The Essential Guide To Cigar Lounges

Introduction

Cigar lounges are intimate spaces for individuals to sit back, relax, and appreciate fine cigars. People often go to cigar lounges to gather and catch up with old friends or socialize by lighting a cigar or two. Regardless of your purpose for visiting a cigar lounge, it could be rather overwhelming for first-timers. Fret not. In this article, we will give a breakdown of the different types of cigar lounges as well as the dos and don’ts when you visit one. Read on to find out!

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Types Of Cigar Lounges

Believe it or not, there are actually many types of cigar lounges that serve different purposes depending on what you’re looking for. Let’s head straight into the first type.

Public Cigar Lounges

As the name suggests, public cigar lounges are open to anyone and everyone from the public (you have to be of age, of course). They are usually located in a neighborhood that attracts many different groups of people every day. 

For first-timers, this is perhaps where you should go to get accustomed to how things work in cigar lounges. That said, every lounge will most likely have its fair share of regulars and just like any clubs or societies, many regulars have the opinion that they “own” and are “in charge” of the place. 

Don’t be deterred by this though. It is worth mentioning so that you’ll know to not mess around and create a scene. Just go there, have fun, and you’ll have a night to remember.

Member-Only Lounges

Contrary to public lounges, member-only lounges are exclusively for registered members and their invited guests. Not any Tom, Dick, or Harry can enter off the streets. 

Every member-only lounges have its own registration rules. Some require you to pay a monthly fee, while others may be more private and require you to know the boss personally. Regardless, if you are offered membership or an invite to any members-only lounges, be sure to put on your best behavior as most people there are probably high-status businessmen or people with influence. 

Be more socially aware and act accordingly to the spoken and unspoken social cues. You could feel uncomfortable but just hang in there for those few hours as offending anyone there is likely the last thing you want there.

Establishments With Lounges

These lounges would refer to designated smoking areas in establishments such as nightclubs, restaurants, or bars.

Since the smoking area makes up one small section of the establishment, be prepared to sacrifice a bit of your personal space, and don’t take it personally if someone bumps into your shoulders. 

Cigar Shops With Lounges

Cigar shops are popular up North. Regular customers often drop by to purchase their usual cigar order and since they’re already there, might as well take a puff or two with familiar faces in the lounge. 

Some lounges require you to book in advance to make sure to check their website out or give them a call before you visit.

Library Lounges

Now, regardless of which lounge you end up visiting, there are two primary types of lounge dynamics that you will come across. 

Library lounges are one of them. As the name suggests, library lounges imply that the space is meant to be quiet, peaceful, and relaxing. Often, people visit library-type lounges to wind down after a long week and experience the calm and peaceful atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Typically, gentle and relaxing lo-fi music will play in the background which calms one’s senses as they proceed to smoke cigars and read the paper or something that interests them.

If you’re visiting a library-style cigar lounge, be mindful of your actions and minimize the noise you make so as to not disturb others. 

Sports Lounges

The second type of cigar lounge is a sports lounge. The dynamics of sports lounges are the exact opposite of library-style lounges.

Here, you’ll likely have to shout over the loud music or chatter from other customers. A sporting event will usually be played on the large screens and don’t be surprised to find these places packed like sardines during the World Cup season. 

Dress Code

First impressions matter and how you dress will greatly determine that. Depending on the type of cigar lounge you visit, different lounges have different requirements for dress codes. 

Typically, the members-only and library-style lounges would require visitors to wear jackets and ties. Formal dressing is required.

On the other hand, public and sport-style lounges would require only shoes and a t-shirt. 

Your best bet is to dress up rather than dress down. To be sure, call ahead and make a query in advance to avoid being rejected entry.

Should You Buy Or Bring Your Own Cigars?

Typically, there are no strict rules as to whether you should buy or bring your own cigars to cigar lounges. However, there are unspoken rules and social norms that you might have to abide by in order to be welcomed in the future.

If you’re visiting a cigar lounge, the basic courtesy is to buy at least one cigar in-house since you’ll be using their space. You should do this all the more if you’re a first-timer at the lounge. This paints you a better first impression of the owners and regulars. 

Only after you are recognized as a regular is it then more acceptable if you bring your own cigar once in a while. You might have your personal preference and people will generally respect that.

Exercise Proper Cigar Etiquette

In the case you decide you purchase a cigar in-house, there are a few unspoken rules you should follow.

First, be nice to the man behind the counter as they probably know more than you when it comes to cigars. Don’t try to undermine them in any way.

Next, when examining a cigar, do not squeeze or put them in your nose or mouth. What you should do instead is gently roll it between your fingers and place it a few inches away to smell it.

Final Words on The Essential Guide To Cigar Lounges

And there you have it! Are you ready to visit a cigar lounge? Hopefully, this article has provided you with a deeper insight into the types of cigar lounges as well as the dos and don’ts. Have fun!

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