NY cigar shops

[Dr.G]

Hi Guys,

I'm going to be in NYC in a month and would like some recommendations on which cigar shops are worthwhile checking out? Also any bars/clubs cigar friendly?

Cheers,

George

P.S. If this is not an acceptable question in terms of the forum's shilling and advertising, please disregard. I'm not after any twouble.

[Tampa1257]

Perhaps Jimmy2 and Patrick can give some advise, several years ago Davidoff had a few cigard shops and I can't remember a few of the other well known shops. As far as cigar friendly bars, I believe that Merchants East is still cigar friendly. When the other NYC peeps see this, they can give better info.

[mbrody]

I've had good experiences at Barclay Rex (multiple locations).

I used to frequent the one on Lex and 51/52 to buy a stick and smoke in their lounge. You can go here for the other locations: [link]http://www.barclayrex.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=BC&Category_Code=LOCATIONS[/link]

[aavkk]

If your looking to purchase cigars check out barclay rex on 51st and lex as well as Nat Sherman on 42nd between 5th and Mad. For more value conscious smokes check out JR on 46th and 5th.

As far as smoking friendly bars there are a precious few choices. You have club macanudo and carnegie club. These two are pricey but offer a great environment including live jazz several nights. For me, its all about the company and the cigars- neither of which I am purchasing wherever I am. My favorite spot is a tiny little hole in the wall spot in the village called velvet. Its on 7th between 1st and second. It seats about 12 on the couches and chairs and another 6 at the bar which doesnt actually serve alcohol as of about 6 months ago. They are now BYOB which is great because the liquor store on 7th and 1st has over 500 beers. It is very laid back and my choice if you dont enjoy dress codes and $17 mixed drinks. Oh and if you are in queens be sure to check out Havana Dreams.

Enjoy!

[Ozz1113]

» Hi Guys,

»

» I'm going to be in NYC in a month and would like some recommendations on

» which cigar shops are worthwhile checking out? Also any bars/clubs cigar

» friendly?

»

» Cheers,

»

» George

» P.S. If this is not an acceptable question in terms of the forum's

» shilling and advertising, please disregard. I'm not after any twouble.

There is also Lexington Bar & Books, Cigar Inn and De La Concha.

[Dr.G]

Thanks everybody! :-)

Cheers,

George

[aavkk]

Dont bother with Lex bar and books, I am forever on a mission to make sure that place goes out of business. I went in there on my very first trip to NYC with my wife when I was 22. We were both well dressed and had just finished a great dinner. The guy at the front proceeds to tell me that they dont allow anyone under 25 in the place- ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME???? I smiled and said its too bad cause the place is empty and we were going to stay for a while.

[KB24]

Thats where you look at the guy and say, "It's a shame because I was looking to purchase several boxes to fill my recently built walk-in humidor at my house." Then you come back days later with a picture or send him a picture of a walk-in with a caption that reads, "Remember me? The people down the street were a lot nicer than you. Cheers!"

I went to an Audi dealership by myself one time after a graduated college with the ok from my parents that if I got them to go down to a certain price for an A4 they would drive out there and pay cash on the spot for it. Well the guy wouldn't give me the time of day and kept insisting I call my parents to come by to discuss prices. I tried several times to explain they were busy but prepared to purchase the car if the price was right. He didn't get it and so 2 weeks later when my Dad brought home from work a fully loaded new Black Tahoe Denali on 20" rims and tinted windows that they were using in the TV show he was working on, I took the car over to the lot and the guy was standing outside so I pulled over and rolled down the window and he came over and I said, "Remember me? The people at the GMC Dealership were much nicer." The look on his face was priceless!!!

-Patrick

[aavkk]

Great story Patrick. I gotta say this was the first and one of very few times I can remember where I felt like beating the crap out of someone. Not because of me but because my wife was with me as well. You can insult me all you want but the second you involve her that is crossing the line.

[brooklyn]

Great story.

[JustTheMessenger]

I've been living/working in NYC for the last four years. Here is a googlemap I created of some of the best spots I've been to in NYC.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=208709432918739201390.0004b3484f3564b86a16a&msa=0&ll=40.75922,-73.983994&spn=0.132367,0.2635&iwloc=0004b348cd28e59bd1d2b

Cheers!

[Blackham]

nice seeing you here Shawn! Very informative post as well!

[thechenman]

Some good spots were mentioned here...

Lexington Bar & Books actually has three location in Manhattan...the other two are Hudson Bar & Books and Beekman Bar & Books. This establishment has a strict dress code and is a bit stuffy. Definitely an older more monied crowd.

Club Macanudo is great, but they do have a cutting fee. Merchants is still there, but it isn't the whole restaurant anymore. The lounge has been relegated to a much smaller location on the lower level.

DeLa Concha is okay...Personally I don't like the way the display their cigars, and the lounge area is small. IMHO ventilation is poor as well. It's located midtown on Sixth Avenue (aka Avenue of the Americas).

The J&R on Fifth Avenue is two floors full of essentially crappy cigars in my opinion. But it's cool to check out, especially if you happen to be shopping on Fifth Avenue.

Cigar Inn has two locations...not too far from each other. The original smaller location is on First Ave. The newer larger location with the Official Cigar Aficianado Lounge is on Second Avenue, both midtown. More often than not, this is the lounge where I find myself enjoying a cigar.

There are also two Barclay Rex locations I visit. One on Madison Ave. (midtown), the other on 42nd St. (across from Grand Central Terminal). The former has a small lounge area, non too comfortable, but a great humidor. The latter location as a few seats, and a small walk in humidor with a limited selection.

Nat Sherman is only a few blocks from Grand Central as well, also on 42nd St., but closer to 5th Avenue. Honestly, I've visited a few times, but never bought or hung around. A bit stuffy if you ask me.

The two Davidoff locations I frequent are in Columbus Circle and Madison Avenue. Columbus Circle does not have a lounge, but you can smoke in the store, the Madison Avenue location has a new lounge.

Velvet has two locations, one in Manhattan and the other in Brooklyn. The Brooklyn location is next to the famous Peter Luger's, but does not allow smoking inside. Also Velvet only sells their own custom rolls, nothing else.

Also saw another post talking about the recently opened Wall St. Humidor. Haven't had a chance to check it out yet, but I've only heard good things about it.

There other other locations, which I'm not so familiar with, so I won't mention them, but this list should keep you pretty busy.

[ckay]

Only place I go to is Merchant's because there is no cut fee. Cigar Inn is very nice as well, but I don't want to have to buy a smoke for the night.

[Tonytoohot]

There is also a recently re-opened spot callled Wall St Humidor. 18 Warren St. Down the block from City Hall. Usually a good group of guys hanging out there. I think there are open til 8pm most night except Sunday. Also if you are in the Soho area you can check out OK Cigars at 235 W. Broadway next to the Ralph LAuren store. Around the corner down the block is a bar called circa Tabaq. If you need more spots pm me when you get to the city