Pretty sure this place is being ran illegally. The owner, (Chris Jin ___, currently researching) does not have the proper licenses nor does he have any experience in the industry. check reviews elsewhere as well.... I would encourage you to google the address, 1600 South Pleasant Valley Road, Austin, TX 78741 . The contact # for Forte directs to his cell phone, not very professional, and the building is up for sale. According to MLS "this property was foreclosed upon in the 1990s for over $5,500,000. It now has two buildings: a two-story office/retail building of approx. 8,000 SF, and a building used for automotive services of approx. 5500 SF. BRING YOUR OFFERS!" I then contacted the realtor for the lot, who was shy to say the least... I believe The Realtor is Jin's, or Chris, or whatever name he uses now, mother. Yes, the realtor for this lot is allowing her mid-20 something son to run an illegal hookah lounge. Alcohol permit? what's that? tobacco (hookah) indoors with alcohol? Of course! There is nothing legitimate about this place. I have submitted complaints to TABC, Chamber of Commerce, BBB, and APD with regard to this business. Stay clear.

Forte is the best Hookah venue in Austin, hands down. It has a large indoor space that is tucked away off the street that makes it somewhat exclusive while it's still a new business. It has comfortable furniture that is formatted in unique layouts for all different sizes and types of social gatherings. It has a big projection screen and a great sound system that has speakers throughout the whole place. And most importantly, the hookah itself is the best in the city. While at other places the flavor is hit-or-miss and only lasts for an hour or so... I've never figured out how long it takes for their hookahs to die out because it always lasts for as long as I'm there (sometimes for several hours while I work). It's definitely a favorite hangout spot.

I've been coming here since day one, hands down the best hookah experience in all of Austin! Every flavor on the special menu is absolutely amazing and they have an extensive regular menu as well. The atmosphere is incredibly chill, the most lounge-like in my opinion. They have awesome couches built into the walls and even host events most days of the week! There is an indoor stage for live music and DJ's every Friday! I highly recommend this lounge to anyone who enjoys a real, modern Hookah experience.

as a dj i was not expecting to find what i found in FORTE not only as a club but also as a badass hookah bar snd i have spun at many of these types of establishments and was just totally blown away by the variety of flavors and just how smooth these guys can make the smoke def the best hookah lounge i have ever been too by farrrr:) also it helps to have a friendly staff to help you and they always have a smile very very rare !!!!! also not to mention every night they have a diff theme with diff types of music and all the djs i have heard have been top notch locals so i can deff give this place A MUST TWO THUMBS UP!!!!!!!! SEE YA THERE

Awesome atmosphere, fantastic original hookah flavors, and really friendly staff. Always fun to be at during the late hours.