TODAY

Stepping into this lounge is like taking a trip to the exotic Middle East. Rich colors and sensual smells meet you at the door. Kasbah is not your typical lounge. It’s not exactly a hot spot like many other clubs or lounges that populate downtown, but Kasbah is definitely the hidden jewel of downtown Sacramento. Around the perimeter of the lounge are seating areas that are comfortably lined with red velvet pillows. The Kasbah lounge, located on J Street, is an intimate setting. It has warm lighting giving it a very low key and relaxing atmosphere. It is a great place to hang out and have a drink, or try the hookah with some friends.

There is no dance club attached to Kasbah, no long lines for the bathroom or no bouncers. The Middle Eastern music they play is not loud, so you can actually hear people talking to you. If conversation is your main objective for the evening and you’re tired of coffee shops Kasbah is the place to go. This would be a great place for a first date.

Their leather menus are broad compared to your typical bar. Besides serving alcohol and different appetizers, Kasbah offers an array of different teas which they serve you in your own iron tea pot. So, if you’re the designated driver for the evening there are great alternatives besides ordering a diet coke. Cocktails are a bit pricey, around the $7 area, but nothing out of the ordinary for downtown. No need to get all done up for Kasbah. The attire is extremely causal. Jeans are typical.

My favorite part about the Kasbah lounge is the Hookah. The hookah is a Middle Eastern tobacco water pipe, like what the caterpillar smoked in Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland.” Up to four people can share one hookah, and the tobacco lasts around two hours. You can pick from a variety of flavored tobacco, such as: apple, raspberry and sex on the beach. Raspberry was my favorite.

Your server will give you a plastic tip for the end of your pipe, so you will only share will the people at your table. Smoking is only allowed outside on the patio. There are heaters in the patio area, but they aren’t enough to keep me warm. So depending on how much you can tolerate the cold you may want to wait until it’s warmer to try the hookah.

Every night Kasbah has belly dancers who perform in the lounge. The belly dancers are decked out in the traditional belly dancing costumes, gold coin belts and all. The belly dancers add even more of the Middle Eastern flare to the bar. It really makes you feel like you’ve visited another country.

Saturday night if you want to avoid large crowds, long lines, and loud music, but you’re still looking for a hip place to hang out, go to the Kasbah lounge and relax. There is a small room that is tucked away in the back of the lounge that is available for private parties.