Rhinoww Posted February 5 Posted February 5 My daughter just reached out to me - she lives/works in NYC. She was wondering if there were any cigar bars/preferably lounges where one could host an event in mid February. My recollection is that NYC has a significant smoking ban, but I thought I would ask here as there is a better chance someone here might know of a “place” suitable for a cigar and a really nice drink. Any recommendations? My back porch is an ideal setup but a two hour flight away 😂
Rhinoww Posted February 5 Author Posted February 5 9 minutes ago, JohnS said: We did post up the following not so long ago... Thanks John. I have been a bit out of the loop lately. Edit to add four great recommendations. Thanks! 2 1
JohnS Posted February 6 Posted February 6 9 hours ago, Rhinoww said: Thanks John. I have been a bit out of the loop lately. Edit to add four great recommendations. Thanks! It's my pleasure.
NYGuido Posted February 6 Posted February 6 I’ve been to all of these places and each has its role. I’d say Carnegie is my fave for several reasons. It’s super convenient, the vibe is kinda awesome (though they have some cloth seating, which is a bit wild), and you’ll get good service. Plus, the people watching is great. 2 1
BG318 Posted February 6 Posted February 6 I like them all but I usually wind up at Soho because it's easier to get in as well as being geographically desirable. God I miss De la Concha on 6th Avenue from the old days... 1 1
cybermadhatter Posted February 7 Posted February 7 Each have their own appeal... I have been with groups where we rented out the top floor at Carnegie club. Feels classier. I have been to private parties at club Macanudo. Feels most like a Cigar Club. I hosted a party at Merchants East but I think they changed their venue around. Fun times. Montecristo/Smoke Inn allows byob with a minimal purchase. More laid back. Can get really smokey though. Rob, and even Lisa, have hosted parties at Havana Dreams before. It is in Queens. The most down-to-earth spot, imho. SOHO bar I think I have been to maybe once. Good place to hang out. Hudson Bar and Books I may have been to maybe 20 years ago. 1 1
AshesToExcellence Posted February 7 Posted February 7 Agree; Carnegie Club is part speakeasy, part Rat Pack, dim lights, leather chairs and deep couches, oldies and jazz drifting through, and a vibe that’s both classy and relaxed. Thursday’s crowded, Friday/Saturday brings live music, but I’ll take that over most lounges any night. Hudson Bar & Books is tiny but vibey, runs James Bond films on a loop, and features curated drinks and a heated outdoor section that’s perfect for people-watching. Cozy, lively, and an eclectic crowd, but definitely a West Village hideaway. Macanudo? Stiff chairs, packed like sardines, more chaos than charm. Best food offerings of the lot, terrible for a long sit. I also have to agree with @BG318 about De la Concha on 6th Avenue; there was something truly civilized about grabbing your favorite smoke, an espresso, and sitting at one of their hightops, in front of floor-to-ceiling windows facing 6th, and just watching the city go by. Perfect spot to soak in NYC at your own pace. Now it's a Davidoff. De la Concha used to be a jazz trio in a smoky lounge; Davidoff turned it into elevator music in a corporate lobby. 1 1
NYGuido Posted February 7 Posted February 7 On 2/7/2026 at 7:09 AM, BG318 said: I like them all but I usually wind up at Soho because it's easier to get in as well as being geographically desirable. God I miss De la Concha on 6th Avenue from the old days... De la Concha for the win! I loved that place. Would sit there every day and smoke. Was going there since I was 18. Chris and Kevin still man the 6th Ave Davidoff location and we all reminisce about how much we miss DLC. We talk about the staff and regulars who have died, lament that we can’t walk freely around the store while smoking, and in the summer avail ourselves of the wonderful scenery that passes by that big window 2
BG318 Posted February 8 Posted February 8 20 hours ago, NYGuido said: De la Concha for the win! I loved that place. Would sit there every day and smoke. Was going there since I was 18. Chris and Kevin still man the 6th Ave Davidoff location and we all reminisce about how much we miss DLC. We talk about the staff and regulars who have died, lament that we can’t walk freely around the store while smoking, and in the summer avail ourselves of the wonderful scenery that passes by that big window I loved that lighter that they had by the cash register. Sometimes I would walk to the ball fields in Central Park and watch everyone playing. Ahhhhh. 2
NYGuido Posted February 9 Posted February 9 On 2/7/2026 at 8:22 PM, BG318 said: I loved that lighter that they had by the cash register. Sometimes I would walk to the ball fields in Central Park and watch everyone playing. Ahhhhh. I think Chris has this lighter at home now. I’ll ask him this week. 1
Rhinoww Posted February 15 Author Posted February 15 Apparently her event was last night as part of a convention. They went to SoHo Cigar Bar. Her comments were 1 “stinky/my hair still smells after a shower” and “weird vibe on Valentines Day”. Everyone enjoyed the night and smoked some nice CC. Key lesson is that while my daughter has spent lots of time with me while I was smoking a cigar - it was always outside. The other is that a cigar bar on Valentine's Day is for the convention goer and an unusual mix of patrons. Thanks for the feedback on locations. Much appreciated. 2
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