Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur seeking a plush lounge with the perfect pour or a casual stogie aficionado who just wants a relaxing spot to puff with friends, I got you covered. Overall, there are many great options for cigars in Essex. Our top choice for best spot for cigars in Essex is Bongo Ron’s Cigar & Lounge, but there are many to choose from.
Our list covers the top cigar havens in Essex, CT, catering to all walks of the cigar world. Fancy a place with top-shelf drinks and leather armchairs? We have it. Craving a chill hangout with a no-nonsense vibe? You bet. Looking to stock up on your favorite smokes, by the stick or the box? Yep, got that too. So, light up a metaphorical pre-amble cigar, settle in, and let’s explore the best cigar experiences Essex has to offer!
Top 3 Cigars Spots in Essex
1. Bongo Ron’s Cigar & Lounge, 5/5
2. The Penthouse Cigar Shop, 5/5
3. Horsepower Cigar Lounge, 5/5
Guide to Choosing a Cigar Lounge & Shop in Essex, CT
Choosing the right cigar spot in Essex isn’t just about the sticks, folks. There are many factors to consider for that perfect cigar sanctuary. First off, let’s talk budget. Are you rolling in dough, ready to drop some serious cash on fancy drinks and premium lounge memberships? Or you more of a kick-back-and-relax smoker on a budget?
What about selection? If you’re just looking for common cigars then most places will be ok, but if you’re looking for limited edition cigars or boutique brands, know that not every spot will have what you’re looking for.
Next up, lockers. If you’re a regular, having a personal humidor at the lounge is clutch – no more hauling your sticks around!
Then there’s the booze situation. Do they have a full bar with your favorite whiskeys, or are you stuck with a limited selection? Bonus points if you’re allowed to bring your own and not pay an opening or corking fee.
Finally, consider the vibe. Some spots get crazy crowded, while others have a mellow, laid-back feel.
Picking the right spot means matching your preferences and taking all these factors into account.
10 Best Cigars Lounges and Shops in Essex
1. Bongo Ron’s Cigar & Lounge
Rating: 5/5
Phone: (860) 388-2876
Address: 65 Main St Old Saybrook, CT 06475 United States
Website: bongorons.com
About: Specialities Bongo Ron’s is a premium cigar retail shop with private and public cigar smoking lounges located in the shoreline town of Old Saybrook. We provide cigar bars at events, host private parties at our establishment, have open mic nights, and we also create custom gifts. We specialize in Wedding cigar bars, groomsmen gifts, and bachelor parties in Connecticut. We are the sponsors of the Connecticut Shoreline Cigar Social. History Established in 2018. Bongo Ron’s is a laid-back atmosphere with a tropical feel. Meet the Business Owner Business owner information Ron B. Business Owner We strive to offer the best cigars at great prices! Our staff is extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly! We have very clean & comfortable lounges. Our Old Saybrook location is perfectly situated for customers visiting the following locations: Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Essex, Clinton, Madison, Deep River, Chester, Old Lyme, East Lyme, Waterford, Mystic, Niantic, and many more Middlesex County and Shoreline Connecticut areas. Pay us a visit and you won’t be disappointed!
2. The Penthouse Cigar Shop
Rating: 5/5
Phone: (860) 206-5155
Address: 570 Wethersfield Ave Hartford, CT 06114 United States
Website:
About: The Penthouse Cigar Shop is your source for cigars in Essex. Visit The Penthouse Cigar Shop’s website for more information about hours and selection.
3. Horsepower Cigar Lounge
Rating: 5/5
Phone: (860) 892-8089
Address: 601 Norwich-New London Turnpike Ste 7 Montville, CT 06382 United States
Website: horsepowercigarlounge.com
About: Specialities We cater to grab and go guests plus people who’d like to hang out in our lounges. In our humidor you’ll find a great selection of cigars from long standing brands such as Cohiba, CAO, Partagas and Drew Estate plus smaller boutique brands such as Foundation, Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust, Rojas, 7-20-4 and more. We also carry many cigar accessories. We’ve got you covered for any cigar needs! Our lounge has lots of seating with a public lounge area and separate members area. BYOB for alcohol, and we can provide glassware, ice, etc. History Established in 2022. Choon and Paul Athey opened Horsepower Cigar Lounge in January 2022. Both have enjoyed the cigar lifestyle for a couple of decades and enjoy the great people met in these lounge atmospheres. Not having many options locally for a public cigar lounge, we decided to make one happen for the community. both of us have extensive guest service backgrounds as well as business experience. Meet the Business Owner Business owner information Paul A. Business Owner Cigars have been a part of my life since the late 1990s when I was first introduced to them. My friend Tim (who works here with us as well) and I were driving to a drag race in the Carolinas and decided to stop and grab some cigars. That night after the racing was done, we all lit up cigars and talked about the day or whatever came up. From then on cigars were a part of the day! They are great for de-stressing or just enjoying the company of who you’re with. Part of the fun with cigars is trying different ones as there is always something new on the market. I’m very proud to be able to provide a great cigar spot for our community and have made so many great, new friends since we’ve opened. This is what makes it all worth it and how I came up with our tagline – Cigars. Great people. Atmosphere.
4. The Tobacco Shop
Rating: 5/5
Phone: (860) 524-8577
Address: 89 Pratt St Hartford, CT 06103 United States
Website: thetobaccoshoppehartford.com
About: Specialities The Tobacco Shop, established in 1920, is Connecticut’s leading pipe and cigar store. We are a Davidoff Appointed Merchant, selling a wide range of premium hand-rolled cigars including Arturo Fuente, Padron, Ashton, My Father, La Flor Dominicana, and much more. We also specialize in pipes and pipe tobacco, offering the finest pipes from manufacturers such as Nording, Peterson, and Savinelli. Stop by and try one of our special house blends or choose from an assortment of tins from McClelland, Ashton, MacBaren, Dunhill, Drew Estate and more. In the rear of The Tobacco Shop is one of Hartford’s best-kept secrets – The DeLisle Lounge. Here you will be welcomed with enthusiasm by not only our great staff but by our diverse membership. We offer leather couches and chairs, large screen plasma TV’s, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Non-members may enjoy the lounge by paying a $15 “clipping fee” and are welcome to bring their own libations – we’ll provide the glassware and the ice! History Established in 1988. The story began in 1920 when brothers Gus and Adolf Steinmeyer, former wine stewards at The Bond Hotel, opened Steinmeyer Brothers Tobacco Shop on Pearl Street in Downtown Hartford. Leo DeLisle bought the business in 1958 and changed the name to The Tobacco Shop. Leo’s son Jim took over the business in the late 1970’s. We continue the Steinmeyer and DeLisle legacy here on 89 Pratt Street almost a century later, offering only the very finest in imported cigars, pipes, and accessories in the heart of Downtown Hartford.
5. Mickey Blake’s
Rating: 5/5
Phone: (860) 426-9760
Address: 151 Queen St Southington, CT 06489 United States
Website: mickeyblakes.com/index.php
About: Mickey Blake’s is your source for cigars in Essex. Visit Mickey Blake’s’s website for more information about hours and selection.
6. The Owl Shop
Rating: 4.5/5
Phone: (203) 624-3250
Address: 268 College St New Haven, CT 06510 United States
Website: owlshopcigars.com
About: History Established in 1934. The Owl Shop was originally opened on Wall Street in 1934 by Joseph St. John who came to America from Greece in 1925. Beginning originally as a bookstore, he was also selling tobacco and mixing his own blends. In 1937, a second store on College Street was opened by Joseph and his wife Catherine, also of Greek descent. Expanding to having five stores they decided in 1951 to have everything under one roof, the College Street location. The Owl Shop is now owned by Glen Greenberg, who has owned the shop since November 1998. Today the shop still maintains its fine reputation for being one of the last, best, quality tobacco shops in the county offering a 400 sf walk in humidor, cigar lounge and bar, tobaccos blended on-premises, pipes, chess, backgammon sets and other fine gifts.
7. Vintage Cigar Lounge & Club
Rating: 4.5/5
Phone: (401) 637-4123
Address: 47 High St Westerly, RI 02891 United States
Website: vintagecigarlounge.com
About: Specialities Come join us in our spacious lounge as you enjoy a cigar from our walk-in humidor and a drink from our full bar. We have over 320 different cigars to choose from and a full bar to meet your every need. We have an excellent ventilation system to provide our guest the highest level of comfort as they relax. History Established in 2016. Vintage Cigar Lounge & Club opened in June 2016.
8. Carolina Tobacco Emporium
Rating: 4.5/5
Phone: (860) 649-0090
Address: 406 Middle Tpke W Manchester, CT 06040 United States
Website: carolinatobaccolounge.com
About: Specialities We have the largest selection of cigars in the Hartford area. History Established in 2001. This is almost a 20 year old business. We specialize in Premium Cigars. We have hundreds to choose from. We also carry Pipe tobacco and accessories, cigarettes, rolling tubes, papers, and loose leaf tobacco. We sell lottery tickets as well. We have a pool table, 2 lounge areas and TVs. Meet the Business Owner Business owner information Dan B. Business Owner Manager and employees knows their products very well.If you are not sure which tobacco product right for you they are always ready to help you to find right product to satisfy your taste.
9. Knights Cigar Lounge
Rating: 4.5/5
Phone: (860) 272-8643
Address: 262 Park Rd West hartford, CT 06119 United States
Website: knightscigar.com
About: Specialities Connecticut’s premier boutique cigar lounge
10. Clay Pipe
Rating: 4/5
Phone: (860) 862-8297
Address: 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd Mohegan Sun Montville, CT 06382 United States
Website: mohegansun.com/poi/shopping/cl…
About: Clay Pipe is your source for cigars in Essex. Visit Clay Pipe’s website for more information about hours and selection.
Basic Cigar Lounge Etiquette
Alright, so you’re ready to venture into a cigar lounge and be a respectable member of the smoky community. Here’s a quick rundown of some essential cigar lounge etiquette tips:
Cut and toast your own cigar. Most lounges provide tools, but don’t expect staff to do this for you. It’s part of the ritual!
Ask before lighting up next to someone. You might love the smell, but always be courteous to others.
Dispose of ashes and bands properly. Use the ashtrays, and keep the lounge clean.
Respect the cigars. Don’t handle other people’s smokes without permission, and avoid putting your mouth directly on someone else’s stick.
Mind your smoke. Try to direct smoke away from others. A breezy day calls for extra careful puffing!
Keep the noise down. Lounges are meant for relaxation and conversation, so try not to disrupt the vibe.
Tip the staff. Just like at a bar, tipping your servers is a sign of appreciation and good etiquette.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you’re new to the scene, don’t hesitate! Most lounge regulars are happy to offer guidance.
Remember, a good cigar lounge is about enjoying your smokes in a welcoming and respectful environment.
View more Connecticut cigar shops here: https://scotchcigars.com/cigar-shops-lounges/new-jersey/
