I just got back from an awesome trip to NY, and I wanted to sing my praises of Merchants Cigar Bar. I wound up going to Merchants twice with some good friends, and had an absolutely great time. Before making my way to Merchants, I stopped into Cigar Aficionado's own store, just a couple blocks away where I picked up a delicious, spicy array of tobacco goodness: an Ashton VSG, a La Flor Ligero, and my first ever Tatuaje. Cigars in hand I made my way to Merchants. Tucked under a non-smoking bar, the cigar lounge is located down a flight of stairs through a glass doorway. The ambient room is well furnished and warmly lit with candles and a fireplace. Seating is cozy, and while the establishment can get quite busy, the seating is arranged in small groupings for intimacy, usually a couch facing a set of chairs. The wait staff were friendly and attentive, and drink prices were average for the city at about 10-15$. The wine list was good, and the prices were very competitive for the area. While the bar has a decent sized humidor, Merchants will graciously permit you to bring your own cigars, and they don't even charge a clipping fee. While dress-code is said to be enforced, no jackets are required, and some patrons were wearing jeans when I was there. That said, this was a classy, yet casual, every-man bar. Although I didn't get to visit any of the other cigar bars in NY, I can't imagine having a better time than I did here. I will definitely visit them again next time I'm in the city.
p.s. Thanks to the brothers who made cigar bar suggestions in my earlier thread.
Merchants NY Cigar Bar 1125 First Avenue (62nd St.)
NY, NY 10065 ~ (212) 832-4610.
Cigar Inn (Cigar Aficionado Store and Lounge)
2nd Ave, between 53rd and 54th St.
02-12-2009, 08:50 PM
Merchants NY Cigar Bar
