Sigara

773-292-9190

2013 W Division St Chicago, IL 60622

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Message from Sigara

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Welcome to Chicago's premier hookah cafe and smoking lounge. Enjoy one of the last public places you can smoke Hookahs, Cigarettes, and Cigars indoors in Chicago. We offer over 35+ flavors of tobacco, including double apple, orange, mint, jasmine, black licorice and watermelon. Add liquor or wine to the base of your hookah for an even more unique taste and experience. Enjoy a 500-year-old tradition in a casual, comfortable space. Both non-smokers and smokers will enjoy the cool, flavorful taste of the Hookah.

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The Scene
Exposed brick is complemented by vividly painted walls detailed with Moroccan stenciling in this comfortable, casual space which draws college kids and 30-something barhoppers alike. Seating in the mustard-walled front hall consists of mismatched couches, basket chairs, tables and a few fabric-draped tables with cushions for floor lounging. In back, there's a bar, three curtained-off semi-private areas, and more low tables with cushions. Summer brings more tables outside.

The Food
The menu includes Middle Eastern snacks like a hummus plate, baba ghanoush and falafel sandwiches, but the real draw is the hookahs, water pipes filled with fruit-infused, molasses-based tobacco with no tar and low nicotine. The tobacco is available in 28 flavors, from jasmine and coconut to mint and licorice; also on the menu are a variety of teas, Turkish and Italian coffee and espresso, half a dozen bottled beers, champagnes and several wines by the glass or bottle.

Key Points

  • Over 35 Hookah Flavors
  • BYOB
  • Unique, indoor smoking lounge

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Reviews for Sigara

Ratings_icons hooka

Sylvia C. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 3,036

My friend celebrated his birthday here. it was a really fun and exciting environment. the owner of the place was really nice. i recommend this place to anyone.

Posted 04/12/09 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons A perfect group outing destination

Craig F. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 5,721

Sigara is a gem that you may have easily walked by during a night out in Wicker Park and never noticed. As the name suggests, it is a hookah bar with a decor out of some sort of Egyptian night club. Sure there are small stools and a few booths, but most patrons elect sitting on all the pillows scattered about the knee-high tables.

What truly sets Sigara apart from the average hookah bar is that they allow you the option of putting liquor instead of water into your base, which intensifies the hookah experience immensely. Even if you're not a smoker, which I am not, this is a really fun time.

Due to the recent smoking ban, hookah no longer serves alcohol. But fear not, there is a liquor store directly across the street on Division and they are more than happy to let you BYOB.

I had a birthday party here with around 30 people and the service was delightful. It was a spectacular night during which Sigara earned 30 new dedicated fans.

If all that didn't sound appealing enough, on Friday and Saturday nights they have a belly dancer perform for all the guests. This place is really wonderful. Try the mint hookah with a vodka base for something with a real kick!

Posted 03/11/08 | Report Abuse

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Latest reviews from Citysearch.

Ratings_icons WORST HOOKAH PLACE EVER

GGG78

HORRIBLE SERVICE!!! HOOKAS ALSO DON'T WORK WELL. WITH RESERVATIONS WE STILL GOT THE WORST SEAT, AND ACTUALLY HAD TO ASK FOR SOME CHAIRS TO SIT ON BECAUSE THERE WERE NOT ENOUGH PILLOWS. THE GUY JUST SAID ONE SEC. AND LEFT AND DID NOT PAY ANY ATTENTION TO GET THE CHAIRS. OVER PRICED! MINIMUM 15 USD PER PERSON! WE BROUGHT A BOTTLE OR SWEET WINE, AND SHE TOOK THE BOTTLE AND POURED US 4 GLASSES....AND CAME BACK AND SAID THERE IS STILL A LITTLE BIT IN THE BOTTLE.....AFTER COUPLE HOURS, WE ARE STILL SIPPING ON THE GLASSES BECAUSE THEY FILLED THEM TO THE TOP. WE DID NOT GET ANY REFILLS FROM OUR BOTTLE YET, WHEN SHE CAME BACK AND SAID BY THE WAY THERE IS NO MORE PORTIN THE BOTTLE!!! WHAT??? WE DID NOT EVEN REFILL!!! NEXT THING WE ARE WAITING FOR THE BELLY DANCER WHICH SHOULD START AT 11 PM, AND DID NOT GET TO DANCE UNTIL 11:30 WITH THE WORST MOVES EVER! WORST MUSIC AND BARELY HEARD...I HAVE SEEN SO MANY BELLY DANCERS AND KNOW WHAT GOOD DANCING IS. SHE WAS WORST AND NOT EVEN QUALIFIED, WITH NO SKILLS...SHE ALSO DID NOT DANCE AT ALL YET THE GUY THAT WORKS THERE HAD THE NERVE TO COME AND TAKE TIPS FOR HER DANCING, AND OF COURSE ALL SAID SHE DID NOT EVEN DANCE...
I WILL NEVER GO THERE AGAIN, AND WILL NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE TO ANYONE!!!!

Pros: NOTHING

Cons: EVERYTHING

Posted 01/03/09

Ratings_icons Terrible, dishonest service

thechitowngirl

Some friends and I were there last night and had a great time. Untill we were getting reading to leave, and checked our bill, there were all these add-ons that we were not aware of. They charged us 18.95 just because we didn't spend the minimum rather than telling us that we were short 18 dollars. We would have been happy to buy more hookah or tea or something. They also charge a ridiculus fee for you bringing your own drink and the fee isn't noted anywhere, it's up to them. They charged us 20 dollars because they said we "had a big bottle of liquor". I would not recommend this place because they have too many rules. also, we werent allowed to charge the bill on different cards. I would recommend House of Hookah to folks, which is a BOYB with no stupid rules and add=ons on your bill. If we hadn't checked the bill and argued with the wait person, we would've ended up paying 50 dollars more for nothing.

Posted 12/13/08

Ratings_icons Great spot for a chilled relaxed group gathering

Greg117

i have nothing but good things to say about Sigara. i had just recently thrown my girlfriend a birthday party at Sigara. We had 30+ people come, the host was extremely helpful through every step of the process, more then helpful with any questions and everything else. We searched a few other places but this was by far the best deal anywhere we got the $25 unlimited house well drinks and unlimited hookah all night. all the guests loved the place and are even planning to throw their upcoming parties at Sigara. I read the reviews and was skeptical but my friends told me otherwise and my girlfriend and I are so thankful they hinted this place to us. Also through out the many hookah lounges I've been to I've no come across such interesting flavors and water mixes yet, in one of our hookahs we had a red wine mixed into the water and a special tobacco mix that created such a unique (in a good way) taste that is truly something else. on top of great service, hookah, and atmosphere, you can order food. our party was crazy for the humus, and Sigara has a great open bar and coffee. again i have only the best things to say about Sigara and highly recommend it to anyone, especially big groups. the only down side is parking but you can find some just two blocks down either direction, but it is tough :( but despite that,they will most definitely see us and our friends in the future!!

Pros: Hookah, atmosphere, great for big groups, great package deals, service!

Cons: parking

Posted 10/25/08

Ratings_icons OK but spendy

karmicrevolution

My wife and I went to this place last night on a Friday. The service was good, the hookahs were good although expensive. We had our own beer since there was a big sign in the window that says BYOB. All we had was one hookah which was double apple with a whiskey base. The music was good and the atmosphere was good. The belly dancer was good too. However, we spent over 50 dollars for just one hookah! When I got the check, I found out that they charge a $10 fee for bringing in your own alcohol. No where is this posted in the menu or anywhere in the establishment that I had seen. Than they charged an $8 gratuity as well as asking for more tips and passing a plate around for tips for the belly dancer. We gave her $5. I understand the gratuity and the tip plate but $10 surcharge for bringing your own beer is outrageous! I'll never go there again. I feel ripped off. This place should be ashamed of all the extra fees they charge. I can't wait until they close down. What a ripoff!!!

Pros: Good atmosphere and the service was good

Cons: Talk about a ripoff. Over $50 for a Hookah and a surcharge for bringing your own beer?

Posted 09/26/08

Ratings_icons Bad service

tubbinit

I went into this place with two of my friends and we were very disappointed. It took them a few minutes to approach us and when they did it seemed like they didn't want us there. No hello, just ID please. We are all 23 and older by the way. They have an absurd policy when it comes to minimums that I haven't seen at any hookah place in the city. Don't go here, believe me there are WAY better places in the city that have wonderful service and no minimums.

Pros: comfortable atmosphere

Cons: bad service, rude employees, unreasonable minimum policy

Posted 08/08/08

Ratings_icons Not for groups at all

Emily42

Sigara has a really attractive and calming atmosphere in a good neighborhood a little west of downtown. Although it was pretty, the service and policies is what gives this hookah lounge a not so good rating. First of all, whenever you go to a restaurant, especially one that's a little different like Sigara, you want excellent service because many people have never "hookahed" before and need more assistance. When I first arrived it took about 5 minutes for anyone to greet me or ask if I needed help. My friend was having a little gathering for about 16 of her friends which turned out to be quite a sour idea. The place simply just isn't organized enough for a group larger than 5 or 6. The host never really explained to everyone the $15 per person spending minimum. She only told us that the person who made the reservations knew the policy beforehand. So the policy is that everyone who comes in has to spend at least $15 and it can include everything they offer which is hookah, about 4 appetizers and a couple beverages to choose from. They basically told us that our bill had to come up to at least $240 ($15x16). But it's not the policy so much that bothered us. It was the manner in which they told us and how basically some people who didn't like anything on the menu still had to come up w/ the money. They also serve liquor but if everyone in the party isn't of age then no one can have drinks. If you're 21+ then it's not that hard to come up w/ a check of $15 since the hookah is about $5 and the drinks not too much above that but our party had a hard time because of the limited options. The hookah was actually pretty good and entertaining to smoke especially for first timers like myself. This place could really be much better if the staff just acted like they cared and didn't act all snobby when someone had a question. So all in all, pretty place- very disappointing service.

Cons: Service

Posted 07/13/08

Ratings_icons The best cup of cafe you ever had

usagrantsincinc

Yes, at Sigara you can find the best cup of coffee you ever had. I've recently been there and I, as well as my friends from USA Grants INC, feel that their coffee is the best. Everyone should try it once.

Posted 04/01/08

Ratings_icons Watch out for crappy service!

kabsid

I've been to this place quite a few times now (perhaps 7-8) and everytime the service has gotten worse. Apart from the great atmosphere/belly dancer/music, sigara is a place where customers can't expect to get much value for their money. The hookah's are reasonably prices but the drinks are expensive (and not made well). I did give this place a few chances to improve on service by going back there but it only got worse.

Bottom line, definitely try this place once but don't expect to become a regular unless you like crappy service!

Pros: Atmosphere, Music, Belly Dancer

Cons: Bad Service, Expensive Drinks, Poor Management

Posted 06/02/06

Ratings_icons Terrible staff, subpar atmosphere

loopdilooper

If you decide to go to Sigara, go at night when the lights are dim so you don't notice the stains and cigarrette burns in the cushions. But don't go too late, or you might not get a table. But the hostess will not tell you this. She will put you on a waiting list and tell you a time you can expect to be sat, and leave you waiting in the doorway for an hour, without an update and without offering to order you a drink while you wait, even though there are two tables sitting empty that are reserved for people who were suppose to be there an hour ago. But if that sounds good to you, then by all means, go.

Cons: unattentive staff, dirty

Posted 04/05/06

Ratings_icons Great Place

skirtch

A very good lounge with full bar now. We BYO'd only to find that they had a license to sell. Great time!! weekends are crowded and the weeknights are populated with a variety of patrons. I took a date and we had a great romantic time. I totally recommend this place to anyone.

Pros: service, tobacco flavors, bar

Posted 09/14/05

Ratings_icons Definately a den of Inequity

noatalba

This was the place I have always been looking for. I'm not a huge drinker, but having a place with an interesting nightlife all it's own is very important. The bellydancer on saturday nights is very high-energy and she just adds to the enjoyment of the total experience. My wife and I will go back many times.

Pros: excellent staff, good tobacco

Cons: poor parking, pricey

Posted 06/25/05

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