In an era dominated by wellness trends, fitness tracking, and non-alcoholic spirits, the resurgence of cigar bars may seem like a surprising cultural twist. Yet cigar bars are experiencing a notable renaissance across urban centers and upscale communities. Once the haunt of old-school gentlemen and smoky backroom deals, these lounges are reimagined as stylish social spaces where aficionados and newcomers alike can unwind with a premium cigar and a finely paired drink. This evolving trend is more than just nostalgia - it’s a deliberate return to a slower, more tactile kind of luxury.
The concept of the cigar bar isn’t new. In the mid-20th century, smoking lounges were fixtures in high-end hotels, private clubs, and elite establishments. Cigar smoking, especially in Western cultures, was associated with celebration, power, and prestige. However, as public health awareness increased and anti-smoking legislation tightened, cigar bars saw a sharp decline in the 1990s and early 2000s. Smoking bans in restaurants and bars across the U.S., Canada, and much of Europe forced many of these lounges to shut their doors or pivot.
Yet, cigar smoking never entirely disappeared - it simply went underground. Private clubs, cigar societies, and home humidors preserved the tradition. What we’re seeing now is a return to form, but with a contemporary twist. Today’s cigar bars come in many flavors. Some maintain the traditional gentleman’s club aesthetic, with dark woods, leather upholstery, and classic decor. Others lean modern, blending sleek minimalism with tech-friendly touches like air purification systems and app-based membership management.
Drinks are a central part of the experience. Most cigar bars boast well-stocked bars featuring single malt scotches, small-batch bourbons, cognacs, and fortified wines—drinks that complement the cigar-smoking experience. In fact, pairing menus are increasingly common, with staff trained to recommend cigar and spirit combinations that bring out the best in both.
Many lounges also include retail sections, allowing patrons to purchase cigars to go, or to sample a stick before buying a box. Staff are often trained tobacconists, capable of guiding both novices and seasoned smokers through the selection process.
But modern consumers crave more than products - they seek immersive experiences. A cigar bar offers a curated atmosphere: leather chairs, dim lighting, jazz or blues humming in the background, and the smell of aged tobacco. For many, this is a welcome retreat from digital noise.
“It’s the best way to relax. Mondays call for sophisticated cigars and a perfectly crafted Smoked Old Fashioned,” says Ashlyn Fajerson of Black Sheep Lounge on Main Street in Denison. The inviting atmosphere and staff create a comfortable environment for those new to cigars. “Nick is the cigar aficionado and Old Fashioned expert, but I’m trying to catch up as fast as I can,” continues Ashlyn. “There are many misconceptions about cigar bars. We don’t allow cigarettes, marijuana products, or vapes in the lounge - only quality cigars. And while we are motorcycle enthusiasts personally, the lounge is not a ‘biker bar.’ The vibe is comfortable and modern but upscale.”
Like fine wine, craft whiskey, or specialty coffee, cigars are being appreciated for their artistry. From Nicaraguan puros to Cuban classics, cigar culture is steeped in knowledge and nuance. Cigar bars often provide education, tastings, and cigar-rolling events, turning patrons into enthusiasts. Ash & Barrel, located on the square in downtown Sherman, raises the bar, pun intended. Owner Michael Smith notes, “We provide the finest cigars and liquor in Grayson County.” The sense of community and culture that emanates from connoisseurship draws people into these lounges. “Going on two years now, we provide a comfortable atmosphere where factory workers, doctors, and lawyers can come together and have something in common - a love of fine spirits and cigars.”
In a world where luxury is being redefined, cigars remain an enduring symbol of indulgence. Many high-end cigar bars now offer premium selections—rare vintages, limited editions, and personal lockers—appealing to a clientele that values exclusivity. As the trend grows, innovation follows. Hybrid cigar bars and speakeasies, rooftop lounges with cigar-friendly patios, and even cigar barbershops and tailors are popping up.
The Silos in Celina has an elegant, speakeasy-style cigar lounge constructed inside a historic grain silo. Owner Michael Arani says, “When we were fleshing out the concept, I wanted something totally unique. Something that stood out as one-of-a-kind.” Visitors to the Silos can experience for themselves the luxurious interior which is masculine and industrial yet modern and elegant. Reinforcing the cultural aspect of cigar lounges, Michael states, “The lounge is a cool place that feels private. There is no blaring music to drown out conversation. You can have upscale light bites and top-notch cocktails to complement your cigar, of course, but the star of the show is the company.”
There’s also a growing interest in inclusivity. Traditionally male-dominated, today’s cigar culture is increasingly welcoming to women and younger adults discovering the pleasures of the leaf. Brands and lounges are responding with more diverse marketing, events aimed at newcomers, and social media campaigns that blend tradition with trendiness.
The cigar bar trend may seem counterintuitive in a health-conscious world, but its appeal lies not in defiance but in distinction. These lounges offer something rare in modern life: time to slow down, savor, and connect. Whether you're a seasoned smoker or just curious about the culture, stepping into a cigar bar is an invitation to experience a centuries-old ritual, updated for today’s discerning crowd.
Black Sheep Lounge
127 W Main Street, Denison, TX
Ash and Barrel
120 S Crockett Street, Sherman, TX
Silos in Celina
300 N Oklahoma Drive, Celina, TX