Cloister Cafe

Nice H. 

on Citysearch

11 years ago

Pretty decent place for hookah, or just to grab a couple of drinks. The outdoor garden is pretty awesome, and they have Pilsner Urquell on tap. The staff (especially the hosts) tend to be a bit standoffish for some reason, but this isn't a huge problem. 

Dancing InThe Dark M. 

on Citysearch

11 years ago

Been coming here for years...but within the past few months the service has really dwindled. Yay for the outdoor patio and yay for the hookah, but the service is fairly poor. Waited almost 20 minutes for our margaritas and the place wasn't even busy. Willing to give it a few more shots though, lets work it out Cloisters! 

coco p. 

on Citysearch

11 years ago

Oh, Cloister. I discovered this place a few years ago with some friends and found the slightly ratchet decorations, the shady and sometimes offensive bouncer, and the two-toilets-in-one-bathroom set-up all really endearing. (I have my theories about those toilets btw.) Hookah is 20$/4ppl and you have to get a drink each. If you're like my friends and stay for 86 hours every time and want your coal changed, you'll probably end up ordering more drinks to avoid the side-eying from the servers. Chocolate mint is the BEST hookah ... read more

Krista U. 

on Citysearch

11 years ago

Charming place. It was so hot though. Food average zuccini fries were interesting. The hostess and bartender were so sweet. The waiter not so much. The hookah was good. My crew of friends had mint, peach, watermelon and some crazy thing they recommended. The mint was my fave fyi. 

NoMess S. 

on Citysearch

11 years ago

I love this place! Especially on summer nights in the garden.. it's super cute and relaxing, and one of the better places around to smoke hookah and just talk. Though the waiters aren't constantly checking up on you, they are very responsive when you need them and always make sure to change the coal at least once. Food: I've only tried the zucchini fries - those were okay. Green tea ice cream is listed on the menu, but they never have it. All they have are vanilla and chocolate. Drinks: Alcoholic drinks are really strong, it... read more

care2tango w. 

on Citysearch

11 years ago

probably the most amazing environment you will find in nyc, the most beautiful garden setting perfect for a date or just friends coming to hang out and on top of that they have hookah making it that much better... if you go make sure you try to get Marc for your server, he is absolutely the best server there and he will take care of your every need also make sure you say hello and meet the manager Jerry he is the man and will take care of your future visits.. we've started making this an every night place to start the night ... read more

Value of Kindness D. 

on Citysearch

11 years ago

I have been coming here for an eternity, at first mainly for the mojitos, but once they changed their chef, I started coming back for lunch and mojitos. I don't know what magician pours the drinks, but you always leave with a "buzz". The Cloister cafe is the best during the warmer months, so you can enjoy many cocktails, under the grapevines and lush foliage, with hookah and friends. The last time I went, was with a friend, on a rainy day, to celebrate her graduation from Parson's. We were seated "inside-outside" area, which... read more

YellowBows N. 

on Citysearch

12 years ago

Friendly staff, great atmosphere and good hookah every time. 

tjc c. 

on Citysearch

12 years ago

*This review is for my first hookah experience in NYC only, not for the restaurant portion of this place.Oh hookah, how I missed you so! I haven't been to a hookah lounge in so long, but am glad to have found Cloister Cafe! Actually, my friend & I were looking for this sake place when we stumbled upon this place. Decided to check it out since it was actually affordable ($20 per pipe plus one drink minimum per person). The Ukrainian bouncer wasn't all that intimidating, I've seen worse, but I did notice he didn't allow guys i... read more