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Hello all!
Sitting here with a friend discussing some of our favorite lounges in the area and elsewhere, and it got me to thinking. What is it about a particular cigar lounge that keeps you coming back. For me it tends to be the quality of their bourbon selection. It also helps if the place is a little unique. What are some of you guys & gals favorite lounges and what keeps you returning?
The two shops I frequent are for different reasons. The one I like the selection and quantity of seating. The other shop I would frequent did not the largest selection but it was a quality selection. They ran great events, and the regulars there were entertaining as all heck. BYO is always a plus in my mind as well.
When traveling we like to stop at different shops. There I am mostly looking for selection and friendly staff.
I don’t have much time to it in the cigar shop these days but when I do, I really enjoy it. Byo is a plus and the owner is an old friend
I go to one about 30 minutes away on occasion (actually, once a month). Bar is beneath an upscale restaurant in a covered train station. Owner runs a tasting event every month. Featured cigar company, beer and liquor tasting. 10 bucks gets you a featured cigar, alcohol samples, and a nice little buffet. Booze pricing is the same as other area bars. Nice atmosphere, bar, tables, leather chairs and sofas. Boxes discounted 20-30 percent. Been going for about three years now, got to know the owner well. Will even have dinner upstairs on occasion.
We only have one cigar lounge. It was a members only and I was member #1. I wanted someplace to sit, visit, and enjoy one of my cigars. About 2 weeks after paying my yearly fee the owner told me he had decided that I had to buy my cigars from his poorly stocked and high priced selection. I told him that was a deal breaker for me and I wanted my money back. We agreed that once in a while I would buy one of his cigars, which I made it a point to do 50% of the time for the remainder of my membership and didn't renew. No biggie.
CT is like the Mecca of cigar lounges. Seriously around 8 or 10 spots within an hour from my house. Some within 20min. Doesn’t mean there all great, but most are very enjoyable to sit and hang with other Cigar Enthusiasts!
Knowledgeable staff and a good selection of Major brands plus some Boutiques are what i look for. BYOB or a stocked bar and food is definitely a plus!
I
Sent from my Recliner
A lounge for me is all about the people.
The two that I frequent are BYOB which is not bad.
Their selections are typical and nothing to write home about. I generally buy one to support the establishment and always bring a few of my own.
I usually smoke with a good friend and the regulars are generally good people from all walks so conversation is usually good.
For me it's the atmosphere, which is to say the friendliness of the people. I don't really go to cigar lounges that much, but the people make the difference for me.
I don't mind the requirement of buying their cigars, or at least buying something before smoking there, but like our MO friend, I wouldn't pay a membership fee and have to buy their sticks.
I absolutely love cigar lounges. For me it's so nice to get away from everything. I've been a member at a local place with my own cigar locker, all the way to dive bars that ignore CA law.
As much as I prefer a nice warm traditional Cigar Lounge surrounded by wood and leather and high-end liquor with a great cigar selection the number one thing comes down to people. If the place I mentioned above is run by a complete ass hat then it's just not going to work. Conversely if I'm at a little mom-and-pop shop with great owners and friendly customers I can forego many of the luxuries and have a better time.