Orange Cigar Lounge — Attraction in Orange

Nari Koleci's twenty-year journey through the tobacco trade culminated in August 2022 when Orange Cigar Lounge unveiled its spectacular 311 Boston Post Road incarnation—a 3,500-square-foot testament to the democratization of luxury smoking culture. Them numbers tell the story: 650 square feet of walk-in humidor housing over 2,000 boxes, 16-foot ceilings with industrial-chic exposed beams, air circulation refreshing that environment 12-15 times hourly, and 200 individual humidified lockers. But the true achievement lies in Koleci's egalitarian vision—no cover charges, no artificial barriers, just exceptional hospitality extending from construction workers enjoying $10 sticks to executives savoring $50 Opus X selections.

The humidor reads like a sommelier's dream: Arturo Fuente, Padrón, Liga Privada, Foundation, Davidoff, Tatuaje, and Illusione fill Spanish cedar-lined walls. As one of Connecticut's few S.T. Dupont authorized retailers, Orange Cigar elevates the accessory game with French-crafted lighters and humidors that border on functional art.

Seven strategically mounted televisions anchor seating areas furnished with leather chairs and privacy screens. A poker table serves serious players, while golden chain chandeliers and white curtain panels soften the industrial aesthetic. Glass doors separate the smoke-free retail space from the lounge, maintaining air quality for browsing customers. Koleci's attention to ventilation engineering proves masterful—cigar lounges live or die by air quality, and this system delivers restaurant-grade comfort despite accommodating full capacity crowds during World Cup matches or playoff games.

What distinguishes Orange Cigar from Connecticut's more exclusive establishments is its radical accessibility. BYOB privileges, free Wi-Fi, quality espresso service, and genuine hospitality create an environment where Yale Law graduates conduct meetings alongside union laborers seeking evening respite. This isn't manufactured populism—it's authentic respect for the leaf's universal appeal. The membership program offers sensible tiers without pretension: lockers, discounts, and private event access for serious enthusiasts, while maintaining public access for casual visitors.

Beyond the blue-chip selections, Koleci stocks Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, and Honduran gems, many featuring Connecticut wrapper tobacco—a regional nod that resonates with local pride. The 2,000-box inventory suggests serious buying power and relationship management with premium distributors. Monthly events featuring raffles, live music, and manufacturer visits transform retail into community, while the owner's hands-on approach ensures every customer receives personalized service regardless of purchase size.

Orange Cigar Lounge achieves something increasingly rare: premium quality without exclusionary pricing, serious inventory without intimidating atmosphere, and professional service without pretense. For Connecticut's cigar community—from Fairfield County hedge fund managers to New Haven academics to salty Waterbury blue-collar enthusiasts—this represents the state's most successful fusion of accessibility...

A Gem. Hands down one of the best cigar lounges on the shoreline. I have been to every cigar lounge in the local area, this place is incredible from start to finish. The customer service in here is remarkable. Every time I walk through the door it feels like a "5 Star" experience. These guys know their product, care about their customer, and know how to make a guest feel welcomed. The humidor is filled with a wide range of cigars-a huge selection. They have anything and everything that you want. The best part is that you can get espresso, cappuccino, and coffee here (they have a full-full service coffee bar in back and they will make your beverage for you and deliver it right to your seat). The lounge is well ventilated, spotlessly clean, well maintained, and well decorated. The decor breaks the mold with the traditional wood and leather couches. It has an edge to it. In addition, they are always open when the game is on and will stay open until the game is over. I asked the guy behind the desk, "When do you close?" His reply you ask? "How late do you want to stay". Now that is above and beyond. Just an incredible customer experience at this place. I had a problem with a lounge in Branford where the owner wanted to close on Football Sundays when the games were on. Not this place. Overall, a extraordinary place to light up and have a stick with your friends, relax, and watch the game. Once you come here, it is very hard to go to any other...

Living in RI, I asked my CT resident father to pick up a limited edition item that was sold out near me. Instead of happily selling the item to a willing and able customer, they proceeded to grill him about his cigar knowledge, testing him to see if he was worthy of buying something at their store for retail price. "I should only be selling these to my REAL customers", he was told. My dad walked out of there flustered, feeling like he had done something wrong, instead of happy that he was able to help his son get a sought-after cigar. Don't pick and choose your customers, Orange Cigar. If your 'real customers' were as loyal as you want them to be, then you wouldn't have had any available for my father to buy. If he were just a regular guy trying to buy something he had heard of, I bet he wouldn't return to that elitist -attitude shop. And...