Eat Beat: Cigar-Friendly Restaurants
This Father’s Day, why not treat dad to dinner out followed by a big fat stogy.
Depending on how you look at it, 2009 has been a tough year for Richmond smokers.
The restaurant smoking ban passed, the cigarette tax went through and apparently now it’s OK for nonsmokers to openly glare at people smoking in designated smoking areas.
Then again, Richmond smokers know they have till the end of the year to smoke freely in Richmond restaurants. And, if my last visit to Sidewalk Café was any indication, they’re taking full advantage of it.
And cigar smokers should too. There are still a handful of restaurants left that allow cigar smoking indoors and even one or two that will sell them to you. So this Father’s Day, why not treat dad to dinner out followed by a big fat stogy.
And lucky for you and dad, there are plenty of Richmond restaurants that still allow it.
Cigar-Friendly Restaurants:
Buckhead's: This steak and seafood place with the killer wine is trying to wind down its selection of cigars, but a few are still available if you want to pick one up. The cigars can be enjoyed at the bar.
Copper Grill Lobster and Steak House: Short Pump Town Center's steak and lobster place lets you smoke your cigar in the bar area but it too is anticipating the end-of-year smoking ban. They no longer sell cigars, so bring your own.
Edo's Squid: As you might expect, nothing is too complicated at this delicious Italian and seafood place. They recommend that you smoke at the bar, but if you want to smoke at your table in there aren’t a lot of people in there, hey, that's fine too. They don't sell cigars though, so bring your own.
Havana '59: Havana is destination dining for Richmond cigar smokers. And with 32 different types on its menu and a cigar smoking policy that says smoke 'em if you got 'em, it's easy to see why. Havana's cigar menu includes Rocky Patel, Dunhill, Montecristo and H Upmann, to name a few. Sadly, Havana isn't open on Sundays (or Mondays) so it's a no-go for Father's Day. Still, with a cigar menu like that, plus a filet mignon and aged rib eye on the menu, you may just want to celebrate dad a day early. Its cigar stock is available for $9 to $22 per cigar.
Hondos: This classic West End steak, rib and chop restaurant sells cigars and, best of all, you can smoke them right at the table. They offer 15 brands including Kuba Kuba, Cohiba Minor, Cohiba Robusto Fino and Montecristo. Its cigar stock is available for $7 to $15 per cigar.
Morton's Steakhouse: Every dad in Richmond knows that Morton's ain't called The Steakhouse for nothing. The Shockoe Slip steakhouse boasts one of the largest cigar menu in the city with a selection that includes Davidoff, Punch, Partagas, Cohiba and Macanudo all of which can be smoked at the bar or in a private dining room. Its cigar stock is available for $7.50 to $32.50 per cigar.
Old Original Bookbinder's: Everyone's favorite Shockoe Slip upscale steak and seafood spot sells six varieties different types of Davidoff cigars that can be smoked at the bar anytime. Its cigar stock is available for $8.50 to $30 per cigar.
The Tobacco Company: Never to be overlooked, Tobacco Company is the granddaddy of all cigar-friendly places. They offer 19 brands including Arturo Fuente, Cohiba Robusto, Cohiba Church Hill, Avos #2, and Macanudo and you can smoke in the club, lounge and the smoking section of the dining room. And with six different types of steaks available, dad is sure to be happy. Its cigar stock is available for $8 to $27.50 per cigar.
Did we miss your cigar-friendly restaurant? Send an email to kpeifer@richmond.com or just add it in the comments section below.
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