Meridian Hookah Lounge, located a short drive away from the University of South Florida on North 56th street, was opened in 2004 and has been a favorite of Tampa residents and USF students all around.
The low lighting, personable staff, and all you can smoke for $12.00 ($11.00 if you have a student or military ID) makes Meridian a place that boasts regular customers and a high rate of first-time visitors.
Open from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m., the flat cover fee gives you unlimited Al-Fakher hookahs with Coconara coals all night with Starbuzz, Fantasia and other premium flavors available. Meridian also provides free WiFi, plush seating for groups up to 12 and an assortment of drinks and snacks.
One of the shining stars of Meridian is open mic night every Thursday, an opportunity for local artists to show off their skills in different instruments, singing, and spoken word poetry. Many local bands frequent open mic night, but the stage is open to professionals and amateurs alike.
Another aspect that sets Meridian apart is the use of OutLoud, a social music app that works on an up-vote system. If you want to hear a certain song or artist, just look it up in the apps library and have your friends up-vote it (or ask the staff, they are happy to help your song make it to the play next queue).
The staff and managers work tirelessly to ensure that customers have the best service and experience while keeping up with suggestions and recommendations from customers.
With a 4.5-star rating on google reviews, Meridian is frequented by many in the USF/Tampa community.
“Love this place! Great atmosphere and awesome flavors” wrote Katherine Stafford, “Prices are perfect for an unlimited hookah. Best part is the amazing staff, extremely personable, welcoming, and on top of how your hookah is smoking”.
Kurt Saban plainly called it the “best hookah lounge in Tampa.”
