Welcome to Sahara Restaurant & Hookah Lounge
Sahara Restaurant & Hookah Lounge, located in Sterling, VA, is a vibrant oasis for lovers of authentic Lebanese cuisine and a relaxed hookah experience. With its calm ambiance and friendly staff, patrons enjoy well-priced dishes, including standout shawarma and the highly praised lamb kabab. The establishment balances quality food with seamless service, allowing guests to savor flavors while unwinding. Open late, Sahara offers a great atmosphere for gatherings, sports viewings, or simply a chill night out. Customers rave about the flavorful hot sauce and the welcoming vibe, making this spot a must-visit for food enthusiasts and social butterflies alike.
-
46950 Community Plaza #109, Sterling, VA 20164, United States Hotline: +1 703-421-8252
Welcome to Sahara Restaurant & Hookah Lounge, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Sterling, Virginia. Located at 46950 Community Plaza #109, this vibrant establishment is more than just a dining spot; it's an experience that marries the rich flavors of Lebanese cuisine with the laid-back atmosphere of a hookah lounge. With the phone number +1 703-421-8252, you're just a call away from indulging in this unique culinary adventure.
Sahara stands out for its serene environment, offering a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle that often accompanies dining out. Patrons like Toni Airaksinen have found their sanctuary here, praising the calming music and delectable dishes. The falafel—a highlight for many—is joyfully affordable, and the hot sauce has been described as life-changing. Such rave reviews underscore the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor, setting a high bar for others in the area.
Visitors are treated to a wide range of authentic Lebanese dishes, and as Fred Hman notes, the shawarma here is among the best in the United States. Beyond the food, Sahara offers a casual atmosphere where enjoyers can order their hookah, savor mouthwatering dishes, and chill without any pressure. The staff—like the amiable BiMi—ensure that you feel right at home, whether you’re a seasoned hookah enthusiast or a newcomer.
Sahara's extended hours until 1:30 AM make it a must-visit for night owls looking for a culinary adventure or a hangout spot with friends. As Blitza Bee shared, the sports screenings without cover fees and affordable hookah enhance the ambiance, cultivating a lively yet inviting vibe.
The cozy decor, which some might consider dated, is reminiscent of an old dive bar, yet this charm adds to the authenticity of the experience. Don’t let appearances fool you; the culinary offerings at Sahara are exceptional. From the veggie sampler with kofta kabob to the tender lamb kabab, each dish promises delightful flavors that linger long after the last bite. Vivian Muteshi's praise for the lamb kabab exemplifies the restaurant's culinary prowess, cementing its reputation for satisfying and flavorful cuisine.
So, whether you’re unwinding with friends, catching a game, or enjoying a celebratory night out, Sahara Restaurant & Hookah Lounge invites you to indulge in their delectable dishes and pleasurable ambiance. With rave reviews highlighting the food, service, and overall vibe, your next dining experience here is sure to be nothing short of spectacular. Come for the food, stay for the atmosphere—this is one spot you won’t want to miss!
After visiting two other restaurants in the area and promptly leaving due to the terrible vibes and loud music — I finally found Sahara. The music was calm but not overwhelming, the falafel is reasonably priced, and the hot sauce is literally the best thing I’ve tasted in my life (yes, I tried to get the recipie). It’s my first night in the area and BiMi was super nice and friendly and made me feel super welcome (unlike how I felt at the other restirants I visited). I’ll definitely be coming back soon! I don’t smoke hookah, but they have that here too. I appreciate that BiMi offered but wasn’t overly aggressive about it. Overall, 10/10 experience!
This place is freaking awesome! Not only do they offer showings of pay per view sports but there’s no cover fee, the hookah is very affordable(25), really flavorful Lebanese food until 1:30am, and cool vibes. Literally the most lit highlight of my trip over here.
Very arab. And as an Arab, I appreciate it. Shawarma is the best I've had in the States, very authentic. Everythinevery time I went, the place was empty. Maybe a small party of 2-4 people walk in during my 1.5 hour visit. Service is adequate for what it is. You're not stepping into a traditional restaurant. Order your hookah, food, and drinks. Then smoke and eat, leave. Though it would be nice if the server checked in once or twice, its not the end of the world for me to walk 10 feet to where he's sitting. Once you get his attention, he hooks you up quickly and is super nice.
Mark is really great he will treat you like a king/queen when ur at Sahara. Good music good vibes and good drinks. love coming here on the weekends
To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I walked in. The decor is pretty dated, and it was looking more like a old dive bar than a Lebanese restaurant. However, the food was amazing. The veggie sampler (with kofta kabob) and chicken shawarma platter were some of the best I’ve had. Absolutely up there with Mona’s, Lebanese Taverna, Layalina, Me Jana, etc. Not fancy, but if you want solid food that’s well-priced, this is it.
Good club I enjoy there. super Good employees and the owner is super chill! I come here often since the people and ambience is super nice. The drinks and food are amazing! The Hookah and the amount of flavors are good as well. Definitely recommend this place to everyone since it’s a nice place to chill and celebrate or even party!
The Lamb Kabab at Sahara Lounge left a lasting impression. The tender, well-seasoned meat showcased their culinary mastery. An exquisite choice for those craving flavorful and satisfying cuisine.
While some of the couches could use replacement, and the alcohol prices are steep, those are the only areas I would suggest improvement. // Edit: They have brand new couches! The place is sanitary, the hookahs are delicious and prepared well, the food is surprisingly amazing, and the staff is attentive and quick. I suggest giving them a try, I’m glad I did! I’ve been back many times. The fries are the best!!