In the event you visit Richmond, Virginia

[celtmick1984]

For those whose travels might take them to Richmond, a small number though it be, I thought I would add some thoughts on places to smoke. Being new to the area myself, the list will be updated as a learn of more options. Thanks to our previous governor, the options for smoking over a fine meal are ahistorically limited in the land of tobacco barons.

In times past, a cigar could be enjoyed over a steak dinner at the Tobacco Company, a wood-paneled restaurant decorated with tobacciana and built in an old tobacco warehouse at the corner of 12th and Cary. Alas, I had the pleasure of partaking only once while appreciating the melody of a piano man and the synergy between my glass of scotch and cigar. No longer. However, a couple other less classy options remain.

Havana '59, http://havana59.net/index.php/home: smoke 'em if you got 'em is the policy (they also sell some NCs) and the ambience is light and upbeat. For the summer months, retreat to an upstairs balcony for a more private and quiet ripaste. The food is solid, if slightly overpriced, but the drink and appetizer specials wash it down well. Nice selection of bourbons, scotches, rums, and cognacs.

Penny Lane Pub, http://www.pennylanepub.com/: for those missing the ol' country, Penny Lane offers an English pub feel, with very solid pub fare, a good selection of beers and hard liquors, and an upstairs smoking area that is complemented by a balcony and private room. Nice escape for the cigar enthusiast. I've taken in the political returns with a couple of buddies in an upstairs room, and had a wonderful time.

Capital Ale House, http://www.capitalalehouse.com/locations/downtown.php, (downtown location, off Sixth and Main): If you like craft brews, you couldn't have done better in RVA. Tremendous selection, regularly updated, and reasonable prices for the craft brew world. Very solid food (nice desserts), a complete bar; however, smoking is limited to an outdoor area. A Richmond establishment. There are a couple others, notably Legend Brewing Company's brew pub, which has a private smoking room, http://www.legendbrewing.com/about.asp. As my knowledge of the area expands, I'll provide more suggestions.

As for buying cigars (NCs, of course), you're best options if in the downtown area are the Old Virginia Tobacco Company, http://ovtc.com/, which is located in the "Far West," off of Cary Street, near South Nansemond, about 15 minutes from the major hotels. You can smoke there, but it isn't ideal. If you like Litto Gomez, E.P. Carillo, or Davidoff/Avo, the place to go.

There's also Havana Connections (but, alas), which carries more Tatuaje, Fuente, and Padron, Don Pepin, Liga Privada, and Rocky Patel though less Davidoff, etc. The closest location is in the West End, about 15 minutes from downtown as well. http://fujipub.com/havanaconnections/locations.html. Again, not an ideal spot to smoke, but you can light up and grab a chair if it's quiet.

[Ginseng]

Thanks you for the intel! I was just in Richmond with my family and we spent time at the museums and such. Next time I will set aside a smoking night.

Wilkey

[celtmick1984]

Thanks you for the intel! I was just in Richmond with my family and we spent time at the museums and such. Next time I will set aside a smoking night.

Wilkey

If you do, would love to meet and "pick your brain" regarding Cuban cigars.

[Deemancpa]

I will get down there eventually.....lol

[Ginseng]

If you do, would love to meet and "pick your brain" regarding Cuban cigars.

That would be nice. I usually post when I travel and have opportunity to meet locals. Will keep you and Richmond in mind.

Cheers,

Wilkey

[mazolaman]

Great post Mick, that's just the kind of info that is useful to us all here.