A couple of months ago, a friend of mine urged me to come with him to “Chill Out Hookah Lounge.”

If I’m being honest, I was quite skeptical. I had never even noticed this place, nuzzled between Five Guys and Momotaro on W. College Ave. However, after venturing down the steps and into the lounge, I was pleasantly surprised. I’m not sure I have been anywhere that embodies the “chill out” vibe more, and immediately, you feel more relaxed.

Now that my friends and I have been regulars for a while, I decided it was time to share this little gem with the world.

Chill Out Hookah Lounge has been around for quite some time, though under different ownership in 2022. I am not sure how similar it was to how it is now, but nonetheless, this place is awesome. When you enter, you immediately venture down a staircase and into the lounge. There’s plenty of seating including couches, lounge chairs, and booths to start your chill session.

Obviously, with a name like Chill Out Hookah Lounge, hookah is the big draw. You’re surely able to find something you like with over 150 flavors to mix and match. It even has nicotine-free options.

Although hookah is in the name, the owner is more focused on the “chill” aspect. He opened for the lounge to create an environment for students and locals to relax. He didn’t want to open another bar. Instead, he wanted a place everyone could come, and the objective wasn’t to get drunk. The goal is to chill. You don’t even have to be an avid hookah dabbler. Chill Out Hookah Lounge provides so much more.

Besides other tobacco options, there are coffee, espresso, tea, canned beverages, and even mocktails. In addition to beverages, the lounge also has plenty of food options. From experience, the food is very good, and I highly recommend the rice pilaf.

With so many bars in State College, Chill Out Hookah Lounge offers a unique experience that is difficult to find locally. The owner said his favorite part of operating the lounge is watching many different people do different things and enjoy themselves in their own way.

Some come out to watch TV or play video games, some hang out in a group and play board games, while plenty of others just blow Os and chat with their friends. Even if you’re alone, stop by and do some homework with a delightful glass of hot tea.

The playlist at Chill Out Hookah Lounge is one of the best you’ll ever hear but some may argue that it is even better when the playlist isn’t on because that means there’s live entertainment available. If you thought this haven of relaxation couldn’t get better, think again. Chill Out Hookah Lounge will occasionally host local DJs or even a live band.

I firmly believe this is one of State College’s best-hidden gems. I say “hidden” purely because of personal experience. Most people who I bring the lounge up to have not heard of it, which baffles me. Chill Out Hookah Lounge deserves some more love. Earnestly I say, you got to give this place a shot. You won’t regret it.