La Sultana — Restaurant in New York

La Sultana was one of the first hookah spots I discovered for myself and I used to love it. Back when it was new-ish and unknown (and in the old location) the service was better and the proprietor friendly. Then it got popular thanks to glowing Yelp reviews and things went downhill.

Part of the problem in the old spot was lack of space. In this new location that's no longer a problem. They more than doubled the seating area and the back is cozy and well decorated/appointed. You don't feel like you're all on top of people even when the place is pretty full.

What makes this place a 2 star joint is the service. Oh my Zuul the service.

In the old location the proprietor would hover around you shamelessly if he felt you'd been there too long and were taking up precious space. Smoke and get out! In the new location there the same gruffness for way less reason.

I didn't feel like the guy serving us wanted us out, I just felt like he super did not give a crap about us. First time there I ordered a Blue Mist hookah, the flavor he brought was NOT Blue Mist. When I asked him about it, he claimed that the grapefruit they used as a bowl changed the taste. First: No. That's so beyond true I can't begin to express. Fruit bowls do have an effect, but not so much it changes the whole taste. Second: he didn't even look convincing when he lied.

The other time we dropped in here the server (different, I think) was similarly hard to get good service out of. We asked for a fruit bowl and he told us they didn't have any. Then he noticed that the people across from us had one and backtracked. Getting coal changes? Good luck. Food? Don't come hungry.

It's such a shame. I have a soft spot in my heart for Sultana. I love the ambiance, the intimate surroundings, and that they don't play obnoxiously loud music and actually see themselves as a laid back lounge and not a club. But the service means I won't be back...

Really surprised by some of these negative reviews. For context, I’ve been going here for about 7 years as my regular hookah spot. The atmosphere is cosy, and every single person I’ve brought here has agreed: the food tends to hit the spot the way a nourishing home cooked meal would. I always recommend the shawarma platter but generally anyone I’ve brought here has enjoyed any other dish they’ve ordered too. Hookah is tended to the way proper hookah lounges should - consistently and constantly with coal changes. I’ve complained about an occasional coal or flavour issue - not their fault, just happens sometimes - and this is immediately rectified. Drinks are lovely - beautiful herbal teas as well. Prices are NYC standard, or possibly quite a bit lower when you consider that there are other hookah places charging 50-120 for one pipe (and terrible service). This is a great place for introverts or small groups that want to have an evening together that’s balm for the nervous system - it’s the type of place you could probably even come to do some work or read a book (I do this often). Music is great in terms of selection, but not so loud that you can’t hear yourself think (or other people talking). Oh: and they’re open until very late if you find the conversation going on longer...

If you want an honest opinion about this hookah bar then please READ THIS: My friends and me wanted to have a relaxing hookah night since we were spending a week in the city, so we decided to go to la sultana. However we were really disappointed in the end. We got two hookahs and both were really bad! You could barely smoke without coughing, the waiters were unfriendly and didn't seem interested in creating an welcoming atmosphere. I didn't expect it to be a paradise but can you please put a tiny bit of effort in your job? In addition to that the hookahs were really expensive and you had to buy at least on drink per person. We left after 50 disappointing minutes and the only thing that made this night bearable were my friends who made the best out of it. Sorry, but if you plan on smoking a good hookah and having a great time then look for...