For this post, I will side-step a traditional review for some thoughts and news about smoking in New York City. I just got back from fashion week and admittedly had little opportunity to enjoy a smoke, and even fewer places to smoke even if I did. Of course the hotel didn’t allow smoking. The fashion shows at Lincoln Center didn’t either. The after parties are generally not smoker friendly, although some do have outdoor terraces that may accommodate smoking. Mostly smoking cigars are a no-no, but cigarettes, e-cigs, and weed are acceptable (like the one party I attended for a magazine that had everyone from Skrillex to Joe Jonas to girls with pasties dancing with an inflatable zebra). And for the record, I brought two Rocky Patel’s from Tennessee but was denied the chance to smoke them.
It is a bit discouraging, but fortunately there are people helping provide safe havens throughout NYC, and other cities, so we brothers and sisters of the leaf may enjoy our passions. Recently, Michael Herklots just announced that Nat Sherman will open a cigar bar on the rooftop of the newly renovated Knickerbocker Hotel, due to open this fall. The Nat Sherman branded lounge will be inside the rooftop bar, St. Cloud.
A longtime favorite of mine is Club Macanudo. The staff there is great thanks to Mauricio’s leadership. It is not uncommon to find former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani, or other businessmen and celebs who stop by to visit and network while smoking a cigar. Another great place is The Carnegie Club. It has the dark rich wood and colors one would expect from a bar from a century ago with the air filled with warm sweet tobacco.
So as you can see, there are a few places for us to enjoy our cigars, and now that some time has passed, we have people figuring out ways around the legislation so we can continue to enjoy our cigars without having to stand on a street corner in the Big Apple.
I live in Pa and its a pretty Cigar Friendly State but that doesn’t mean it will stay that way forever. I’m sorry for the people who live in the Commie controlled State of NY. Great write up
Way to express your thoughts. I live in CA and although our legislation isn’t as bad as NY it can be a pain sometimes. I enjoy smoking cigars and relaxing while I do but try to be a considerate cigar smoker because I know many people aren’t or don’t enjoy the smell/smoke/whatever. In saying that I always try to find a place that will allow smoking on a balcony or open area and such but even finding hotels with that is harder. Recently stayed at a hotel in Palm Springs that wouldn’t allow smoking on completely open air patios outside of the room and when I asked where the “smokers area” was I was pointed to an area that was a concrete bench that was out of sight and out of mind. Oh well I guess. Great write up and happy hunting.