New York’s Best Cigar Lounges

Velvet Cigar Lounge (Manhattan)

“Nestled on 7th street in Manhattan’s picturesque Lower East Side is Velvet Cigar, an oasis for the new and experienced cigar smoker. On any given night of the week, a visitor to Velvet Cigar is likely to experience what I have on many occasions. Walking in the door, I am met with the familiar aroma of fine tobacco, the din of friendly conversation, and a welcoming staff. A brief look around reveals exposed brick walls that provide a classic backdrop to dark mahogany wood tones, rustic leather chairs, and…” (continue reading about Velvet Cigar Lounge)

Address: 80 East 7th St.

Phone: 212.533.5582

The Cigar Inn (Manhattan)

“The Cigar Inn, with two locations in Manhattan, manages to have an atmosphere that is incredibly sophisticated and extremely friendly.

My first stop today was the 1^st Ave. location of Cigar Inn, where I spoke with Bill Sakih, the owner.  This smaller store and lounge, which can hold about 15 customers at a time, has been around since the mid-90s.  Soft jazz was playing in the background, as two small groups of men seated on leather couches chatted about sports and current events…” (continue reading about The Cigar Inn)

Address: 1016 2nd Avenue

Phone: 212.750.0809

Refugio Cigar House (Brooklyn)

A little over a year after opening, Refugio Cigar House has begun to shift the paradigm on the neighborhood cigar lounge. Located at 635 Lorimer St. in Brooklyn, the shop has quickly gained a reputation for friendly service, great cigars, and an atmosphere of relaxation fitting for the art of smoking. The shop sports a great Cuban vibe and appeals to regulars and the average passer-by. FineTobaccoNYC event subscribers might remember that we hosted Refugio’s Grand Opening event in January of 2011.

The owners, Mike Lopez and Jimmy Brigadino, make a point to hang out at the shop to greet passers-by, customers, and regulars alike. Mike says he envisioned the shop to be “a refuge for cigar smokers in the fast-paced city of New York.” David Alicea, an event coordinator at FineTobaccoNYC says he has enjoyed seeing Refugio create “an experience that is friendly, family oriented, and that introduces others to true cigar culture.”  Another key to the Refugio philosophy is that the shop’s regular events are free, and feature no bottling fee for smokers bringing in drinks to pair with cigars. (Continue reading about Refugio Cigar House)

Address: 635 Lorimer St.

Phone: 347.233.5410

Diamante’s Brooklyn Cigar Lounge (Brooklyn)

For personality and atmosphere, its pretty close to impossible to beat Diamante’s. Located on South Oxford Street in lovely Fort Greene, Diamante’s is easy to get to: its just a few blocks away from the 2, 3, 4, 5, B,Q, C, G, N, R, or D trains.

Let’s talk about the decor. When approaching Diamante’s, you’re immediately greeted with a homegrown exterior. The classic Cigar Indian statue is complemented by Diamante’s unique “smoking cigar” hanging sign above the door. The interior just raises the bar on class. Although the lounge has only been open for a couple of years, it looks like it’s been in Brooklyn for a hundred. The place is entirely decked out in antique wood hauled in from out of state, and there are enough leather couches and armchairs to seat small groups or big parties in equal comfort. (Continue reading about Diamante’s Brooklyn Cigar Lounge)

Address: 108 South Oxford St. Brooklyn, NY

Phone: 646.462.3876

Club Macanudo (Manhattan)

It took me three years as a New York City cigar smoker before I took the time to drop by Club Macanudo for a smoke and a drink. I had heard many good (and some bad) things about the cigar bar, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect.  My experience at Club Macanudo turned out to be exceptional (except for the “cons” listed below).

The decor of “Club Mac” is a sort of modern, luxurious take on a Native American style. Carved wood, paintings, and bright, warm light fill the large floor space of the lounge. Seating is plentiful, so if you’re dropping by for a smoke with a friend, or settling down for a cigar and dinner with a group of co-workers, this could be your spot.

Before I let the Macanudo website do some detailing on the decor of the lounge, let me just say that what I found to be most impressive with this lounge was the ventilation. That’s right, when FineTobaccoNYC sponsored a small event of maybe 10-15 at Club Macanudo on a crowded weeknight, there were many smokers in the room, but mysteriously the air remained clear. I couldn’t help but make a mental note that Club Macanudo is the place to go when you want to smoke a cigar in mixed company without worrying about someone coughing or leaving with their clothes smelling like they just escaped a forest fire. 

(Continue reading about Club Macanudo)

Address: 26 East 63rd Street
Phone:  212.752.8200

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