Empire Social Lounge (Brickell Location) — Restaurant in Miami

In Miami's sanitized Brickell district, where status symbols sprout like tropical flora, Empire Social Lounge has mastered a rare feat: making cigar lounges cool again. This isn't your grandfather's smoky den of leather-bound pretension, but rather a stylish hybrid where Wall Street meets Calle Ocho.

The sophisticated space, nestled at 1106 S Miami Ave, marries Miami modernism with classic tobacco tradition. An octagonal humidor, worthy of a museum of contemporary art, showcases cigars like precious artifacts. The ventilation system – usually an afterthought in lesser establishments – works such efficient magic that your clothes won't tell tales of your visit the next day.

Sport screens flicker above a bar stocked with enough premium spirits to fuel a Latin American summit, while a crystal chandelier adds unexpected bling to the proceedings. It's as if Don Draper's office had a love child with a tech startup's break room.

The crowd is as varied as the humidor's selection: suited finance types decompress over Davidoffs, while tech entrepreneurs pair craft cocktails with their Padróns. Even the occasional sports fan, drawn in by the multiple screens, finds themselves unexpectedly educated in the finer points of torpedo versus robusto.

The service staff navigates this mix with the expertise of diplomatic attachés, equally comfortable discussing wrapper leaves or last night's game. Their knowledge runs deep, but without the stuffiness that often plagues high-end cigar venues.

Open from noon until 1 a.m. (2 a.m. on weekends), Empire Social plays the long game, transitioning smoothly from power lunches to nightcaps. The outdoor seating area, complete with Miami's requisite tropical plants, offers a refreshing alternative for those who prefer their air unscented.

The impressive Google rating suggests they're doing something right, and indeed they are. While other venues might excel at either cigars or atmosphere, Empire Social has mastered both. The herringbone floors, custom woodwork, and geometric ceiling designs create an Instagram-worthy backdrop for serious cigar appreciation.

Bottom Line: Empire Social Lounge proves that where there's smoke, there's not just fire, but fine design, skilled service, and a thoroughly modern take on an age-old pleasure. It's a rare space where both cigar aficionados and novices can feel at home, whether they're celebrating a deal or just Tuesday.

Insider Tip: Come for the cigars, stay for the scene, but don't skip the cocktails – they're mixed with the same precision as the humidor is maintained.

The Details: Empire Social Lounge 1106 S Miami Ave #202, Miami, FL 33130 Tel: +1 786-622-2220 Open Mon-Wed, Sun 12PM-1AM; Fri-Sat 12PM-2AM Price Range: $$$ Dress Code: Smart Casual Vibe: Upscale but unstuffy Best For: Deal closers, 3rd date nights, and distinguished dalliances...

WARNING: VERY UNPROFESSIONAL, DISRESPECTFUL, & AGGRESSIVE STAFF!!!

I stood at the bar for over 10 minutes waiting to order 2 drinks at $17 apiece (total of $34 before taxes & $36.38 with tax). Bartender made eye contact and repeatedly ignored me until he finally attended to me in a rude/arrogant fashion. I gave him $41 cash which more than covers the drinks and gives him about $5 tip. He then arrogantly told me "you're short"... "pardon me?" I asked. He demanded $43 and told me that 18% gratuity was "mandatory." I told him no A) tips are not mandatory, if they were they wouldn't be a tip, and B) $5 tip is more than enough for the poor service he was giving me.

At that point he took the two drinks away from me, called the manager, and lied "he refuses to pay his tab." After I explained the situation to the manager he told me "YOU BETTER PAY YOUR TAB." All this over $2 (mind you 2 bucks they didn't deserve!). He then told me "IF YOU DON'T PAY YOUR TAB I GOT 3 COPS DOWNSTAIRS READY TO GO." In those exact words. I decided to immediately leave this trashy business. However, instead of letting me leave in peace, him and his bouncer escalated the situation by aggressively following me down the stairs all the way to the exit.

Absolutely disgusting! First the arrogance to give bad service and DEMAND $7 worth of tip when $5 is more than enough for making two drinks. He's lucky i gave him any tip at all. Then the AUDACITY to threaten me with law enforcement!?!?!? ...mind you, all this over two dollars that weren't even part of the actual tab itself!!!

Where have we come to as a society where businesses DEMAND MANDATORY TIP for trashy service and then have the NERVE to get in their customer's face, threaten him, and follow him in an aggressive manner simply because they didn't get the amount of tip they wanted. Overall OUTRAGEOUS. DO NOT...

Their new hostess is very unprofessional and problematic , we have been here a lot of times this time it was packed we get it no seats…but a table opened and it was 4 of us in a 2 high tiny table, so we thought she was going to offer the new opened booth; she didn’t she gave it to 2 people who just arrived so we decided to ask the couple if they would switch for us before they even sat down and they happily agreed, the hostess seemed upset and tried to heavily change their minds but they agreed to switch in her face so she gave us the dirtiest look and after that the whole experience was horrible the manager came to us asking if we took the couples place in a rude way then we got asked for id and I didn’t bring mine as we live very close and they never ID SO I NEVER bring my wallet when I’m with my boyfriend ( that’s my bad ) hut they have already served us alcohol to all of us without asking for ID as USUAL and then because I didn’t bring my wallet they closed all of our tabs even after I said don’t worry you can cancel my order, I’m 27 BTW. After we pretty much get kicked out my boyfriend says goodnight to the host lady and she gives all of us a dirty look, I get it there is rules you guys have to follow but disrespect towards frequent clients is a big no, also halfway mediocrely force rules you have NEVER followed before says about your business.

I’m not the one to write reviews but this time is just a call of attention for empire, it’s hard to take care of everything but you should be careful with who you hire at least train them on basic manners this girl with all due respect doesn’t know how to organize no manners and terrible emotional management so be careful next time you hire...