TABOO Astoria — Restaurant in New York

$10 cover to get in. The place has tons of seating, but so does nearly every hookah spot around this street. The music was good but incredulously loud for a place with no one there - they should raise the volume as the place becomes more full.

We were offered to come in with no cover and free shots because we had "friendly conversation" with the host (guy in the front with a backwards hat). The "free" shots were thimble sized, 20% of the amount in a normal shot glass. We asked for limes and they brought out the thinnest lime slices I've ever seen - they were translucently thin. The place was still pretty empty as this point, so combined with the loud music and lackluster shots, we decided to continue to look for a spot that was a better vibe.

As we are leaving, the waitress with a blue medical face mask starts berating the smallest person in our group saying we "had to order something to leave." (Is that legal?) We were never told we had to order something, and the host made it feel like they liked us and wanted to return the favor for being friendly to him. The waitress then ran to grab the host. The host comes up and says we have to give $30 or it would come out of his pocket. I told him my issues with the experience, but he remained adamant, while lowering his request to $20. I told him I liked him, and I would want to come back in the future when it's more active, but if I had to pay for "free" drinks then I would have to leave a review of my experience, which he said was fine. The waitress glared at us from afar during the entire awkwardly-threatening-illegal conversation.

Here is that review...

Taboo Hookah Lounge and Bar truly exceeds expectations with its vibrant and eclectic atmosphere. From the moment you walk in, the warm lighting and inviting decor set the stage for a relaxed and enjoyable experience. The variety of hookah flavors is astonishing, ranging from traditional favorites to adventurous creations, all providing satisfyingly thick clouds of smoke. The impeccable cleanliness of the hookahs themselves and the attentiveness in changing coals regularly speak volumes about their commitment to quality. The bartenders are true artists, crafting exquisite cocktails that tantalize the taste buds, complementing the aromatic shisha perfectly. Service is a standout feature, with staff being both friendly and professional, ensuring that every patron feels like a VIP. The sound system delivers a selection of music that is both trendy and fitting, adding an energizing backdrop to the laid-back chatter. Prices are competitive, offering great value for the premium experience provided here. Taboo’s regular events and theme nights keep the vibe fresh and exciting, guaranteeing that no two visits are ever the same. It's a top-tier destination for anyone looking to unwind in style amidst...

i did not like my experience at taboo.

they charged me an “operational fee” of 18% and wanted a tip too. the last time i came here there was no operational fee so it must be a new thing.

even tho it was a slow sunday and there were many empty tables, bella had me sit at the bar. she was not welcoming at all. even if im one person, if i like my experience i would bring my friends next time. so its bad for business to treat someone like that.

i would rather go to legacy, they don’t pressure you to order more for your bill, they have great service and don’t ask you to tip twice. i used to like taboo more because of the interior design and the service from an older man i think he was manager, but now i think i prefer legacy.

when i came to taboo before, the manager or owner was there and he treated me kindly. even though i was one, he had me sit at a table and let me know of specials that weren’t on the menu. i liked the vibe so much i had my boyfriend join me. based on how bella treated me i would not have invited anyone to come join...