Hookah love has been on the upswing around college campuses, and a new place near NKU is extending the trend. Aladdin brings some interesting options for lunch and dinner too. If you’re new to Mediterranean cuisine, this might be a good place to start.
The mood: We entered into a café-like atmosphere with a soft-spoken clerk and low lighting. I expected to order at the counter, but we were invited to grab a seat and await service – a nice change of pace for this kind of spot.
Justin and I sat down by the soda fountain near the back corner, under the mounted flat-screen TV. Behind us, a couple of college kids on a date shared the pipe sitting atop their table. Towards the entry, two girlfriends talked Pilates, dudes and their busy schedules, while a mixed quintet enjoyed their own smoke session further toward the front.
Our waitress encapsulated the feel of the place; after her greeting, she casually sat down in the chair between us, making conversation and giving us good input, including her hookah picks.
The food: Tasty, I really enjoyed my narrow, foil-wrapped chicken shawarma which includes tomatoes, pickles and garlic sauce. I combo’d it with a Lebanese salad and drink for $8.50. The salad’s zest won me over, and was a good portion for the cash involved.
Justin ordered an Aladdin gyro ($8.50 with fries and a drink) which packed in black olives, feta cheese, tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce, and it left him feeling pretty full.
The drinks: We had fountain drinks included with our combo meal prices, but we also chose to try some intermittent hits of hookah. I ordered one of their house specialties, the candy drop ($14), which proved a light, but sweet, boost. Their regular varieties cost around $10 each.
The damage: Aladdin charges an automatic 10 percent gratuity, bringing our total up to $36.12. Drop the hookah, though, and you’re looking at something a lot like $20 for our meals put together.
The verdict: Spots just off campus with late hours that can handle both work and play are rare. The chill environment (and WiFi) makes it worth a try during your hang or study time.
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