Hidden Places - Nile Cafe

In keeping with my theme of great hidden places that few people know about, I have to include Nile Café. It’s kind of a little hole in the wall and kind of blends in with the myriad of other cafes and restaurants in the area, but trust me, this one is special.
Nile Cafe
544 Jones St.
415 409-1000
Nilesf.com


I mentioned this place a while back in my Places to go for Drunk Food article but a mere mention does not do it justice. This place doesn't have amazing food or a huge drink selection, rowdy crowd or banging music. What it does have is hookah, amazing tea (they won’t tell you what kind though, it’s their “secret recipe”) and lotsa pillows to lounge on.

On the nights when I want to go out, but I just don’t want to fight the bar crowd, this is where I come. It’s my little oasis. The owner is friendly, and remembers you if you come more than once. And you’ve gotta love the old men sitting around outside smokin’ it up (and drinking it up – even though this place doesn’t have a liquor license).

This is how they describe the place on their site:
"Nile Cafe is San Francisco’s latest, greatest little gem - leading the re-vitalization of the TrendyLoin! Nile is in the heart of The City, and blocks away from some of SF’s hottest night spots. It’s the perfect stop to pre-party with some high energy Espresso or Turkish Coffee, wind down the night with our smoothly blended hookah flavors, or escape the crowds and relax with friends in a hip, comfy place with delicious food, drink, and smoke!"

The Jasmine and Vanilla hookahs are my favorite, and I always get the tea. Now let me clarify, if you’ve never had a hookah, it’s not what you might think. You don’t get high, and it doesn’t taste like a cigarette – although it is technically tobacco. It’s lighter and sweeter and you don’t have to truly inhale to get the best taste, but you can if you want.

**some other hidden hookah joints worth checking out**
Kan Zaman Café
1793 Haight St.
415 751-9656

Marrakech Moroccan Restaurant (this one has belly dancing!)
419 O’Farrell
415 776-6717
marrakechsf.com

Hidden Places is brought to you by MetroWize city expert - Alexis J.
Other articles by Alexis
Hidden Places - Hidden Vine Winery
10 places to get your late night food fix



Get your learn on! Local events, photos, ticket comps, videos and articles, delivered to you for free, every week! Get the Weekly Wize Guide!