This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

The Tiki Hookah Bar in Farmingville is 'Smoking' Hot

Hidden gem blends the foreign with the familiar while offering a Turkish Delight.

The next time you're looking for something new and exciting to do why not check out the Tiki Hookah Bar at 1075 Portion Rd. in Farmingville.  This exotic venue opened in September and is family owned and operated.  It would make for a novel and economical night out, costing just $5 admission and $8 for a hookah.

The pulsating LED lights and the sound system pumping techno and dance music stand in contrast to the laid back vibe of the enclaves of black leather couches where groups of friends gather to sit-back, relax and share in one of the communal hookahs placed at each table.

This unique lounge pairs the intimacy of a neighborhood pub with the high energy ambiance of a NYC club.

Find out what's happening in Sachemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The hookah is a single or multi-stemmed (often glass-based) instrument for smoking tobacco in which the smoke is cooled and filtered by passing through water.  It originated in India and has gained popularity particularly in the Middle East and is garnering notoriety in North America, Europe, Australia and Brazil.

Tony Mavruk, 22, manager of Tiki Hookah explained why his family decided to open this establishment here.

Find out what's happening in Sachemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"We're Turkish; it's tradition," he said. "There are no hookah bars around and we thought it would be a good crowd over by Sachem."

In March, they began serving beer here and expect to obtain their liquor license by summer's end.

"People come here from the city and all over the Island," he said.

The hookah is more like dad's cigar or grandpa's pipe than the much maligned cigarette, in that one isn't supposed to inhale it but, rather savor the flavor while unwinding and letting go the stresses of everyday life.  It's a bit of epicurean decadence and a hedonistic pleasure that, unlike a cigar, is not a solitary endeavor; the hookah is meant to be shared amongst friends.

You don't have to worry about contracting germs from sharing the stems; everyone gets their own one-time use mouthpiece.

Tiki Hookah uses flavored tobacco that comes in fun and fruity flavors such as Blue Mist, Hawaiian Punch, Blueberry, Pina Colada and Watermelon.

You must be 19 or older to be admitted into a hookah bar. According to the facility's management staff, there are two security guards that check ID's. If you are over 21 years of age you receive a bracelet for alcohol and if you are under, you get an "X" on your hand.

Akon, an employee said, "Most people who come in are between 19 and 23 ... People come here to dance and to listen to music. ... We have a lot of college students that come here to relax and hang out with their friends—it's not just based on hookah."  Even non-smokers would enjoy coming to this upbeat yet, tranquil sanctuary.  

"We play house music and all kinds of music—whatever the crowd wants to hear."

Surprisingly, while the evocative scent of sweet smelling smoke may waft through the air, due to the great ventilation system and high ceilings it's not smoky in there at all.

The owner who goes by the name T.J. described his bar as, "different, relaxing ... you can stay.  It's not a personal thing; it's shared.  You have time to think.  It takes more than one hour for one hookah."

There is a VIP section, flat screen TV and pool table.  Every Wednesday the exotic hookah is paired with an All-American beer pong tournament which starts at 9:30 p.m. and offers a chance to win cash prizes.  Over $3,000 has already been awarded and every Wednesday there are $2 Bud Lights.  

Every Friday and Saturday night a celebrity guest DJ is featured and Saturday is Ladies' Night.  Ladies don't have to pay a cover charge and there are drink specials.  Groups of three girls even get a free hookah.  On Monday everyone is admitted free.

 If you've never smoked a hookah before but, want to give it a try the friendly staff will show you the simple ritual of this delicious delight.  It's sure to whisk you away like a magic carpet ride to far off lands and ancient times that somehow found their way to modern day Long Island.

Tiki Hookah Bar is open Sun-Thurs 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Friday and Saturday 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. They can be reached at (631) 415-4775.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?