EDITOR'S CHOICE
Great places to visit in NYC
...Sample a Stogie
SOHO CIGAR BAR
32 Watts Street, NY 10013 212-941-1781
Soho Cigar Bar, formerly Circa Tabac, one of New York’s oldest cigar bars and lounges. The recently renovated space is reminiscent of a 1920s speakeasy with plush leather furnishings and an art deco inspired interior, all creating a warm and welcoming environment. Coming into Soho Cigar Bar is like stepping back in time, all the while enjoying a true New York City experience where you can enjoy the finest cigars, cocktails and food.
...Enjoy the Comradery
In the event, unlikely as it may be, you should find yourself in Rego Park, pop into Havana Dreams. Tidy and nondescript, it doesn’t look like much from the outside. But this is as close as you’ll come to the neighborhood cigar shop of yore. It’s a hangout in every sense.
While tobacco behemoths spend millions of dollars building out luxury retail lounge spaces, this mom-andpop shop instead favors true community. The furniture may not be Le Corbusier -- but who cares? The place isn’t designed for Architectural Digest. It’s just a joint.
The humidor has a surprisingly well-curated selection of cigars you’d see in any of its more luxe retail counterparts -- and some you wouldn't. LFD Andalusian Bulls are proudly displayed near the door, and you can pick from a rich selection from the Padron 1926 series, The T by Caldwell, and the full Arturo Fuente Don Carlos line.
The guy at the video poker machine may not be much for conversation: If you’re looking for the age of enlightenment, keep prowling. But it is inviting and, most important, uncomplicated.
...Have a NYC Experience
CIGAR INN
1016 2nd Avenue, NY 10022 212-750-0809
Located just six blocks down from the Queensboro Bridge, Cigar Inn is arguably the city’s most popular cigar spot, featuring a walk-in humidor that hosts one of New York’s largest and most diverse cigar selections. From 10am to 4pm, the space remains calm and quiet, with respectful older patrons and plenty of room. From 5pm until closing, Cigar Inn is usually packed with a younger, hipper crowd, house music, and high-energy atmosphere to match. They have a reasonable corking fee and one can freely order outside food at any time. Cigar Inn combines all elements of cigar culture under one enormous roof and makes the cigar-smoking experience affordable for anyone who’s interested.
...Meet for a Drink
CLUB MACANUDO
26 E 63rd St, New York, NY 10065
Club Mac, as it’s referred to by its white collar regulars, is an elegant throwback for the smoker in search of comfort and service. Nestled on the ground floor of The Leonori -a beautiful turn-of-the-century Beaux-Arts building on the Upper East Side -- the tony lounge boasts rich mahogany accents, a formal dining room, and brass plaques engraved with the names of members past and present (e.g. former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger; one-time kindergarten cop Rudolph Giuliani).
Their cigar menu is abundant, stocked with items from the General Cigar family of products. (Macanudos, CAO, Partagas, Punch). Order from the humidor and smoke in this white-glove service environment for as little as $15 (there is a $30 table minimum, so bring a friend or smoke two). Or bring your own and pay a $15 cutting fee and fulfill the table tax with items from the full bar or dinner menu.