Robusto's Cigar Bar & Bistro — Restaurant in Dearborn

In an era when most bars are ripping out smoking sections, Harry Bahri and Jonathan Yono doubled down on tobacco, investing in what might be the most expensive air in Michigan.

Their monthly electric bill at Robusto's Cigar Bar & Bistro tells the story: $2,500, mostly powering a ventilation system so effective that even smoke-sensitive patrons barely notice when someone lights up a Churchill nearby. Those exposed pink industrial ducts snaking across the ceiling aren't design flourishes — they're the arteries of an engineering marvel that makes indoor smoking feel almost futuristic.

"You can rip through a cigar with reckless abandon," notes one regular, "and your dinner companion won't even smell it."

This technological audacity anchors a broader ambition. Since 2018, Bahri, a certified sommelier who sources Halal-certified meats from Detroit's Eastern Market, has been quietly building what may be Metro Detroit's most sophisticated cigar destination. The Dearborn location, opened in 2023 following success in Sterling Heights, represents an evolution of the concept.

The numbers tell part of the story: a 300-square-foot walk-in humidor housing over 1,000 cigars, an exclusive partnership with Davidoff of Geneva, and a bourbon collection that earned recognition as "one of the best bourbon bars in the world." But the real story unfolds in the details that only matter to true aficionados — the presence of La Flor Dominicana Double Ligeros ($13), the carefully curated Padrón selection, the knowledgeable staff who can guide novices through their first Ashton VSG ($17).

The space itself defies cigar-bar stereotypes. Instead of dark wood and leather clichés, Robusto's embraces contemporary industrial design. The Monarch Lounge features bold red banquettes beneath exposed ductwork. A dramatic suspended bottle display creates a luminous backdrop for the bar, where private barrel selections of Maker's Mark share space with Michigan craft spirits. Multiple large-screen TVs cater to sports fans, creating an unexpected synthesis: upscale cigar lounge meets modern sports bar.

Food isn't an afterthought. Executive Chef Kevin Walters crafts a menu that ranges from wagyu sliders to fresh seafood, all sourced from local suppliers. The Halal certification opens doors for Dearborn's significant Muslim population, making this perhaps the only premium cigar lounge where observant Muslims can enjoy both dinner and a smoke.

Yet for all its ambition, Robusto's faces the challenges inherent to its category. Some customers grumble about portion sizes and pricing. Service, while generally professional, can be inconsistent. The very excellence of the ventilation system creates an ironic problem — at $2,500 monthly, it's a massive overhead that must be absorbed somewhere.

But Yono, who radiates genuine enthusiasm when discussing the ventilation system, seems unbothered by such concerns. He's betting that in an age of experiences over objects, people will pay for the privilege of enjoying a premium cigar without smelling like an ashtray afterward.

The verdict from a recent Thursday evening: he might be right. The lounge hummed with a diverse crowd — business executives closing deals over Davidoffs, young professionals watching the game, a group celebrating with champagne and Montecristos. The air remained remarkably clear.

"We're not just selling cigars," Yono explains. "We're selling the ability to enjoy them without compromise."

In a state where winter makes outdoor smoking miserable for months, that's a $2,500-per-month promise that resonates. Whether it's a sustainable business model remains to be seen. But for now, Robusto's offers something genuinely rare: a place where the guilty pleasure of a good cigar comes with surprisingly little guilt.

The future of smoking right might not be extinction after all. It might just be better...

4/26/25 & 4/28/25

I was referred to this INCREDIBLE Venue by it's owner, John, who I ran into again at another of his Venue's in Romulus called "Wild Willy's". I was discussing my affinity for cigars and he explained that he had this venue in Dearborn. I am so grateful for his information as I have already partaken of this Fantastic treat twice so far. Hostess Kiara greeted me and showed me the amenities. As I was browsing the ample selection in the humidor I motioned for her to join me and described my taste in cigars after which she quickly responded with what is now my Favorite cigar. I took a couple home and returned two days later purchasing all of my Favorite that they had. My first trip was also highlighted by Eric at the bar who, I believe, made me the best that I've ever had in my entire life. My second trip was highlighted by one of the most Incredible women I have ever met, Nicole. I'm not going into an extremely long story here, but I will simply say this....SHE IS AN ANGEL. I mean it people, this Precious Lady has the inside track with our Heavenly Father. I'M SERIOUS Folks. At any rate, I had a Wonderful experience and will be coming back again on Friday to further enjoy the ambience. They have upscale quality Liquor, Food, and Cigars. With choices that will satisfy everyone's taste in food, beverages, and choices of fine cigars. I can't hype this place enough. And guys, the women outnumbered the men by 4 or 5 to 1. Which made this "single" man quite happy (and talkative) to say the least. So come and give this Great Place a visit everyone. See you...

I would have given a five star but for the past week I have been trying to get my bill resolved with the owner. I was over charged for drinks that I did not order. When I finally spoke with the owner, he kept going round and round with me about it.....that my friends IS NOT GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE. We did have a good time but I more than likely will not be returning or recommending for the future. Check #28. 3-11-24 like before, we did not order 4 basil haydens...we only ordered 2, but you were so hell bent on going back and forth with me...at that point there was no need to show me a video with no audio, when I'd told you to just forget it on our previous conversation. Offering to give one back proves you did something wrong...when I never asked for my money back. Good customer service would have offered some sort of perk on my next visit to keep a customer... meaning more money spent......not going back and forth. Smh..a whole 8 drinks before our friends left...really. You know your lying and our friends know it now too from...