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    Cafe Mawal

    3.7 (192 reviews)
    Closed • 11:00 am - 1:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated over 3 months ago

    About Cafe Mawal

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    CAFE MAWAL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Cafe Mawal

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    Mixed grill

    We love Cafe Mawal, from the friendly staff, the freshness of the food, to the vibe and decor of the restaurant. Even though we don't partake, the hookah does not bother us, we find that it's a nice smell and not offensive at all, so don't let that deter you.

    Maria Aimen J.

    Pros: --my food was ready and they were packing it when I arrived, and was ready when they said it would it would be --halal food --guy who took my order was nice over the phone Cons: --took awhile to actually checkout --literally no silverware for rice dishes...pretty annoying when you actually want to eat your food at the park and not at home where there's silverware. --the fries were all soggy and old..really disappointed by this one --no ketchup was given with the fries and didn't realize it I was on my way --not even one napkin for an order for 5 people Food-- Kibbe appetizer--my favorite thing (with extra garlic sauce). Pack of 4, which was good. Chicken Sharma-- glad it wasn't on super thick bread, and I got extra pickles so I really liked it. Philly cheese steak-- it was a lot more bread than meat. Wouldn't get it again. Fries that came with the sandwiches- soggy, old tasting. Not fresh, crispy or hot. Really disappointed with the fries since thats the only thing one of my kids will eat. Also, again, no ketchup, and wasn't offered any. Mawal plate with salad and hummus-- my favorite thing, as the salad was fresh tasting and I liked the hummus. Had to warm the pita up, but it made all the difference. Chicken tawook with rice and fries -pack separate, I didnt try it. We will need to make sure to ask for silverware, napkins and ketchup next time. So, basic stuff, but I would come again for the kibbe and mawal plate.

    If you want an authentic middle eastern experience with nice music, decent hookah, and good food, then come here. I love the lamb Shank and the chai is the best chai I've had in this area.

    Chicken & beef Kabob Great tasting tabulih Grape leaves tasty and very hot sauce.
    Jose Alfonso S.

    Good options and very reasonable, can also Hookah if you'd like. Very traditional food options, open late.

    Turkish coffee
    Tracie B.

    My first time at Cafe Mawal was really good! I could actually do without the hookah smell, though. Im really not a fan of that at all. the decor is just weird too, like someone of it just doesn't belong. It a bunch of mixed matched tables and decor. I tried Turkish coffee here for the first time and it was so good. I am such a big fan of coffee, I cant believe I hadn't gotten their Turkish coffee before then. Its super thick and has great coffee flavor. beware for the end of it, though, you'll end up chewing your coffee. The Mint lemonade is just amazing. super refreshing, not too sweet, and packed with minty goodness. I almost asked for one to take home with me, it was just that good. Im kinda mad I had to share mine. ;) The food was good too, I got the veggie plate with eggplant, falafel, cauliflower, and rice. The eggplant was a little greasy but it still tasted pretty good. The falafel was super crunchy and you could really taste the chick peas in it. some places mask that flavor with spices. being that is deep fried, Im always worried that it will be greasy but it wasn't! One thing I would skip the next time is the baklava. It tasted like the fridge. It just wasn't good at all. Like they get it shipped to them and keep it in the fridge until it all sales. I wished I hadn't wasted, well, i wish my date hadn't wasted his money on that.

    Mawal appetizer sampler

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    2 months ago

    Family owned. Personable & Very friendly! Great food! Fast! Offered us Fresh Out of the over desert to try for free. Yum!

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    Loved their food! It's very affordable and they had fast and friendly service. Can't wait to go back to try their hookahs

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    2 years ago

    Nice for hookah in Clearlake. The Ming lemonade is delicious. It's not byob like cafe layal

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    Ask the Community - Cafe Mawal

    How is the hookah? Are there a lot of options for flavors and do they have shared hookahs and how much does it cost?

    Hookah has over 50 flavors. Price starts at $12.99, during happy hour is $9.99.

    View All 2 Questions

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    Urban Smoke

    4.4(64 reviews)
    22.8 mi•Greenway
    •$$

    Very intimate, setting. We came on Wednesday night. Make sure you pick your cigar before you sit…read moredown and reserve your table online... The vibe was actually nice. The vibe was chill and laid back. We are in our late 40s and it was younger crowd but we didn't feel completely out of place. I like the live music. If you're an old head, then the DJ music may not be your speed, but the live music was good. there was a young lady singing with a guitar accompanying her. i'ma pretty hard grader but I would go back.. the wings were $12 for the special six wings and fries . it was pretty reasonably priced in my opinion. They did get service right shout out to the server who served us their name was El. Because of the service and the lady who was singing (she started around 9) I give the place 7 out of 10. They will be the reason I come back and tell people abt it.. We were dressed casually I had on fitted jeans and out the off shoulder top and wedges. Hubby had on a white button shirt black jeans, fila's casual shoes and he had on his hat.. Parking could use work. We did park in front of a bagel shop that was closed and it wasn't an issue

    The worst service I've ever experienced here and I've been coming since 2022. The female dread head…read moreserver/ bartender with reddish brown dreads is the worst server here by far. I came in at 4pm on a Tuesday. The crowd was dead for the most part. Why did it take me walking up to the hostess to order? After the server stated she would be with me shortly she proceeds to make several drinks ( when she could've asked for my drink order at least) then takes a toast and lallygag with her friends or people she knows at the bar still not coming back to take my order. I came here to eat and get a drink and having to wait over 10 minutes on a SLOW Tuesday afternoon is a bit crazy. I've gotten better service here on a Friday night where these is no standing room. The catfish basket was delicious as all ways. The best thing on the menu by far!

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    Urban Smoke - Notice!

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    Urban Smoke - He snatched the chair from under me causing me to fall. You can tell he hates women.

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    Leon's Lounge - Classic cocktails

    Leon's Lounge

    4.0(181 reviews)
    20.1 mi•Midtown
    •$$

    I'm here for the World Cup. Taking the train back to downtown I spotted this gem at the McGowen…read morestop. Best ripcord I pulled in a minute. Jerry knows how to make a mean cocktail. Improv sazerac is spot on. I can't understand how I'm the only one in this place. Will be back after the Dutch match Saturday no question. Look for the British phone booth outside

    We stopped in for a quick nightcap on a Monday night. We were able to park right in front of the…read morebar which was convenient. Street parking is free after midnight. I didn't catch the bartender's name, but he greeted us immediately. There was only one other patron and the staff was decorating the bar with Christmas decor. The bartender informed us that the bar wasn't fully stocked but asked us what types of drinks we like. Based on my preference, he suggested a Martinez. I had never even heard of a Martinez but I was open to trying it. He made it, looked at it, and said it didn't come out right. He asked if it would be okay for him to redo it which I of course obliged. I appreciated the fact that he didn't serve me a drink that wasn't properly made. The wait was worth it. The Martinez tasted like a sweeter Negroni and I really enjoyed it! I'm glad I was able to visit one of the oldest bars in Houston. It was super low key and chill which was a perfect way to end our evening.

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    Leon's Lounge - Beautiful afternoon at Leon's

    Beautiful afternoon at Leon's

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    Lost & Found - Shrimp, Mac & Cheese and green beans

    Lost & Found

    3.8(1.1k reviews)
    20.8 mi•Fourth Ward, Midtown, Montrose
    •$$

    "Not All Who Wander Are Lost"...And what I found was some great food! Atmosphere is casual, service…read moreis friendly, the vibe is definitely Viking (and from what I have heard, it's really popping during brunch!). We came on. Friday after work during happy hour and the prices could not be beat, especially with their lobster bites (was sitting at about $30, and we got them half off!) Drinks were fantastic! I selected the "Golden Cadillac" that comes with a miniature bottle of Grand Marnier inside of it. Very good. My company decided on an array of appetizers for his "main course", while I went with their Fried Salmon (served with Mac and cheese, and collard greens). Omg! So tasty! The pepper was prevalent throughout, but it did not over power the flavor! I make collard greens at home (and learned from one of the best), and even I found theirs to be pretty good! My company selected fried ribs, along with the lobster bites, and crawfish queso dip, and their wings! I tasted what he got, and we both agreed that the wings were "off the chart" delicious with a beautiful straight off the grill smoky flavor! So good that he got another order to go! Lol. What made our experience there amazing was our server Ray (Rajean = think "the 90's TV Show "Living Single"..."smooches"!)...she was the best!! From her hello, to walking us through the menu (as first-timers), her recommendations, her energy, her smile, and her being very relatable. Loved her! My only gripe was the bathrooms, the ladies room needed attention (and could use a spruce all around). It doesn't help that it is a bit small, but yeah, they need to focus some efforts on ensuring it's upkeep. As for seating and parking, there is a bar area and limited seating toward the front of the restaurant, but it does extend to back of the house with additional seating. There is also patio seating as well. Because this place seems popular, it is best to reserve ahead to ensure your seating. Parking is very limited! They do however, offer valet (but at $20+). There is off-street parking, but be careful since this is a residential area and nothing is secure. All in all, I really had a great time and left with my belly full! Definitely worth checking out! What was lost is now found! Enjoy!

    Came in on a Saturday night around 9:340ish... we ordered…read more.... fried salmon a side of fries While the salmon came out...... my fries didn't lol! The bartender even mentioned about the fries coming out first. But I sat for a longggg time before my side of fries NEVER CAME! At 10:13 I canceled my fries! Usually I'd chuck it up to it being packed.... But baby this place wasn't packed...... I'm ngl I feel a lil played.. but whatever. I heard back in the day this was the place to be.. but babyyyy not no more smh! Honestly the prices don't match the place or match the menus (they were clearly done, and needed to be replaced) Overall will I be back.......!? Nahhh I'm good!

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    Lost & Found - Bar seating

    Bar seating

    Lost & Found - Jerk Lamb Chops

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    Cafe Layal Midtown

    Cafe Layal Midtown

    3.3(457 reviews)
    20.6 mi•Fourth Ward, Midtown, Montrose
    •$$

    Chill spot that's available anytime of the week! They have inside and outside seating for you to…read moreenjoy. Now they don't sell liquor, so do know it's byob. But they do have food and juices to order. I saw a lot of people on their laptops, watching shows or just working.. so I think they have wifi as well. Parking is street or in the garage across the street! The neighborhood is fine as well just make sure you read all signs and pay if you have to! Because they will tow that mf. Overall I enjoyed my time and will be back.

    BUYER BEWARE: If you want to experience one of the worst restaurants in Houston, with horrible,…read moreweird and discriminatory employees who show their disgust against the patrons of color who unfortunately are still regulars and still frequent this location as well as hidden prices, upcharges, "tips" and weird customer service, then definitely come here to Cafe Layal on WEST GRAY. Having someone literally curse at you in your face, have an obviously intense conversation in front of other customers and tell you to your face that "they will never serve you again" because you are on to their scheme? Definitely come here and be completely disrespected like they are you doing YOU a favor by taking your hard-earned money. Make sure you know and check your bill for every single fake tip that you do not approve on your credit card or debt card. The scheme is set up to put a hidden "tip" in your bill, then quickly give you a detailed tablet with additional tips for service as well as another discriminatory tip on top of that. In addition, the new scheme is the disposable hose charge of $3.49 per hookah that they round up to $4 after you leave along with the additional 15% tip that seriously makes its way onto your final bill unbeknownst to you. In addition, watch the servers at night who zoom past your table, do not catch your eye, do not want to serve you and show their disgust with hard breathing, eye-rolling, slow service and inside jokes to each other about the customers that they do not like. They will perform all of this behavior within earshot of you with no discretion whatsoever, especially the employees that work from 5PM to close in the evening on the patio. I would strongly encourage anyone who has used a credit card or debit card at Cafe Layal on West Gray to check your receipt and immediately dispute each and every charge with your bank or credit union. Hopefully EVERYONE who knows the real deal with this place, the high staff turnover, the laziness and a myriad of other issues, will avoid it. There are so many other upscale, well-run establishments in Houston with a much better product and employees that actually take pride in serving customers not slandering them.

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    Sky Hookah Lounge - Hookah with the ice tip

    Sky Hookah Lounge

    4.0(126 reviews)
    33.8 mi•West Oaks
    •$$

    Pros Ambience Hookah…read moreVariety Music Selection Cons Asthma Risk Patron Mixture Risk The Hookah lounge was comfortable however I'm not a big hookah smoker because it makes me dizzy after a while. This night I went with one of my close sorority sisters and ended up smoking hookah with her. This location was dark and very easy on the eyes. It showcased a heavy middle eastern influence since hookah is heavy there. The variety of options are given in a menu style and allow you to pick whatever fits your needs at the time. You are also able to freely smoke as long as you would like with the occasional waiter coming to replace the coals on your hookah. They also hire their DJs every night, so the music can change and control the mood depending on what is played. The do played a variety of music from hip hop to r&b and pop, there was no shortage on the tunes just know that they will change. The downside of this place is the smoke, if you're asthmatic or have trouble seeing this place might pose a couple of risk to you. You might have trouble breathing or being able to see the ground as you walk into the puff clouds of other patrons. There is also a mixture of patrons, some there to enjoy themselves and others to have parties and fun, if you're set on a flat consistent vibe then this may not be a place, there was someone on a couch enjoying their entire life while we were there, luckily we didn't care how they did anything it didn't interfere with us. Risk was also a major thing to be mindful of, the coals can be extremely hot and give damaging burns, people can also get sick from the hookah so be careful of the health risk and also use caution around the hookah to avoid coals! Overall a good place, if you're in Houston definitely stop by and have a good time.

    if I could start off by giving this I would. I went there to have a good time every 5 to 10…read moreminutes. A waitress approached me trying to get me to buy a bottle. After I already bought the as well as a a waiter ended up walking up to me and telling me even though you bought the section. You're holding it up because there's other people that wants to buy bottles. Which made no sense to me since I've already would not recommend going here. Not only is the service bag, but waitresses are pushy like sales people one out of 10 would not recommend.

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    Sky Hookah Lounge - Chillin wit bae

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    Sky Hookah Lounge - Tried out the chocolate mousse cake today. SO GOOD!  Next up is the red velvet one!

    Tried out the chocolate mousse cake today. SO GOOD! Next up is the red velvet one!

    Sky Hookah Lounge - Side of fries with veggie samosas. They were nice and spicy just how I like them!

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    Side of fries with veggie samosas. They were nice and spicy just how I like them!

    The Cave Hookah Lounge - OUR BEST HOOKAH

    The Cave Hookah Lounge

    4.3(28 reviews)
    40.7 mi
    •$$

    Love this place! But just a heads-up, they don't have a sign in the plaza where the hookah lounge…read moreis located, so it's a little tricky to find. But it's so worth it! Aly the manager is so kind and opens his place until the last customers leaves and never acts pushy or rude. He also lets you test out different flavors and if you have a problem with your hookah or you just don't like the flavor, he'll switch it out for you no problem! They've also done some renovating to the place and it looks pretty nice now. New couches and tv's at every corner of the lounge, plus they've added some nice decor to the walls. Only complaint I have is the music they play. Aly lets this amateur DJ come in every once in a while to play and test out his music, but it's just so loud and overbearing sometimes. It's hard to have conversations when the DJ is there... But besides that, I would highly recommend!

    First off, the actual customer service was great. The seating, ambience was very cool. The dj…read morecould use a little fine tuning but he was cool. I'm just not ok with a dj who is being paid by the owner, telling folks or allowing the MC to tell folks in order to request a song, you gotta pay. If I chose to tip him, so be it, but being forced ain't cool. My biggest complaint was the price of everything. Now I'm a country chick and realize that prices are more expensive in the city. I was approached by the manager and I told her I needed a set up. She asked me what chasers I wanted and I said water and coke. I was charged separately for the water and coke that was supposed to be included in my set up.... so all together for a set up and a hookah, I paid over $60. I've never paid, IN HOUSTON, more than $10 for a set up and $35 for a hookah. Then they have small 4 oz paper cups to get the ice out with. After all this she attempted to charge me a bottle fee for each bottle I brought in. I sincerely think the young lady wasn't sure about what she was doing. Again she maintained her professionalism but she looked overwhelmed. Let's move on to those hookahs, the flavor lasted maybe 10-15 minutes and then the other lady who was helping refresh the coals was firmly pressing them down on the foil. I called her to the side and advised her that she was going to burn the shisha like that and sure enough my next puff was nothing but burnt shisha. They did replace it for free so I can't say much about that but overall....... The employees need training, I think they were overwhelmed and I think y'all were understaffed to serve the amount of people that accompanied this party... Great establishment Great employees Refine their skills and you'll be open a long time.

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    The Cave Hookah Lounge - The cave
Best flavor
Best hookah

    The cave Best flavor Best hookah

    The Cave Hookah Lounge
    The Cave Hookah Lounge - New look

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    Cafe Mawal - hookah_bars - Updated October 2026

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