Cigar Lounge Routines?

No_one21

So, mostly because of the cold, but also because I genuinely love smoking indoors as opposed to outside, I've started going to my local cigar lounge every Friday after work for a stick. Sometimes I bring my laptop and get some stuff done, other times I just shoot the **** with the guys there. Either way I'm having a good time and it's great to wind down my week.

So what do you guys do routine-wise?

Puff_Dougie

That's a great idea. I need to build a weekly stick into my "routine." Problem is my schedule is so unpredictable, it's hard to schedule anything. There's a really cool cigar bar just a few blocks from my house. Think I need to make an effort to get over there on a more regular basis.

Poopy_Jones

I hit my favorite B&M at least once a week. Very nice people who herf there

kuzi16

the only routine i really have at the B&M is to buy something every time i walk in the door.

work and life keeps me out of there as much as i would like to be there.

danielzreyes

kuzi16:

the only routine i really have at the B&M is to buy something every time i walk in the door.

work and life keeps me out of there as much as i would like to be there.

+1. Although I never smoke what I buy though. I'll smoke what I brought.

No_one21

danielzreyes:

kuzi16:

the only routine i really have at the B&M is to buy something every time i walk in the door.

work and life keeps me out of there as much as i would like to be there.

+1. Although I never smoke what I buy though. I'll smoke what I brought.

I do this too but I keep getting mixed reactions to that. I buy a few sticks to support them and not just be a mooch (also I want them lol) but I bring what I want to smoke. Last time, the lady checked me out and said, "So which one are you gonna smoke?" I think in reference to cutting it for me, and after I told her I brought a different one I just got that odd, "okkkkkk". Is this wrong to do?

kuzi16

No_one21:

danielzreyes:

kuzi16:

the only routine i really have at the B&M is to buy something every time i walk in the door.

work and life keeps me out of there as much as i would like to be there.

+1. Although I never smoke what I buy though. I'll smoke what I brought.

I do this too but I keep getting mixed reactions to that. I buy a few sticks to support them and not just be a mooch (also I want them lol) but I bring what I want to smoke. Last time, the lady checked me out and said, "So which one are you gonna smoke?" I think in reference to cutting it for me, and after I told her I brought a different one I just got that odd, "okkkkkk". Is this wrong to do?

i do it often.
...less often by percentage the more often i go there.

Puff_Dougie

No_one21:

danielzreyes:

kuzi16:

the only routine i really have at the B&M is to buy something every time i walk in the door.

work and life keeps me out of there as much as i would like to be there.

+1. Although I never smoke what I buy though. I'll smoke what I brought.

I do this too but I keep getting mixed reactions to that. I buy a few sticks to support them and not just be a mooch (also I want them lol) but I bring what I want to smoke. Last time, the lady checked me out and said, "So which one are you gonna smoke?" I think in reference to cutting it for me, and after I told her I brought a different one I just got that odd, "okkkkkk". Is this wrong to do?

I would think if you're bringing in cigars you bought there, it shouldn't be a problem. Probably not a good idea, though, to bring in cigars that the B&M doesn't carry. Might be good to check with the owner/manager and ask them what they think.

danielzreyes

No_one21:

danielzreyes:

kuzi16:

the only routine i really have at the B&M is to buy something every time i walk in the door.

work and life keeps me out of there as much as i would like to be there.

+1. Although I never smoke what I buy though. I'll smoke what I brought.

I do this too but I keep getting mixed reactions to that. I buy a few sticks to support them and not just be a mooch (also I want them lol) but I bring what I want to smoke. Last time, the lady checked me out and said, "So which one are you gonna smoke?" I think in reference to cutting it for me, and after I told her I brought a different one I just got that odd, "okkkkkk". Is this wrong to do?

Let's talk about the lady cutting the cigar for you. What's that noise all about?

KingoftheCove

Don't have one that's close enough :-(

No_one21

danielzreyes:

No_one21:

danielzreyes:

kuzi16:

the only routine i really have at the B&M is to buy something every time i walk in the door.

work and life keeps me out of there as much as i would like to be there.

+1. Although I never smoke what I buy though. I'll smoke what I brought.

I do this too but I keep getting mixed reactions to that. I buy a few sticks to support them and not just be a mooch (also I want them lol) but I bring what I want to smoke. Last time, the lady checked me out and said, "So which one are you gonna smoke?" I think in reference to cutting it for me, and after I told her I brought a different one I just got that odd, "okkkkkk". Is this wrong to do?

Let's talk about the lady cutting the cigar for you. What's that noise all about?

Idk that just seemed like what she was hinting at in context. I always bring a lighter, punch/cutter, and a STOGIESTAND!

Echambers

No_one21:

danielzreyes:

kuzi16:

the only routine i really have at the B&M is to buy something every time i walk in the door.

work and life keeps me out of there as much as i would like to be there.

+1. Although I never smoke what I buy though. I'll smoke what I brought.

I do this too but I keep getting mixed reactions to that. I buy a few sticks to support them and not just be a mooch (also I want them lol) but I bring what I want to smoke. Last time, the lady checked me out and said, "So which one are you gonna smoke?" I think in reference to cutting it for me, and after I told her I brought a different one I just got that odd, "okkkkkk". Is this wrong to do?

That's interesting. I don't have any lounges close by because there is an indoor smoking ban in Washington but you can in a few Indian casinos. I went to one for the first time a few weeks ago and introduced myself and asked how it "worked" (they had a dozen or so large cabinet humidors spread around the place). The waitress told me I could pick a cigar and she would get it for me or I was welcome to smoke my own. Since I hadn't intended to stop buy I bought a couple and smoked one. Great experience.

Cigary

I remember the days of going to my favorite B&M's and just hangin out having a great cigar. It didn't take much time to get into a conversation with others and it just made the day that much better. It's a lot better than paying some bozo $150 an hour to listen to you when you can go to a Cigar Place and talk for free to people who "get you"...you go home feeling much better about yourself and you have a good cigar.

Rhamlin

Mines a 45 minute drive so when I do go I like to make a day of it. Usually buy 3. To to smoke and one to bring home.

brianetz1

i am so envious of you guys that have quality cigar lounges. All of my lounges require that you buy what you smoke from them that day. No bringing in your own cigars. No buying a cigar to let it age a little and bringing in another cigar that you bought there to smoke that day. If you want to age your cigars, the only way to do that is to buy a locker at the store and they only allow purchases from their store in their lockers.

On top of that every B&M within 25 miles of my house is a much older crowd. The place stops and everyone kind of stares at me when i walk in.....they don't say hi or anything to me, but rather just stop and stare at the young guy in their shop buying cigars.

there is 1 shop that hasn't been like this and that is one downtown that is new and run by young guys, but since that is a decent drive to get down there, i don't go there often. Sam mentioned setting up a time to go and smoke at the shop every friday, i think i am going to start doing this with that shop to try and get to know everyone better.

Lee.mcglynn

I always go too a lounge on Saturday and Sundays...they don't have the best selection but I meet up with a few guys in between laundry. It's really a great way to relax and everyone is very nice! It's byob and usually we all chip in for food. Unfortunately the one place with a great selection has stupid staff and well enough said. But I will always support the lounge as there are very few rules if any and great company!

rsherman24

We have a local cigar bar with some good people and a decent selection. Staff is usually just a bartender who will get you a cigar out of the locked humidor cabinets and a drink. Not much for cigar conversation but friendly and not tough on the eyes. I head into NY every couple of weeks for business, and the Nat Sherman townhouse is a block away in Manhatten. Huge walk in and nice lounge area with a lot of knowledgable staff. They obviously sell their own brand, but do not push it on you and they don't care what you bring in to smoke. Always schedule some time there.

Imgembo

I do not really have a routine on going to my B & M or lounge. The cigar bar/lounge is pretty nice here. great staff very knowledgeable and great selection. I try to buy something every time I go. Most of the time i bring my own sticks but i will buy drinks or more often than not coffee. This may change now that the tobacco tax on cigars here has dropped significantly this year. Although they are making more profit on selling the booze. I have never smoked at the B&M i frequent the most. Although i would like to every one in there seems great. Every time i walk in I am greeted even by the guys just smoking in there.

pokerstar22

unfortunately none around here.

jgibv

brianetz1:

All of my lounges require that you buy what you smoke from them that day. No bringing in your own cigars. No buying a cigar to let it age a little and bringing in another cigar that you bought there to smoke that day. If you want to age your cigars, the only way to do that is to buy a locker at the store and they only allow purchases from their store in their lockers.

WHHAAATTTTT????????
That doesn't seem like a very good business practice to me....

brianetz1

jgibv:

brianetz1:

All of my lounges require that you buy what you smoke from them that day. No bringing in your own cigars. No buying a cigar to let it age a little and bringing in another cigar that you bought there to smoke that day. If you want to age your cigars, the only way to do that is to buy a locker at the store and they only allow purchases from their store in their lockers.

WHHAAATTTTT????????
That doesn't seem like a very good business practice to me....

maybe it's just me, but it didn't seem very welcoming. the 3 that i went to made 100% sure that I understood that about their lounges. Maybe I look like a seedy dude who isn't going to support the shop and only by MOWs online.....

jgibv

brianetz1:

jgibv:

brianetz1:

All of my lounges require that you buy what you smoke from them that day. No bringing in your own cigars. No buying a cigar to let it age a little and bringing in another cigar that you bought there to smoke that day. If you want to age your cigars, the only way to do that is to buy a locker at the store and they only allow purchases from their store in their lockers.

WHHAAATTTTT????????
That doesn't seem like a very good business practice to me....

maybe it's just me, but it didn't seem very welcoming. the 3 that i went to made 100% sure that I understood that about their lounges. Maybe I look like a seedy dude who isn't going to support the shop and only by MOWs online.....

I've got the same treatment from the employees at a couple shops....needless to say my first visit to them was my last. Got the same feeling, like they only wanted retired, country club, investment-banker type money guys in their shops (no offense to any retired country club members on the forums, but you know the stereotype I'm talking about). And a younger guy like me had "no business" being there. Eff 'em...I'll spend my $$ elsewhere.

I don't go very often but there are a couple great B&Ms nearby though. Always treated well by staff, and knowledgeable employees who will answer questions, offer discounts/etc. and the employees/customers are very welcoming, will sit around and shoot the $hit all day long.
Damn, you need a shop like that bro. If you ever make it out this way we will go.

Toombes

The nearest B&M's and lounge are nearly two hours away. The two B&M's I frequent, when I get the chance, are great places. One is pretty small and has a decent selection. I've always thought it was funny when I'd come out of the walk-in and get asked how much I thought the stick is worth. I'd quote the price and the owner would usually ring up some obscure price lower than it was marked on the box. The crowd is usually of the older generation but the conversation and attitude is good because we're all there to smoke and relax for a bit.
The other B&M is bigger and has a much better selection. The owner is an ex Miami-Dade police officer and is super cool. He blends his own pipe tobacco and asked my opinion of a blend he was working on one day when I walked in. I told him it smelled pretty good and should be a tasty smoke. He loads his pipe with it, took a puff then looked at me and said, "Your nose sucks! This tastes like crap.".
The lounge is the same place I had my birthday herf last year. Their selection is hit or miss but they don't care if you bring your own. I always buy one or two and have a few libations to help support them since they have to pay the fine regarding the smoking ban in Lexington.

WaltBasil

Our stores here locally aren't allowed to smoke inside. I did recently find a cigar lounge that also has a walk in humidor for purchasing. Not sure how they get around that. There are about 6 chairs on the first floor in about an 10 feet by 20 feet area with a TV mounted on the wall. Buy a cigar and smoke in there. If you pay $35 a month memberhsip, they let you up on the third floor where there is much more space. A game room. Library. Couple TVs. Fridge to store the beer you bring. 10% dicount. BYOC too. I wouldn't really go there as I always have a warm place to smoke at the house. Plus it's downtown. ew. They also told me that if you have a key pass to any local hotel, you can use the membership area. So out of towners can enjoy there for free. Kind of nice.

curtiscr79

I have a really nice B&M that I frequent 5-6 days a week. It is on my way home from work and is only a 15 minute drive from my house. I even bought into their locker membership program that gives additional discounts, a portion of the fee is put on an account for in-store cigar credit, allows me to bring in Bourbon or something to drink, and of course the use of the 14x12x12 humidified locker.

The guy that runs the place is about my age and we have become really good friends. He keeps joking that he is going to put me on the payroll since I am always there and always help customers in the humidor.

He specializes in the boutique lines, a lot of his stock is the stuff you can't find online and you don't see in many shops so that is a plus. One of the best things is no matter when I go I feel welcome and I have never been talked down to by any of the other customers. The customer base ranges from the filthy rich to people making minimum wage, I am always treated as an equal and that means a lot to me.

If anyone is ever in the Louisville area with a little extra time on their hands please let me know. I will be more than happy to introduce you to Jason, the owner, and smoke a cigar with you. H311, you can even help yourself to what I have in my locker. There is plenty of Bourbon, Scotch, and cigars in there.

Rain

Routines? I like two walk in...not too fast, mind you. As I step inside, I throw a wad of cash in the air and it rains all over the cashier. She's a nice girl, just trying to pay for vet school. I walk to my locker while flashing a few nods to the jabronies there. Then I open someone else's locker, grab the most expensive smoke I see and light it with some of that money I threw on the floor. I wrap up the night telling whoever is there that their lighting their smokes all wrong and why kitty litter sucks bawllz.I don't have a B&M

No_one21

Rain:

Routines? I like two walk in...not too fast, mind you. As I step inside, I throw a wad of cash in the air and it rains all over the cashier. She's a nice girl, just trying to pay for vet school. I walk to my locker while flashing a few nods to the jabronies there. Then I open someone else's locker, grab the most expensive smoke I see and light it with some of that money I threw on the floor. I wrap up the night telling whoever is there that their lighting their smokes all wrong and why kitty litter sucks bawllz.I don't have a B&M

What a nice thread.. until it Rained lol

Well I've already said I've been able to bring my own, but support them by buying sticks for my humi. However, this was typically because I didn't know what they had there. Tbh now that I know their selection a bit better and see how much of it is what I really would like to smoke more routinely, I'm likely gonna go, pick one stick, and smoke it there.

Like what was said earlier, if I go once a week on Friday's and spend close to $10 for a nice stick, well that's much cheaper than many other work stress relievers.

No_one21

Thought I should mention I'm 2/3 through a T52 right now. Tasty and just live smoking in a lounge!

CharlieHeis

I wish I had a lounge nearby. Especially since it has been like living on Hoth around here recently