I have been a regular here for the majority of the time I lived in Charlotte. You should ask why would someone consistently show up to a venue unless it's among the best. (Hookahs are easily in the top three of in the city) Combining atmosphere, patrons and quality ... Taboo Lounge gets top marks. Don't let the negative reviews fool you as they all refer to a "cover." As a regular attendee, I want to speak on this: It's not a "cover" it's a membership fee enforced by the state. Also, no matter what you call it, it is a ONE TIME payment that will allow you access for a whole year. (If you are out of town the fee is actually half off) Being a member not only gives you access to what I consider the best spot in town but it also affords you a discount to the attached smoke shop. This shop compliments the lounge and honestly, if you purchase anything of note twice in a year the membership pays for itself. Drink pricing, compared to other spots in the city is $$ tier. This isn't your undergrad level lounge and that's a positive if you are older, however, it's worth mentioning that there are weekday specials to soften the blow. All in all if you want great value and ambiance, give this place a shot. read more

Very strange place. They will change a membership fee. $10 in state $20 out of state. It's a one time charge but very strange They didn't have many flavors It was very hot also like the AC was not working. Music was nice and everyone was polite but I watched a lot of people leave turned off on the idea of that membership fee. At the end I had 2 beers a hookah and membership fee plus a $5 tip that's a $80 experience which was not worth it in my eyes. I was not impressed read more

Taboo Lounge - Hookah and beer - Hookah Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Taboo is a super chill spot to go to if you're looking for a good hookah and a drink. They don't serve food and it's small in there. The last time I went it took forever for me to get a drink. read more

Taboo Lounge - Bar Area - Hookah Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Great atmosphere and friendly staff. There was a comment made I'm hoping by accident about the membership fee being a way to weed out "black" quickly changed to "bad" clientele. I'm sure that was just a slip of the tongue as that was not the overall vibe or energy but worth calling out. We will try them again. read more

Taboo Lounge - Hookah Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Ambiance was great, staff was good, food was on point!! Definitely going back soon! The concept is cool, they do tattoos in an upstairs area, with the bar, food and drinks downstairs. Very chill spot. Definitely worth the try or drive. read more

Been going here since day one. Perfect great lounge that is always my go to. Not to mention it's the spot I met my wife over 6 years ago. Perfect for guys night, girls night, and great for date night. read more

They say they are open til 2am but when we got there at 10 they claimed they weren't open. But the security guy check our id and let us in and everything. Him and some lady was sitting they were eating wings also when we got there but they "were not open" read more

Once you can get past security overall it's a great vibe it's very small intimate. The hookah is good and I also love the hookah shop next-door. I'll go there for my Hookah supplies if I need to hook a light at night I like the fact that they're open late and they're connected to the bar please be sure to go as early as possible this place fills up fast. I do feel is a bit overprice, and the security can be a bit aggressive. I was dressed nicely and had a fashionable hat on and he refused to allow me in but prior to me we saw a guy walking with a ball cap on made no sense, but he is there to do his job ,and maybe he just had a bit more testosterone that day lol. Whether you want to sit, have a drink and have Hookah in a small intimate setting or go to the smoke shop next-door to get your supplies and go home. This is your one stop shop read more

Terrible, horrible, words can't describe. 20 dollars for membership, security is weak. Nothings stocked, again terrible. They weren't able to figure how to strain the pineapple. Waited an hour for the hookah. It's 8 people in here not to mention, no knowledge on how to heat coals. Bro, I repeat Do Not Go There read more

I visited this place with high hopes, but left utterly disappointed. First off, they charge a $20 membership fee which, in my opinion, sets up an expectation of quality or at least some exclusivity, but it's just a smokescreen. The ambiance feels more like a forgotten basement than a lounge, with dim lighting that doesn't quite cover up the worn-out furniture and a pervasive musty smell. The selection at the smoke shop is pitifully subpar, featuring a range of products that seem to have been chosen with no real thought for variety or quality. As for the hookah, it was a disaster from start to finish. The flavors are stale, the equipment looks like it hasn't been updated or properly cleaned in ages, and the service? Nonexistent. The staff seemed more interested in their phones than in assisting customers. Additionally, the air quality inside made me question the ventilation system -- it was like breathing through a chimney. To top it all off, there was a constant clatter of noise that made relaxation or conversation impossible. In conclusion, save your money and your lungs. There are far better places to experience good hookah than this establishment, which fails to deliver on both ambiance and quality. A disappointing venture that isn't worth the membership card it's printed on. (I didn't say anything about food I don't know why it makes me select food) read more

Can I say Cozy AF! I found this lil sanctuary looking for a late night Tobacco shop . Taboo lounge is not also a place you can come and upwind after a long day , social event or if just need a peace of mind . It's also by far the coolest tobacco shop uptown Charlotte. The decor in the lounge area is flawless down to the bathrooms definitely picture worthy . Taboo lounge is Members only with a one time fee for the year 10-20$ you can't beat that might as well solidify your spot . There is hookah and a full bar the music is a mixed selection but no worries you can definitely request a couple songs . Signing up as a member also allows you to purchase items at the tobacco shop at a discounted price . Not to mention it's open until 2 am . Enough said let's go ! read more

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Go!!! That's all I have to say . This is probably one of the best hookah spots in town I been to. Jamal our bartender was absolutely wonderful . I told him I wanted a pretty drink and he delivered , he hooked us up on the hookahs too. Keep in mind when visiting it's a one time membership fee to join . read more

Taboo Lounge - Hookah Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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It's small while in the wall with a $20 membership fee for the year per person . They have hookah and the drinks are good . It's dark and intimate . Great music . read more

Taboo Lounge - Drinks - Hookah Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

I came here about a year and a half ago. I loved the atmosphere, but whoever was working the door when I went was a complete scammer. I went in for the first time with some friends and loved it. I paid the $20 fee with no problem as well as showed my ID as law requires. I came back three months later and the guy tried to charge me $20 again. I said that's not right because I was just here three months ago and showed him my ID again. He said you need to pay the $20. Safe to say I left there are too many hookah lounges around the area to be scanned by someone trying to pocket cash. read more

Love love love this place. It definitely passes the vide check if you want to chill and unwind after a long day. Bartenders are knowable and always attentive. read more

Bouncer checked our ids and let us in- we ordered, 5 minutes went by, and he comes up to us and says "ladies I need you to step outside." The way he said it was so condescending we sincerely thought it was a joke at first. So then he tells us that the club was "members only"(this was not explained to us when we arrived, nor did he give us the option to become members after getting our attention). My friend (who was very confused) told him we already placed our order and he says that one of us (but not both) could run inside and tell the waitress we were leaving. Honestly a terrible experience. And this is petty but I'll also say that there was pee all over the floor in the bathroom. Would not recommend. read more

Maybe an off night, but our service was not great. Got there earlier in the evening and as the night went on the music became SO LOUD, way too loud. People dancing close to our table - small, intimate place, not much space for dancing and for us to enjoy our time there. Not a regular here, won't be back. read more

Great place with great service! Katee and Jasmine are awesome! Must visit if you are in Charlotte.

Was not really a fan of the place but it has potential. First they want you to pay a $20 membership fee just to get on. I know the law but $20? Most are $1-5 dollars for the membership so $20 is just crazy especially if you don't know if you even like the place enough to come back. And to top it off it was empty so I'm spending $20 to sit here and spend more money on hookah and drinks. It was a group of 4 of us, my one friend lives above the place an already had a membership since she's right there. We the other 2 and myself decided to go somewhere else the guy tells us they just started a one day membership of $5 to try it out. They wanted too so I paid the $5. There was a DJ and he was cool, then the guy at the door was making the hookahs, and a bartender. The bartender (Victoria)came over to greet us and brought 3 waters and said oh I'll be back with the 4th. The whole time she's behind the bar she's playing in her hair and scratching her arms which is absolutely disgusting so when she came back (without my water) to take our order I didn't order anything. We did get a hookah that the door guy made which was cool and not too expensive. It's in a good location and has potential but I probably won't be back. read more

Taboo Lounge - Entrance - Hookah Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

You need to buy a $20 membership in order to get in. It's a cute small place that provides hookah. Gorgeous bathroom that can be an Instagram moment. Drinks are ok. They had a live DJ the night I went. read more

As a recent Charlotte transplant from Houston, I frequent Taboo. Overall I love the vibe and Taboo has the potential to be a great spot. I would suggest consistent R&B or genre in music, better hookahs (better coal burner) and automatic gratuity for the staff. read more

We were a group of 4 celebrating a friend's birthday all out of town. We 4 arrived at Taboo lounge. It was obvious we arrived together in an Uber and making lines together. Once we arrive the security lets us know it's a $20 one year membership. We spoke among our group of 4 and decided I would pay for the birthday girl and the other girl pay for the other friend. Once we paid the $80 and subscribed, the security tells us we would be sitting separately... We said you knew this, the whole time? Why couldn't you had shared that to us prior to paying, we want to sit together. He responds he didn't know we were together. We step to the side to decide if to go in or maybe at this time sit outside and order the hookah outside to stay together while waiting for a table. Before we can make that decision, he allows two person to go in and now says the spots are taken. This was very frustrating and ask for a refund because we were not going inside. We asked for his name he refused to give it, asked him for a supervisor or number to contact for complaint and refund request. He declined to give his name and said to come back tomorrow knowing we are out of town. Horrible experience we paid $80 and we didn't even see the inside. This was not handled professionally. If you are planning to go make sure your group will sit together prior to paying. read more

Taboo Lounge - Security that made this a horrible experience. - Hookah Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

We discovered Taboo Lounge about a year ago or so on a rainy day and couldn't have been happier to have stumbled in. They offer a membership which has been worth every penny. The crowd is great and the staff is even better. Our man Taylor puts that extra touch on the hookah experience itself by giving the shisha a fresh chop & is 100% accommodating to whatever flavor combination we desire. The music always puts us in a good place. The atmosphere is especially enjoyable & although you may expect a hookah bar to be rather smokey inside, their air filtration system cleans the air quite nicely, providing an exceptional experience. read more

This place is a TOTAL scam. Wants to charge people a $20 cover charge as if people aren't going to spend money on the hookah and drinks???!!!? They also charge more if your ID is not from NC or SC. Not only that, but I came with my family when NO ONE was there. We asked if we could still patron the place thus giving them business that they would not have had, and they said no. The place is small and it doesn't even have a full bar. Don't go here! read more

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Very dope spot! A very unique and mellow vibe. There was a DJ and the staff was very friendly and accommodating! From Johnny at the door all the way to Tay Tay being a fantastic server! The hookah was extremely smooth and full of flavor. I will absolutely be returning when I come back to Charlotte! read more

Taboo Lounge - Hookah Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

I was in town exploring from Jersey/NYC and my girls and I came there for the Hookah, after doing some research. Keep in mind, We are hard to impress lol. Needless to say, we were thoroughly impressed. Jamaal's drinks were on point! And the hookah Taylor hooked up was amazing. Music was good, atmosphere was cool. We'll definitely be back. read more

Taboo Lounge - 3 flavored hookah, fruit bowl, cold pack... smooth - Hookah Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Awesome Atmosphere along with great cocktails, Premium service from staff! Pricing is very reasonable. Great place for a first date!

Tried to come and have a quick drink and hookah and they said we had to pay $20 for a membership. I'm military and had a local license and they would not give me the out of state membership. This is NC. Not NY or LA. Get a grip. Left and went next door. read more

Good hookah, good atmosphere. James, who worked the door when I went, was cool as hell.

I came here with some friends and the wait was so long just to get a drink or simply more tips for the hookah. The waitress was not very welcoming and we would have to tell her twice to bring anything we asked for.. just overall not a very good experience. For a $20 member fee I would think the service would be better. read more

This is the best experience I've ever had at a hookah bar and it's primarily because of Durell. I'm not even sure what his official job is but he does EVERYTHING. I'm here with my husband right now and I'm extremely impressed (I'm not easily Impressed lol) with how he's handling this crowd. He's literally making hand crafted cocktails, greeting members (even fixed the red carpet for us to walk in), making bomb hookahs AND managing the store ALL BY HIMSELF. If he's not already the manager, he needs to be... or get a nice raise... or be the owner lol. Instant fave hookah spot because of his service. I highly recommend this place... ask for Durell when you come in and make sure you tip him generously. This young man is working HARD for his money!!! Absolutely love it! read more

Taboo Lounge - Hand crafted cocktails - Hookah Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Friendly staff , clean restrooms, nice environment,& affordable prices. You do need a membership to be in this establishment. Best hookah in town ! read more

As a local, I would love to give this place a 5 star review (as your employees deserve it). I come here almost 3 days a week after work. I spend money in the vape shop as well as at the lounge. Why weren't members and staff not told about it was closed until further notice? You have amazing employees that work so hard to keep that establishment functioning. They go above and beyond day after day and night after night. I've had so many people (in my building that are members) inquiring why you suddenly just closed doors "until further notice". As someone that works in cooperate America and have clients globaly, this isn't the best business model. At the very least members and employees should have been notified prior. An explanation and date of reopening would be greatly appreciated. 5 stars for employees. 1 star for this situation. Please advise. Thank you! read more

Terrible experience from beginning to end. Service and wait time. There were maybe 20 guest, we waited about an 1.5hr to receive our order.

This is by far the worst bar experience I've ever in encountered. That's a cover at the door (NC/SC $20 anywhere else $10) as if it's a club, small space no more than about 20 people & the bartender with the colored hair had a horrible attitude. I would not recommend this "hookah lounge" to anyone. read more

Don't go here!!!! They charge $20 to get in & the hookah is too expensive. Keep in mind that you will be buying drinks as well. Go somewhere else!!!! read more

Iv been living at 500 west trade for a year now (a stone throw from taboo), but my experience today was different from other times. The security outside James which today was my first time meeting him, was nice and inviting. James answered all questions and made me feel like family. Cece was my server she greeted my table less than two minutes of me sitting with two waters . I ordered a hookah and two tea party drinks the hookah was amazing! The bartender Ciara who made my drinks came over to make sure the drinks were up to par which was so sweet (they were) this was a amazing date night i will for sure be back and i hope that they all will be working! 5 stars! read more

Went to Taboo Lounge late Saturday night. Greeted at the door by a man who told us it was a $20/year, or $5/night membership, we went with the night option. My friend and I sat at the bar and initially we were greeted immediately, but needed a minute to look over the menu. It took the bartenders a while to circle back to us, but the guys who did hookah got us started and took great care of us. The hookah was great, we just got glasses of wine - but the whole evening was reasonably priced. The DJ was good, it was a good vibe. The construction makes it hard to find parking, but the street is available. read more

I wandered in here one evening looking for the shop next door. The owner or manager informed me that they have the best hookah in the city. Ok, cool, and it's walking distance from my apartment. The decor was so cute that I decided to come back that weekend and sign up for a membership. I met up with a friend and we ordered pineapple/cherry/mint although there were plenty flavor combos on the menu. Lots of wine and cocktails were also available. I ordered the Pinot noir. There was also a gourmet ice cream menu and a selection of teas/coffee. There was a dj spinning hip hop and top 40. At around midnight, the place got a little more lively with customers, but I'm sure this place will be really popular once construction on Trade Street ends. Some people were dressed to go to the club, others were dressed pretty casually. The venue is really clean throughout, including the restrooms. Overall, I recommend this place for the hookah and ambiance. I recommend walking here or taking an uber because I didn't see any parking near by. It would be great if the membership fee included being able to invite one or two guests for free, but I will be returning regardless. read more

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Best hookah lounge in Charlotte! Jamaal, Jacob, Johnny Ashley, and Taylor have given us the best service ever! Come here if you want good service, craft cocktails and good vibes! read more