Food News

Olives Hookah Lounge and Bar Emits Lebanese Hookah Lounge Charm

For cocktails, Lebanese snacks and hookah, Olives in the place to be

Providence Monthly Magazine ·

What’s bright, sparkly and fun? The completely remodeled Olives Hookah Lounge and Bar. The Olives floorplan used to be mostly open space; it’s now a cozy lounge reminiscent of South Beach. “When you walk in you won’t even recognize it,” says co-owner Marina Kallab. “People say they feel like they’re in Miami… Our vision is for it to be an upscale hookah lounge playing nice mellow house music.”

With the addition of chandeliers, fluorescent lighting and hookahs, this lounge is meant to create an atmosphere of relaxation and socialization. Being that Marina and her husband Roger are from Lebanon, they wanted to share a part of their culture, specifically, hookahs. “[Hookahs] a social thing to pass time and sit together,” she explains. “We grew up smoking flavored tobacco, and it’s more of a pastime than anything else. I love the apple flavor; it’s one of my favorites. Apple and grape are traditional flavors that are good ones to try.”

Know what else is a must try? Their tasty cocktails. Imbibe the Ciroc Bon Pon, a combination of Ciroc vodka mixed with lemonade and pomegranate puree. Or, since it’s summer, try the Watermelon and Cucumber Cooler, a gin-based cocktail complemented with watermelon and cucumber puree and mint.

Between the renovations, including the addition of purple leather chairs, traditional Lebanese food and stellar cocktails, they’ve seem to have a recipe for success. 108 North Main Street, Providence. 228-8377, www.OlivesLounge.com

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