Hookah lounges in Raleigh

Jennifer Bringle, Staff Writer

Maanjri Lounge

2526 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, 341-4514.

Age restrictions: 21 and up, except for Wednesday college night when it's 18 and up.

Membership/cover/prices: Members only, memberships $5. Hookahs are $8 per smoke, $9 for mixed flavors.

Flavors: Ruby red apple, satin strawberry, cherry chill, grape vines, mellow mint, cafe cappuccino, fruit punch, ravishing rose, jasmine, cherry cola, minty rose plus five more to be added.

The vibe: One of the newest additions to Hillsborough Street, Maanjri Lounge seems almost out of place in the middle of a slew of college bars. A trendy, Glenwood South-ish dance club/lounge, Maanjri offers a good selection of hookah flavors (although the hookah is probably not the club's main draw). It also boasts a VIP section -- practically unheard of on the college bar scene.

Clientele: Mostly college kids mixed with some of the downtown club crowd.

Marrakesh Cafe

2500 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, 899-6381, www.marrakeshookah.com.

Age restrictions: All ages permitted, must be 18 to smoke.

Membership/cover/prices: No membership fee; $5 cover on Sundays, free every other night. Hookahs $6 per smoke.

Flavors: Apple, strawberry, cherry, melon, tropical fruit and licorice.

The vibe: Step inside Marrakesh Cafe, and you'll find it hard to believe the exotic Middle Eastern lounge was previously the home of a Starbucks. Decorated with authentic Moroccan furniture and accessories in rich jewel and earth tones, the place looks and feels like something from a far away land. The only strictly hookah bar in the area, Marrakesh offers about 35 hookahs for use as well as many more for sale.

Clientele: A mix of college students and international patrons.

Aladdin's

153 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill. 929-1290.

Age restrictions: All ages permitted, must be 18 to smoke.

Membership/cover/prices: No cover or membership fee. Hookahs are $12 for unlimited time smoke.

Flavors: Apricot, cherry, strawberry and apple

The vibe: After being closed for a short time for remodeling, Aladdin's re-opens tonight. A Middle Eastern restaurant by day, the restaurant hops at night with hookah smoking (starts after 9 p.m.) and belly dancers on the weekend.

Clientele: A mixed group of college kids, grad students, professors, locals and international patrons.