Enjoying a fine cigar remains a pleasure that I truly love. Over the past two decades, many states implemented laws prohibiting smoking in restaurants and bars. With tightening smoking restrictions, finding a suitable spot to smoke a quality cigar can be challenging. Here are the best cigar lounges in the South.
In the early 1990s, I lived in Memphis, TN. One of the few, and in my opinion, the best spot to buy and smoke cigars, was Tobacco Corner, at the corner of Mendenhall and Poplar Avenue. They closed several years ago. Like most new cigar smokers, I began with small gauge, mild smokes. I recall the price-point of my Macanudo being around $3.50.
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A year prior, Marvin Shanken debuted his new magazine, Cigar Aficionado. Even industry insiders didn’t believe the magazine would last long. When Shanken issued the Spring 1994 with famed talk-show host Rush Limbaugh on the cover, magazine sales exploded. So did the price of most cigars. I recall that my Macanudo hit five dollars, but didn’t stay there long. Before I knew it, the price hovered around eight dollars. Ahh, the good ole days.
It’s difficult to find a decent cigar for under $10 today. But who’s complaining? For me, the challenge is finding a quality cigar lounge or bar to light up a cigar that takes 45 to 90 minutes to smoke.
Over the past few years, I’ve visited many cigar establishments and all listed below. I realize there are several cigar bars and lounges that I haven’t encountered, so please let us know about your favorite spot by commenting or emailing through the website.
Best Cigar Lounges In the South
PCB Cigars – (two locations) 17329 Panama City Beach Pkwy, Panama City Beach, Florida
Not too long after I began spending more time along Florida’s Emerald Coast, I discovered PCB Cigars in West Panama City Beach. Owned and operated by Peter Shah, the original location in West PCB houses two large walk-in humidors with an even larger cigar selection. It’s a favorite stop for tourists searching for fine cigars. And like any respectable cigar shop, the regulars make hanging out worthwhile.
PCB Cigars offers the largest selection of Diamond Crown and Diamond Crown MAXIMUS cigars in the Florida Panhandle. A large sitting area with new leather chairs allows regulars and visitors to chat about life’s happenings while enjoying their favorite smoke.
Peter also opened a second location in the eastern PCB at 8015 Front Beach Road. The new location also has a large walk-in humidor and a larger sitting area. Check out their new in-house bar, where you can purchase adult beverages.
Cigar Factory – 145 Palafox St., Pensacola, Florida
One of two TV sitting areas inside the Cigar Factory in downtown Pensacola, FL.
On my first visit to Pensacola in December of 2022, I discovered a quaint cigar lounge and bar in the heart of downtown. The large, spacious area offers multiple sitting areas featuring oversized leather chairs in two TV areas. In the middle, you’ll find a walk-in humidor and bar with an extensive offering of spirits, including hard-to-find bourbons.
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The original Cigar Factory opened in New Orleans’ infamous French Quarter in 1999. The ownership group has over 30 years of cigar experience, including Las Vegas and San Diego shops. However, the Pensacola location handles all retail shipments. The manager met me in the humidor and asked, “Are you ready for a great cigar?” How can anyone refuse such an offer?
I smoked a $12 Tres Hermanos Numero Uno cigar containing 100 percent Nicaraguan tobacco wrapped in Connecticut Broadleaf. At around $10, this was an enjoyable smoke.
Steampunk Coffee Roasters, – 706 Franklin Street, Natchez, Mississippi
Steamboat Coffee Roasters is a unique gem in downtown Natchez, a gourmet coffee shop offering an excellent selection of fine cigars. I accidentally stumbled upon the shop one Monday morning while taking a side detour through the old Southern city I had never visited.
While passing by, I pressed my face near the glass door to glimpse inside. Surprisingly, a gentleman with a long gray beard noticed the Panama hat I was sporting and opened the door. I explained that I was passing by and was intrigued by the combination of a coffee and cigar shop. Although the business was closed that Monday morning, the proprietor, Dub Rogers (aka Papi y Papi), graciously invited me inside to tour the shop and his living quarters. That’s when I discovered his cigar stash.
A Natchez native, Dub spent many years “up North” and in other locations, always beginning his day with an espresso shot. With no gourmet coffee options available in Natchez, Dub’s entrepreneurial spirit kicked in, and he opened his shop. They offer a great selection of cigars and Panama hats, too! Business hours are Thursday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 5 pm.
The Standard at The Smith House – 167 Rosa Parks Blvd., Nashville, Tennessee
Located in the only surviving grand townhouse in downtown Nashville, The Smith House is home to The Standard, a private club occupying the home’s upper two floors. In 2012, Robb Report named The Standard one of the country’s Top 5 Private Cigar Clubs.
The Courtyard Bar within The Standard at The Smith House in downtown Nashville, TN. One of the best cigar lounges in the South. (The Standard/2022)
Owner Joshua Smith opened The Standard in 2008, turning his family’s former private residence into a well-decorated private club and restaurant. Although the club is available to members only, private events are often held in the large first-floor ballroom.
In the private club upstairs, members have access to a well-stocked humidor. Members can also rent individual lockers to store cigars and spirits purchased from the club. Each room is graciously appointed in period furnishings, giving the three-story townhouse a stately feel.
The downstairs restaurant remains open to the public and offers a five-star dining experience. Restaurant guests may also enjoy cocktails and cigars in the courtyard bar.
An easy walk for a ride from most downtown hotels, you’ll want to add The Standard at The Smith House to your itinerary if you’re looking for a lovely cigar lounge or dinner in Music City.
Spring Street Cigars – (multiple locations) 208 N Spring Street, Tupelo, Mississippi
While tailgating and attending an Ole Miss football game a few years ago, I stumbled upon Spring Street Cigars in downtown Oxford, Mississippi. Knowing that fine cigars and bourbon are vital to any respectable tailgate, I walked into the establishment and quickly befriended Teddy.
The second floor lounge at Spring Street Cigars in Tupelo, MS offers a large seating area. (Spring Street Cigars)
Teddy and crew assisted me in locating the perfect tailgate cigar and showered me with a healthy dose of Southern hospitality. A few months later, I found myself writing an article about smoking fine cigars at Spring Street’s flagship store in Tupelo. At one point, the Tupelo store claimed to house the South’s largest cigar humidor.
Spring Street has nine retail locations today, with a brewery opening soon. Each location offers a large selection of quality cigars led by a knowledgeable and friendly staff. There’s ample room to kick back and enjoy your cigar, and I promise you’ll meet one of the more exciting characters regardless of the location you visit.