Inhale Hookah Lounge is getting a makeover and will be serving Magic City vibes along with their own brews, wines, and spirits when they relaunch as a brewery after the new year. The renovation will transform the 16,00 sq. ft. nightclub and lounge to a dual-level space with a brewery, full-service dining, lower-level lounge, and outdoor courtyard.
“We want to bring Miami vibes to the Philadelphia area and create that upscale tropical feeling, and just want to really build up the community and neighborhood.”
Owner Roger Thomas opened Inhale Hookah Lounge as an event and weekend BYOB lounge and nightclub at 3861 Jasper St. in Philly earlier this year as a test run while their brewery license awaited approval. Thomas, who worked in higher education for over 13 years and recently stepped down as the Director of Admissions at Saint Elizabeth University, says that he opened his business in hopes that he could give back to the community by creating a vibrant business in Juniata. Thomas has also held several fundraisers at his location for domestic violence charities, the local police department, and a back-to-school event.
Inhale Hookah Lounge’s renovation will create an expanded seating area on the main level for a more bar/restaurant feel than its current lounge set-up. The bar will initially have eight taps set up for their homebrewed beer blends and will bump up to 16 taps over time. Inhale Hookah Lounge, which currently serves finger foods, will build out its kitchen to accommodate a brand new full menu serving elevated American soul food. Inhale Hookah Lounge’s massive dance floor will remain on that level.
The basement will be refurbished into the lower level of the hookah lounge, where people can relax in a booth while they smoke their hookahs. Inhale Hookah Lounge’s outdoor courtyard went previously unused but will be opened up to guests. Thomas says he is looking to eventually create an outdoor seating and/or eating area by giving the area some kind of roof and outdoor heaters for when cooler weather hits. Both floors of the building will be decorated to mimic Miami’s Caribbean-influenced style, complete with palm trees to compliment the pineapple-filled cocktails on their drink menu. Thomas says that his Inhale Hookah Bar will likely be open Tuesday through Sunday under its revamped identity. You can stay tuned for updates on Inhale Hookah Lounge at ihlphilly.com.
