Hayati Hookah

About This Spot

Stepping into Hayati Hookah feels like entering a welcoming retreat tucked into the heart of Berkeley’s University Avenue. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, encouraging you to settle in and enjoy a moment of calm amid the city’s bustle. The lighting is softly dimmed, casting a warm glow that invites quiet conversation or peaceful reflection, while the pulse of Afrobeat music underpins a laid-back energy that never overwhelms the space.

This hookah bar is more than just a spot to enjoy smooth, rich flavors that linger with generous clouds of thick smoke. It’s a gathering place where familiarity is cultivated as genuinely as the coals are tended. The staff move with a quiet attentiveness, ensuring each moment is comfortable without interrupting the easy flow of the evening. The atmosphere strikes a beautiful balance — relaxing, yet alive with a sense of connection and respect for those who come to unwind.

Whether you come solo or with friends, Hayati offers a nuanced experience. It’s a second home for many, a space where the owner’s warm recognition of regulars turns casual visits into something more personal. The environment welcomes both the tranquility of a slow-paced evening and the quiet excitement of community — all wrapped in the fragrant embrace of expertly crafted hookah.

For anyone looking to escape into a cozy, intimate setting with an authentic Berkeley vibe, this spot offers a thoughtful blend of comfort, care, and an uplifting soundtrack that sticks with you long after you leave.

What’s Available Here

Delivery
Takeaway

Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Gender-neutral toilets

Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments

Location & Hours

Guest Reviews

sara legesse 12 Jan 2026

This is the best hookah in the bay hands down. The hookah is not only amazing, with great flavor that last but also thick smoke and never burns. The service is impeccable, they constantly come around and change out their coals. The vibes are unmatched. Complete vibe with Afro beat to just chill to. The owner knows his customers. This place is like a second home!!

dj abu 08 Jan 2026

This is the best hookah spot in the Bay. The flavors are top-tier—smooth, long-lasting, and always producing thick smoke without ever burning. The service is unmatched; staff consistently check in and switch out coals without you even asking. The atmosphere is perfect, with Afro beats setting the mood for a laid-back, chill experience. The owner truly connects with customers, making the lounge feel like a second home

Ayman Alghaithi 18 Dec 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hayat Tea & Berkeley Hookah Spot are top-notch! The atmosphere is welcoming, the service is always on point, and the quality speaks for itself. Whether you’re stopping by for tea, food, or to relax with hookah, you’ll feel right at home. Everything is handled professionally, and you can tell they truly care about their customers. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a great experience in Berkeley!

Matt Campbell 24 Oct 2025

Really chill spot. Good suggestions for flavor mixes and really friendly staff. Bonus points for the TV flipping around to catch two different NBA game endings during halftime of MNF.

Price Collington 23 Oct 2025

Great place for dim lit relaxing environment with good music. Customer service is excellent and the hookah is the best in the area. Great open hours, I highly recommend.

Momin Khawaja 08 Oct 2025

Best hookah spot in the bay hands down, ambience is unbeatable in aesthetics, hookah is always packed attentively (owner/staff is very attentive and always makes custom bowls to our exact liking), I’ve tried probably 15+ different flavor combinations here and they’re always amazing. Have a nice variety music selection but the music volume is perfect where you can still have a conversation with your friends without having to talk too loud. Attracts a nice, young crowd which is refreshing since most spots in the bay are unc hangout spots. Price is unbeatable too, you can always expect a nice relaxing ambience and great bowl of shisha here.

DeLano Glass 04 Oct 2025

Spontaneously felt like going to a Hookah Lounge. Hopped on Google and saw that this was the closest one. It wasn’t too crowded (It was a Thursday night.), the music was good and the vibe was overall really chill. Unfortunately, no alcohol was served — at least not tonight, don’t know if that will change. The guy serving was pretty chill & friendly as well. Overall, i’d go back again.