Wow! The Olive on Monday is a happening place. The restaurant is setup with 3 different rooms. The hookah lounge is the largest and coolest of the rooms. The service was a little slow, but our waitress had just enough sass to make the experience.
We started with martinis and the appetizer sampler. The martinis had waaaay to much vermouth. We mentioned something to our server and she said it looked like the bartender over did it when she watched him make them. It made me laugh. They quickly changed our drinks with out a fuss. The food here is very casual. You're not going to find a pretentious or over dressed plate on the menu. The appetizers do seem to be a touch better than the sandwiches and plates. The food isn't what makes this place. The band and hookah are.
The hookah prices look like they've gone up a touch from some other reviews, but it's still amongst the best deals in town for hookah. We tried the Yahalla at the recommendation of our server, but saw some really interesting combos. I'm going with "The Crazy Mexican" next time. It's blueberry, pumpkin, and mint. I can't wait.
The band came on about 8:40 and really delivered. I'm not sure that they would be successful in a lot venues, but they really work at The Olive. We we're highly entertained!
I'm coming back next week with a big group to smoke hookah, snack on some appetizers, and listen to the band. I might even chat up some of the regulars.