Living Room Hookah Lounge — Restaurant in Burnaby

Living Room Hookah Lounge? More Like Rip-Off Central – Save Your money

As a Middle Eastern person who has lived and traveled across the Middle East and experienced Toronto's Arab community, I can confidently say: this place is a joke. I walked into Living Room Hookah Lounge hoping for a chill vibe and decent food, but what I got was slimy business practices, mediocre food, and an identity crisis between being a lounge and a club.

Let me break it down for you.

Slimy Hidden Charges – A Masterclass in Shady Business First off, they slapped an 18% gratuity on our bill without telling us. Yep, they just sneaked it in there, banking on the fact that the place is so dark you wouldn’t notice. And guess what? They had the audacity to suggest we tip an additional 20-30% on top of that! By the time we realized what had happened, we had unknowingly tipped over 40% of our bill (photo of the receipt does not show the added tip). Like, are you kidding me?

But wait, it gets worse. They also charged extra for sugar and ice for the hookah—things that are either included or clearly disclosed at any decent lounge. And then they give you the option of using a “sanitary hookah hose,” which they charge for too. Sure, hygiene is important, but charging extra for something that should be standard is just plain shady. Honestly, these slimy practices made me feel ripped off before I even walked out the door.

Food – McDonald's Chicken Nuggets Are Fancier The food? A total flop. The hummus came out looking like a Pinterest fail—thinly spread, barely a 5mm layer on the plate. And the chicken pieces? Smaller than McDonald’s chicken nuggets, which honestly felt gourmet in comparison. For the prices they charge, you’d think they’d at least make an effort, but nope. Mediocre at best, insulting at worst.

Ambiance – Chill Lounge? Nah, It’s a Budget Club I came expecting a chill lounge where I could kick back and talk with friends. Instead, it felt like a chaotic nightclub. The music was so loud we couldn’t even hear each other talk. If you’re into yelling over your overpriced hookah, maybe this is your vibe. But if you’re looking for an actual lounge experience? Hard pass.

Decor – All Style, No Substance I’ll give credit where it’s due: the interior decor is nice, like a solid 3.5/5. But step outside, and the vibes drop fast. The outdoor lounge looked neglected, barely scraping a 2/5. Honestly, the aesthetics don’t make up for everything else wrong with this place.

Cleanliness? Who Knows? It was so dark I couldn’t tell if the place was clean or just hiding its mess in the shadows. The dim lighting feels more like a cover-up than a design choice.

Final Thoughts: Hard Pass – 2/5 Living Room Hookah Lounge feels like a scam wrapped in pretty decor. Between the sneaky hidden charges, subpar food, and the audacity to ask for even more tips, I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone.

If you’ve experienced real Middle Eastern lounges or even just know what good service looks like, this place will make your blood boil. Mediocrity shouldn’t be the standard, and this place isn’t worth your money, your time, or your patience. Save yourself the frustration and take your hard-earned coins somewhere that is not involved in slimy business practices. Do better, Living Room...

I was really excited to try this place after a client had recommended it, so we went there Sunday early evening. The first impression was that they must’ve had a private event going on that day as there was arches of blue and grey balloons right as you enter the foyer, but as we proceeded inside, balloons were part of the decor throughout. Some were old and deflated, some were missing from their original string they once hung from. It cheapened the look of the generally well designed lounge.

There’s 4 main seating areas (patio, general lounge, Moroccan, and the VIP). Patio is small and has tables facing an intersection of busy street so not very exciting. General area has a few booths and single tables, nothing extravagant, looks like a typical restaurant seating. Moroccan area has authentic floor cushions with low bearing tables, very comfortable, and you are required to remove your shoes prior entering the area (there’s a shoe storage cubby provided at the entry to the area). Cleanliness was questionable as I found a very old stale black olive on the seat, thought it was a coal at first. There was some coal burn marks on their vinyl plank flooring too. VIP area is filled with chesterfield style sofas and chairs, dark and moody vibe, blues, aquamarines and greys are the dominating colours in this room. There’s a mandatory 18% service charge if you choose to sit in VIP. Also, you must book ahead. We opted for the Moroccan area. Besides the floor cushions and identical back support, and the lanterns scarcely hung among a hundred of slowly deflating balloons above head, there wasn’t much of a Moroccan experience.

Food: well, it is a Hookah lounge, not a restaurant, so don’t expect anything extraordinary. Menu is very simple (see pics), and prices aren’t reflected on the quality. We had beef skewers which were served on some rice and side of salad. Everything lacked flavour unfortunately. Rice was not fresh, it was pretty hard and partially cold. My only guess is that it was at least a day old and not reheated properly in the microwave. We didn’t order anymore food after that dish.

Drinks: definitely overpriced. We started with a Caesar and a mimosa, neither one tasted like it had enough spirits measured in. Then we tried mojitos and again, it was not made correctly (no lime syrup). It all left a little bland taste unfortunately.

Hookah: a lot of flavours to pick from, but don’t expect the service of regular coul change or recognition. We had to call someone to attend to it.

Service: the lady serving us was lovely, friendly and professional. One thing that stood out was a young man in the lounge smoking hookah in his free time whilst scrolling through his phone. It didn’t look very professional. Not sure if he’s just an employee or owners son/nephew, whoever he might be, that was not a professional representation of a lounge you clearly are working at.

We will not be returning based on that experience, but hey, go ahead, try it yourself, who knows, you might find it...

Living Room Hookah Lounge is an absolute oasis, a hidden gem that leaves you spellbound from the moment you step inside. With a warm welcome from owner Mike, you immediately feel like a cherished guest in this enchanting haven.

The lounge's design and decoration are nothing short of breathtaking. Every detail has been meticulously crafted to create an ambiance that is both stylish and inviting. The combination of modern elements with hints of traditional aesthetics is a true feast for the eyes. Whether you're looking for a cozy corner to relax in or a lively space to mingle with friends, Living Room Hookah Lounge offers the perfect setting.

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey like no other. The menu showcases a tantalizing selection of dishes that are a fusion of flavors from around the world. Each bite is a symphony of taste, meticulously prepared and beautifully presented. The culinary delights are complemented by an extensive drink menu that includes refreshing mocktails, carefully crafted cocktails, and an impressive selection of spirits. Every sip is a delight to the senses.

The staff at Living Room Hookah Lounge is a shining example of exceptional service. Polite, attentive, and knowledgeable, they go above and beyond to ensure your every need is met. Their genuine enthusiasm for their work is infectious, and their efficiency ensures that your experience is seamless and enjoyable.

No visit to Living Room Hookah Lounge is complete without indulging in their exquisite shisha offerings. The flavors are expertly blended, resulting in a smooth and flavorful smoke that will transport you to a world of relaxation. Whether you're a seasoned shisha enthusiast or trying it for the first time, the shisha at this lounge is truly a treat for the senses.

The comfort level at Living Room Hookah Lounge is unparalleled. The seating options are plush and cozy, providing the perfect balance between luxury and relaxation. The outdoor patio, adorned with Moroccan-inspired seating, offers a serene and picturesque setting to enjoy your hookah experience.

For those seeking an elevated experience, the VIP lounge is a must-visit. With its luxurious amenities and attentive service, it creates an atmosphere of exclusivity that adds an extra layer of sophistication to your visit.

A heartfelt thank you to Mike for his dedication and passion in creating such a remarkable establishment. His warm presence and commitment to excellence are evident in every aspect of Living Room Hookah Lounge.

In conclusion, Living Room Hookah Lounge is a haven for those in search of an extraordinary experience. From the stunning decor to the delectable food, delightful drinks, and impeccable service, every element comes together seamlessly. Whether you're looking for a place to unwind, celebrate, or simply create lasting memories, this lounge surpasses expectations and sets the bar high for what a five-star...