(212) 677-3160
51 1st Ave
(3rd Street)
New York,
NY
10003
40.72458
-73.987499
Neighborhoods: Downtown, East Village
What People Are Saying About Karma Lounge
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
"You can smoke here," proclaim signs all over this lounge, exempt from the city's ban on smoking in bars because its hookah pipes classify it as a tobacco bar. The child-sized chairs and red velvet couches are crammed with friends and couples just as likely to be smoking cigarettes as the naughty-looking hookahs. Pounding, hypnotic music discourages conversation, and everything has a red tinge, from the ashtray-littered bar to the somewhat sinister-looking artwork to the eyes of the constantly puffing patrons. Of course the hooks here are the hookahs, which stand like golden fire hydrants…
11/14/09
The Female Bouncer tonight was very bad
by bigrj12009 at Citysearch
The famale bouncer was nasty..
- Pros: Have all guy bouncer's
- Cons: You dont need a nasty female bouncer
04/09/09
Last of the East Village Dungeons
by GordonGGeneva at Citysearch
There are a raft of personal reason for my adoration of Karma, first date; leading to it to becoming the defacto meeting place for all my then smoking pals. - Good memories.
I haven't been in a while, but my brother-in-law remains a regular; he continues to enjoy the vibe lost to this city 4 some odd years ago when the folks in spandex on roller-blades decided us bums couldn't smoke in our little haunts downtown.
A hooka-bar in name only - This is one of NYCs last great dive-bars! (enjoy it while you still can)
- Pros: Smoking
- Cons: None Major
03/28/09
GO SOMEWHERE ELSE
by Shaydieyez at Citysearch
I have been to this place at least 10 times in the past two years. The hookah was good. The past few times I went, it was getting progressively worse, and when you ask any of the "hookah girls" or "waitresses" to come help assist with the hookah or replace a coal, THEY ARE SO RUDE. They are extremely tacky and put their hands out and say they want a 20% tip if you tip less....despite their horrible service. When I refused the last time I went, the girl rolled her eyes and walked away. I went last nite, despite previous rude service (on 2 or 3 occasions with different employees) and it was HORRIBLE. I gave the hookah girl a tip for bringing over a $16 hookah...then when she came over to replace the coal (which is $3), she asked for a tip for that too!!!! HOW TACKY! Then the waitress comes over and says "the tip for the drinks is separate from the tip for the hookahs, so i need my tip" and then when my friends gave her a tip, she still included an additional $12 tip on the bill...THEN when she swiped my credit card, seh included an ADDITIONAL $15 tip!!!! So - there were THREE TIPS for one girl - she jsut thought she was going to get over on us. I check my bank statement today and see a charge for $16, $72, and $87!! I refuse to go to this place ever again. Its not worth it, it smells of cigarette smoke - and you will be guaranteed to smell like cigarette smoke too and the service was the absolute WORST.
ITS NOT WORTH IT. go do cafe khufu - the hookah bar around the corner on 3rd st.. or to one of the other hookah bars across the street. forget karma.
- Cons: CHARGED MYC ARD 3 TIMES & EXTREMELY RUDE SERVICE
The Details on Karma Lounge
Where to Sit:
Downstairs you'll find more seating, more hookahs, a dance floor and guest DJs.
Know Before You Go:
They're so serious about carding that you get a free drink if they forget to check your I.D.
The Extras:
A short menu of mostly Indian appetizers is served until closing.
Save Money:
Come during the day (until 8pm) to get half-price on all drinks $8 or less.
Category:
Bars & Clubs, Bars & Pubs, Restaurants, Lounges
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Bar & Pub Special Features:
Bar & Club Special Features:
After Work, Smoking Permitted, Romantic Nightlife, 21 & Over
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