If rumor serves me correctly, there is a law against indoor smoking in Amsterdam. But you would never know it, based on the many "coffee shops" advertising "smoking rooms" inside. It's further notable that smoking doesn't seem to be restricted to the smoking rooms, as demonstrated by Greenlight District where I was told I could sit anywhere for a smoke.
Mind you, I wasn't looking for the type of "smoke" popularized among tourists in Amsterdam, but rather a good shisha. The decor is a bit all-over-the-place, with part nautical, part middle eastern, part pub, and part medieval themes, but the ambiance is pretty relaxing overall. They have tables in the hall area, an elevated loft area where you can lounge on the floor surrounded by pillows, and glass-encased rooms if you want a bit more privacy for your group. Service was accommodating and friendly, and it seemed like a fairly "clean" establishment.
I tried the double-apple and the cherry shishas, which were packed sufficiently well, although we had a little trouble with some air escaping from the hookah. The fresh mint tea was very well seeped and well flavored, probably the most notable part of my visit.
Location is central, and my only real complaint is that they don't have wifi! There's an glass encased loft just inside the front glass, that seems like the ideal location for people-watching (although probably also ideal place for people to watch you). Try to snag that one if you can! read more