In the heart of Monroe, Connecticut, down an unassuming stretch of Main Street, Casa Havana Cigar Lounge reveals itself as a surprising discovery for both aficionados and the cigar-curious. Unlike the cramped, dimly lit lounges that often define the genre, this establishment offers a refreshingly spacious retreat spread across several thoughtfully designed rooms.
The main lounge impresses with its meticulous attention to comfort. Plush leather recliners—each equipped with convenient ashtrays—face flat panel LED screens imported from Asia, while the room's excellent ventilation system ensures the air remains pleasantly breathable despite the ever-present smoke. Nearby, a professional-grade pool table anchors the space, inviting friendly competition between puffs.
Casa Havana's retail section rivals any high-end tobacco merchant. A series of gleaming cherry-wood display cabinets houses an impressive collection of premium cigars—reportedly over 300 varieties—thoughtfully organized by brand, strength, and region. The selection, though comprehensive, could benefit from an expanded offering of La Flor Dominicana products, whose bold profiles and meticulous craftsmanship would undoubtedly appeal to the lounge's discerning clientele. Knowledgeable staff members stand ready to guide both newcomers and experienced smokers through the selection, offering personalized recommendations without a hint of pretension.
What truly distinguishes this establishment is its commitment to member amenities. The BYOB policy is elevated by a dedicated storage area where regulars keep personal bottles on labeled shelves. A well-appointed kitchenette with microwave and vintage-style refrigerator accommodates those settling in for longer visits. The impeccably maintained restrooms—a detail too often overlooked in cigar establishments—feature modern fixtures and are scrupulously clean.
The lounge's décor merits special attention: wooden floors, exposed ductwork, and warm lighting create an industrial-chic aesthetic softened by comfortable furnishings. Subtle nods to tobacco's complex heritage appear throughout the space, including a carved wooden Native American figure—a traditional tobacconist symbol—that acknowledges the plant's indigenous origins while positioned near American flag memorabilia in a thoughtful cultural juxtaposition.
Membership options include private humidor lockers and the coveted benefit of 24-hour access, though casual visitors can utilize the lounge during retail hours with the purchase of two cigars. This accessibility strikes a rare balance, creating a community that feels exclusive without veering into elitism.
Casa Havana hosts occasional events—comedy nights, sports viewings, and cigar tastings—that keep the experience fresh even for regular patrons. During a Tuesday afternoon visit, a diverse group ranging from retirees to young professionals filled the space, challenging outdated stereotypes of who belongs in a cigar lounge.
For travelers exploring Connecticut's Fairfield County, Casa Havana might just be the only place where you can watch the Yankees lose in high-definition clarity, win at pool, and smoke what should be a premium LFD—if they'd only stock more—all while your designated driver samples the contents of the BYOB fridge. As one satisfied regular put it while exhaling a perfect smoke ring: "It's where stress checks out, even if your credit...
Read moreBeautiful lounge. Great location. Well kept. Problems are this member / non member concept. I'm not from the area so I was unaware. They cashier did not say hello or anything until I engaged him at the register with my item's. I purchased a cigar and a soda. Told him I was going to go hang out in the lounge for a bit. He then said that I have to buy another cigar if I want to stay and smoke. I'm not sure why he didn't tell me that when I was making the purchase or ask at least ask me if I was staying. I saw that he rang me up as a non member but I wasn't explained anything about membership, I wasn't offered a membership, or the pricing for members versus non-members. It's not the pricing, it's the ambiguity of this lounge experience. I have been to cigar lounges in probably 20 states over the years. I've never seen this concept. The lounge was empty the entire hour or so that I was there on a Friday afternoon, maybe it's a quiet time for this store. Thank you...
Read moreOne of the guys is a genuine nice guy, however these guys just dont get it. The selection is probably one of the worst in the state of Connecticut for a lounge, and the lack of selection in comparison to other cigar lounges is why it’s not worth even driving to Monroe. You need a great selection of cigars if you want people to enjoy the lounge, at least more than the 10 people that are currently going there. The owners need to get out of Monroe and travel around to see other shops , take a ride through Milford, Stratford, Branford and Saybrook and see what these guys are doing in comparison. The previous owner use to bring in strippers because the selection was so bad, thats how they filled...
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