This was my first time at Awtar, and probably will be my last. I have heard friends rave about Awtar, but tonight just didn't cut it for me. I seldom hookah, maybe once a year at most? So I'm not an expert, but I would have certain expectations about the service and environment at Awtar. If possible, I would give them 0 stars, and here are the reasons why.
1. Smoking indoors WITHOUT ANY ventilation whatsoever. No windows in the upstairs Staunton Street indoor seating area were open. None. I felt like I was suffocating. Lung cancer right there. If they had proper ventilation, I would give them an extra star. But nope.
2. Every time someone lit those fiery "candles" paired with a bottle of champagne, it released a very toxic gas. I don't know what gas, but it did not smell good and clogged up my lungs. I wasn't smelling the shisha smoke, I was smelling this whoknowswhat toxic fume from a lighter. I swear, shouldn't there be some regulation for indoor air quality for hookah venues?
There is seating outdoors, which might be a little better. But still...
3. Bathrooms were filthy. Ladies room downstairs, men's room upstairs. The floor was so wet, covered in water - it's like someone decided to wash the floor or pee on it? I don't know. Come on Awtar. As for the mens restroom, every time some did a #2, the table sitting next to the men's restroom could smell it. Not pleasant at all. Would you want to smell someone else's business while taking a smoke? I don't think so.
I'll end this review with one positive - for the one star, and that is, the blueberry mint shisha is a good solid flavor.
Otherwise, if you don't want to get lung cancer, STAY AWAY! read more