Adana is a Mediterranean restaurant and hookah lounge in Marietta that has a very random Lego theme. We still have a lot of questions. But trademarking isn’t our concern, the dining experience is. And the food leaves a lot to be desired, but if you want a vibey hookah spot with kebabs as the sideshow, then we’d say Adana will come through.
Part of eating here involves being surrounded by a haze of hookah smoke at all times and having 21 Savage and “Hot In Herre” blasting at unsafe decibel levels through the loungey dining room. Bites of just-OK lamb chops, skippable watery pasta, and respectably good buttery shrimp get interrupted by parades of sparklers celebrating birthdays (we’ve counted three) and a totally unnecessary hibachi-like hookah fire show (for $35).
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the food rundown
The drinks are also part of the schtick, like the Lego, which is just a standard whiskey sour that comes with a brick gummy and a few figurines (sadly none of them have a mini pipe, which feels like a missed opportunity). The tequila-heavy Phoenix is sweet and peachy, and the base gets lit on fire. But don’t be fooled by the toys and pyrotechnics, these drinks aren’t child’s play. One too many, and you’ll be calling someone for a ride home.
And that’s a big reason why you’re here: for the strong cocktails, along with bumping music and ridiculous Lego-bricked hookah pipes. And that’s not a bad move when your Wednesday demands Friday night lights energy.
Food RundownGrilled Shrimp
This is a straight-forward dish and also one of the better mains. You get double digit small shrimp doused in a garlicky butter sauce with a dash of saffron. The side of rice is exactly what you’d expect—soft and buttery.
photo credit: Juli Horsford
Spicy Feta
This appetizer is our favorite thing on the menu. It’s a little fiery, a little smoky, and goes well with most of the menu. So save some for your entrees, and put on chicken or steak kebabs for a pop of cheesy flavor.
Chicken Wings
Skip these. They have nice grill marks but pretty forgettable beyond looks.
Seafood Linguine
Despite the big portion, this one still disappoints. The mussels and clams taste a little too fishy. And it allegedly has alfredo sauce somewhere, but it’s busy cosplaying as butter water.
Mixed Grill Platter
To appease a big group, this $65 platter makes sense. You get to try a little bit of everything: lamb chops, lamb kebabs, chicken, rice, and a side salad. All the proteins are just a different chargrilled shade of OK, so don’t plan on wow-ing your friends with this order (unless you keep some spicy feta and bread around to make your own sandwiches).
photo credit: Juli Horsford
Cocktails
Part of the draw of coming here is ordering a drink that tastes like the bartenders snuck an extra shot of liquor in it. Plus, a few have fun extras like Lego people, Lego gummies, or a fire show that ups the ante a bit.
photo credit: Juli Horsford