St. Petersburg - Central Cigars

[sepia5]

Central Cigars
273 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
727-898-2442

Here's the website: http://www.centralcigars.com/merchant/

A recent staff change leaves something to be desired (IMO), and their prices are on the higher end of reasonableness, but you won't complain about the cigar selection, the plush leather chairs, the plasma screen TVs, or the girls working behind the bars (there are two bars, by the way). They have monthly smokers sponsored by a spirits company and a cigar maker, complete with raffle give-a-ways and cigar specials. For instance, the most recent was Chivas Regal paired with Diamond Crown. You are also in the up-and-coming downtown area St. Petersburg, with a variety of great bars and restaurants within walking distance. Also, this entire block of St. Pete has free Wi-Fi, so if you are there on business and need to get some work done, this is a good afternoon spot (but the bar doesn't open until 5pm). Check the website for hours, as St. Pete is a vacation spot, and hours of operation generally change according to season.

[barbourjay]

Originally Posted by sepia5

Central Cigars
273 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
727-898-2442

Here's the website: http://www.centralcigars.com/merchant/

A recent staff change leaves something to be desired (IMO), and their prices are on the higher end of reasonableness, but you won't complain about the cigar selection, the plush leather chairs, the plasma screen TVs, or the girls working behind the bars (there are two bars, by the way). They have monthly smokers sponsored by a spirits company and a cigar maker, complete with raffle give-a-ways and cigar specials. For instance, the most recent was Chivas Regal paired with Diamond Crown. You are also in the up-and-coming downtown area St. Petersburg, with a variety of great bars and restaurants within walking distance. Also, this entire block of St. Pete has free Wi-Fi, so if you are there on business and need to get some work done, this is a good afternoon spot (but the bar doesn't open until 5pm). Check the website for hours, as St. Pete is a vacation spot, and hours of operation generally change according to season.

i dropped by yesterday as it was one of the only places i haven't visited yet. their prices were higher than most and their selection left something to be desired. i've found a better selection of higher end cigars at many smaller stores.

[tedrodgerscpa]

Anyone have an update on this place?

I've got a conference at the nearby Hilton in January '09, and I'm hoping the above opinions don't still hold...

[tedrodgerscpa]

Bump for my question... anyone? anyone? Bueller?

[tedrodgerscpa]

Weekly bump...

Any St. Pete / Tampa BOTLs know anything about this place? Trying to put together a Herf when I visit the area in January, and would hope this is a decent place.

[bpcr]

I live about 10 blocks from the place ... its is a good shop in what they say is growning stage. The selection is poor and the house brand is pricy but the folks there are nice and they say good things are comming. The bar is nice and the people watching on the street is allways a good time ... Say hello to bongo when you are there ... you cannnot miss him ... great guy. as is the rest of the staff with one exception.

[Wags]

Originally Posted by tedrodgerscpa

Weekly bump...

Any St. Pete / Tampa BOTLs know anything about this place? Trying to put together a Herf when I visit the area in January, and would hope this is a decent place.

I literally live right across the street from Central and it was a big part of my decision to move to the downtown area. I am there about 3 to 4 times a week so I guess I enjoy it enough. The selection hasn't been as varied as it was in years before but I would say that what they have is a better quality. They now have their own cigars that are rolled right their in the store that are not too shabby. Send me a PM the next time you are in town or if you want to know anything else about the area. There is another cigar store that opened about 3/4 mile down central ave too that is pretty decent.

[rizzle]

I went in acouple of weeks ago after not being in for a while. Half or more of the humidor has been done away with. I asked the guy if they were going out of business. If not for the cigar lounge it would not be worth a visit at this point. Pretty sad when a chain liquor store has a better selection.

[tedrodgerscpa]

Originally Posted by rizzle

I went in acouple of weeks ago after not being in for a while. Half or more of the humidor has been done away with. I asked the guy if they were going out of business. If not for the cigar lounge it would not be worth a visit at this point. Pretty sad when a chain liquor store has a better selection.

Thanks for the (sad) update, Rizzle.

Ted

[stanthetaxman]

Originally Posted by rizzle

I went in acouple of weeks ago after not being in for a while. Half or more of the humidor has been done away with. I asked the guy if they were going out of business. If not for the cigar lounge it would not be worth a visit at this point. Pretty sad when a chain liquor store has a better selection.

Newby here, but I'm familiar with the shop.........
Yes, very sad indeed. Virtually no boutique brands left. Think they've pulled out 4 of the 7 humi's in there. It's a VERY nice place to hang and smoke/drink, however. I'd bring my own, buy one of their house rolled while there, and enjoy!

[svb]

Haven't been there in awhile, but sounds like the new ownership/mgmt is driving that place into the ground...that used to be the hot spot back in early 2000s.

[Egis]

went were last week looks very sad, except on friday nights havana rooms if full, and loud, not much to choose from, it looks like their gonna have only 5 brands of cigars left soon.

[gaberox]

Ive been there about 7 times in the last few months and I hate to say this place is pretty bad.Maybe Im just spoiled here in Tampa but the prices are high and the selection is painfull.The guy working during the day has never been friendly or helpfull.Im going to do my best not to go back there.