order a hookah it arrive and is perfect balance of taste and smoke. Each of there tobaccos they use are top of the line. Although prices may seem steep and for many including myself who have not that much patience hookahs take a while for preparation they still seem to arrive perfect each time. Another praise for Horus comes with the fact that they accept credit cards which is a plus amongst most of the hookah bars in the east village who only take cash and usually attempt to rip people off this way. I would say that from my previous experience here I highly recommend taking a visit.
(5)
Heather C.
I came here the other night and wasn't particularly in love with the place. It smells really good when you walk in and they have a good selection of hookahs and fresh fruit hookahs for about $15 to $20. The place was very dimly lit and the seating was romantic but VERY stuffy and hot. The service was alright, but I don't think I would come back here again. I've been to 4 or 5 other places and this one ranks at the bottom.
(2)
kristen g.
this place blew my mind. i stumbled in there on a Friday night but meant to go to the other Horus cafe. needless to say the music was poppin, there was a belly dancer, and ppl just chillin. the ambiance sets the mood for that middle eastern feel. there are even pillows on the floor. i liked white grape hookah with some tea and i was set !
(4)
Katie H.
Went to Horus last night, excited because my friends had been there a few months ago and had a great time. After waiting a few minutes, they sat us (corner, nice!) and then we pored over the menu. We asked some questions about the shisha, and then placed our drink order. It was at this point that the waiter announced that we had to spend $20/person minimum, not including the 18% gratuity. WHAT? There are tons of other hookah bars in the area; what makes them think they can get away with this? My boyfriend ran down the street to check the policy of the next-closest hookah joint while we "looked at the menu" to buy time. He sent us a text saying Kazuza down the street had no minimum policy and was ready to seat us. We grabbed our stuff and bounced. It's too bad, because we had a great time at Kazuza, and definitely ended up spending more than $20/person. I don't mind patronizing a good bar and giving them my money...but I'm going to do it on my own terms, because I'm having a good time, not because I'm forced to.
(1)
Jasmin G.
I finally visited this place that is right across the street from me. It's cute, and gets pretty full on a Thursday night, which is when we went. They have a belly dancing show which was fun, and everyone is smoking hookah but the smell isn't over powering for us non-smokers. (ie - i could still breath without coughing up a storm). The white sangria is good - and the music is fun middle-eastern stuff. Not much dancing going on besides the belly dancer, which makes this place a really chill laid-back clean spot.
(4)
Columbia W.
Very tasty dishes - I had lamb kebab and we shared a sampler of appetizers. Strange tabouli salad - it was about 2% bulgar and 98% parsley. I can't comment on the hookah action because we weren't there for that, but it looked like others were enjoying it. Word of warning: The tip ("service charge") was included in the bill and we were only a party of two. The service charge was shown on the receipt, but the receipt was not returned along with the credit card slip. I've rarely seen that before and I'm sure that they get people to overtip all the time with that ploy.
(3)
W C.
I came out of town to NYC to ring in my 30th and chose this place. We made reservations, but after we started eating, we were asked to move to fit their needs, for ppl who had NO reservations. I was pushed up against the corner, my friend 2 ft ahead of me on my right. We told the waiter it was my bday, did he forget? Because the other bday ppl. got a song/cake. Next thing you know he's quick to deliver and pick up our tab, then proceeded to ask us to move to the bar. We asked for 10 more min. with the hooka but he said no, he had people waiting for the table. We ended up leaving, and leaving unfortunately, a huge fat tip for the waiter who forgot my bday and never checked on us the whole night. Atmosphere was great, halibut was dry on top, and service was horrible.
(1)
Laur T.
Came here with 2 colleagues. What can I say, I'm not a fan of hookahs, not a fan of the horrid food here, not a fan of the cheesy indian / middle eastern MTV videos here that oozes so much in your face sexuality from skimpily clad women and lustful men in a offputting kinda way, Indian men acting (unsuccessfully) balla like with their harem of women and tonguing the girl next to them in a revolting kinda way. Oh and did I mention I'm also not a fan of the belly dancer here? OMG what am I Ms Negativity? I guess that's what Horus does to you. E.W.E
(2)
Ann B.
UNTHINKABLE SERVICE I have been going to Horus every week for about a year because my friends like it. The sheesha is okay and the outdoor seating is nice. However, I give them one star for their consistently horrible service, which finally angered me to the point where I will never go back again. Horus only cares about how much money it makes. Yesterday I went there for a table of 3 and waited about 30 minutes for a table, and when our table cleared up they refused to seat us because we were only going to have sheesha, drinks and dessert (no dinner). I couldn't believe they'd tell us this after we've been such regular customers, and moreover after we'd been waiting for so long. It was around 11:30pm and they should have guessed that most people have had dinner by then. I was completely disgusted by the rude, inconsiderate service. They might have made some more money last night by serving people dinner, but the fact that neither me (or my friends) will ever give them our weekly business again will hurt them more than they know. I will never recommend Horus to anyone. Terrible service, mediocre sheesha, overpriced food. Go to Sultana (4th St between 1st and 2nd ave) instead.
(1)
K K.
enjoyed a mint tea and a Jasmin hookah..the guys were very on point in making sure I always had coals and that the hookah wasn't burning....will try the food one day and write another review....
(3)
Lucy B.
LOVE this place. I'm a HUGE hookah bar fan and this place is probably my favorite. It has a great atmosphere. Last time I was there, they had an incredible DJ spinning. The hookah flavors are delicious. I especially like the hummus platters. I'm on a bit of a tight budget, so I do snacks there and not a full meal, but the couple of times I've splurged, it's been great. The other location, however, on 6th street and Avenue B is just not the same. It's not cozy and it lacks the same ambiance. But this 10th street location is awesome!
(4)
Fazeela S.
It's NOT about the food, it's about their nicotine-free SHEESHA (hookah is metal part). You go to Horus for sheesha, not for anything else. However, some of their food is really good. When they have belly-dancing or Arabic dance music playing, it can be really fun, too. In 2009, I used to come here weekly with my Egyptian friend, while I was under-doing a 3 month clerkship. We tried many other places around the city, but nothing came close to the sheesha at Horus. Since that time, I travel from Brooklyn to Alphabet City every time I crave sheesha. Having tried so many other venues, I am 100% sure that it is not worth wasting my money at any other place. FAVORITES: THE HORUS EYE SPECIAL HOOKAH (SHEESHA): I have tried pretty much every flavor. Get this, it's well worth the price. In 2009, one of the managers used to hook us up and provided us tastes of every special flavor since we were there so often. The Horus Special is smoked out of a pineapple and there are orange and apple peels floating in the water. It is so smooth and tasty. If it is ever too harsh, you tell your server and they alter it. PLUS, you can sit for as long as you like and they keep refilling the coals! In the past, I have ordered sheesha and tea and sat for hours writing research papers. Note: If you just order sheesha, you have to order a drink - it does not have to be alcoholic, but you have to order at the minimum bottled water. MINT TEA: Served like you are in the Middle East. Lots of fresh mint on the side. LENTIL SOUP: It is homemade and delicious. FATTOUSH SALAD: My favorite fattoush in the city! The pita is not too salty and it is not drenched in dressing. It's fresh and yummy. HORUS COMBO APPETIZER: This is great for vegetarians. Hummus, falafel, baba, tabouli, tahini... TAGINES: My spouse and other meat eaters LOVE their tagines. [Sidenote: When I started coming to Horus in 2009, their menu was still very Middle-Eastern - I loved it. A few years ago, they "Westernized" as some may say - and added burgers, mozzarella sticks... I do NOT like that food or that change. However, they have still kept the lentil soup, fattoush, tagines, so I've dealt with the gringo-ization. To underscore, in the end you come here to smoke the smoothest and most delicious sheesha that you can find in NYC]. [Date-Night Tip: Go to Caracas Arepas Bar down the street for dinner and then come to Horus for sheesha and end at The Big Gay Ice Cream Shop].
(5)
Ambrose C.
Are you looking for a place to "unwind" a tiny bit while inhaling some smoke from a long pipe and enjoying some drinks somewhere in the East Village after a very hectic day? Well, this place may have your answer. I have been to this place twice so far, on a Sunday afternoon and on a Saturday night, and with the right people, I had a good time getting drinks and smoking hookah. I had the red and white sangria pitchers during my visits here. I thought they were both refreshing drinks. The service has been okay so far, no serious complaints but you may have to be patient. As for the hookah, a friend got the Cuban Mojito flavor. I could taste a little bit of that flavor, and I felt a little relaxed. It's not a bad choice to share among 5 people. Interior decor is nice, and the seats inside are fairly comfortable. I enjoyed this place even more when I sat outdoors, and enjoying the nice but slight summer breeze while looking out in the stars, and you could even do some "people watching". I did see a couple ladies dancing inside this place that Saturday night, and if you're looking for that type of entertainment, this place is not a bad choice. Overall, if you are looking for a decent place to smoke some hookah while getting some drinks in this part of New York, this place is not a bad choice. If you want to watch ladies dance for you on a Saturday night, this place is also not a bad choice. I don't think it might be the best place to get hookah, but it's decent enough if you really want to fulfill your desire for the somewhat exhilarating inhalation in an area like the East Village.
(3)
Shardae W.
I went here because a friend recommended it for hookah. She raved about the hookah and service. I usually trust her judgement because we visit many places together and she knows what I enjoy. When we arrived on a Saturday night after 12 we were seated right away. Our waiter was very distant. The guy who brought out the hookah was very rude. Gratuity is already included so you would expect the service to be great. I don't know if everyone was just in a bad mood that night or they was just treating us that way for another reason. I'm a vegetarian my salad was ok. My friends said the food was good, so that's a plus. The hookah was okay. It wasn't a totally bad experience. They played up to date Arabic music. The menu had a lot of options and the setting was a good middle eastern theme. The crowd was very diverse so you don't feel out of place. I just wish the service was better.
(2)
Mimi M.
I do not care about the liquor or sheesha. I just came to accompany a friend for a night out. This is an Egyptian spot that definitely plays Arabic music with a mix of also the more popular music American style. The crowd is also makes ranging from black white Chinese Spanish and Arab. It seem like a nice crowd no raunchy ratchet people. We got the big appetizer and it was delicious. I believe I ordered the chicken kabob platter. Definitely there is a good chef in the back cuz he knows what he's doing and don't get fooled just because it's a lounge you're going to get damn good food here. The mint lemonade was also very good. I like that they had the traditional Egyptian food on their menu including macarona bechamel. Food is not cheap about $15 just for the appetizer and then another 15 - 20 for the entree and the drinks even though not alcoholic are about $7 I believe. The desert was blah. I wouldn't even bother. My bill for two people came up to 100 something. Overall I had a lot of fun I had a nice little spot in the place and I ate really really good.
(5)
Ali C.
Maybe I'm spoiled by other hookah spots further north than Horus but .... The bouncer told us $30 per person ... All we wanted was a hookah to share plus maybe a few beers.... As we were walking away the manager? Said it'll just be $20 per person ... Okay now we're talking! We were sat alllllll the way in the back away from the crowd and the DJ which made you feel you can only sit down and smoke, not get up shake a groove thang. We ordered a watermelon mint, it was pretty okay, kind of harsh in the beginning but the coal guy fixed it. It's nice to get coal refills often. Well drinks at $10? No thanks. On the menu Corona was $6 but charged later as $8 with a whole gratuity and tax included excuse with of course it charged separately... Pet peeve is automatic gratuity and you receive less than sub par service. Woe is me. Totally not worth your $30.
(1)
Nicky C.
I came here on Wednesday night around 9pm and it was pretty dead. We tried to order some patron shots but they do not have top shelf. So we proceeded and order mojitos instead. The mojitos were good. We got hookah, and the hookah was good as well. As for food, we ordered calamari's and mozzarella sticks. The calamari were okay, and the mozzarella sticks were made from cheap cheese. They were decent to eat. The music was terrible. We complained about the music and nothing was done. I understand it was a Wednesday night. However, the music didn't have to be so terrible. The music was def a buzz kill. As for the service, it was very good. The server was very attentive and sweet. Will I go back to this place. Not really. It was okay for a Wednesday night.
(2)
Yunjia L.
Horrible place. Bad service, the Arabic guy manager was very rude and disrespectful. Found a roach in our drink and he kicked us out because we asked to change the drink, with very inappropriate language. Food had weird overnight taste too. Very disappointed. I wonder why couldn't I give zero star on yelp.
(1)
Tricia O.
This place. Has everything you could possibly want, such as, but not limited to: 1. Ballin playlist (shout out to my girl, Demi Lovato) 2. Amazing hookahs 3. Brunch til 5 on the weekends!!!! Mimosa pitchers CHECK 4. Excellent sandwiches and a vast array of hookah flavors including fresh fruit 5. Amazing servers that give great suggestions 6. Unpretentious clientele, comfortable seating, and unique decor 7. Great location 8. STRAWBERRY BUTTER for French toast. Check it out!
(5)
Abe N.
Nice place , especially on a Tuesday night it's quiet and private , good for a meeting or a relaxed date.
(4)
Diana A.
Hookah place was decent. They had a lot of different favors. Just wished the place was not so congested and cramped up. They need more room. Aside from that .... I enjoyed and had a good time.
(3)
Lisette R.
5 stars for the "mixed grill" dish alone! Attentive service, great hookah, cute little place. The middle eastern music can be a bit loud. Gets hot inside.
(5)
Taj H.
Why has yelp still not yet succumb to the zero stars that so many of us plead for? But, on a serious note, I have never been treated with the most disrespect and made to feel so incredibly humiliated as I have at this establishment. Not only were my date and I yelled at by the hostess for moving (alert human rights violation for moving tables because I am sensitive to the sun due to a procedure), but then she refused to give me her name so that I could complain. Luckily, before this chic could continue to treat me like a POS, the waitress stepped in and made her go inside and gave me her name and apologized. Listen, I know this is NY and a lot of places give poor customer service, but as a retail worker for a good 5-6 years while in undergrad and grad school, I understand how customers can be. i usually tip well and try to be considerate, this girl was in no way attempting to be even cordial - full of contempt, hatred, and attitude - I beg of you Horus please hire people that actually like people! My suggestion, this girl should probably live in seclusion...maybe on a deserted mountain top away from human contact, but then she'd probably abuse the bears too and they don't deserve that. I will not be returning. Try hiyate or kazuza or farfasha, hell even babylon or le souk. Oh or Casa La Femme in West Village, basically anywhere but here.
(1)
Sweta C.
Love!! This place!! I have been coming here for the past 4 years and I absolutely love this place. Great service and amazing service! Best hookah place in NYC
(5)
Alex H.
Food very mediocre at best
(2)
Stacey B.
I enjoy coming here at least once a month. It's a different scenery than other hookah bars I'm used to. Their food is pretty good & so are their drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic). 4 stars because they are a bit pricey (this is normal for city prices) and their hostesses and waitresses should be a little more friendly. Plus, their service can definitely be a little better. All in all, It's a nice chill spot to come with a couple of friends.
(4)
R A.
Been here too many times, i love the outdoor seating good service when its not crowdy, ( small - cozy - nice hookah )
(4)
Michael R.
A group of 6 of us tried to get in but the bouncer said that they required a $30 minimum per person. We looked inside and noticed that there were a lot of empty seats. We explained that we have been going to this place for years and never had to pay a minimum before. The bouncer did not care and said it was the manager's rule. As we were about to leave the bouncer then said the minimum would be $20 per person. We then asked to speak to the manager who had been making these rules. The manager came out and we told him that we would really like to get in but not all of us are willing to commit to that much money upfront. He started getting annoyed with us, so we left. I just don't understand how it makes economic sense for a business to turn people away from a pretty empty restaurant by requiring an arbitrary minimum. We would have ended up spending a decent amount of money there too. Unfortunately my friends and I will not be returning to this place, and will not be recommending it to anyone.
(1)
Tiffany G.
My girlfriends and I are regular visitors to Horus! It's "our" special spot. The staff is so friendly, and we're always greeted with warm smiles and sweet hugs. It's clean, beautiful, and the hookah is the best I've ever had. Drinks are fabulous, food is fabulous. I definitely recommend this spot to anyone looking for a chill spot with a sexy ambiance. (Also, the music is amazing! And just wait until you see the belly dancers.)
(5)
Sandeep R.
Located in East Village amidst a cluster of bars and sheesha places, the hookah flavor was amongst one of the better ones I've had in a while ..The ambience was perfect for a late evening chill with friends and the music wasn't too loud while still being decently audible in the background ..That being said, no whiskey at the bar and not so great drinks are the reasons I'm gonna go with a 3 and not 4
(3)
Priya S.
An upscale hookah bar, hookahs were pretty good. The lighting was sort of dim but I liked it that way, it had a certain vibe. They had a one drink minimum requirement for everyone on a table if you're only going to hookah. We got mint and blue mist and both were great! A bit pricey but it is nyc...
(4)
Daryoush F.
Bit pricey but good shisha. Vay good shisha. Havnt tried the food yet. Servive is very good
(3)
Abby S.
They're hookahs are well priced and their menu is decent. I really enjoy myself every time I go. They have indoor and out door seating. They have these Morocco cigar...it's filo dough stuffed with seasoned ground beef, seafood or veggies and deep fried. 2 thumbs up! This hookah spot is not a night club but a resturant so you can have a conversation and hear your party. They play good music....not too loud. Do try it.
(5)
Jim A.
Mediocre service! Hair in food! $20 sangria for $50! You, too, can have all this and more at alphabet city's WORST VALUE RESTAURANT! Save your money, search Yelp for something higher quality. You deserve it!
(1)
Jennifer F.
I have been coming here for years!! I live down the block so I come here to work and relax. I love all the hookah flavors... Blue mist is my fav! Drinks are good...my fav is guava mojito! Staff is attentive and lovely! Love the outdoor seating!
(4)
Nick C.
Horus is one of the most well known hookah bars in the East Village. The ambiance is cool. I especially like the big Eye of Horus they have on the wall that changes colors. They make a decent hookah too, just needs a lot of work to maintain the quality of smoke that I like. Tobacco is Starbuzz depending on what you order. They don't use instant lights coals either which is good. Drinks are kinda expensive, $10 a pop for the frozen ones. Not too strong either. There are better hookah options nearby.
(3)
Fahim H.
One of my fav hookah lounges in the city hands down!! Best hookah I've had in the city, good drinks, great food music could be a lil better. Chico is the guy to look for, very friendly very attentive and he makes the best hookahs. Egyptian pharaoh is a must. I've been coming here for past few years never been disappointed once. I am from Long Island other then mystique hookah lounge in Westbury this is my go to place for all the birthday and other events.
(4)
Jason R.
Went here for a friends birthday. The place was packed and the atmosphere was nice. We each ordered a mixed drink and they were all pretty watered down. Not worth $10 each. The food was good, but the service was very slow.
(3)
Robin L.
Hookah was good. Drinks tasted like paint thinner. Left without finishing either. Also, the only music they play is loud rap.
(1)
Sunshine W.
I had an excellent experience here with 2 of my friends. We ordered a hookah, some tea, and drinks. The waiter was SO charming and sweet. There was a drip from the ceiling due to the air conditioner and he came by to apologize before we even said anything and then came by to wipe the ceiling every so often so it wouldn't drip on our heads!! The drinks were excellent. I got a recommendation from the bartender and it was just right. The hookah was smooth and well tended to. They kept bringing coals and changed the hashish at the appropriate times. The decor is BEAUTIFUL with candelit walls and a light up Eye of Horus insignia at the far wall. It felt like I was in a cave in Egypt. I loved it. I 100% recommend this cafe to everyone. I am a hookah fanatic and have been to many places, including astoria where it is cheap, but Horus Cafe just blew them all out of the water. Thank you!
(5)
Alexis M.
Pros: service is ok. Cons: hookah is not so good, uncomfortable seats, food can be tastier, too pricey for what you get, only place to sit with pillows has to be with a group of 8+. Poor selection of alcohol. All in all, this used to be one of my favorite places to go to after hours or for just a great night out to unwind. Not sure what went wrong or what new owner took over but this place has changed to much to where it's not even enjoyable to come here. This place needs a new renovation of the menu, bar, and seats/tables!
(1)
Natasha S.
This place is really close to where I live so my boyfriend and I decided to check it out. We waited approximately 10 minutes to be seated but were looking forward to enjoying our night. The music was okay and the decor was cute; however, it was extremely crowded inside and the chairs were tiny. To emphasize, whether you have a small, medium, or big butt, the chair has only the capacity of fitting half your butt cheek. If you go, ask to be seated in the booths/couches. We ordered a hookah which was placed next to our table in the walkway and we were constantly in fear of getting burned by the coal. To continue, we ordered drinks which tasted like rubbing alcohol and cost $10 each. They were so horrible that we couldn't even finish them! While the hookah was decent we left because we felt nauseous (probably from the rubbing alcohol they used to make the drinks) and will not be returning!
(1)
Ahmed K.
First , I don't recommend this place to anybody for many reasons; The place is too tied and it is not properly ventilated you can't even breath. The hookah sucks and over priced. The service was bad since we got in the store starting from the Hostess who unwelcome us. And the service was bad , many times we asked for water and we got ignored. Finally, the manger or the owner kicked us out" literally" because a was trying to get some extra coal from the coal guy. Those guys don't know how to run the business
(1)
Mo J.
I've been going to this spot for the last 3 years. Recently it's become a Sunday evening ritual. The place is chill, especially if you get a seat outside. Inside with the smoke gets a bit too much for me. On weekends the music is pretty great and it's rowdy. I think they have cover on those nights. The scene gets def younger so I typically avoid it then. Only con I can think of is that the service gets slow at times but that's usually when they're packed. Def check it it.
(4)
Princess S.
Love this place, probably one of the very first hookah places I've went to after moving to NY. And STILL love it! Very good pina coladas too! Its really busy at night- but during the day its more of a calm atmosphere for lunch dates with friends. LOVE :)
(5)
samantha d.
I am so disappointed in this place. It's long been one of my go-to places to hang out on a weekend with friends (it has a quiet "coffee shop" feel in the afternoon, with free WiFi), and the service is usually ok. However, the service today was so unforgivably atrocious that I may have to stay away just on principle. I ordered a hookah at about 2:30. I got the hookah at about 3. Ok, fine, no big deal. We got about two puffs each out of the hookah, then realized the coals were already dead. We saw other people getting new coals, but they ignored us. We asked for new coals several times, and the waitresses kept making excuses that they needed time to "heat up," even while fresh hookahs and coals were coming out for other people. We finally got fresh coals over a half hour later, and they were not apologetic at all. They actually seemed annoyed with us, even though we had been perfectly polite the whole time. I used to be a waitress. I get it: shit happens, sometimes orders get mixed up or take too long; it's ok. The thing that really bothered us was the attitude of the staff. For that amount of wait and inconvenience, they really should have apologized and just brought us a new hookah, or at least comped us some tea. We really would have been completely understanding if they had made ANY effort to keep us as loyal customers. I've been spending money at your establishment and bringing friends here for years, so show some appreciation! If the owners/management are reading this: I want to continue being a customer, but unfortunately I'll have to find a new place until you get staff that can provide decent service without attitude. Also, the outlets are not working, so the entire point of coming (working on laptops) was rendered moot, anyway. Amending this review to add: The guy actually changing the coals was fine. It was just the waitresses who were problematic.
(1)
Minji K.
The ambiance is nice and the workers do refill the coals in a timely manner, but that's all that's good about it. They have a minimum amount (you need to buy drinks), which would be okay if the drinks tasted good! I ordered "fresh lemonade," but what I got instead was lime water. I also ordered a tiramisu and it was literally bread and whip cream. The check also includes a service tip so even though your experience wasn't satisfactory you have to tip a certain amount.
(1)
Chris L.
Been coming here for god knows how many years now, probably since 2006? Some of the best hookah in the city as they keep the milk out of the base and the pipes relatively clean. Pros: - Great hookah, Horus Special and Blue Moon are my personal favorites. Can't go wrong with either as they come in a pineapple and grapefruit bowl respectively - Belly dancing certain evenings which is very entertaining for 10-20 minutes. - Outdoor seating is lovely on a cool summer or autumn night. Beware the mosquitoes if you sit around the back side of 10th street, Ave A side is much nicer. - Decent food, I always go for the hummus or hot chicken wings. - Has Stella - the go to beer Cons: - Very crowded so try to reserve in advance if you have a group larger than 2 or 3. - Table per person minimums now up to $30 on certain busy nights, again call in advance if you can - Can get very squished when it's busy, they'll pile 4 or 5 people on a 2 top - Extremely uncomfortable stools inside, try getting a chair with a back if you can - Expensive sangria, it's tasty but definitely not worth the money. Grab a hookah, sit outside on a nice night and enjoy the weather and delicious shisha. The thing lasts for hours and you can always ask the nice hookah artists for coal when it starts running low.
(4)
Isabel L.
Due to the limited Hookah Bar options in the area and occasional requests from friends, I found myself coming back here more than I would like.. I just remember every time after I come here I'm thinking" Please, this will be the last time" To make sure I remember, I hope this 3rd and final review serves as a kick in the foot and a final pact to myself. Ok. First things first. The reason why you find me here. 1) whether its a weeknight or a weekend, this place is always filled with people 2) good ambience( belly dancers at night) However, the subpar hookah, expensive drinks and craptastic service can really kiss my behind. I know it when the hookah is choky but after asking the server to fix it, he unwillingly blew a few puffs and threw it right back at me. seemed bothered that I even waved him over in the first place. Same to that other lady server who totally ignored our request for water when she was literally standing there checking her phone. On weekends they also outrageously ask you to spend minimally 20-30 dollars a head. Yeah. ok. You're not some hot shot nightclub that can demand a cover. I do feel that when I come with a big group and order massive alcohol they are alot more accommodating, either because we are bigger customers or I'm too buzzed to notice how crappy the service is.
(2)
Priya M.
Went on a Friday night. Eh. I can't really think of anything terrible to say, but I really can't think of anything great to say either. Drinks and hookah were really pricy in my opinion- I may just be used to BETTER hookah that was only $10-$15. Atmosphere was really nothing special. Service was acceptable. It's a shame that all of the hookah places in the city are slowly closing down, but if this is the best we have left then I'm really sad. I did like the belly dancer though. Overall just not memorable.
(2)
Luna S.
I really like the Horus cafe. A lot of people have made some complaints and there is truth to some of them: -it is small and can be super crowded, particularly at night. The tables are really close together. -it can be loud, but this I also found to be at certain hours, mostly nighttime. However, neither of these things bother me very much when I go at night. The shisha is nice, my favorite is the jasmine, and our servers were pretty attentive to the coals without being the obnoxious kind that are on top of you. In fact, it took us a really long time to decide when I went a few weeks ago and they applied literally no pressure at all to hurry us up. I tend to feel comfortable there, day or night. Not to mention that they are decently priced for hookah in the city. The food is actually pretty good, I really like their falafel, which seems to taste drastically different from place to place. But I'm sure most people bypass the food anyway. Drinks are a tad pricey. I bring my friends with me to Horus cafe. I don't understand the suggestion to keep walking, you'll certainly miss out.
(4)
Miriam W.
We arrived at Horus already pretty euphoric - I blame the pizza, the wine, the Martha Stewart sighting - and this hookah house kept our spirits high. We squeezed ten or so people around a table more suitable for five and sucked in shisha flavored like mango and strawberry. If you must bid New York adieu, Horus ain't a half bad place to do it. Just make sure to bring your own entourage and know that pre-gaming is must, trust me when I say that this is not the place to start off your night!
(3)
Morgan D.
Just O-K. I can say I won't be eating here again. I ordered Chicken kabab and even though there was nothing 'wrong' with it, it just was so-so. I like good food especially when I'm paying someone to prepare it for me and this just didn't cut it. It was basically chunks of grilled flavorless meat, with some bland veggies and ok rice. Nothing to brag about. at. all. Not to mention the service here was kinda terrible. The waitress took about 30 minutes to bring out our starter of pita and tahini sauce...and 2 minutes later our meal came...major pet peeve. Now to the good parts...this is definitely more of a hookah bar or somewhere you would like to order some fine homemade tea. This is not someone you would go to order a main dish. The location is great...right in Alpahbet City and they have outdoor seating...major plus! Horus next time I come to you, It will be to order some of your hookah! :)
(3)
Peter D.
This is where I discovered that you cannot sneeze and pee at the same time. Well, at least you shouldn't. And from the slippery floor in the bathroom, it seems as though many of my predecessors had not learned this lesson. I also learned that Horus Cafe can be a really good time, although everything seems to be entirely too expensive. Also, it's a small spot, and a party of ten is too large to fit comfortably, especially since there's nowhere to hang your coats. But smoking things out of a pineapple is a good time, and a relaxing, if head-lightening alternative to karaoke.
(3)
Rammi S.
the best hookah in manhattan. They're staff is awesome as well...mohammed and phillip always take care of myself and my group when we go. The outdoor area can get packed, but we usually get a table within 20 minutes. I ALWAYS get hookah in a fresh fruit pineapple, my favorite shisha there is the egyptian pharaoh...and my own concoction of lemon and mango mixed. They're great about refilling your charcoal as well to make sure your hookah keeps burning. The kebabs are really good, although I like the food better at the 6th street and avenue B horus better. The drinks are not pricy, however they don't have high end alcohol (kettle, goose, etc). On a nice day get a bottle of wine, a hookah, some kebabs and throw your feet up and relax and enjoy the day at horus.
(5)
Jennifer D.
I am not sure the reason why there are so many bad reviews - sure you have to wait to get in, but where can you go on a Saturday night without a wait. Once we got a table, we got an excellent waitress as well as some pita and tahini sauce. We ordered some drinks and food - hummus, koosheri, lamb stew, falafels - all of which were great. The waitress even brought me some fautoosh salad for free since I had asked about it. I didn't try the hookah but everyone at the table enjoyed it. They were a little slow to bring it out, but they kept changing our coals and even moved it for us wen we asked. DJ got better as the night went on, and overall we had a great time.
(4)
Tolik K.
Very good hookah
(5)
Jason G.
Really lame that they enforce a $20 minimum per person on the weekends. Wtf is that? And the Hookah lasted for all of 5 minutes. But, I got the chicken wings. Boy, were they surprisingly good. Any place with good chicken wings gets 4 stars in my book.
(4)
Michaela J.
Hookah is good, sangria was terrible and 50$! The tall lanky waiter is also a total jerk.
(2)
Chrissy C.
3 stars only because the mint hookah was AMAZING. Our waiter was nice too. However, the people at the door really try to scam you. They tell you all sorts of nonsense of how much it is per person that night. DO NOT LISTEN TO THEM! There is no per person charge!!!!!!!! They told us $60/per person. Yeah, okay. We didn't listen to them and our bill was well under that. Not a peep about it. They just want you to sit down and order as many things as possible. That really irked me. ALSO, some girl must have puked in the bathroom that night. I was drunk myself, but I could still smell the awful stench all night long everytime I entered there.
(3)
Nick C.
I used come here a lot with a few friends every time. Living out on L.I we lack such places. Some days it was just horrible. No room to move...worst part no place to breath. Other days they have nice music and not so packed out. Mint Tea is really nice with hookah. Big problem I notice with Hookah places in NYC is that the really good ones close down within a year or so. So this place I keep going back too since its always been their. Know of any good ones let me know..
(3)
Payam Z.
I'm not a huge fan of Horus on A (see Horus on B). This could be related to the less than savory wait staff experience. While I still enjoyed the Hookah, I was more or less pushed into ordering the most expensive one ("sex on the beach" something I'd never order regardless of the price!). The waiter also brought lamb chops which I had not ordered (it was ~2:30am) saying that he had opened the kitchen just for me and this was very special... Maybe it's because we were the only ones there on a Tuesday night or maybe it's because he thought I was wasted, either way, I wasn't too happy. That being said, I'm willing to give it another shot in hopes that this was just connected to the one waiter. Food:*** Hookah:**** Drinks:**** Service:*
(2)
Nicholas S.
This is probably the best hookah place in Manhattan. The hookah is good, and they know how to make it: they don't burn the tobacco and they frequently bring fresh coals. The drinks (particularly the sangria) are actually pretty good, and the food is decent. One of the best places to chill out with friends after some bar hopping.
(5)
Valerie V.
Well first off we came here because on their website they offered "From 11 am to 5 pm regular hookahs are only $10.00, and liquor flavor & Fresh fruit hookahs are only $15.00" horusona.com but the waitress had no knowledge of it and when we did show it to her she said okay, but then came and said that it was not this cafe but the one of ave B.........it was on the website HORUS ON A! wtf. I was mad because without it we paid 15.00 for a cantaloupe hookah and $25 fresh fruit grape fruit blue moon hookah..I was frustrated because we came there early at 4 pm to catch the deal but they didn't honor it and we just left it eeeeeeeh minor detail but still. As for the experience it was great! When we first got there it was only a few people there and we were seated by the window with a couch and opposite seat was a standard chair, the tables were tight but it was okay since no was next to us. I liked that there was outlets underneath the couches so I charged my dying phone. We ordered the Hot Mezza Basket which was pretty small and it consisted of three chicken wings, a handful of fries, three falafel, and three mozzarella sticks it was really good especially the wings but for $15 I thought we would of gotten more. Drinks we got blue moon ($6 each), a strawberry daiquiri ($10 each), each a lemon drop shot ($8 each) which was huge than the expected amount for the a shot and Moroccan tea ($4 ) which was delicious! The hookahs were amazing, we got a cantaloupe and fresh fruit grapefruit blue moon flavors. I originally wanted fresh fruit pineapple but the grapefruit was delicious btw the waitress didn't write our order down I guess that's why it was mixed up. One of the best hookahs I 've had and the coal lasted a very long time which was surprising. Overall the experience was great and the service was okay. I felt that it was over priced and disappointed at the fact the website offers cheaper prices than the actually ones, whatever. Don't honor the prices on the site. But will definitely come back.
(4)
Steve B.
Good hookah selection, especially the Horus Special ones where they use half a pineapple or whatever (orange&grape tobacco), they are really good and smooth. But every time I've been there the service has been rough - once it took 25 minutes from entering to get our hookah, and it was then the wrong one. Beer prices aren't bad, Brahma, Presidente and Efes are among the bottles available, even though they didn't have one of them when here last. It is a good smoke once you get setup and they will refresh the coals, but at times it takes forever to get started - at least the prices are reasonable ($15 for a basic hookah, $25 for the mentioned special hookah)
(3)
Calvin M.
I Was In The city on a weekday and wasn`t even expecting to go out, but me and some friends decided to go to a place with hookah and chose Horus. 30 Dollar Minimum, The drinks were strong, Service was ok, Could`ve been better for the money you`re spending, And the hookah was strong and good. There was also a good mature crowd, Sometimes you get your young kids, but they have to live too! But i see it more as a restaurant or weekday relax spot with friends, Not like a let`s get crazy and go to horus saturday night! No, no, No. Overall, It was ok.
(3)
Erika R.
Horus is my go to spot whenever my friends and I feel like doing some hookah. The place is small so seating is cramped and at times uncomfortable, but its something that can be overlooked. For more group of more than 4 people, make sure you make reservations in advance or it may be a long wait. Anyway, the atmosphere is great and I always have a good time. The only downside is that during weekend nights, they sometimes play music way too loud and it's damn near impossible to talk to your friends. They do have a belly dancer on weekends though so that's fun and entertaining. Hookah ranges from $15-25, I think there are some specials that run up to $30, not too sure... I recommend fresh fruit hookah. I usually don't get food here, but I've ordered the lamb kebabs once and they were amazing! I don't recommend getting any drinks here though, because they are highly over-priced for being so mediocre and watered-down. The service is decent; my friends and I have become cool with some of the staff so we never have problems with service. Horus is definitely a great hang out spot for hookah.
(4)
Wen V.
The food was mediocre, I get better falafels from the street carts but the experience was a lot of fun. I went here last night (Friday) with my roommates. Since it was just the three of us, we were passing the hookah frequently, which distracted us from our meal because you don't want your hookah to go to waste. If you plan on dining here with a small group you ought to finish your meal before you order your hookah. The place is small, dark and intimate. A little cramp. Around 10ish, they have a beautiful belly dancer perform. They turn up the music and turn on a rotating disco ball. Beware the belly dancer will ask you to dance with her. Patrons were laughing, clapping and overall having a great time. I would love to come back here again, not so much for the food but just to hookah and for the entertainment.
(3)
Sarah H.
I had friends visiting from out of town that wanted to smoke hookah...I live in the neighborhood and although I know a million hookah spots, I had never tried this place before so we decided to give it a shot. When we got there we asked if we could sit outside, the host said they didn't have anything open- but we pointed out a table that had 4, basically full, drinks on it...but no people sitting there, no jackets, nothing...half the staff proceeded to run down the street to find the people that had been sitting there, that quite clearly split on their check. Now, that's obnoxious...big time. I would never do that...but what stood out to my friends and I was that they left full drinks...if you're gonna split, wouldn't you finish your drinks first? Well, my friends, we later found out why this happened.... The hookah (we got guava) was delicious and pretty average priced...beers are $6 which isn't amazing, but pretty standard. HOWEVER....do not, I repeat, do not order any hard liquor at this spot...it is more than obviously watered down. We ordered a round of shots (3 whiskey, 1 vodka....all $7 each). They wouldn't let us pick what brand, they only had "house" liquor, which makes sense...since they clearly "make" it in house. The whiskey was basically clear, and the vodka tasted, I kid you not...like sugar water. It became pretty apparent that that must have been why the people before us left with full drinks and without paying...one sip of their pink mixed drinks and they probably realized what was up and got outta there. Still rude, but I understand their pain. So overall, this place is pretty ok...but I mean, there's basically a hookah spot on every other block in the east village. You can do better.
(2)
Kevin L.
Does anyone else find it ironic that the restrooms at Horus have no smoking signs in them? I mean... it's a hookah bar. There's more smoke going on in here than a five-alarm fire. At any rate, in the two times I've been here the staff has been accommodating, graciously making room on the front booth for coats and bags, and coming by on a regular basis to check on us for shisha/drink refills. The regular clientele seem to run the gamut of lone bookworm to mafia-looking duos to undergrad get-togethers. Be prepared to bring your own party and have a quality time working on blowing smoke rings.
(3)
Matt M.
Love this place. Usually end our nights here. Staff is very cool - will sit and smoke with you. Beer selection isn't that great, but I can look past that. Had many good times here. Haven't yet found a hookah bar that compares. Go on belly-dancing night!
(5)
Stacy J.
Bottom Line Up Front: This place blows. I think Dan M. hit the nail on the head, one of the worst experiences in hunting hookah. Not only do you rack up a huge bill, but they actually demand it by enforcing a minimum charge per person. Came with a few friends and were seated after about half an hour until the Horus Cafe speakers... It was death by sound, it was so loud we could hardly hear the waiter when he demanded that we order more off the menu to fulfill our minimum immediately. Well, we made sure he heard us when we said goodbye. They couldn't pay us enough to want to stay. Not worth the wait.
(1)
Florence Y.
Hookah? Check Live music? Check Fairly affordable drinks? Check Cave-like atmosphere? Check Packed on a Wednesday night? Check (This only means it's get insane on weekends) Strong drinks? Check Attentive service? Check Friendly staff? Check Great dancing music after live music is done? Check Everyone's in a f-ing good mood!? YES! I want to have my birthday party here, now who is the manager? :) Tip-bits: AC wasn't turned on inside, had to ask waitress why!? Was told they don't take reservations for parties, unless you know the manager Use the hanky-thingy if you order tea, teapot is HOT HOT HOT Loud live music makes this a dance place, not a chatty place Tables are close by to each other, be comfortable being close to strangers...who may become friends for the night. Bathrooms near that kitchen window, to the R. Single unit for each gender. Outside seating "closes" at 12 MN....i think it's cause people live upstairs. Was told there's belly dancers on weekends!
(4)
Yesenia G.
Great food service and atmosphere. Would recommend
(3)
Dan M.
Horus is one of the worst hookah experiences I have EVER had in my life. I went there with about 4 people and racked up a bill over 2 hundo. You would expect the staff to be very nice, but despite the heavy bill were still treating me like an Iraqi soldier would treat our president. They're overpriced in nearly every aspect of the menu. REASONS NOT TO GO: 1. Unless you like radio bullshit hiphop and arabic music SO loud your ear drums bleed then I'd stay out of Horus 2. This place was bleeding out of its ass with dumbass rude college bros. Yea it's a jersey shore crowd for sure.. 3. Slow service (if any at all...)
(1)
Nirav D.
The place has stayed amazing. Sitting outside and smoking shisha at the spot is a great summer activity.
(5)
Nancy Y.
H, It's only been days since we last spent the night together, but I can't stop thinking about you. I just can't get enough of you. My friends think I'm crazy, they tell me to be strong, to try to resist you. They tell me you're not good for me, but they don't know you quite like I do. Over the past few years, our relationship has been on and off. Remember the summer of 09 when we spent almost every night together? I know we've both seen other people, but trust me, my other romances were only fleeting. You were jealous when you saw me with Sahara E., and when I got drinks with Luxor, but haven't I always come back to you? Sure, you drink, you smoke, you go out past 4am every night, but there's a sweeter side to you that other people don't know about. You play me all my favorite songs, you're never harsh, you let my friends pass out on your couch, you always know to make me mint tea at the end of a long night. Best of all, you're always there for me, making time for me whenever I feel like stopping by. You're special, Horus (Your Horus special!) - I know I tell you that all the time, but I just can't help myself. I should have written you this a long time ago, but I think I've finally realized that what we've got is real, babe. I won't ever quit you. -N
(5)
Shinko S.
I feel like a neglected child sometimes at this place. One day I sit down, get amazing service, next day, I sit down, get service 20 minutes later. Two scenarios, I came with a friend during the summer and everything was perfect, the waiter was great, I got really good hookah and sangria. Then I came here for a party. I felt like I was in a tenement house, cramped, no service. It's really funny because the belly dancer wanted to dance with me, all I could think was, how in the world do I get out? I'm in the back of the corner lady! When it's less crowded, I'll stop by.
(3)
Carmen C.
Meh. I can only comment that the hookahs are cheap if you are into that sort of thing. It's a little gimmicky for me as I prefer something stronger. Drink minimums seem to change constantly.
(3)
Cat S.
$30/person minimum is ridiculous. A couple years ago this was at $20/person, which I was semi-okay with.. now it's too much (even though back then I was a student and now a full-time worker).
(2)
Kate A.
Okay, the first time I came to Horus Cafe, I had a blast with my boyfriend! I would've given 4 stars easy. We came in on a Friday night at around 10:30-ish and were greeted and seated promptly. The mussels were delicious, the drinks were strong, and the coals were always being replaced by friendly wait-staff. I left feeling like I had found a new hookah place, as I left my former go-to hookah restaurant after a sour experience. I was so exited to bring 2 of my friends here for a relaxing Tuesday dinner at around 8:00pm. However, we didn't even make it through the door! We were approached by an extremely rude male host, who brashly told us that it's a $30 minimum per person. I told him that I had come here before with my boyfriend about a week ago, and was told no such thing (plus, that was a Friday night, and this was early on a Tuesday) He shrugged at me and said "That's the rules." and proceeded to stand there with his arms crossed, while the other hostess greeted people and sat them (without any mention of this bullshit "rule") Needless to say, my friends and I left dissatisfied, frustrated, and hungry! Has anyone else experienced this? Is this just something I wasn't aware of, or were my friends and I just a target of a disgruntled employee? Anyway, it's going to take some time before I return to Horus again. It's a shame though, because the first time I was really impressed!
(2)
Maksim S.
I've been coming to this place for a very long time now, and I still enjoy it. The reason to come here is great hookah, and gloomy atmosphere that can be a loud-happening party on weekend nights, or chill and even romantic quiet hangout spot during the week. It just depends on the night. The decor is pretty cool too, for those who care. The food has gotten a bit worse - used to be really good, now just so and so - but like I said, hookah is the reason to come here. They usually have good Sangria, and many different options for food (meat or veg). Get the Sex on the Beach hookah, Red Sangria, and some hummus to munch on. You will not be disappointed.
(4)
Erin D.
Horus bore-us. Went here for an unmemorable brunch with the pooch over the weekend. My initial thrill to grab a very fairly priced menu and get seated outside with my pup immediately on a busy Sunday vanished rapidly as I realized only one distracted waitress was working the place, and I soon found myself sitting for at least 15 minutes without water or the coffee I ordered. Didn't get my much-needed caffeine until I started eating my "omelet" about 20 minutes later, which was really a smallish circular, 1/2" thick frittata carelessly topped with oily, overcooked 'shrooms and onions and some thin cut-up strips of barely melted Swiss. If they had just folded over the damn thing into a half-moon omelet shape, it would've looked much more appetizing, AND the cheese would've melted a bit more. I also asked for some milk for the coffee and for the accompanying salad to not have dressing, but that didn't happen. Sadly, the dog also didn't get a water bowl, but I was grateful that their patio was dog-friendly. I'm thinking hookah's the way to go here.
(2)
Katy D.
I cannot attest to the hookah portion of this spot, though the smells were amazing.. But three girlfriends and I stumbled upon this place after a day at the Russian Baths just down the street. It was a BEAUTIFUL afternoon, and we were seated immediately outside for some sangria and snacks. The chocolate chip and banana stuffed pancakes were an amazing, generous dish, and not too pricy at all! The small pitcher of Sangria was $30, and three of us were able to get at least two glasses out of it. -0.5 stars for the hummus; very bland, but had a generous supply of pita -0.5 stars for slow service - 1 star..they added in the "service charge" on our table of 4 without telling us. I'm sure many people have overlooked that, but folks, your sangria wasn't THAT strong to make us not realize it was added in...
(3)
Melissa S.
I'm not reviewing this as a Hookah Bar but as a restaurant. And though I give it only 2 starts, I will admit the food was fine. Nothing to go out of your way for, but if happened to be in the East Village and you wanted to sit outside near the park it should be a good choice - but it's not. I was walking by this afternoon and saw some people eating really good looking omelets - since my stomach was asking to be fed and Westville was going to be a 20-30 minute wait, I thought it looked like a fine choice. Lovely seat outside, beautiful day, ordered some brunch - all was fine. Just as my food came, the table next to me lit up their hookah. Not ideal while your eating but there was a pleasant breeze blowing most of the smoke away from me so no biggie. Finished eating, got my check and mildly surprised to see they had added a service charge. Not a fan of tips being added, but i get it, I worked as a server, it happens. (I am less offended in areas with a high tourist population - in Times Square I expect it. Iin the EV, I am a bit taken aback. I was by myself, not a party of 6, but hey whatever.) Bill pre-tip was 14.70 they added 2.46 which is less than I would have tipped but a good 17% (It was 2x the tax) - with their service charge it was 17.16. Now I figured i'd leave an extra 50 cents - maybe even all the coins, cause I normally do tip about 20% which would have been closer to $3, so I put down a $20 and waited for them to come back with my change. And much to my surprise he slapped down $2 and walked off. Not the $2.84 that I was expecting. Now I'm annoyed. Because let's face it - adding a service charge in the first place is a bit of an illegal asshat kind of move. But adding a service charge and then keeping almost a dollar extra is super asshat. And though I was going to leave it - it took the privilege of being a good tipper out of my hands. We are talking dollars and cents so it may seem a silly squabble - but if this was a big table and we use the same percentages - say the bill was $147 instead of $14.70. and they tagged on the same % making an auto-gratuity of $24.60 and they short changed me by $8.40...most people would be pissed. And because of that Horus Cafe goes from being a place I would have rated 4 starts before I got my bill to being rated 2 stars after I paid and felt ripped off. And it goes from being a place that I would have recommended to many of my friends to one that I will actively steer my friends away from.
(2)
Yoshi M.
Had lots of fun hereeeee! First time at a hookah bar but was fun and tasted so good!!! Waiters were very nice and friendly :D came around often to chk the hookah and added coal when needed.... Drinks were expensive though... The sangria was $50 for the pitcher.... ( I guess that sort of makes sense since there its a semi big pitcher) BUT it tasted kind meeeeeeh. Didn't care for it at all. All this is basically for the hookah and service.... Don't know about the food since I didn't have any!!!
(4)
Melissa F.
if you're looking for a restaurant with a wide variety of hookah, this place does the job. it's pretty small considering the amount of people they manage to squeeze in, but once you're situated, all's well (as long as you don't have to get up to use the restroom--then have fun navigating the obstacles to get there--which i guess can be fun?). the staff was friendly and attentive, and when i told our waitress that my beer tasted funky (the tap must have been towards the end), with a smile, she gladly swapped it out for something else. HOOZAH! solid.
(3)
Monica J.
When my sister got into town for Labor Day weekend, I brought her here because 1. I really liked the atmosphere here the last few times I came 2. I was exhausted after work and this is right near my apartment My other experiences here have been good but on this particular evening the waitress decided to spill my sister's drink all over me and not even comp the drink! What ever happened to customer service?? That should be standard. This place was on the verge of becoming my regular hang out with good music, good hookah, yummy drinks and decent prices but now I'll have to find a hookah bar in east village that knows the meaning of service. And actually, the following evening I went in search of just that and found Scarab Lounge instead. I suggest you check out their reviews.
(2)
Benoit D.
the place is pretty nice if you want to feel like in Marroco. Besides that, do never go there for having diner. First the music is terribly loud. Impossible to hear the people you are with. Impossible to hear the waiter. Seriously terrible. wanted to leave after 2 minutes. Then Service was so slow. well, terribly slow. Incredibly slow. The lamb tajine was not very good. Lamb was very very fat, and the meat not tender. beuh. And finally, tips included in the bill. way more than what they deserved. I did not complain because I did not want to spend one more minute there. To affraid to be death for my entire life.
(1)
Austin O.
I like this place a lot for its location, as well as the good quality of their hookahs (they use real coals, for starters, and their more expensive ones such as the pineapple are really something). The side walk cafe is great, as well as the belly dancing that they have sometimes, which is pretty cool. Its nice that they also have beers - basically if you can snag a table outside in the summer time with a couple friends, it'll be a good time. Minus one star for the cost/minimum charge per person.
(4)
Nadine S.
My review is from a student's perspective... want a place that I can sit at for a couple of hours, with my laptop and hookah in a chill atmosphere. I found that this Horus location is really perfect for that until about 7ish (which is expected). In terms of their hookah, It took a couple visits before I finally got a hookah that I was happy with but they have a very nice staff that always went out of their way to make the experience better. (my personal all time favorite "go-to" hookah mix is peach and orange mixed in a grapefruit head... you can't go wrong!) I really appreciate the versatility of this place. Its a sun-drenched work/chill conducive place during the day, and a vibrant romantic lounge in the evening.
(4)
Ellen C.
great service, great hookah, and the belly dancing is interesting and people tend to get up and dance sometimes- a relaxing and fun place!
(4)
Ava R.
I usually don't waste my time on places with 3 start ratings. Why bother, right? But this was the location for a friend's birthday festivities so I didn't have much of a choice. We walk in on a Saturday night to very loud music and an admitedly cool atmosphere. Low lighting, sandy-looking walls with candles all around. Not sure why the music was so loud considering there's no space to dance at all, but ok... First we're sitting at one of the tables in the center of the restaurant. The little Moroccan style cushions they give you to sit on are so unstable and light that I almost busted my face on the table just trying to sit in one. It was lucky we moved to a both along the wall because after a few drinks that would have been a disaster. Service was ridiculously slow. We had to wait for everything an extremely long time--the menu, then the water, then ordering drinks and hookah, then food. And I did'nt understand it because there was almost a 1:2 ratio of servers to dining parties. The hookah was well priced and they put sangria in it, which I haven't seen often. The food seemed decent at best, I didn't bother to order any. The drink I ordered was very good (it was one of the champagne cocktails). So here's the kicker: on a Saturday night there is a $30 minimum per person. The doorman definitely didn't tell me this when I entered because I would have smoothly turned on my heel and sent my friend a lovely card. This information, by they way, is conveniently missing from the menu and any signage inside or outside the restaurant. So for some shared hookah, 1 drink, shit service, and no food, I paid $30. Good thing I have yelp; instead of being pissed and arguing with the manager, I left with a smile on my face knowing I would write this review.
(2)
Cynthia C.
Excellent Service! Live music-Love the watermelon and mint hookah!
(4)
Varun V.
Went here on a random Wednesday night and it was worth it. The hookahs were amazing, and although the place didn't really have a hip/happening (or any) crowd we had a bloody amazing time. The music was GREAT and perfect for dancing and making a fool out of yourself. The service was superb with the helpers refilling coals in the hookah so that it lasted longer. As far as the food goes the only things we sampled were the shepard salad which was adequate and the hummus which was, well, hummus.
(4)
Ruben B.
I haven't been yelping for a while now, but after the most bizarre and disappointing meal I've ever had in the city, I felt compelled to come out of retirement. Looking at other reviews it seems like Horus Cafe is a great spot to come to smoke hookah. If that's what you're looking for, by all means check out Horus Cafe. Just don't make the mistake of coming here for an actual meal like my friends and I did Sunday morning. After we were told at Westville East that the wait would be close to an hour we went in search of other options. Half a block down we came across Horus Cafe and since it was empty and we were a large group decided to go for it. This decision would haunt us for the rest of the afternoon... The food itself is fine, and could maybe even earn 3 stars if you were feeling generous. But when half-decent food takes 45 minutes to arrive, and then two meals have been forgotten altogether... Not cool. By the time our two friends' meals arrived most of us had almost finished. Two other tables who arrived after us got their food before my friends. Not all surprisingly, when one of my friends' orders finally arrived, it was wrong! When asked they comped us the forgotten meals, but that wasn't enough to erase the aggravation from the meal. There are so many great places to spend your money on around the city, this is not one of them.
(1)
Rosanne W.
1 star - For a small welcoming restaurant 2 stars - For fast seating for such a small place 3 stars - For the good hookah So me and my friend were checking this place out since I'm planning my party this Saturday night, but not here because it is way too small. The hookah came quick; we ordered a simple Strawberry hookah which was $18, a chicken ceaser salad which was like $9, and an appetizer which was another $9 I believe. The music was a bit TOO LOUD, like I don't get these hookah bars and the ridiculous loud middle eastern music. I do love music but must it be too loud that I can't even hear my friend talk? Anyways, when the food arrived after about another 5 mins, the salad was OK, nothing great or exciting. Trust me, these places aren't taken their sweet ass time cooking the chicken unless it's their lamb kebabs or chicken dishes. The appetizer basket was also pre-heated stuff like chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, and fallafel balls. After that, getting the check was a pain since the waiter was running around the place. He finally gave us our attention, started collecting the dishes and all of a sudden he dropped the dishes right next to my friend, and I WAS COVERED IN TIHINA SAUCE AND MARINARA SAUCE! Why me? Some other worker quickly got me paper towels and a cup of water to clean my sweater, my pants, and my boots off with sauce. It's just my luck that I have to get covered and my friend got N O T H I N G! The damn waiter didn't give me much attention after that. He was allover my friend, like WTF DUDE? I got covered in sauce and you couldn't help me out? All he can do was apologize but seriously, I just don't wanna go back there again for a good while. It was crowded on a Wednesday night which I personally find it odd. I guess cause it's President's week off? If anyone is going to that place, I suggest you bring some "wet ones".
(3)
Kyri K.
Went on a Sunday afternoon and had a great experience. Ordered two hookahs and tea for five of us and we sat outside. Both were good and it was a nice way to spend the afternoon. I'd go back on a night to see what its like then. Service charge?
(4)
Lex L.
Ambiance - ehhh.... lots of lunchroom like tables and wooden chairs all packed together like sardines....place is extremely loud where you feel you have to practically yell in order to have a conversation Hookah - flavor was meek and didnt taste like watermelon or mint and didnt last long at all. overall - there are like 10 places wayyyy better within walking distance.
(2)
Ryan O.
This place is extremely fun, servers are present and friendly. You will not want to leave. Awesome hookah bar.
(5)
Chris Y.
Pretty standard Hookah joint with prices ranging from 15 bucks for standard flavors to 30 bucks for alcohol/cocktail derived versions. They usually are pretty good about refilling the coals and don't bother you if you sit for a while. Food is pretty blah but good for munchies or snacks. Drinks are standard NY prices of 6 bucks for beers and 8+ for cocktails. One thing of note is that they tack on a SERVICE CHARGE regardless of how many people are in your party or what you order....so be sure to check before double tipping them!
(3)
Sameer A.
Horus A . . . perhaps the best hookah smoking experience in Manhattan especially if you get a chance to smoke outside while people watching on Avenue A. Their hookah baristas are quite knowledgeable and can pack a mean bowl. Although, it is preferable to use the fresh fruit bowl, I've smoked that bowl for 4-5 hours on slow nights and it did not lose flavor. The music is nice, and not too loud. On slower nights, you can request a genre, or specific song. The belly dancer comes out on Friday and Saturday nights, its usually a different girl, but they are all pretty friendly and will dance with just about anyone, but not too scandalous. Their belly dancers bring lots of energy. They also have live music occasionally during the middle of the week. Their food is adequate bar food, not disappointing, but also nothing to write home about. The negatives: Horus is a small venue, and can get quite crowded, therefore they do impose a time limit along with a minimum. The new staff is somewhat annoying and not as friendly as the older staff, but that happens with every location, as the best and smartest employees usually get promoted or better job opportunities.
(5)
Elizabeth B.
I guess Horus on B is pretty different. I've always had good experiences there. Horus on A does have pretty terrible waitstaff - snotty and rude and definitely burn and turn, which is not what you're looking for in a hookah place. Not to mention a dollar minimum per person. I've seen a drink minimum, which, while I'm not a fan of, I'll accept. I haven't seen a dollar minimum yet - not to mention one which, if we ordered a standard hookah + 2 cocktails would not cover the minimum.
(2)
Henan J.
Hookah in a pineapple! what more can i say in the city that never sleeps you can find a great Middle Eastern meal, music and hookah to end the outing
(4)
Jessica R.
I've never done the whole hookah smoking thing in the past. I actually ended up here after being booted off the patio at winebar as it was getting late. Can someone explain that to me? Why do the patios in the EV close so early--is it a licensing issue? Well, on my way home after too much wine, we stumbled into this place to try some flavored tobacco. I always walk by this place and it seems like everybody is having a good time so I wasn't reluctant to give it a whirl. That patio was closed, go figure, so we found a table inside and ordered the Sex on the Beach flavor. I'm not a fan of fruity girly drinks but it was tasty in tobacco form. The wine that I ordered to accompany it was pretty gross though. The music was BLARING in my ear and I could barely hear myself think and it got old pretty quickly. I went to the bathroom and couldn't get the door to lock so I had to pee while holding the door with my foot and botching 3 different attempts of a bust-in. Like, if you try to get in once and someone is holding the door, don't you think you should wait until they come out? This place gets three stars because the busboys were very attentive in bringing new coals every time ours got low. The serving staff was a little slow but whatever. I probably wouldn't go here again unless it was someone else's idea. Sitting on the patio would be nice to experience as it's a great location.
(3)
Lana V.
Ok I would have probably enjoyed this place a little more if I still smoked hookah, but having outgrown the habit years ago I now see Horus for what it really is, a regular middle eastern restaurant/lounge with really crappy service. Came here on a Monday night after dinner because a friend's friend's band was playing. We missed the band's performance but decided to stay for a bit. There were 5 of us and the place was pretty empty except for the band and their friends. Having just come from a big dinner we decided to keep it light. Two of us wanted to split a milkshake, and another one wanted a hookah and a cup of coffee. When we finally got our order I made the mistake of asking the "waitress" for an extra straw. She turned on me with an attitude and informed me that she was not a waitress (though what do you call somebody that gives you a menu and writes down your order?) and that a waitress would come eventually and require that each person order a minimum of one drink. Well that's something we would have liked to know before we sat down and ordered the things we did. Nothing annoys me more than being forced to order something, especially when we are already clearly paying customers in an empty place. Anyway, we needn't have worried because our true "waitress" never materialized though we waited for her for nearly an hour to put in our stupid orders of tea or something to fulfill the requirement. In fact I don't think we saw a single waitress in the establishment, though there were a ton of hookah busboys (the dudes that set up the hookahs and check up on them). Eventually we got our check and left. The moral of the story? This Horus sucks, it's small and has bitchy service. Go to the one on B, it's much better.
(2)
Lauren L.
The heat was turned UP last sunday! It was 95 degrees! The mojitos and the peach hookah were really good, a little pricey. Service was so-so. Didn't eat anything, though.
(3)
Mo H.
I understand having high prices for hookah during the evenings and night time, but do I want to drop $30 on a regular basis for a hookah in the afternoon. Fine I'm even okay with doing that on a regular basis but I got the smallest bottle of coke that the company makes and they charged $5.00 for it at 1 PM in the afternoon. I am from Cali. They usually have happy hour hookah's in the afternoon and then regular prices at night. Seating for about 80 people inside and out combined. I would come here more regularly but these prices are outrageous.
(1)
Ariel Z.
Love this place for the lounge and hookah part. The ambiance and the music were fantastical (though really loud, you have to strain your voice). Ordered the mint and grape flavor hookah, which was perfect. The staff are really good about replacing the hot coals and were really chill people. I love the votive candles tucked into the crevices of what looked like a curved stucco wall, resembling a stone cave...AWESOME!! A silly brawl between two dudes broke out at closing time (4am). However, the staff totally controlled the situation and did not hesitate to throw both on the ground when they kept trying to go at each other. Definitely comforting to know that they don't take any crap and ensure the safety of their customers.
(4)
Alison L.
We got lucky enough to come on a Friday night, and they didn't charge us the minimum amount. However, I would go back even if I did have to (I think the minimum was 30 dollars per person). You can sit there and hookah the night away, and so it will be well worth your money. They also are attentive to the embers so that the smoke will keep going strong. Music is a nice mix of top 40s. I would definitely go back!
(4)
Kevin Z.
This place changed my mind on hookah. The taste is stronger than my first time only time. On a Friday night, it's really crowded. Surprised!! Well I got into this and came out really wasted but if you bring some good fun friends along, this is a place for party. The price is pretty reasonable as costly five friends $150 for a good time including 2 pitchers and endless hookah. Had such a good time, the place offered us free shots. That's a smart move owner !! :) Going forward, the place is small putting me on the edge sitting next to the hot coal. I think they should cover them better but I have seem anyone burned so far. Be safe and do go enjoy this place. Bring a party.
(4)
Joe X.
The best hookah in whole NYC , I got the Egyption pharaoh flavor ever . Good atmosphere , and great place .
(5)
Jade M.
One of the best hookah experiences I have ever had. Paid thirty five dollars each between five people, we had two hookahs, two platters of food, a pitcher is sangria which was a little weak, and that included tax and tip. The atmosphere was really chill and dim with good music and free shots before we left!
(4)
James M.
Disrespectful Service! Friends and I calmly walked in and requested to sit at at a booth seat because the chairs at the table weren't comfortable by any standard. The three of us sat down and and took off our coats and began to get comfortable. Admittedly, we were spilling on to another table mainly because our space was a tad small. The server came over to us with an overt attitude. He began to verbally scold us about sitting where we had been given permission to sit. His tone, body language and volume was completely inappropriate. As a person who has worked in the industry I know the proper way to address customers about siting issues. This guy completely handled potential customers with no respect! The other employees did not come over to correct the situation but looked at us like a bystanders who had no say so regarding the culture of their establishment. I would not recommend this place to any one who is looking to have a great overall experience!
(1)
Alex B.
It was really good at the beginning until we ordered desserts. They served us the sample desserts that had been shown to everyone ( I don't know when they bought those samples but one had a happy new year chocolate on top of it and this happened on jan 10th) They didn't tell us that. we got curious and told them that we wanted to see the samples again. The waiter didn't want to show the samples first and after arguing for a while he went back to the kitchen. 10 minutes later he told us that the ones we had were the samples and they ignored us for the rest of the night. You can imagine how disgusting it was. It is your choice to go there.
(1)
Kris K.
Great spot for hookah and drinks. The food was good, service was great and hookah was amazing. Will be back next time I'm in town.
(5)
Mark R.
I have been going here for about 2 years now. I still remember the first time walking in thinking how small the place was and how crowded. I was so close to the next table that I thought we were part of the same group. I don't go here for food but for good music, relaxing environment, hookah and belly dance. Until 10 PM or so, the music is low key with Deadmaus beats with little words and the place cleans out with the dinner crowd. Then around 11 PM or so the crowd shuffles in again for drinks & hookah with the music changing over to Pop Club music. The lighting is very simple and people simply dance where they sit by getting up and doing their wiggle wiggle wiggle. It's LOUD so if you don't like the noise then sit outside because it is much quieter. I like the cushion seats against the wall where you have the view of the whole restaurant. Stay away from the middle seats because you have no where to lean unless you have ABS of STEEL. Recommend cuban mojito hookah if you want something interesting but $30 might be little over priced. I can settled for Blue Mist.
(4)
Alice C.
I was here last night with two friends and we had a great experience. It's a little out of the way, but the hookah here is one of the best I've had in the city so far. We tried the Egyptian Pharaoh, which I wasn't a fan of (it tasted like coconut...jellybeans?) and a peach mint hookah, which was very good. Additionally, they had people come by constantly to rotate the coals for us, which was great. We switched seats halfway through to a larger table, and the staff was very friendly and accommodating. They do get a star off because the food is honestly not that great, and their drink menu is very limited, which is a problem as they ask that each person orders a drink. As a hookah bar though, this is one of my favorites.
(4)
Maria F.
I have been going here since moving to NY. The hookah is good quality. The sex on the beach is by far my favorite. Their greek salad, ALWAYS fresh. I love it and my boyfriend loves their harira soup. I have tried fried calamari and hot horus combo. These were NOT very GOOD. The quality is not good, and honestly removing this and maybe other dishes like mozarella stick will not be missed. I say focus on quality not quantity; revamp your menu.
(5)
Kristie C.
Hookah was alright, service sucked though... Waiter tried to sucker us into purchasing the grapefruit or pineapple bowl, saying "grapefruit or pineapple?" as if we had no option.
(2)
Colbylto C.
The Horus Cafe is one of the grimiest hookah bars I've been to. The bouncer acts like it is a club and they treat noisey obnoxious women like they are royalty. I would rather go to a place with a better more open atmosphere than be stuffed in there with their mediocre dishes, mediocre hookah, and mediocre attitude. I go to those places to escape the superficial atmosphere and when i walk in there it really ruined my night. Very crowded aswell, not enough room.
(1)
Hillary F.
Can't say enough good things about Horus. I have been coming here for the past few years and I always have a great time. Their hookah is amazing, and the food is delicious. Sunday brunch never disappoints.
(5)
Jade J.
Been coming here for the past 2 years pretty regularly (3-4x/month) and it was my favorite hookah place up until things have really gone downhilll. Initially fell in love with this place for their smooth shisha and delicious food. My first time there, they actually changed our shisha (we were there for 6 hours)! They would automatically refill our mint tea and the staff was super accommodating. Fast-forward to my experience yesterday... 1.they no longer use real coal, but have switched to quicklite coals that make the shisha harsher. 2. forget changing the shisha, that never happened after the first time. 3. the previous time, they had told us they don't do tea refills, but can give us a glass of hot water to pour into the pot ourselves....so I did just that, and they tried to charge me $4 for two glasses of hot water. (the manager denies ever giving free refills and that this has been the policy for the past 4 years. AND he went on to say that they charge $2 for hot water because some people come in with their own tea bags...like, seriously??) 4. it really annoys me how they treat a regular customer (and they don't recognize me!!) when I almost always get food, drinks and shisha. Their food is still good albeit a bit pricey. Service is good and staff is friendly. Wednesday nights, they have live music which is pretty neat. Weekends, they have a belly dancer..but then again, most places do. I seriously question whether I would ever go back considering how they keep cutting corners and how my throat is now sore after smoking their harsh hookah. Anyone got a better hookah place to recommend? (not Cloister)
(2)
Chris C.
I love the low lighting and music. Good music and great volume. You can still have a conversation as the music is playing. service was a little weak tonight. I had to get a hold of the waitress after 15 min of waiting.
They're super strict about their $30 min spend per person. Sure, if you're getting food and drinks and hanging out there all night, that's pretty easy, but if you just want to get one hookah to share with a few friends, how in hell are you going to spend that?! Each person get 1.5 hookahs so everyone can get super f*cked up!? Mint tea feels like it's clearing out your sinuses, so take that however you want to. But we just all ordered another round because we didn't know how else to rack up $30 a person. Ended up having to order a massive platter of meat even though we've all already eaten dinner. Had to flag down waitress every time to get her to clean up our coals. Excuse me, but that hideous attempt at our service does not deserve an 18% gratuity. And why put up a belly dancer if you're going to have the lighting so dim you need to bring flashlights to even see your friends sitting two feet from you? I never want to see you again, Horus. Oh wait, I live a block away from you and use the Citi bike station right across the street from you. Grrrr
(1)
Vanessa B.
If I could give this place 0 stars, I would. I have never had such horrible service in my life. The waitress had absolutely no idea what she was doing, but instead of apologizing for wrong orders, she was rude when we asked her to correct something. After waiting for over an hour, and watching other tables get their food, drinks and hookah before they finished bringing our orders was the last straw. When we complained to management, all we got was excuses. How can you tell a customer that the food was brought out, someone else must have eaten it.... We're still waiting, if it was brought to the wrong table ( which it prob was), then fine. Don't make excuses. Apologize and get the meal out. NEVER COMING HERE AGAIN. Side note, Drinks were NASTY. Sorry for the rant.
(1)
Randall H.
Horus Cafe: Stepping into another culinary world? I've decided to search for something light and cheap so as I walk past Thompkins Square Park and see dim candles through very dark windows and a foreign language on the awning of a restaurant, I'm intrigued. Middle eastern food,(which I've not ever had purposely by myself) so I decide to go in. I confirmed the kitchen was open (@ 12:30 am) and was told to sit anywhere I like. The back corner called my name and with just 5 other bodies dining the vibe was very cozy. Some music played loudly which my uncultured mind concluded to be gypsy music and my host was a dark skinned gentleman with dreadlocks. Not too hungry I ordered lentil soup to start. My table quickly filled with soup, a basket of fresh pita, and an endless supply of water. The soup was piping hot so I savored every sip. So simple yet with great full bodied flavor, I just needed a little pepper and lemon to be completely content with this starting dish. Before I was even halfway through my soup, my waiter said something along the lines of get ready here comes your main dish. A little disappointing but the energy was so mellow I just took it in stride and told him that it was all good. My "main dish" was served piping hot as well so I dove right into the mashup of spices, herbs, heavy sauce, and various lamb and mixed sausage: Beautiful. Perhaps it was culture shock but I was stimulated with the simplicity of taste yet uniqueness of flavor. Sausage, lamb, "stew" on a plate with fried egg on top. I don't know how this dish came to fruition but I am very curious to delve deeper into this genre of cuisine in the future. It really wasn't anything out of this world though again I feel with this unprecedented experience I may have been over reacting in my palate's gauge of satisfaction. The crowd increased just enough to counter those who exited maintaining a minimal attendance which was lovely. I asked the waiter how late they stayed open and got the typical NYC response "Open til 4 depending on crowd". Bravo. To be fair, I did not have much of an appetite but what I did consume was very pleasant and simple. The music shifted from gypsy to eqyptian circus to R&B grooves which was a little out of place but at the end of the day, I was out of my element amidst my first homeless night at this needle in a haystack of a hookah restaurant in the east village. Really happy with this find however I cannot fairly rate the food so I leave this open until the next time. If you do come across Horus Cafe, I recommend you give it a shot so long as you don't mind going back in time to when you'd dine in a smokey dining room.
(4)
Joseph T.
I been coming here for a years and Horus always has the best hookah and make sure Shiko is the one who makes it and great belly dancer show and one of the most important things they never close before 4am 7 days a week
(5)
Tyler L.
Horus Cafe is a hookah bar. They have long tables inside that small groups can sit around. The hookah here is nicotine free, and they had over 20 flavors. The apple flavored one and the pineapple flavored one were the ones we tried and they were very good. The food that I tried there (their hummus and kebabs) was so-so, but this is not a place I recommend for food. This is for sitting around and smoking some hookah.
(3)
Atikarn V.
The best thing about this place for me was the service. First, the man at the door went out of his way to help us find a parking spot on a busy Saturday night. They warmly welcomed our group of five. We had "Al" as our waiter and he was the best ever. He was probably the nicest and most welcoming waiter ever. The music was really good--mostly hip hop (Drake, Lil Wayne) and occasionally EDM. It is a little bit hard to talk because of how loud it is. But the atmosphere is cozy and cool. It is not a big place but we liked the dimmed atmosphere a lot. The food was good. The portion was big though and we couldn't finish but Al happily packed it up for us. The hookah was pretty good quality as well. I'd say the downside is the $30 minimum per person but with the service we got we didn't really mind it. We'd go back in a heartbeat! Great place to hangout at night (place doesn't close til 4 AM).
(5)
Heidi W.
Meh, slow service, rude enough to leave for sure. Drink was mixed without any love or care, flat soda. Nice sidewalk seating, but that is too easy to find in EV. If you skip you are not missing anything and probably better off. It gets better: 2 drinks see a $2.70 "service charge" on the tab. And better, waited for 20 mins and did not bring back our change. Finally left out of annoyance. Ouch, so definitely skip this circus. Soooo....
(1)
Chels B.
I used to frequent this place in college. Apparently, I grew up or something, because I was pretty floored to learn that while every cocktail at their bar costs $10+, they only serve (watered down) well liquor. $10 WELL LIQUOR! FOR REAL? No. Further, both my colleague and I ordered fish, and both of our orders were dry, flavorless, and again overpriced for the quality of the food. The other Horus is fun enough when you are a Freshman at NYU, but the grown up version is a complete waste of space.
(1)
Cary M.
Fun place with outdoor seating and hookahs Friendly staff Reasonably priced Bar with specialty drins
(3)
Yashpreet K.
I've been hooked to this place for the past 10 years... Love the shisha options and food menu plus they serve alcohol which makes it easy to hang out with diverse crowd at one place.
(5)
Kru K.
It's a really fun spot. Make sure u reserve in advance if you plan to go on a Friday or Saturday night as it gets really packed. We were a group of 10-15 ppl and had great time. Good food, music, hookah and drinks and frnds ofcoz :)
(4)
Fatima S.
hands down best hookah in the city and i am a hookah snob. the staff is super nice one of the biggest reasons i come back. It's my home away from home.
(5)
Sean F.
We were a party of five and they told us we needed to spend $30 a person to come in. Don't think so... Go down the street to kazuza much better
(1)
James W.
Great Friday night out here. We came here at around midnight and waited for about 15 minutes, which isn't too bad. Good music and vibe. Their hookah is decent - we got watermelon, and they replaced the coals twice over the course of 2 hours. We got one of the corner tables. We also ordered some tea to go with the hookah. Fun times was had by all. I found this place to be very well-ventilated and not so loud that you cannot have a conversation.
(4)
Sari A.
I know it is famous for its shisha (i.e Hookah) but i gotta say it was just okay! Not the best, probably because i'm kinda picky and if i do it better at home then why the waste of money. Anyhow, we went there for my friend's birthday which insist to go to NYC as change of scenery,( she owns a hookah lounge herself here in Philly) So I got my usual double apple shisha and it wasn't worth the two hours drive. They had one of my favorite Egyptian Dishes ( Kosharee : Lentils, pasta and chickpeas with tomato and garlic sauce ) which made the night a bit better. I can say that I enjoyed it. The place is to chill out and have fun, no doubt. Three Yelps!
(3)
Christina P.
Went here for brunch with friends on Saturday, July 10 around 2:30pm. There was no one there (possibly due to the ominous clouds) which was just fine because we had 2 dogs and wanted to sit outside undisturbed. My friends and I decided to share the fruit cocktail hookah (delish) and each of us ordered food. I had the pancakes and the 'viggie omelet' (that's how they spell veggie here, lol). The food was nothing to write home about but it wasn't horrible. Our server was really attentive and even brought ice water for the pups. My friends and I enjoyed the emptiness because we were able to rant and rave about every inappropriate topic in peace. If you go, try the hookah and definitely sit outside (weather permitting)for the excellent people watching. This is a very dog friendly neighborhood, so its fun to see how the dogs and their owners match (or don't).
(3)
Ken W.
Great middle eastern hookah lounge with outdoor seating and great oud music. Didn't see the belly dancer, but with that it would be a perfect place to hang out and smoke. I really enjoyed this place.
(4)
Lindsay K.
I haven't taken a math class in a few years, so forgive me if this sounds off. What do you get when you place a party of three at a table for two when there is a lip-locked party of two sitting at the table for four beside them? Add in grumpy, slow service, a meh bottle of white wine, a hookah with a shoddy hose, and food that tastes nearly identical to the yummy falafel stand on 7th street but marked up 80%. What do you get? A light headed, full, and somewhat pleasurable experience weighed down by high prices, a crowded table, and piss poor service.
(2)
Daniela A.
This place is horrible ! We made reservations and they made us wait outside in the freezing rain for 30 minutes For them to then start an argument. The bouncers were not professional and when asked to speak to the manager he was an absolute joke, Do not waste your time coming here , this place is a joke and isn't worth the trouble .
(1)
Sanjay K.
Hookah was alright, service was decent
(3)
Elise A.
Horus is pretty hit or miss... but seems to miss in all the wrong places. If you sit outside during nice weather, you can almost forgive them of everything because it's just so nice smoking hookah outside across from the park. Otherwise, it can feel a little pricey and a little rushed. Your coals usually die out long before anyone comes to refill them and the food is good but not memorable. It can often get really packed inside with the music so loud that you'd literally have to scream to be able to hear anyone at your table. Overall, if it's nice outside, it'll probably be a good time. Otherwise, might try one of the other many hookah places around.
(3)
D L.
A good solid 3+ stars for this place. Came in for dinner at about 8 with a friend and stayed for a couple hours. The server probably could use some training, but was friendly and helpful. We were never hassled or rushed. Food was good and the hookah was excellent. The server was very knowledgeable about everything, just didn't have the rhythm to get your order and keep the meal on track But don't go to a hookah bar if you're on some rigid schedule. Music was a little rough - at first it was recorded stuff and interruptions and transitions not well done. the live music was fine, but a little on the loud side for a small place. I'd recommend to a friend. honestly don't know why someone would come in here for brunch, just doesn't give that impression or vibe, and from the reviews it doesn't seem to be going well, but for nighttime give it a try.
(3)
Christopher G.
i have been going to horus cafe for a long time for a number of years, i have witnessed management change , and as everyone may know when management changes service does as well. But i am more then happy to say that the service has stayed top notch. the waiter have always been attentive and sweet even though in the night time they do have to deal with loud drunk people. In fact me and a friend once went to the cafe and witnessed a fight between the new manger and a angry drunk guy wanting a seat (all packed), the guy smack the owner and we reacted quickly and droped the other guy to the floor and held him until the cops came. The manager was more than happy with or help that he discounted or bill, gave us free drinks and 2 free hookas. The food is ok i rarely go with the idea of having a full meal, just snacks during the smoke time is normally enough. the only real complaint i have is that the new belly dancers they are bringing suck..... seriously they look like they just want to twirl around an go. They literally run out when they are done. SO GO TO THIS HOOKAH BAR ITS GREAT!!
(4)
Dustin R.
As hookah bars go in the area this is the most romantic and intimate. We ordered baklava which was presented well - I was underwhelmed by the taste but my wife thought it was tasty enough. They offer beers on draft which pleases me (in contrast with other local hookah places). The service was decent and overall the atmosphere was pleasant with music prominent but not too loud for a conversation. The hookah had a smooth consistency and lasted long enough.
(4)
Alex M.
$15 hookah $5 beer (Stella & Harpoon) 1 drink minimum Sat at a table in the center with no backs--not very "hookah-chill" but there is more comfortable seating around. Service is so-so but in their defense, under-staffed.
(3)
Christine C.
Like everyone else in the NYC world..this. is.my . favorite.shisa.place .! Shisha is awesome, and the food is amazing! Honestly, I'll go to any hookah lounge in the city if it's named Horus.
(5)
Joshua S.
I've had better experiences at the one on B than the one on A. I've went in during the weekdays daytime only. Atmosphere was great. Food is good but way overpriced. The food service was adequate and our hookahs always had fiery coals. Staff could be more enjoyable. Just glad I didn't have to deal with some of the experiences the other posters had. Overall, not worth it unless I'm just going for hookah and a few drinks.
(3)
Grant C.
Been here twice in last two weeks. Great chill place with good tea the first time, 4 stars for that visit, but rushed, crowded, more expensive and incredibly loud (with a multicolored disco ball?!?!?!) the second, 2 stars for that visit.
(3)
Chris C.
Great hookah bar. Its huge and there wasn't too long of a wait for a table. Service was okay. We had to ask for things more than once but after asking a second time, we got what we needed.
(3)
Maya M.
I had a terrible experience. I arrived with two friends. We were dressed nicely, on our way to the theater afterwards. The waiter tried to seat three of us at a small table for two. We asked for a larger table, and he went "Oh, you're going to order food?" We did order food. I'm vegetarian, my friends are not. We ordered an appetizer, to split, and I ordered a falafel salad (an appetizer) to eat while my friends had their entrees. My falafel came out at the same time as our appetizer (fine, not a huge deal), but it was burnt. It tasted scorched. Both of my friends tasted it, and agreed. When I called the waiter over, he scoffed. When I made it clear that I was upset with my food, he told me to 'settle down'. I told him my falafel was burnt; he responded that their falafel was how it was made in Lebanon, and I just didn't appreciate it. He spent a good thirty seconds telling me off. I got it taken off the bill, but I was intensely disrespected. No manager checked in with us. I will never go here again, and I will advise my friends to avoid this establishment.
(1)
Tulie L.
The first bar stop once I flew into the city at 11am! It was happening on a Thursday night, with a 5 min wait we were quickly seated. The place is pretty small and extremely dimly lit, can seat approx. 50 people max. They play lively Euro-Mix, Euro-Trash Music which keeps the atmosphere fun, rather then sleepy (cause you known dim lights makes me YAWN!!) They serve great appetizers of hummus and assorted varieties of middle eastern snacks. What was a bit sad for me was there is no grape leaves:( boo hoo.. What made it up was their peach hookah It was yummy and light. They serve a good mojito too I had to get a 2nd! The wine and beer selections are a good handful but respectable. Would be a great place to bring a date or hangout with friends. I would definitely come back if I was in town!
(4)
Pj H.
Came here last thursday for a quick puff and some pinot after brunch. Got the pineapple (which comes in a pineapple) and it was delicious. Very smooth and great flavor. There was only one other guy there so the coal boy kept us well lit. The decor is cute. After my second pinot I started to feel like I was in the middle east...or was that all the pot I smoked before?? Who knows. The only reason I felt compelled to write a review was to rave about how I saw Rachael McAdams when I walked out and down the street. I could've died... right then and there.
(4)
Dot S.
Went there on a FREEZING day and it was just as cold inside because they insist on having those annoying giant FANS blowing air in and out from the street because of the occasional Hookah smoker. We literally had to wear our winter coats, scarves and hats while we ate. The waitress was arrogant and rushed us. Soup was tasty so I was surprised when I got a super dry, old, stale salad when I ordered the beat/goat cheese salad. It was crap. I asked for more dressing (which took 20 minutes) but the dressing didn't help. The salad was beyond repair. I supposed this place is ok for students who want a smoke but the food is as crap as the service is. And once again, they need to TURN OFF THE FREAKIN' AC AND FANS! To be fair, my Husband said his chocolate cake/dessert was amazing. I hated the place. Pfft!
(1)
K E.
I was there the other week and saw a rat ran through the restaurant. yep, not going back there .
(1)
Kelsey S.
Question: Where the hell do you go when you want to smoke delicious mixed fruit hooka, drink red wine and be way too obnoxious to the poor saps serving you way past 4am? Answer: Not here, this is our place to do that. Find somewhere else.
(4)
Jason B.
Good hookah. Just had the apple mint and it was great. However it took them TWENTY minutes to get us new coals. This happened twice. They were very under staffed for a Friday night. Will not go there again. A note: The couple that was sitting next to left and gave us their leftover hookah when they left. The hookah guy came to our table and asked us where we got the pipe. We told him, he turned away and said "we don't do that."
(1)
mark s.
Booo. BOOOOOOOO! So girl and I were looking for a place to have a couple of drinks after not being able to get a seat at Common Ground trivia night. We saw some people drinking Sangria and decided to try it. We got a pitcher of white sangria. I should state up front that I don't think I've ever had white sangria before, so it's possible I just don't care for it in general, but I certainly didn't care for this. My main gripe is with the service. It took too long for a server to appear to take our order (it was NOT crowded,) too long for the drinks to appear, and WAAAAAY to long to get our check. Then when we did get the check, service was already included, 18%, I think. More than I was going to tip for the lame service we had gotten. Do I need to restate that there were only TWO of us? We paid cash and requested change, seeing as how the 18% was more than we really wanted to tip. Then the server clearly took an intentionally long time bringing us our change, clearly so we would just give up and let her keep it. I am ashamed to say that this strategy worked. Next time I'll just show up earlier at Common Ground.
(1)
Keyno W.
We got the "sex on the beach" hookah...no beach and no sex, please dont go there :P i got the lentil soup ,not bad but would be better if they served bread or even crutons... We ordered the moroccan mint tea,it was awful..no mint and no tea at all ..then i ordered the egptian tea..it was also not good ,ground tea leaves were sitting at the bottom of my glass..
(1)
Lauren B.
Been here several times, and each has been pleasant and enjoyable. Great spot for a small group of friends. I really enjoy the fruit bowl hookah selections, and the food is decent if you care to nosh! Nice, accommodating staff and the disco ball they throw on late night is adorable. 2 thumbs up!
(4)
Angie B.
No. Just no. Too loud. Too crowded. And what was up with their $20 per person minimum? We wanted to bounce the second we got there. Some of my friends actually just threw $20 on the table (even thought they just had one drink) and left because they just couldn't stand being in that cramped space with the inappropriate techno on blast. Ugh. The food was decent. But they only serve beer and wine, which makes the $20 minimum even more ridiculous. Hookahs are supposed to be relaxing. I left that place more tense than when I got there.
(1)
Jonathan G.
My friends and I (a total group of 8) rolled up here late-night after a healthy amount of time at Zum Schneider. Despite being Israeli, I have had a very limited amount of hookah experience, but I can't see how a New York City hookah bar can be better than this. First of all, name me another place that will bend over backwards to accomodate a group of 8 drunks at 2:00 am. Secondly, when we were seated, our server was so sweet - a cute Albanian girl who immediately took to a friend of mine who lived in Greece and Turkey for a while. She recommended a flavor for us (Lady in Red) as well as a wine selection. We proceed to smoke and get increasingly drunk...and nobody seemed to care. Drunk people + hot coals + expensive smoking apparatus usual equals servers/bussers watching you like a hawk. Then the busboy inexplicably took our hookah away...I became enraged...Were we about to get kicked out? WHAT THE FUCK DID WE DO?!? WE ARE JUST SITTING HERE HAVING A GREAT TIME NOT BOTHERING ANYONE!!! Oh, wait, he brought it back...with a brand new order of Lady in Red, on the house. I then proposed marriage to said busboy. As if I wasn't already sold on this place. We're getting married in April. But seriously, folks...I heartily recommend this place. Granted, I didn't make it over there for the belly-dancing show and didn't try the food, but based on ambience, service, and quality of the tabacky and draaaaaaaanks, I say "yallah!"
(4)
zack s.
STAY AWAY from this over priced place!!!!! Door guy was rude and actually said "Your giving me a headache with your questions" after we asked him when they started doing a $30 minimum per person when I was just there recently with 4 friends and no minimum was set. He was so rude. Also when I was there with my gf and we had lunch and sangria the sangria was just alright. Definitely not worth the ton of $$$ we spent on it. Way over priced!!!!! Hope this place goes out of business since the staff doesn't realize that they should actually respect the customer and try to provide good service. Horus Cafe YOU FAIL!!!!!!
(1)
ilya k.
I came here with my brother and really liked the place - very good atmosphere, great good, good hookah, and excellent tea, reasonable prices! What more do you need?
(4)
Richard B.
First time in a hookah bar, I was lucky enough to see some live belly dancing too. Got the cherry flavored hookah, and tried the lamb sausage salad and the shish kabob. Everything was delicious. Weird thing though. My harpoon ufo beer tasted somewhat like the hookah. Very confusing.
(4)
Kevin F.
Awesome fun place, great atmosphere, great music, cheap hookahs that can keep going forever, good strong drinks, and very nice waiters. You can't go wrong with this place, they did a great job executing the hookah atmosphere with the decor, the candlelight etc.. I recommend you sit inside, enjoy the atmosphere, see everyone with big smiles on their faces and puff puff give,
(4)
Raine O.
Pros: Lovely servers, relaxing music, clean bathroom and beautiful interior. The babaganoush was yummy as well as their tahini and french fries. Cons: Main dishes were tasteless and boring and the food took forever to get to our table. Does it really take 30-40 minutes to make a salad? Maybe if we had gone on a different day instead of Christmas and a different time like the evening we would have had a different experience. But for now my family and I will not be going back there.
(2)
Davide P.
Get an Egyptian or Moroccan tea together with an Egyptian Pharaon hookah, and chill. The place is cool with live Arab music, but way more relaxing and suggestive when less crowded and more quiet, as this way it'll be easier to enjoy the peculiar atmosphere of an intimate chat, surrounded by a cloud of scented smoke, while sipping tea from small glasses full of mint leaves. Downside, asking for the check will put your feet back on the ground.
(4)
Rachel C.
Stepping inside, this place smells wonderful! Well ventilated yet aromatic. They were able to seat our party of seven with just a five minute wait. Not too bad for nearly 2 am. However they put us crammed around two tables that really should have been for two people and the small, squashy stools we were sitting on did not make us fit around the table easily, I kept bumping into the gentleman sitting to my right. That was really my only gripe about this place. Service wasn't the friendliest, but the staff were attentive to our drinks as ell as our hookahs. And for $15 a hookah and $6 for my glass of wine I became happier to sit at the cramped table relaxing with my friends. I even had a conversation with said gentleman I kept bumping into and he let us finish his hookah as they were leaving! The drink selection is impressive for a place this size and they make a mean mojito, all reasonably priced. The food looked and smelled wonderful, but we had just gotten dinner a few blocks away and at a MUCH cheaper price! Not really a place to linger, they seemed eager to get us out once we were finished. I can imagine they let you relax a bit more if you were ordering food. But I would definitely come back next time I am in the city!
(3)
Juliet A.
I have to admit, I'm a bit shocked to see so many glowing reviews of Horus after my experience (albeit limited experience) here the other night. A few friends and I came in after going out elsewhere in this neighborhood, thinking Horus looked like a chill place to end the night. We were seated quickly and immediately took to the very cool, cave-like atmosphere (earthen walls with little ledges holding candles/lights). After a few minutes, a waiter approached us and asked us if we wouldn't mind moving to accommodate a larger group coming in. No problem, we obliged. After moving to a corner table, we waited a significant amount of time before any waitstaff gave us any attention. When our order was finally taken, we decided to try a fruity hookah (Horus has a pretty solid variety of hookah flavors) for $15, but were then told that there was a 1 drink minimum...which is not written anywhere on the menu. Not cool. So we ordered some drinks and proceeded to wait. And wait. And wait. After 15 minutes of sitting around, unable to carry a conversation over the unnecessarily loud music, and with still not even a glass of water in front of us, we decided to bolt. Having never walked out on a place before, I would think that definitely merits a 1 star rating.
(1)
Pinar T.
This is one example how the service quality can make or break a business! I was fascinated with the interior decoration.Apparently they spent lots of effort on prettying up the place. From the candles to the ornaments on acoustical ceilings everything was perfect. Then we were greeted by a wait staff who looked like she was going to murder somebody! When I had a question she didn't even bother trying to explain the menu. I ordered mozzarella sticks which cost 7.50$ and baklava which I admit was delicious. The food seemed to be good but our drinks were never re-filled and the place wasn't even crowded. Having experienced the "food industry" myself I don't expect the wait staff to be all bubbly,lively,chatty,sunshine out of your *** kind of people but this was too much of a drama. Then it just turned to plain horror when the bill came with a "service charge" of well over 15%. I gave this place 2 stars just because of the interior design and the atmosphere.That's it. I'd advise smoking away your money somewhere else.
(2)
Lani P.
I went here the other night after having been drinking at other places and thought of this place on a whim. I came here with my date and we sat inside with the cool air conditioning (they have tons of seats outside) and were surprised with a three piece band that played standards with a Cuban flair, as well as some Cuban songs. They were great!! I was impressed that the cafe only serves beer, wine and champagne, as I find that kind of filters a certain clientele down from the liquor drinkers. But the best part of this cafe are the hookahs. They had probably twenty or so flavours to smoke and they even give you a refill when your first pot is kicked. That I liked too. I can't say that I have had the food here yet, but I am definitely willing to come back to this charming cafe to try all they have to offer. Avenue A has plenty of bike racks along the avenue to chain your ride to. Sometimes they can be all filled up and you need to use a street sign, but usually you can get a spot right away.
(4)
Andy C.
Horus Cafe! The best place to go after a night of clubbing or a long day at work. I stumbled on this place with a few friends when wandering around in the area and we were pleasantly surprised. There's no better flavor than the Egyptian Pharaoh - it's a mix between honey, vanilla, and something else; I was a bit saucy at the time so I can't remember too well. All their hookahs are nicotine free and are a little under $20 with the exception of two which are $30 and $45 I think. Get the calamari and the mint tea when you're there - guaranteed to impress. Outdoor seating stops at 1AM, but the place stays open until 4AM. People frequently come by to replace charcoal, blow ash out of the bowl, and just to see if everything is OK. They also have a full bar too. One thing to be careful of: I went on a Friday with one other person and we were told there was a $20 min per person. I came back on Saturday and we just had to do the standard one drink per person. Overall, one of the better places in NY to smoke.
(4)
Nicole C.
Beautiful day in New York (finally) and we decided to take a walk down the East Village. What better way to celebrate the spring than to sit outside facing Tompkins Square Park? Too bad the servers all but ignored our section of outside seating leaving us waiting way too long for drinks, dishes and the check. I ordered a regular coke, and it was fountain type and it was just disgusting-- tasted so watered down I could hardly drink it. My Greek Salad was quite bland, could have used more citrus and the hummus was also too simple, not spiced enough. They do have good hookah which I have tried before, and also good Egyptian tea. If I had to choose between the loveliness of sitting outside but with bad food/service or sitting inside with good food/service I'd rather choose a place that only had indoor seating. It took them FOREVER to bring our check and we had to ask twice. They also charged us a 20% service charge (even though it was only two of us). We would NOT have given such a good tip. My recommendation? Don't come here for the food, just for the hookah/drinks.
(2)
Robby T.
In theory, I love this place. Open late, social hookah, turkish coffee, decent atmosphere. But I'm big on service & Horus Cafe is NOT. I've been here a few times and every time they're shoving the check down your throat right after you order. The wait staff can't be bothered to do anything but the bare minimum since tip is already included in your check. Last night the hookah guy literally took the hookah out of my hand while I was smoking it and said, "you're done." Really?!?! I understand the need to turn tables, but there's a better way to do that. Basically, there are tons of other hookah bars in the East Village--yelp them, visit them. There is NO REASON to go to Horus Cafe, if you want an enjoyable experience. Last night was my last time there & I'm gonna spread the word. Sorry Horus.
(1)
Z. W.
This place wins the prize for the UNFRIENDLIEST wait staff EVER. One of the waitresses gave me an attitude because I actually smiled at her. Hoping the other staff members would be nicer-- they failed too. I was so pissed off, which prompted me to make loud remarks (of course the service didn't get better). I used to be a waitress/bartender for four years... so I think I have the right to be a bitch about this. Not until I figured out that tip was already included in the bill (which sucks, because I would have given her less) I understood that they perhaps don't have the need to work for tips anyway. Hookah was great, food was so-so and the staff needs to be fired. Or the management.
(1)
Koko H.
On a Friday night around 9pm it wasn't too crowded. My friend and I were seated right away and got a double apple hookah for $15. While the hookah was good and produced really smooth and light smoke, the flavor was off. It didn't taste like apple. Some kind of weird licorice aftertaste. I asked for water and they brought me a bottle, so just make sure to specify tap water if that's your preference.
(3)
Mark M.
Went there on a whim. Was on a date and walked by and we both thought it looked like something we wanted to check out. Had no idea it was a hookah bar. I had the time of my life. I recommend it to anyone, and am planning on going there again.
(5)
Amanda A.
Went here once for hookah, its chill and they have drinks which is good. I liked the hookah and it was just a nice, laid back environment.
(4)
Seren C.
This place is packed on the weekends for no good reason. If you get a spot to sit outside and enjoy some hookah, then you are lucky. Inside, the music is blasted so that you can't even hear what song it is. Also, it is very small and cramped inside. We got a spot outside, ordered two hookahs and some drinks. The service is nice and the drinks are decent, but they don't know anything about hookah!! Just really poor quality tobacco and at $15 each, not worth it in my opinion. Real hookah is best enjoyed in Astoria. Skip this place and keep walking till you find something better...
(2)
Nait P.
Ash....the same guy who caused the 62nd street location to be shut down by the SLA is going to cause 6th and B a lot of the same problems...Corey and Mike from the SLA will be sure to know...nice job!
(1)
Jackie L.
Seriously , this place is a good time. Definitely not trendy but definitely not edgy. Definitely been done before but deintely not boring. Some of the more interesting bely dancing I've seen and a nice balance of middle eastern decor (i.e patterned sheets on the wall and dim lighting with lanterns). Servers were very lifelike compared to most generic staffed hookah bars. Great mix of music, drinks, hookahs, food, and people. Particularly people, who all seemed to be from the laid back, drama free, semi-intelligent, although definitely downtown generally chill persuasion. Everyone seems to mingle well and form one large party instead of several separate ones. My problem was with HOW crowded, HOW loud, and how house party-esque it felt at times. Its entertaining to watch how the waiters, guys with the hot coals, belly dancers, people dancing, and the rest of people passing through all fit into the same narrow space running the length of thisnot so big establishment without falling over, hurting someone, or screaming RAPE! If it had a little extra room and if I were a bit less anal then I would probably give it more stars.
(3)
Nader T.
If you want Arabic food, go to Moustache around the corner or Al-Bustan in Midtown. If you want shisha, go to Khyber Pass. Better yet, go to Bay Ridge and buy your own. If you want a cool place to hang out, there are plenty of other quirky bars in the East Village that'll be much more worth your while.
(2)
Brinda G.
I love this place. I love the hookah. I love the food. Period.
(4)
Mia K.
I have an aversion toward these Manhattan-esque unauthentic overpriced hookah bars. The ridiculous flavor combinations (although I've made some better ones at home) combined with the pretentious atmosphere makes me want to hurl. I'll stick to Steinway.
(2)
John K.
This place is fantastic. I came here with a native New York Citian and I was very satisfied with my experience. Sheesha/Hookah with real coals instead of that sparkly coal crap. One of the smoothest sheeshas I've had. And a real cool atmosphere to top it off. Tuesday nights, the Horus has two Egyptian guitarists who specialize in Spanish Classical music. Very awesome indeed. We chilled here for hours and hours on end and the time just flew by. What's a Horus you ask? Well, Horus (Sahlab) is a very thick drink made of nuts, coconuts, & milk. The best way to describe the taste is like a hot milkshake. Most tourists go to Serendipity's for the Frozen Hot Chocolate, think of this as the converse. The Yin of the Yang if you will. Definitely recommend.
(5)
kelly m.
Friendly, chill spot, fruity hookahs are fresh and tasty, they use ice cold water in the hookah which ive never seen before but i can swear it makes the hookah flavors taste better and they change the coals often enough for it not to get too ashy. 8 us of chilled there for several hours, live music, good beats, we had a lot of fun, the setup is kinda romantic, works well for small crowd or larger crowd. the only minus was the place was a little overheated, and the drinks are hit/miss, mojjitos= a, bellini= c.
(4)
Shinsuke I.
I think I was there this past Saturday. I think I had a beer, which I was physically unable to finish. I think we had a peach peach sheesha. I think my friends father, who's an accomplished pilot(boats, ships) (coolest parent of all time) stopped by after work and had a beer and some hookah with us, AND paid for us. I think I had fun here if not at another hookah bar near by. Does anyone remember an intoxicated asian sitting with two other white kids and an old guy who looks like a pilot? Please help: lost memory, dignity and liver.
(4)
Bobby B.
The decor of this place is nice and the overall first impression is very good. But after 20 mins you may find yourself getting uncomfortable. The music is way too loud, its cramped, and you have to yell across the table to have a conversation... On the other hand the food, drinks and hookah are very good. If this place had better speakers with some nice mellow music in the back ground, and maybe a little more space, this place would definitely jump up a big notch. Nonetheless, it's worth checking out.
(3)
Danny M.
I've been here a few times, the problem is a lot of those times it's crowded to all hell, and there's precious space to move around, which can get hairy with all the hookahs around and stuff. They have the better belly dancer IMO and they're one of the few places I've been to that uses fruit with their hookahs (The pineapple hookah was out of this world). However, be wary: They have a tendency to add the tip to their bar as a "service charge". It has happened to me twice.
(3)
Dina M.
Great place, the food is good and so is the service...Heard the hookah was good..didn't try it though
(4)
Ryan V.
Whether a starting point for a night out or a place to chill on a night in, Horus consistently delivers a solid experience. I particularly enjoy the outdoor sidewalk seating. It's slightly crowded but makes for an ideal area to relax on warmer nights, smoking hookah and kicking back with friends. It's also great for people-watching; this girl once wore a huge and inappropriately shaped balloon scultpture on her head as a birthday gag, and every guy passing by had to touch it. The hookah itself is decent (though I've yet to try their fresh fruit hookahs), and I didn't care much for the drink list or the food (the hummus is kind of bland, actually). But another nice touch I noticed was their tea; a friend ordered mint tea and got this nicely presented platter of hot water in an intricately adorned pot and a glass filled with fresh mint. It was very classy, as well as an aromatic and throat-soothing compliment to our hookah.
(4)
Devin P.
Not having much hookah-joint experience to compare, I'd say this place is worth visiting/frequenting. It's a great place to just hang out with a few people and pass the pipe. The service is pretty good, and they sometimes comp good customers a desert or something. The interior is dark and cavernous with candles sunk into the walls. It can get a little loud in there, especially when they have belly dancing, but a good scene still. Their food ain't bad either, but I'd rather eat somwhere else and then spend a few relaxing hours here after.
(3)
Simon X.
A year ago, this place would've been a 5. However I think the owner has changed since then. The old owner used to bring us various ethic snacks whenever we visit. Since then, it has become a ritual for us to end our Saturday nights at Horus. Overall the hookahs here are definitely one of the best ones we've had in the city. The smoke volume is high and it lasts much longer before getting harsh and needing a coal change. Since the owner change, I believe our favorite hookah flavor "Silver Fox" has been taken off the menu, but they still make it for us when we ask for it. Give it a try, it's by far their best flavor. My only complaint is that sometimes when play the hip hop a bit too loud. Once the table next to us (I swear they're high school students) started dancing right next to us. It really took away from the chill and relaxed atmosphere.
(4)
Angie H.
Really enjoyed this place. The hookah was great! The service was great too! Anytime I needed something someone was right there to help me whether it be another drink or fresh charcoal! I will definitely go back to this place next time I'm in New York!
(5)
Divya R.
if this is your first time try the fruit mix for a lighter smoke. If you want stronger definitely get the horus special. Belly dancers later in the evenings and definitely good music. The food is suprisingly authentic and good.
(3)
Jenny S.
Horus is one of my favorite places in alphabet city. I love hookahs, and the first time I went here I knew I'd keep going back. The place looks like a cave inside, which gives it a dark, cozy atmosphere. The egyptian pharoah hookah is my favorite, i love it - and the food is pretty good too, I always get the platter that has hummus, falafel, etc. Egyptian iced tea is AWESOME too. They have belly dancers sometimes so it's always entertaining - although it does get really loud on belly dancer nights, so you won't have a quiet hookah session. Overall I like this one better than the other Horus on B because it's bigger and more lively, and the food is better. Horus on B is sweet too though because of the cushions on the floor, and the hookahs are just as good.
(4)
Vanessa Z.
when in doubt, go to horus! my friends and I have been coming here for almost 2 years, and it is always a fun time. Hossam and the rest of the crew are super friendly and always smiling. and the music is awesome--a mix of arabic music, hip-hop, reggaeton, ets, so pretty much something for everyone. you can tell this place is legitimate because most of the people coming in are arabic, so you know it has to be good. I've had better hookah in the city, but in the end it's all about atmosphere, and horus has one of the best I've seen. even on a random night of the week, this place is pretty packed, so come weekends you may have to wait for a seat. cute, cozy, and always a great time!
(4)
Molly T.
Horus is a great place to go to end the night--good ambiance and music. We got there around 3 and split a double apple hookah. My friend had red wine and I got this warm coconut/nut/milk drink that was really yummy and rich. The experience would have been perfect if not for the guy sitting next to us. He was on a date and acting like he owned the place, bossing all the servers around. He spilled beer on my friend and didn't even flinch, but his date definitely noticed. Also, they include gratuity on the bill instead of just letting you tip. Maybe they don't trust drunk people at 4 a.m. which I guess I can understand. Just for two drinks and a hookah, it ended up being $16 each which I thought was kind of expensive. I think the bar closed at 4 and we left shortly thereafter.
(4)
Wes J.
Located on the corner of 10th and Ave A, this little cafe/hookah bar is relatively easy to find. Cocktails are $8. Hookah is $15+. There is a one drink per person minimum and after 10:30pm on Friday + weekends, it's a $20 minimum per person. Food is totally overpriced. The mint tea tasted like hot water scattered with a few mint leaves. The cocktails were so-so. It's very small and gets very crowded. There is belly-dancing after 11pm. My experience was "okay." It wasn't that great and I hated paying so much for sub-par drinks. The Albanian waitress was kind of pushy and kept giving us dirty looks because we didn't order as much food/drinks as she would've liked us to. She then kept coming over to take away our plates and glasses even when we weren't finished and basically kept pushing for us to leave and give up our table to waiting customers. The lighting is dark and there are some small candles all around the cafe. My skin looked flawless in this light, though, so at least that was cool.
(3)
Jon A.
Simple terrible. The staff is rude and unaccommodating. Avoid this place if you can!!!
(1)
Eli H.
Difficult to believe that this place is still in business. Went with wife and a friend for lunch. Something was wrong with each of our orders: my burger was rare on one side, well done on the other; wife had ordered burger with cheese and no dressing on the salad, but came out with both requests incorrect and when it the waiter came back withe the "corrected" order, the cheese was wrong and the salad had hair; finally our friend had ordered a salad with no dressing, but dressing was indeed added. Almost too strange to be true. Would not return/recommend.
(1)
Mandella L.
I really love this place to the point that i find myself craving it at times. Walking in to the quaint main room envelopes you in a soft vanilla aroma. For what it lacks in space it makes up in quality and tip top speedy service.
(5)
Daniela A.
I really enjoy Hookah -- but the thing about most spots is that they get way too crowded, the crowds can sometimes be extremely annoying (a table with 5+ meat-headed guys being idiots), and the music is way too loud to enjoy drinks, smoke, and convo with friends. This really isn't the case at this location. The staff is very friendly--even when you feel it is too packed--they find a way to make room for a large group of people and everybody feel comfortable. Good music that isn't too loud. Service again is great -- Hookah's are priced well and like Emmy said--they will replace the coals if you ask. Prices are moderate but I just wouldn't recommend the white sangria (maybe the red is better). I'd definitely come back here.
(4)
S K.
I have no idea how good the food/hookah/entertainment was because we were all blinded by the OBSCENELY rude service we got. We all left after one beer. We wandered into this place on a random Tuesday night to grab a few drinks. Recap of our night...mind you, this place was half-empty. -any questions asked about the drink selection were answered with "read the menu" -when we turned down hookah, each and every one of us got an angry retort "you're not smoking?!?!"...repeated over and over again. -when we turned down food, we got a similar response wherein she proceeded to aggressively rip the menus off our table -our server proceeded to complain about us very loudly to the other servers about how she couldn't believe we were only ordering drinks -a friend stopped by to say hello and our server told him he couldn't sit if he wasn't going to order anything...he was there for 2 minutes and, again, the place was half-empty This entire visit was a trip. I wasn't even really angry, just utterly shocked. I almost found the whole thing comical, actually...mental note - never come to this place again.
(1)
Emmy Y.
This place is great. I've just moved to the NYC-area from San Francisco and have been pretty turned off by the plethora of "trendy" upscale bars that charge you $15/drink to scream your conversation directly into the person-standing-right-next-to-you's ear. I do not understand the popularity of these places. The staff at Horus Cafe (the one on 10th @ Ave A) is extremely friendly and attentive, offering you more drinks (for $4 or $5 per beer) as soon as your glass looks low, and they're not obnoxious with their hookah service like some of the other Hookah Bars I've been to in the area. They serve you each hookah with enough plastic mouthpieces for everyone in your party, and they'll replace your coals as soon as you ask (and they won't complain about it or make you feel guilty for asking for coals instead of another $15 hookah). Another fantastic plus is that they have the cleanest women's bathroom that I've ever seen in a bar, and I've heard the men's room is nice, too :) They're nothing like what I've come to expect of the typical NYC bar scene. Want to spend your Saturday night someplace chill with good drinks, food, and entertainment? A place where you can actually hear yourself think, and have a conversation with a couple of friends at a decent decibel? This place is great.
(5)
Gina C.
so...I was here last week for my friend's husband's band play...and they were awesome!!! jamming on the oud and doumbek these two did an awesome job...and the hookah smelled good...too bad the service was slow...I ordered baklava and tea...and only got my baklava. Maybe it was because the place was packed...which was a little hard to believe at midnight on a Wednesday night, so I'm thinking about giving it another try....BUT...not so sure... unless...it's to go here some live music...
(3)
Harper S.
I went here with two friends to grab a drink and quick bite. We sat outside as it was a nice night and they had their dog with them. We ordered drinks (they only have wine, beer and house vodka--no full bar) We ordered the Horus Combo composed of hummus, falafel, babaghanouj and tabouli & tahini sauce which was very yummy. We also ordered a pineapple hookah. It was good food, drinks, hookah but the service was very fair. Considering it was a Wednesday night and not very busy, they were very slow. Plus they added a service charge automatically so you didn't have the choice of how much tip you left.
(3)
lu b.
Horus is fun! The food isn't bad either. It's not the best Mediterranean food there is, but it's a fun place for a group of people. Use the 20% off coupon they have on 8coupons.com and you'll have more for a few more rounds of hookah
(5)
Romana Claretta H.
not wat it use to be. the food is good, hookah is not bad, but prices are high for the quality. gets super packed. i do like the live belly dancer.
(3)
Lisa B.
We said baklava and then just as we said it, we ran into a little knot of people who blocked our way, looked up and saw the eye of Horus staring down at us. Following divine inspiration and the smell of apple tobacco (yum!) we entered. We were just there for the baklava and some tea so there isn't much to report but what was amusing was the very inappropriate flatware that came with our desserts. My friend was given an oyster fork with which to eat his baklava, and my creme brulee came with one of those long spoons that you get with a root beer float. Would I go back? Hell yeah! If only to eat ice cream with chopsticks.
(3)
Mimo R.
I've been going to Horus Cafe for many years, and while the place itself has many faults, if you can get over them then you can enjoy some of the best hookah, Arabic food, and music and dancing in Manhattan. Cons: - On weekend nights, the huge wait to get in, and the mandatory $20 per person rule inside - The "gratuity" that is automatically added to the bill - The lack of liquor (somehow they lost their liquor license, but are still able to serve beer and wine) - At times inconsistent service Pros: - Horus really does have some good, clean shisha, and is one of the few hookah establishments that will use fruit as the tobacco holder (Try ordering a "Sex on the Beach" hookah) - The food is surprisingly good! You wouldn't think you'd get such tasty food in a club/bar/lounge, but try ordering the lamb shish kabob and rice. VERY good...and I know my lamb! - Sitting outside during a warm summer night! - When it's hopping in here, you can always have a good time dancing! Next time you're in Alphabet City and looking for a hookah lounge, try Horus over Leyali (across the street) or Babel.
(4)
Taylor H.
For years I have been in search of a Hookah bar in this great city that has both a traditional middle eastern atmosphere as well as feeling a bit upscale. Although Horus is now becomming somewhat of a chain now they still retain some charm. Every time I order a hookah it arrive and is perfect balance of taste and smoke. Each of there tobaccos they use are top of the line. Although prices may seem steep and for many including myself who have not that much patience hookahs take a while for preparation they still seem to arrive perfect each time. Another praise for Horus comes with the fact that they accept credit cards which is a plus amongst most of the hookah bars in the east village who only take cash and usually attempt to rip people off this way. I would say that from my previous experience here I highly recommend taking a visit.
(5)
Heather C.
I came here the other night and wasn't particularly in love with the place. It smells really good when you walk in and they have a good selection of hookahs and fresh fruit hookahs for about $15 to $20. The place was very dimly lit and the seating was romantic but VERY stuffy and hot. The service was alright, but I don't think I would come back here again. I've been to 4 or 5 other places and this one ranks at the bottom.
(2)
kristen g.
this place blew my mind. i stumbled in there on a Friday night but meant to go to the other Horus cafe. needless to say the music was poppin, there was a belly dancer, and ppl just chillin. the ambiance sets the mood for that middle eastern feel. there are even pillows on the floor. i liked white grape hookah with some tea and i was set !
(4)
Katie H.
Went to Horus last night, excited because my friends had been there a few months ago and had a great time. After waiting a few minutes, they sat us (corner, nice!) and then we pored over the menu. We asked some questions about the shisha, and then placed our drink order. It was at this point that the waiter announced that we had to spend $20/person minimum, not including the 18% gratuity. WHAT? There are tons of other hookah bars in the area; what makes them think they can get away with this? My boyfriend ran down the street to check the policy of the next-closest hookah joint while we "looked at the menu" to buy time. He sent us a text saying Kazuza down the street had no minimum policy and was ready to seat us. We grabbed our stuff and bounced. It's too bad, because we had a great time at Kazuza, and definitely ended up spending more than $20/person. I don't mind patronizing a good bar and giving them my money...but I'm going to do it on my own terms, because I'm having a good time, not because I'm forced to.
(1)
Jasmin G.
I finally visited this place that is right across the street from me. It's cute, and gets pretty full on a Thursday night, which is when we went. They have a belly dancing show which was fun, and everyone is smoking hookah but the smell isn't over powering for us non-smokers. (ie - i could still breath without coughing up a storm). The white sangria is good - and the music is fun middle-eastern stuff. Not much dancing going on besides the belly dancer, which makes this place a really chill laid-back clean spot.
(4)
Columbia W.
Very tasty dishes - I had lamb kebab and we shared a sampler of appetizers. Strange tabouli salad - it was about 2% bulgar and 98% parsley. I can't comment on the hookah action because we weren't there for that, but it looked like others were enjoying it. Word of warning: The tip ("service charge") was included in the bill and we were only a party of two. The service charge was shown on the receipt, but the receipt was not returned along with the credit card slip. I've rarely seen that before and I'm sure that they get people to overtip all the time with that ploy.
(3)
W C.
I came out of town to NYC to ring in my 30th and chose this place. We made reservations, but after we started eating, we were asked to move to fit their needs, for ppl who had NO reservations. I was pushed up against the corner, my friend 2 ft ahead of me on my right. We told the waiter it was my bday, did he forget? Because the other bday ppl. got a song/cake. Next thing you know he's quick to deliver and pick up our tab, then proceeded to ask us to move to the bar. We asked for 10 more min. with the hooka but he said no, he had people waiting for the table. We ended up leaving, and leaving unfortunately, a huge fat tip for the waiter who forgot my bday and never checked on us the whole night. Atmosphere was great, halibut was dry on top, and service was horrible.
(1)
Laur T.
Came here with 2 colleagues. What can I say, I'm not a fan of hookahs, not a fan of the horrid food here, not a fan of the cheesy indian / middle eastern MTV videos here that oozes so much in your face sexuality from skimpily clad women and lustful men in a offputting kinda way, Indian men acting (unsuccessfully) balla like with their harem of women and tonguing the girl next to them in a revolting kinda way. Oh and did I mention I'm also not a fan of the belly dancer here? OMG what am I Ms Negativity? I guess that's what Horus does to you. E.W.E
(2)
Ann B.
UNTHINKABLE SERVICE I have been going to Horus every week for about a year because my friends like it. The sheesha is okay and the outdoor seating is nice. However, I give them one star for their consistently horrible service, which finally angered me to the point where I will never go back again. Horus only cares about how much money it makes. Yesterday I went there for a table of 3 and waited about 30 minutes for a table, and when our table cleared up they refused to seat us because we were only going to have sheesha, drinks and dessert (no dinner). I couldn't believe they'd tell us this after we've been such regular customers, and moreover after we'd been waiting for so long. It was around 11:30pm and they should have guessed that most people have had dinner by then. I was completely disgusted by the rude, inconsiderate service. They might have made some more money last night by serving people dinner, but the fact that neither me (or my friends) will ever give them our weekly business again will hurt them more than they know. I will never recommend Horus to anyone. Terrible service, mediocre sheesha, overpriced food. Go to Sultana (4th St between 1st and 2nd ave) instead.
(1)
K K.
enjoyed a mint tea and a Jasmin hookah..the guys were very on point in making sure I always had coals and that the hookah wasn't burning....will try the food one day and write another review....
(3)
Lucy B.
LOVE this place. I'm a HUGE hookah bar fan and this place is probably my favorite. It has a great atmosphere. Last time I was there, they had an incredible DJ spinning. The hookah flavors are delicious. I especially like the hummus platters. I'm on a bit of a tight budget, so I do snacks there and not a full meal, but the couple of times I've splurged, it's been great. The other location, however, on 6th street and Avenue B is just not the same. It's not cozy and it lacks the same ambiance. But this 10th street location is awesome!
(4)
Dan C.
I came here once oh a whim after my brother suggest it. Went with a friend early in the evening. The place was pretty empty so we just hung out had some tea and hookah. I doubt I'll come here later in the night though.
(3)
Mike T.
Great Hookah place. While not as large as its sister, in my opinion the hookah at this place is better and the atmosphere a little more intimate. And to emphasize what some other people have said, the food isn't so bad either. Overall a great time and worth checking out!
(5)
Abby L.
Hands down my fav hookah bar in nyc. I'm not sure if i'm more biased to this place because, it was the venue of my first date with my current beau so that place will always hold a special place for me. Aside from that, its an amazing place to smoke a hookah. Its the kind of place you want to go, smoke filled, mellow and chill, great service and just great ambiance. If you want a hookah place that is not an over-hyped trendy spot, this is the palce to be. I loved it cause, once time i had two extra friends join us and our party was already large and they accomodated me without missing a beat. Besides a pitcher of beer for $15? and they replace the coals of your hookah for you, whats not to like. If you are looking for a place to chill, smoke and listen to actual arabic or Farsi music and not be forced to listen to TOP 40 crap *cough* Karma, then this is the place to be. Go to Karma, cause the less of you that come to Horus, the more it will remain the low key cute spot it is now.
(5)
Angela C.
my friends and i been going here for 3 years. no matter its lunch, dinner or late night, the atmosphere is fantastic! awesome music, food and hookah! service is fast and staff is attentive. the guy who changes the coals come around very often. the alcoholic beverages are a little pricey but its all worth it! you can also get a table and smoke outside when it's nice out which is a plus for me. some nights, they have live music and belly dancers too. overall a great place to chill out, smoke and drink after a long day!
(5)
Caro H.
I've been here two times earlier this year. The environment is great--nice decorations and music. The service could be better--a bit slow sometimes but generally people do their jobs without being rude. The alcohol has typical pricing--drinks are typically around $7. I don't really have a comment about the hookah either. Nothing was exceptionally bad or good about it. The food, however, was way overpriced with extremely small servings. My friends and I racked up a large bill and still felt hungry afterwards. All in all, I consider this place my "safety" hookah bar--I'd only go if I really want hookah and nearby places are closed.
(3)
Richard B.
I was in the East Village on Thursday at lunch time. It was sunny and warm out and I stumbled across this cute little Mediterranean Cafe. There was only me and two other people in the place, not counting the cute Egyptian server. Not only was he cute, but he was also nice. As soon as I took a seat, he came with water and a menu. I ordered an Egyptian iced tea and a grilled chicken wrap sandwich with peppers and tomatoes. The wrap came with a choice of salad or fries. I was starving, so I went with the fries. Great choices, I loved everything!! I finished my iced tea and before I even had a chance to ask, the server had brought me another. Now that's service! And, there was no charge for the second tea. Then the server told me they had set-up their outside tables and would be happy to move me if I wanted to enjoy some sun. This man was not only cute, he could read me mind!!! So, I finished my lunch in the sun and cannot say enough good things about his place.
(4)
justin t.
never ate here, but pretty much always a good hookah experience. no hard alcohol so the mixed drinks are all really week so i say go with the beer. never been here early enough for the belly dancer but always a fan of the sick music. im no hookah expert so i dont know if its good or not but the coal man comes around often enough.
(3)
Talia F.
This place is HORRIBLE! I went with 3 other people on a Friday night. Got a hookah, pitcher of sangria, and some appetizers (all of which were pricey might I add) with about $90 bucks damage. Okay, thats fine....but when we asked for the check (like normal New Yorkers who don't want to wait an hour after they've finished their drinks) they immediately started taking everything away without asking if we were done with it. Half a basket of appetizers, hookah, and two half finished drinks. I even tried to call out after the drinks were taken to have him stop but he ignored me. So I explained to the bus-boy type fellow that we weren't going to be leaving until I finished the drink I had carefully guarded because they had already taken away everything else we paid for. He gave me some speech and then quickly gave me an incredible attitude and then called me a "WHORE!" I was not drunk, nor belligerent (I even gestured for him to come closer when I expressed my disappointment with the service as to not cause a scene) so this was COMPLETELY UNCALLED FOR. When a friend and my boyfriend began to ask him what his problem was, this asshole had my boyfriend roughly escorted out by the bouncer because he knew he had crossed the line and didn't know how to deal with it. We left peacefully because we are not the type of people to get violent or out of control, but I was incredibly disturbed by the type of people they have working at this "establishment." It disgusted me beyond just having a terrible experience, but to have people like this exist in our world just makes me sick. We intend to contact every agency that handles these kinds of complaints because it is not acceptable to treat people in this manner. What started as a great night out quickly turned to shit and this foul place just lost what could've been a repeat local customer. What a shame.
(1)
Miz C.
to this day i crave the goat cheese with honey and pita that i ate when i came here. i hopefully can go back for it again. and again. and again. the tea is yum, and its a great dark place to refuel comfortably on a drinking night.
(5)
Devon M.
If I could give less than one star, I would. Today I had one of the worst restaurant experiences of my life at this place. My friends and I were looking for a place to watch the world cup game and decided it would be fun to do it with a hookah. The four of us got there, the place was empty and we had our choice of tables. The waiter appeared happy to give us a hookah and everything was fine. Then about 15 minutes later, he approached the table and asked if we wanted anything to drink. We said not yet, we were fine, and he informed us that we were required to order a drink to keep the table (remember the place is practically empty). I objected, saying that if they had a minimum consumption rule, they should advertise it on the menu or they should have told us up front. How did he respond? By saying f*@! you and trying to pick a fight with my boyfriend. The manager didn't help either and we were left feeling incredibly uncomfortable and COMPLETELY shocked by the guy's behavior. I had been to this place a couple times before--the food is absolutely mediocre, but this experience took the cake for negativity. I plan on boycotting and you should too.
(1)
Allison K.
A rather large group of us stopped at Horus this weekend as part of birthday festivities (and were surprisingly accommodated immediately )and while the crowd was a lot more our speed than some previous hookah-bar disasters ( yelp.com/biz/5TJdeGTJSOP… ), I found the slightly glitzier atmosphere to be unnecessary. the mosaic tables were beautiful, but the leather stools uncomfortable, and i'm inclined to think that the cave-like walls studded with votives scream ''we're trying too hard!" That said, my sahlab (warm and sweet Egyptian beverage/dessert, ie, what i order when my friends want to smoke a hookah and i don't want to look like a tool) was delish and huge enough to share with the whole table, and the belly dancer was amazing (I couldn't look away when she danced with a tray full of lit candles on her head!). But be warned, when she starts to shimmy and shake, the music gets way too loud to talk to your friends over.
(3)
Elizabeth L.
Food was bland , meat was over cooked , and this is a first : we got 3 of our 4 course dinner all at the same time . Talk about feeling rushed ! Also not a fan of all the hookah smoke all around me , Shouldn't there be a separate area for the customers who are just there to eat and drink ? I went there on a living social special , and still wound up paying an extra $45 for 2 non refillable teas , 1 beer , 1 virgin piña colada,tax and 18% service charge By the way most of the food went back .... Even a dog wouldn't eat a doggy bag from this place. MESSAGE TO OWNER : Get rid of your cook , I would never call him a chef ! And separate the dinner customers from the ones that are smoking .
(1)
Sunny B.
Don't read bad reviews anymore, 'cause this place is so so good! I ordered chicken salad which was amazing and delicious! And my husband tried penne vodka with shrimps and he was so satisfied with that. And! Hookah! I think it's the best hookah ever especially Hasnae Special! The service is good too. We've been waiting for our food maybe 15-20 min, so I think it's pretty cool.
(5)
Nicholas V.
This is definitely one of the better hookah places in the city. The hookahs are really strong and very fresh. The strawberry and melons are their best flavors. Stay away from mint! It's such an icky, blah flavor. This is my to-go place every time I'm in the mood for hookah. The place is decently-sized. They have indoor and outdoor seating, so it's nice to be able to choose where to sit. They have a good staff here, too. It's a small place, so it's not too hard to screw up on customer service. Friday nights are usually packed, of course, and they also have belly dancers that perform on the weekends I believe. They also have a good selection of food here and it doesn't take too long for the food to come out. The food is a little bit on the expensive side, but it's pretty good. All in all, a good hookah joint in the village.
(4)
frank a.
They have great food and hookah! I like to sit out front Nd just hang out on 2nd ave.
(4)
Laura H.
I'm huge into hookah and live near Ave A so I often switch between Horus and Kakuza. Kakuza is my favorite in terms of the service, the atmosphere and the quality of the hookah but I really like the port they serve at Horus (and the hummus). So I struggle some times with what is more important and then that's where I go. But yeah, if you are a weirdo like me and like port with your hookah try this place out!
(3)
Zaina O.
I went to Horus on a Friday night and it was packed. They have outdoor sidewalk seating which is a plus. The drinks were good/strong and the hookah was decent. The music was current and not too loud that you couldn't engage in conversation. However, the service was terrible and we waited a long time for a waitress to take our order. If you're in the area it's a good enough spot to do the trick, but I've been to better places before.
(3)
Isabel M.
TERRIBLE! THESE PEOPLE ARE CROOKS! I literally made a yelp account just so I could warn other people from coming to this place. I wish I could give a"0" star rating. First off, the waitstaff basically ignored us. There was no one in the front and we awkwardly stood there until we were seated. Took forever for one of the waitresses to come take out order, she puts down menus in front of us and walks away without a word. Are they trying to act cool or something? The place wasn't even crowded. The waitress, besides ignoring us when we needed her, would come by and re-fill my glass of Coca Cola which was mostly ice. I thought nothing of it...until I'm charged $15 DOLLARS FOR SODA. She was charging me for every re-fill without even asking, at $3 a refill. My friend who ordered a real drink said it was watered down and too gross to finish. The food was not that good, the apple hookah was alright. Combined with the maximum price for each person, and forced tip...Jesus. No. Just don't come here. The hookah, food, and horrible blasting top 40 music (like..horrible remixes, Pit Bull songs type of bad) is NOT worth it. All these people care about it making money on sub-par service. There are PLENTY of neighboring hookah bars...don't go to this dump. It's definitely not a nice place for dates or for a relaxing experience. Do NOT be fooled by the positive reviews. I wouldn't be surprised if they were fake/friends of the owner.
(1)
Saad M.
Horus is a little slice of the Middle East across from Tompkins Park. The outdoor murals, outdoor seating with views of Alphabet City life and the dark cozy indoor ambience is perfect for a hookah night out. I've had all the flavors here and every one is up to par; my favorite is the Watermelon and Double Apple. The food here is very good with the babaganouj and hummus tapas being favorites. It can be a bit pricey ($8 for hummus?) but it has prime real estate and you pay for what you get. I'm a big fan of the green and red teas with mint; with the hibiscus not being as good as the others if you're into sipping on tea with your hookah. The liquor drinks are quite pricey with double digits for the frozen and mix drinks. The price here would be the only downside but to be expected. Service is pretty good with constant refilling of water and asking how we were doing. If you're looking for a good hookah experience without the techno-middle eastern routine that normally accompanies it in Alphabet City...can do a lot worse than here.
(3)
Aziz A.
Amazing hookah...just smooth and great; I recommend the Cuban mojito on a pineapple (best flavor ever!) Why is this place so great but a 4 star? The only thing stopping it from 5 star is the size of the place and the seats. Horrible seating it's like a kinder garden chair made of wood and cushioned. Ofc it's crowded, heck, this is maybe the best hookah spot in NYC, believe me I'm a great fan of hookah and I enjoy it like I enjoy breathing air. Minimum one drink per person. Service is great, even during busy hours when the place is packed It's a really nice place to take your date to, as long as they don't mind sitting on low chairs. The outside seating area is awesome on a rainy day! The only thing stopping me from giving this place a 5 star is the size of the place and the seats. Horrible seating! It's like those wooden chairs we suffered through in kindergarten with minimum cushioning. On the positive side the crowd, the atmosphere and the hookah makes it the best hookah spot in NYC. More info on the hookah, it's smooth, long lasting and the cloudiness is like thick fog, you're breathe will def. smell good to other people :D you can't go wrong with this place for hookah :)
(4)
Damon R.
First I would like to start off by saying this place was cool. I've read some previous reviews and I didn't want to come here but I did. I'm not sure about the other patrons but you should know where youre going before you go. This is not a place where your gonna get excellent service or food. You go here for the hookah the atmosphere and the people. Now for my visit, I stood in line for quite some time 40mins to be exact. There was no structure to the waiting area turned mosh pit. I was unhappy with the people coming in and out pushing each other and being loud. After I got in to my seat things were ok. The hookah was ok and the drinks were average. The people on the inside were dancing......like people from the sims..lol the music was loud. Someone discovered the club mix techno reggaeton dubstep and cheesy hip hop and gave it to the dj. I will say it made me want to dance...in fact I did some what in my seat...don't judge me. The night overall was ok. The scene was diverse which I like. I did dislike people smoking a hookah(tobbaco) and taking 5 to 6 some breaks within 30mins. Shit cigs are 12 a pack in NYC who can afford that?
(3)
Reb R.
I've been coming here for years, and upon countless searches for similarly good hookah joints, I have barely come up with 2 that are comparable. The service sucks, I agree, but the food is great, the hookah is easily the BEST in the City - NOTE they use REAL coals - not those crappy singular disks you can set with a lighter, like nearly every other hookah bar. Most of the staff are from Egypt or Morocco, with the exception of some of the servers, which, in my opinion really enhances the experience. The hookah's are only $18! Compare that to Suite55 ($30 Mon-Thur, and $40 Fri-Sun...fair hookah, again, one stupid disk to light the whole thing) The hummus is spectacular, as is their lamb. Don't get American food here, it won't be good and it makes NO SENSE to order anything but the traditional dishes. I love that they don't make you rush out after you've eaten. I'll come here to read a book or enjoy a coffee over hookah and I can stay for a couple of hours with no problem. One the weeknights, however, like any other bar/lounge/restaurant in NYC, they prefer that you order food, or at least a drink to occupy a table. Who cares? Why deny yourself delicious appetizers and a perfect hookah? :) I've ordered the regular, mango & peach hookah since 07' - I love this mix. They frequently provide new coals at no charge.
(4)
Luke W.
I went to this place for a friend's birthday a few months ago. Was decent, but from the pictures on the website it appeared a lot bigger. Space was actually quite tight, and since it was a birthday, we had a great deal of people which was not conducive to this at all. The prices were average to slightly high, but it was not of concern. Atmosphere was nice, typical dim hookah bar style. I cannot forget when a friend of mine had asked if they could turn on a TV which was in the corner, immediately next to our table (since the Rangers were in the playoffs), and the waitress told him no. My buddy was livid, but I kept egging on the waitress to deny him because he was so mad! Not a big deal, but it didn't make sense why they even had a TV in the first place. There's belly dancing as the night gets later, which is a nice touch. The dancer will grab people to start dancing with her, and it can be really appealing to the eyes, or your worst nightmare! Some people just shouldn't be jiggling like that! This place was ok, I just think I would have preferred it more if the prices were somewhat better.
(3)
Amy H.
Undeserving of even one star. First, the poor service. I ordered iced tea, but received hot tea. I ordered french toast and fruit salad but received french toast and sausage - as a vegetarian this was not ideal. The hot tea tasted like the rusty metal kettle it came in, and I did not drink it. The french toast was soaked in "strawberry butter" which look like pink yogurt. The $10 orange juice was a full glass of ice cubes and some watered down oj, almost transparent in color. They really have some nerve charging that amount for some ice water. The most upsetting thing was that we were charged a full 18% "service fee", even though we were only two people. When we left cash, the server Jasmine asked us if we wanted our change... as if we were going to leave an additional tip, for poor service and bad food, on top of the generous tip they forced us to give them. Our change should have been $6.88, but they decided to only give us $6 back. Obviously .88 cents isn't a big deal but on top of a forced tip for horrendous service, this was too much. I will never return to or recommend this rip-off establishment.
(1)
Si A.
I've been to Horus many times and have enjoyed the atmosphere and hookah. However, as others have said they do get shady with the bill. Last time I went, my friend who has also been to Horus many times ordered a pot of tea. The waiter brought over the pot and one glass. My friend asked for three more so we could all take a glass from the pot. Little did he know that that quadrupled the price we would be billed for the pot from $5 to $20. Two of the people ended up not even drinking any. Upon seeing the bill he asked the waitress and she insisted it was normal. The other issue people have brought up is that they add around 18% gratuity to each bill even if you're a small party. It's shown as a line item when you get the bill but is not shown on the receipt you sign which also includes a line for tips. If you have a late night out you may not notice and tip 40+%. In any case the food is decent, the atmosphere is nice and the hookah's good. The service can be frustrating.
(2)
Sam O.
the food was great, as well as the dessert - pretty authentic!
(5)
Janet M.
Been coming here since around 2007, never fails!! You want hookah? Ya got it. And its friggin GOOD hookah, at that. And why not add an entire pineapple on top, while you're at it. You want hummus? It's delicious! You want belly dancers? (for the boys) She shows up a few nights here and there. With most of the hookah good bars in the city going out of business, this place is a diamond in the rough. Go and support!
(5)
Lara G.
About twenty-two (22) of us went out to lunch after serving at a volunteer legal desk at the Saturday soup kitchen on 11th Street. Horus was empty except for our group but it still took them a long time to get our food ready. Three (3) of us opted for the merguez sandwich which was great although I would have more merguez in there instead of more olives and I'd go easy on the feta. The salad that came with it was refreshing and I enjoyed it. My friend who sat across me ordered the grilled chicken and offered me some of her food. Of course, I accepted seeing that she had rice and the Asian in me thinks rice is always calling out my name. :) I had a cup of cappucino here, just to keep me from going nuts because it was a long wait for the food and the conversation was on ox tail and I was remembering the dinner we had at a Cuban restaurant. The coffee was actually surprisingly good. :)
(3)
Jackie F.
My love affair with Horus began in the summer of 2009. Having owned my own hookah for the past 6 years, I am generally quite picky about where we smoke hookah because the quality varies so much at hookah bars in the city. I can say with 100% confidence that Horus is, hands down, the best hookah bar in NY Why, you ask? The Horus Special, of course. Grape and orange-flavored shisha inside a hollowed out pineapple doesn't sound like the most appealing combo, but BOY do they make it work. The hookah is smooth and flavorful, and the buzz hits you like a brick (the good kind of brick). The staff is attentive and quick with service, and the turkish coffee and mint tea are BOMB. Best times to visit: - Weeknights. It's literally a party every night of the week. Some nights they bring in a belly dancer, and she really knows how to get the party started. For some reason, I've never had to wait for a table when I come, but the place is always just barely full. No idea how they manage to bring in a full house without overcrowding or long waits, but props to them for getting it right! - Summer weekend afternoons. I just love sitting in their outdoor area when it's nice out, sharing a pitcher of sangria, a hummus platter and the Horus Special. Other quick tips: - $40 min per person on weekend nights, so plan accordingly - Get the horus special - Don't have the turkish coffee if you're planning on sleeping anytime soon. stuff is stronggg - Get the horus special - If you're a hookah owner like me, ask them for a pair of tongs so you can regulate the coals yourself - Get the horus special - outdoor seating closes around midnight (noise ordinances or something) - Get the horus special - they will only let you split 3-4 credit cards, so if you're in a bigger group, bring cash or deal with IOUs - JUST GET THE HORUS SPECIAL OK??
(5)
Stephanie G.
This place wad ok! Their hookah was avg the flavor and smoothness didn't last long. Their drinks were reasonably priced. They had more diverse music than I had expected! They played a lottle hip-hop, dancehall, r&b, spanish music and middle eastern music. Their fries was THE WORST I habe ever had! No matter how much salt I added it just couldn't get better. This place is really small and cramped. But with a little pregaming and the right group of friends you can make the most of it. However this won't be my go to hookah bar.
(3)
Mina P.
We got a seat outside on a gorgeous summer Friday night within 10 minutes. The drinks were STRONG (no complaints here) and the hookah was smooth. They used a much better coal than most establishments and had someone coming around frequently to change them. It was a bit of a bummer that the outside area closes at 1am on the dot but I'd definitely go back.
(4)
Shawnie J.
A good place to have lunch/dinner unless you mind the hookah. Their menu has something for everyone, including my fellow vegans. I loved the Horus Combo. The service was so accommodating and patient. They somehow managed to tolerate my obnoxiously drunk friends without throwing a tantrum. The music is great, too. I just don't understand why the lighting is so dim. You might need to use a flashlight to find your way to the bathroom, which by the way is very hot. You'll burn a million calories as soon as you close the door behind you. The front door staff act like they're protecting the president and are skeptical about letting people in. The venue is very small so expect to become close friends with anyone sitting next to you. Although the food and the service were enough to give this place 4 stars, the cramped space really peeved me.
(3)
Janna M.
Absolutely a ripoff. We had a pitcher of watered down sangria that seemed like it was diluted with koolaid based on how it stained our mouths. It cost $50 and barely gave us give five glasses. We had five people and they automatically put in a 17% service charge, which is way more of a tip than our waitress deserved given her bad attitude and rude comments. I would 100% never come here again and wouldn't recommend my worst enemy drink here.
(1)
Leslie A.
This spot is more loungy than their other location on weekends although the crowd is more or less the same. I'm Moroccan and am very critical of a real Hookah lounge and this, my friends, is one of my best spots in NYC. When you order any Hookah, just SAY CHICO'S SPECIAL and will you will taste the best hookah ever. I give them a 5 for their Hookahs because it is super rare to find good hookah (except maybe a few spots in Astoria). The service I get is usually good too, although could be pretty slow when it gets hectic Fri/Sat nights. Between Fri - Sun nights, get there before 11 if you want a seat guaranteed. Everyone loves their venues because, like I said, The Hookah is great and the food is very tasteful as well =) I personally love their Merguez sausages and Taboule salad. Their other location is great for bday parties on weekends. I guarantee your party to be a memorable one. Its very often that stranger will crash and join the fun!!
(5)
Bernadette S.
Hot mezza plate and hummus plate was good. Small sangria pitcher good for 6-7 glasses. Guy kept our shisha burning until we left. Nice place to chill
(4)
Marissa P.
I had a great time here. $15 hookahs. Nice flavors and good quality. Good service. Very friendly and attentive! Didn't have to ask once to change the coals (at most places in this city you have to ask!) The food is also really good . We had a combo platter with a variety of dips and falafel. Awesome!
Nancy Y.
H, It's only been days since we last spent the night together, but I can't stop thinking about you. I just can't get enough of you. My friends think I'm crazy, they tell me to be strong, to try to resist you. They tell me you're not good for me, but they don't know you quite like I do. Over the past few years, our relationship has been on and off. Remember the summer of 09 when we spent almost every night together? I know we've both seen other people, but trust me, my other romances were only fleeting. You were jealous when you saw me with Sahara E., and when I got drinks with Luxor, but haven't I always come back to you? Sure, you drink, you smoke, you go out past 4am every night, but there's a sweeter side to you that other people don't know about. You play me all my favorite songs, you're never harsh, you let my friends pass out on your couch, you always know to make me mint tea at the end of a long night. Best of all, you're always there for me, making time for me whenever I feel like stopping by. You're special, Horus (Your Horus special!) - I know I tell you that all the time, but I just can't help myself. I should have written you this a long time ago, but I think I've finally realized that what we've got is real, babe. I won't ever quit you. -N
(5)Kate A.
Okay, the first time I came to Horus Cafe, I had a blast with my boyfriend! I would've given 4 stars easy. We came in on a Friday night at around 10:30-ish and were greeted and seated promptly. The mussels were delicious, the drinks were strong, and the coals were always being replaced by friendly wait-staff. I left feeling like I had found a new hookah place, as I left my former go-to hookah restaurant after a sour experience. I was so exited to bring 2 of my friends here for a relaxing Tuesday dinner at around 8:00pm. However, we didn't even make it through the door! We were approached by an extremely rude male host, who brashly told us that it's a $30 minimum per person. I told him that I had come here before with my boyfriend about a week ago, and was told no such thing (plus, that was a Friday night, and this was early on a Tuesday) He shrugged at me and said "That's the rules." and proceeded to stand there with his arms crossed, while the other hostess greeted people and sat them (without any mention of this bullshit "rule") Needless to say, my friends and I left dissatisfied, frustrated, and hungry! Has anyone else experienced this? Is this just something I wasn't aware of, or were my friends and I just a target of a disgruntled employee? Anyway, it's going to take some time before I return to Horus again. It's a shame though, because the first time I was really impressed!
(2)Maksim S.
I've been coming to this place for a very long time now, and I still enjoy it. The reason to come here is great hookah, and gloomy atmosphere that can be a loud-happening party on weekend nights, or chill and even romantic quiet hangout spot during the week. It just depends on the night. The decor is pretty cool too, for those who care. The food has gotten a bit worse - used to be really good, now just so and so - but like I said, hookah is the reason to come here. They usually have good Sangria, and many different options for food (meat or veg). Get the Sex on the Beach hookah, Red Sangria, and some hummus to munch on. You will not be disappointed.
(4)Erin D.
Horus bore-us. Went here for an unmemorable brunch with the pooch over the weekend. My initial thrill to grab a very fairly priced menu and get seated outside with my pup immediately on a busy Sunday vanished rapidly as I realized only one distracted waitress was working the place, and I soon found myself sitting for at least 15 minutes without water or the coffee I ordered. Didn't get my much-needed caffeine until I started eating my "omelet" about 20 minutes later, which was really a smallish circular, 1/2" thick frittata carelessly topped with oily, overcooked 'shrooms and onions and some thin cut-up strips of barely melted Swiss. If they had just folded over the damn thing into a half-moon omelet shape, it would've looked much more appetizing, AND the cheese would've melted a bit more. I also asked for some milk for the coffee and for the accompanying salad to not have dressing, but that didn't happen. Sadly, the dog also didn't get a water bowl, but I was grateful that their patio was dog-friendly. I'm thinking hookah's the way to go here.
(2)Dan M.
Horus is one of the worst hookah experiences I have EVER had in my life. I went there with about 4 people and racked up a bill over 2 hundo. You would expect the staff to be very nice, but despite the heavy bill were still treating me like an Iraqi soldier would treat our president. They're overpriced in nearly every aspect of the menu. REASONS NOT TO GO: 1. Unless you like radio bullshit hiphop and arabic music SO loud your ear drums bleed then I'd stay out of Horus 2. This place was bleeding out of its ass with dumbass rude college bros. Yea it's a jersey shore crowd for sure.. 3. Slow service (if any at all...)
(1)Nirav D.
The place has stayed amazing. Sitting outside and smoking shisha at the spot is a great summer activity.
(5)Katy D.
I cannot attest to the hookah portion of this spot, though the smells were amazing.. But three girlfriends and I stumbled upon this place after a day at the Russian Baths just down the street. It was a BEAUTIFUL afternoon, and we were seated immediately outside for some sangria and snacks. The chocolate chip and banana stuffed pancakes were an amazing, generous dish, and not too pricy at all! The small pitcher of Sangria was $30, and three of us were able to get at least two glasses out of it. -0.5 stars for the hummus; very bland, but had a generous supply of pita -0.5 stars for slow service - 1 star..they added in the "service charge" on our table of 4 without telling us. I'm sure many people have overlooked that, but folks, your sangria wasn't THAT strong to make us not realize it was added in...
(3)Yoshi M.
Had lots of fun hereeeee! First time at a hookah bar but was fun and tasted so good!!! Waiters were very nice and friendly :D came around often to chk the hookah and added coal when needed.... Drinks were expensive though... The sangria was $50 for the pitcher.... ( I guess that sort of makes sense since there its a semi big pitcher) BUT it tasted kind meeeeeeh. Didn't care for it at all. All this is basically for the hookah and service.... Don't know about the food since I didn't have any!!!
(4)Melissa F.
if you're looking for a restaurant with a wide variety of hookah, this place does the job. it's pretty small considering the amount of people they manage to squeeze in, but once you're situated, all's well (as long as you don't have to get up to use the restroom--then have fun navigating the obstacles to get there--which i guess can be fun?). the staff was friendly and attentive, and when i told our waitress that my beer tasted funky (the tap must have been towards the end), with a smile, she gladly swapped it out for something else. HOOZAH! solid.
(3)Melissa S.
I'm not reviewing this as a Hookah Bar but as a restaurant. And though I give it only 2 starts, I will admit the food was fine. Nothing to go out of your way for, but if happened to be in the East Village and you wanted to sit outside near the park it should be a good choice - but it's not. I was walking by this afternoon and saw some people eating really good looking omelets - since my stomach was asking to be fed and Westville was going to be a 20-30 minute wait, I thought it looked like a fine choice. Lovely seat outside, beautiful day, ordered some brunch - all was fine. Just as my food came, the table next to me lit up their hookah. Not ideal while your eating but there was a pleasant breeze blowing most of the smoke away from me so no biggie. Finished eating, got my check and mildly surprised to see they had added a service charge. Not a fan of tips being added, but i get it, I worked as a server, it happens. (I am less offended in areas with a high tourist population - in Times Square I expect it. Iin the EV, I am a bit taken aback. I was by myself, not a party of 6, but hey whatever.) Bill pre-tip was 14.70 they added 2.46 which is less than I would have tipped but a good 17% (It was 2x the tax) - with their service charge it was 17.16. Now I figured i'd leave an extra 50 cents - maybe even all the coins, cause I normally do tip about 20% which would have been closer to $3, so I put down a $20 and waited for them to come back with my change. And much to my surprise he slapped down $2 and walked off. Not the $2.84 that I was expecting. Now I'm annoyed. Because let's face it - adding a service charge in the first place is a bit of an illegal asshat kind of move. But adding a service charge and then keeping almost a dollar extra is super asshat. And though I was going to leave it - it took the privilege of being a good tipper out of my hands. We are talking dollars and cents so it may seem a silly squabble - but if this was a big table and we use the same percentages - say the bill was $147 instead of $14.70. and they tagged on the same % making an auto-gratuity of $24.60 and they short changed me by $8.40...most people would be pissed. And because of that Horus Cafe goes from being a place I would have rated 4 starts before I got my bill to being rated 2 stars after I paid and felt ripped off. And it goes from being a place that I would have recommended to many of my friends to one that I will actively steer my friends away from.
(2)Shinko S.
I feel like a neglected child sometimes at this place. One day I sit down, get amazing service, next day, I sit down, get service 20 minutes later. Two scenarios, I came with a friend during the summer and everything was perfect, the waiter was great, I got really good hookah and sangria. Then I came here for a party. I felt like I was in a tenement house, cramped, no service. It's really funny because the belly dancer wanted to dance with me, all I could think was, how in the world do I get out? I'm in the back of the corner lady! When it's less crowded, I'll stop by.
(3)Carmen C.
Meh. I can only comment that the hookahs are cheap if you are into that sort of thing. It's a little gimmicky for me as I prefer something stronger. Drink minimums seem to change constantly.
(3)Cat S.
$30/person minimum is ridiculous. A couple years ago this was at $20/person, which I was semi-okay with.. now it's too much (even though back then I was a student and now a full-time worker).
(2)Monica J.
When my sister got into town for Labor Day weekend, I brought her here because 1. I really liked the atmosphere here the last few times I came 2. I was exhausted after work and this is right near my apartment My other experiences here have been good but on this particular evening the waitress decided to spill my sister's drink all over me and not even comp the drink! What ever happened to customer service?? That should be standard. This place was on the verge of becoming my regular hang out with good music, good hookah, yummy drinks and decent prices but now I'll have to find a hookah bar in east village that knows the meaning of service. And actually, the following evening I went in search of just that and found Scarab Lounge instead. I suggest you check out their reviews.
(2)Benoit D.
the place is pretty nice if you want to feel like in Marroco. Besides that, do never go there for having diner. First the music is terribly loud. Impossible to hear the people you are with. Impossible to hear the waiter. Seriously terrible. wanted to leave after 2 minutes. Then Service was so slow. well, terribly slow. Incredibly slow. The lamb tajine was not very good. Lamb was very very fat, and the meat not tender. beuh. And finally, tips included in the bill. way more than what they deserved. I did not complain because I did not want to spend one more minute there. To affraid to be death for my entire life.
(1)Austin O.
I like this place a lot for its location, as well as the good quality of their hookahs (they use real coals, for starters, and their more expensive ones such as the pineapple are really something). The side walk cafe is great, as well as the belly dancing that they have sometimes, which is pretty cool. Its nice that they also have beers - basically if you can snag a table outside in the summer time with a couple friends, it'll be a good time. Minus one star for the cost/minimum charge per person.
(4)Nadine S.
My review is from a student's perspective... want a place that I can sit at for a couple of hours, with my laptop and hookah in a chill atmosphere. I found that this Horus location is really perfect for that until about 7ish (which is expected). In terms of their hookah, It took a couple visits before I finally got a hookah that I was happy with but they have a very nice staff that always went out of their way to make the experience better. (my personal all time favorite "go-to" hookah mix is peach and orange mixed in a grapefruit head... you can't go wrong!) I really appreciate the versatility of this place. Its a sun-drenched work/chill conducive place during the day, and a vibrant romantic lounge in the evening.
(4)Ellen C.
great service, great hookah, and the belly dancing is interesting and people tend to get up and dance sometimes- a relaxing and fun place!
(4)Ava R.
I usually don't waste my time on places with 3 start ratings. Why bother, right? But this was the location for a friend's birthday festivities so I didn't have much of a choice. We walk in on a Saturday night to very loud music and an admitedly cool atmosphere. Low lighting, sandy-looking walls with candles all around. Not sure why the music was so loud considering there's no space to dance at all, but ok... First we're sitting at one of the tables in the center of the restaurant. The little Moroccan style cushions they give you to sit on are so unstable and light that I almost busted my face on the table just trying to sit in one. It was lucky we moved to a both along the wall because after a few drinks that would have been a disaster. Service was ridiculously slow. We had to wait for everything an extremely long time--the menu, then the water, then ordering drinks and hookah, then food. And I did'nt understand it because there was almost a 1:2 ratio of servers to dining parties. The hookah was well priced and they put sangria in it, which I haven't seen often. The food seemed decent at best, I didn't bother to order any. The drink I ordered was very good (it was one of the champagne cocktails). So here's the kicker: on a Saturday night there is a $30 minimum per person. The doorman definitely didn't tell me this when I entered because I would have smoothly turned on my heel and sent my friend a lovely card. This information, by they way, is conveniently missing from the menu and any signage inside or outside the restaurant. So for some shared hookah, 1 drink, shit service, and no food, I paid $30. Good thing I have yelp; instead of being pissed and arguing with the manager, I left with a smile on my face knowing I would write this review.
(2)Ruben B.
I haven't been yelping for a while now, but after the most bizarre and disappointing meal I've ever had in the city, I felt compelled to come out of retirement. Looking at other reviews it seems like Horus Cafe is a great spot to come to smoke hookah. If that's what you're looking for, by all means check out Horus Cafe. Just don't make the mistake of coming here for an actual meal like my friends and I did Sunday morning. After we were told at Westville East that the wait would be close to an hour we went in search of other options. Half a block down we came across Horus Cafe and since it was empty and we were a large group decided to go for it. This decision would haunt us for the rest of the afternoon... The food itself is fine, and could maybe even earn 3 stars if you were feeling generous. But when half-decent food takes 45 minutes to arrive, and then two meals have been forgotten altogether... Not cool. By the time our two friends' meals arrived most of us had almost finished. Two other tables who arrived after us got their food before my friends. Not all surprisingly, when one of my friends' orders finally arrived, it was wrong! When asked they comped us the forgotten meals, but that wasn't enough to erase the aggravation from the meal. There are so many great places to spend your money on around the city, this is not one of them.
(1)Rosanne W.
1 star - For a small welcoming restaurant 2 stars - For fast seating for such a small place 3 stars - For the good hookah So me and my friend were checking this place out since I'm planning my party this Saturday night, but not here because it is way too small. The hookah came quick; we ordered a simple Strawberry hookah which was $18, a chicken ceaser salad which was like $9, and an appetizer which was another $9 I believe. The music was a bit TOO LOUD, like I don't get these hookah bars and the ridiculous loud middle eastern music. I do love music but must it be too loud that I can't even hear my friend talk? Anyways, when the food arrived after about another 5 mins, the salad was OK, nothing great or exciting. Trust me, these places aren't taken their sweet ass time cooking the chicken unless it's their lamb kebabs or chicken dishes. The appetizer basket was also pre-heated stuff like chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, and fallafel balls. After that, getting the check was a pain since the waiter was running around the place. He finally gave us our attention, started collecting the dishes and all of a sudden he dropped the dishes right next to my friend, and I WAS COVERED IN TIHINA SAUCE AND MARINARA SAUCE! Why me? Some other worker quickly got me paper towels and a cup of water to clean my sweater, my pants, and my boots off with sauce. It's just my luck that I have to get covered and my friend got N O T H I N G! The damn waiter didn't give me much attention after that. He was allover my friend, like WTF DUDE? I got covered in sauce and you couldn't help me out? All he can do was apologize but seriously, I just don't wanna go back there again for a good while. It was crowded on a Wednesday night which I personally find it odd. I guess cause it's President's week off? If anyone is going to that place, I suggest you bring some "wet ones".
(3)Kyri K.
Went on a Sunday afternoon and had a great experience. Ordered two hookahs and tea for five of us and we sat outside. Both were good and it was a nice way to spend the afternoon. I'd go back on a night to see what its like then. Service charge?
(4)Cynthia C.
Excellent Service! Live music-Love the watermelon and mint hookah!
(4)Varun V.
Went here on a random Wednesday night and it was worth it. The hookahs were amazing, and although the place didn't really have a hip/happening (or any) crowd we had a bloody amazing time. The music was GREAT and perfect for dancing and making a fool out of yourself. The service was superb with the helpers refilling coals in the hookah so that it lasted longer. As far as the food goes the only things we sampled were the shepard salad which was adequate and the hummus which was, well, hummus.
(4)Yesenia G.
Great food service and atmosphere. Would recommend
(3)Lex L.
Ambiance - ehhh.... lots of lunchroom like tables and wooden chairs all packed together like sardines....place is extremely loud where you feel you have to practically yell in order to have a conversation Hookah - flavor was meek and didnt taste like watermelon or mint and didnt last long at all. overall - there are like 10 places wayyyy better within walking distance.
(2)Ryan O.
This place is extremely fun, servers are present and friendly. You will not want to leave. Awesome hookah bar.
(5)Chris Y.
Pretty standard Hookah joint with prices ranging from 15 bucks for standard flavors to 30 bucks for alcohol/cocktail derived versions. They usually are pretty good about refilling the coals and don't bother you if you sit for a while. Food is pretty blah but good for munchies or snacks. Drinks are standard NY prices of 6 bucks for beers and 8+ for cocktails. One thing of note is that they tack on a SERVICE CHARGE regardless of how many people are in your party or what you order....so be sure to check before double tipping them!
(3)Sameer A.
Horus A . . . perhaps the best hookah smoking experience in Manhattan especially if you get a chance to smoke outside while people watching on Avenue A. Their hookah baristas are quite knowledgeable and can pack a mean bowl. Although, it is preferable to use the fresh fruit bowl, I've smoked that bowl for 4-5 hours on slow nights and it did not lose flavor. The music is nice, and not too loud. On slower nights, you can request a genre, or specific song. The belly dancer comes out on Friday and Saturday nights, its usually a different girl, but they are all pretty friendly and will dance with just about anyone, but not too scandalous. Their belly dancers bring lots of energy. They also have live music occasionally during the middle of the week. Their food is adequate bar food, not disappointing, but also nothing to write home about. The negatives: Horus is a small venue, and can get quite crowded, therefore they do impose a time limit along with a minimum. The new staff is somewhat annoying and not as friendly as the older staff, but that happens with every location, as the best and smartest employees usually get promoted or better job opportunities.
(5)Jessica R.
I've never done the whole hookah smoking thing in the past. I actually ended up here after being booted off the patio at winebar as it was getting late. Can someone explain that to me? Why do the patios in the EV close so early--is it a licensing issue? Well, on my way home after too much wine, we stumbled into this place to try some flavored tobacco. I always walk by this place and it seems like everybody is having a good time so I wasn't reluctant to give it a whirl. That patio was closed, go figure, so we found a table inside and ordered the Sex on the Beach flavor. I'm not a fan of fruity girly drinks but it was tasty in tobacco form. The wine that I ordered to accompany it was pretty gross though. The music was BLARING in my ear and I could barely hear myself think and it got old pretty quickly. I went to the bathroom and couldn't get the door to lock so I had to pee while holding the door with my foot and botching 3 different attempts of a bust-in. Like, if you try to get in once and someone is holding the door, don't you think you should wait until they come out? This place gets three stars because the busboys were very attentive in bringing new coals every time ours got low. The serving staff was a little slow but whatever. I probably wouldn't go here again unless it was someone else's idea. Sitting on the patio would be nice to experience as it's a great location.
(3)Lana V.
Ok I would have probably enjoyed this place a little more if I still smoked hookah, but having outgrown the habit years ago I now see Horus for what it really is, a regular middle eastern restaurant/lounge with really crappy service. Came here on a Monday night after dinner because a friend's friend's band was playing. We missed the band's performance but decided to stay for a bit. There were 5 of us and the place was pretty empty except for the band and their friends. Having just come from a big dinner we decided to keep it light. Two of us wanted to split a milkshake, and another one wanted a hookah and a cup of coffee. When we finally got our order I made the mistake of asking the "waitress" for an extra straw. She turned on me with an attitude and informed me that she was not a waitress (though what do you call somebody that gives you a menu and writes down your order?) and that a waitress would come eventually and require that each person order a minimum of one drink. Well that's something we would have liked to know before we sat down and ordered the things we did. Nothing annoys me more than being forced to order something, especially when we are already clearly paying customers in an empty place. Anyway, we needn't have worried because our true "waitress" never materialized though we waited for her for nearly an hour to put in our stupid orders of tea or something to fulfill the requirement. In fact I don't think we saw a single waitress in the establishment, though there were a ton of hookah busboys (the dudes that set up the hookahs and check up on them). Eventually we got our check and left. The moral of the story? This Horus sucks, it's small and has bitchy service. Go to the one on B, it's much better.
(2)Lauren L.
The heat was turned UP last sunday! It was 95 degrees! The mojitos and the peach hookah were really good, a little pricey. Service was so-so. Didn't eat anything, though.
(3)Christina P.
Went here for brunch with friends on Saturday, July 10 around 2:30pm. There was no one there (possibly due to the ominous clouds) which was just fine because we had 2 dogs and wanted to sit outside undisturbed. My friends and I decided to share the fruit cocktail hookah (delish) and each of us ordered food. I had the pancakes and the 'viggie omelet' (that's how they spell veggie here, lol). The food was nothing to write home about but it wasn't horrible. Our server was really attentive and even brought ice water for the pups. My friends and I enjoyed the emptiness because we were able to rant and rave about every inappropriate topic in peace. If you go, try the hookah and definitely sit outside (weather permitting)for the excellent people watching. This is a very dog friendly neighborhood, so its fun to see how the dogs and their owners match (or don't).
(3)Ken W.
Great middle eastern hookah lounge with outdoor seating and great oud music. Didn't see the belly dancer, but with that it would be a perfect place to hang out and smoke. I really enjoyed this place.
(4)Lindsay K.
I haven't taken a math class in a few years, so forgive me if this sounds off. What do you get when you place a party of three at a table for two when there is a lip-locked party of two sitting at the table for four beside them? Add in grumpy, slow service, a meh bottle of white wine, a hookah with a shoddy hose, and food that tastes nearly identical to the yummy falafel stand on 7th street but marked up 80%. What do you get? A light headed, full, and somewhat pleasurable experience weighed down by high prices, a crowded table, and piss poor service.
(2)Daniela A.
This place is horrible ! We made reservations and they made us wait outside in the freezing rain for 30 minutes For them to then start an argument. The bouncers were not professional and when asked to speak to the manager he was an absolute joke, Do not waste your time coming here , this place is a joke and isn't worth the trouble .
(1)Sanjay K.
Hookah was alright, service was decent
(3)Elise A.
Horus is pretty hit or miss... but seems to miss in all the wrong places. If you sit outside during nice weather, you can almost forgive them of everything because it's just so nice smoking hookah outside across from the park. Otherwise, it can feel a little pricey and a little rushed. Your coals usually die out long before anyone comes to refill them and the food is good but not memorable. It can often get really packed inside with the music so loud that you'd literally have to scream to be able to hear anyone at your table. Overall, if it's nice outside, it'll probably be a good time. Otherwise, might try one of the other many hookah places around.
(3)Elizabeth B.
I guess Horus on B is pretty different. I've always had good experiences there. Horus on A does have pretty terrible waitstaff - snotty and rude and definitely burn and turn, which is not what you're looking for in a hookah place. Not to mention a dollar minimum per person. I've seen a drink minimum, which, while I'm not a fan of, I'll accept. I haven't seen a dollar minimum yet - not to mention one which, if we ordered a standard hookah + 2 cocktails would not cover the minimum.
(2)Henan J.
Hookah in a pineapple! what more can i say in the city that never sleeps you can find a great Middle Eastern meal, music and hookah to end the outing
(4)D L.
A good solid 3+ stars for this place. Came in for dinner at about 8 with a friend and stayed for a couple hours. The server probably could use some training, but was friendly and helpful. We were never hassled or rushed. Food was good and the hookah was excellent. The server was very knowledgeable about everything, just didn't have the rhythm to get your order and keep the meal on track But don't go to a hookah bar if you're on some rigid schedule. Music was a little rough - at first it was recorded stuff and interruptions and transitions not well done. the live music was fine, but a little on the loud side for a small place. I'd recommend to a friend. honestly don't know why someone would come in here for brunch, just doesn't give that impression or vibe, and from the reviews it doesn't seem to be going well, but for nighttime give it a try.
(3)Christopher G.
i have been going to horus cafe for a long time for a number of years, i have witnessed management change , and as everyone may know when management changes service does as well. But i am more then happy to say that the service has stayed top notch. the waiter have always been attentive and sweet even though in the night time they do have to deal with loud drunk people. In fact me and a friend once went to the cafe and witnessed a fight between the new manger and a angry drunk guy wanting a seat (all packed), the guy smack the owner and we reacted quickly and droped the other guy to the floor and held him until the cops came. The manager was more than happy with or help that he discounted or bill, gave us free drinks and 2 free hookas. The food is ok i rarely go with the idea of having a full meal, just snacks during the smoke time is normally enough. the only real complaint i have is that the new belly dancers they are bringing suck..... seriously they look like they just want to twirl around an go. They literally run out when they are done. SO GO TO THIS HOOKAH BAR ITS GREAT!!
(4)Dustin R.
As hookah bars go in the area this is the most romantic and intimate. We ordered baklava which was presented well - I was underwhelmed by the taste but my wife thought it was tasty enough. They offer beers on draft which pleases me (in contrast with other local hookah places). The service was decent and overall the atmosphere was pleasant with music prominent but not too loud for a conversation. The hookah had a smooth consistency and lasted long enough.
(4)Alex M.
$15 hookah $5 beer (Stella & Harpoon) 1 drink minimum Sat at a table in the center with no backs--not very "hookah-chill" but there is more comfortable seating around. Service is so-so but in their defense, under-staffed.
(3)Christine C.
Like everyone else in the NYC world..this. is.my . favorite.shisa.place .! Shisha is awesome, and the food is amazing! Honestly, I'll go to any hookah lounge in the city if it's named Horus.
(5)Joshua S.
I've had better experiences at the one on B than the one on A. I've went in during the weekdays daytime only. Atmosphere was great. Food is good but way overpriced. The food service was adequate and our hookahs always had fiery coals. Staff could be more enjoyable. Just glad I didn't have to deal with some of the experiences the other posters had. Overall, not worth it unless I'm just going for hookah and a few drinks.
(3)Grant C.
Been here twice in last two weeks. Great chill place with good tea the first time, 4 stars for that visit, but rushed, crowded, more expensive and incredibly loud (with a multicolored disco ball?!?!?!) the second, 2 stars for that visit.
(3)Chris C.
Great hookah bar. Its huge and there wasn't too long of a wait for a table. Service was okay. We had to ask for things more than once but after asking a second time, we got what we needed.
(3)Maya M.
I had a terrible experience. I arrived with two friends. We were dressed nicely, on our way to the theater afterwards. The waiter tried to seat three of us at a small table for two. We asked for a larger table, and he went "Oh, you're going to order food?" We did order food. I'm vegetarian, my friends are not. We ordered an appetizer, to split, and I ordered a falafel salad (an appetizer) to eat while my friends had their entrees. My falafel came out at the same time as our appetizer (fine, not a huge deal), but it was burnt. It tasted scorched. Both of my friends tasted it, and agreed. When I called the waiter over, he scoffed. When I made it clear that I was upset with my food, he told me to 'settle down'. I told him my falafel was burnt; he responded that their falafel was how it was made in Lebanon, and I just didn't appreciate it. He spent a good thirty seconds telling me off. I got it taken off the bill, but I was intensely disrespected. No manager checked in with us. I will never go here again, and I will advise my friends to avoid this establishment.
(1)Tulie L.
The first bar stop once I flew into the city at 11am! It was happening on a Thursday night, with a 5 min wait we were quickly seated. The place is pretty small and extremely dimly lit, can seat approx. 50 people max. They play lively Euro-Mix, Euro-Trash Music which keeps the atmosphere fun, rather then sleepy (cause you known dim lights makes me YAWN!!) They serve great appetizers of hummus and assorted varieties of middle eastern snacks. What was a bit sad for me was there is no grape leaves:( boo hoo.. What made it up was their peach hookah It was yummy and light. They serve a good mojito too I had to get a 2nd! The wine and beer selections are a good handful but respectable. Would be a great place to bring a date or hangout with friends. I would definitely come back if I was in town!
(4)Pj H.
Came here last thursday for a quick puff and some pinot after brunch. Got the pineapple (which comes in a pineapple) and it was delicious. Very smooth and great flavor. There was only one other guy there so the coal boy kept us well lit. The decor is cute. After my second pinot I started to feel like I was in the middle east...or was that all the pot I smoked before?? Who knows. The only reason I felt compelled to write a review was to rave about how I saw Rachael McAdams when I walked out and down the street. I could've died... right then and there.
(4)Dot S.
Went there on a FREEZING day and it was just as cold inside because they insist on having those annoying giant FANS blowing air in and out from the street because of the occasional Hookah smoker. We literally had to wear our winter coats, scarves and hats while we ate. The waitress was arrogant and rushed us. Soup was tasty so I was surprised when I got a super dry, old, stale salad when I ordered the beat/goat cheese salad. It was crap. I asked for more dressing (which took 20 minutes) but the dressing didn't help. The salad was beyond repair. I supposed this place is ok for students who want a smoke but the food is as crap as the service is. And once again, they need to TURN OFF THE FREAKIN' AC AND FANS! To be fair, my Husband said his chocolate cake/dessert was amazing. I hated the place. Pfft!
(1)K E.
I was there the other week and saw a rat ran through the restaurant. yep, not going back there .
(1)Kelsey S.
Question: Where the hell do you go when you want to smoke delicious mixed fruit hooka, drink red wine and be way too obnoxious to the poor saps serving you way past 4am? Answer: Not here, this is our place to do that. Find somewhere else.
(4)Jason B.
Good hookah. Just had the apple mint and it was great. However it took them TWENTY minutes to get us new coals. This happened twice. They were very under staffed for a Friday night. Will not go there again. A note: The couple that was sitting next to left and gave us their leftover hookah when they left. The hookah guy came to our table and asked us where we got the pipe. We told him, he turned away and said "we don't do that."
(1)mark s.
Booo. BOOOOOOOO! So girl and I were looking for a place to have a couple of drinks after not being able to get a seat at Common Ground trivia night. We saw some people drinking Sangria and decided to try it. We got a pitcher of white sangria. I should state up front that I don't think I've ever had white sangria before, so it's possible I just don't care for it in general, but I certainly didn't care for this. My main gripe is with the service. It took too long for a server to appear to take our order (it was NOT crowded,) too long for the drinks to appear, and WAAAAAY to long to get our check. Then when we did get the check, service was already included, 18%, I think. More than I was going to tip for the lame service we had gotten. Do I need to restate that there were only TWO of us? We paid cash and requested change, seeing as how the 18% was more than we really wanted to tip. Then the server clearly took an intentionally long time bringing us our change, clearly so we would just give up and let her keep it. I am ashamed to say that this strategy worked. Next time I'll just show up earlier at Common Ground.
(1)Keyno W.
We got the "sex on the beach" hookah...no beach and no sex, please dont go there :P i got the lentil soup ,not bad but would be better if they served bread or even crutons... We ordered the moroccan mint tea,it was awful..no mint and no tea at all ..then i ordered the egptian tea..it was also not good ,ground tea leaves were sitting at the bottom of my glass..
(1)Lauren B.
Been here several times, and each has been pleasant and enjoyable. Great spot for a small group of friends. I really enjoy the fruit bowl hookah selections, and the food is decent if you care to nosh! Nice, accommodating staff and the disco ball they throw on late night is adorable. 2 thumbs up!
(4)Angie B.
No. Just no. Too loud. Too crowded. And what was up with their $20 per person minimum? We wanted to bounce the second we got there. Some of my friends actually just threw $20 on the table (even thought they just had one drink) and left because they just couldn't stand being in that cramped space with the inappropriate techno on blast. Ugh. The food was decent. But they only serve beer and wine, which makes the $20 minimum even more ridiculous. Hookahs are supposed to be relaxing. I left that place more tense than when I got there.
(1)Raine O.
Pros: Lovely servers, relaxing music, clean bathroom and beautiful interior. The babaganoush was yummy as well as their tahini and french fries. Cons: Main dishes were tasteless and boring and the food took forever to get to our table. Does it really take 30-40 minutes to make a salad? Maybe if we had gone on a different day instead of Christmas and a different time like the evening we would have had a different experience. But for now my family and I will not be going back there.
(2)Jonathan G.
My friends and I (a total group of 8) rolled up here late-night after a healthy amount of time at Zum Schneider. Despite being Israeli, I have had a very limited amount of hookah experience, but I can't see how a New York City hookah bar can be better than this. First of all, name me another place that will bend over backwards to accomodate a group of 8 drunks at 2:00 am. Secondly, when we were seated, our server was so sweet - a cute Albanian girl who immediately took to a friend of mine who lived in Greece and Turkey for a while. She recommended a flavor for us (Lady in Red) as well as a wine selection. We proceed to smoke and get increasingly drunk...and nobody seemed to care. Drunk people + hot coals + expensive smoking apparatus usual equals servers/bussers watching you like a hawk. Then the busboy inexplicably took our hookah away...I became enraged...Were we about to get kicked out? WHAT THE FUCK DID WE DO?!? WE ARE JUST SITTING HERE HAVING A GREAT TIME NOT BOTHERING ANYONE!!! Oh, wait, he brought it back...with a brand new order of Lady in Red, on the house. I then proposed marriage to said busboy. As if I wasn't already sold on this place. We're getting married in April. But seriously, folks...I heartily recommend this place. Granted, I didn't make it over there for the belly-dancing show and didn't try the food, but based on ambience, service, and quality of the tabacky and draaaaaaaanks, I say "yallah!"
(4)zack s.
STAY AWAY from this over priced place!!!!! Door guy was rude and actually said "Your giving me a headache with your questions" after we asked him when they started doing a $30 minimum per person when I was just there recently with 4 friends and no minimum was set. He was so rude. Also when I was there with my gf and we had lunch and sangria the sangria was just alright. Definitely not worth the ton of $$$ we spent on it. Way over priced!!!!! Hope this place goes out of business since the staff doesn't realize that they should actually respect the customer and try to provide good service. Horus Cafe YOU FAIL!!!!!!
(1)ilya k.
I came here with my brother and really liked the place - very good atmosphere, great good, good hookah, and excellent tea, reasonable prices! What more do you need?
(4)Richard B.
First time in a hookah bar, I was lucky enough to see some live belly dancing too. Got the cherry flavored hookah, and tried the lamb sausage salad and the shish kabob. Everything was delicious. Weird thing though. My harpoon ufo beer tasted somewhat like the hookah. Very confusing.
(4)Kevin F.
Awesome fun place, great atmosphere, great music, cheap hookahs that can keep going forever, good strong drinks, and very nice waiters. You can't go wrong with this place, they did a great job executing the hookah atmosphere with the decor, the candlelight etc.. I recommend you sit inside, enjoy the atmosphere, see everyone with big smiles on their faces and puff puff give,
(4)Davide P.
Get an Egyptian or Moroccan tea together with an Egyptian Pharaon hookah, and chill. The place is cool with live Arab music, but way more relaxing and suggestive when less crowded and more quiet, as this way it'll be easier to enjoy the peculiar atmosphere of an intimate chat, surrounded by a cloud of scented smoke, while sipping tea from small glasses full of mint leaves. Downside, asking for the check will put your feet back on the ground.
(4)Rachel C.
Stepping inside, this place smells wonderful! Well ventilated yet aromatic. They were able to seat our party of seven with just a five minute wait. Not too bad for nearly 2 am. However they put us crammed around two tables that really should have been for two people and the small, squashy stools we were sitting on did not make us fit around the table easily, I kept bumping into the gentleman sitting to my right. That was really my only gripe about this place. Service wasn't the friendliest, but the staff were attentive to our drinks as ell as our hookahs. And for $15 a hookah and $6 for my glass of wine I became happier to sit at the cramped table relaxing with my friends. I even had a conversation with said gentleman I kept bumping into and he let us finish his hookah as they were leaving! The drink selection is impressive for a place this size and they make a mean mojito, all reasonably priced. The food looked and smelled wonderful, but we had just gotten dinner a few blocks away and at a MUCH cheaper price! Not really a place to linger, they seemed eager to get us out once we were finished. I can imagine they let you relax a bit more if you were ordering food. But I would definitely come back next time I am in the city!
(3)Juliet A.
I have to admit, I'm a bit shocked to see so many glowing reviews of Horus after my experience (albeit limited experience) here the other night. A few friends and I came in after going out elsewhere in this neighborhood, thinking Horus looked like a chill place to end the night. We were seated quickly and immediately took to the very cool, cave-like atmosphere (earthen walls with little ledges holding candles/lights). After a few minutes, a waiter approached us and asked us if we wouldn't mind moving to accommodate a larger group coming in. No problem, we obliged. After moving to a corner table, we waited a significant amount of time before any waitstaff gave us any attention. When our order was finally taken, we decided to try a fruity hookah (Horus has a pretty solid variety of hookah flavors) for $15, but were then told that there was a 1 drink minimum...which is not written anywhere on the menu. Not cool. So we ordered some drinks and proceeded to wait. And wait. And wait. After 15 minutes of sitting around, unable to carry a conversation over the unnecessarily loud music, and with still not even a glass of water in front of us, we decided to bolt. Having never walked out on a place before, I would think that definitely merits a 1 star rating.
(1)Pinar T.
This is one example how the service quality can make or break a business! I was fascinated with the interior decoration.Apparently they spent lots of effort on prettying up the place. From the candles to the ornaments on acoustical ceilings everything was perfect. Then we were greeted by a wait staff who looked like she was going to murder somebody! When I had a question she didn't even bother trying to explain the menu. I ordered mozzarella sticks which cost 7.50$ and baklava which I admit was delicious. The food seemed to be good but our drinks were never re-filled and the place wasn't even crowded. Having experienced the "food industry" myself I don't expect the wait staff to be all bubbly,lively,chatty,sunshine out of your *** kind of people but this was too much of a drama. Then it just turned to plain horror when the bill came with a "service charge" of well over 15%. I gave this place 2 stars just because of the interior design and the atmosphere.That's it. I'd advise smoking away your money somewhere else.
(2)Lani P.
I went here the other night after having been drinking at other places and thought of this place on a whim. I came here with my date and we sat inside with the cool air conditioning (they have tons of seats outside) and were surprised with a three piece band that played standards with a Cuban flair, as well as some Cuban songs. They were great!! I was impressed that the cafe only serves beer, wine and champagne, as I find that kind of filters a certain clientele down from the liquor drinkers. But the best part of this cafe are the hookahs. They had probably twenty or so flavours to smoke and they even give you a refill when your first pot is kicked. That I liked too. I can't say that I have had the food here yet, but I am definitely willing to come back to this charming cafe to try all they have to offer. Avenue A has plenty of bike racks along the avenue to chain your ride to. Sometimes they can be all filled up and you need to use a street sign, but usually you can get a spot right away.
(4)Andy C.
Horus Cafe! The best place to go after a night of clubbing or a long day at work. I stumbled on this place with a few friends when wandering around in the area and we were pleasantly surprised. There's no better flavor than the Egyptian Pharaoh - it's a mix between honey, vanilla, and something else; I was a bit saucy at the time so I can't remember too well. All their hookahs are nicotine free and are a little under $20 with the exception of two which are $30 and $45 I think. Get the calamari and the mint tea when you're there - guaranteed to impress. Outdoor seating stops at 1AM, but the place stays open until 4AM. People frequently come by to replace charcoal, blow ash out of the bowl, and just to see if everything is OK. They also have a full bar too. One thing to be careful of: I went on a Friday with one other person and we were told there was a $20 min per person. I came back on Saturday and we just had to do the standard one drink per person. Overall, one of the better places in NY to smoke.
(4)Nicole C.
Beautiful day in New York (finally) and we decided to take a walk down the East Village. What better way to celebrate the spring than to sit outside facing Tompkins Square Park? Too bad the servers all but ignored our section of outside seating leaving us waiting way too long for drinks, dishes and the check. I ordered a regular coke, and it was fountain type and it was just disgusting-- tasted so watered down I could hardly drink it. My Greek Salad was quite bland, could have used more citrus and the hummus was also too simple, not spiced enough. They do have good hookah which I have tried before, and also good Egyptian tea. If I had to choose between the loveliness of sitting outside but with bad food/service or sitting inside with good food/service I'd rather choose a place that only had indoor seating. It took them FOREVER to bring our check and we had to ask twice. They also charged us a 20% service charge (even though it was only two of us). We would NOT have given such a good tip. My recommendation? Don't come here for the food, just for the hookah/drinks.
(2)Robby T.
In theory, I love this place. Open late, social hookah, turkish coffee, decent atmosphere. But I'm big on service & Horus Cafe is NOT. I've been here a few times and every time they're shoving the check down your throat right after you order. The wait staff can't be bothered to do anything but the bare minimum since tip is already included in your check. Last night the hookah guy literally took the hookah out of my hand while I was smoking it and said, "you're done." Really?!?! I understand the need to turn tables, but there's a better way to do that. Basically, there are tons of other hookah bars in the East Village--yelp them, visit them. There is NO REASON to go to Horus Cafe, if you want an enjoyable experience. Last night was my last time there & I'm gonna spread the word. Sorry Horus.
(1)Z. W.
This place wins the prize for the UNFRIENDLIEST wait staff EVER. One of the waitresses gave me an attitude because I actually smiled at her. Hoping the other staff members would be nicer-- they failed too. I was so pissed off, which prompted me to make loud remarks (of course the service didn't get better). I used to be a waitress/bartender for four years... so I think I have the right to be a bitch about this. Not until I figured out that tip was already included in the bill (which sucks, because I would have given her less) I understood that they perhaps don't have the need to work for tips anyway. Hookah was great, food was so-so and the staff needs to be fired. Or the management.
(1)Koko H.
On a Friday night around 9pm it wasn't too crowded. My friend and I were seated right away and got a double apple hookah for $15. While the hookah was good and produced really smooth and light smoke, the flavor was off. It didn't taste like apple. Some kind of weird licorice aftertaste. I asked for water and they brought me a bottle, so just make sure to specify tap water if that's your preference.
(3)Mark M.
Went there on a whim. Was on a date and walked by and we both thought it looked like something we wanted to check out. Had no idea it was a hookah bar. I had the time of my life. I recommend it to anyone, and am planning on going there again.
(5)Amanda A.
Went here once for hookah, its chill and they have drinks which is good. I liked the hookah and it was just a nice, laid back environment.
(4)Seren C.
This place is packed on the weekends for no good reason. If you get a spot to sit outside and enjoy some hookah, then you are lucky. Inside, the music is blasted so that you can't even hear what song it is. Also, it is very small and cramped inside. We got a spot outside, ordered two hookahs and some drinks. The service is nice and the drinks are decent, but they don't know anything about hookah!! Just really poor quality tobacco and at $15 each, not worth it in my opinion. Real hookah is best enjoyed in Astoria. Skip this place and keep walking till you find something better...
(2)Nait P.
Ash....the same guy who caused the 62nd street location to be shut down by the SLA is going to cause 6th and B a lot of the same problems...Corey and Mike from the SLA will be sure to know...nice job!
(1)Jackie L.
Seriously , this place is a good time. Definitely not trendy but definitely not edgy. Definitely been done before but deintely not boring. Some of the more interesting bely dancing I've seen and a nice balance of middle eastern decor (i.e patterned sheets on the wall and dim lighting with lanterns). Servers were very lifelike compared to most generic staffed hookah bars. Great mix of music, drinks, hookahs, food, and people. Particularly people, who all seemed to be from the laid back, drama free, semi-intelligent, although definitely downtown generally chill persuasion. Everyone seems to mingle well and form one large party instead of several separate ones. My problem was with HOW crowded, HOW loud, and how house party-esque it felt at times. Its entertaining to watch how the waiters, guys with the hot coals, belly dancers, people dancing, and the rest of people passing through all fit into the same narrow space running the length of thisnot so big establishment without falling over, hurting someone, or screaming RAPE! If it had a little extra room and if I were a bit less anal then I would probably give it more stars.
(3)Dan C.
I came here once oh a whim after my brother suggest it. Went with a friend early in the evening. The place was pretty empty so we just hung out had some tea and hookah. I doubt I'll come here later in the night though.
(3)Mike T.
Great Hookah place. While not as large as its sister, in my opinion the hookah at this place is better and the atmosphere a little more intimate. And to emphasize what some other people have said, the food isn't so bad either. Overall a great time and worth checking out!
(5)Abby L.
Hands down my fav hookah bar in nyc. I'm not sure if i'm more biased to this place because, it was the venue of my first date with my current beau so that place will always hold a special place for me. Aside from that, its an amazing place to smoke a hookah. Its the kind of place you want to go, smoke filled, mellow and chill, great service and just great ambiance. If you want a hookah place that is not an over-hyped trendy spot, this is the palce to be. I loved it cause, once time i had two extra friends join us and our party was already large and they accomodated me without missing a beat. Besides a pitcher of beer for $15? and they replace the coals of your hookah for you, whats not to like. If you are looking for a place to chill, smoke and listen to actual arabic or Farsi music and not be forced to listen to TOP 40 crap *cough* Karma, then this is the place to be. Go to Karma, cause the less of you that come to Horus, the more it will remain the low key cute spot it is now.
(5)Angela C.
my friends and i been going here for 3 years. no matter its lunch, dinner or late night, the atmosphere is fantastic! awesome music, food and hookah! service is fast and staff is attentive. the guy who changes the coals come around very often. the alcoholic beverages are a little pricey but its all worth it! you can also get a table and smoke outside when it's nice out which is a plus for me. some nights, they have live music and belly dancers too. overall a great place to chill out, smoke and drink after a long day!
(5)Caro H.
I've been here two times earlier this year. The environment is great--nice decorations and music. The service could be better--a bit slow sometimes but generally people do their jobs without being rude. The alcohol has typical pricing--drinks are typically around $7. I don't really have a comment about the hookah either. Nothing was exceptionally bad or good about it. The food, however, was way overpriced with extremely small servings. My friends and I racked up a large bill and still felt hungry afterwards. All in all, I consider this place my "safety" hookah bar--I'd only go if I really want hookah and nearby places are closed.
(3)Richard B.
I was in the East Village on Thursday at lunch time. It was sunny and warm out and I stumbled across this cute little Mediterranean Cafe. There was only me and two other people in the place, not counting the cute Egyptian server. Not only was he cute, but he was also nice. As soon as I took a seat, he came with water and a menu. I ordered an Egyptian iced tea and a grilled chicken wrap sandwich with peppers and tomatoes. The wrap came with a choice of salad or fries. I was starving, so I went with the fries. Great choices, I loved everything!! I finished my iced tea and before I even had a chance to ask, the server had brought me another. Now that's service! And, there was no charge for the second tea. Then the server told me they had set-up their outside tables and would be happy to move me if I wanted to enjoy some sun. This man was not only cute, he could read me mind!!! So, I finished my lunch in the sun and cannot say enough good things about his place.
(4)justin t.
never ate here, but pretty much always a good hookah experience. no hard alcohol so the mixed drinks are all really week so i say go with the beer. never been here early enough for the belly dancer but always a fan of the sick music. im no hookah expert so i dont know if its good or not but the coal man comes around often enough.
(3)Talia F.
This place is HORRIBLE! I went with 3 other people on a Friday night. Got a hookah, pitcher of sangria, and some appetizers (all of which were pricey might I add) with about $90 bucks damage. Okay, thats fine....but when we asked for the check (like normal New Yorkers who don't want to wait an hour after they've finished their drinks) they immediately started taking everything away without asking if we were done with it. Half a basket of appetizers, hookah, and two half finished drinks. I even tried to call out after the drinks were taken to have him stop but he ignored me. So I explained to the bus-boy type fellow that we weren't going to be leaving until I finished the drink I had carefully guarded because they had already taken away everything else we paid for. He gave me some speech and then quickly gave me an incredible attitude and then called me a "WHORE!" I was not drunk, nor belligerent (I even gestured for him to come closer when I expressed my disappointment with the service as to not cause a scene) so this was COMPLETELY UNCALLED FOR. When a friend and my boyfriend began to ask him what his problem was, this asshole had my boyfriend roughly escorted out by the bouncer because he knew he had crossed the line and didn't know how to deal with it. We left peacefully because we are not the type of people to get violent or out of control, but I was incredibly disturbed by the type of people they have working at this "establishment." It disgusted me beyond just having a terrible experience, but to have people like this exist in our world just makes me sick. We intend to contact every agency that handles these kinds of complaints because it is not acceptable to treat people in this manner. What started as a great night out quickly turned to shit and this foul place just lost what could've been a repeat local customer. What a shame.
(1)Miz C.
to this day i crave the goat cheese with honey and pita that i ate when i came here. i hopefully can go back for it again. and again. and again. the tea is yum, and its a great dark place to refuel comfortably on a drinking night.
(5)Devon M.
If I could give less than one star, I would. Today I had one of the worst restaurant experiences of my life at this place. My friends and I were looking for a place to watch the world cup game and decided it would be fun to do it with a hookah. The four of us got there, the place was empty and we had our choice of tables. The waiter appeared happy to give us a hookah and everything was fine. Then about 15 minutes later, he approached the table and asked if we wanted anything to drink. We said not yet, we were fine, and he informed us that we were required to order a drink to keep the table (remember the place is practically empty). I objected, saying that if they had a minimum consumption rule, they should advertise it on the menu or they should have told us up front. How did he respond? By saying f*@! you and trying to pick a fight with my boyfriend. The manager didn't help either and we were left feeling incredibly uncomfortable and COMPLETELY shocked by the guy's behavior. I had been to this place a couple times before--the food is absolutely mediocre, but this experience took the cake for negativity. I plan on boycotting and you should too.
(1)Allison K.
A rather large group of us stopped at Horus this weekend as part of birthday festivities (and were surprisingly accommodated immediately )and while the crowd was a lot more our speed than some previous hookah-bar disasters ( yelp.com/biz/5TJdeGTJSOP… ), I found the slightly glitzier atmosphere to be unnecessary. the mosaic tables were beautiful, but the leather stools uncomfortable, and i'm inclined to think that the cave-like walls studded with votives scream ''we're trying too hard!" That said, my sahlab (warm and sweet Egyptian beverage/dessert, ie, what i order when my friends want to smoke a hookah and i don't want to look like a tool) was delish and huge enough to share with the whole table, and the belly dancer was amazing (I couldn't look away when she danced with a tray full of lit candles on her head!). But be warned, when she starts to shimmy and shake, the music gets way too loud to talk to your friends over.
(3)Joe X.
The best hookah in whole NYC , I got the Egyption pharaoh flavor ever . Good atmosphere , and great place .
(5)Jade M.
One of the best hookah experiences I have ever had. Paid thirty five dollars each between five people, we had two hookahs, two platters of food, a pitcher is sangria which was a little weak, and that included tax and tip. The atmosphere was really chill and dim with good music and free shots before we left!
(4)Mo H.
I understand having high prices for hookah during the evenings and night time, but do I want to drop $30 on a regular basis for a hookah in the afternoon. Fine I'm even okay with doing that on a regular basis but I got the smallest bottle of coke that the company makes and they charged $5.00 for it at 1 PM in the afternoon. I am from Cali. They usually have happy hour hookah's in the afternoon and then regular prices at night. Seating for about 80 people inside and out combined. I would come here more regularly but these prices are outrageous.
(1)Ariel Z.
Love this place for the lounge and hookah part. The ambiance and the music were fantastical (though really loud, you have to strain your voice). Ordered the mint and grape flavor hookah, which was perfect. The staff are really good about replacing the hot coals and were really chill people. I love the votive candles tucked into the crevices of what looked like a curved stucco wall, resembling a stone cave...AWESOME!! A silly brawl between two dudes broke out at closing time (4am). However, the staff totally controlled the situation and did not hesitate to throw both on the ground when they kept trying to go at each other. Definitely comforting to know that they don't take any crap and ensure the safety of their customers.
(4)Alison L.
We got lucky enough to come on a Friday night, and they didn't charge us the minimum amount. However, I would go back even if I did have to (I think the minimum was 30 dollars per person). You can sit there and hookah the night away, and so it will be well worth your money. They also are attentive to the embers so that the smoke will keep going strong. Music is a nice mix of top 40s. I would definitely go back!
(4)Kevin Z.
This place changed my mind on hookah. The taste is stronger than my first time only time. On a Friday night, it's really crowded. Surprised!! Well I got into this and came out really wasted but if you bring some good fun friends along, this is a place for party. The price is pretty reasonable as costly five friends $150 for a good time including 2 pitchers and endless hookah. Had such a good time, the place offered us free shots. That's a smart move owner !! :) Going forward, the place is small putting me on the edge sitting next to the hot coal. I think they should cover them better but I have seem anyone burned so far. Be safe and do go enjoy this place. Bring a party.
(4)James M.
Disrespectful Service! Friends and I calmly walked in and requested to sit at at a booth seat because the chairs at the table weren't comfortable by any standard. The three of us sat down and and took off our coats and began to get comfortable. Admittedly, we were spilling on to another table mainly because our space was a tad small. The server came over to us with an overt attitude. He began to verbally scold us about sitting where we had been given permission to sit. His tone, body language and volume was completely inappropriate. As a person who has worked in the industry I know the proper way to address customers about siting issues. This guy completely handled potential customers with no respect! The other employees did not come over to correct the situation but looked at us like a bystanders who had no say so regarding the culture of their establishment. I would not recommend this place to any one who is looking to have a great overall experience!
(1)Alex B.
It was really good at the beginning until we ordered desserts. They served us the sample desserts that had been shown to everyone ( I don't know when they bought those samples but one had a happy new year chocolate on top of it and this happened on jan 10th) They didn't tell us that. we got curious and told them that we wanted to see the samples again. The waiter didn't want to show the samples first and after arguing for a while he went back to the kitchen. 10 minutes later he told us that the ones we had were the samples and they ignored us for the rest of the night. You can imagine how disgusting it was. It is your choice to go there.
(1)Kris K.
Great spot for hookah and drinks. The food was good, service was great and hookah was amazing. Will be back next time I'm in town.
(5)Mark R.
I have been going here for about 2 years now. I still remember the first time walking in thinking how small the place was and how crowded. I was so close to the next table that I thought we were part of the same group. I don't go here for food but for good music, relaxing environment, hookah and belly dance. Until 10 PM or so, the music is low key with Deadmaus beats with little words and the place cleans out with the dinner crowd. Then around 11 PM or so the crowd shuffles in again for drinks & hookah with the music changing over to Pop Club music. The lighting is very simple and people simply dance where they sit by getting up and doing their wiggle wiggle wiggle. It's LOUD so if you don't like the noise then sit outside because it is much quieter. I like the cushion seats against the wall where you have the view of the whole restaurant. Stay away from the middle seats because you have no where to lean unless you have ABS of STEEL. Recommend cuban mojito hookah if you want something interesting but $30 might be little over priced. I can settled for Blue Mist.
(4)Alice C.
I was here last night with two friends and we had a great experience. It's a little out of the way, but the hookah here is one of the best I've had in the city so far. We tried the Egyptian Pharaoh, which I wasn't a fan of (it tasted like coconut...jellybeans?) and a peach mint hookah, which was very good. Additionally, they had people come by constantly to rotate the coals for us, which was great. We switched seats halfway through to a larger table, and the staff was very friendly and accommodating. They do get a star off because the food is honestly not that great, and their drink menu is very limited, which is a problem as they ask that each person orders a drink. As a hookah bar though, this is one of my favorites.
(4)Maria F.
I have been going here since moving to NY. The hookah is good quality. The sex on the beach is by far my favorite. Their greek salad, ALWAYS fresh. I love it and my boyfriend loves their harira soup. I have tried fried calamari and hot horus combo. These were NOT very GOOD. The quality is not good, and honestly removing this and maybe other dishes like mozarella stick will not be missed. I say focus on quality not quantity; revamp your menu.
(5)Jade J.
Been coming here for the past 2 years pretty regularly (3-4x/month) and it was my favorite hookah place up until things have really gone downhilll. Initially fell in love with this place for their smooth shisha and delicious food. My first time there, they actually changed our shisha (we were there for 6 hours)! They would automatically refill our mint tea and the staff was super accommodating. Fast-forward to my experience yesterday... 1.they no longer use real coal, but have switched to quicklite coals that make the shisha harsher. 2. forget changing the shisha, that never happened after the first time. 3. the previous time, they had told us they don't do tea refills, but can give us a glass of hot water to pour into the pot ourselves....so I did just that, and they tried to charge me $4 for two glasses of hot water. (the manager denies ever giving free refills and that this has been the policy for the past 4 years. AND he went on to say that they charge $2 for hot water because some people come in with their own tea bags...like, seriously??) 4. it really annoys me how they treat a regular customer (and they don't recognize me!!) when I almost always get food, drinks and shisha. Their food is still good albeit a bit pricey. Service is good and staff is friendly. Wednesday nights, they have live music which is pretty neat. Weekends, they have a belly dancer..but then again, most places do. I seriously question whether I would ever go back considering how they keep cutting corners and how my throat is now sore after smoking their harsh hookah. Anyone got a better hookah place to recommend? (not Cloister)
(2)Chris C.
I love the low lighting and music. Good music and great volume. You can still have a conversation as the music is playing. service was a little weak tonight. I had to get a hold of the waitress after 15 min of waiting.
(2)Fazeela S.
It's NOT about the food, it's about their nicotine-free SHEESHA (hookah is metal part). You go to Horus for sheesha, not for anything else. However, some of their food is really good. When they have belly-dancing or Arabic dance music playing, it can be really fun, too. In 2009, I used to come here weekly with my Egyptian friend, while I was under-doing a 3 month clerkship. We tried many other places around the city, but nothing came close to the sheesha at Horus. Since that time, I travel from Brooklyn to Alphabet City every time I crave sheesha. Having tried so many other venues, I am 100% sure that it is not worth wasting my money at any other place. FAVORITES: THE HORUS EYE SPECIAL HOOKAH (SHEESHA): I have tried pretty much every flavor. Get this, it's well worth the price. In 2009, one of the managers used to hook us up and provided us tastes of every special flavor since we were there so often. The Horus Special is smoked out of a pineapple and there are orange and apple peels floating in the water. It is so smooth and tasty. If it is ever too harsh, you tell your server and they alter it. PLUS, you can sit for as long as you like and they keep refilling the coals! In the past, I have ordered sheesha and tea and sat for hours writing research papers. Note: If you just order sheesha, you have to order a drink - it does not have to be alcoholic, but you have to order at the minimum bottled water. MINT TEA: Served like you are in the Middle East. Lots of fresh mint on the side. LENTIL SOUP: It is homemade and delicious. FATTOUSH SALAD: My favorite fattoush in the city! The pita is not too salty and it is not drenched in dressing. It's fresh and yummy. HORUS COMBO APPETIZER: This is great for vegetarians. Hummus, falafel, baba, tabouli, tahini... TAGINES: My spouse and other meat eaters LOVE their tagines. [Sidenote: When I started coming to Horus in 2009, their menu was still very Middle-Eastern - I loved it. A few years ago, they "Westernized" as some may say - and added burgers, mozzarella sticks... I do NOT like that food or that change. However, they have still kept the lentil soup, fattoush, tagines, so I've dealt with the gringo-ization. To underscore, in the end you come here to smoke the smoothest and most delicious sheesha that you can find in NYC]. [Date-Night Tip: Go to Caracas Arepas Bar down the street for dinner and then come to Horus for sheesha and end at The Big Gay Ice Cream Shop].
(5)Ambrose C.
Are you looking for a place to "unwind" a tiny bit while inhaling some smoke from a long pipe and enjoying some drinks somewhere in the East Village after a very hectic day? Well, this place may have your answer. I have been to this place twice so far, on a Sunday afternoon and on a Saturday night, and with the right people, I had a good time getting drinks and smoking hookah. I had the red and white sangria pitchers during my visits here. I thought they were both refreshing drinks. The service has been okay so far, no serious complaints but you may have to be patient. As for the hookah, a friend got the Cuban Mojito flavor. I could taste a little bit of that flavor, and I felt a little relaxed. It's not a bad choice to share among 5 people. Interior decor is nice, and the seats inside are fairly comfortable. I enjoyed this place even more when I sat outdoors, and enjoying the nice but slight summer breeze while looking out in the stars, and you could even do some "people watching". I did see a couple ladies dancing inside this place that Saturday night, and if you're looking for that type of entertainment, this place is not a bad choice. Overall, if you are looking for a decent place to smoke some hookah while getting some drinks in this part of New York, this place is not a bad choice. If you want to watch ladies dance for you on a Saturday night, this place is also not a bad choice. I don't think it might be the best place to get hookah, but it's decent enough if you really want to fulfill your desire for the somewhat exhilarating inhalation in an area like the East Village.
(3)Shardae W.
I went here because a friend recommended it for hookah. She raved about the hookah and service. I usually trust her judgement because we visit many places together and she knows what I enjoy. When we arrived on a Saturday night after 12 we were seated right away. Our waiter was very distant. The guy who brought out the hookah was very rude. Gratuity is already included so you would expect the service to be great. I don't know if everyone was just in a bad mood that night or they was just treating us that way for another reason. I'm a vegetarian my salad was ok. My friends said the food was good, so that's a plus. The hookah was okay. It wasn't a totally bad experience. They played up to date Arabic music. The menu had a lot of options and the setting was a good middle eastern theme. The crowd was very diverse so you don't feel out of place. I just wish the service was better.
(2)Mimi M.
I do not care about the liquor or sheesha. I just came to accompany a friend for a night out. This is an Egyptian spot that definitely plays Arabic music with a mix of also the more popular music American style. The crowd is also makes ranging from black white Chinese Spanish and Arab. It seem like a nice crowd no raunchy ratchet people. We got the big appetizer and it was delicious. I believe I ordered the chicken kabob platter. Definitely there is a good chef in the back cuz he knows what he's doing and don't get fooled just because it's a lounge you're going to get damn good food here. The mint lemonade was also very good. I like that they had the traditional Egyptian food on their menu including macarona bechamel. Food is not cheap about $15 just for the appetizer and then another 15 - 20 for the entree and the drinks even though not alcoholic are about $7 I believe. The desert was blah. I wouldn't even bother. My bill for two people came up to 100 something. Overall I had a lot of fun I had a nice little spot in the place and I ate really really good.
(5)James W.
Great Friday night out here. We came here at around midnight and waited for about 15 minutes, which isn't too bad. Good music and vibe. Their hookah is decent - we got watermelon, and they replaced the coals twice over the course of 2 hours. We got one of the corner tables. We also ordered some tea to go with the hookah. Fun times was had by all. I found this place to be very well-ventilated and not so loud that you cannot have a conversation.
(4)Sari A.
I know it is famous for its shisha (i.e Hookah) but i gotta say it was just okay! Not the best, probably because i'm kinda picky and if i do it better at home then why the waste of money. Anyhow, we went there for my friend's birthday which insist to go to NYC as change of scenery,( she owns a hookah lounge herself here in Philly) So I got my usual double apple shisha and it wasn't worth the two hours drive. They had one of my favorite Egyptian Dishes ( Kosharee : Lentils, pasta and chickpeas with tomato and garlic sauce ) which made the night a bit better. I can say that I enjoyed it. The place is to chill out and have fun, no doubt. Three Yelps!
(3)Cary M.
Fun place with outdoor seating and hookahs Friendly staff Reasonably priced Bar with specialty drins
(3)Yashpreet K.
I've been hooked to this place for the past 10 years... Love the shisha options and food menu plus they serve alcohol which makes it easy to hang out with diverse crowd at one place.
(5)Ali C.
Maybe I'm spoiled by other hookah spots further north than Horus but .... The bouncer told us $30 per person ... All we wanted was a hookah to share plus maybe a few beers.... As we were walking away the manager? Said it'll just be $20 per person ... Okay now we're talking! We were sat alllllll the way in the back away from the crowd and the DJ which made you feel you can only sit down and smoke, not get up shake a groove thang. We ordered a watermelon mint, it was pretty okay, kind of harsh in the beginning but the coal guy fixed it. It's nice to get coal refills often. Well drinks at $10? No thanks. On the menu Corona was $6 but charged later as $8 with a whole gratuity and tax included excuse with of course it charged separately... Pet peeve is automatic gratuity and you receive less than sub par service. Woe is me. Totally not worth your $30.
(1)Nicky C.
I came here on Wednesday night around 9pm and it was pretty dead. We tried to order some patron shots but they do not have top shelf. So we proceeded and order mojitos instead. The mojitos were good. We got hookah, and the hookah was good as well. As for food, we ordered calamari's and mozzarella sticks. The calamari were okay, and the mozzarella sticks were made from cheap cheese. They were decent to eat. The music was terrible. We complained about the music and nothing was done. I understand it was a Wednesday night. However, the music didn't have to be so terrible. The music was def a buzz kill. As for the service, it was very good. The server was very attentive and sweet. Will I go back to this place. Not really. It was okay for a Wednesday night.
(2)Yunjia L.
Horrible place. Bad service, the Arabic guy manager was very rude and disrespectful. Found a roach in our drink and he kicked us out because we asked to change the drink, with very inappropriate language. Food had weird overnight taste too. Very disappointed. I wonder why couldn't I give zero star on yelp.
(1)Tricia O.
This place. Has everything you could possibly want, such as, but not limited to: 1. Ballin playlist (shout out to my girl, Demi Lovato) 2. Amazing hookahs 3. Brunch til 5 on the weekends!!!! Mimosa pitchers CHECK 4. Excellent sandwiches and a vast array of hookah flavors including fresh fruit 5. Amazing servers that give great suggestions 6. Unpretentious clientele, comfortable seating, and unique decor 7. Great location 8. STRAWBERRY BUTTER for French toast. Check it out!
(5)Abe N.
Nice place , especially on a Tuesday night it's quiet and private , good for a meeting or a relaxed date.
(4)Diana A.
Hookah place was decent. They had a lot of different favors. Just wished the place was not so congested and cramped up. They need more room. Aside from that .... I enjoyed and had a good time.
(3)Lisette R.
5 stars for the "mixed grill" dish alone! Attentive service, great hookah, cute little place. The middle eastern music can be a bit loud. Gets hot inside.
(5)Kru K.
It's a really fun spot. Make sure u reserve in advance if you plan to go on a Friday or Saturday night as it gets really packed. We were a group of 10-15 ppl and had great time. Good food, music, hookah and drinks and frnds ofcoz :)
(4)Fatima S.
hands down best hookah in the city and i am a hookah snob. the staff is super nice one of the biggest reasons i come back. It's my home away from home.
(5)Sean F.
We were a party of five and they told us we needed to spend $30 a person to come in. Don't think so... Go down the street to kazuza much better
(1)Tiffany G.
My girlfriends and I are regular visitors to Horus! It's "our" special spot. The staff is so friendly, and we're always greeted with warm smiles and sweet hugs. It's clean, beautiful, and the hookah is the best I've ever had. Drinks are fabulous, food is fabulous. I definitely recommend this spot to anyone looking for a chill spot with a sexy ambiance. (Also, the music is amazing! And just wait until you see the belly dancers.)
(5)Sandeep R.
Located in East Village amidst a cluster of bars and sheesha places, the hookah flavor was amongst one of the better ones I've had in a while ..The ambience was perfect for a late evening chill with friends and the music wasn't too loud while still being decently audible in the background ..That being said, no whiskey at the bar and not so great drinks are the reasons I'm gonna go with a 3 and not 4
(3)Taj H.
Why has yelp still not yet succumb to the zero stars that so many of us plead for? But, on a serious note, I have never been treated with the most disrespect and made to feel so incredibly humiliated as I have at this establishment. Not only were my date and I yelled at by the hostess for moving (alert human rights violation for moving tables because I am sensitive to the sun due to a procedure), but then she refused to give me her name so that I could complain. Luckily, before this chic could continue to treat me like a POS, the waitress stepped in and made her go inside and gave me her name and apologized. Listen, I know this is NY and a lot of places give poor customer service, but as a retail worker for a good 5-6 years while in undergrad and grad school, I understand how customers can be. i usually tip well and try to be considerate, this girl was in no way attempting to be even cordial - full of contempt, hatred, and attitude - I beg of you Horus please hire people that actually like people! My suggestion, this girl should probably live in seclusion...maybe on a deserted mountain top away from human contact, but then she'd probably abuse the bears too and they don't deserve that. I will not be returning. Try hiyate or kazuza or farfasha, hell even babylon or le souk. Oh or Casa La Femme in West Village, basically anywhere but here.
(1)Sweta C.
Love!! This place!! I have been coming here for the past 4 years and I absolutely love this place. Great service and amazing service! Best hookah place in NYC
(5)Alex H.
Food very mediocre at best
(2)Stacey B.
I enjoy coming here at least once a month. It's a different scenery than other hookah bars I'm used to. Their food is pretty good & so are their drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic). 4 stars because they are a bit pricey (this is normal for city prices) and their hostesses and waitresses should be a little more friendly. Plus, their service can definitely be a little better. All in all, It's a nice chill spot to come with a couple of friends.
(4)R A.
Been here too many times, i love the outdoor seating good service when its not crowdy, ( small - cozy - nice hookah )
(4)Michael R.
A group of 6 of us tried to get in but the bouncer said that they required a $30 minimum per person. We looked inside and noticed that there were a lot of empty seats. We explained that we have been going to this place for years and never had to pay a minimum before. The bouncer did not care and said it was the manager's rule. As we were about to leave the bouncer then said the minimum would be $20 per person. We then asked to speak to the manager who had been making these rules. The manager came out and we told him that we would really like to get in but not all of us are willing to commit to that much money upfront. He started getting annoyed with us, so we left. I just don't understand how it makes economic sense for a business to turn people away from a pretty empty restaurant by requiring an arbitrary minimum. We would have ended up spending a decent amount of money there too. Unfortunately my friends and I will not be returning to this place, and will not be recommending it to anyone.
(1)Priya S.
An upscale hookah bar, hookahs were pretty good. The lighting was sort of dim but I liked it that way, it had a certain vibe. They had a one drink minimum requirement for everyone on a table if you're only going to hookah. We got mint and blue mist and both were great! A bit pricey but it is nyc...
(4)Daryoush F.
Bit pricey but good shisha. Vay good shisha. Havnt tried the food yet. Servive is very good
(3)Abby S.
They're hookahs are well priced and their menu is decent. I really enjoy myself every time I go. They have indoor and out door seating. They have these Morocco cigar...it's filo dough stuffed with seasoned ground beef, seafood or veggies and deep fried. 2 thumbs up! This hookah spot is not a night club but a resturant so you can have a conversation and hear your party. They play good music....not too loud. Do try it.
(5)Jim A.
Mediocre service! Hair in food! $20 sangria for $50! You, too, can have all this and more at alphabet city's WORST VALUE RESTAURANT! Save your money, search Yelp for something higher quality. You deserve it!
(1)Jennifer F.
I have been coming here for years!! I live down the block so I come here to work and relax. I love all the hookah flavors... Blue mist is my fav! Drinks are good...my fav is guava mojito! Staff is attentive and lovely! Love the outdoor seating!
(4)Nick C.
Horus is one of the most well known hookah bars in the East Village. The ambiance is cool. I especially like the big Eye of Horus they have on the wall that changes colors. They make a decent hookah too, just needs a lot of work to maintain the quality of smoke that I like. Tobacco is Starbuzz depending on what you order. They don't use instant lights coals either which is good. Drinks are kinda expensive, $10 a pop for the frozen ones. Not too strong either. There are better hookah options nearby.
(3)Fahim H.
One of my fav hookah lounges in the city hands down!! Best hookah I've had in the city, good drinks, great food music could be a lil better. Chico is the guy to look for, very friendly very attentive and he makes the best hookahs. Egyptian pharaoh is a must. I've been coming here for past few years never been disappointed once. I am from Long Island other then mystique hookah lounge in Westbury this is my go to place for all the birthday and other events.
(4)Jason R.
Went here for a friends birthday. The place was packed and the atmosphere was nice. We each ordered a mixed drink and they were all pretty watered down. Not worth $10 each. The food was good, but the service was very slow.
(3)Robin L.
Hookah was good. Drinks tasted like paint thinner. Left without finishing either. Also, the only music they play is loud rap.
(1)Sunshine W.
I had an excellent experience here with 2 of my friends. We ordered a hookah, some tea, and drinks. The waiter was SO charming and sweet. There was a drip from the ceiling due to the air conditioner and he came by to apologize before we even said anything and then came by to wipe the ceiling every so often so it wouldn't drip on our heads!! The drinks were excellent. I got a recommendation from the bartender and it was just right. The hookah was smooth and well tended to. They kept bringing coals and changed the hashish at the appropriate times. The decor is BEAUTIFUL with candelit walls and a light up Eye of Horus insignia at the far wall. It felt like I was in a cave in Egypt. I loved it. I 100% recommend this cafe to everyone. I am a hookah fanatic and have been to many places, including astoria where it is cheap, but Horus Cafe just blew them all out of the water. Thank you!
(5)Alexis M.
Pros: service is ok. Cons: hookah is not so good, uncomfortable seats, food can be tastier, too pricey for what you get, only place to sit with pillows has to be with a group of 8+. Poor selection of alcohol. All in all, this used to be one of my favorite places to go to after hours or for just a great night out to unwind. Not sure what went wrong or what new owner took over but this place has changed to much to where it's not even enjoyable to come here. This place needs a new renovation of the menu, bar, and seats/tables!
(1)Natasha S.
This place is really close to where I live so my boyfriend and I decided to check it out. We waited approximately 10 minutes to be seated but were looking forward to enjoying our night. The music was okay and the decor was cute; however, it was extremely crowded inside and the chairs were tiny. To emphasize, whether you have a small, medium, or big butt, the chair has only the capacity of fitting half your butt cheek. If you go, ask to be seated in the booths/couches. We ordered a hookah which was placed next to our table in the walkway and we were constantly in fear of getting burned by the coal. To continue, we ordered drinks which tasted like rubbing alcohol and cost $10 each. They were so horrible that we couldn't even finish them! While the hookah was decent we left because we felt nauseous (probably from the rubbing alcohol they used to make the drinks) and will not be returning!
(1)Ahmed K.
First , I don't recommend this place to anybody for many reasons; The place is too tied and it is not properly ventilated you can't even breath. The hookah sucks and over priced. The service was bad since we got in the store starting from the Hostess who unwelcome us. And the service was bad , many times we asked for water and we got ignored. Finally, the manger or the owner kicked us out" literally" because a was trying to get some extra coal from the coal guy. Those guys don't know how to run the business
(1)Mo J.
I've been going to this spot for the last 3 years. Recently it's become a Sunday evening ritual. The place is chill, especially if you get a seat outside. Inside with the smoke gets a bit too much for me. On weekends the music is pretty great and it's rowdy. I think they have cover on those nights. The scene gets def younger so I typically avoid it then. Only con I can think of is that the service gets slow at times but that's usually when they're packed. Def check it it.
(4)Meem S.
I was there last night for a late meal and the food is absolutely great. Must try the baklava (dessert) its basically a dessert originating in the Middle East made of fluffy pastry filled with chopped nuts and soaked in honey. its very delicious. and if you're a fan of chocolate you must try their special chocolate soufflé!
(4)Yueyue G.
They're super strict about their $30 min spend per person. Sure, if you're getting food and drinks and hanging out there all night, that's pretty easy, but if you just want to get one hookah to share with a few friends, how in hell are you going to spend that?! Each person get 1.5 hookahs so everyone can get super f*cked up!? Mint tea feels like it's clearing out your sinuses, so take that however you want to. But we just all ordered another round because we didn't know how else to rack up $30 a person. Ended up having to order a massive platter of meat even though we've all already eaten dinner. Had to flag down waitress every time to get her to clean up our coals. Excuse me, but that hideous attempt at our service does not deserve an 18% gratuity. And why put up a belly dancer if you're going to have the lighting so dim you need to bring flashlights to even see your friends sitting two feet from you? I never want to see you again, Horus. Oh wait, I live a block away from you and use the Citi bike station right across the street from you. Grrrr
(1)Kristie C.
Hookah was alright, service sucked though... Waiter tried to sucker us into purchasing the grapefruit or pineapple bowl, saying "grapefruit or pineapple?" as if we had no option.
(2)Colbylto C.
The Horus Cafe is one of the grimiest hookah bars I've been to. The bouncer acts like it is a club and they treat noisey obnoxious women like they are royalty. I would rather go to a place with a better more open atmosphere than be stuffed in there with their mediocre dishes, mediocre hookah, and mediocre attitude. I go to those places to escape the superficial atmosphere and when i walk in there it really ruined my night. Very crowded aswell, not enough room.
(1)Hillary F.
Can't say enough good things about Horus. I have been coming here for the past few years and I always have a great time. Their hookah is amazing, and the food is delicious. Sunday brunch never disappoints.
(5)Vanessa B.
If I could give this place 0 stars, I would. I have never had such horrible service in my life. The waitress had absolutely no idea what she was doing, but instead of apologizing for wrong orders, she was rude when we asked her to correct something. After waiting for over an hour, and watching other tables get their food, drinks and hookah before they finished bringing our orders was the last straw. When we complained to management, all we got was excuses. How can you tell a customer that the food was brought out, someone else must have eaten it.... We're still waiting, if it was brought to the wrong table ( which it prob was), then fine. Don't make excuses. Apologize and get the meal out. NEVER COMING HERE AGAIN. Side note, Drinks were NASTY. Sorry for the rant.
(1)Randall H.
Horus Cafe: Stepping into another culinary world? I've decided to search for something light and cheap so as I walk past Thompkins Square Park and see dim candles through very dark windows and a foreign language on the awning of a restaurant, I'm intrigued. Middle eastern food,(which I've not ever had purposely by myself) so I decide to go in. I confirmed the kitchen was open (@ 12:30 am) and was told to sit anywhere I like. The back corner called my name and with just 5 other bodies dining the vibe was very cozy. Some music played loudly which my uncultured mind concluded to be gypsy music and my host was a dark skinned gentleman with dreadlocks. Not too hungry I ordered lentil soup to start. My table quickly filled with soup, a basket of fresh pita, and an endless supply of water. The soup was piping hot so I savored every sip. So simple yet with great full bodied flavor, I just needed a little pepper and lemon to be completely content with this starting dish. Before I was even halfway through my soup, my waiter said something along the lines of get ready here comes your main dish. A little disappointing but the energy was so mellow I just took it in stride and told him that it was all good. My "main dish" was served piping hot as well so I dove right into the mashup of spices, herbs, heavy sauce, and various lamb and mixed sausage: Beautiful. Perhaps it was culture shock but I was stimulated with the simplicity of taste yet uniqueness of flavor. Sausage, lamb, "stew" on a plate with fried egg on top. I don't know how this dish came to fruition but I am very curious to delve deeper into this genre of cuisine in the future. It really wasn't anything out of this world though again I feel with this unprecedented experience I may have been over reacting in my palate's gauge of satisfaction. The crowd increased just enough to counter those who exited maintaining a minimal attendance which was lovely. I asked the waiter how late they stayed open and got the typical NYC response "Open til 4 depending on crowd". Bravo. To be fair, I did not have much of an appetite but what I did consume was very pleasant and simple. The music shifted from gypsy to eqyptian circus to R&B grooves which was a little out of place but at the end of the day, I was out of my element amidst my first homeless night at this needle in a haystack of a hookah restaurant in the east village. Really happy with this find however I cannot fairly rate the food so I leave this open until the next time. If you do come across Horus Cafe, I recommend you give it a shot so long as you don't mind going back in time to when you'd dine in a smokey dining room.
(4)Joseph T.
I been coming here for a years and Horus always has the best hookah and make sure Shiko is the one who makes it and great belly dancer show and one of the most important things they never close before 4am 7 days a week
(5)Tyler L.
Horus Cafe is a hookah bar. They have long tables inside that small groups can sit around. The hookah here is nicotine free, and they had over 20 flavors. The apple flavored one and the pineapple flavored one were the ones we tried and they were very good. The food that I tried there (their hummus and kebabs) was so-so, but this is not a place I recommend for food. This is for sitting around and smoking some hookah.
(3)Atikarn V.
The best thing about this place for me was the service. First, the man at the door went out of his way to help us find a parking spot on a busy Saturday night. They warmly welcomed our group of five. We had "Al" as our waiter and he was the best ever. He was probably the nicest and most welcoming waiter ever. The music was really good--mostly hip hop (Drake, Lil Wayne) and occasionally EDM. It is a little bit hard to talk because of how loud it is. But the atmosphere is cozy and cool. It is not a big place but we liked the dimmed atmosphere a lot. The food was good. The portion was big though and we couldn't finish but Al happily packed it up for us. The hookah was pretty good quality as well. I'd say the downside is the $30 minimum per person but with the service we got we didn't really mind it. We'd go back in a heartbeat! Great place to hangout at night (place doesn't close til 4 AM).
(5)Heidi W.
Meh, slow service, rude enough to leave for sure. Drink was mixed without any love or care, flat soda. Nice sidewalk seating, but that is too easy to find in EV. If you skip you are not missing anything and probably better off. It gets better: 2 drinks see a $2.70 "service charge" on the tab. And better, waited for 20 mins and did not bring back our change. Finally left out of annoyance. Ouch, so definitely skip this circus. Soooo....
(1)Chels B.
I used to frequent this place in college. Apparently, I grew up or something, because I was pretty floored to learn that while every cocktail at their bar costs $10+, they only serve (watered down) well liquor. $10 WELL LIQUOR! FOR REAL? No. Further, both my colleague and I ordered fish, and both of our orders were dry, flavorless, and again overpriced for the quality of the food. The other Horus is fun enough when you are a Freshman at NYU, but the grown up version is a complete waste of space.
(1)Elizabeth L.
Food was bland , meat was over cooked , and this is a first : we got 3 of our 4 course dinner all at the same time . Talk about feeling rushed ! Also not a fan of all the hookah smoke all around me , Shouldn't there be a separate area for the customers who are just there to eat and drink ? I went there on a living social special , and still wound up paying an extra $45 for 2 non refillable teas , 1 beer , 1 virgin piña colada,tax and 18% service charge By the way most of the food went back .... Even a dog wouldn't eat a doggy bag from this place. MESSAGE TO OWNER : Get rid of your cook , I would never call him a chef ! And separate the dinner customers from the ones that are smoking .
(1)Sunny B.
Don't read bad reviews anymore, 'cause this place is so so good! I ordered chicken salad which was amazing and delicious! And my husband tried penne vodka with shrimps and he was so satisfied with that. And! Hookah! I think it's the best hookah ever especially Hasnae Special! The service is good too. We've been waiting for our food maybe 15-20 min, so I think it's pretty cool.
(5)Nicholas V.
This is definitely one of the better hookah places in the city. The hookahs are really strong and very fresh. The strawberry and melons are their best flavors. Stay away from mint! It's such an icky, blah flavor. This is my to-go place every time I'm in the mood for hookah. The place is decently-sized. They have indoor and outdoor seating, so it's nice to be able to choose where to sit. They have a good staff here, too. It's a small place, so it's not too hard to screw up on customer service. Friday nights are usually packed, of course, and they also have belly dancers that perform on the weekends I believe. They also have a good selection of food here and it doesn't take too long for the food to come out. The food is a little bit on the expensive side, but it's pretty good. All in all, a good hookah joint in the village.
(4)frank a.
They have great food and hookah! I like to sit out front Nd just hang out on 2nd ave.
(4)Laura H.
I'm huge into hookah and live near Ave A so I often switch between Horus and Kakuza. Kakuza is my favorite in terms of the service, the atmosphere and the quality of the hookah but I really like the port they serve at Horus (and the hummus). So I struggle some times with what is more important and then that's where I go. But yeah, if you are a weirdo like me and like port with your hookah try this place out!
(3)Zaina O.
I went to Horus on a Friday night and it was packed. They have outdoor sidewalk seating which is a plus. The drinks were good/strong and the hookah was decent. The music was current and not too loud that you couldn't engage in conversation. However, the service was terrible and we waited a long time for a waitress to take our order. If you're in the area it's a good enough spot to do the trick, but I've been to better places before.
(3)Isabel M.
TERRIBLE! THESE PEOPLE ARE CROOKS! I literally made a yelp account just so I could warn other people from coming to this place. I wish I could give a"0" star rating. First off, the waitstaff basically ignored us. There was no one in the front and we awkwardly stood there until we were seated. Took forever for one of the waitresses to come take out order, she puts down menus in front of us and walks away without a word. Are they trying to act cool or something? The place wasn't even crowded. The waitress, besides ignoring us when we needed her, would come by and re-fill my glass of Coca Cola which was mostly ice. I thought nothing of it...until I'm charged $15 DOLLARS FOR SODA. She was charging me for every re-fill without even asking, at $3 a refill. My friend who ordered a real drink said it was watered down and too gross to finish. The food was not that good, the apple hookah was alright. Combined with the maximum price for each person, and forced tip...Jesus. No. Just don't come here. The hookah, food, and horrible blasting top 40 music (like..horrible remixes, Pit Bull songs type of bad) is NOT worth it. All these people care about it making money on sub-par service. There are PLENTY of neighboring hookah bars...don't go to this dump. It's definitely not a nice place for dates or for a relaxing experience. Do NOT be fooled by the positive reviews. I wouldn't be surprised if they were fake/friends of the owner.
(1)Saad M.
Horus is a little slice of the Middle East across from Tompkins Park. The outdoor murals, outdoor seating with views of Alphabet City life and the dark cozy indoor ambience is perfect for a hookah night out. I've had all the flavors here and every one is up to par; my favorite is the Watermelon and Double Apple. The food here is very good with the babaganouj and hummus tapas being favorites. It can be a bit pricey ($8 for hummus?) but it has prime real estate and you pay for what you get. I'm a big fan of the green and red teas with mint; with the hibiscus not being as good as the others if you're into sipping on tea with your hookah. The liquor drinks are quite pricey with double digits for the frozen and mix drinks. The price here would be the only downside but to be expected. Service is pretty good with constant refilling of water and asking how we were doing. If you're looking for a good hookah experience without the techno-middle eastern routine that normally accompanies it in Alphabet City...can do a lot worse than here.
(3)Aziz A.
Amazing hookah...just smooth and great; I recommend the Cuban mojito on a pineapple (best flavor ever!) Why is this place so great but a 4 star? The only thing stopping it from 5 star is the size of the place and the seats. Horrible seating it's like a kinder garden chair made of wood and cushioned. Ofc it's crowded, heck, this is maybe the best hookah spot in NYC, believe me I'm a great fan of hookah and I enjoy it like I enjoy breathing air. Minimum one drink per person. Service is great, even during busy hours when the place is packed It's a really nice place to take your date to, as long as they don't mind sitting on low chairs. The outside seating area is awesome on a rainy day! The only thing stopping me from giving this place a 5 star is the size of the place and the seats. Horrible seating! It's like those wooden chairs we suffered through in kindergarten with minimum cushioning. On the positive side the crowd, the atmosphere and the hookah makes it the best hookah spot in NYC. More info on the hookah, it's smooth, long lasting and the cloudiness is like thick fog, you're breathe will def. smell good to other people :D you can't go wrong with this place for hookah :)
(4)Damon R.
First I would like to start off by saying this place was cool. I've read some previous reviews and I didn't want to come here but I did. I'm not sure about the other patrons but you should know where youre going before you go. This is not a place where your gonna get excellent service or food. You go here for the hookah the atmosphere and the people. Now for my visit, I stood in line for quite some time 40mins to be exact. There was no structure to the waiting area turned mosh pit. I was unhappy with the people coming in and out pushing each other and being loud. After I got in to my seat things were ok. The hookah was ok and the drinks were average. The people on the inside were dancing......like people from the sims..lol the music was loud. Someone discovered the club mix techno reggaeton dubstep and cheesy hip hop and gave it to the dj. I will say it made me want to dance...in fact I did some what in my seat...don't judge me. The night overall was ok. The scene was diverse which I like. I did dislike people smoking a hookah(tobbaco) and taking 5 to 6 some breaks within 30mins. Shit cigs are 12 a pack in NYC who can afford that?
(3)Reb R.
I've been coming here for years, and upon countless searches for similarly good hookah joints, I have barely come up with 2 that are comparable. The service sucks, I agree, but the food is great, the hookah is easily the BEST in the City - NOTE they use REAL coals - not those crappy singular disks you can set with a lighter, like nearly every other hookah bar. Most of the staff are from Egypt or Morocco, with the exception of some of the servers, which, in my opinion really enhances the experience. The hookah's are only $18! Compare that to Suite55 ($30 Mon-Thur, and $40 Fri-Sun...fair hookah, again, one stupid disk to light the whole thing) The hummus is spectacular, as is their lamb. Don't get American food here, it won't be good and it makes NO SENSE to order anything but the traditional dishes. I love that they don't make you rush out after you've eaten. I'll come here to read a book or enjoy a coffee over hookah and I can stay for a couple of hours with no problem. One the weeknights, however, like any other bar/lounge/restaurant in NYC, they prefer that you order food, or at least a drink to occupy a table. Who cares? Why deny yourself delicious appetizers and a perfect hookah? :) I've ordered the regular, mango & peach hookah since 07' - I love this mix. They frequently provide new coals at no charge.
(4)Luke W.
I went to this place for a friend's birthday a few months ago. Was decent, but from the pictures on the website it appeared a lot bigger. Space was actually quite tight, and since it was a birthday, we had a great deal of people which was not conducive to this at all. The prices were average to slightly high, but it was not of concern. Atmosphere was nice, typical dim hookah bar style. I cannot forget when a friend of mine had asked if they could turn on a TV which was in the corner, immediately next to our table (since the Rangers were in the playoffs), and the waitress told him no. My buddy was livid, but I kept egging on the waitress to deny him because he was so mad! Not a big deal, but it didn't make sense why they even had a TV in the first place. There's belly dancing as the night gets later, which is a nice touch. The dancer will grab people to start dancing with her, and it can be really appealing to the eyes, or your worst nightmare! Some people just shouldn't be jiggling like that! This place was ok, I just think I would have preferred it more if the prices were somewhat better.
(3)Amy H.
Undeserving of even one star. First, the poor service. I ordered iced tea, but received hot tea. I ordered french toast and fruit salad but received french toast and sausage - as a vegetarian this was not ideal. The hot tea tasted like the rusty metal kettle it came in, and I did not drink it. The french toast was soaked in "strawberry butter" which look like pink yogurt. The $10 orange juice was a full glass of ice cubes and some watered down oj, almost transparent in color. They really have some nerve charging that amount for some ice water. The most upsetting thing was that we were charged a full 18% "service fee", even though we were only two people. When we left cash, the server Jasmine asked us if we wanted our change... as if we were going to leave an additional tip, for poor service and bad food, on top of the generous tip they forced us to give them. Our change should have been $6.88, but they decided to only give us $6 back. Obviously .88 cents isn't a big deal but on top of a forced tip for horrendous service, this was too much. I will never return to or recommend this rip-off establishment.
(1)Si A.
I've been to Horus many times and have enjoyed the atmosphere and hookah. However, as others have said they do get shady with the bill. Last time I went, my friend who has also been to Horus many times ordered a pot of tea. The waiter brought over the pot and one glass. My friend asked for three more so we could all take a glass from the pot. Little did he know that that quadrupled the price we would be billed for the pot from $5 to $20. Two of the people ended up not even drinking any. Upon seeing the bill he asked the waitress and she insisted it was normal. The other issue people have brought up is that they add around 18% gratuity to each bill even if you're a small party. It's shown as a line item when you get the bill but is not shown on the receipt you sign which also includes a line for tips. If you have a late night out you may not notice and tip 40+%. In any case the food is decent, the atmosphere is nice and the hookah's good. The service can be frustrating.
(2)Sam O.
the food was great, as well as the dessert - pretty authentic!
(5)Lara G.
About twenty-two (22) of us went out to lunch after serving at a volunteer legal desk at the Saturday soup kitchen on 11th Street. Horus was empty except for our group but it still took them a long time to get our food ready. Three (3) of us opted for the merguez sandwich which was great although I would have more merguez in there instead of more olives and I'd go easy on the feta. The salad that came with it was refreshing and I enjoyed it. My friend who sat across me ordered the grilled chicken and offered me some of her food. Of course, I accepted seeing that she had rice and the Asian in me thinks rice is always calling out my name. :) I had a cup of cappucino here, just to keep me from going nuts because it was a long wait for the food and the conversation was on ox tail and I was remembering the dinner we had at a Cuban restaurant. The coffee was actually surprisingly good. :)
(3)Jackie F.
My love affair with Horus began in the summer of 2009. Having owned my own hookah for the past 6 years, I am generally quite picky about where we smoke hookah because the quality varies so much at hookah bars in the city. I can say with 100% confidence that Horus is, hands down, the best hookah bar in NY Why, you ask? The Horus Special, of course. Grape and orange-flavored shisha inside a hollowed out pineapple doesn't sound like the most appealing combo, but BOY do they make it work. The hookah is smooth and flavorful, and the buzz hits you like a brick (the good kind of brick). The staff is attentive and quick with service, and the turkish coffee and mint tea are BOMB. Best times to visit: - Weeknights. It's literally a party every night of the week. Some nights they bring in a belly dancer, and she really knows how to get the party started. For some reason, I've never had to wait for a table when I come, but the place is always just barely full. No idea how they manage to bring in a full house without overcrowding or long waits, but props to them for getting it right! - Summer weekend afternoons. I just love sitting in their outdoor area when it's nice out, sharing a pitcher of sangria, a hummus platter and the Horus Special. Other quick tips: - $40 min per person on weekend nights, so plan accordingly - Get the horus special - Don't have the turkish coffee if you're planning on sleeping anytime soon. stuff is stronggg - Get the horus special - If you're a hookah owner like me, ask them for a pair of tongs so you can regulate the coals yourself - Get the horus special - outdoor seating closes around midnight (noise ordinances or something) - Get the horus special - they will only let you split 3-4 credit cards, so if you're in a bigger group, bring cash or deal with IOUs - JUST GET THE HORUS SPECIAL OK??
(5)Stephanie G.
This place wad ok! Their hookah was avg the flavor and smoothness didn't last long. Their drinks were reasonably priced. They had more diverse music than I had expected! They played a lottle hip-hop, dancehall, r&b, spanish music and middle eastern music. Their fries was THE WORST I habe ever had! No matter how much salt I added it just couldn't get better. This place is really small and cramped. But with a little pregaming and the right group of friends you can make the most of it. However this won't be my go to hookah bar.
(3)Janet M.
Been coming here since around 2007, never fails!! You want hookah? Ya got it. And its friggin GOOD hookah, at that. And why not add an entire pineapple on top, while you're at it. You want hummus? It's delicious! You want belly dancers? (for the boys) She shows up a few nights here and there. With most of the hookah good bars in the city going out of business, this place is a diamond in the rough. Go and support!
(5)Mina P.
We got a seat outside on a gorgeous summer Friday night within 10 minutes. The drinks were STRONG (no complaints here) and the hookah was smooth. They used a much better coal than most establishments and had someone coming around frequently to change them. It was a bit of a bummer that the outside area closes at 1am on the dot but I'd definitely go back.
(4)Shawnie J.
A good place to have lunch/dinner unless you mind the hookah. Their menu has something for everyone, including my fellow vegans. I loved the Horus Combo. The service was so accommodating and patient. They somehow managed to tolerate my obnoxiously drunk friends without throwing a tantrum. The music is great, too. I just don't understand why the lighting is so dim. You might need to use a flashlight to find your way to the bathroom, which by the way is very hot. You'll burn a million calories as soon as you close the door behind you. The front door staff act like they're protecting the president and are skeptical about letting people in. The venue is very small so expect to become close friends with anyone sitting next to you. Although the food and the service were enough to give this place 4 stars, the cramped space really peeved me.
(3)Janna M.
Absolutely a ripoff. We had a pitcher of watered down sangria that seemed like it was diluted with koolaid based on how it stained our mouths. It cost $50 and barely gave us give five glasses. We had five people and they automatically put in a 17% service charge, which is way more of a tip than our waitress deserved given her bad attitude and rude comments. I would 100% never come here again and wouldn't recommend my worst enemy drink here.
(1)Leslie A.
This spot is more loungy than their other location on weekends although the crowd is more or less the same. I'm Moroccan and am very critical of a real Hookah lounge and this, my friends, is one of my best spots in NYC. When you order any Hookah, just SAY CHICO'S SPECIAL and will you will taste the best hookah ever. I give them a 5 for their Hookahs because it is super rare to find good hookah (except maybe a few spots in Astoria). The service I get is usually good too, although could be pretty slow when it gets hectic Fri/Sat nights. Between Fri - Sun nights, get there before 11 if you want a seat guaranteed. Everyone loves their venues because, like I said, The Hookah is great and the food is very tasteful as well =) I personally love their Merguez sausages and Taboule salad. Their other location is great for bday parties on weekends. I guarantee your party to be a memorable one. Its very often that stranger will crash and join the fun!!
(5)Bernadette S.
Hot mezza plate and hummus plate was good. Small sangria pitcher good for 6-7 glasses. Guy kept our shisha burning until we left. Nice place to chill
(4)Marissa P.
I had a great time here. $15 hookahs. Nice flavors and good quality. Good service. Very friendly and attentive! Didn't have to ask once to change the coals (at most places in this city you have to ask!) The food is also really good . We had a combo platter with a variety of dips and falafel. Awesome!
(4)Princess S.
Love this place, probably one of the very first hookah places I've went to after moving to NY. And STILL love it! Very good pina coladas too! Its really busy at night- but during the day its more of a calm atmosphere for lunch dates with friends. LOVE :)
(5)samantha d.
I am so disappointed in this place. It's long been one of my go-to places to hang out on a weekend with friends (it has a quiet "coffee shop" feel in the afternoon, with free WiFi), and the service is usually ok. However, the service today was so unforgivably atrocious that I may have to stay away just on principle. I ordered a hookah at about 2:30. I got the hookah at about 3. Ok, fine, no big deal. We got about two puffs each out of the hookah, then realized the coals were already dead. We saw other people getting new coals, but they ignored us. We asked for new coals several times, and the waitresses kept making excuses that they needed time to "heat up," even while fresh hookahs and coals were coming out for other people. We finally got fresh coals over a half hour later, and they were not apologetic at all. They actually seemed annoyed with us, even though we had been perfectly polite the whole time. I used to be a waitress. I get it: shit happens, sometimes orders get mixed up or take too long; it's ok. The thing that really bothered us was the attitude of the staff. For that amount of wait and inconvenience, they really should have apologized and just brought us a new hookah, or at least comped us some tea. We really would have been completely understanding if they had made ANY effort to keep us as loyal customers. I've been spending money at your establishment and bringing friends here for years, so show some appreciation! If the owners/management are reading this: I want to continue being a customer, but unfortunately I'll have to find a new place until you get staff that can provide decent service without attitude. Also, the outlets are not working, so the entire point of coming (working on laptops) was rendered moot, anyway. Amending this review to add: The guy actually changing the coals was fine. It was just the waitresses who were problematic.
(1)Minji K.
The ambiance is nice and the workers do refill the coals in a timely manner, but that's all that's good about it. They have a minimum amount (you need to buy drinks), which would be okay if the drinks tasted good! I ordered "fresh lemonade," but what I got instead was lime water. I also ordered a tiramisu and it was literally bread and whip cream. The check also includes a service tip so even though your experience wasn't satisfactory you have to tip a certain amount.
(1)Chris L.
Been coming here for god knows how many years now, probably since 2006? Some of the best hookah in the city as they keep the milk out of the base and the pipes relatively clean. Pros: - Great hookah, Horus Special and Blue Moon are my personal favorites. Can't go wrong with either as they come in a pineapple and grapefruit bowl respectively - Belly dancing certain evenings which is very entertaining for 10-20 minutes. - Outdoor seating is lovely on a cool summer or autumn night. Beware the mosquitoes if you sit around the back side of 10th street, Ave A side is much nicer. - Decent food, I always go for the hummus or hot chicken wings. - Has Stella - the go to beer Cons: - Very crowded so try to reserve in advance if you have a group larger than 2 or 3. - Table per person minimums now up to $30 on certain busy nights, again call in advance if you can - Can get very squished when it's busy, they'll pile 4 or 5 people on a 2 top - Extremely uncomfortable stools inside, try getting a chair with a back if you can - Expensive sangria, it's tasty but definitely not worth the money. Grab a hookah, sit outside on a nice night and enjoy the weather and delicious shisha. The thing lasts for hours and you can always ask the nice hookah artists for coal when it starts running low.
(4)Isabel L.
Due to the limited Hookah Bar options in the area and occasional requests from friends, I found myself coming back here more than I would like.. I just remember every time after I come here I'm thinking" Please, this will be the last time" To make sure I remember, I hope this 3rd and final review serves as a kick in the foot and a final pact to myself. Ok. First things first. The reason why you find me here. 1) whether its a weeknight or a weekend, this place is always filled with people 2) good ambience( belly dancers at night) However, the subpar hookah, expensive drinks and craptastic service can really kiss my behind. I know it when the hookah is choky but after asking the server to fix it, he unwillingly blew a few puffs and threw it right back at me. seemed bothered that I even waved him over in the first place. Same to that other lady server who totally ignored our request for water when she was literally standing there checking her phone. On weekends they also outrageously ask you to spend minimally 20-30 dollars a head. Yeah. ok. You're not some hot shot nightclub that can demand a cover. I do feel that when I come with a big group and order massive alcohol they are alot more accommodating, either because we are bigger customers or I'm too buzzed to notice how crappy the service is.
(2)Priya M.
Went on a Friday night. Eh. I can't really think of anything terrible to say, but I really can't think of anything great to say either. Drinks and hookah were really pricy in my opinion- I may just be used to BETTER hookah that was only $10-$15. Atmosphere was really nothing special. Service was acceptable. It's a shame that all of the hookah places in the city are slowly closing down, but if this is the best we have left then I'm really sad. I did like the belly dancer though. Overall just not memorable.
(2)Luna S.
I really like the Horus cafe. A lot of people have made some complaints and there is truth to some of them: -it is small and can be super crowded, particularly at night. The tables are really close together. -it can be loud, but this I also found to be at certain hours, mostly nighttime. However, neither of these things bother me very much when I go at night. The shisha is nice, my favorite is the jasmine, and our servers were pretty attentive to the coals without being the obnoxious kind that are on top of you. In fact, it took us a really long time to decide when I went a few weeks ago and they applied literally no pressure at all to hurry us up. I tend to feel comfortable there, day or night. Not to mention that they are decently priced for hookah in the city. The food is actually pretty good, I really like their falafel, which seems to taste drastically different from place to place. But I'm sure most people bypass the food anyway. Drinks are a tad pricey. I bring my friends with me to Horus cafe. I don't understand the suggestion to keep walking, you'll certainly miss out.
(4)Miriam W.
We arrived at Horus already pretty euphoric - I blame the pizza, the wine, the Martha Stewart sighting - and this hookah house kept our spirits high. We squeezed ten or so people around a table more suitable for five and sucked in shisha flavored like mango and strawberry. If you must bid New York adieu, Horus ain't a half bad place to do it. Just make sure to bring your own entourage and know that pre-gaming is must, trust me when I say that this is not the place to start off your night!
(3)Morgan D.
Just O-K. I can say I won't be eating here again. I ordered Chicken kabab and even though there was nothing 'wrong' with it, it just was so-so. I like good food especially when I'm paying someone to prepare it for me and this just didn't cut it. It was basically chunks of grilled flavorless meat, with some bland veggies and ok rice. Nothing to brag about. at. all. Not to mention the service here was kinda terrible. The waitress took about 30 minutes to bring out our starter of pita and tahini sauce...and 2 minutes later our meal came...major pet peeve. Now to the good parts...this is definitely more of a hookah bar or somewhere you would like to order some fine homemade tea. This is not someone you would go to order a main dish. The location is great...right in Alpahbet City and they have outdoor seating...major plus! Horus next time I come to you, It will be to order some of your hookah! :)
(3)Peter D.
This is where I discovered that you cannot sneeze and pee at the same time. Well, at least you shouldn't. And from the slippery floor in the bathroom, it seems as though many of my predecessors had not learned this lesson. I also learned that Horus Cafe can be a really good time, although everything seems to be entirely too expensive. Also, it's a small spot, and a party of ten is too large to fit comfortably, especially since there's nowhere to hang your coats. But smoking things out of a pineapple is a good time, and a relaxing, if head-lightening alternative to karaoke.
(3)Rammi S.
the best hookah in manhattan. They're staff is awesome as well...mohammed and phillip always take care of myself and my group when we go. The outdoor area can get packed, but we usually get a table within 20 minutes. I ALWAYS get hookah in a fresh fruit pineapple, my favorite shisha there is the egyptian pharaoh...and my own concoction of lemon and mango mixed. They're great about refilling your charcoal as well to make sure your hookah keeps burning. The kebabs are really good, although I like the food better at the 6th street and avenue B horus better. The drinks are not pricy, however they don't have high end alcohol (kettle, goose, etc). On a nice day get a bottle of wine, a hookah, some kebabs and throw your feet up and relax and enjoy the day at horus.
(5)Jennifer D.
I am not sure the reason why there are so many bad reviews - sure you have to wait to get in, but where can you go on a Saturday night without a wait. Once we got a table, we got an excellent waitress as well as some pita and tahini sauce. We ordered some drinks and food - hummus, koosheri, lamb stew, falafels - all of which were great. The waitress even brought me some fautoosh salad for free since I had asked about it. I didn't try the hookah but everyone at the table enjoyed it. They were a little slow to bring it out, but they kept changing our coals and even moved it for us wen we asked. DJ got better as the night went on, and overall we had a great time.
(4)Tolik K.
Very good hookah
(5)Jason G.
Really lame that they enforce a $20 minimum per person on the weekends. Wtf is that? And the Hookah lasted for all of 5 minutes. But, I got the chicken wings. Boy, were they surprisingly good. Any place with good chicken wings gets 4 stars in my book.
(4)Michaela J.
Hookah is good, sangria was terrible and 50$! The tall lanky waiter is also a total jerk.
(2)Chrissy C.
3 stars only because the mint hookah was AMAZING. Our waiter was nice too. However, the people at the door really try to scam you. They tell you all sorts of nonsense of how much it is per person that night. DO NOT LISTEN TO THEM! There is no per person charge!!!!!!!! They told us $60/per person. Yeah, okay. We didn't listen to them and our bill was well under that. Not a peep about it. They just want you to sit down and order as many things as possible. That really irked me. ALSO, some girl must have puked in the bathroom that night. I was drunk myself, but I could still smell the awful stench all night long everytime I entered there.
(3)Nick C.
I used come here a lot with a few friends every time. Living out on L.I we lack such places. Some days it was just horrible. No room to move...worst part no place to breath. Other days they have nice music and not so packed out. Mint Tea is really nice with hookah. Big problem I notice with Hookah places in NYC is that the really good ones close down within a year or so. So this place I keep going back too since its always been their. Know of any good ones let me know..
(3)Payam Z.
I'm not a huge fan of Horus on A (see Horus on B). This could be related to the less than savory wait staff experience. While I still enjoyed the Hookah, I was more or less pushed into ordering the most expensive one ("sex on the beach" something I'd never order regardless of the price!). The waiter also brought lamb chops which I had not ordered (it was ~2:30am) saying that he had opened the kitchen just for me and this was very special... Maybe it's because we were the only ones there on a Tuesday night or maybe it's because he thought I was wasted, either way, I wasn't too happy. That being said, I'm willing to give it another shot in hopes that this was just connected to the one waiter. Food:*** Hookah:**** Drinks:**** Service:*
(2)Nicholas S.
This is probably the best hookah place in Manhattan. The hookah is good, and they know how to make it: they don't burn the tobacco and they frequently bring fresh coals. The drinks (particularly the sangria) are actually pretty good, and the food is decent. One of the best places to chill out with friends after some bar hopping.
(5)Valerie V.
Well first off we came here because on their website they offered "From 11 am to 5 pm regular hookahs are only $10.00, and liquor flavor & Fresh fruit hookahs are only $15.00" horusona.com but the waitress had no knowledge of it and when we did show it to her she said okay, but then came and said that it was not this cafe but the one of ave B.........it was on the website HORUS ON A! wtf. I was mad because without it we paid 15.00 for a cantaloupe hookah and $25 fresh fruit grape fruit blue moon hookah..I was frustrated because we came there early at 4 pm to catch the deal but they didn't honor it and we just left it eeeeeeeh minor detail but still. As for the experience it was great! When we first got there it was only a few people there and we were seated by the window with a couch and opposite seat was a standard chair, the tables were tight but it was okay since no was next to us. I liked that there was outlets underneath the couches so I charged my dying phone. We ordered the Hot Mezza Basket which was pretty small and it consisted of three chicken wings, a handful of fries, three falafel, and three mozzarella sticks it was really good especially the wings but for $15 I thought we would of gotten more. Drinks we got blue moon ($6 each), a strawberry daiquiri ($10 each), each a lemon drop shot ($8 each) which was huge than the expected amount for the a shot and Moroccan tea ($4 ) which was delicious! The hookahs were amazing, we got a cantaloupe and fresh fruit grapefruit blue moon flavors. I originally wanted fresh fruit pineapple but the grapefruit was delicious btw the waitress didn't write our order down I guess that's why it was mixed up. One of the best hookahs I 've had and the coal lasted a very long time which was surprising. Overall the experience was great and the service was okay. I felt that it was over priced and disappointed at the fact the website offers cheaper prices than the actually ones, whatever. Don't honor the prices on the site. But will definitely come back.
(4)Steve B.
Good hookah selection, especially the Horus Special ones where they use half a pineapple or whatever (orange&grape tobacco), they are really good and smooth. But every time I've been there the service has been rough - once it took 25 minutes from entering to get our hookah, and it was then the wrong one. Beer prices aren't bad, Brahma, Presidente and Efes are among the bottles available, even though they didn't have one of them when here last. It is a good smoke once you get setup and they will refresh the coals, but at times it takes forever to get started - at least the prices are reasonable ($15 for a basic hookah, $25 for the mentioned special hookah)
(3)Calvin M.
I Was In The city on a weekday and wasn`t even expecting to go out, but me and some friends decided to go to a place with hookah and chose Horus. 30 Dollar Minimum, The drinks were strong, Service was ok, Could`ve been better for the money you`re spending, And the hookah was strong and good. There was also a good mature crowd, Sometimes you get your young kids, but they have to live too! But i see it more as a restaurant or weekday relax spot with friends, Not like a let`s get crazy and go to horus saturday night! No, no, No. Overall, It was ok.
(3)Erika R.
Horus is my go to spot whenever my friends and I feel like doing some hookah. The place is small so seating is cramped and at times uncomfortable, but its something that can be overlooked. For more group of more than 4 people, make sure you make reservations in advance or it may be a long wait. Anyway, the atmosphere is great and I always have a good time. The only downside is that during weekend nights, they sometimes play music way too loud and it's damn near impossible to talk to your friends. They do have a belly dancer on weekends though so that's fun and entertaining. Hookah ranges from $15-25, I think there are some specials that run up to $30, not too sure... I recommend fresh fruit hookah. I usually don't get food here, but I've ordered the lamb kebabs once and they were amazing! I don't recommend getting any drinks here though, because they are highly over-priced for being so mediocre and watered-down. The service is decent; my friends and I have become cool with some of the staff so we never have problems with service. Horus is definitely a great hang out spot for hookah.
(4)Wen V.
The food was mediocre, I get better falafels from the street carts but the experience was a lot of fun. I went here last night (Friday) with my roommates. Since it was just the three of us, we were passing the hookah frequently, which distracted us from our meal because you don't want your hookah to go to waste. If you plan on dining here with a small group you ought to finish your meal before you order your hookah. The place is small, dark and intimate. A little cramp. Around 10ish, they have a beautiful belly dancer perform. They turn up the music and turn on a rotating disco ball. Beware the belly dancer will ask you to dance with her. Patrons were laughing, clapping and overall having a great time. I would love to come back here again, not so much for the food but just to hookah and for the entertainment.
(3)Sarah H.
I had friends visiting from out of town that wanted to smoke hookah...I live in the neighborhood and although I know a million hookah spots, I had never tried this place before so we decided to give it a shot. When we got there we asked if we could sit outside, the host said they didn't have anything open- but we pointed out a table that had 4, basically full, drinks on it...but no people sitting there, no jackets, nothing...half the staff proceeded to run down the street to find the people that had been sitting there, that quite clearly split on their check. Now, that's obnoxious...big time. I would never do that...but what stood out to my friends and I was that they left full drinks...if you're gonna split, wouldn't you finish your drinks first? Well, my friends, we later found out why this happened.... The hookah (we got guava) was delicious and pretty average priced...beers are $6 which isn't amazing, but pretty standard. HOWEVER....do not, I repeat, do not order any hard liquor at this spot...it is more than obviously watered down. We ordered a round of shots (3 whiskey, 1 vodka....all $7 each). They wouldn't let us pick what brand, they only had "house" liquor, which makes sense...since they clearly "make" it in house. The whiskey was basically clear, and the vodka tasted, I kid you not...like sugar water. It became pretty apparent that that must have been why the people before us left with full drinks and without paying...one sip of their pink mixed drinks and they probably realized what was up and got outta there. Still rude, but I understand their pain. So overall, this place is pretty ok...but I mean, there's basically a hookah spot on every other block in the east village. You can do better.
(2)Kevin L.
Does anyone else find it ironic that the restrooms at Horus have no smoking signs in them? I mean... it's a hookah bar. There's more smoke going on in here than a five-alarm fire. At any rate, in the two times I've been here the staff has been accommodating, graciously making room on the front booth for coats and bags, and coming by on a regular basis to check on us for shisha/drink refills. The regular clientele seem to run the gamut of lone bookworm to mafia-looking duos to undergrad get-togethers. Be prepared to bring your own party and have a quality time working on blowing smoke rings.
(3)Matt M.
Love this place. Usually end our nights here. Staff is very cool - will sit and smoke with you. Beer selection isn't that great, but I can look past that. Had many good times here. Haven't yet found a hookah bar that compares. Go on belly-dancing night!
(5)Stacy J.
Bottom Line Up Front: This place blows. I think Dan M. hit the nail on the head, one of the worst experiences in hunting hookah. Not only do you rack up a huge bill, but they actually demand it by enforcing a minimum charge per person. Came with a few friends and were seated after about half an hour until the Horus Cafe speakers... It was death by sound, it was so loud we could hardly hear the waiter when he demanded that we order more off the menu to fulfill our minimum immediately. Well, we made sure he heard us when we said goodbye. They couldn't pay us enough to want to stay. Not worth the wait.
(1)Florence Y.
Hookah? Check Live music? Check Fairly affordable drinks? Check Cave-like atmosphere? Check Packed on a Wednesday night? Check (This only means it's get insane on weekends) Strong drinks? Check Attentive service? Check Friendly staff? Check Great dancing music after live music is done? Check Everyone's in a f-ing good mood!? YES! I want to have my birthday party here, now who is the manager? :) Tip-bits: AC wasn't turned on inside, had to ask waitress why!? Was told they don't take reservations for parties, unless you know the manager Use the hanky-thingy if you order tea, teapot is HOT HOT HOT Loud live music makes this a dance place, not a chatty place Tables are close by to each other, be comfortable being close to strangers...who may become friends for the night. Bathrooms near that kitchen window, to the R. Single unit for each gender. Outside seating "closes" at 12 MN....i think it's cause people live upstairs. Was told there's belly dancers on weekends!
(4)Nader T.
If you want Arabic food, go to Moustache around the corner or Al-Bustan in Midtown. If you want shisha, go to Khyber Pass. Better yet, go to Bay Ridge and buy your own. If you want a cool place to hang out, there are plenty of other quirky bars in the East Village that'll be much more worth your while.
(2)Brinda G.
I love this place. I love the hookah. I love the food. Period.
(4)Mia K.
I have an aversion toward these Manhattan-esque unauthentic overpriced hookah bars. The ridiculous flavor combinations (although I've made some better ones at home) combined with the pretentious atmosphere makes me want to hurl. I'll stick to Steinway.
(2)John K.
This place is fantastic. I came here with a native New York Citian and I was very satisfied with my experience. Sheesha/Hookah with real coals instead of that sparkly coal crap. One of the smoothest sheeshas I've had. And a real cool atmosphere to top it off. Tuesday nights, the Horus has two Egyptian guitarists who specialize in Spanish Classical music. Very awesome indeed. We chilled here for hours and hours on end and the time just flew by. What's a Horus you ask? Well, Horus (Sahlab) is a very thick drink made of nuts, coconuts, & milk. The best way to describe the taste is like a hot milkshake. Most tourists go to Serendipity's for the Frozen Hot Chocolate, think of this as the converse. The Yin of the Yang if you will. Definitely recommend.
(5)kelly m.
Friendly, chill spot, fruity hookahs are fresh and tasty, they use ice cold water in the hookah which ive never seen before but i can swear it makes the hookah flavors taste better and they change the coals often enough for it not to get too ashy. 8 us of chilled there for several hours, live music, good beats, we had a lot of fun, the setup is kinda romantic, works well for small crowd or larger crowd. the only minus was the place was a little overheated, and the drinks are hit/miss, mojjitos= a, bellini= c.
(4)Shinsuke I.
I think I was there this past Saturday. I think I had a beer, which I was physically unable to finish. I think we had a peach peach sheesha. I think my friends father, who's an accomplished pilot(boats, ships) (coolest parent of all time) stopped by after work and had a beer and some hookah with us, AND paid for us. I think I had fun here if not at another hookah bar near by. Does anyone remember an intoxicated asian sitting with two other white kids and an old guy who looks like a pilot? Please help: lost memory, dignity and liver.
(4)Bobby B.
The decor of this place is nice and the overall first impression is very good. But after 20 mins you may find yourself getting uncomfortable. The music is way too loud, its cramped, and you have to yell across the table to have a conversation... On the other hand the food, drinks and hookah are very good. If this place had better speakers with some nice mellow music in the back ground, and maybe a little more space, this place would definitely jump up a big notch. Nonetheless, it's worth checking out.
(3)Danny M.
I've been here a few times, the problem is a lot of those times it's crowded to all hell, and there's precious space to move around, which can get hairy with all the hookahs around and stuff. They have the better belly dancer IMO and they're one of the few places I've been to that uses fruit with their hookahs (The pineapple hookah was out of this world). However, be wary: They have a tendency to add the tip to their bar as a "service charge". It has happened to me twice.
(3)Dina M.
Great place, the food is good and so is the service...Heard the hookah was good..didn't try it though
(4)Ryan V.
Whether a starting point for a night out or a place to chill on a night in, Horus consistently delivers a solid experience. I particularly enjoy the outdoor sidewalk seating. It's slightly crowded but makes for an ideal area to relax on warmer nights, smoking hookah and kicking back with friends. It's also great for people-watching; this girl once wore a huge and inappropriately shaped balloon scultpture on her head as a birthday gag, and every guy passing by had to touch it. The hookah itself is decent (though I've yet to try their fresh fruit hookahs), and I didn't care much for the drink list or the food (the hummus is kind of bland, actually). But another nice touch I noticed was their tea; a friend ordered mint tea and got this nicely presented platter of hot water in an intricately adorned pot and a glass filled with fresh mint. It was very classy, as well as an aromatic and throat-soothing compliment to our hookah.
(4)Devin P.
Not having much hookah-joint experience to compare, I'd say this place is worth visiting/frequenting. It's a great place to just hang out with a few people and pass the pipe. The service is pretty good, and they sometimes comp good customers a desert or something. The interior is dark and cavernous with candles sunk into the walls. It can get a little loud in there, especially when they have belly dancing, but a good scene still. Their food ain't bad either, but I'd rather eat somwhere else and then spend a few relaxing hours here after.
(3)Simon X.
A year ago, this place would've been a 5. However I think the owner has changed since then. The old owner used to bring us various ethic snacks whenever we visit. Since then, it has become a ritual for us to end our Saturday nights at Horus. Overall the hookahs here are definitely one of the best ones we've had in the city. The smoke volume is high and it lasts much longer before getting harsh and needing a coal change. Since the owner change, I believe our favorite hookah flavor "Silver Fox" has been taken off the menu, but they still make it for us when we ask for it. Give it a try, it's by far their best flavor. My only complaint is that sometimes when play the hip hop a bit too loud. Once the table next to us (I swear they're high school students) started dancing right next to us. It really took away from the chill and relaxed atmosphere.
(4)Angie H.
Really enjoyed this place. The hookah was great! The service was great too! Anytime I needed something someone was right there to help me whether it be another drink or fresh charcoal! I will definitely go back to this place next time I'm in New York!
(5)Divya R.
if this is your first time try the fruit mix for a lighter smoke. If you want stronger definitely get the horus special. Belly dancers later in the evenings and definitely good music. The food is suprisingly authentic and good.
(3)Jenny S.
Horus is one of my favorite places in alphabet city. I love hookahs, and the first time I went here I knew I'd keep going back. The place looks like a cave inside, which gives it a dark, cozy atmosphere. The egyptian pharoah hookah is my favorite, i love it - and the food is pretty good too, I always get the platter that has hummus, falafel, etc. Egyptian iced tea is AWESOME too. They have belly dancers sometimes so it's always entertaining - although it does get really loud on belly dancer nights, so you won't have a quiet hookah session. Overall I like this one better than the other Horus on B because it's bigger and more lively, and the food is better. Horus on B is sweet too though because of the cushions on the floor, and the hookahs are just as good.
(4)Vanessa Z.
when in doubt, go to horus! my friends and I have been coming here for almost 2 years, and it is always a fun time. Hossam and the rest of the crew are super friendly and always smiling. and the music is awesome--a mix of arabic music, hip-hop, reggaeton, ets, so pretty much something for everyone. you can tell this place is legitimate because most of the people coming in are arabic, so you know it has to be good. I've had better hookah in the city, but in the end it's all about atmosphere, and horus has one of the best I've seen. even on a random night of the week, this place is pretty packed, so come weekends you may have to wait for a seat. cute, cozy, and always a great time!
(4)Molly T.
Horus is a great place to go to end the night--good ambiance and music. We got there around 3 and split a double apple hookah. My friend had red wine and I got this warm coconut/nut/milk drink that was really yummy and rich. The experience would have been perfect if not for the guy sitting next to us. He was on a date and acting like he owned the place, bossing all the servers around. He spilled beer on my friend and didn't even flinch, but his date definitely noticed. Also, they include gratuity on the bill instead of just letting you tip. Maybe they don't trust drunk people at 4 a.m. which I guess I can understand. Just for two drinks and a hookah, it ended up being $16 each which I thought was kind of expensive. I think the bar closed at 4 and we left shortly thereafter.
(4)Wes J.
Located on the corner of 10th and Ave A, this little cafe/hookah bar is relatively easy to find. Cocktails are $8. Hookah is $15+. There is a one drink per person minimum and after 10:30pm on Friday + weekends, it's a $20 minimum per person. Food is totally overpriced. The mint tea tasted like hot water scattered with a few mint leaves. The cocktails were so-so. It's very small and gets very crowded. There is belly-dancing after 11pm. My experience was "okay." It wasn't that great and I hated paying so much for sub-par drinks. The Albanian waitress was kind of pushy and kept giving us dirty looks because we didn't order as much food/drinks as she would've liked us to. She then kept coming over to take away our plates and glasses even when we weren't finished and basically kept pushing for us to leave and give up our table to waiting customers. The lighting is dark and there are some small candles all around the cafe. My skin looked flawless in this light, though, so at least that was cool.
(3)Jon A.
Simple terrible. The staff is rude and unaccommodating. Avoid this place if you can!!!
(1)Eli H.
Difficult to believe that this place is still in business. Went with wife and a friend for lunch. Something was wrong with each of our orders: my burger was rare on one side, well done on the other; wife had ordered burger with cheese and no dressing on the salad, but came out with both requests incorrect and when it the waiter came back withe the "corrected" order, the cheese was wrong and the salad had hair; finally our friend had ordered a salad with no dressing, but dressing was indeed added. Almost too strange to be true. Would not return/recommend.
(1)Mandella L.
I really love this place to the point that i find myself craving it at times. Walking in to the quaint main room envelopes you in a soft vanilla aroma. For what it lacks in space it makes up in quality and tip top speedy service.
(5)Daniela A.
I really enjoy Hookah -- but the thing about most spots is that they get way too crowded, the crowds can sometimes be extremely annoying (a table with 5+ meat-headed guys being idiots), and the music is way too loud to enjoy drinks, smoke, and convo with friends. This really isn't the case at this location. The staff is very friendly--even when you feel it is too packed--they find a way to make room for a large group of people and everybody feel comfortable. Good music that isn't too loud. Service again is great -- Hookah's are priced well and like Emmy said--they will replace the coals if you ask. Prices are moderate but I just wouldn't recommend the white sangria (maybe the red is better). I'd definitely come back here.
(4)S K.
I have no idea how good the food/hookah/entertainment was because we were all blinded by the OBSCENELY rude service we got. We all left after one beer. We wandered into this place on a random Tuesday night to grab a few drinks. Recap of our night...mind you, this place was half-empty. -any questions asked about the drink selection were answered with "read the menu" -when we turned down hookah, each and every one of us got an angry retort "you're not smoking?!?!"...repeated over and over again. -when we turned down food, we got a similar response wherein she proceeded to aggressively rip the menus off our table -our server proceeded to complain about us very loudly to the other servers about how she couldn't believe we were only ordering drinks -a friend stopped by to say hello and our server told him he couldn't sit if he wasn't going to order anything...he was there for 2 minutes and, again, the place was half-empty This entire visit was a trip. I wasn't even really angry, just utterly shocked. I almost found the whole thing comical, actually...mental note - never come to this place again.
(1)Emmy Y.
This place is great. I've just moved to the NYC-area from San Francisco and have been pretty turned off by the plethora of "trendy" upscale bars that charge you $15/drink to scream your conversation directly into the person-standing-right-next-to-you's ear. I do not understand the popularity of these places. The staff at Horus Cafe (the one on 10th @ Ave A) is extremely friendly and attentive, offering you more drinks (for $4 or $5 per beer) as soon as your glass looks low, and they're not obnoxious with their hookah service like some of the other Hookah Bars I've been to in the area. They serve you each hookah with enough plastic mouthpieces for everyone in your party, and they'll replace your coals as soon as you ask (and they won't complain about it or make you feel guilty for asking for coals instead of another $15 hookah). Another fantastic plus is that they have the cleanest women's bathroom that I've ever seen in a bar, and I've heard the men's room is nice, too :) They're nothing like what I've come to expect of the typical NYC bar scene. Want to spend your Saturday night someplace chill with good drinks, food, and entertainment? A place where you can actually hear yourself think, and have a conversation with a couple of friends at a decent decibel? This place is great.
(5)Gina C.
so...I was here last week for my friend's husband's band play...and they were awesome!!! jamming on the oud and doumbek these two did an awesome job...and the hookah smelled good...too bad the service was slow...I ordered baklava and tea...and only got my baklava. Maybe it was because the place was packed...which was a little hard to believe at midnight on a Wednesday night, so I'm thinking about giving it another try....BUT...not so sure... unless...it's to go here some live music...
(3)Harper S.
I went here with two friends to grab a drink and quick bite. We sat outside as it was a nice night and they had their dog with them. We ordered drinks (they only have wine, beer and house vodka--no full bar) We ordered the Horus Combo composed of hummus, falafel, babaghanouj and tabouli & tahini sauce which was very yummy. We also ordered a pineapple hookah. It was good food, drinks, hookah but the service was very fair. Considering it was a Wednesday night and not very busy, they were very slow. Plus they added a service charge automatically so you didn't have the choice of how much tip you left.
(3)lu b.
Horus is fun! The food isn't bad either. It's not the best Mediterranean food there is, but it's a fun place for a group of people. Use the 20% off coupon they have on 8coupons.com and you'll have more for a few more rounds of hookah
(5)Romana Claretta H.
not wat it use to be. the food is good, hookah is not bad, but prices are high for the quality. gets super packed. i do like the live belly dancer.
(3)Lisa B.
We said baklava and then just as we said it, we ran into a little knot of people who blocked our way, looked up and saw the eye of Horus staring down at us. Following divine inspiration and the smell of apple tobacco (yum!) we entered. We were just there for the baklava and some tea so there isn't much to report but what was amusing was the very inappropriate flatware that came with our desserts. My friend was given an oyster fork with which to eat his baklava, and my creme brulee came with one of those long spoons that you get with a root beer float. Would I go back? Hell yeah! If only to eat ice cream with chopsticks.
(3)Mimo R.
I've been going to Horus Cafe for many years, and while the place itself has many faults, if you can get over them then you can enjoy some of the best hookah, Arabic food, and music and dancing in Manhattan. Cons: - On weekend nights, the huge wait to get in, and the mandatory $20 per person rule inside - The "gratuity" that is automatically added to the bill - The lack of liquor (somehow they lost their liquor license, but are still able to serve beer and wine) - At times inconsistent service Pros: - Horus really does have some good, clean shisha, and is one of the few hookah establishments that will use fruit as the tobacco holder (Try ordering a "Sex on the Beach" hookah) - The food is surprisingly good! You wouldn't think you'd get such tasty food in a club/bar/lounge, but try ordering the lamb shish kabob and rice. VERY good...and I know my lamb! - Sitting outside during a warm summer night! - When it's hopping in here, you can always have a good time dancing! Next time you're in Alphabet City and looking for a hookah lounge, try Horus over Leyali (across the street) or Babel.
(4)Taylor H.
For years I have been in search of a Hookah bar in this great city that has both a traditional middle eastern atmosphere as well as feeling a bit upscale. Although Horus is now becomming somewhat of a chain now they still retain some charm. Every time I order a hookah it arrive and is perfect balance of taste and smoke. Each of there tobaccos they use are top of the line. Although prices may seem steep and for many including myself who have not that much patience hookahs take a while for preparation they still seem to arrive perfect each time. Another praise for Horus comes with the fact that they accept credit cards which is a plus amongst most of the hookah bars in the east village who only take cash and usually attempt to rip people off this way. I would say that from my previous experience here I highly recommend taking a visit.
(5)Heather C.
I came here the other night and wasn't particularly in love with the place. It smells really good when you walk in and they have a good selection of hookahs and fresh fruit hookahs for about $15 to $20. The place was very dimly lit and the seating was romantic but VERY stuffy and hot. The service was alright, but I don't think I would come back here again. I've been to 4 or 5 other places and this one ranks at the bottom.
(2)kristen g.
this place blew my mind. i stumbled in there on a Friday night but meant to go to the other Horus cafe. needless to say the music was poppin, there was a belly dancer, and ppl just chillin. the ambiance sets the mood for that middle eastern feel. there are even pillows on the floor. i liked white grape hookah with some tea and i was set !
(4)Katie H.
Went to Horus last night, excited because my friends had been there a few months ago and had a great time. After waiting a few minutes, they sat us (corner, nice!) and then we pored over the menu. We asked some questions about the shisha, and then placed our drink order. It was at this point that the waiter announced that we had to spend $20/person minimum, not including the 18% gratuity. WHAT? There are tons of other hookah bars in the area; what makes them think they can get away with this? My boyfriend ran down the street to check the policy of the next-closest hookah joint while we "looked at the menu" to buy time. He sent us a text saying Kazuza down the street had no minimum policy and was ready to seat us. We grabbed our stuff and bounced. It's too bad, because we had a great time at Kazuza, and definitely ended up spending more than $20/person. I don't mind patronizing a good bar and giving them my money...but I'm going to do it on my own terms, because I'm having a good time, not because I'm forced to.
(1)Jasmin G.
I finally visited this place that is right across the street from me. It's cute, and gets pretty full on a Thursday night, which is when we went. They have a belly dancing show which was fun, and everyone is smoking hookah but the smell isn't over powering for us non-smokers. (ie - i could still breath without coughing up a storm). The white sangria is good - and the music is fun middle-eastern stuff. Not much dancing going on besides the belly dancer, which makes this place a really chill laid-back clean spot.
(4)Columbia W.
Very tasty dishes - I had lamb kebab and we shared a sampler of appetizers. Strange tabouli salad - it was about 2% bulgar and 98% parsley. I can't comment on the hookah action because we weren't there for that, but it looked like others were enjoying it. Word of warning: The tip ("service charge") was included in the bill and we were only a party of two. The service charge was shown on the receipt, but the receipt was not returned along with the credit card slip. I've rarely seen that before and I'm sure that they get people to overtip all the time with that ploy.
(3)W C.
I came out of town to NYC to ring in my 30th and chose this place. We made reservations, but after we started eating, we were asked to move to fit their needs, for ppl who had NO reservations. I was pushed up against the corner, my friend 2 ft ahead of me on my right. We told the waiter it was my bday, did he forget? Because the other bday ppl. got a song/cake. Next thing you know he's quick to deliver and pick up our tab, then proceeded to ask us to move to the bar. We asked for 10 more min. with the hooka but he said no, he had people waiting for the table. We ended up leaving, and leaving unfortunately, a huge fat tip for the waiter who forgot my bday and never checked on us the whole night. Atmosphere was great, halibut was dry on top, and service was horrible.
(1)Laur T.
Came here with 2 colleagues. What can I say, I'm not a fan of hookahs, not a fan of the horrid food here, not a fan of the cheesy indian / middle eastern MTV videos here that oozes so much in your face sexuality from skimpily clad women and lustful men in a offputting kinda way, Indian men acting (unsuccessfully) balla like with their harem of women and tonguing the girl next to them in a revolting kinda way. Oh and did I mention I'm also not a fan of the belly dancer here? OMG what am I Ms Negativity? I guess that's what Horus does to you. E.W.E
(2)Ann B.
UNTHINKABLE SERVICE I have been going to Horus every week for about a year because my friends like it. The sheesha is okay and the outdoor seating is nice. However, I give them one star for their consistently horrible service, which finally angered me to the point where I will never go back again. Horus only cares about how much money it makes. Yesterday I went there for a table of 3 and waited about 30 minutes for a table, and when our table cleared up they refused to seat us because we were only going to have sheesha, drinks and dessert (no dinner). I couldn't believe they'd tell us this after we've been such regular customers, and moreover after we'd been waiting for so long. It was around 11:30pm and they should have guessed that most people have had dinner by then. I was completely disgusted by the rude, inconsiderate service. They might have made some more money last night by serving people dinner, but the fact that neither me (or my friends) will ever give them our weekly business again will hurt them more than they know. I will never recommend Horus to anyone. Terrible service, mediocre sheesha, overpriced food. Go to Sultana (4th St between 1st and 2nd ave) instead.
(1)K K.
enjoyed a mint tea and a Jasmin hookah..the guys were very on point in making sure I always had coals and that the hookah wasn't burning....will try the food one day and write another review....
(3)Lucy B.
LOVE this place. I'm a HUGE hookah bar fan and this place is probably my favorite. It has a great atmosphere. Last time I was there, they had an incredible DJ spinning. The hookah flavors are delicious. I especially like the hummus platters. I'm on a bit of a tight budget, so I do snacks there and not a full meal, but the couple of times I've splurged, it's been great. The other location, however, on 6th street and Avenue B is just not the same. It's not cozy and it lacks the same ambiance. But this 10th street location is awesome!
(4)Fazeela S.
It's NOT about the food, it's about their nicotine-free SHEESHA (hookah is metal part). You go to Horus for sheesha, not for anything else. However, some of their food is really good. When they have belly-dancing or Arabic dance music playing, it can be really fun, too. In 2009, I used to come here weekly with my Egyptian friend, while I was under-doing a 3 month clerkship. We tried many other places around the city, but nothing came close to the sheesha at Horus. Since that time, I travel from Brooklyn to Alphabet City every time I crave sheesha. Having tried so many other venues, I am 100% sure that it is not worth wasting my money at any other place. FAVORITES: THE HORUS EYE SPECIAL HOOKAH (SHEESHA): I have tried pretty much every flavor. Get this, it's well worth the price. In 2009, one of the managers used to hook us up and provided us tastes of every special flavor since we were there so often. The Horus Special is smoked out of a pineapple and there are orange and apple peels floating in the water. It is so smooth and tasty. If it is ever too harsh, you tell your server and they alter it. PLUS, you can sit for as long as you like and they keep refilling the coals! In the past, I have ordered sheesha and tea and sat for hours writing research papers. Note: If you just order sheesha, you have to order a drink - it does not have to be alcoholic, but you have to order at the minimum bottled water. MINT TEA: Served like you are in the Middle East. Lots of fresh mint on the side. LENTIL SOUP: It is homemade and delicious. FATTOUSH SALAD: My favorite fattoush in the city! The pita is not too salty and it is not drenched in dressing. It's fresh and yummy. HORUS COMBO APPETIZER: This is great for vegetarians. Hummus, falafel, baba, tabouli, tahini... TAGINES: My spouse and other meat eaters LOVE their tagines. [Sidenote: When I started coming to Horus in 2009, their menu was still very Middle-Eastern - I loved it. A few years ago, they "Westernized" as some may say - and added burgers, mozzarella sticks... I do NOT like that food or that change. However, they have still kept the lentil soup, fattoush, tagines, so I've dealt with the gringo-ization. To underscore, in the end you come here to smoke the smoothest and most delicious sheesha that you can find in NYC]. [Date-Night Tip: Go to Caracas Arepas Bar down the street for dinner and then come to Horus for sheesha and end at The Big Gay Ice Cream Shop].
(5)Ambrose C.
Are you looking for a place to "unwind" a tiny bit while inhaling some smoke from a long pipe and enjoying some drinks somewhere in the East Village after a very hectic day? Well, this place may have your answer. I have been to this place twice so far, on a Sunday afternoon and on a Saturday night, and with the right people, I had a good time getting drinks and smoking hookah. I had the red and white sangria pitchers during my visits here. I thought they were both refreshing drinks. The service has been okay so far, no serious complaints but you may have to be patient. As for the hookah, a friend got the Cuban Mojito flavor. I could taste a little bit of that flavor, and I felt a little relaxed. It's not a bad choice to share among 5 people. Interior decor is nice, and the seats inside are fairly comfortable. I enjoyed this place even more when I sat outdoors, and enjoying the nice but slight summer breeze while looking out in the stars, and you could even do some "people watching". I did see a couple ladies dancing inside this place that Saturday night, and if you're looking for that type of entertainment, this place is not a bad choice. Overall, if you are looking for a decent place to smoke some hookah while getting some drinks in this part of New York, this place is not a bad choice. If you want to watch ladies dance for you on a Saturday night, this place is also not a bad choice. I don't think it might be the best place to get hookah, but it's decent enough if you really want to fulfill your desire for the somewhat exhilarating inhalation in an area like the East Village.
(3)Shardae W.
I went here because a friend recommended it for hookah. She raved about the hookah and service. I usually trust her judgement because we visit many places together and she knows what I enjoy. When we arrived on a Saturday night after 12 we were seated right away. Our waiter was very distant. The guy who brought out the hookah was very rude. Gratuity is already included so you would expect the service to be great. I don't know if everyone was just in a bad mood that night or they was just treating us that way for another reason. I'm a vegetarian my salad was ok. My friends said the food was good, so that's a plus. The hookah was okay. It wasn't a totally bad experience. They played up to date Arabic music. The menu had a lot of options and the setting was a good middle eastern theme. The crowd was very diverse so you don't feel out of place. I just wish the service was better.
(2)Mimi M.
I do not care about the liquor or sheesha. I just came to accompany a friend for a night out. This is an Egyptian spot that definitely plays Arabic music with a mix of also the more popular music American style. The crowd is also makes ranging from black white Chinese Spanish and Arab. It seem like a nice crowd no raunchy ratchet people. We got the big appetizer and it was delicious. I believe I ordered the chicken kabob platter. Definitely there is a good chef in the back cuz he knows what he's doing and don't get fooled just because it's a lounge you're going to get damn good food here. The mint lemonade was also very good. I like that they had the traditional Egyptian food on their menu including macarona bechamel. Food is not cheap about $15 just for the appetizer and then another 15 - 20 for the entree and the drinks even though not alcoholic are about $7 I believe. The desert was blah. I wouldn't even bother. My bill for two people came up to 100 something. Overall I had a lot of fun I had a nice little spot in the place and I ate really really good.
(5)Ali C.
Maybe I'm spoiled by other hookah spots further north than Horus but .... The bouncer told us $30 per person ... All we wanted was a hookah to share plus maybe a few beers.... As we were walking away the manager? Said it'll just be $20 per person ... Okay now we're talking! We were sat alllllll the way in the back away from the crowd and the DJ which made you feel you can only sit down and smoke, not get up shake a groove thang. We ordered a watermelon mint, it was pretty okay, kind of harsh in the beginning but the coal guy fixed it. It's nice to get coal refills often. Well drinks at $10? No thanks. On the menu Corona was $6 but charged later as $8 with a whole gratuity and tax included excuse with of course it charged separately... Pet peeve is automatic gratuity and you receive less than sub par service. Woe is me. Totally not worth your $30.
(1)Nicky C.
I came here on Wednesday night around 9pm and it was pretty dead. We tried to order some patron shots but they do not have top shelf. So we proceeded and order mojitos instead. The mojitos were good. We got hookah, and the hookah was good as well. As for food, we ordered calamari's and mozzarella sticks. The calamari were okay, and the mozzarella sticks were made from cheap cheese. They were decent to eat. The music was terrible. We complained about the music and nothing was done. I understand it was a Wednesday night. However, the music didn't have to be so terrible. The music was def a buzz kill. As for the service, it was very good. The server was very attentive and sweet. Will I go back to this place. Not really. It was okay for a Wednesday night.
(2)Yunjia L.
Horrible place. Bad service, the Arabic guy manager was very rude and disrespectful. Found a roach in our drink and he kicked us out because we asked to change the drink, with very inappropriate language. Food had weird overnight taste too. Very disappointed. I wonder why couldn't I give zero star on yelp.
(1)Tricia O.
This place. Has everything you could possibly want, such as, but not limited to: 1. Ballin playlist (shout out to my girl, Demi Lovato) 2. Amazing hookahs 3. Brunch til 5 on the weekends!!!! Mimosa pitchers CHECK 4. Excellent sandwiches and a vast array of hookah flavors including fresh fruit 5. Amazing servers that give great suggestions 6. Unpretentious clientele, comfortable seating, and unique decor 7. Great location 8. STRAWBERRY BUTTER for French toast. Check it out!
(5)Abe N.
Nice place , especially on a Tuesday night it's quiet and private , good for a meeting or a relaxed date.
(4)Diana A.
Hookah place was decent. They had a lot of different favors. Just wished the place was not so congested and cramped up. They need more room. Aside from that .... I enjoyed and had a good time.
(3)Lisette R.
5 stars for the "mixed grill" dish alone! Attentive service, great hookah, cute little place. The middle eastern music can be a bit loud. Gets hot inside.
(5)Taj H.
Why has yelp still not yet succumb to the zero stars that so many of us plead for? But, on a serious note, I have never been treated with the most disrespect and made to feel so incredibly humiliated as I have at this establishment. Not only were my date and I yelled at by the hostess for moving (alert human rights violation for moving tables because I am sensitive to the sun due to a procedure), but then she refused to give me her name so that I could complain. Luckily, before this chic could continue to treat me like a POS, the waitress stepped in and made her go inside and gave me her name and apologized. Listen, I know this is NY and a lot of places give poor customer service, but as a retail worker for a good 5-6 years while in undergrad and grad school, I understand how customers can be. i usually tip well and try to be considerate, this girl was in no way attempting to be even cordial - full of contempt, hatred, and attitude - I beg of you Horus please hire people that actually like people! My suggestion, this girl should probably live in seclusion...maybe on a deserted mountain top away from human contact, but then she'd probably abuse the bears too and they don't deserve that. I will not be returning. Try hiyate or kazuza or farfasha, hell even babylon or le souk. Oh or Casa La Femme in West Village, basically anywhere but here.
(1)Sweta C.
Love!! This place!! I have been coming here for the past 4 years and I absolutely love this place. Great service and amazing service! Best hookah place in NYC
(5)Alex H.
Food very mediocre at best
(2)Stacey B.
I enjoy coming here at least once a month. It's a different scenery than other hookah bars I'm used to. Their food is pretty good & so are their drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic). 4 stars because they are a bit pricey (this is normal for city prices) and their hostesses and waitresses should be a little more friendly. Plus, their service can definitely be a little better. All in all, It's a nice chill spot to come with a couple of friends.
(4)R A.
Been here too many times, i love the outdoor seating good service when its not crowdy, ( small - cozy - nice hookah )
(4)Michael R.
A group of 6 of us tried to get in but the bouncer said that they required a $30 minimum per person. We looked inside and noticed that there were a lot of empty seats. We explained that we have been going to this place for years and never had to pay a minimum before. The bouncer did not care and said it was the manager's rule. As we were about to leave the bouncer then said the minimum would be $20 per person. We then asked to speak to the manager who had been making these rules. The manager came out and we told him that we would really like to get in but not all of us are willing to commit to that much money upfront. He started getting annoyed with us, so we left. I just don't understand how it makes economic sense for a business to turn people away from a pretty empty restaurant by requiring an arbitrary minimum. We would have ended up spending a decent amount of money there too. Unfortunately my friends and I will not be returning to this place, and will not be recommending it to anyone.
(1)Tiffany G.
My girlfriends and I are regular visitors to Horus! It's "our" special spot. The staff is so friendly, and we're always greeted with warm smiles and sweet hugs. It's clean, beautiful, and the hookah is the best I've ever had. Drinks are fabulous, food is fabulous. I definitely recommend this spot to anyone looking for a chill spot with a sexy ambiance. (Also, the music is amazing! And just wait until you see the belly dancers.)
(5)Sandeep R.
Located in East Village amidst a cluster of bars and sheesha places, the hookah flavor was amongst one of the better ones I've had in a while ..The ambience was perfect for a late evening chill with friends and the music wasn't too loud while still being decently audible in the background ..That being said, no whiskey at the bar and not so great drinks are the reasons I'm gonna go with a 3 and not 4
(3)Priya S.
An upscale hookah bar, hookahs were pretty good. The lighting was sort of dim but I liked it that way, it had a certain vibe. They had a one drink minimum requirement for everyone on a table if you're only going to hookah. We got mint and blue mist and both were great! A bit pricey but it is nyc...
(4)Daryoush F.
Bit pricey but good shisha. Vay good shisha. Havnt tried the food yet. Servive is very good
(3)Abby S.
They're hookahs are well priced and their menu is decent. I really enjoy myself every time I go. They have indoor and out door seating. They have these Morocco cigar...it's filo dough stuffed with seasoned ground beef, seafood or veggies and deep fried. 2 thumbs up! This hookah spot is not a night club but a resturant so you can have a conversation and hear your party. They play good music....not too loud. Do try it.
(5)Jim A.
Mediocre service! Hair in food! $20 sangria for $50! You, too, can have all this and more at alphabet city's WORST VALUE RESTAURANT! Save your money, search Yelp for something higher quality. You deserve it!
(1)Jennifer F.
I have been coming here for years!! I live down the block so I come here to work and relax. I love all the hookah flavors... Blue mist is my fav! Drinks are good...my fav is guava mojito! Staff is attentive and lovely! Love the outdoor seating!
(4)Nick C.
Horus is one of the most well known hookah bars in the East Village. The ambiance is cool. I especially like the big Eye of Horus they have on the wall that changes colors. They make a decent hookah too, just needs a lot of work to maintain the quality of smoke that I like. Tobacco is Starbuzz depending on what you order. They don't use instant lights coals either which is good. Drinks are kinda expensive, $10 a pop for the frozen ones. Not too strong either. There are better hookah options nearby.
(3)Fahim H.
One of my fav hookah lounges in the city hands down!! Best hookah I've had in the city, good drinks, great food music could be a lil better. Chico is the guy to look for, very friendly very attentive and he makes the best hookahs. Egyptian pharaoh is a must. I've been coming here for past few years never been disappointed once. I am from Long Island other then mystique hookah lounge in Westbury this is my go to place for all the birthday and other events.
(4)Jason R.
Went here for a friends birthday. The place was packed and the atmosphere was nice. We each ordered a mixed drink and they were all pretty watered down. Not worth $10 each. The food was good, but the service was very slow.
(3)Robin L.
Hookah was good. Drinks tasted like paint thinner. Left without finishing either. Also, the only music they play is loud rap.
(1)Sunshine W.
I had an excellent experience here with 2 of my friends. We ordered a hookah, some tea, and drinks. The waiter was SO charming and sweet. There was a drip from the ceiling due to the air conditioner and he came by to apologize before we even said anything and then came by to wipe the ceiling every so often so it wouldn't drip on our heads!! The drinks were excellent. I got a recommendation from the bartender and it was just right. The hookah was smooth and well tended to. They kept bringing coals and changed the hashish at the appropriate times. The decor is BEAUTIFUL with candelit walls and a light up Eye of Horus insignia at the far wall. It felt like I was in a cave in Egypt. I loved it. I 100% recommend this cafe to everyone. I am a hookah fanatic and have been to many places, including astoria where it is cheap, but Horus Cafe just blew them all out of the water. Thank you!
(5)Alexis M.
Pros: service is ok. Cons: hookah is not so good, uncomfortable seats, food can be tastier, too pricey for what you get, only place to sit with pillows has to be with a group of 8+. Poor selection of alcohol. All in all, this used to be one of my favorite places to go to after hours or for just a great night out to unwind. Not sure what went wrong or what new owner took over but this place has changed to much to where it's not even enjoyable to come here. This place needs a new renovation of the menu, bar, and seats/tables!
(1)Natasha S.
This place is really close to where I live so my boyfriend and I decided to check it out. We waited approximately 10 minutes to be seated but were looking forward to enjoying our night. The music was okay and the decor was cute; however, it was extremely crowded inside and the chairs were tiny. To emphasize, whether you have a small, medium, or big butt, the chair has only the capacity of fitting half your butt cheek. If you go, ask to be seated in the booths/couches. We ordered a hookah which was placed next to our table in the walkway and we were constantly in fear of getting burned by the coal. To continue, we ordered drinks which tasted like rubbing alcohol and cost $10 each. They were so horrible that we couldn't even finish them! While the hookah was decent we left because we felt nauseous (probably from the rubbing alcohol they used to make the drinks) and will not be returning!
(1)Ahmed K.
First , I don't recommend this place to anybody for many reasons; The place is too tied and it is not properly ventilated you can't even breath. The hookah sucks and over priced. The service was bad since we got in the store starting from the Hostess who unwelcome us. And the service was bad , many times we asked for water and we got ignored. Finally, the manger or the owner kicked us out" literally" because a was trying to get some extra coal from the coal guy. Those guys don't know how to run the business
(1)Mo J.
I've been going to this spot for the last 3 years. Recently it's become a Sunday evening ritual. The place is chill, especially if you get a seat outside. Inside with the smoke gets a bit too much for me. On weekends the music is pretty great and it's rowdy. I think they have cover on those nights. The scene gets def younger so I typically avoid it then. Only con I can think of is that the service gets slow at times but that's usually when they're packed. Def check it it.
(4)Princess S.
Love this place, probably one of the very first hookah places I've went to after moving to NY. And STILL love it! Very good pina coladas too! Its really busy at night- but during the day its more of a calm atmosphere for lunch dates with friends. LOVE :)
(5)samantha d.
I am so disappointed in this place. It's long been one of my go-to places to hang out on a weekend with friends (it has a quiet "coffee shop" feel in the afternoon, with free WiFi), and the service is usually ok. However, the service today was so unforgivably atrocious that I may have to stay away just on principle. I ordered a hookah at about 2:30. I got the hookah at about 3. Ok, fine, no big deal. We got about two puffs each out of the hookah, then realized the coals were already dead. We saw other people getting new coals, but they ignored us. We asked for new coals several times, and the waitresses kept making excuses that they needed time to "heat up," even while fresh hookahs and coals were coming out for other people. We finally got fresh coals over a half hour later, and they were not apologetic at all. They actually seemed annoyed with us, even though we had been perfectly polite the whole time. I used to be a waitress. I get it: shit happens, sometimes orders get mixed up or take too long; it's ok. The thing that really bothered us was the attitude of the staff. For that amount of wait and inconvenience, they really should have apologized and just brought us a new hookah, or at least comped us some tea. We really would have been completely understanding if they had made ANY effort to keep us as loyal customers. I've been spending money at your establishment and bringing friends here for years, so show some appreciation! If the owners/management are reading this: I want to continue being a customer, but unfortunately I'll have to find a new place until you get staff that can provide decent service without attitude. Also, the outlets are not working, so the entire point of coming (working on laptops) was rendered moot, anyway. Amending this review to add: The guy actually changing the coals was fine. It was just the waitresses who were problematic.
(1)Minji K.
The ambiance is nice and the workers do refill the coals in a timely manner, but that's all that's good about it. They have a minimum amount (you need to buy drinks), which would be okay if the drinks tasted good! I ordered "fresh lemonade," but what I got instead was lime water. I also ordered a tiramisu and it was literally bread and whip cream. The check also includes a service tip so even though your experience wasn't satisfactory you have to tip a certain amount.
(1)Chris L.
Been coming here for god knows how many years now, probably since 2006? Some of the best hookah in the city as they keep the milk out of the base and the pipes relatively clean. Pros: - Great hookah, Horus Special and Blue Moon are my personal favorites. Can't go wrong with either as they come in a pineapple and grapefruit bowl respectively - Belly dancing certain evenings which is very entertaining for 10-20 minutes. - Outdoor seating is lovely on a cool summer or autumn night. Beware the mosquitoes if you sit around the back side of 10th street, Ave A side is much nicer. - Decent food, I always go for the hummus or hot chicken wings. - Has Stella - the go to beer Cons: - Very crowded so try to reserve in advance if you have a group larger than 2 or 3. - Table per person minimums now up to $30 on certain busy nights, again call in advance if you can - Can get very squished when it's busy, they'll pile 4 or 5 people on a 2 top - Extremely uncomfortable stools inside, try getting a chair with a back if you can - Expensive sangria, it's tasty but definitely not worth the money. Grab a hookah, sit outside on a nice night and enjoy the weather and delicious shisha. The thing lasts for hours and you can always ask the nice hookah artists for coal when it starts running low.
(4)Isabel L.
Due to the limited Hookah Bar options in the area and occasional requests from friends, I found myself coming back here more than I would like.. I just remember every time after I come here I'm thinking" Please, this will be the last time" To make sure I remember, I hope this 3rd and final review serves as a kick in the foot and a final pact to myself. Ok. First things first. The reason why you find me here. 1) whether its a weeknight or a weekend, this place is always filled with people 2) good ambience( belly dancers at night) However, the subpar hookah, expensive drinks and craptastic service can really kiss my behind. I know it when the hookah is choky but after asking the server to fix it, he unwillingly blew a few puffs and threw it right back at me. seemed bothered that I even waved him over in the first place. Same to that other lady server who totally ignored our request for water when she was literally standing there checking her phone. On weekends they also outrageously ask you to spend minimally 20-30 dollars a head. Yeah. ok. You're not some hot shot nightclub that can demand a cover. I do feel that when I come with a big group and order massive alcohol they are alot more accommodating, either because we are bigger customers or I'm too buzzed to notice how crappy the service is.
(2)Priya M.
Went on a Friday night. Eh. I can't really think of anything terrible to say, but I really can't think of anything great to say either. Drinks and hookah were really pricy in my opinion- I may just be used to BETTER hookah that was only $10-$15. Atmosphere was really nothing special. Service was acceptable. It's a shame that all of the hookah places in the city are slowly closing down, but if this is the best we have left then I'm really sad. I did like the belly dancer though. Overall just not memorable.
(2)Luna S.
I really like the Horus cafe. A lot of people have made some complaints and there is truth to some of them: -it is small and can be super crowded, particularly at night. The tables are really close together. -it can be loud, but this I also found to be at certain hours, mostly nighttime. However, neither of these things bother me very much when I go at night. The shisha is nice, my favorite is the jasmine, and our servers were pretty attentive to the coals without being the obnoxious kind that are on top of you. In fact, it took us a really long time to decide when I went a few weeks ago and they applied literally no pressure at all to hurry us up. I tend to feel comfortable there, day or night. Not to mention that they are decently priced for hookah in the city. The food is actually pretty good, I really like their falafel, which seems to taste drastically different from place to place. But I'm sure most people bypass the food anyway. Drinks are a tad pricey. I bring my friends with me to Horus cafe. I don't understand the suggestion to keep walking, you'll certainly miss out.
(4)Miriam W.
We arrived at Horus already pretty euphoric - I blame the pizza, the wine, the Martha Stewart sighting - and this hookah house kept our spirits high. We squeezed ten or so people around a table more suitable for five and sucked in shisha flavored like mango and strawberry. If you must bid New York adieu, Horus ain't a half bad place to do it. Just make sure to bring your own entourage and know that pre-gaming is must, trust me when I say that this is not the place to start off your night!
(3)Morgan D.
Just O-K. I can say I won't be eating here again. I ordered Chicken kabab and even though there was nothing 'wrong' with it, it just was so-so. I like good food especially when I'm paying someone to prepare it for me and this just didn't cut it. It was basically chunks of grilled flavorless meat, with some bland veggies and ok rice. Nothing to brag about. at. all. Not to mention the service here was kinda terrible. The waitress took about 30 minutes to bring out our starter of pita and tahini sauce...and 2 minutes later our meal came...major pet peeve. Now to the good parts...this is definitely more of a hookah bar or somewhere you would like to order some fine homemade tea. This is not someone you would go to order a main dish. The location is great...right in Alpahbet City and they have outdoor seating...major plus! Horus next time I come to you, It will be to order some of your hookah! :)
(3)Peter D.
This is where I discovered that you cannot sneeze and pee at the same time. Well, at least you shouldn't. And from the slippery floor in the bathroom, it seems as though many of my predecessors had not learned this lesson. I also learned that Horus Cafe can be a really good time, although everything seems to be entirely too expensive. Also, it's a small spot, and a party of ten is too large to fit comfortably, especially since there's nowhere to hang your coats. But smoking things out of a pineapple is a good time, and a relaxing, if head-lightening alternative to karaoke.
(3)Rammi S.
the best hookah in manhattan. They're staff is awesome as well...mohammed and phillip always take care of myself and my group when we go. The outdoor area can get packed, but we usually get a table within 20 minutes. I ALWAYS get hookah in a fresh fruit pineapple, my favorite shisha there is the egyptian pharaoh...and my own concoction of lemon and mango mixed. They're great about refilling your charcoal as well to make sure your hookah keeps burning. The kebabs are really good, although I like the food better at the 6th street and avenue B horus better. The drinks are not pricy, however they don't have high end alcohol (kettle, goose, etc). On a nice day get a bottle of wine, a hookah, some kebabs and throw your feet up and relax and enjoy the day at horus.
(5)Jennifer D.
I am not sure the reason why there are so many bad reviews - sure you have to wait to get in, but where can you go on a Saturday night without a wait. Once we got a table, we got an excellent waitress as well as some pita and tahini sauce. We ordered some drinks and food - hummus, koosheri, lamb stew, falafels - all of which were great. The waitress even brought me some fautoosh salad for free since I had asked about it. I didn't try the hookah but everyone at the table enjoyed it. They were a little slow to bring it out, but they kept changing our coals and even moved it for us wen we asked. DJ got better as the night went on, and overall we had a great time.
(4)Tolik K.
Very good hookah
(5)Jason G.
Really lame that they enforce a $20 minimum per person on the weekends. Wtf is that? And the Hookah lasted for all of 5 minutes. But, I got the chicken wings. Boy, were they surprisingly good. Any place with good chicken wings gets 4 stars in my book.
(4)Michaela J.
Hookah is good, sangria was terrible and 50$! The tall lanky waiter is also a total jerk.
(2)Chrissy C.
3 stars only because the mint hookah was AMAZING. Our waiter was nice too. However, the people at the door really try to scam you. They tell you all sorts of nonsense of how much it is per person that night. DO NOT LISTEN TO THEM! There is no per person charge!!!!!!!! They told us $60/per person. Yeah, okay. We didn't listen to them and our bill was well under that. Not a peep about it. They just want you to sit down and order as many things as possible. That really irked me. ALSO, some girl must have puked in the bathroom that night. I was drunk myself, but I could still smell the awful stench all night long everytime I entered there.
(3)Nick C.
I used come here a lot with a few friends every time. Living out on L.I we lack such places. Some days it was just horrible. No room to move...worst part no place to breath. Other days they have nice music and not so packed out. Mint Tea is really nice with hookah. Big problem I notice with Hookah places in NYC is that the really good ones close down within a year or so. So this place I keep going back too since its always been their. Know of any good ones let me know..
(3)Payam Z.
I'm not a huge fan of Horus on A (see Horus on B). This could be related to the less than savory wait staff experience. While I still enjoyed the Hookah, I was more or less pushed into ordering the most expensive one ("sex on the beach" something I'd never order regardless of the price!). The waiter also brought lamb chops which I had not ordered (it was ~2:30am) saying that he had opened the kitchen just for me and this was very special... Maybe it's because we were the only ones there on a Tuesday night or maybe it's because he thought I was wasted, either way, I wasn't too happy. That being said, I'm willing to give it another shot in hopes that this was just connected to the one waiter. Food:*** Hookah:**** Drinks:**** Service:*
(2)Nicholas S.
This is probably the best hookah place in Manhattan. The hookah is good, and they know how to make it: they don't burn the tobacco and they frequently bring fresh coals. The drinks (particularly the sangria) are actually pretty good, and the food is decent. One of the best places to chill out with friends after some bar hopping.
(5)Valerie V.
Well first off we came here because on their website they offered "From 11 am to 5 pm regular hookahs are only $10.00, and liquor flavor & Fresh fruit hookahs are only $15.00" horusona.com but the waitress had no knowledge of it and when we did show it to her she said okay, but then came and said that it was not this cafe but the one of ave B.........it was on the website HORUS ON A! wtf. I was mad because without it we paid 15.00 for a cantaloupe hookah and $25 fresh fruit grape fruit blue moon hookah..I was frustrated because we came there early at 4 pm to catch the deal but they didn't honor it and we just left it eeeeeeeh minor detail but still. As for the experience it was great! When we first got there it was only a few people there and we were seated by the window with a couch and opposite seat was a standard chair, the tables were tight but it was okay since no was next to us. I liked that there was outlets underneath the couches so I charged my dying phone. We ordered the Hot Mezza Basket which was pretty small and it consisted of three chicken wings, a handful of fries, three falafel, and three mozzarella sticks it was really good especially the wings but for $15 I thought we would of gotten more. Drinks we got blue moon ($6 each), a strawberry daiquiri ($10 each), each a lemon drop shot ($8 each) which was huge than the expected amount for the a shot and Moroccan tea ($4 ) which was delicious! The hookahs were amazing, we got a cantaloupe and fresh fruit grapefruit blue moon flavors. I originally wanted fresh fruit pineapple but the grapefruit was delicious btw the waitress didn't write our order down I guess that's why it was mixed up. One of the best hookahs I 've had and the coal lasted a very long time which was surprising. Overall the experience was great and the service was okay. I felt that it was over priced and disappointed at the fact the website offers cheaper prices than the actually ones, whatever. Don't honor the prices on the site. But will definitely come back.
(4)Steve B.
Good hookah selection, especially the Horus Special ones where they use half a pineapple or whatever (orange&grape tobacco), they are really good and smooth. But every time I've been there the service has been rough - once it took 25 minutes from entering to get our hookah, and it was then the wrong one. Beer prices aren't bad, Brahma, Presidente and Efes are among the bottles available, even though they didn't have one of them when here last. It is a good smoke once you get setup and they will refresh the coals, but at times it takes forever to get started - at least the prices are reasonable ($15 for a basic hookah, $25 for the mentioned special hookah)
(3)Calvin M.
I Was In The city on a weekday and wasn`t even expecting to go out, but me and some friends decided to go to a place with hookah and chose Horus. 30 Dollar Minimum, The drinks were strong, Service was ok, Could`ve been better for the money you`re spending, And the hookah was strong and good. There was also a good mature crowd, Sometimes you get your young kids, but they have to live too! But i see it more as a restaurant or weekday relax spot with friends, Not like a let`s get crazy and go to horus saturday night! No, no, No. Overall, It was ok.
(3)Erika R.
Horus is my go to spot whenever my friends and I feel like doing some hookah. The place is small so seating is cramped and at times uncomfortable, but its something that can be overlooked. For more group of more than 4 people, make sure you make reservations in advance or it may be a long wait. Anyway, the atmosphere is great and I always have a good time. The only downside is that during weekend nights, they sometimes play music way too loud and it's damn near impossible to talk to your friends. They do have a belly dancer on weekends though so that's fun and entertaining. Hookah ranges from $15-25, I think there are some specials that run up to $30, not too sure... I recommend fresh fruit hookah. I usually don't get food here, but I've ordered the lamb kebabs once and they were amazing! I don't recommend getting any drinks here though, because they are highly over-priced for being so mediocre and watered-down. The service is decent; my friends and I have become cool with some of the staff so we never have problems with service. Horus is definitely a great hang out spot for hookah.
(4)Wen V.
The food was mediocre, I get better falafels from the street carts but the experience was a lot of fun. I went here last night (Friday) with my roommates. Since it was just the three of us, we were passing the hookah frequently, which distracted us from our meal because you don't want your hookah to go to waste. If you plan on dining here with a small group you ought to finish your meal before you order your hookah. The place is small, dark and intimate. A little cramp. Around 10ish, they have a beautiful belly dancer perform. They turn up the music and turn on a rotating disco ball. Beware the belly dancer will ask you to dance with her. Patrons were laughing, clapping and overall having a great time. I would love to come back here again, not so much for the food but just to hookah and for the entertainment.
(3)Sarah H.
I had friends visiting from out of town that wanted to smoke hookah...I live in the neighborhood and although I know a million hookah spots, I had never tried this place before so we decided to give it a shot. When we got there we asked if we could sit outside, the host said they didn't have anything open- but we pointed out a table that had 4, basically full, drinks on it...but no people sitting there, no jackets, nothing...half the staff proceeded to run down the street to find the people that had been sitting there, that quite clearly split on their check. Now, that's obnoxious...big time. I would never do that...but what stood out to my friends and I was that they left full drinks...if you're gonna split, wouldn't you finish your drinks first? Well, my friends, we later found out why this happened.... The hookah (we got guava) was delicious and pretty average priced...beers are $6 which isn't amazing, but pretty standard. HOWEVER....do not, I repeat, do not order any hard liquor at this spot...it is more than obviously watered down. We ordered a round of shots (3 whiskey, 1 vodka....all $7 each). They wouldn't let us pick what brand, they only had "house" liquor, which makes sense...since they clearly "make" it in house. The whiskey was basically clear, and the vodka tasted, I kid you not...like sugar water. It became pretty apparent that that must have been why the people before us left with full drinks and without paying...one sip of their pink mixed drinks and they probably realized what was up and got outta there. Still rude, but I understand their pain. So overall, this place is pretty ok...but I mean, there's basically a hookah spot on every other block in the east village. You can do better.
(2)Kevin L.
Does anyone else find it ironic that the restrooms at Horus have no smoking signs in them? I mean... it's a hookah bar. There's more smoke going on in here than a five-alarm fire. At any rate, in the two times I've been here the staff has been accommodating, graciously making room on the front booth for coats and bags, and coming by on a regular basis to check on us for shisha/drink refills. The regular clientele seem to run the gamut of lone bookworm to mafia-looking duos to undergrad get-togethers. Be prepared to bring your own party and have a quality time working on blowing smoke rings.
(3)Matt M.
Love this place. Usually end our nights here. Staff is very cool - will sit and smoke with you. Beer selection isn't that great, but I can look past that. Had many good times here. Haven't yet found a hookah bar that compares. Go on belly-dancing night!
(5)Stacy J.
Bottom Line Up Front: This place blows. I think Dan M. hit the nail on the head, one of the worst experiences in hunting hookah. Not only do you rack up a huge bill, but they actually demand it by enforcing a minimum charge per person. Came with a few friends and were seated after about half an hour until the Horus Cafe speakers... It was death by sound, it was so loud we could hardly hear the waiter when he demanded that we order more off the menu to fulfill our minimum immediately. Well, we made sure he heard us when we said goodbye. They couldn't pay us enough to want to stay. Not worth the wait.
(1)Florence Y.
Hookah? Check Live music? Check Fairly affordable drinks? Check Cave-like atmosphere? Check Packed on a Wednesday night? Check (This only means it's get insane on weekends) Strong drinks? Check Attentive service? Check Friendly staff? Check Great dancing music after live music is done? Check Everyone's in a f-ing good mood!? YES! I want to have my birthday party here, now who is the manager? :) Tip-bits: AC wasn't turned on inside, had to ask waitress why!? Was told they don't take reservations for parties, unless you know the manager Use the hanky-thingy if you order tea, teapot is HOT HOT HOT Loud live music makes this a dance place, not a chatty place Tables are close by to each other, be comfortable being close to strangers...who may become friends for the night. Bathrooms near that kitchen window, to the R. Single unit for each gender. Outside seating "closes" at 12 MN....i think it's cause people live upstairs. Was told there's belly dancers on weekends!
(4)Yesenia G.
Great food service and atmosphere. Would recommend
(3)Dan M.
Horus is one of the worst hookah experiences I have EVER had in my life. I went there with about 4 people and racked up a bill over 2 hundo. You would expect the staff to be very nice, but despite the heavy bill were still treating me like an Iraqi soldier would treat our president. They're overpriced in nearly every aspect of the menu. REASONS NOT TO GO: 1. Unless you like radio bullshit hiphop and arabic music SO loud your ear drums bleed then I'd stay out of Horus 2. This place was bleeding out of its ass with dumbass rude college bros. Yea it's a jersey shore crowd for sure.. 3. Slow service (if any at all...)
(1)Nirav D.
The place has stayed amazing. Sitting outside and smoking shisha at the spot is a great summer activity.
(5)Nancy Y.
H, It's only been days since we last spent the night together, but I can't stop thinking about you. I just can't get enough of you. My friends think I'm crazy, they tell me to be strong, to try to resist you. They tell me you're not good for me, but they don't know you quite like I do. Over the past few years, our relationship has been on and off. Remember the summer of 09 when we spent almost every night together? I know we've both seen other people, but trust me, my other romances were only fleeting. You were jealous when you saw me with Sahara E., and when I got drinks with Luxor, but haven't I always come back to you? Sure, you drink, you smoke, you go out past 4am every night, but there's a sweeter side to you that other people don't know about. You play me all my favorite songs, you're never harsh, you let my friends pass out on your couch, you always know to make me mint tea at the end of a long night. Best of all, you're always there for me, making time for me whenever I feel like stopping by. You're special, Horus (Your Horus special!) - I know I tell you that all the time, but I just can't help myself. I should have written you this a long time ago, but I think I've finally realized that what we've got is real, babe. I won't ever quit you. -N
(5)Shinko S.
I feel like a neglected child sometimes at this place. One day I sit down, get amazing service, next day, I sit down, get service 20 minutes later. Two scenarios, I came with a friend during the summer and everything was perfect, the waiter was great, I got really good hookah and sangria. Then I came here for a party. I felt like I was in a tenement house, cramped, no service. It's really funny because the belly dancer wanted to dance with me, all I could think was, how in the world do I get out? I'm in the back of the corner lady! When it's less crowded, I'll stop by.
(3)Carmen C.
Meh. I can only comment that the hookahs are cheap if you are into that sort of thing. It's a little gimmicky for me as I prefer something stronger. Drink minimums seem to change constantly.
(3)Cat S.
$30/person minimum is ridiculous. A couple years ago this was at $20/person, which I was semi-okay with.. now it's too much (even though back then I was a student and now a full-time worker).
(2)Kate A.
Okay, the first time I came to Horus Cafe, I had a blast with my boyfriend! I would've given 4 stars easy. We came in on a Friday night at around 10:30-ish and were greeted and seated promptly. The mussels were delicious, the drinks were strong, and the coals were always being replaced by friendly wait-staff. I left feeling like I had found a new hookah place, as I left my former go-to hookah restaurant after a sour experience. I was so exited to bring 2 of my friends here for a relaxing Tuesday dinner at around 8:00pm. However, we didn't even make it through the door! We were approached by an extremely rude male host, who brashly told us that it's a $30 minimum per person. I told him that I had come here before with my boyfriend about a week ago, and was told no such thing (plus, that was a Friday night, and this was early on a Tuesday) He shrugged at me and said "That's the rules." and proceeded to stand there with his arms crossed, while the other hostess greeted people and sat them (without any mention of this bullshit "rule") Needless to say, my friends and I left dissatisfied, frustrated, and hungry! Has anyone else experienced this? Is this just something I wasn't aware of, or were my friends and I just a target of a disgruntled employee? Anyway, it's going to take some time before I return to Horus again. It's a shame though, because the first time I was really impressed!
(2)Maksim S.
I've been coming to this place for a very long time now, and I still enjoy it. The reason to come here is great hookah, and gloomy atmosphere that can be a loud-happening party on weekend nights, or chill and even romantic quiet hangout spot during the week. It just depends on the night. The decor is pretty cool too, for those who care. The food has gotten a bit worse - used to be really good, now just so and so - but like I said, hookah is the reason to come here. They usually have good Sangria, and many different options for food (meat or veg). Get the Sex on the Beach hookah, Red Sangria, and some hummus to munch on. You will not be disappointed.
(4)Erin D.
Horus bore-us. Went here for an unmemorable brunch with the pooch over the weekend. My initial thrill to grab a very fairly priced menu and get seated outside with my pup immediately on a busy Sunday vanished rapidly as I realized only one distracted waitress was working the place, and I soon found myself sitting for at least 15 minutes without water or the coffee I ordered. Didn't get my much-needed caffeine until I started eating my "omelet" about 20 minutes later, which was really a smallish circular, 1/2" thick frittata carelessly topped with oily, overcooked 'shrooms and onions and some thin cut-up strips of barely melted Swiss. If they had just folded over the damn thing into a half-moon omelet shape, it would've looked much more appetizing, AND the cheese would've melted a bit more. I also asked for some milk for the coffee and for the accompanying salad to not have dressing, but that didn't happen. Sadly, the dog also didn't get a water bowl, but I was grateful that their patio was dog-friendly. I'm thinking hookah's the way to go here.
(2)Katy D.
I cannot attest to the hookah portion of this spot, though the smells were amazing.. But three girlfriends and I stumbled upon this place after a day at the Russian Baths just down the street. It was a BEAUTIFUL afternoon, and we were seated immediately outside for some sangria and snacks. The chocolate chip and banana stuffed pancakes were an amazing, generous dish, and not too pricy at all! The small pitcher of Sangria was $30, and three of us were able to get at least two glasses out of it. -0.5 stars for the hummus; very bland, but had a generous supply of pita -0.5 stars for slow service - 1 star..they added in the "service charge" on our table of 4 without telling us. I'm sure many people have overlooked that, but folks, your sangria wasn't THAT strong to make us not realize it was added in...
(3)Melissa S.
I'm not reviewing this as a Hookah Bar but as a restaurant. And though I give it only 2 starts, I will admit the food was fine. Nothing to go out of your way for, but if happened to be in the East Village and you wanted to sit outside near the park it should be a good choice - but it's not. I was walking by this afternoon and saw some people eating really good looking omelets - since my stomach was asking to be fed and Westville was going to be a 20-30 minute wait, I thought it looked like a fine choice. Lovely seat outside, beautiful day, ordered some brunch - all was fine. Just as my food came, the table next to me lit up their hookah. Not ideal while your eating but there was a pleasant breeze blowing most of the smoke away from me so no biggie. Finished eating, got my check and mildly surprised to see they had added a service charge. Not a fan of tips being added, but i get it, I worked as a server, it happens. (I am less offended in areas with a high tourist population - in Times Square I expect it. Iin the EV, I am a bit taken aback. I was by myself, not a party of 6, but hey whatever.) Bill pre-tip was 14.70 they added 2.46 which is less than I would have tipped but a good 17% (It was 2x the tax) - with their service charge it was 17.16. Now I figured i'd leave an extra 50 cents - maybe even all the coins, cause I normally do tip about 20% which would have been closer to $3, so I put down a $20 and waited for them to come back with my change. And much to my surprise he slapped down $2 and walked off. Not the $2.84 that I was expecting. Now I'm annoyed. Because let's face it - adding a service charge in the first place is a bit of an illegal asshat kind of move. But adding a service charge and then keeping almost a dollar extra is super asshat. And though I was going to leave it - it took the privilege of being a good tipper out of my hands. We are talking dollars and cents so it may seem a silly squabble - but if this was a big table and we use the same percentages - say the bill was $147 instead of $14.70. and they tagged on the same % making an auto-gratuity of $24.60 and they short changed me by $8.40...most people would be pissed. And because of that Horus Cafe goes from being a place I would have rated 4 starts before I got my bill to being rated 2 stars after I paid and felt ripped off. And it goes from being a place that I would have recommended to many of my friends to one that I will actively steer my friends away from.
(2)Yoshi M.
Had lots of fun hereeeee! First time at a hookah bar but was fun and tasted so good!!! Waiters were very nice and friendly :D came around often to chk the hookah and added coal when needed.... Drinks were expensive though... The sangria was $50 for the pitcher.... ( I guess that sort of makes sense since there its a semi big pitcher) BUT it tasted kind meeeeeeh. Didn't care for it at all. All this is basically for the hookah and service.... Don't know about the food since I didn't have any!!!
(4)Melissa F.
if you're looking for a restaurant with a wide variety of hookah, this place does the job. it's pretty small considering the amount of people they manage to squeeze in, but once you're situated, all's well (as long as you don't have to get up to use the restroom--then have fun navigating the obstacles to get there--which i guess can be fun?). the staff was friendly and attentive, and when i told our waitress that my beer tasted funky (the tap must have been towards the end), with a smile, she gladly swapped it out for something else. HOOZAH! solid.
(3)Monica J.
When my sister got into town for Labor Day weekend, I brought her here because 1. I really liked the atmosphere here the last few times I came 2. I was exhausted after work and this is right near my apartment My other experiences here have been good but on this particular evening the waitress decided to spill my sister's drink all over me and not even comp the drink! What ever happened to customer service?? That should be standard. This place was on the verge of becoming my regular hang out with good music, good hookah, yummy drinks and decent prices but now I'll have to find a hookah bar in east village that knows the meaning of service. And actually, the following evening I went in search of just that and found Scarab Lounge instead. I suggest you check out their reviews.
(2)Benoit D.
the place is pretty nice if you want to feel like in Marroco. Besides that, do never go there for having diner. First the music is terribly loud. Impossible to hear the people you are with. Impossible to hear the waiter. Seriously terrible. wanted to leave after 2 minutes. Then Service was so slow. well, terribly slow. Incredibly slow. The lamb tajine was not very good. Lamb was very very fat, and the meat not tender. beuh. And finally, tips included in the bill. way more than what they deserved. I did not complain because I did not want to spend one more minute there. To affraid to be death for my entire life.
(1)Austin O.
I like this place a lot for its location, as well as the good quality of their hookahs (they use real coals, for starters, and their more expensive ones such as the pineapple are really something). The side walk cafe is great, as well as the belly dancing that they have sometimes, which is pretty cool. Its nice that they also have beers - basically if you can snag a table outside in the summer time with a couple friends, it'll be a good time. Minus one star for the cost/minimum charge per person.
(4)Nadine S.
My review is from a student's perspective... want a place that I can sit at for a couple of hours, with my laptop and hookah in a chill atmosphere. I found that this Horus location is really perfect for that until about 7ish (which is expected). In terms of their hookah, It took a couple visits before I finally got a hookah that I was happy with but they have a very nice staff that always went out of their way to make the experience better. (my personal all time favorite "go-to" hookah mix is peach and orange mixed in a grapefruit head... you can't go wrong!) I really appreciate the versatility of this place. Its a sun-drenched work/chill conducive place during the day, and a vibrant romantic lounge in the evening.
(4)Ellen C.
great service, great hookah, and the belly dancing is interesting and people tend to get up and dance sometimes- a relaxing and fun place!
(4)Ava R.
I usually don't waste my time on places with 3 start ratings. Why bother, right? But this was the location for a friend's birthday festivities so I didn't have much of a choice. We walk in on a Saturday night to very loud music and an admitedly cool atmosphere. Low lighting, sandy-looking walls with candles all around. Not sure why the music was so loud considering there's no space to dance at all, but ok... First we're sitting at one of the tables in the center of the restaurant. The little Moroccan style cushions they give you to sit on are so unstable and light that I almost busted my face on the table just trying to sit in one. It was lucky we moved to a both along the wall because after a few drinks that would have been a disaster. Service was ridiculously slow. We had to wait for everything an extremely long time--the menu, then the water, then ordering drinks and hookah, then food. And I did'nt understand it because there was almost a 1:2 ratio of servers to dining parties. The hookah was well priced and they put sangria in it, which I haven't seen often. The food seemed decent at best, I didn't bother to order any. The drink I ordered was very good (it was one of the champagne cocktails). So here's the kicker: on a Saturday night there is a $30 minimum per person. The doorman definitely didn't tell me this when I entered because I would have smoothly turned on my heel and sent my friend a lovely card. This information, by they way, is conveniently missing from the menu and any signage inside or outside the restaurant. So for some shared hookah, 1 drink, shit service, and no food, I paid $30. Good thing I have yelp; instead of being pissed and arguing with the manager, I left with a smile on my face knowing I would write this review.
(2)Cynthia C.
Excellent Service! Live music-Love the watermelon and mint hookah!
(4)Varun V.
Went here on a random Wednesday night and it was worth it. The hookahs were amazing, and although the place didn't really have a hip/happening (or any) crowd we had a bloody amazing time. The music was GREAT and perfect for dancing and making a fool out of yourself. The service was superb with the helpers refilling coals in the hookah so that it lasted longer. As far as the food goes the only things we sampled were the shepard salad which was adequate and the hummus which was, well, hummus.
(4)Ruben B.
I haven't been yelping for a while now, but after the most bizarre and disappointing meal I've ever had in the city, I felt compelled to come out of retirement. Looking at other reviews it seems like Horus Cafe is a great spot to come to smoke hookah. If that's what you're looking for, by all means check out Horus Cafe. Just don't make the mistake of coming here for an actual meal like my friends and I did Sunday morning. After we were told at Westville East that the wait would be close to an hour we went in search of other options. Half a block down we came across Horus Cafe and since it was empty and we were a large group decided to go for it. This decision would haunt us for the rest of the afternoon... The food itself is fine, and could maybe even earn 3 stars if you were feeling generous. But when half-decent food takes 45 minutes to arrive, and then two meals have been forgotten altogether... Not cool. By the time our two friends' meals arrived most of us had almost finished. Two other tables who arrived after us got their food before my friends. Not all surprisingly, when one of my friends' orders finally arrived, it was wrong! When asked they comped us the forgotten meals, but that wasn't enough to erase the aggravation from the meal. There are so many great places to spend your money on around the city, this is not one of them.
(1)Rosanne W.
1 star - For a small welcoming restaurant 2 stars - For fast seating for such a small place 3 stars - For the good hookah So me and my friend were checking this place out since I'm planning my party this Saturday night, but not here because it is way too small. The hookah came quick; we ordered a simple Strawberry hookah which was $18, a chicken ceaser salad which was like $9, and an appetizer which was another $9 I believe. The music was a bit TOO LOUD, like I don't get these hookah bars and the ridiculous loud middle eastern music. I do love music but must it be too loud that I can't even hear my friend talk? Anyways, when the food arrived after about another 5 mins, the salad was OK, nothing great or exciting. Trust me, these places aren't taken their sweet ass time cooking the chicken unless it's their lamb kebabs or chicken dishes. The appetizer basket was also pre-heated stuff like chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, and fallafel balls. After that, getting the check was a pain since the waiter was running around the place. He finally gave us our attention, started collecting the dishes and all of a sudden he dropped the dishes right next to my friend, and I WAS COVERED IN TIHINA SAUCE AND MARINARA SAUCE! Why me? Some other worker quickly got me paper towels and a cup of water to clean my sweater, my pants, and my boots off with sauce. It's just my luck that I have to get covered and my friend got N O T H I N G! The damn waiter didn't give me much attention after that. He was allover my friend, like WTF DUDE? I got covered in sauce and you couldn't help me out? All he can do was apologize but seriously, I just don't wanna go back there again for a good while. It was crowded on a Wednesday night which I personally find it odd. I guess cause it's President's week off? If anyone is going to that place, I suggest you bring some "wet ones".
(3)Kyri K.
Went on a Sunday afternoon and had a great experience. Ordered two hookahs and tea for five of us and we sat outside. Both were good and it was a nice way to spend the afternoon. I'd go back on a night to see what its like then. Service charge?
(4)Lex L.
Ambiance - ehhh.... lots of lunchroom like tables and wooden chairs all packed together like sardines....place is extremely loud where you feel you have to practically yell in order to have a conversation Hookah - flavor was meek and didnt taste like watermelon or mint and didnt last long at all. overall - there are like 10 places wayyyy better within walking distance.
(2)Ryan O.
This place is extremely fun, servers are present and friendly. You will not want to leave. Awesome hookah bar.
(5)Chris Y.
Pretty standard Hookah joint with prices ranging from 15 bucks for standard flavors to 30 bucks for alcohol/cocktail derived versions. They usually are pretty good about refilling the coals and don't bother you if you sit for a while. Food is pretty blah but good for munchies or snacks. Drinks are standard NY prices of 6 bucks for beers and 8+ for cocktails. One thing of note is that they tack on a SERVICE CHARGE regardless of how many people are in your party or what you order....so be sure to check before double tipping them!
(3)Sameer A.
Horus A . . . perhaps the best hookah smoking experience in Manhattan especially if you get a chance to smoke outside while people watching on Avenue A. Their hookah baristas are quite knowledgeable and can pack a mean bowl. Although, it is preferable to use the fresh fruit bowl, I've smoked that bowl for 4-5 hours on slow nights and it did not lose flavor. The music is nice, and not too loud. On slower nights, you can request a genre, or specific song. The belly dancer comes out on Friday and Saturday nights, its usually a different girl, but they are all pretty friendly and will dance with just about anyone, but not too scandalous. Their belly dancers bring lots of energy. They also have live music occasionally during the middle of the week. Their food is adequate bar food, not disappointing, but also nothing to write home about. The negatives: Horus is a small venue, and can get quite crowded, therefore they do impose a time limit along with a minimum. The new staff is somewhat annoying and not as friendly as the older staff, but that happens with every location, as the best and smartest employees usually get promoted or better job opportunities.
(5)Elizabeth B.
I guess Horus on B is pretty different. I've always had good experiences there. Horus on A does have pretty terrible waitstaff - snotty and rude and definitely burn and turn, which is not what you're looking for in a hookah place. Not to mention a dollar minimum per person. I've seen a drink minimum, which, while I'm not a fan of, I'll accept. I haven't seen a dollar minimum yet - not to mention one which, if we ordered a standard hookah + 2 cocktails would not cover the minimum.
(2)Henan J.
Hookah in a pineapple! what more can i say in the city that never sleeps you can find a great Middle Eastern meal, music and hookah to end the outing
(4)Jessica R.
I've never done the whole hookah smoking thing in the past. I actually ended up here after being booted off the patio at winebar as it was getting late. Can someone explain that to me? Why do the patios in the EV close so early--is it a licensing issue? Well, on my way home after too much wine, we stumbled into this place to try some flavored tobacco. I always walk by this place and it seems like everybody is having a good time so I wasn't reluctant to give it a whirl. That patio was closed, go figure, so we found a table inside and ordered the Sex on the Beach flavor. I'm not a fan of fruity girly drinks but it was tasty in tobacco form. The wine that I ordered to accompany it was pretty gross though. The music was BLARING in my ear and I could barely hear myself think and it got old pretty quickly. I went to the bathroom and couldn't get the door to lock so I had to pee while holding the door with my foot and botching 3 different attempts of a bust-in. Like, if you try to get in once and someone is holding the door, don't you think you should wait until they come out? This place gets three stars because the busboys were very attentive in bringing new coals every time ours got low. The serving staff was a little slow but whatever. I probably wouldn't go here again unless it was someone else's idea. Sitting on the patio would be nice to experience as it's a great location.
(3)Lana V.
Ok I would have probably enjoyed this place a little more if I still smoked hookah, but having outgrown the habit years ago I now see Horus for what it really is, a regular middle eastern restaurant/lounge with really crappy service. Came here on a Monday night after dinner because a friend's friend's band was playing. We missed the band's performance but decided to stay for a bit. There were 5 of us and the place was pretty empty except for the band and their friends. Having just come from a big dinner we decided to keep it light. Two of us wanted to split a milkshake, and another one wanted a hookah and a cup of coffee. When we finally got our order I made the mistake of asking the "waitress" for an extra straw. She turned on me with an attitude and informed me that she was not a waitress (though what do you call somebody that gives you a menu and writes down your order?) and that a waitress would come eventually and require that each person order a minimum of one drink. Well that's something we would have liked to know before we sat down and ordered the things we did. Nothing annoys me more than being forced to order something, especially when we are already clearly paying customers in an empty place. Anyway, we needn't have worried because our true "waitress" never materialized though we waited for her for nearly an hour to put in our stupid orders of tea or something to fulfill the requirement. In fact I don't think we saw a single waitress in the establishment, though there were a ton of hookah busboys (the dudes that set up the hookahs and check up on them). Eventually we got our check and left. The moral of the story? This Horus sucks, it's small and has bitchy service. Go to the one on B, it's much better.
(2)Lauren L.
The heat was turned UP last sunday! It was 95 degrees! The mojitos and the peach hookah were really good, a little pricey. Service was so-so. Didn't eat anything, though.
(3)Mo H.
I understand having high prices for hookah during the evenings and night time, but do I want to drop $30 on a regular basis for a hookah in the afternoon. Fine I'm even okay with doing that on a regular basis but I got the smallest bottle of coke that the company makes and they charged $5.00 for it at 1 PM in the afternoon. I am from Cali. They usually have happy hour hookah's in the afternoon and then regular prices at night. Seating for about 80 people inside and out combined. I would come here more regularly but these prices are outrageous.
(1)Ariel Z.
Love this place for the lounge and hookah part. The ambiance and the music were fantastical (though really loud, you have to strain your voice). Ordered the mint and grape flavor hookah, which was perfect. The staff are really good about replacing the hot coals and were really chill people. I love the votive candles tucked into the crevices of what looked like a curved stucco wall, resembling a stone cave...AWESOME!! A silly brawl between two dudes broke out at closing time (4am). However, the staff totally controlled the situation and did not hesitate to throw both on the ground when they kept trying to go at each other. Definitely comforting to know that they don't take any crap and ensure the safety of their customers.
(4)Alison L.
We got lucky enough to come on a Friday night, and they didn't charge us the minimum amount. However, I would go back even if I did have to (I think the minimum was 30 dollars per person). You can sit there and hookah the night away, and so it will be well worth your money. They also are attentive to the embers so that the smoke will keep going strong. Music is a nice mix of top 40s. I would definitely go back!
(4)Kevin Z.
This place changed my mind on hookah. The taste is stronger than my first time only time. On a Friday night, it's really crowded. Surprised!! Well I got into this and came out really wasted but if you bring some good fun friends along, this is a place for party. The price is pretty reasonable as costly five friends $150 for a good time including 2 pitchers and endless hookah. Had such a good time, the place offered us free shots. That's a smart move owner !! :) Going forward, the place is small putting me on the edge sitting next to the hot coal. I think they should cover them better but I have seem anyone burned so far. Be safe and do go enjoy this place. Bring a party.
(4)Joe X.
The best hookah in whole NYC , I got the Egyption pharaoh flavor ever . Good atmosphere , and great place .
(5)Jade M.
One of the best hookah experiences I have ever had. Paid thirty five dollars each between five people, we had two hookahs, two platters of food, a pitcher is sangria which was a little weak, and that included tax and tip. The atmosphere was really chill and dim with good music and free shots before we left!
(4)James M.
Disrespectful Service! Friends and I calmly walked in and requested to sit at at a booth seat because the chairs at the table weren't comfortable by any standard. The three of us sat down and and took off our coats and began to get comfortable. Admittedly, we were spilling on to another table mainly because our space was a tad small. The server came over to us with an overt attitude. He began to verbally scold us about sitting where we had been given permission to sit. His tone, body language and volume was completely inappropriate. As a person who has worked in the industry I know the proper way to address customers about siting issues. This guy completely handled potential customers with no respect! The other employees did not come over to correct the situation but looked at us like a bystanders who had no say so regarding the culture of their establishment. I would not recommend this place to any one who is looking to have a great overall experience!
(1)Alex B.
It was really good at the beginning until we ordered desserts. They served us the sample desserts that had been shown to everyone ( I don't know when they bought those samples but one had a happy new year chocolate on top of it and this happened on jan 10th) They didn't tell us that. we got curious and told them that we wanted to see the samples again. The waiter didn't want to show the samples first and after arguing for a while he went back to the kitchen. 10 minutes later he told us that the ones we had were the samples and they ignored us for the rest of the night. You can imagine how disgusting it was. It is your choice to go there.
(1)Kris K.
Great spot for hookah and drinks. The food was good, service was great and hookah was amazing. Will be back next time I'm in town.
(5)Mark R.
I have been going here for about 2 years now. I still remember the first time walking in thinking how small the place was and how crowded. I was so close to the next table that I thought we were part of the same group. I don't go here for food but for good music, relaxing environment, hookah and belly dance. Until 10 PM or so, the music is low key with Deadmaus beats with little words and the place cleans out with the dinner crowd. Then around 11 PM or so the crowd shuffles in again for drinks & hookah with the music changing over to Pop Club music. The lighting is very simple and people simply dance where they sit by getting up and doing their wiggle wiggle wiggle. It's LOUD so if you don't like the noise then sit outside because it is much quieter. I like the cushion seats against the wall where you have the view of the whole restaurant. Stay away from the middle seats because you have no where to lean unless you have ABS of STEEL. Recommend cuban mojito hookah if you want something interesting but $30 might be little over priced. I can settled for Blue Mist.
(4)Alice C.
I was here last night with two friends and we had a great experience. It's a little out of the way, but the hookah here is one of the best I've had in the city so far. We tried the Egyptian Pharaoh, which I wasn't a fan of (it tasted like coconut...jellybeans?) and a peach mint hookah, which was very good. Additionally, they had people come by constantly to rotate the coals for us, which was great. We switched seats halfway through to a larger table, and the staff was very friendly and accommodating. They do get a star off because the food is honestly not that great, and their drink menu is very limited, which is a problem as they ask that each person orders a drink. As a hookah bar though, this is one of my favorites.
(4)Maria F.
I have been going here since moving to NY. The hookah is good quality. The sex on the beach is by far my favorite. Their greek salad, ALWAYS fresh. I love it and my boyfriend loves their harira soup. I have tried fried calamari and hot horus combo. These were NOT very GOOD. The quality is not good, and honestly removing this and maybe other dishes like mozarella stick will not be missed. I say focus on quality not quantity; revamp your menu.
(5)Kristie C.
Hookah was alright, service sucked though... Waiter tried to sucker us into purchasing the grapefruit or pineapple bowl, saying "grapefruit or pineapple?" as if we had no option.
(2)Colbylto C.
The Horus Cafe is one of the grimiest hookah bars I've been to. The bouncer acts like it is a club and they treat noisey obnoxious women like they are royalty. I would rather go to a place with a better more open atmosphere than be stuffed in there with their mediocre dishes, mediocre hookah, and mediocre attitude. I go to those places to escape the superficial atmosphere and when i walk in there it really ruined my night. Very crowded aswell, not enough room.
(1)Hillary F.
Can't say enough good things about Horus. I have been coming here for the past few years and I always have a great time. Their hookah is amazing, and the food is delicious. Sunday brunch never disappoints.
(5)Jade J.
Been coming here for the past 2 years pretty regularly (3-4x/month) and it was my favorite hookah place up until things have really gone downhilll. Initially fell in love with this place for their smooth shisha and delicious food. My first time there, they actually changed our shisha (we were there for 6 hours)! They would automatically refill our mint tea and the staff was super accommodating. Fast-forward to my experience yesterday... 1.they no longer use real coal, but have switched to quicklite coals that make the shisha harsher. 2. forget changing the shisha, that never happened after the first time. 3. the previous time, they had told us they don't do tea refills, but can give us a glass of hot water to pour into the pot ourselves....so I did just that, and they tried to charge me $4 for two glasses of hot water. (the manager denies ever giving free refills and that this has been the policy for the past 4 years. AND he went on to say that they charge $2 for hot water because some people come in with their own tea bags...like, seriously??) 4. it really annoys me how they treat a regular customer (and they don't recognize me!!) when I almost always get food, drinks and shisha. Their food is still good albeit a bit pricey. Service is good and staff is friendly. Wednesday nights, they have live music which is pretty neat. Weekends, they have a belly dancer..but then again, most places do. I seriously question whether I would ever go back considering how they keep cutting corners and how my throat is now sore after smoking their harsh hookah. Anyone got a better hookah place to recommend? (not Cloister)
(2)Chris C.
I love the low lighting and music. Good music and great volume. You can still have a conversation as the music is playing. service was a little weak tonight. I had to get a hold of the waitress after 15 min of waiting.
(2)Meem S.
I was there last night for a late meal and the food is absolutely great. Must try the baklava (dessert) its basically a dessert originating in the Middle East made of fluffy pastry filled with chopped nuts and soaked in honey. its very delicious. and if you're a fan of chocolate you must try their special chocolate soufflé!
(4)Yueyue G.
They're super strict about their $30 min spend per person. Sure, if you're getting food and drinks and hanging out there all night, that's pretty easy, but if you just want to get one hookah to share with a few friends, how in hell are you going to spend that?! Each person get 1.5 hookahs so everyone can get super f*cked up!? Mint tea feels like it's clearing out your sinuses, so take that however you want to. But we just all ordered another round because we didn't know how else to rack up $30 a person. Ended up having to order a massive platter of meat even though we've all already eaten dinner. Had to flag down waitress every time to get her to clean up our coals. Excuse me, but that hideous attempt at our service does not deserve an 18% gratuity. And why put up a belly dancer if you're going to have the lighting so dim you need to bring flashlights to even see your friends sitting two feet from you? I never want to see you again, Horus. Oh wait, I live a block away from you and use the Citi bike station right across the street from you. Grrrr
(1)Vanessa B.
If I could give this place 0 stars, I would. I have never had such horrible service in my life. The waitress had absolutely no idea what she was doing, but instead of apologizing for wrong orders, she was rude when we asked her to correct something. After waiting for over an hour, and watching other tables get their food, drinks and hookah before they finished bringing our orders was the last straw. When we complained to management, all we got was excuses. How can you tell a customer that the food was brought out, someone else must have eaten it.... We're still waiting, if it was brought to the wrong table ( which it prob was), then fine. Don't make excuses. Apologize and get the meal out. NEVER COMING HERE AGAIN. Side note, Drinks were NASTY. Sorry for the rant.
(1)Randall H.
Horus Cafe: Stepping into another culinary world? I've decided to search for something light and cheap so as I walk past Thompkins Square Park and see dim candles through very dark windows and a foreign language on the awning of a restaurant, I'm intrigued. Middle eastern food,(which I've not ever had purposely by myself) so I decide to go in. I confirmed the kitchen was open (@ 12:30 am) and was told to sit anywhere I like. The back corner called my name and with just 5 other bodies dining the vibe was very cozy. Some music played loudly which my uncultured mind concluded to be gypsy music and my host was a dark skinned gentleman with dreadlocks. Not too hungry I ordered lentil soup to start. My table quickly filled with soup, a basket of fresh pita, and an endless supply of water. The soup was piping hot so I savored every sip. So simple yet with great full bodied flavor, I just needed a little pepper and lemon to be completely content with this starting dish. Before I was even halfway through my soup, my waiter said something along the lines of get ready here comes your main dish. A little disappointing but the energy was so mellow I just took it in stride and told him that it was all good. My "main dish" was served piping hot as well so I dove right into the mashup of spices, herbs, heavy sauce, and various lamb and mixed sausage: Beautiful. Perhaps it was culture shock but I was stimulated with the simplicity of taste yet uniqueness of flavor. Sausage, lamb, "stew" on a plate with fried egg on top. I don't know how this dish came to fruition but I am very curious to delve deeper into this genre of cuisine in the future. It really wasn't anything out of this world though again I feel with this unprecedented experience I may have been over reacting in my palate's gauge of satisfaction. The crowd increased just enough to counter those who exited maintaining a minimal attendance which was lovely. I asked the waiter how late they stayed open and got the typical NYC response "Open til 4 depending on crowd". Bravo. To be fair, I did not have much of an appetite but what I did consume was very pleasant and simple. The music shifted from gypsy to eqyptian circus to R&B grooves which was a little out of place but at the end of the day, I was out of my element amidst my first homeless night at this needle in a haystack of a hookah restaurant in the east village. Really happy with this find however I cannot fairly rate the food so I leave this open until the next time. If you do come across Horus Cafe, I recommend you give it a shot so long as you don't mind going back in time to when you'd dine in a smokey dining room.
(4)Joseph T.
I been coming here for a years and Horus always has the best hookah and make sure Shiko is the one who makes it and great belly dancer show and one of the most important things they never close before 4am 7 days a week
(5)Tyler L.
Horus Cafe is a hookah bar. They have long tables inside that small groups can sit around. The hookah here is nicotine free, and they had over 20 flavors. The apple flavored one and the pineapple flavored one were the ones we tried and they were very good. The food that I tried there (their hummus and kebabs) was so-so, but this is not a place I recommend for food. This is for sitting around and smoking some hookah.
(3)Atikarn V.
The best thing about this place for me was the service. First, the man at the door went out of his way to help us find a parking spot on a busy Saturday night. They warmly welcomed our group of five. We had "Al" as our waiter and he was the best ever. He was probably the nicest and most welcoming waiter ever. The music was really good--mostly hip hop (Drake, Lil Wayne) and occasionally EDM. It is a little bit hard to talk because of how loud it is. But the atmosphere is cozy and cool. It is not a big place but we liked the dimmed atmosphere a lot. The food was good. The portion was big though and we couldn't finish but Al happily packed it up for us. The hookah was pretty good quality as well. I'd say the downside is the $30 minimum per person but with the service we got we didn't really mind it. We'd go back in a heartbeat! Great place to hangout at night (place doesn't close til 4 AM).
(5)Heidi W.
Meh, slow service, rude enough to leave for sure. Drink was mixed without any love or care, flat soda. Nice sidewalk seating, but that is too easy to find in EV. If you skip you are not missing anything and probably better off. It gets better: 2 drinks see a $2.70 "service charge" on the tab. And better, waited for 20 mins and did not bring back our change. Finally left out of annoyance. Ouch, so definitely skip this circus. Soooo....
(1)Chels B.
I used to frequent this place in college. Apparently, I grew up or something, because I was pretty floored to learn that while every cocktail at their bar costs $10+, they only serve (watered down) well liquor. $10 WELL LIQUOR! FOR REAL? No. Further, both my colleague and I ordered fish, and both of our orders were dry, flavorless, and again overpriced for the quality of the food. The other Horus is fun enough when you are a Freshman at NYU, but the grown up version is a complete waste of space.
(1)Cary M.
Fun place with outdoor seating and hookahs Friendly staff Reasonably priced Bar with specialty drins
(3)Yashpreet K.
I've been hooked to this place for the past 10 years... Love the shisha options and food menu plus they serve alcohol which makes it easy to hang out with diverse crowd at one place.
(5)Kru K.
It's a really fun spot. Make sure u reserve in advance if you plan to go on a Friday or Saturday night as it gets really packed. We were a group of 10-15 ppl and had great time. Good food, music, hookah and drinks and frnds ofcoz :)
(4)Fatima S.
hands down best hookah in the city and i am a hookah snob. the staff is super nice one of the biggest reasons i come back. It's my home away from home.
(5)Sean F.
We were a party of five and they told us we needed to spend $30 a person to come in. Don't think so... Go down the street to kazuza much better
(1)James W.
Great Friday night out here. We came here at around midnight and waited for about 15 minutes, which isn't too bad. Good music and vibe. Their hookah is decent - we got watermelon, and they replaced the coals twice over the course of 2 hours. We got one of the corner tables. We also ordered some tea to go with the hookah. Fun times was had by all. I found this place to be very well-ventilated and not so loud that you cannot have a conversation.
(4)Sari A.
I know it is famous for its shisha (i.e Hookah) but i gotta say it was just okay! Not the best, probably because i'm kinda picky and if i do it better at home then why the waste of money. Anyhow, we went there for my friend's birthday which insist to go to NYC as change of scenery,( she owns a hookah lounge herself here in Philly) So I got my usual double apple shisha and it wasn't worth the two hours drive. They had one of my favorite Egyptian Dishes ( Kosharee : Lentils, pasta and chickpeas with tomato and garlic sauce ) which made the night a bit better. I can say that I enjoyed it. The place is to chill out and have fun, no doubt. Three Yelps!
(3)Christina P.
Went here for brunch with friends on Saturday, July 10 around 2:30pm. There was no one there (possibly due to the ominous clouds) which was just fine because we had 2 dogs and wanted to sit outside undisturbed. My friends and I decided to share the fruit cocktail hookah (delish) and each of us ordered food. I had the pancakes and the 'viggie omelet' (that's how they spell veggie here, lol). The food was nothing to write home about but it wasn't horrible. Our server was really attentive and even brought ice water for the pups. My friends and I enjoyed the emptiness because we were able to rant and rave about every inappropriate topic in peace. If you go, try the hookah and definitely sit outside (weather permitting)for the excellent people watching. This is a very dog friendly neighborhood, so its fun to see how the dogs and their owners match (or don't).
(3)Ken W.
Great middle eastern hookah lounge with outdoor seating and great oud music. Didn't see the belly dancer, but with that it would be a perfect place to hang out and smoke. I really enjoyed this place.
(4)Lindsay K.
I haven't taken a math class in a few years, so forgive me if this sounds off. What do you get when you place a party of three at a table for two when there is a lip-locked party of two sitting at the table for four beside them? Add in grumpy, slow service, a meh bottle of white wine, a hookah with a shoddy hose, and food that tastes nearly identical to the yummy falafel stand on 7th street but marked up 80%. What do you get? A light headed, full, and somewhat pleasurable experience weighed down by high prices, a crowded table, and piss poor service.
(2)Daniela A.
This place is horrible ! We made reservations and they made us wait outside in the freezing rain for 30 minutes For them to then start an argument. The bouncers were not professional and when asked to speak to the manager he was an absolute joke, Do not waste your time coming here , this place is a joke and isn't worth the trouble .
(1)Sanjay K.
Hookah was alright, service was decent
(3)Elise A.
Horus is pretty hit or miss... but seems to miss in all the wrong places. If you sit outside during nice weather, you can almost forgive them of everything because it's just so nice smoking hookah outside across from the park. Otherwise, it can feel a little pricey and a little rushed. Your coals usually die out long before anyone comes to refill them and the food is good but not memorable. It can often get really packed inside with the music so loud that you'd literally have to scream to be able to hear anyone at your table. Overall, if it's nice outside, it'll probably be a good time. Otherwise, might try one of the other many hookah places around.
(3)D L.
A good solid 3+ stars for this place. Came in for dinner at about 8 with a friend and stayed for a couple hours. The server probably could use some training, but was friendly and helpful. We were never hassled or rushed. Food was good and the hookah was excellent. The server was very knowledgeable about everything, just didn't have the rhythm to get your order and keep the meal on track But don't go to a hookah bar if you're on some rigid schedule. Music was a little rough - at first it was recorded stuff and interruptions and transitions not well done. the live music was fine, but a little on the loud side for a small place. I'd recommend to a friend. honestly don't know why someone would come in here for brunch, just doesn't give that impression or vibe, and from the reviews it doesn't seem to be going well, but for nighttime give it a try.
(3)Christopher G.
i have been going to horus cafe for a long time for a number of years, i have witnessed management change , and as everyone may know when management changes service does as well. But i am more then happy to say that the service has stayed top notch. the waiter have always been attentive and sweet even though in the night time they do have to deal with loud drunk people. In fact me and a friend once went to the cafe and witnessed a fight between the new manger and a angry drunk guy wanting a seat (all packed), the guy smack the owner and we reacted quickly and droped the other guy to the floor and held him until the cops came. The manager was more than happy with or help that he discounted or bill, gave us free drinks and 2 free hookas. The food is ok i rarely go with the idea of having a full meal, just snacks during the smoke time is normally enough. the only real complaint i have is that the new belly dancers they are bringing suck..... seriously they look like they just want to twirl around an go. They literally run out when they are done. SO GO TO THIS HOOKAH BAR ITS GREAT!!
(4)Dustin R.
As hookah bars go in the area this is the most romantic and intimate. We ordered baklava which was presented well - I was underwhelmed by the taste but my wife thought it was tasty enough. They offer beers on draft which pleases me (in contrast with other local hookah places). The service was decent and overall the atmosphere was pleasant with music prominent but not too loud for a conversation. The hookah had a smooth consistency and lasted long enough.
(4)Alex M.
$15 hookah $5 beer (Stella & Harpoon) 1 drink minimum Sat at a table in the center with no backs--not very "hookah-chill" but there is more comfortable seating around. Service is so-so but in their defense, under-staffed.
(3)Christine C.
Like everyone else in the NYC world..this. is.my . favorite.shisa.place .! Shisha is awesome, and the food is amazing! Honestly, I'll go to any hookah lounge in the city if it's named Horus.
(5)Joshua S.
I've had better experiences at the one on B than the one on A. I've went in during the weekdays daytime only. Atmosphere was great. Food is good but way overpriced. The food service was adequate and our hookahs always had fiery coals. Staff could be more enjoyable. Just glad I didn't have to deal with some of the experiences the other posters had. Overall, not worth it unless I'm just going for hookah and a few drinks.
(3)Grant C.
Been here twice in last two weeks. Great chill place with good tea the first time, 4 stars for that visit, but rushed, crowded, more expensive and incredibly loud (with a multicolored disco ball?!?!?!) the second, 2 stars for that visit.
(3)Chris C.
Great hookah bar. Its huge and there wasn't too long of a wait for a table. Service was okay. We had to ask for things more than once but after asking a second time, we got what we needed.
(3)Maya M.
I had a terrible experience. I arrived with two friends. We were dressed nicely, on our way to the theater afterwards. The waiter tried to seat three of us at a small table for two. We asked for a larger table, and he went "Oh, you're going to order food?" We did order food. I'm vegetarian, my friends are not. We ordered an appetizer, to split, and I ordered a falafel salad (an appetizer) to eat while my friends had their entrees. My falafel came out at the same time as our appetizer (fine, not a huge deal), but it was burnt. It tasted scorched. Both of my friends tasted it, and agreed. When I called the waiter over, he scoffed. When I made it clear that I was upset with my food, he told me to 'settle down'. I told him my falafel was burnt; he responded that their falafel was how it was made in Lebanon, and I just didn't appreciate it. He spent a good thirty seconds telling me off. I got it taken off the bill, but I was intensely disrespected. No manager checked in with us. I will never go here again, and I will advise my friends to avoid this establishment.
(1)Tulie L.
The first bar stop once I flew into the city at 11am! It was happening on a Thursday night, with a 5 min wait we were quickly seated. The place is pretty small and extremely dimly lit, can seat approx. 50 people max. They play lively Euro-Mix, Euro-Trash Music which keeps the atmosphere fun, rather then sleepy (cause you known dim lights makes me YAWN!!) They serve great appetizers of hummus and assorted varieties of middle eastern snacks. What was a bit sad for me was there is no grape leaves:( boo hoo.. What made it up was their peach hookah It was yummy and light. They serve a good mojito too I had to get a 2nd! The wine and beer selections are a good handful but respectable. Would be a great place to bring a date or hangout with friends. I would definitely come back if I was in town!
(4)Pj H.
Came here last thursday for a quick puff and some pinot after brunch. Got the pineapple (which comes in a pineapple) and it was delicious. Very smooth and great flavor. There was only one other guy there so the coal boy kept us well lit. The decor is cute. After my second pinot I started to feel like I was in the middle east...or was that all the pot I smoked before?? Who knows. The only reason I felt compelled to write a review was to rave about how I saw Rachael McAdams when I walked out and down the street. I could've died... right then and there.
(4)Dot S.
Went there on a FREEZING day and it was just as cold inside because they insist on having those annoying giant FANS blowing air in and out from the street because of the occasional Hookah smoker. We literally had to wear our winter coats, scarves and hats while we ate. The waitress was arrogant and rushed us. Soup was tasty so I was surprised when I got a super dry, old, stale salad when I ordered the beat/goat cheese salad. It was crap. I asked for more dressing (which took 20 minutes) but the dressing didn't help. The salad was beyond repair. I supposed this place is ok for students who want a smoke but the food is as crap as the service is. And once again, they need to TURN OFF THE FREAKIN' AC AND FANS! To be fair, my Husband said his chocolate cake/dessert was amazing. I hated the place. Pfft!
(1)K E.
I was there the other week and saw a rat ran through the restaurant. yep, not going back there .
(1)Kelsey S.
Question: Where the hell do you go when you want to smoke delicious mixed fruit hooka, drink red wine and be way too obnoxious to the poor saps serving you way past 4am? Answer: Not here, this is our place to do that. Find somewhere else.
(4)Jason B.
Good hookah. Just had the apple mint and it was great. However it took them TWENTY minutes to get us new coals. This happened twice. They were very under staffed for a Friday night. Will not go there again. A note: The couple that was sitting next to left and gave us their leftover hookah when they left. The hookah guy came to our table and asked us where we got the pipe. We told him, he turned away and said "we don't do that."
(1)mark s.
Booo. BOOOOOOOO! So girl and I were looking for a place to have a couple of drinks after not being able to get a seat at Common Ground trivia night. We saw some people drinking Sangria and decided to try it. We got a pitcher of white sangria. I should state up front that I don't think I've ever had white sangria before, so it's possible I just don't care for it in general, but I certainly didn't care for this. My main gripe is with the service. It took too long for a server to appear to take our order (it was NOT crowded,) too long for the drinks to appear, and WAAAAAY to long to get our check. Then when we did get the check, service was already included, 18%, I think. More than I was going to tip for the lame service we had gotten. Do I need to restate that there were only TWO of us? We paid cash and requested change, seeing as how the 18% was more than we really wanted to tip. Then the server clearly took an intentionally long time bringing us our change, clearly so we would just give up and let her keep it. I am ashamed to say that this strategy worked. Next time I'll just show up earlier at Common Ground.
(1)Keyno W.
We got the "sex on the beach" hookah...no beach and no sex, please dont go there :P i got the lentil soup ,not bad but would be better if they served bread or even crutons... We ordered the moroccan mint tea,it was awful..no mint and no tea at all ..then i ordered the egptian tea..it was also not good ,ground tea leaves were sitting at the bottom of my glass..
(1)Lauren B.
Been here several times, and each has been pleasant and enjoyable. Great spot for a small group of friends. I really enjoy the fruit bowl hookah selections, and the food is decent if you care to nosh! Nice, accommodating staff and the disco ball they throw on late night is adorable. 2 thumbs up!
(4)Angie B.
No. Just no. Too loud. Too crowded. And what was up with their $20 per person minimum? We wanted to bounce the second we got there. Some of my friends actually just threw $20 on the table (even thought they just had one drink) and left because they just couldn't stand being in that cramped space with the inappropriate techno on blast. Ugh. The food was decent. But they only serve beer and wine, which makes the $20 minimum even more ridiculous. Hookahs are supposed to be relaxing. I left that place more tense than when I got there.
(1)Jonathan G.
My friends and I (a total group of 8) rolled up here late-night after a healthy amount of time at Zum Schneider. Despite being Israeli, I have had a very limited amount of hookah experience, but I can't see how a New York City hookah bar can be better than this. First of all, name me another place that will bend over backwards to accomodate a group of 8 drunks at 2:00 am. Secondly, when we were seated, our server was so sweet - a cute Albanian girl who immediately took to a friend of mine who lived in Greece and Turkey for a while. She recommended a flavor for us (Lady in Red) as well as a wine selection. We proceed to smoke and get increasingly drunk...and nobody seemed to care. Drunk people + hot coals + expensive smoking apparatus usual equals servers/bussers watching you like a hawk. Then the busboy inexplicably took our hookah away...I became enraged...Were we about to get kicked out? WHAT THE FUCK DID WE DO?!? WE ARE JUST SITTING HERE HAVING A GREAT TIME NOT BOTHERING ANYONE!!! Oh, wait, he brought it back...with a brand new order of Lady in Red, on the house. I then proposed marriage to said busboy. As if I wasn't already sold on this place. We're getting married in April. But seriously, folks...I heartily recommend this place. Granted, I didn't make it over there for the belly-dancing show and didn't try the food, but based on ambience, service, and quality of the tabacky and draaaaaaaanks, I say "yallah!"
(4)zack s.
STAY AWAY from this over priced place!!!!! Door guy was rude and actually said "Your giving me a headache with your questions" after we asked him when they started doing a $30 minimum per person when I was just there recently with 4 friends and no minimum was set. He was so rude. Also when I was there with my gf and we had lunch and sangria the sangria was just alright. Definitely not worth the ton of $$$ we spent on it. Way over priced!!!!! Hope this place goes out of business since the staff doesn't realize that they should actually respect the customer and try to provide good service. Horus Cafe YOU FAIL!!!!!!
(1)ilya k.
I came here with my brother and really liked the place - very good atmosphere, great good, good hookah, and excellent tea, reasonable prices! What more do you need?
(4)Richard B.
First time in a hookah bar, I was lucky enough to see some live belly dancing too. Got the cherry flavored hookah, and tried the lamb sausage salad and the shish kabob. Everything was delicious. Weird thing though. My harpoon ufo beer tasted somewhat like the hookah. Very confusing.
(4)Kevin F.
Awesome fun place, great atmosphere, great music, cheap hookahs that can keep going forever, good strong drinks, and very nice waiters. You can't go wrong with this place, they did a great job executing the hookah atmosphere with the decor, the candlelight etc.. I recommend you sit inside, enjoy the atmosphere, see everyone with big smiles on their faces and puff puff give,
(4)Raine O.
Pros: Lovely servers, relaxing music, clean bathroom and beautiful interior. The babaganoush was yummy as well as their tahini and french fries. Cons: Main dishes were tasteless and boring and the food took forever to get to our table. Does it really take 30-40 minutes to make a salad? Maybe if we had gone on a different day instead of Christmas and a different time like the evening we would have had a different experience. But for now my family and I will not be going back there.
(2)Davide P.
Get an Egyptian or Moroccan tea together with an Egyptian Pharaon hookah, and chill. The place is cool with live Arab music, but way more relaxing and suggestive when less crowded and more quiet, as this way it'll be easier to enjoy the peculiar atmosphere of an intimate chat, surrounded by a cloud of scented smoke, while sipping tea from small glasses full of mint leaves. Downside, asking for the check will put your feet back on the ground.
(4)Rachel C.
Stepping inside, this place smells wonderful! Well ventilated yet aromatic. They were able to seat our party of seven with just a five minute wait. Not too bad for nearly 2 am. However they put us crammed around two tables that really should have been for two people and the small, squashy stools we were sitting on did not make us fit around the table easily, I kept bumping into the gentleman sitting to my right. That was really my only gripe about this place. Service wasn't the friendliest, but the staff were attentive to our drinks as ell as our hookahs. And for $15 a hookah and $6 for my glass of wine I became happier to sit at the cramped table relaxing with my friends. I even had a conversation with said gentleman I kept bumping into and he let us finish his hookah as they were leaving! The drink selection is impressive for a place this size and they make a mean mojito, all reasonably priced. The food looked and smelled wonderful, but we had just gotten dinner a few blocks away and at a MUCH cheaper price! Not really a place to linger, they seemed eager to get us out once we were finished. I can imagine they let you relax a bit more if you were ordering food. But I would definitely come back next time I am in the city!
(3)Juliet A.
I have to admit, I'm a bit shocked to see so many glowing reviews of Horus after my experience (albeit limited experience) here the other night. A few friends and I came in after going out elsewhere in this neighborhood, thinking Horus looked like a chill place to end the night. We were seated quickly and immediately took to the very cool, cave-like atmosphere (earthen walls with little ledges holding candles/lights). After a few minutes, a waiter approached us and asked us if we wouldn't mind moving to accommodate a larger group coming in. No problem, we obliged. After moving to a corner table, we waited a significant amount of time before any waitstaff gave us any attention. When our order was finally taken, we decided to try a fruity hookah (Horus has a pretty solid variety of hookah flavors) for $15, but were then told that there was a 1 drink minimum...which is not written anywhere on the menu. Not cool. So we ordered some drinks and proceeded to wait. And wait. And wait. After 15 minutes of sitting around, unable to carry a conversation over the unnecessarily loud music, and with still not even a glass of water in front of us, we decided to bolt. Having never walked out on a place before, I would think that definitely merits a 1 star rating.
(1)Pinar T.
This is one example how the service quality can make or break a business! I was fascinated with the interior decoration.Apparently they spent lots of effort on prettying up the place. From the candles to the ornaments on acoustical ceilings everything was perfect. Then we were greeted by a wait staff who looked like she was going to murder somebody! When I had a question she didn't even bother trying to explain the menu. I ordered mozzarella sticks which cost 7.50$ and baklava which I admit was delicious. The food seemed to be good but our drinks were never re-filled and the place wasn't even crowded. Having experienced the "food industry" myself I don't expect the wait staff to be all bubbly,lively,chatty,sunshine out of your *** kind of people but this was too much of a drama. Then it just turned to plain horror when the bill came with a "service charge" of well over 15%. I gave this place 2 stars just because of the interior design and the atmosphere.That's it. I'd advise smoking away your money somewhere else.
(2)Lani P.
I went here the other night after having been drinking at other places and thought of this place on a whim. I came here with my date and we sat inside with the cool air conditioning (they have tons of seats outside) and were surprised with a three piece band that played standards with a Cuban flair, as well as some Cuban songs. They were great!! I was impressed that the cafe only serves beer, wine and champagne, as I find that kind of filters a certain clientele down from the liquor drinkers. But the best part of this cafe are the hookahs. They had probably twenty or so flavours to smoke and they even give you a refill when your first pot is kicked. That I liked too. I can't say that I have had the food here yet, but I am definitely willing to come back to this charming cafe to try all they have to offer. Avenue A has plenty of bike racks along the avenue to chain your ride to. Sometimes they can be all filled up and you need to use a street sign, but usually you can get a spot right away.
(4)Andy C.
Horus Cafe! The best place to go after a night of clubbing or a long day at work. I stumbled on this place with a few friends when wandering around in the area and we were pleasantly surprised. There's no better flavor than the Egyptian Pharaoh - it's a mix between honey, vanilla, and something else; I was a bit saucy at the time so I can't remember too well. All their hookahs are nicotine free and are a little under $20 with the exception of two which are $30 and $45 I think. Get the calamari and the mint tea when you're there - guaranteed to impress. Outdoor seating stops at 1AM, but the place stays open until 4AM. People frequently come by to replace charcoal, blow ash out of the bowl, and just to see if everything is OK. They also have a full bar too. One thing to be careful of: I went on a Friday with one other person and we were told there was a $20 min per person. I came back on Saturday and we just had to do the standard one drink per person. Overall, one of the better places in NY to smoke.
(4)Nicole C.
Beautiful day in New York (finally) and we decided to take a walk down the East Village. What better way to celebrate the spring than to sit outside facing Tompkins Square Park? Too bad the servers all but ignored our section of outside seating leaving us waiting way too long for drinks, dishes and the check. I ordered a regular coke, and it was fountain type and it was just disgusting-- tasted so watered down I could hardly drink it. My Greek Salad was quite bland, could have used more citrus and the hummus was also too simple, not spiced enough. They do have good hookah which I have tried before, and also good Egyptian tea. If I had to choose between the loveliness of sitting outside but with bad food/service or sitting inside with good food/service I'd rather choose a place that only had indoor seating. It took them FOREVER to bring our check and we had to ask twice. They also charged us a 20% service charge (even though it was only two of us). We would NOT have given such a good tip. My recommendation? Don't come here for the food, just for the hookah/drinks.
(2)Robby T.
In theory, I love this place. Open late, social hookah, turkish coffee, decent atmosphere. But I'm big on service & Horus Cafe is NOT. I've been here a few times and every time they're shoving the check down your throat right after you order. The wait staff can't be bothered to do anything but the bare minimum since tip is already included in your check. Last night the hookah guy literally took the hookah out of my hand while I was smoking it and said, "you're done." Really?!?! I understand the need to turn tables, but there's a better way to do that. Basically, there are tons of other hookah bars in the East Village--yelp them, visit them. There is NO REASON to go to Horus Cafe, if you want an enjoyable experience. Last night was my last time there & I'm gonna spread the word. Sorry Horus.
(1)Z. W.
This place wins the prize for the UNFRIENDLIEST wait staff EVER. One of the waitresses gave me an attitude because I actually smiled at her. Hoping the other staff members would be nicer-- they failed too. I was so pissed off, which prompted me to make loud remarks (of course the service didn't get better). I used to be a waitress/bartender for four years... so I think I have the right to be a bitch about this. Not until I figured out that tip was already included in the bill (which sucks, because I would have given her less) I understood that they perhaps don't have the need to work for tips anyway. Hookah was great, food was so-so and the staff needs to be fired. Or the management.
(1)Koko H.
On a Friday night around 9pm it wasn't too crowded. My friend and I were seated right away and got a double apple hookah for $15. While the hookah was good and produced really smooth and light smoke, the flavor was off. It didn't taste like apple. Some kind of weird licorice aftertaste. I asked for water and they brought me a bottle, so just make sure to specify tap water if that's your preference.
(3)Mark M.
Went there on a whim. Was on a date and walked by and we both thought it looked like something we wanted to check out. Had no idea it was a hookah bar. I had the time of my life. I recommend it to anyone, and am planning on going there again.
(5)Amanda A.
Went here once for hookah, its chill and they have drinks which is good. I liked the hookah and it was just a nice, laid back environment.
(4)Seren C.
This place is packed on the weekends for no good reason. If you get a spot to sit outside and enjoy some hookah, then you are lucky. Inside, the music is blasted so that you can't even hear what song it is. Also, it is very small and cramped inside. We got a spot outside, ordered two hookahs and some drinks. The service is nice and the drinks are decent, but they don't know anything about hookah!! Just really poor quality tobacco and at $15 each, not worth it in my opinion. Real hookah is best enjoyed in Astoria. Skip this place and keep walking till you find something better...
(2)Nait P.
Ash....the same guy who caused the 62nd street location to be shut down by the SLA is going to cause 6th and B a lot of the same problems...Corey and Mike from the SLA will be sure to know...nice job!
(1)Jackie L.
Seriously , this place is a good time. Definitely not trendy but definitely not edgy. Definitely been done before but deintely not boring. Some of the more interesting bely dancing I've seen and a nice balance of middle eastern decor (i.e patterned sheets on the wall and dim lighting with lanterns). Servers were very lifelike compared to most generic staffed hookah bars. Great mix of music, drinks, hookahs, food, and people. Particularly people, who all seemed to be from the laid back, drama free, semi-intelligent, although definitely downtown generally chill persuasion. Everyone seems to mingle well and form one large party instead of several separate ones. My problem was with HOW crowded, HOW loud, and how house party-esque it felt at times. Its entertaining to watch how the waiters, guys with the hot coals, belly dancers, people dancing, and the rest of people passing through all fit into the same narrow space running the length of thisnot so big establishment without falling over, hurting someone, or screaming RAPE! If it had a little extra room and if I were a bit less anal then I would probably give it more stars.
(3)Nader T.
If you want Arabic food, go to Moustache around the corner or Al-Bustan in Midtown. If you want shisha, go to Khyber Pass. Better yet, go to Bay Ridge and buy your own. If you want a cool place to hang out, there are plenty of other quirky bars in the East Village that'll be much more worth your while.
(2)Brinda G.
I love this place. I love the hookah. I love the food. Period.
(4)Mia K.
I have an aversion toward these Manhattan-esque unauthentic overpriced hookah bars. The ridiculous flavor combinations (although I've made some better ones at home) combined with the pretentious atmosphere makes me want to hurl. I'll stick to Steinway.
(2)John K.
This place is fantastic. I came here with a native New York Citian and I was very satisfied with my experience. Sheesha/Hookah with real coals instead of that sparkly coal crap. One of the smoothest sheeshas I've had. And a real cool atmosphere to top it off. Tuesday nights, the Horus has two Egyptian guitarists who specialize in Spanish Classical music. Very awesome indeed. We chilled here for hours and hours on end and the time just flew by. What's a Horus you ask? Well, Horus (Sahlab) is a very thick drink made of nuts, coconuts, & milk. The best way to describe the taste is like a hot milkshake. Most tourists go to Serendipity's for the Frozen Hot Chocolate, think of this as the converse. The Yin of the Yang if you will. Definitely recommend.
(5)kelly m.
Friendly, chill spot, fruity hookahs are fresh and tasty, they use ice cold water in the hookah which ive never seen before but i can swear it makes the hookah flavors taste better and they change the coals often enough for it not to get too ashy. 8 us of chilled there for several hours, live music, good beats, we had a lot of fun, the setup is kinda romantic, works well for small crowd or larger crowd. the only minus was the place was a little overheated, and the drinks are hit/miss, mojjitos= a, bellini= c.
(4)Shinsuke I.
I think I was there this past Saturday. I think I had a beer, which I was physically unable to finish. I think we had a peach peach sheesha. I think my friends father, who's an accomplished pilot(boats, ships) (coolest parent of all time) stopped by after work and had a beer and some hookah with us, AND paid for us. I think I had fun here if not at another hookah bar near by. Does anyone remember an intoxicated asian sitting with two other white kids and an old guy who looks like a pilot? Please help: lost memory, dignity and liver.
(4)Bobby B.
The decor of this place is nice and the overall first impression is very good. But after 20 mins you may find yourself getting uncomfortable. The music is way too loud, its cramped, and you have to yell across the table to have a conversation... On the other hand the food, drinks and hookah are very good. If this place had better speakers with some nice mellow music in the back ground, and maybe a little more space, this place would definitely jump up a big notch. Nonetheless, it's worth checking out.
(3)Danny M.
I've been here a few times, the problem is a lot of those times it's crowded to all hell, and there's precious space to move around, which can get hairy with all the hookahs around and stuff. They have the better belly dancer IMO and they're one of the few places I've been to that uses fruit with their hookahs (The pineapple hookah was out of this world). However, be wary: They have a tendency to add the tip to their bar as a "service charge". It has happened to me twice.
(3)Dina M.
Great place, the food is good and so is the service...Heard the hookah was good..didn't try it though
(4)Ryan V.
Whether a starting point for a night out or a place to chill on a night in, Horus consistently delivers a solid experience. I particularly enjoy the outdoor sidewalk seating. It's slightly crowded but makes for an ideal area to relax on warmer nights, smoking hookah and kicking back with friends. It's also great for people-watching; this girl once wore a huge and inappropriately shaped balloon scultpture on her head as a birthday gag, and every guy passing by had to touch it. The hookah itself is decent (though I've yet to try their fresh fruit hookahs), and I didn't care much for the drink list or the food (the hummus is kind of bland, actually). But another nice touch I noticed was their tea; a friend ordered mint tea and got this nicely presented platter of hot water in an intricately adorned pot and a glass filled with fresh mint. It was very classy, as well as an aromatic and throat-soothing compliment to our hookah.
(4)Devin P.
Not having much hookah-joint experience to compare, I'd say this place is worth visiting/frequenting. It's a great place to just hang out with a few people and pass the pipe. The service is pretty good, and they sometimes comp good customers a desert or something. The interior is dark and cavernous with candles sunk into the walls. It can get a little loud in there, especially when they have belly dancing, but a good scene still. Their food ain't bad either, but I'd rather eat somwhere else and then spend a few relaxing hours here after.
(3)Simon X.
A year ago, this place would've been a 5. However I think the owner has changed since then. The old owner used to bring us various ethic snacks whenever we visit. Since then, it has become a ritual for us to end our Saturday nights at Horus. Overall the hookahs here are definitely one of the best ones we've had in the city. The smoke volume is high and it lasts much longer before getting harsh and needing a coal change. Since the owner change, I believe our favorite hookah flavor "Silver Fox" has been taken off the menu, but they still make it for us when we ask for it. Give it a try, it's by far their best flavor. My only complaint is that sometimes when play the hip hop a bit too loud. Once the table next to us (I swear they're high school students) started dancing right next to us. It really took away from the chill and relaxed atmosphere.
(4)Angie H.
Really enjoyed this place. The hookah was great! The service was great too! Anytime I needed something someone was right there to help me whether it be another drink or fresh charcoal! I will definitely go back to this place next time I'm in New York!
(5)Divya R.
if this is your first time try the fruit mix for a lighter smoke. If you want stronger definitely get the horus special. Belly dancers later in the evenings and definitely good music. The food is suprisingly authentic and good.
(3)Jenny S.
Horus is one of my favorite places in alphabet city. I love hookahs, and the first time I went here I knew I'd keep going back. The place looks like a cave inside, which gives it a dark, cozy atmosphere. The egyptian pharoah hookah is my favorite, i love it - and the food is pretty good too, I always get the platter that has hummus, falafel, etc. Egyptian iced tea is AWESOME too. They have belly dancers sometimes so it's always entertaining - although it does get really loud on belly dancer nights, so you won't have a quiet hookah session. Overall I like this one better than the other Horus on B because it's bigger and more lively, and the food is better. Horus on B is sweet too though because of the cushions on the floor, and the hookahs are just as good.
(4)Vanessa Z.
when in doubt, go to horus! my friends and I have been coming here for almost 2 years, and it is always a fun time. Hossam and the rest of the crew are super friendly and always smiling. and the music is awesome--a mix of arabic music, hip-hop, reggaeton, ets, so pretty much something for everyone. you can tell this place is legitimate because most of the people coming in are arabic, so you know it has to be good. I've had better hookah in the city, but in the end it's all about atmosphere, and horus has one of the best I've seen. even on a random night of the week, this place is pretty packed, so come weekends you may have to wait for a seat. cute, cozy, and always a great time!
(4)Molly T.
Horus is a great place to go to end the night--good ambiance and music. We got there around 3 and split a double apple hookah. My friend had red wine and I got this warm coconut/nut/milk drink that was really yummy and rich. The experience would have been perfect if not for the guy sitting next to us. He was on a date and acting like he owned the place, bossing all the servers around. He spilled beer on my friend and didn't even flinch, but his date definitely noticed. Also, they include gratuity on the bill instead of just letting you tip. Maybe they don't trust drunk people at 4 a.m. which I guess I can understand. Just for two drinks and a hookah, it ended up being $16 each which I thought was kind of expensive. I think the bar closed at 4 and we left shortly thereafter.
(4)Wes J.
Located on the corner of 10th and Ave A, this little cafe/hookah bar is relatively easy to find. Cocktails are $8. Hookah is $15+. There is a one drink per person minimum and after 10:30pm on Friday + weekends, it's a $20 minimum per person. Food is totally overpriced. The mint tea tasted like hot water scattered with a few mint leaves. The cocktails were so-so. It's very small and gets very crowded. There is belly-dancing after 11pm. My experience was "okay." It wasn't that great and I hated paying so much for sub-par drinks. The Albanian waitress was kind of pushy and kept giving us dirty looks because we didn't order as much food/drinks as she would've liked us to. She then kept coming over to take away our plates and glasses even when we weren't finished and basically kept pushing for us to leave and give up our table to waiting customers. The lighting is dark and there are some small candles all around the cafe. My skin looked flawless in this light, though, so at least that was cool.
(3)Jon A.
Simple terrible. The staff is rude and unaccommodating. Avoid this place if you can!!!
(1)Eli H.
Difficult to believe that this place is still in business. Went with wife and a friend for lunch. Something was wrong with each of our orders: my burger was rare on one side, well done on the other; wife had ordered burger with cheese and no dressing on the salad, but came out with both requests incorrect and when it the waiter came back withe the "corrected" order, the cheese was wrong and the salad had hair; finally our friend had ordered a salad with no dressing, but dressing was indeed added. Almost too strange to be true. Would not return/recommend.
(1)Mandella L.
I really love this place to the point that i find myself craving it at times. Walking in to the quaint main room envelopes you in a soft vanilla aroma. For what it lacks in space it makes up in quality and tip top speedy service.
(5)Daniela A.
I really enjoy Hookah -- but the thing about most spots is that they get way too crowded, the crowds can sometimes be extremely annoying (a table with 5+ meat-headed guys being idiots), and the music is way too loud to enjoy drinks, smoke, and convo with friends. This really isn't the case at this location. The staff is very friendly--even when you feel it is too packed--they find a way to make room for a large group of people and everybody feel comfortable. Good music that isn't too loud. Service again is great -- Hookah's are priced well and like Emmy said--they will replace the coals if you ask. Prices are moderate but I just wouldn't recommend the white sangria (maybe the red is better). I'd definitely come back here.
(4)S K.
I have no idea how good the food/hookah/entertainment was because we were all blinded by the OBSCENELY rude service we got. We all left after one beer. We wandered into this place on a random Tuesday night to grab a few drinks. Recap of our night...mind you, this place was half-empty. -any questions asked about the drink selection were answered with "read the menu" -when we turned down hookah, each and every one of us got an angry retort "you're not smoking?!?!"...repeated over and over again. -when we turned down food, we got a similar response wherein she proceeded to aggressively rip the menus off our table -our server proceeded to complain about us very loudly to the other servers about how she couldn't believe we were only ordering drinks -a friend stopped by to say hello and our server told him he couldn't sit if he wasn't going to order anything...he was there for 2 minutes and, again, the place was half-empty This entire visit was a trip. I wasn't even really angry, just utterly shocked. I almost found the whole thing comical, actually...mental note - never come to this place again.
(1)Emmy Y.
This place is great. I've just moved to the NYC-area from San Francisco and have been pretty turned off by the plethora of "trendy" upscale bars that charge you $15/drink to scream your conversation directly into the person-standing-right-next-to-you's ear. I do not understand the popularity of these places. The staff at Horus Cafe (the one on 10th @ Ave A) is extremely friendly and attentive, offering you more drinks (for $4 or $5 per beer) as soon as your glass looks low, and they're not obnoxious with their hookah service like some of the other Hookah Bars I've been to in the area. They serve you each hookah with enough plastic mouthpieces for everyone in your party, and they'll replace your coals as soon as you ask (and they won't complain about it or make you feel guilty for asking for coals instead of another $15 hookah). Another fantastic plus is that they have the cleanest women's bathroom that I've ever seen in a bar, and I've heard the men's room is nice, too :) They're nothing like what I've come to expect of the typical NYC bar scene. Want to spend your Saturday night someplace chill with good drinks, food, and entertainment? A place where you can actually hear yourself think, and have a conversation with a couple of friends at a decent decibel? This place is great.
(5)Gina C.
so...I was here last week for my friend's husband's band play...and they were awesome!!! jamming on the oud and doumbek these two did an awesome job...and the hookah smelled good...too bad the service was slow...I ordered baklava and tea...and only got my baklava. Maybe it was because the place was packed...which was a little hard to believe at midnight on a Wednesday night, so I'm thinking about giving it another try....BUT...not so sure... unless...it's to go here some live music...
(3)Harper S.
I went here with two friends to grab a drink and quick bite. We sat outside as it was a nice night and they had their dog with them. We ordered drinks (they only have wine, beer and house vodka--no full bar) We ordered the Horus Combo composed of hummus, falafel, babaghanouj and tabouli & tahini sauce which was very yummy. We also ordered a pineapple hookah. It was good food, drinks, hookah but the service was very fair. Considering it was a Wednesday night and not very busy, they were very slow. Plus they added a service charge automatically so you didn't have the choice of how much tip you left.
(3)lu b.
Horus is fun! The food isn't bad either. It's not the best Mediterranean food there is, but it's a fun place for a group of people. Use the 20% off coupon they have on 8coupons.com and you'll have more for a few more rounds of hookah
(5)Romana Claretta H.
not wat it use to be. the food is good, hookah is not bad, but prices are high for the quality. gets super packed. i do like the live belly dancer.
(3)Lisa B.
We said baklava and then just as we said it, we ran into a little knot of people who blocked our way, looked up and saw the eye of Horus staring down at us. Following divine inspiration and the smell of apple tobacco (yum!) we entered. We were just there for the baklava and some tea so there isn't much to report but what was amusing was the very inappropriate flatware that came with our desserts. My friend was given an oyster fork with which to eat his baklava, and my creme brulee came with one of those long spoons that you get with a root beer float. Would I go back? Hell yeah! If only to eat ice cream with chopsticks.
(3)Mimo R.
I've been going to Horus Cafe for many years, and while the place itself has many faults, if you can get over them then you can enjoy some of the best hookah, Arabic food, and music and dancing in Manhattan. Cons: - On weekend nights, the huge wait to get in, and the mandatory $20 per person rule inside - The "gratuity" that is automatically added to the bill - The lack of liquor (somehow they lost their liquor license, but are still able to serve beer and wine) - At times inconsistent service Pros: - Horus really does have some good, clean shisha, and is one of the few hookah establishments that will use fruit as the tobacco holder (Try ordering a "Sex on the Beach" hookah) - The food is surprisingly good! You wouldn't think you'd get such tasty food in a club/bar/lounge, but try ordering the lamb shish kabob and rice. VERY good...and I know my lamb! - Sitting outside during a warm summer night! - When it's hopping in here, you can always have a good time dancing! Next time you're in Alphabet City and looking for a hookah lounge, try Horus over Leyali (across the street) or Babel.
(4)Taylor H.
For years I have been in search of a Hookah bar in this great city that has both a traditional middle eastern atmosphere as well as feeling a bit upscale. Although Horus is now becomming somewhat of a chain now they still retain some charm. Every time I order a hookah it arrive and is perfect balance of taste and smoke. Each of there tobaccos they use are top of the line. Although prices may seem steep and for many including myself who have not that much patience hookahs take a while for preparation they still seem to arrive perfect each time. Another praise for Horus comes with the fact that they accept credit cards which is a plus amongst most of the hookah bars in the east village who only take cash and usually attempt to rip people off this way. I would say that from my previous experience here I highly recommend taking a visit.
(5)Heather C.
I came here the other night and wasn't particularly in love with the place. It smells really good when you walk in and they have a good selection of hookahs and fresh fruit hookahs for about $15 to $20. The place was very dimly lit and the seating was romantic but VERY stuffy and hot. The service was alright, but I don't think I would come back here again. I've been to 4 or 5 other places and this one ranks at the bottom.
(2)kristen g.
this place blew my mind. i stumbled in there on a Friday night but meant to go to the other Horus cafe. needless to say the music was poppin, there was a belly dancer, and ppl just chillin. the ambiance sets the mood for that middle eastern feel. there are even pillows on the floor. i liked white grape hookah with some tea and i was set !
(4)Katie H.
Went to Horus last night, excited because my friends had been there a few months ago and had a great time. After waiting a few minutes, they sat us (corner, nice!) and then we pored over the menu. We asked some questions about the shisha, and then placed our drink order. It was at this point that the waiter announced that we had to spend $20/person minimum, not including the 18% gratuity. WHAT? There are tons of other hookah bars in the area; what makes them think they can get away with this? My boyfriend ran down the street to check the policy of the next-closest hookah joint while we "looked at the menu" to buy time. He sent us a text saying Kazuza down the street had no minimum policy and was ready to seat us. We grabbed our stuff and bounced. It's too bad, because we had a great time at Kazuza, and definitely ended up spending more than $20/person. I don't mind patronizing a good bar and giving them my money...but I'm going to do it on my own terms, because I'm having a good time, not because I'm forced to.
(1)Jasmin G.
I finally visited this place that is right across the street from me. It's cute, and gets pretty full on a Thursday night, which is when we went. They have a belly dancing show which was fun, and everyone is smoking hookah but the smell isn't over powering for us non-smokers. (ie - i could still breath without coughing up a storm). The white sangria is good - and the music is fun middle-eastern stuff. Not much dancing going on besides the belly dancer, which makes this place a really chill laid-back clean spot.
(4)Columbia W.
Very tasty dishes - I had lamb kebab and we shared a sampler of appetizers. Strange tabouli salad - it was about 2% bulgar and 98% parsley. I can't comment on the hookah action because we weren't there for that, but it looked like others were enjoying it. Word of warning: The tip ("service charge") was included in the bill and we were only a party of two. The service charge was shown on the receipt, but the receipt was not returned along with the credit card slip. I've rarely seen that before and I'm sure that they get people to overtip all the time with that ploy.
(3)W C.
I came out of town to NYC to ring in my 30th and chose this place. We made reservations, but after we started eating, we were asked to move to fit their needs, for ppl who had NO reservations. I was pushed up against the corner, my friend 2 ft ahead of me on my right. We told the waiter it was my bday, did he forget? Because the other bday ppl. got a song/cake. Next thing you know he's quick to deliver and pick up our tab, then proceeded to ask us to move to the bar. We asked for 10 more min. with the hooka but he said no, he had people waiting for the table. We ended up leaving, and leaving unfortunately, a huge fat tip for the waiter who forgot my bday and never checked on us the whole night. Atmosphere was great, halibut was dry on top, and service was horrible.
(1)Laur T.
Came here with 2 colleagues. What can I say, I'm not a fan of hookahs, not a fan of the horrid food here, not a fan of the cheesy indian / middle eastern MTV videos here that oozes so much in your face sexuality from skimpily clad women and lustful men in a offputting kinda way, Indian men acting (unsuccessfully) balla like with their harem of women and tonguing the girl next to them in a revolting kinda way. Oh and did I mention I'm also not a fan of the belly dancer here? OMG what am I Ms Negativity? I guess that's what Horus does to you. E.W.E
(2)Ann B.
UNTHINKABLE SERVICE I have been going to Horus every week for about a year because my friends like it. The sheesha is okay and the outdoor seating is nice. However, I give them one star for their consistently horrible service, which finally angered me to the point where I will never go back again. Horus only cares about how much money it makes. Yesterday I went there for a table of 3 and waited about 30 minutes for a table, and when our table cleared up they refused to seat us because we were only going to have sheesha, drinks and dessert (no dinner). I couldn't believe they'd tell us this after we've been such regular customers, and moreover after we'd been waiting for so long. It was around 11:30pm and they should have guessed that most people have had dinner by then. I was completely disgusted by the rude, inconsiderate service. They might have made some more money last night by serving people dinner, but the fact that neither me (or my friends) will ever give them our weekly business again will hurt them more than they know. I will never recommend Horus to anyone. Terrible service, mediocre sheesha, overpriced food. Go to Sultana (4th St between 1st and 2nd ave) instead.
(1)K K.
enjoyed a mint tea and a Jasmin hookah..the guys were very on point in making sure I always had coals and that the hookah wasn't burning....will try the food one day and write another review....
(3)Lucy B.
LOVE this place. I'm a HUGE hookah bar fan and this place is probably my favorite. It has a great atmosphere. Last time I was there, they had an incredible DJ spinning. The hookah flavors are delicious. I especially like the hummus platters. I'm on a bit of a tight budget, so I do snacks there and not a full meal, but the couple of times I've splurged, it's been great. The other location, however, on 6th street and Avenue B is just not the same. It's not cozy and it lacks the same ambiance. But this 10th street location is awesome!
(4)Dan C.
I came here once oh a whim after my brother suggest it. Went with a friend early in the evening. The place was pretty empty so we just hung out had some tea and hookah. I doubt I'll come here later in the night though.
(3)Mike T.
Great Hookah place. While not as large as its sister, in my opinion the hookah at this place is better and the atmosphere a little more intimate. And to emphasize what some other people have said, the food isn't so bad either. Overall a great time and worth checking out!
(5)Abby L.
Hands down my fav hookah bar in nyc. I'm not sure if i'm more biased to this place because, it was the venue of my first date with my current beau so that place will always hold a special place for me. Aside from that, its an amazing place to smoke a hookah. Its the kind of place you want to go, smoke filled, mellow and chill, great service and just great ambiance. If you want a hookah place that is not an over-hyped trendy spot, this is the palce to be. I loved it cause, once time i had two extra friends join us and our party was already large and they accomodated me without missing a beat. Besides a pitcher of beer for $15? and they replace the coals of your hookah for you, whats not to like. If you are looking for a place to chill, smoke and listen to actual arabic or Farsi music and not be forced to listen to TOP 40 crap *cough* Karma, then this is the place to be. Go to Karma, cause the less of you that come to Horus, the more it will remain the low key cute spot it is now.
(5)Angela C.
my friends and i been going here for 3 years. no matter its lunch, dinner or late night, the atmosphere is fantastic! awesome music, food and hookah! service is fast and staff is attentive. the guy who changes the coals come around very often. the alcoholic beverages are a little pricey but its all worth it! you can also get a table and smoke outside when it's nice out which is a plus for me. some nights, they have live music and belly dancers too. overall a great place to chill out, smoke and drink after a long day!
(5)Caro H.
I've been here two times earlier this year. The environment is great--nice decorations and music. The service could be better--a bit slow sometimes but generally people do their jobs without being rude. The alcohol has typical pricing--drinks are typically around $7. I don't really have a comment about the hookah either. Nothing was exceptionally bad or good about it. The food, however, was way overpriced with extremely small servings. My friends and I racked up a large bill and still felt hungry afterwards. All in all, I consider this place my "safety" hookah bar--I'd only go if I really want hookah and nearby places are closed.
(3)Richard B.
I was in the East Village on Thursday at lunch time. It was sunny and warm out and I stumbled across this cute little Mediterranean Cafe. There was only me and two other people in the place, not counting the cute Egyptian server. Not only was he cute, but he was also nice. As soon as I took a seat, he came with water and a menu. I ordered an Egyptian iced tea and a grilled chicken wrap sandwich with peppers and tomatoes. The wrap came with a choice of salad or fries. I was starving, so I went with the fries. Great choices, I loved everything!! I finished my iced tea and before I even had a chance to ask, the server had brought me another. Now that's service! And, there was no charge for the second tea. Then the server told me they had set-up their outside tables and would be happy to move me if I wanted to enjoy some sun. This man was not only cute, he could read me mind!!! So, I finished my lunch in the sun and cannot say enough good things about his place.
(4)justin t.
never ate here, but pretty much always a good hookah experience. no hard alcohol so the mixed drinks are all really week so i say go with the beer. never been here early enough for the belly dancer but always a fan of the sick music. im no hookah expert so i dont know if its good or not but the coal man comes around often enough.
(3)Talia F.
This place is HORRIBLE! I went with 3 other people on a Friday night. Got a hookah, pitcher of sangria, and some appetizers (all of which were pricey might I add) with about $90 bucks damage. Okay, thats fine....but when we asked for the check (like normal New Yorkers who don't want to wait an hour after they've finished their drinks) they immediately started taking everything away without asking if we were done with it. Half a basket of appetizers, hookah, and two half finished drinks. I even tried to call out after the drinks were taken to have him stop but he ignored me. So I explained to the bus-boy type fellow that we weren't going to be leaving until I finished the drink I had carefully guarded because they had already taken away everything else we paid for. He gave me some speech and then quickly gave me an incredible attitude and then called me a "WHORE!" I was not drunk, nor belligerent (I even gestured for him to come closer when I expressed my disappointment with the service as to not cause a scene) so this was COMPLETELY UNCALLED FOR. When a friend and my boyfriend began to ask him what his problem was, this asshole had my boyfriend roughly escorted out by the bouncer because he knew he had crossed the line and didn't know how to deal with it. We left peacefully because we are not the type of people to get violent or out of control, but I was incredibly disturbed by the type of people they have working at this "establishment." It disgusted me beyond just having a terrible experience, but to have people like this exist in our world just makes me sick. We intend to contact every agency that handles these kinds of complaints because it is not acceptable to treat people in this manner. What started as a great night out quickly turned to shit and this foul place just lost what could've been a repeat local customer. What a shame.
(1)Miz C.
to this day i crave the goat cheese with honey and pita that i ate when i came here. i hopefully can go back for it again. and again. and again. the tea is yum, and its a great dark place to refuel comfortably on a drinking night.
(5)Devon M.
If I could give less than one star, I would. Today I had one of the worst restaurant experiences of my life at this place. My friends and I were looking for a place to watch the world cup game and decided it would be fun to do it with a hookah. The four of us got there, the place was empty and we had our choice of tables. The waiter appeared happy to give us a hookah and everything was fine. Then about 15 minutes later, he approached the table and asked if we wanted anything to drink. We said not yet, we were fine, and he informed us that we were required to order a drink to keep the table (remember the place is practically empty). I objected, saying that if they had a minimum consumption rule, they should advertise it on the menu or they should have told us up front. How did he respond? By saying f*@! you and trying to pick a fight with my boyfriend. The manager didn't help either and we were left feeling incredibly uncomfortable and COMPLETELY shocked by the guy's behavior. I had been to this place a couple times before--the food is absolutely mediocre, but this experience took the cake for negativity. I plan on boycotting and you should too.
(1)Allison K.
A rather large group of us stopped at Horus this weekend as part of birthday festivities (and were surprisingly accommodated immediately )and while the crowd was a lot more our speed than some previous hookah-bar disasters ( yelp.com/biz/5TJdeGTJSOP… ), I found the slightly glitzier atmosphere to be unnecessary. the mosaic tables were beautiful, but the leather stools uncomfortable, and i'm inclined to think that the cave-like walls studded with votives scream ''we're trying too hard!" That said, my sahlab (warm and sweet Egyptian beverage/dessert, ie, what i order when my friends want to smoke a hookah and i don't want to look like a tool) was delish and huge enough to share with the whole table, and the belly dancer was amazing (I couldn't look away when she danced with a tray full of lit candles on her head!). But be warned, when she starts to shimmy and shake, the music gets way too loud to talk to your friends over.
(3)Elizabeth L.
Food was bland , meat was over cooked , and this is a first : we got 3 of our 4 course dinner all at the same time . Talk about feeling rushed ! Also not a fan of all the hookah smoke all around me , Shouldn't there be a separate area for the customers who are just there to eat and drink ? I went there on a living social special , and still wound up paying an extra $45 for 2 non refillable teas , 1 beer , 1 virgin piña colada,tax and 18% service charge By the way most of the food went back .... Even a dog wouldn't eat a doggy bag from this place. MESSAGE TO OWNER : Get rid of your cook , I would never call him a chef ! And separate the dinner customers from the ones that are smoking .
(1)Sunny B.
Don't read bad reviews anymore, 'cause this place is so so good! I ordered chicken salad which was amazing and delicious! And my husband tried penne vodka with shrimps and he was so satisfied with that. And! Hookah! I think it's the best hookah ever especially Hasnae Special! The service is good too. We've been waiting for our food maybe 15-20 min, so I think it's pretty cool.
(5)Nicholas V.
This is definitely one of the better hookah places in the city. The hookahs are really strong and very fresh. The strawberry and melons are their best flavors. Stay away from mint! It's such an icky, blah flavor. This is my to-go place every time I'm in the mood for hookah. The place is decently-sized. They have indoor and outdoor seating, so it's nice to be able to choose where to sit. They have a good staff here, too. It's a small place, so it's not too hard to screw up on customer service. Friday nights are usually packed, of course, and they also have belly dancers that perform on the weekends I believe. They also have a good selection of food here and it doesn't take too long for the food to come out. The food is a little bit on the expensive side, but it's pretty good. All in all, a good hookah joint in the village.
(4)frank a.
They have great food and hookah! I like to sit out front Nd just hang out on 2nd ave.
(4)Laura H.
I'm huge into hookah and live near Ave A so I often switch between Horus and Kakuza. Kakuza is my favorite in terms of the service, the atmosphere and the quality of the hookah but I really like the port they serve at Horus (and the hummus). So I struggle some times with what is more important and then that's where I go. But yeah, if you are a weirdo like me and like port with your hookah try this place out!
(3)Zaina O.
I went to Horus on a Friday night and it was packed. They have outdoor sidewalk seating which is a plus. The drinks were good/strong and the hookah was decent. The music was current and not too loud that you couldn't engage in conversation. However, the service was terrible and we waited a long time for a waitress to take our order. If you're in the area it's a good enough spot to do the trick, but I've been to better places before.
(3)Isabel M.
TERRIBLE! THESE PEOPLE ARE CROOKS! I literally made a yelp account just so I could warn other people from coming to this place. I wish I could give a"0" star rating. First off, the waitstaff basically ignored us. There was no one in the front and we awkwardly stood there until we were seated. Took forever for one of the waitresses to come take out order, she puts down menus in front of us and walks away without a word. Are they trying to act cool or something? The place wasn't even crowded. The waitress, besides ignoring us when we needed her, would come by and re-fill my glass of Coca Cola which was mostly ice. I thought nothing of it...until I'm charged $15 DOLLARS FOR SODA. She was charging me for every re-fill without even asking, at $3 a refill. My friend who ordered a real drink said it was watered down and too gross to finish. The food was not that good, the apple hookah was alright. Combined with the maximum price for each person, and forced tip...Jesus. No. Just don't come here. The hookah, food, and horrible blasting top 40 music (like..horrible remixes, Pit Bull songs type of bad) is NOT worth it. All these people care about it making money on sub-par service. There are PLENTY of neighboring hookah bars...don't go to this dump. It's definitely not a nice place for dates or for a relaxing experience. Do NOT be fooled by the positive reviews. I wouldn't be surprised if they were fake/friends of the owner.
(1)Saad M.
Horus is a little slice of the Middle East across from Tompkins Park. The outdoor murals, outdoor seating with views of Alphabet City life and the dark cozy indoor ambience is perfect for a hookah night out. I've had all the flavors here and every one is up to par; my favorite is the Watermelon and Double Apple. The food here is very good with the babaganouj and hummus tapas being favorites. It can be a bit pricey ($8 for hummus?) but it has prime real estate and you pay for what you get. I'm a big fan of the green and red teas with mint; with the hibiscus not being as good as the others if you're into sipping on tea with your hookah. The liquor drinks are quite pricey with double digits for the frozen and mix drinks. The price here would be the only downside but to be expected. Service is pretty good with constant refilling of water and asking how we were doing. If you're looking for a good hookah experience without the techno-middle eastern routine that normally accompanies it in Alphabet City...can do a lot worse than here.
(3)Aziz A.
Amazing hookah...just smooth and great; I recommend the Cuban mojito on a pineapple (best flavor ever!) Why is this place so great but a 4 star? The only thing stopping it from 5 star is the size of the place and the seats. Horrible seating it's like a kinder garden chair made of wood and cushioned. Ofc it's crowded, heck, this is maybe the best hookah spot in NYC, believe me I'm a great fan of hookah and I enjoy it like I enjoy breathing air. Minimum one drink per person. Service is great, even during busy hours when the place is packed It's a really nice place to take your date to, as long as they don't mind sitting on low chairs. The outside seating area is awesome on a rainy day! The only thing stopping me from giving this place a 5 star is the size of the place and the seats. Horrible seating! It's like those wooden chairs we suffered through in kindergarten with minimum cushioning. On the positive side the crowd, the atmosphere and the hookah makes it the best hookah spot in NYC. More info on the hookah, it's smooth, long lasting and the cloudiness is like thick fog, you're breathe will def. smell good to other people :D you can't go wrong with this place for hookah :)
(4)Damon R.
First I would like to start off by saying this place was cool. I've read some previous reviews and I didn't want to come here but I did. I'm not sure about the other patrons but you should know where youre going before you go. This is not a place where your gonna get excellent service or food. You go here for the hookah the atmosphere and the people. Now for my visit, I stood in line for quite some time 40mins to be exact. There was no structure to the waiting area turned mosh pit. I was unhappy with the people coming in and out pushing each other and being loud. After I got in to my seat things were ok. The hookah was ok and the drinks were average. The people on the inside were dancing......like people from the sims..lol the music was loud. Someone discovered the club mix techno reggaeton dubstep and cheesy hip hop and gave it to the dj. I will say it made me want to dance...in fact I did some what in my seat...don't judge me. The night overall was ok. The scene was diverse which I like. I did dislike people smoking a hookah(tobbaco) and taking 5 to 6 some breaks within 30mins. Shit cigs are 12 a pack in NYC who can afford that?
(3)Reb R.
I've been coming here for years, and upon countless searches for similarly good hookah joints, I have barely come up with 2 that are comparable. The service sucks, I agree, but the food is great, the hookah is easily the BEST in the City - NOTE they use REAL coals - not those crappy singular disks you can set with a lighter, like nearly every other hookah bar. Most of the staff are from Egypt or Morocco, with the exception of some of the servers, which, in my opinion really enhances the experience. The hookah's are only $18! Compare that to Suite55 ($30 Mon-Thur, and $40 Fri-Sun...fair hookah, again, one stupid disk to light the whole thing) The hummus is spectacular, as is their lamb. Don't get American food here, it won't be good and it makes NO SENSE to order anything but the traditional dishes. I love that they don't make you rush out after you've eaten. I'll come here to read a book or enjoy a coffee over hookah and I can stay for a couple of hours with no problem. One the weeknights, however, like any other bar/lounge/restaurant in NYC, they prefer that you order food, or at least a drink to occupy a table. Who cares? Why deny yourself delicious appetizers and a perfect hookah? :) I've ordered the regular, mango & peach hookah since 07' - I love this mix. They frequently provide new coals at no charge.
(4)Luke W.
I went to this place for a friend's birthday a few months ago. Was decent, but from the pictures on the website it appeared a lot bigger. Space was actually quite tight, and since it was a birthday, we had a great deal of people which was not conducive to this at all. The prices were average to slightly high, but it was not of concern. Atmosphere was nice, typical dim hookah bar style. I cannot forget when a friend of mine had asked if they could turn on a TV which was in the corner, immediately next to our table (since the Rangers were in the playoffs), and the waitress told him no. My buddy was livid, but I kept egging on the waitress to deny him because he was so mad! Not a big deal, but it didn't make sense why they even had a TV in the first place. There's belly dancing as the night gets later, which is a nice touch. The dancer will grab people to start dancing with her, and it can be really appealing to the eyes, or your worst nightmare! Some people just shouldn't be jiggling like that! This place was ok, I just think I would have preferred it more if the prices were somewhat better.
(3)Amy H.
Undeserving of even one star. First, the poor service. I ordered iced tea, but received hot tea. I ordered french toast and fruit salad but received french toast and sausage - as a vegetarian this was not ideal. The hot tea tasted like the rusty metal kettle it came in, and I did not drink it. The french toast was soaked in "strawberry butter" which look like pink yogurt. The $10 orange juice was a full glass of ice cubes and some watered down oj, almost transparent in color. They really have some nerve charging that amount for some ice water. The most upsetting thing was that we were charged a full 18% "service fee", even though we were only two people. When we left cash, the server Jasmine asked us if we wanted our change... as if we were going to leave an additional tip, for poor service and bad food, on top of the generous tip they forced us to give them. Our change should have been $6.88, but they decided to only give us $6 back. Obviously .88 cents isn't a big deal but on top of a forced tip for horrendous service, this was too much. I will never return to or recommend this rip-off establishment.
(1)Si A.
I've been to Horus many times and have enjoyed the atmosphere and hookah. However, as others have said they do get shady with the bill. Last time I went, my friend who has also been to Horus many times ordered a pot of tea. The waiter brought over the pot and one glass. My friend asked for three more so we could all take a glass from the pot. Little did he know that that quadrupled the price we would be billed for the pot from $5 to $20. Two of the people ended up not even drinking any. Upon seeing the bill he asked the waitress and she insisted it was normal. The other issue people have brought up is that they add around 18% gratuity to each bill even if you're a small party. It's shown as a line item when you get the bill but is not shown on the receipt you sign which also includes a line for tips. If you have a late night out you may not notice and tip 40+%. In any case the food is decent, the atmosphere is nice and the hookah's good. The service can be frustrating.
(2)Sam O.
the food was great, as well as the dessert - pretty authentic!
(5)Janet M.
Been coming here since around 2007, never fails!! You want hookah? Ya got it. And its friggin GOOD hookah, at that. And why not add an entire pineapple on top, while you're at it. You want hummus? It's delicious! You want belly dancers? (for the boys) She shows up a few nights here and there. With most of the hookah good bars in the city going out of business, this place is a diamond in the rough. Go and support!
(5)Lara G.
About twenty-two (22) of us went out to lunch after serving at a volunteer legal desk at the Saturday soup kitchen on 11th Street. Horus was empty except for our group but it still took them a long time to get our food ready. Three (3) of us opted for the merguez sandwich which was great although I would have more merguez in there instead of more olives and I'd go easy on the feta. The salad that came with it was refreshing and I enjoyed it. My friend who sat across me ordered the grilled chicken and offered me some of her food. Of course, I accepted seeing that she had rice and the Asian in me thinks rice is always calling out my name. :) I had a cup of cappucino here, just to keep me from going nuts because it was a long wait for the food and the conversation was on ox tail and I was remembering the dinner we had at a Cuban restaurant. The coffee was actually surprisingly good. :)
(3)Jackie F.
My love affair with Horus began in the summer of 2009. Having owned my own hookah for the past 6 years, I am generally quite picky about where we smoke hookah because the quality varies so much at hookah bars in the city. I can say with 100% confidence that Horus is, hands down, the best hookah bar in NY Why, you ask? The Horus Special, of course. Grape and orange-flavored shisha inside a hollowed out pineapple doesn't sound like the most appealing combo, but BOY do they make it work. The hookah is smooth and flavorful, and the buzz hits you like a brick (the good kind of brick). The staff is attentive and quick with service, and the turkish coffee and mint tea are BOMB. Best times to visit: - Weeknights. It's literally a party every night of the week. Some nights they bring in a belly dancer, and she really knows how to get the party started. For some reason, I've never had to wait for a table when I come, but the place is always just barely full. No idea how they manage to bring in a full house without overcrowding or long waits, but props to them for getting it right! - Summer weekend afternoons. I just love sitting in their outdoor area when it's nice out, sharing a pitcher of sangria, a hummus platter and the Horus Special. Other quick tips: - $40 min per person on weekend nights, so plan accordingly - Get the horus special - Don't have the turkish coffee if you're planning on sleeping anytime soon. stuff is stronggg - Get the horus special - If you're a hookah owner like me, ask them for a pair of tongs so you can regulate the coals yourself - Get the horus special - outdoor seating closes around midnight (noise ordinances or something) - Get the horus special - they will only let you split 3-4 credit cards, so if you're in a bigger group, bring cash or deal with IOUs - JUST GET THE HORUS SPECIAL OK??
(5)Stephanie G.
This place wad ok! Their hookah was avg the flavor and smoothness didn't last long. Their drinks were reasonably priced. They had more diverse music than I had expected! They played a lottle hip-hop, dancehall, r&b, spanish music and middle eastern music. Their fries was THE WORST I habe ever had! No matter how much salt I added it just couldn't get better. This place is really small and cramped. But with a little pregaming and the right group of friends you can make the most of it. However this won't be my go to hookah bar.
(3)Mina P.
We got a seat outside on a gorgeous summer Friday night within 10 minutes. The drinks were STRONG (no complaints here) and the hookah was smooth. They used a much better coal than most establishments and had someone coming around frequently to change them. It was a bit of a bummer that the outside area closes at 1am on the dot but I'd definitely go back.
(4)Shawnie J.
A good place to have lunch/dinner unless you mind the hookah. Their menu has something for everyone, including my fellow vegans. I loved the Horus Combo. The service was so accommodating and patient. They somehow managed to tolerate my obnoxiously drunk friends without throwing a tantrum. The music is great, too. I just don't understand why the lighting is so dim. You might need to use a flashlight to find your way to the bathroom, which by the way is very hot. You'll burn a million calories as soon as you close the door behind you. The front door staff act like they're protecting the president and are skeptical about letting people in. The venue is very small so expect to become close friends with anyone sitting next to you. Although the food and the service were enough to give this place 4 stars, the cramped space really peeved me.
(3)Janna M.
Absolutely a ripoff. We had a pitcher of watered down sangria that seemed like it was diluted with koolaid based on how it stained our mouths. It cost $50 and barely gave us give five glasses. We had five people and they automatically put in a 17% service charge, which is way more of a tip than our waitress deserved given her bad attitude and rude comments. I would 100% never come here again and wouldn't recommend my worst enemy drink here.
(1)Leslie A.
This spot is more loungy than their other location on weekends although the crowd is more or less the same. I'm Moroccan and am very critical of a real Hookah lounge and this, my friends, is one of my best spots in NYC. When you order any Hookah, just SAY CHICO'S SPECIAL and will you will taste the best hookah ever. I give them a 5 for their Hookahs because it is super rare to find good hookah (except maybe a few spots in Astoria). The service I get is usually good too, although could be pretty slow when it gets hectic Fri/Sat nights. Between Fri - Sun nights, get there before 11 if you want a seat guaranteed. Everyone loves their venues because, like I said, The Hookah is great and the food is very tasteful as well =) I personally love their Merguez sausages and Taboule salad. Their other location is great for bday parties on weekends. I guarantee your party to be a memorable one. Its very often that stranger will crash and join the fun!!
(5)Bernadette S.
Hot mezza plate and hummus plate was good. Small sangria pitcher good for 6-7 glasses. Guy kept our shisha burning until we left. Nice place to chill
(4)Marissa P.
I had a great time here. $15 hookahs. Nice flavors and good quality. Good service. Very friendly and attentive! Didn't have to ask once to change the coals (at most places in this city you have to ask!) The food is also really good . We had a combo platter with a variety of dips and falafel. Awesome!
(4)