North of Havana Cigar Lounge — Local services in North Haven

There exists, nestled improbably between a discount retailer and a sandwich shop in suburban Connecticut, a testament to America's enduring romance with ritual and relaxation. North of Havana Cigar Lounge, with its ambitious square footage and democratic approach to luxury, represents something increasingly rare in our modern landscape: a genuine third place.

The space unfolds like a revelation. Past the initial cognitive dissonance of its strip mall façade, one discovers an expansive sanctuary where hardwood floors extend toward distant walls, and an artfully patterned drop ceiling—alternating between white and warm copper tones—draws the eye upward. The lighting, soft and considered, casts the kind of glow that makes everyone look like they belong in a Raymond Chandler novel.

Leather seating, arranged with the careful choreography of a stage set, creates pockets of intimacy within the grand scale. Chesterfield couches, bearing the dignified patina of countless conversations, anchor the space. Wall-mounted televisions and curated artwork complete the tableau, though they feel almost superfluous in a room designed for face-to-face discourse.

The lounge's membership structure and cutting fees might raise eyebrows among the uninitiated, but they serve as gentle guardians of a carefully cultivated atmosphere. The well-stocked humidor offers both accessibility and sophistication—a metaphor, perhaps, for the establishment itself.

What strikes us most forcefully is not the physical space, impressive though it may be, but rather the democratic spirit that pervades it. Here, in an age of increasingly stratified social spaces, is a venue where the banker and the bulldozer operator might share not just space but perspective, united in the contemplative ritual of a good cigar.

Yes, there are imperfections. The strip mall location challenges expectations. Some fixtures bear witness to the passage of time. But in these supposed flaws lies authenticity—a quality far more valuable than mere polish.

The leather speaks of men who wait, In copper light they congregate. Wood beneath and smoke above, In strip mall walls they find their love.

The leaf burns slow, time burns too, In circles rising, old and new. No kings, no pawns, just brothers here, Where smoke rings drift and disappear.

The humidor stands proud and tall, While wisdom whispers through it all: That peace lives not in gilded rooms, But where the honest...

I was in the area and visited this place after many years. I usually go to Orange lounge. I was here last time in 2021. Right away it was evident that this lounge is near the end of its life cycle and will be around for may be a month or two. Cigar room had very few boxes and MOST of them were empty. It was painfully evident that they stopped replenishing stock a while ago. Empty boxes, less variety and old cigars, you got the idea. It was Saturday night and there were 3 small groups inside the lounge. We picked our cigars from the few available and paid for them and asked for a lighter or matches. The girl at the counter responded " sorry we do not have a lighter or matches. People steal them" Wow So we have cigars cut and ready to smoke and they have nothing for us to light them with !!!!! ARE YOU SERIOUS??? She found an old match box with 3 sticks left in it. We tried our best but that box had no spark left. We were looking at ourselves thinking WTF just happened. Finally she found a long neck grilling lighter that had just enough spark to light the cedar sheet on fire so we can quickly light cigars and then she went back to her homework that she was busy in. We paid $5 cover to use the lounge and smoked with the fear that if the cigar goes out, it's good night for us. Atmosphere there was very sad and gloomy. 7 or 8 people that were there started leaving and I smoked my cigar to avoid cold outside. And we left promising ourselves never to return. I wish this place can recover but that's seems very...

I stopped by with zero expectations except to have a cigar and maybe get some studying done. Body, an absolute unit of a human and the nicest guy ever gave me a tour and helped me pick out a cigar and even a good spot for me to study. He's a true aficionado that is happy to share his wisdom with zero judgment, just love for what he's doing! This place is better than BYOB, you can keep your own personal cache for drinks and bring food if you want. Very comfortable seating and even though other customers were watching a game and chatting, it was still peaceful enough to get a solid couple hours of studying done! 5/5 will come here whenever I need a...