OK, bad word play aside, you know there has been at least one time in your life when you’ve been walking down the Delmar Loop and you’ve seen people smoking out of tall, curvaceous hookahs. You’ve smelt the sweet, smoky exhalations and thought, “I kind of want to try that.”

While hookah originated in India and has deep, traditional ties with the Middle East, it has quickly become a favorite among college students. Hookah involves smoking flavored tobacco from water pipes, and it is often done at social gatherings or lounges.

If 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. Just to name a few locations on the Loop, there’s Layal at 6227 Delmar Blvd. and Ranoush at 6501 Delmar Blvd. Closer downtown is Nara, which is at 1326 Washington Ave.

Of the two closer to campus, Layal has received great reviews. It’s on the smaller side and serves individual hookahs. Ranoush is the new comer in the neighborhood, but it has already begun to draw a decent crowd.

“This place is always popping on the weekends,” senior Eric Lee said.

Ranoush serves reasonably priced group hookahs; in fact, six friends and I shared two hookahs without any problems. More experienced hookah smokers recommend trying any of the fruit flavors, but flavors can also include piña colada and ice cream. The flavors and design of a hookah give it a much smoother taster than traditional tobacco products. Even if you’re not a smoker, hookah won’t seem overly harsh (although it must be noted that it has the same health risks of regular smoking).

Smoking hookah is more about the laid-back, communal experience than the nicotine buzz associated with smoking cigarettes anyway.

“[Hookah is] part of the overall experience,” said Emanuel Taranu, a waiter at Ranoush. “I really enjoy it when people come in for something off the menu, have some tea and then finish with hookah.”

Trying out any of these establishments can be a great way for friends to hang out and relax. So next time you’re on the Loop and you hear that Middle Eastern music calling you’re name, stop in and try a smoke. Hookah resist?

Other Happenings

LONDON CALLING
Sept. 26 at Halo Bar, 6161 Delmar Blvd., 11 p.m.-2:30 a.m. A night of dancing like they do across the pond, with DJs playing a mix of American and European club favorites.

DANCING IN THE STREET
Sept. 26 at Grand Center, 3526 Washington Ave., 1 p.m.-9 p.m. Free dance festival with performances of all kind, lessons and other music- and movement-related activities.

DINE ON DANCE
Sept. 25 at Strauss Park, Washington Avenue and North Grand Boulevard, noon. Bring a bagged lunch to a free, outdoor dance performance.

SHOWING OF THE “WIZARD OF OZ”
Sept. 23 at the Esquire Theater, 6706 Clayton Rd, 7 p.m. Celebrate the 70th anniversary of this classic and unforgettable film for one night only. 5 p.m.

BOTTLES FOR 5 BUCKS
Sept. 23 at Bar Louie, 14 Maryland Plaza, 5 p.m. to close Self-explanatory. Five Bud bottles for $5.

LEGENDS IN CONCERT
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, Lumiere Casino, 999 N. 2nd St., 7 p.m. Come see your favorite stars in concert, or at least impersonators of your favorites. $15 admission.