reviews

We want to know why YOU love the Meridian. Every month we’re giving away a FREE Meridian tee to our favorite review. You can write us a review at any of the sites below. Thanks!

“I frequent Meridian many times a week/month. 12 dollars for unlimited Hookah, no matter what flavors. I was going when it was 10 dollars, and I was sad when they raised the price, but it’s still fair. I prefer Meridians comfortable couches and chill atmosphere to any other Hookah Lounge in the Tampa Bay Area.The hours are great for anyone looking for a Hookah lounge open around Midnight or later. I really like that aspect cause I work until 11 or 12 everynight in Lutz, and it’s so nice to be able to go and chill before going home and going to bed! Love Meridian! Keep up the good work guys!!‎”

-ErinT (Google Reviews, 4/8/2011) back to top

“Of the several hookah places that we have in the UCF Area, I’ve been to all the local lounges and I say this with confidence. This is a the perfect place for dates, always my first date and it always pays off. Great place to also unwind and just chill with your friends. The atmosphere is amazing, specifically, the couches are very comfortable and the music is perfect for the scene, mellow and cool. The staff is very courteous and prompt and you don’t have to worry about chasing the waitress like in some of the other local hookah bars. Also because of it’s lay out, you don’t have an issue of overcrowding like in some other places….. Overall this is an A++++ hookah lounge, best in the area and perhaps best in Orlando.”

-Jack (Google Reviews, 2/18/2011) back to top

“The first time i came here, I was skeptical because they were so cheap, as soon as i walked in the door I knew I was wrong. The atmosphere is amazing, the staff is super friendly, and the mixed flavors are delicious. I have been back many times since then and this is my new favorite hang out. The best part is I work night shift and they open just a little before i get off work and close around time for me to be hitting the bed. Not only are the cheap delicious and friendly, they fit in my very nocturnal schedule.‎”

-Steve (Google Reviews, 8/30/2010) back to top

“I love Meridian!!! I went to the Meridian in Orlando this past Saturday with my friends and we all had a GREAT time! The hookah was delicious, there is only a cover so we stayed all night and got sooo many changes of the hookah! It really was a great price for all the smoke we could get. The staff was really funny and nice, I definitely want to apply! There were open jams which were fun a lot of people got up and played or sang… I would DEFINITELY recommend this place to anyone who likes hookah and chill places to hang out! Thanks a lot Meridian… See you next Saturday =]‎”

-Patricia (Google Reviews, 7/27/2010) back to top

“I went to the Meridian in Orlando this past Saturday with my friends and we all had a GREAT time! The hookah was delicious, there is only a cover so we stayed all night and got sooo many changes of the hookah! It really was a great price for all the smoke we could get. The staff was really funny and nice, I definitely want to apply! There were open jams which were fun a lot of people got up and played or sang… I would DEFINITELY recommend this place to anyone who likes hookah and chill places to hang out! Thanks a lot Meridian… See you next Saturday =]”

-Patricia (Google Reviews) back to top

“I just went to Meridian in Orlando last night with the CREW for my 18th birthday. It was soooo chill. I love this spot. Everybody is chill and you can lay back and lounge with no problem ”

-Anonymous (Google Reviews) back to top

“Easily the most relaxing, chill environment you’ll find anywhere in Florida. The staff is great to talk with and they’re always happy to find music that you’d like to hear play. The lighting, comfy-as-balls couches, and the mood in general make Meridian my favorite place to spend evenings with friends. Thanks for some great times.”

-Austin (Google Reviews) back to top

“I moved to Tampa know not a soul so I was glad to hear about this place on Facebook. With a $12 dollar all you can smoke I do not know anyone who could not cover that. Even my P.O.S. ex roommate could afford it lol. Mondays are half price too if you sport their garb too easy. Try the Mouthgasm, It’s the best flavor (well I invented it so I might be a little bias). Ghetto designed shirts are loved too. Oh and Jason need a raise, I told him I would write that. So I don’t know how to put in word how great this place is besides saying if you don’t like this place then you support terrorism and punching babies. *Shameful eye at you now.‎”

-Loki (Google Reviews) back to top

“I have been going there for about 2 yrs. now. They play different music different nights. I usually love their live bands too. Even tho i don’t know them i still like their music. VERY chill environment. They have one set pricing for ALL NIGHT smoking. duh. Their servers are really nice too. THE BEST hookah bar i have been to yet. ”

-Hope (Google Reviews) back to top

“The Meridian hookah lounge is a great place for all ages not just students around Temple Terrace/Tampa. They just updated the place, painted the walls, new lighting, new couches, live music, great environment and newly coming, and great tobacco. Definitely a place try out, best hookah lounge in the area by far!‎”

-Cory (Google Reviews) back to top

“I’ve always gone to the meridian since i turned 18 and i absolutely love it. my current boyfriend and i had out first blind date at the meridian and we’ve been together ever since which will soon be 7 months. with the calm and relaxing atmosphere at the meridian it was more then easy for the two of us to unwind and really have a chance to connect. thank you! <3″

-Jackie Simon back to top

“I’ve been to alot of different hookah lounges and none of them are as good as the Meridian in Tampa… The staff is so friendly and the music is awesome, also nice job on the refurbishing it looks amazing! I’m def going to keep coming.”

-Amy Rigsby back to top

“My first time going to The Meridian was wonderful! I have never been to a Hookah lounge before and I was a little intimidated…but not for long. When I came in everyone made me feel like they have been waiting for me all day. So welcoming. We had a server named Jimmy and when I left him a tip I also left a note saying, ‘Thanks for a great first time Jimmy.’ I came in the next night and Jimmy had it hung on the wall. He was very proud to give me a good first time.”

-Samantha back to top

“Last night was probably my third time going to Meridian and I just wanted to let everyone know that I got the best service I’ve ever had! My server was this short hippie/rocker gurl, I’m pretty sure her name was Courtney … I’m really bad with names!!!! She was so friendly and packed me some of the best hookas I’ve smoked in a while she was very upbeat and friendly and even sat down and talked with me and my friends at the table. And I’m loving the music that was on last night it was so chill!!!!! Keep up the good work Meridian!”

-Jordan Spaulding back to top

“So I’m known to have a lot of social anxiety issues and thus I’m not one to try new things. I tend to just stay home and hang out with a select circle of friends. Now, to make a long story short, my friend forced me to go out to Meridian telling me “this place is so chill you’ll love it.” As i walked in the front door the air smelt wonderful, the lights where dim, and Bob Marley – No Woman, No Cry was playing over the PA … I had never felt more at home in my entire life. Best night ever.”

-Jake Jimenez back to top

“The very fist time I had ever been to a hookah bar was at Meridian. Me and my new friend Chris who had just moved here for college as well had just decided to go smoke some hookah. While there, we had a great time, but noticed the place was starting to fill up. They asked us if a couple could sit with us. We of course said yes and starting talking to this couple. Their names were Jesus and Dayva and we now hang out with them every single weekend. Because of meeting them, Chris found his girlfriend Adriana, and I was introduced to Orlando with one of the best nights of my life! All of this thanks to Meridian. Thank you guys so much! I freaking love you!”

-Jim Mohler back to top

“I loveeeee the Meridian!! I would go there every single damn day if i could. I love the Meridian because its the best place in the world.”

-Ralph Rodriguez back to top

“Where to start, first off the whole 10$ all you can smoke is incredable. We get to try so many flavors and combinations for just 10$! We don’t have to blow gas to drive out, buy coals, buy tabacco, spend time cleaning the hookah or packing it. We just ask for what we want, and we get it a few minutes later, no stress involved. Also, we don’t just have to share one hookah for us all, we get multiple ones! Which helps when there is 8 of us and we all want to smoke. The atmosphere in there is incredable also, lights are dimmed so you don’t have bright lights runing your relaxed mood. Good mousic always, and sometimes live perfomances which have not failed to impress the crowd yet! Aside from the basic atmosphere and hookah you get, the service is amazing. They check on you about ever 15 minutes. They chat with us which is pretty cool, I feel uncomfurtable if some one is just serving me and dosen’t care to talk for even a moment. The couches.. they have rounded couches for you to sit or lay in depending what you preffer and there incredably comfortable. I heard there getting new ones so I can’t wait to break those in. If you haven’t been to the Meridian. For the love of god, get 10$ for yourself and get you and your friends/girlfriend/anyone up to the lounge tonight! You will not regret it one bit! ”

-Eric Aguilar back to top

“I have my own hookah, but i love the atmosphere of the meridian. i love going back there all the time and the servers give an input of what is good and have their own mixes that they recommend as well. for $10 unlimited hookah and can stay all night how can you go wrong!”

-Kevin back to top

“The first night I went to Meridian, I went with this girl I had been crushing on for a while. At the end of the night we popped in at the Hess across the street. I bought a water and a $1 scratch off that won me $5! I also, got laid that night and I give Meridian all the credit! Meridian – making dreams come true since whenever they opened.”

-Time back to top

“I love Meridian because it gives me a place to wind down after work and re connect with my friends and the rest of the world and they book cool and fun music.”

-Russell Baker back to top

“I love the Meridian because I do not like clubbing or going to bars. I have gotten old of that right when I turned 18 for some reason. It was very hard to find somewhere to go with friends to just chill in a nice calming environment. I love the place cause of its dim lighting, giving you the feel of true relaxation. The music played in the background goes with the scene and the people (crowd) that it attracts. I have gone there 3 nights in a row being the first day was 3 days ago! I have invited a few of my friends and now they are loving it and we are going to make it our new hang out spot to get away!!!”

-Dominick Dockins back to top

“THE SHEEESHA IS FREAKING AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The quality, the ambience, the decor…Meridian is the place to be!!! I’ve been to serveral other hookah lounges, and nothing compares. I was so happy to know that Meridian exists and in different locations too. So if you wanna go out with your girls, or even your boys for a fun night out, go to Meridian. The sheesha is great and the people are beautiful. When I moved to Florida I didnt know a lot of people, just going to Meridian once, I met some amazing people and made a lot of friends. The ambience is truly remarkable. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to have a fun night out. Peace.”

- Mia Remtulla back to top

“Meridian is the best! For $10 bucks I can sit and enjoy the comfy couches and awesome hookah flavors with my friends. It is one of the only truly relaxing and fun places I know of, and recommend it to everyone who asks me ‘What is there to do in Orlando?’ The best part of the night is always when Tenacious D comes on and everyone starts singing along.”

-Lindsay Grimmer back to top

“I think im the only redneck to step foot in that place and i had a blast, so dont second guess it just go its badass!!”

-Reed back to top

“It was my first time ever hearing about a hookah bar from my brother and friends. We looked up where we could find one in Tampa for my birthday weekend! So after a terrible wait for a dissapointment at a Ybor club…….we finally decided to go ahead to the Meridian. Although we had to wait for 20 minutes, it was well worth it! I even had a friend with me that doesn’t smoke….but after smelling the hookah in there she decided to give it a try and now we try and go every weekend! We are officially ‘hookah’ smoking buddies! Plus I haven’t had a craving for a black & mild since the day I got hookah devirginised! LOL! Thanks Meridian…..”

- Heather Turrubiartez back to top

“I went to the Meridian a few weeks back with my friends and i was amazed at the quality of their service. Ive been to many other hookah lounges in Orlando and Tampa and The Meridian is by far one of the best. The People, The Employees. Everyone is relaxed and all i can say is ill definately be coming back and bringing my friends ”

- Aboo back to top

“Me and a couple of buddies from USF pull up to the Meridian around 10pm for some famous unlimited hookah but we were not prepared for the kind of night we had! Not only was the copious amount of shisha something to behold, the hospitality of the owner of the Meridian was unbelievable! Me and my two pals are from different parts of the world studying abroad (Me-England, Sofia-Cypress, Eijei-Japan) so were pretty clueless about things to do in Tampa but Marc sat with us all night with his own hookah then took us to a local bar which him and his buddies drink at then we went back to his friends house to party! What an awesome guy and the Meridian is definately the place to go for good hookah, good atmosphere, very cool artwork but most of all, top-notch hospitality! Will be returning as soon as I can speak again!”

- Joey Dyer back to top

“I love The Meridian because its such a great atmosphere! Everything is so chill and sophistacated at the same time. Also the flavors are the best. I love lemonade! I cant wait to bring my girlfriend and more of my friends!!!”

- TJ Schneider back to top

“I just got home from a night out at Meridian, the local college hookah lounge. I don’t care what anyone says, that place is way awesome. You pay 10 bucks to get in, smoke as much as you want, as many flavors as you want, as long as you want. They turn the light down low, flick on the blacklights, and blast the music (at a loud but tolerable level). I went with Mark and Jenny & Tyler. I’ve had cabin fever all week so Mark and I planned on going out, and didn’t make any decisive plans until we were half way there. We met up with our friends and went in. They were packed so we had to wait, but it was worth it. Toward the end of the night, the coolest thing happened. We were all sitting around chatting and smoking and enjoying some fun tunes, when Journey came on the stereo-Don’t Stop Believing… We all instantly started singing of course, and then we realized we weren’t the only ones. Almost everyone there was singing along to Journey! It’s not one of my favorite songs (although the lyrics are pretty lovely if you read them without the music or vocals, and its fun to listen to if the mood is right) but I was really digging it. We all started looking around the place and seriously, everyone was singing. Mark made a comment about how cool it is to sit in a room with a bunch of people in your own age group and have something neat like that happen. He’s totally right. There’s something about moments like those that makes you feel connected to something. There we all were, perfect strangers, couldn’t even make out each others faces in the dark, but we could all hear each other singing a song that everyone undoubtedly grew up with. 80′s babies. After the song ended, we all fell back into our conversations, but for those few minutes there, we were our own karaoke band, singing in total anti-harmony. Having felt somewhat lonely and bored all week, it was nice to sum it all up with a totally Hollywood moment that no one could have convinced me happened to real people in real life. Here’s to Journey, 80′s babies, good friends, and Meridian.”

- Alyse Fuller back to top

“The first time my friends took me to Meridian I was on a heart moniter because of my heart problems. Right when I walked in the moniter was beeping because my heart had skipped some beats and I needed a land line to call and send in my heart report. I was pretty embarassed but the staff was so cool and let me use the phone. When you send the transmission over the phone, it makes a lot of high pitched sqeals and weird sounds. The staff just laughed along with me. It was a fun first night I won\’t forget. Plus the flavors were amazing! (I also unplugged my moniter while I was there to prevent future beeping from ruining my night) Thanks Meridian!! ”

- Crystal back to top

“I wanted to go to a hookah bar since ever since i heard there was one in florida. i wasent sure which one to go to, but when i found the Meridian i was impressed with their ratings and their website. So when i turned 18 i grabbed my friends and went on down to this mysterious place. When we arrived it was a very relaxed area with blacklights and hookahs everywhere! the smell of cherry shisha was wafting around making my mouth water. I was eager to get my smoke on..haha. so we sat down and relaxed..seeing university kids chilling on laptops and sinking into those comfy couches. the waitress gave us our menue and it made me laugh cause ive heard amsterdam has menues just like it. so when our hookahs came they were all one hosed..which was awesome cause no one would be hogging my personal shisha. the flavors were out of this world. not harsh, and perfectly balanced. I ended up staying for about 2 1/2 hours and relaxing while trying to make the biggest smoke cloud i could, our waitress even made us a blend that wasent featured!..i look forward to coming many more times this year, and i thank Mark for being a chill manager and telling me all about it before we made our 52 mile journey..haha. i bought two tubs of shisha and i gotta say that they’re really tasty even when i prepare it at novice level…thanks guys and gals at the Meridian, you made my 18th birthday the most unique experience! ”

- Brandon Crane back to top

“I was skeptical about going to the Meridian for the first time. I had never tried it, and I was almost scared too, but I finally did and fell in love. It is so relaxing, and it has really helped me on those stressful days when I want to hurt someone. I recently got into a major fight with my parents, one that was monumental and ended with some threats and a lot of crying. I had no where else to really find comfort, so me and my friends went to the Hookah Lounge, and I seriously just relaxed, feeling the tension melt away. It was an amazing feeling and I am so glad I went. I want to go every night!”

- Cayla Baty back to top

“The Meridian has been my hangout spot for almost 3 years now. I’ve sweat, bled, and cried for the place. Why is the easy part. It’s one of the few places where you can meet cool, chill, understanding people. It’s a place of camaraderie and friendships. It’s a place you can go when you need a friend, some advice, or a shoulder to lean on. The hookahs and atmosphere are bonuses, but its the people that count. The Meridian staff has always prided itself on being a diverse and down-right awesome group, even when I was apart of it. I’ve met many interesting people, beautiful women, but it’s the friends that I got out of it that is what counts.”

-Ryan Pulliam back to top

“I’ve always liked hookahs, but because the only half-way decent bar closed down my friends and I had to look for a new place. Thus we found the greatest hookah bar we have been to. We all try to get together and share stories of our young lives around the hookah. We also think the live entertainment is awesome. Never a dull moment at the Meridian. It is worth the drive from St. Pete at least 3 times a month!”

-Lester Bullock back to top

“I met my husband there last year on open mic, I had decided to get up the nerve and play, we just had a baby girl on April 28th and I have Merdian to thank for sitting him at our table.”

-Sam back to top

“Well, I turned 18 in January and decided to take advantage of it. The first hookah lounge I went to was the Meridian. It was probably one of the most fun nights I have had in quite a while. Colt Clark was playing. I was sitting at the 3rd table on the right with about 7-8 friends. The atmosphere is chill, yet energetic. Unlike your competitors.. Every since then I’ve come to The Meridian at least once a week. During spring break i went every night. You have the shit entertainment and the chillest staff. Their age makes them easy to talk to, unlike the other places where the staff are 40. Bottom line. Every time I come to the Meridian I have a blast. The staff, the other customers, are all so chill. I can say that i never mind having other groups sit with us (if our group is small). I make new friends everytime I go. AHH I LOVE THE FUCKING MERIDIAN! ”

-Cody Wilson back to top

“For my 18th birthday, I expected my friends to take me to some club or bar. But instead, they brought me to Meridian. I had such a great evening and I ended up bonding with friends I haven’t talked to in years.”

-Jen back to top

“I love the Meridian because Daniel B. Marshall plays there every monday night and he is such an amazing singer and always plays the songs my friends and I request!”

-Maggie Simon back to top

“My boyfriend and I just started going to the hookah lounge and we love it. It gives us somewhere to escape to and talk about whatever is on our minds for the week. We automatically get into this relaxed mood and talk about everything and just connect with each other. Its something that we like to do together every week.”

-Rayne back to top

“The Meridian is my safe place. It’s dark and beautiful, AND, Hookah helped me quit smoking cigarettes. I also met my boyfriend here.. I actually backed into his car leaving one night from the Meridian. Embarassing? We’re still together… and we credit The Meridian 100%. Much love to everyone there- You make me happy, inside and out. ”

-Shawnna back to top

“The Meridian is both Exotic and Familiar being transported to a far away place but 20 min from my house. Strangers who’ve become friends and a place where home is not too far away.”

-Douglas Rutkowski back to top

“The reason I love the Meridian hookah lounge would have to be the people and the entertainment. On my first visit there I was lucky enough to come on a Colt Clark night. I have never smoked shisha at the time and was a little skeptical. I just sat back though and fell in love with the chill atmosphere and soothing melodies. Not to mention some amazing tasting tobacco and good friends!”

-Ricky Davis back to top

“I just moved to Tampa. I graduated from UCF, but im taking graduate classes at USF now. You have a very classy joint.”

-Craig Lewis back to top

“In terms of going out, there’s not much to do in America. So, Meridian is the closest thing to fun. I love Meridian.”

-Becca Steiner back to top

“I went to the Meridian for the first time last year for New Years. I spent the night smoking the best hookah flavors ever and chillin to beats better than anything I’d ever heard in Dubai or Istanbul…. Im not totally sure when midnight came and went, but it was a night to remember. Banana-Coconut-Peach special – soooo sensual. Better than any New Year’s kiss.”

-Meagan Marks back to top