Phantom Lounge and Nightclub

From LA to SD I must say this hookah spot is pretty turnt up… I recommend that you get bottle service and don’t be a cheap ass lol but it was only 150

Humorously expensive. Not super welcoming to all types of people. Way far from the places actually worth going in downtown.

Dont listen to the bad reviews!!!
Long story short: My party of 20 for VIP last night was nothing short of EPIC! Vigen was in contact with me for over 3 weeks as i decided which club id have host my wife and sister’s birthday party. He was patient and answered every question that I had with no problem. The line was long, but we had Vip so it was short for us. Lol. When i went earlier in the month to check it out, the line was long then but it went rather quickly.
This being my wife’s and sister’s first grown up party i had to make it count. Vigen was very accommodating. The staff was great and came to our tables regularly. We wanted for nothing.
Im not going to discredit the negative comments; as i can’t speak for their experiences. However, there have seem to have been some changes for the better from what i read before our event and what i actually experienced last night. The music was great and if you’re looking for strictly hip hop and NOT that TOP 40 bs, Phantom Lounge is the place. Yeah a song may get played again at some point, but hey, there were good songs. Lol Its nice there, a bit edgy, but that’s hip hop. There’s a mixed crowd so you’ll see suit, ties, mixed with jeans and tank tops. I didnt mind it at all. My party came ready to shit it down and we did. They have hookah there in my opinion as an added feature… Not its main attraction. So to those strictly hookah lovers it is a good place for hookah and better music; but if you’re trying ti get a bowl of exotic tobacco with a garnished watermelon on it with some l.e.d. lights, nah, this isnt your spot.
Well this is long enough. The place rocks. Keep an open mind and ill see you there!

As someone who does hookah quite a bit this place was a complete let down. My friend decided to get bottle service which comes with a free hookah. It took over 30 minutes to get a hookah to our table, and people who came after us got theirs before us. When we got the hookah, it was a 1-​hose which I have never seen at a hookah lounge. The coals that they used were very cheap and it didn’t come with tongs because they ran out, so I had to use straws like chopsticks to manœuvre the hookah. They attendants rarely ever checked on us to see if we needed anything else, and I saw some of the security taking swigs from patrons bottles. Just overall a bad experience.

I love the décor and the staff are very professional. Fun environment and no drama!

Don’t waste your time or your money at this place! Horrible customer service, ambiance is a bit hostile and the music can seem repetitive. Our Party wasted over $ 1000 and we had a bad experience, they charged us for water and cocktail mixers, WTF!!! Owner had every excuse in the book and NEVER did they apologize.
There are plenty of other great places in down town SD, this is not one of them!!!
Luz (server) attempted to fight one of our girls!!! WOW #NOBUENO

Very impressed with the venue. The hookahs were great and lasted quiet a while. The Music made me stay much longer than originally anticipated. Definitely look forward to get bottle service here soon. I would definitely recommend it, #1 Hookah lounge in downtown and probably San Diego. 5 stars.

Got bottle service at phantom lounge the day after Christmas, which was a Saturday night. Since it was my sisters bday I didn’t mind paying $ 250 for a bottle of henny and three hookahs. They had a la dj who wAs amazing. He played all my favorite hip hop songs. I had so much fun. It was a real chill dope atmosphere. The lounge is very spacious and the lighting gives a nice vibe. We danced, sung and puff, puff passed til about 1:30. It’s free to get in and it’s a cool young crowd. This place I hear usually is more like a club but that night it was a little turned down due to the holidays but I still hand fun. I just can’t wait to come back and experience it when it lives up to the reviews of my friends.

Rap (not hip-​hop), drinks, and hookah. The Number of security guards in that place almost outnumbered the occupants haha, but that’s not a problem. Oh, and while they have a «Dress Code» posted outside it’s DEFINITELY not enforced. No lie, I saw a dude rockin’ a FUBU sweats outfit like he had just rolled out of the 90’s, or a bed. I’d definitely go back again… maybe…just maybe in my pajamas. #PajamaParty

Super friendly employees and great vibes! I would definitely recommend if you’re looking for a chill place to hang out with friends. The owner took his time to explain the different flavors, and actually recommended some of his favorites! They constantly came by to make sure we were enjoying ourselves which made us feel at home! Best hookah lounge I’ve been to by far!

Hookah, Food, Music, Dancing, and Alcohol… WINNING! Trip to SD recently I had the opportunity to visit this venue and I must say, I enjoyed every aspect of the facility. The food was exceptional. The chef was polite courteous and inviting of feedback about his food. The hookah was good but the waitresses were as pleasant as the chef or security. A few times security had to bring us drinks etc cause the waitresses weren’t doing their job. Overall my experience was great and I’d definitely go back!

I’ve never been treated like such a VIP until I walked in this place. Being a San Diego regular and not knowing about this place blew my mind! When I walked in I was warmly greeted by Vigen and James like I was royalty. This place needs a bigger place on the map and I’d highly recommend by me. Friday will change you in a good way! Camp by and have a good time!
Highly recommended!

I’ve been here twice.
First time was on a weekday. It was pretty empty and the vibe was very casual. Staff was friendly.
Second time was a Friday night at 9 pm. We order and see they have an array of champagne bottles on their shelves and ask if we can have champagne. We were told we can only purchase by the bottle which we were fine with and asked what did they have that was cold… surprisingly only a bottle of Moët, price tag — $ 150. We deduced to pass on that and noticed they have several bottles of Korbel on the shelf. I ask can one of those be chilled, since we will be here awhile and can buy those instead. (Honestly I just wanted a glass) The staff, who are really sweet, said they would check with the owner. We order and hang out — when we come back to find out, we were told the owner said «no way».
To up sell is one thing but to not offer other alternatives in lieu as well as not offer what you have on your shelf??? SHADY!
Highly doubt I will come back here and if I do I will have my Andres champagne in hand.

Really like this place. Nice chill atmosphere. The hookah guy and waitress provide quick service and seem knowledgable. Awesome security guy gave us half priced hookah. Good music mix of new and old school hip hop. Would definitely come back next time I’m in San Diego. Drinks are good and service is fast!

I have been to this place many times weekdays and weeknight and usually end up here after a disappointing night out deeper in the Gaslamp. There are sooo many great things about Phantom Lounge.
PROS?
–Easily accessible restrooms (I’ve never had to wait longer than 5 minutes)
–Inexpensive hookahs that actually have a decent amount of shisha in them! AND coal refills are free! $ 22 at night and I think $ 12 for happy hour.
–They will combine flavors for you for NO EXTRA charge
–You can sit down with your friends at a table for FREE. We always buy drinks but if you don’t want to, they don’t pressure you.
–Outside of the madness at the Gaslamp
–Everyone has always been friendly no matter who they are, where they come from, or what they look like.
–BEST OF ALL… they play real music! Music to dance to without techno or house or crazy mashups.
–As a woman you get harassed far less here an other places in Gaslamp (don’t judge a book by it’s cover ladies!)
CONS?
–Drinks can add up (I just buy a bottle of wine for $ 35 and I’m good for the night… higher in alcohol than beer, less expensive than hard alcohol, more to drink!!)
I highly recommend this place and to everyone who doesn’t give a F*CK and just wants to have a great time without being raped of money, happiness, and self respect. ;)

Short Review: First impression — very professional and definitely a spot to let loose!
Anyone looking for a place to dance or look at beautiful people should definitely swing by. Music was pure hip hop and you can request songs!
Long Review: Did not plan on coming in here but was approached by Jasmin and Shawnee while walking in Gaslamp and they told me to swing by. I had previous plans so I didn’t come in until after 1am with a friend but the customer service did not stop with those two girls. From the bar tender to the hookah guy, security and hostess; every staff member was cordial and did their best to accommodate the crowd that was in attendance for the night. I was told they don’t serve hookah after 1am but was given one which I really appreciated. I was recommended a good substitute for the shisha flavor that was out of stock and was not rushed although they were closing for business.
Big shout out to Jasmin, Shawnee, Shay, Dominic, DJ E Flex and everyone I made contact with tonight, you all are in the business with the best intentions for all your customers new and old.
Cheers
AJ

Fun little joint. Went here for my husband’s birthday with a few friends. Music was a little vulgar for my taste.
Drinks were good, bar tender was great and the guys outside were funny.

This place has so much potential. The hookah theme works for the layout, but as an event planner I would not put the DJ by the bathroom. Drinks were ok, but the staff were very nice. My one critic for the staff would be to not break down beer boxes on the bar. I do not want to feel like you are «cleaning up» or closing at 9:30pm. Also, if you want top dollar do not give me a warn paper menu. The look and feel says upscale, but the menus say printed yesterday.
I love the music videos, but I do not like hat the music playing does not correspond to the video playing (see Barley Mash for a great reference of how he DJ uses the TV screens and videos with the music). Only time will tell if this little gem will survive.

Walked by this place to see why there was a decent crowd building outside. Was greeted by a super nice larger bearded gentleman. Was told it was a hookah lounge and a full service bar. So far win/​win
Took a few minutes to get in but once in I felt comfortable. The music wasn’t too bad and the décor was cool. I would most definitely come back here to pre game before a big night out. Drinks were average priced based on location (you are in downtown, remember that) .
Dress accordingly and not like a scumbag, have a few drinks and enjoy hookah. All around nice spot. Would come back with friends to check the vibe on a busy Friday night.

Nice spot to go for a pitstop on a night out at the gaslamp. Ambiance is nice, music is good. dj played requests throughout the night but mostly spun hip hop on a Saturday night.
Would be interested to go some other nights as well as I have heard some nights are far more packed than the night we went.
Three star is for the pitch black ladies room that we had to use our phone’s flash light to use the restroom, and no bathroom attendant — -unlike the men’s (really though??? Smh)
Other than that, I will consider coming back and bringing my mini flashlight for the potty lol.