While hookah originated in India and has deep, traditional ties with the Middle East, it has quickly become a favorite among college students. f you’ve ever wanted to try hookah, you’re in luck because St. Louis is home to a variety of restaurants and bars that embrace the social culture of smoking hookah.

Walking along the Loop, you might not notice a change in the landscape, but a new restaurant—Ranoush—has risen where Saleem’s once reigned. The new locale is difficult to spot as it has kept much of the style and aura of the former establishment. Ranoush is actually Syrian while Saleem’s was Lebanese, but this subtlety went unnoticed by my American palate—the main difference in the food was the goodness. Ranoush seems to have beaten Saleem’s in that respect.