Marrakesh Cafe

The place has changed a lot since most of these favorable reviews were written, and I've seen it change. Now it's very different.

In terms of quality of the hookah, it is OK. However, a hookah can last way longer than what they allow for it to last because they very grudgingly add new coals or remove them as they often put too many so that it burns really quickly. On one occasion I asked the short guy that works there who is always sitting down smoking with his laptop to add a coal. I must first add that I've always been really polite and friendly (even made friends) with the employees there. He rudely replied "ok" and never did anything, he just sat back down immediately after I asked. I asked him later again, and then he changed the coals.

On another occasion my friend moved the coals a bit on the top of the hookah and this same guy snapped at him in the way that you would expect a principal to yell at a very, very bad student. That same night he closed the shop thirty minutes early. Rather annoyed that I had paid good money for my hookah and had my pleasant evening cut short and interrupted with rudeness (he rolled his eyes and gave big sighs when my friends were gathering cash to pay), I went back in while one of my friends was still paying and (still politely, even though he doesn't deserve it) and asked what time they closed (it was by then 11:30 and the sign outside said 12 am - he...again really bitingly...replied that "I already closed".

I simply said OK and left. I was later told that he started muttering about smartass and blah blah blah. Immediately after he followed me down the street as we were all walking away, complaining about how awful the night had been, and he yelled at me saying don't come back ifyou dont like our service blah blah. I laughed a lot and really enjoyed this last bit. We've always been polite and he's always been plain mean. This was the best part of the evening.

Spend your money elsewhere.

Pros: Ambience is ok
Cons: extremely and consistently rude, hostile service. bad quality of hookah. music is too loud for conversation

Okay, so here is how it goes. Having just relocated to the Triangle area I was in the search for a nice hangout a place to socialize with people, have a quick snack and smoke some Hookah. That is when I came upon Marrakesh Cafe. Their location is great, right across the street from NCSU. Their service is superb. Their Food is selection should please everybody vegetarians really should check the place out, they have amazing Hummus, Baba Ghanouj along with many other Morrocan foods. Their wraps are fresh made, taste great and are really stuffed. The people that work there are extremely friendly. Their decor is something that is out of a movie the place is definately an ideal setting for a romantic date. They have a really full house on weekends with the belly dancer shows on Friday and Sunday nights. They play nice mellow Morrocan tunes to the background of your Hookah smoking. Which is I have got to say really fun. You can choose from many flavors including Apple, Strawberry, Peach etc etc...and for $6 for two people that has got to be the most affordable thing two people can do for almost an hour.

Overall if you have not been there. You must visit soon. It is a great place!!!

Pros: Thumbs up all the way.
Cons: Parking might be a slight issue sometimes.

The Moroccan decor as well as the food might best be described as fantastics. Bringing together the flavors of Africa, the Mediterranean to Raleigh, this is a great spot to try new foods. Never had a hookah ? Settle down Moroccan pouff pillow on the floor and smoke and enjoying a Moroccan teapot with fresh mint. Friday and sunday my favorite days that where they have a belly dance show. go here... You won't be disappointed!

Pros: Thumbs up and up, best international music

I suggest that if you have not been to this place, you need to go, just remember its really all about smoking hookah. I service is slow, the food, drinks, teas, hookah are excellent. I suggest not to go on Sunday evenings, way to crowded.

Marrakesh is a great, relaxing place for students and non-students alike to congregate and casually socialize over a hookah. The owner and employees are friendly and courteous; they are more than willing to accomodate special requests on food items if these are necessary. The fare at Marrakesh is great for both vegetarians and meat eaters, and the Middle Eastern pastries are awesome!

A few words to the wise- Marrakesh is not in the business of selling tobacco to minors. If you are an underclassman at a local university and appear young, or are still in high school, please be prepared to present your driver's license upon purchasing hookah(s).

Secondly, while Marrakesh remains quiet from the time it opens at about noon to 1 PM until fairly late in the evening, the lounge like atmosphere turns into a non-alcoholic nightclub from 9-10 PM until closing, especially from Friday to Sunday. Seating will be more cramped, and you will have to share your table with at least one other party of guests. Come during this time and be prepared to pay a cover charge for the belly dancer who performs on the weekends.

Finally, as a close friend of the employees of Marrakesh, I am incredibly hurt by the previous comments made on this site that hint that these individuals have a differently lifestyle preference and treat their alternative lifestyled customers differently. While employees of Marrakesh are in the business of being respectful to all cultures, genders and orientations, potential customers can rest assured that in no way, shape or form does the owner of Marrakesh encourage employees to act in a permiscuous nature toward customers.

Pros: Service, Ambience, Food
Cons: Loud music makes it hard to talk to anyone during busy hours