Cigar Tip: Where to Enjoy A Smoke
6 Feb 2012
We know it gets harder all the time to find spots where you can enjoy a cigar outside a shop or your personal smoking space. But that doesn’t mean it is impossible.
I’m starting a campaign to share venues that are cigar-cordial and likely not on the typical list of such places. Hopefully it can be a resource for everyone, from those traveling to an unfamiliar location to folks seeking a new experience right around home. I’ll kick it off with two places in my general area (Tampa Bay) where I’ve enjoyed cigars in a friendly atmosphere.
Skipper’s Smokehouse. This amazing restaurant and concert venue is a Tampa institution, presenting music ranging from Americana to Zydeco. The stage is outside—fans in the summer, heaters in the winter—with chairs, picnic tables, and benches around the dance “floor.†The only comments I’ve had when smoking were inquiries about whether you could buy a cigar there. Alas, no, but it‘s also only a few miles from two large shops, Tampa Humidor and Cigar Castle. So you can stock up on stogies before hitting Skipper’s for a dinner and a show.
Miss Vicki’s. A quintessential Florida burger joint, Miss Vicki’s consists of a covered bar, open-air tables, and a small stage that often features local musicians. But the star of the show is the restaurant’s extraordinary waterside location where the Anclote River enters the Gulf. You’re only yards from the water and facing west for beautiful sunsets. Who could resist lighting up in a setting like this in a place called Holiday? One caution and one hint: Seating is limited and it’s often packed; try the Key Lime pie.
Now it’s your turn. Add your suggestions. Let’s keep this going and create a resource that will make cigar smoking even more enjoyable.
photo credit: Flickr
Patrick Ashby
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Here in Chicago, the number of indoor places to smoke is basically zero other than private homes and cigar shops. Good thing this winter has been so mild.
I think this city is a great outdoor smoking spot (especially between May and October) with the many parks offering the best views and accomodations. Getting off the beaten path, try Olive Park or The Magic Hedge (by Montrose Harbor).
I thought Chicago had also banned smoking in parks and all public areas.
Maybe I was misinformed.
I smoke in parks all the time. I think you're thinking of NYC.
Parks are great. That was one thing I always loved about D.C. There are so many little parks you run into one almost everywhere you turn.
In DC, the best place to smoke indoors is Shelly's Back Room. There's also a club in Alexandria that's very nice called CXIII Rex, but that's really expensive and exclusive — I only got to go in there as a guest once. And there's a cigar-friendly indoor bar in Arlington; can't remember the name, but it's an Irish bar in the Ballston mall.
Ballston mall- Union Jack's? Or maybe Baileys?
I am curious since I live in Northern VA.
I sponsor The Virginia Wine and Cigar Trail (www.vawineandcigar.com) that has a list of wineries that support and promote cigar smoking. Cigar smokers are a terrific target market, we have above average income, good taste and are willing to spend up to a couple of hours enjoying our "Civilized Indulgence" generally with a beverage. We vote with our dollars. Let's support those places that support us.
Besides, we are paying for all those poor kids to have health insurance. People should be acknowledging our good deed – I don't need a parade, just give me more places to smoke!
Sadly there are nearly 500 cities where smoking is banned to one degree or another in public parks, according to this 2011 article in the Christian Science Monitor. (http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2011/0203/Which-US-cities-ban-smoking-in-public-parks-Here-are-five./Chicago) And Chicago is listed among them.
Chicago only bans smoking on beaches and playgrounds. That leaves acres and acres of beautiful parks with benches and great views for smoking. But who knows how long this will last?
If you are in the Tampa Bay area, there.s a great place near Treasure Island on Gulf Blvd called El Loco. They sell their own hand rolled cigars, coffee, wine and other liquor. They also have a pool table and Kareoke Friendly staff and generally a comfortable place to chill and enjoy a good stogie
If you are in Oklahoma, Classic Cigars in Owasso and Classic Cigars & lounge in Tulsa~Great place to smoke and enjoy a drink.
First choice is my screened in back porch and all are welcome. 🙂 If in the Leesburg, VA area, stop in to Leesburg Cigar and Pipe. Great place; great folks. Also, DC is great too to George F's post. Lots of small places to enjoy a quiet hour.
The only place in L.A. is in your car when stuck for an hour or more in traffic….