The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to America, and we’ve put together your guide to the best cigar lounges across the host cities. While each market has no shortage of excellent cigar shops, we focused our attention on cigar lounges in the neighborhoods where visiting fans are most likely to be staying, eating, and celebrating (or commiserating).
New York – New Jersey
The New York/New Jersey World Cup games will be played in New York New Jersey Stadium, home to both New York NFL franchises. FIFA’s organizers bestowed the venue with some of the most exciting group-stage games like Brazil vs. Morocco and Ecuador vs. Germany as well as the tournament final scheduled for July 19. Fans will experience the new LCD scoreboard built specifically for the World Cup. Along with improvements inside the stadium, the backdrop of the event is New York City, with its variety of cigar lounges and the world’s fifth-largest Michelin-starred restaurant network. And don’t sleep on the New Jersey cigar scene. While more laid-back than NYC, there are plenty of fantastic places to enjoy a pre- or post-game smoke.
Cigar Lounges:
The Big Apple has a number of lounges throughout the city. From the upscale, Upper East Side vibe of Club Macanudo to the speakeasy feel of Soho Cigar Bar, you have options. Be aware that some spots, including Club Macanudo, have a dress code, so don’t expect to be served if you pull up to “Club Mac” wearing shorts and a Vini Jr. jersey. While the business casual dress code is strictly enforced, once inside, you’ll be able to dine, drink, and of course, enjoy a cigar. Midtown has several options starting with Casa de Montecristo in Midtown East. The walk-in humidor is well-stocked and the lounge area is large and laid back, with ample seating, TVs and large windows overlooking the garden. Moving west from CdM along 53rd St to Madison Ave is Davidoff of Geneva. Upon entering the recently renovated space, you’re met by an impeccably stocked and maintained walk-in humidor with tobacco leaves hanging from the ceiling. The intimate public lounge space is behind the humidor and has a view of the foot-traffic on 53rd St. In addition, there is a second Davidoff of Geneva location in Manhattan facing 6th Ave, just north of 56th St. Around the corner from that one is The Carnegie Club on 56th St between 6th and 7th Ave. The club is known for its Sinatra-era aesthetic, so much so that every Saturday night is “Sinatra Saturday” where a Sinatra tribute act performs to a packed house. The cigar selection at Carnegie is limited but solid; in other words, you won’t find the cigar variety of a typical shop but you’ll easily find something you’ll enjoy. One last Midtown location that needs to be mentioned is Paley Park, the only park in the city where it is legal to smoke a cigar. But if the World Cup party scene takes you down to Lower Manhattan, don’t miss the SoHo Cigar Bar. This full-service cigar bar has a 1920s art deco speakeasy feel with a serious cocktail program, a food menu with small plates, flatbreads, and a killer sticky toffee cake for dessert. The feel here is less country club elite and more relaxed refinement. The cigar selection is curated with all the big brands you’d expect plus a selection of house blends that are made for SoHo by a New York City-based cigar factory.
New York City is always going to draw most of the attention, but the games are actually being played across state lines in New Jersey. If you land in Newark, you’ll be quite close to one of the more impressive cigar retail operations in the state, Casa del Tabaco. There are three locations but the Newark one, which opened in 2022, is the newest and is the flagship. The three-story, standalone building houses a massive selection of premium cigars and accessories and is an Arturo Fuente Preferred Partner, meaning the selection of Fuente products will be among the best in the state. There is plenty of comfortable indoor and outdoor lounge space throughout the property. For a lounge with a more neighborhood lounge feel, there’s Cigar Emporium in Lyndhurst. It is also the closest lounge to the stadium. The red-brick exterior houses a shop with an impressive selection and a comfortable lounge that is typically frequented by a cast of classic Jersey characters. The welcoming feel isn’t only from the patrons; the lounge has a BYOB policy that is frequently used. But if you want the experience of a full liquor bar, restaurant, and cigars, head west on NJ-3 from the stadium to Clifton for Jamie’s Cigar Bar & Restaurant. It’s divided into two areas — a sports bar side and a dining room — but cigars are welcome throughout. North Jersey has no shortage of cigar lounges, but Havana on the Hudson stands apart for one reason: the Manhattan skyline right outside the window. This Davidoff Appointed Merchant is located on the Hudson River in Weehawken and features a well-maintained walk-in humidor and ample seating in the public space.
Philadelphia
The home of the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles will host five group-stage games featuring a couple of the tournament’s top teams – Brazil and France. It will also play host to a Round of 16 match on July 4, when the city will be the epicenter of the 250th anniversary celebration of the United States. The stadium is no stranger to big soccer matches, having opened its doors in 2003 with a friendly between European powerhouses Manchester United and FC Barcelona. Outside of the games, the city is known for its food, specifically its sandwiches or hoagies. The cheesesteak reigns supreme in the eyes of tourists but the roast pork is just as important in these parts. To visit Philadelphia and not dine at Reading Terminal Market, one of the country’s longest running public food markets, would be a crime. It’s old, a little messy, and chaotic in the best way possible.
Cigar Lounges:
Philadelphia has a vibrant cigar scene that offers a variety of options from relaxed neighborhood shops in South Philly to upscale lounges with full liquor in Center City. Any conversation about cigars in the City of Brother Love has to start with Holt’s Cigar Company. Holt’s is one of the country’s top cigar retailers and a Philadelphia institution. This location on Walnut Street has been a central figure in the city’s cigar culture since 1995. The company’s bar, named Ashton Cigar Bar after their flagship cigar brand, sits above the store on the second floor. The bar boasts a whiskey list with over 450 brands, purported to be the largest in the state and if you’re planning on visiting on a weekend night, make a reservation. If a neighborhood haunt is more your speed, head to South Philly where you’ll find Twins Smoke Shoppe. Located a few blocks south of the Pat’s and Geno’s corner, where the big cheesesteak rivalry plays out on a daily basis, Twins Smoke Shoppe is nothing if not authentic Italian-American. There’s a solid variety of smokes in cabinet humidors and while there are lounge chairs in the main retail space, a larger smoking area is available towards the rear of the store. More upscale lounges have a dress code, but this neighborhood spot has an informal, “be cool” code. Near Independence Hall in Old City, you’ll find Harry’s Cigar Shop, a great neighborhood shop that has been in the city’s historic district since 1938. The store’s walk-in humidor has an excellent mix of up-and-coming brands and industry giants. Harry’s also caters to the pipe smoker with a full selection of pipes and pipe tobacco.
Other Cigar Lounges:
- Liberty Smokes – http://www.libertysmokescigars.com/
- Smokin Silverbacks Cigar Lounge – https://smokinsilverbackscigarlounge.com/
- Capelli Brothers Cigar Company – https://www.cappellibrotherscigarcompany.com/
- Xhale Lounge – https://www.xhalelounge.com/cigars/
- SJ Cigars – https://www.sjcigars.com/
- The Cigar Code – https://www.thecigarcode.com/
Atlanta
Atlanta Stadium is one of the most architecturally striking venues in American sports. The retractable roof, modeled after the oculus of the Roman Pantheon, is as stunning as it is functionally practical. The stadium’s wall-to-wall glass “Window to the City” on the northeastern side adds a visual connection to the city’s skyline. Group stage matches here include heavyweights Argentina and Spain, and the crowd will let you know it. Off the pitch, Atlanta’s food scene, anchored by a booming restaurant culture, is a vibrant combination of cuisines from the American South, West Africa, and across Europe.
Cigar Lounges:
Atlanta’s metro area has one of the highest concentrations of cigar lounges of any major American city, with options scattered across its sprawling suburbs as well as downtown.. Mercedes-Benz Stadium sits just west of downtown, and most tourists will find themselves spread between downtown, Midtown and Buckhead, the latter being about eight miles north of the stadium along Peachtree Road. In Atlanta, if you’re lost, just find a Peachtree-named road; there are over 70 of them. The closest lounge to the stadium is Red Phone Booth. The speakeasy-style cocktail bar and cigar lounge is minutes from the venue. Enter through the titular red phone booth and you’ll find a 1920s aesthetic, an exceptional craft cocktail program, and a compact walk-in humidor stocked with a solid selection.
If you’re staying in or around The Battery Atlanta, the entertainment district anchored by Truist Park, home of the Braves, Burn by Rocky Patel is the move. The Rocky Patel brand needs no introduction, and this lounge lives up to the name: a refined, upscale space with a well-appointed humidor heavy on Rocky Patels but other premium brands like Fuente, Padron, and Oliva are well-represented as well. The full bar with diverse cocktails makes it easy to settle in for a long day of matches. In the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood just east of Midtown, is Fellaship.ATL, a cigar and bourbon lounge co-owned by NFL legend and Atlanta native Cam Newton and his brother, Cecil Jr. Local celebrity pedigree aside, the spot has earned its reputation on its own merits. The vibe is warm, social, and unpretentious, with a strong bourbon program to match an excellent cigar selection.
Other Notable Lounges:
- Highland Cigar Company – https://highlandcigar.com
- Cigar City Club – https://cigarcityclub.com
- Prime Cigar Bar – https://primecigaratl.com
- Scottish Tobacco – https://scottishtobacco.com
Miami
Miami will be hosting group stage matches for Brazil, Uruguay, and Colombia. In those fixtures, the Latin American teams should have an overwhelming support advantage. Brazil vs Scotland and Colombia vs Portugal will be some of the hottest tickets in the early stage of the tournament. Miami Stadium knows how to host international sporting events. In addition to the Miami Dolphins and the University of Miami football teams, it also hosts the Miami Grand Prix F1 race and Miami Open tennis tournament. The heat and intense humidity will make this one of the most challenging venues for the players, but fans get a reprieve from the conditions thanks to a canopy that shields the majority of the seats.
Cigar Lounges:
The number of cigar lounges in this city and the surrounding area is staggering and impossible to cover in a few words. In the neighborhoods of Downtown and Brickell, an area of no more than 3 square miles, there are five cigar bars, a handful more lounges, and numerous cigar-friendly terraces. The longest standing cigar bar in Brickell is Empire Social Lounge. Since 2016, Empire has been catering to tourists and locals with a spacious and comfortable lounge and a drinks menu that includes over 250 whiskeys. The walk-in humidor has a solid selection that skews towards the higher end of the premium cigar market. On South Beach, there’s Española Cigar Bar & Lounge, located on the quaint Española Way. The cigar selection is limited but the vibe is world-class; couple that with a solid food menu and a full bar and you’re in the right place. If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere on the beach with an excellent selection, there’s Harry’s Cigar Mart, the newcomer to the South Beach cigar scene. Moving west off the beach and past downtown, Little Havana has a cigar spot seemingly every few feet. Cigar Boutique of Little Havana sits on the opposite corner from El Titan de Bronze, the world-renowned boutique cigar factory. You can wander the streets of Little Havana for days and not visit all of the cigar shops, factories, and cigar friendly bars and restaurants in the area. It is a must for any serious cigar lover but to be in the area and not stop into Padrón Cigars would be sacrilege. Further west in Coral Gables, Galiano Cigar Room draws a mix of locals and tourists with top-shelf spirits, solid cocktail program and a good selection of premium smokes. The Cigar Snob wall art doesn’t hurt either. In Doral you have Trump National Doral Miami, and nearby is Sabor Havana Cigar & Cocktail Lounge, widely considered one of South Florida’s best cigar shops even before its expansion into a full liquor cocktail lounge. The shop is frequented by a healthy mix of tourists and locals and has a fantastic selection of premium cigars for all budgets. Going north past the county line up to Hollywood is the iconic Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. In the casino you can purchase cigars from the servers carrying classic cigar trays, but for the cigar bar experience, visit Davidoff Hard Rock. At first glance it looks like a strictly cigar retail operation with a perfectly maintained walk-in humidor on the right and accessories on the left. But just past the accessories, behind an inconspicuous door is a wonderful cigar bar. The lounge follows the prototypical Davidoff formula: comfortable, upscale, and with impeccable service. The selection of wine, beer, and spirits is top-shelf and the coffee program is excellent.
Other Cigar Lounges:
- Galiano Cigar Room – https://www.facebook.com/galianocigarroom/
- Sabor Havana Cigars Cocktail Lounge – https://www.facebook.com/saborhavanacigar
- Little Havana Cigar Factory – https://littlehavanacigars.com
- Coco Cigars – https://cococigars.com
- Smoke & Barrel Cigar Lounge – https://smokeandbarrellounge.com
- City Cigar Lounge – https://citycigarlounge.com
- Tabacon Cigars and Spirits – https://tabaconlounge.com
- – Havana Group Cigar Club – https://havanagroupcigars.com
- Guantanamera Tropical Café and Lounge – https://guantanameracigars.com/lounge
- Salao Cigar Lounge – https://salaocigarlounge.com
- El Vecino – https://elvecinomiami.com
- Cigar Club Miami – https://cigarclubmiami.com
Kansas City
Kansas City Stadium, home of the back-to-back Super Bowl champion Chiefs, will host six matches, including a quarterfinal on July 11. The group stage is headlined by defending champion Argentina vs Algeria, but also includes the Netherlands, Ecuador, Tunisia, Austria, and Curaçao, a World Cup debutant. The stadium is located east of Downtown off I-70, and while it’s one of the loudest venues in American sports, it straddles a uniquely American quirk: Kansas City is actually two cities, one in Missouri and one in Kansas, referred to locally as KCMO and KCK. This feature or flaw, depending on how you look at it, has confused visitors for generations. Speaking of things that confuse visitors, the Kansas City BBQ debate; every Kansas Citian you ask seems to have a different recommendation. But whatever you do, don’t leave without hitting one of the classics like Joe’s Kansas City or Jack Stack BBQ.
Cigar Lounges:
Unlike BBQ, the Kansas City cigar conversation has a clear starting point: Diebel’s Sportsmens Gallery in the Country Club Plaza, the upscale shopping and dining district south of Downtown near the Kansas state line. Fred Diebel opened the doors in 1954 with $1,000 and a lease, and the shop has been a fixture of KC cigar culture ever since. Now in its third generation under Claire Diebel, the impeccably maintained walk-in humidor is stocked with all the top brands, and the selection of pipe tobaccos is excellent, but the kicker is the men’s gifts section. You’ll find it difficult to walk away without a pen, pocket knife, or flask. There is a comfortable, members-only lounge that non-members can access after a $25 purchase. Closer to Downtown, near the T-Mobile Center off I-35, is La Cultura Cigar & Social. Their lounge space is essentially what your man cave dreams of being when it grows up. There’s a pool table, dartboard, putting green, TVs, and tons of sitting areas. The cigar selection runs from the classic heavyweights to the lesser-known boutiques. It’s the kind of place built for a long afternoon between matches. For something genuinely one of a kind, cross the Missouri River to Outlaw Cigar & Brewery near Wheeler Field. The combination of a brewery and a cigar lounge is rare anywhere, and Outlaw leans into it fully, pairing what may be the largest cigar selection in Kansas City with their own craft beers on tap. It’s not just beer and cigars, though; Outlaw carries a solid selection of brown spirits and is also a live music venue. It’s well worth a detour and there’s a fantastic BBQ spot nearby called Hawg Jaw Que & Brew. If you’re staying in KCK, The Shop Cigar Lounge has a 6,000 sq ft lounge space with pool tables and live music on the weekends. The lounge is members only but if you buy a cigar, you are granted access. After a smoke, head down to nearby Slap’s BBQ for top-notch, competition-level barbeque.
Other Cigar Lounges:
- Classic Blends Cigar & Coffee Lounge – https://classicblendscigar.com
- Sherri’s Executive Lounge – https://www.sherrislounge.com
- Whiskey Beard Cigar Lounge – https://whiskeybeardbarber.com/whiskey-beard-cigar-lounge
Dallas
The Dallas Cowboys’ home, will host one of the semifinal rounds, which can include Argentina, a team that’s scheduled to play two games there during the group stage, or Spain, a favorite to win the tournament. These matches plus the Netherlands against Japan ensure that Dallas will see some tournament-defining soccer. With a capacity of over 70,000 spectators, the roar in the stadium will be something else. Outside of the games is a city that boasts one of the widest varieties of cigar lounges in the country. Cigar-loving soccer fans will have no problem finding a place to enjoy a smoke between matches.
Cigar Lounges:
Deciding where to smoke in Dallas is often decided by what airport you’re arriving in. If you’re coming into Dallas Love Field, you’ll want to stop at The Blue Smoke Dallas. The lounge is a local gem blocks away from the airport. Along with a curated selection of brands, owner Jay Davis leverages his close relationships with manufacturers to secure rare smokes for his clients. If you’re interested in a larger smoking area, there’s a Casa de Montecristo nearby. Casa has a full selection, a well appointed bar, and plenty of space to stretch out. If you’re also staying near Love Field, Javier’s Gourmet Mexicano is a high-end Mexican restaurant with a patio and a cigar bar. If you’re landing in Dallas Fort-Worth International, Ole Grapevine Cigar & Tobacco is an excellent option. Located a few minutes north of the airport, Ole Grapevine offers a classic neighborhood lounge feel, with a broad selection of premium cigars and pipe tobacco. The larger lounge is members only, but there’s plenty of room in the public lounge. Equally close but on the west side of the airport is Michael’s Tobacco of Euless. This Davidoff appointed merchant has an excellent selection of well-known brands as well as lesser-known boutiques. If you need a caffeine kick with your cigar, Prestige Cigar Lounge & Coffee Bar may be your spot. Along with a selection of ultra-premium smokes, they have a full coffee bar with desserts, pizzas, quesadillas, and a killer mocktails menu. Moving close to the stadium, you have Arlington Cigar Company, a traditional neighborhood lounge that has been here since 2001. Arlington Cigar, which is part of the same group that owns Ole Grapevine, has a great staff, friendly regulars, and an excellent selection of smokes. For more niche brands, Underground Cigar Shop is a straight shot across Route 180 on the outskirts of Ft. Worth. The store prides itself on being the “Kings of Boutique” for their wide selection of lesser-known brands. If you’re staying in downtown Fort Worth, Silver Leaf Cigar Lounge is a good bet. It strikes the perfect balance of cigar selection and top-shelf spirits. This Davidoff appointed merchant has a serious selection of premium smokes, excellent service, and a comfortable lounge.
Other Cigar Lounges:
- Elite Cigar Cafe – elitecigarcafe.com
- The Cigar Lounge at Chamberlain’ S Steak and Chop House – www.cigarloungeatchamberlains.com
- Industrial Cigar Co. – industrialcigars.com
- Cigars International Superstore the Colony – cigarsinternational.com
Houston
H-Town may look like Little Lisbon during the early part of the World Cup. Portugal will play two of its three group stage matches in Houston Stadium. And despite the venue’s lack of modern features, it is one of only four host stadiums with air conditioning. This will be a game-changer for players and fans. For the foodies, Houston is a proper restaurant town with over 40 restaurants across the city holding either a Michelin Star, Bib Gourmand, or Michelin-Recommended distinction. And if you leave this city without ever experiencing the “meat sweats,” you were doing it wrong. To ensure you do it right, hit up Truth BBQ and Pinkerton’s Barbecue. These two are inside “The Loop” and made the Michelin list and Texas Monthly’s coveted Top 50 BBQ Joints.
Cigar Lounges:
Houston is one of the most diverse places to smoke cigars in the country. There are excellent locations throughout the metro area but we’re focusing on the lounges in the southwestern side of the city, near the stadium. On the west edge, just outside the Loop is Stogies World Class Cigars, a casual, family-owned lounge with an excellent selection and a knowledgeable staff. If you’re looking for a spot closer to downtown there is Joseph’s Cigars. This Davidoff Appointed Merchant’s well-maintained, walk-in humidor boasts a selection of over 1,500 facings. The lounge has big, comfortable leather seats and the abundant windows flood the space with natural light.Near the iconic Water Wall Park, just off Interstate 610 aka the Loop, is Casa de Montecristo-West Loop, one of three CdM’s in the area. CdM West Loop, as it’s called by locals, has a massive inventory of premium cigars and a large and comfortable lounge with good ventilation. Cigar Store and Lounge by CDOT, the closest location to Houston Stadium, is located in a modest strip mall near the southwest corner of the Loop. Founded as a distributor in 2011, CDOT opened this brick-and-mortar location in 2017. At a whopping 1,850 sq. feet, the store’s walk-in humidor may be the largest in the state. The lounge is equally spacious and well-lit, with flat screen TVs lining the walls. If you’re looking for a lounge to watch the other matches, The Smoke Ring Lounge in southeast Houston is a great choice. This lounge claims to have the largest selection of Padrón cigars in Texas, so if you love the brand, this is the place. The walk-in humidor, however, still has plenty of the everyday favorites to satisfy most smokers. The lounge has a built-in sound system serving four large TVs, with seating arranged for maximum visibility.If you’re active military or a first responder, there’s a 15% box discount and a 10% discount on any purchase as well, which is notable considering that a section of the shop is dedicated solely to cigar accessories.
Other Cigar Lounges:
- Heights Cigar Lounge – https://cigartowne.com
- Nice Ash – https://niceashtx.com
- Cigar Emporium – https://facebook.com/cigaremporiumhouston/
- Downing Street Social Club – https://www.fivecentralhouston.com/venue-downing-street-social-club
Los Angeles
The City of Angels was selected for the inaugural USA home match versus Paraguay in Inglewood’s Los Angeles Stadium, home to the LA Rams. The stadium opened in 2020, and the 70,000 fans who pack it to support the Red, White and Blue will be doing so in one of the most modern venues in the country. The stadium is fully enclosed, but its ETFE roof — ethylene tetrafluoroethylene — designed by HKS allows natural light to filter through, giving fans the feel of an open-air venue as night falls over the pitch.
Cigar Lounges:
LA is a city full of places to smoke, with a lounge map that spans every part of the metro area. Regardless of which side of the 405 you’ll be staying in, there’s always a lounge. In Central LA, V Cut Cigar Lounge on iconic Melrose Ave hits all the high notes. The indoor/outdoor smoking area is comfortable and well-appointed. The lounge’s indoor space is decorated with classic automotive artwork, adding a refined, car-inspired touch. During the pandemic, the outdoor area was expanded to accommodate California’s indoor gathering restrictions; the result is more outdoor space to enjoy a cigar. Nearby, on Santa Monica Blvd in Beverly Hills, stands another casual lounge, Buena Vista Cigar Club. Buena Vista, with its two-story hunting lodge aesthetic, offers a laid-back setting in the heart of posh Beverly Hills. The selection of cigars is stored in cabinet humidors, and there’s a small but well-stocked bar for cocktails and fine spirits. Fifteen minutes west of Buena Vista is Lone Wolf Cigar Company on Wilshire Blvd, a large, elegantly laid out retail space with a small public lounge. If you visit, your goal should be to score an invite to the private, members-only smoking lounge. But if you’re not in the mood to grovel for the private access, visit nearby Hollywood Smoke, which has a classic, old Hollywood feel. This location is more of an eclectic escape from the World Cup scene; it also happens to have an excellent selection of smokes. Over in downtown LA is The King Cigar Lounge, a Davidoff Appointed Merchant, which offers smokers a public lounge with indoor and outdoor seating, plus a large, members-only private lounge. Despite its reputation for strict smoking laws, you’ll have no shortage of cigar lounges in Los Angeles.
Other Notable Lounges:
- V Cut Cigar Lounge – http://www.thevcut.com/
- Buena Vista Cigar Club – https://www.instagram.com/buenavistacigar/
- Lone Wolf – https://lonewolfcigars.com
- Hollywood Smoke – https://hollywoodsmoke.com
- The King Cigar Lounge – https://thekingcigarlounge.com
- The Cigar Warehouse – https://cigarwarehouseusa.com/
Seattle
Few stadiums in the world make as much noise as Seattle Stadium. Home to the Seattle Seahawks, the venue has a well-documented history of crowds that have registered on seismographs. With six matches on the slate, including the United States vs. Australia and Belgium’s tournament opener, expect the decibel levels to be booming again. The retractable roof keeps things moving rain or shine. Beyond the games, Seattle rewards the curious visitor; there’s Pike Place Market, the waterfront, and a restaurant scene shaped heavily by Pacific Rim influences.
Cigar Lounges:
Finding a place to smoke indoors in Seattle is a challenge. Washington state’s indoor smoking ban is strict but there are a few workarounds. In historic Georgetown, just two miles south of downtown and convenient to the stadium, Rain City Cigar has been the city’s destination cigar shop since 1997. This top-notch retailer has over 500 facings including Opus X and Padrón. Rain City also operates a cigar-friendly short bus on the property, an only-in-Seattle solution to the indoor smoking problem. On Lake Union in the Westlake neighborhood, Union Cigar Society is the city’s boutique shop, specializing in harder-to-find brands. Right next door is the Obolus Room, a members-only cigar lounge and sports club that offers week passes for visitors, making it the most accessible true indoor smoking option in the city. For those willing to make the 40-minute drive east on I-90, Lit Cigar Lounge inside Snoqualmie Casino sits on tribal land and is therefore exempt from the state smoking ban. The walk-in humidor is well-stocked, the full bar is solid, and the casino runs free shuttle buses from the city.
San Francisco
San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara sits at the heart of Silicon Valley, about 45 miles south of San Francisco, and will host six matches including five group stage games and a Round of 32. The stadium recently completed a $200 million renovation ahead of Super Bowl LX, bringing the largest outdoor 4K video boards in the NFL and upgraded sound and seating throughout. Getting there from San Francisco without a car is a challenge, requiring a Caltrain ride to Mountain View and then a short VTA light rail hop to the stadium. Getting there with a car means negotiating the region’s already legendary traffic. Either way, plan accordingly, or stay closer to the stadium in Santa Clara or San Jose.
Cigar Lounges:
California’s strict indoor smoking laws make the Bay Area a difficult market for cigar lovers, but there are quality options. In San Francisco’s Financial District, on Pine Street between Chinatown and Nob Hill, Occidental Cigar Club describes itself as “the last bastion of civilization in an otherwise hostile smoking environment” — and they’re not wrong. Occidental is a classic bar-forward cigar spot where the focus is on good company, a well-made drink, and the simple pleasure of smoking indoors in a city where that is nearly impossible. The cigar selection is limited, but you can bring your own for a $10 cutting fee. Closer to the stadium in San Jose’s Willow Glen neighborhood is LG Cigar Club, an upscale lounge that carries its own house brand, Casa de Sueños, alongside a wide selection including rare cigars. The lounge has comfortable seating, large screen TVs, and excellent ventilation. Memberships are available but a $10 day pass makes it accessible for visiting fans. BYOB is welcome and the staff will provide ice and glassware.
Other Cigar Lounges:
- The Cigar Bar & Grill – http://www.cigarbarandgrill.com
- Telford’s Pipe & Cigar – http://telfordspipeandcigar.com
- Dean’s Fine Cigars – https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/1025568467/deans-fine-cigars/
- The Humidor – https://embarcaderocenter.com/shops/the-humidor
San Jose
- Mission Pipe Shop – http://www.missionpipe.com
- West Coast Cigars – http://www.westcoastcigars.net
Boston
Boston Stadium, home of the New England Patriots, offers visitors a unique experience. The venue sits adjacent to Patriot Place, a shopping, dining, and entertainment district where the only thing missing is a cigar lounge. The state’s restrictive smoking laws make it one of the more challenging places to enjoy a premium cigar.
Cigar Lounges:
Tucked beneath Caffe Vitoria in Boston’s North End, the Italian neighborhood, and down a narrow staircase is Stanza Dei Sigari, the lone surviving indoor smoking lounge in the city. Stanza feels like a classic, Prohibition-era speakeasy, because that is exactly what it was in the 1920s. The cigar selection is solid, and while you should expect to pay up for the convenience of indoor smoking, this place is not to be missed. The World Cup games are being played in Foxborough, which is closer to Providence than to Boston. If you plan on staying in downtown Providence, check out Ale House Cigar Bar. This spot has an upscale, classic downtown cigar lounge feel, with leather seating, large windows, dark wood mouldings, and high ceilings, but it never feels stuffy. Ale House has a well-run, walk-in humidor with an excellent selection.
Toronto
Toronto Stadium sits at Exhibition Place on the western waterfront and hosts six World Cup matches, including Canada’s first-ever men’s World Cup home game on June 12 against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Germany, Ghana, Panama, and Croatia also feature in the group stage, as well as a Round of 32 clash. A series of renovations gave the stadium a distinctly English feel, most notably a Premier League-style roof canopy that brings the stands close to the pitch and generates an intimate, pressure-cooker atmosphere. Off the pitch, Toronto is one of the most culinarily diverse cities on the planet, with over 200 ethnic communities shaping a food scene that spans everything from Cantonese dim sum in Chinatown to jerk chicken in Little Jamaica to upscale dining in Yorkville. And don’t leave without a Peameal Bacon sandwich from St. Lawrence Market.
Cigar Lounges:
Canada’s strict indoor smoking ban means there is no traditional cigar lounge experience to be had in Toronto. That said, Cigar Studio, a fixture in the Kingsway neighborhood since 1996 with an excellent selection, operates the free-to-join Kingsway Cigar Club, which organizes member events and sets up outdoor smoking tents. It’s not a lounge in the conventional sense, but it’s the closest thing Toronto has to one. More broadly, if you call the cigar shop nearest your hotel, you’ll likely find they have workable solutions for where and how to enjoy a smoke. Just come prepared, Canada’s plain packaging laws and high tobacco taxes mean prices will be steep and the cigar labels won’t look like what you’re used to. What’s most impressive is that despite the indoor smoking ban, the taxes, and the plain packaging, Toronto’s cigar community remains remarkably strong and committed to preserving the freedom to enjoy a premium cigar.
Other Cigar Lounges:
- The Casablanca Tobacconist – Cigar Store – https://order-casablancatobacconist.com/
- Havana Castle Cigars Toronto Bloor – https://www.havanacastlecigars.com/cigar-shop-toronto-bloor
- La Casa De Fuma – http://www.lacasadefuma.com/
- The Smokin Cigar – http://www.smokincigar.com/
- Metro Cigar Tobacconist & Habanos Specialist – http://www.metro-cigar.com/
- Xcentrix Cigar Company – https://xcentrixcigar.ca/
Vancouver
BC Place, home of the MLS’s Vancouver Whitecaps, sits in the heart of downtown Vancouver and hosts seven World Cup matches, more than any other Canadian city. The slate includes five group stage games, headlined by Canada’s two decisive matches against Qatar and Switzerland, plus matches featuring Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, and Belgium, with a Round of 32 and a Round of 16 to follow. The stadium’s retractable roof means every match will be comfortable, rain or shine, which is just as well given Vancouver’s reputation. Off the pitch, the city’s food scene draws heavily from its Pacific Rim identity, the Japanese, Korean, and Chinese dining in Vancouver ranks among the best in North America, and the mountains and harbor make it one of the most scenic World Cup destinations in the tournament.
Cigar Lounges:
British Columbia’s strict indoor smoking ban presents the same challenge here as it does across the country, but Vancouver’s cigar community has some workarounds.
Sailor Hagar’s Brew Pub in North Vancouver, a short SeaBus ride from downtown, with a great view of the harbor, has a well-known smoking-friendly patio, making it one of the more enjoyable outdoor smoke spots in the area. Some of the city’s better shops are well-positioned across town: City Cigar Emporium, Western Canada’s largest cigar store, is near Yaletown on the Canada Line; Revolucion Cigars & Gifts, a Habanos-appointed specialist, is right in Yaletown; and Cigar Connoisseurs, a luxury boutique operating since 1993, is in historic Gastown. Any of them will point you in the right direction for where to enjoy a smoke nearby. Come prepared for plain packaging and high tobacco taxes.
Other Cigar Lounges:
2000 Cigars – https://www.2000cigars.ca/
Monterey
Nicknamed “El Gigante de Acero,” The Steel Giant, Estadio Monterrey is home to CF Monterrey and one of the most visually striking venues in Latin American football. The futuristic-looking stadium sits against the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains, making it one of the most distinctive settings of the tournament. For the World Cup it will be known as Estadio Monterrey and will host four matches: Sweden vs. Tunisia, Japan vs. Tunisia, and South Africa vs. South Korea in the group stage, plus a round of 32 clash at the end of June. Beyond the matches, Monterrey is a proud industrial city with a thriving food and nightlife scene concentrated in the upscale municipality of San Pedro Garza García, just southwest of the city center, and conveniently, that’s exactly where you’ll find both of the city’s best cigar lounges.
Cigar Lounges:
Bárcena Cigar House, a La Casa del Habano affiliate operating since 1997, is Monterrey’s most established cigar destination. Located in the Del Valle neighborhood of San Pedro, the humidor is loaded with Cuban brands and has a knowledgeable staff on hand to guide you through the selection. Just around the corner, also in Del Valle, is Casa Vitola, a premium lounge that pairs an excellent selection of cigars with a full food and spirits menu. The interior is contemporary and elegant, the staff is well-trained, and for those planning a longer stay in Monterrey, a private membership option includes 24/7 lounge access and a locker for cigar storage.
Mexico City
Perhaps no stadium on the world soccer planet carries more history than Estadio Ciudad de México. It hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals, Pelé lifted his third and final World Cup trophy on this pitch in 1970, and sixteen years later it was the stage for Diego Maradona’s legendary Goal of the Century, not to mention the infamous Hand of God goal. With the 2026 World Cup, it becomes the only stadium to host three different editions of the global event. Sitting at 7,200 feet above sea level, the altitude will be a factor for players and fans alike. It opens the tournament with Mexico vs. South Africa and also hosts Uzbekistan vs. Colombia and Czechia vs. Mexico in the group stage, plus a Round of 32 and a Round of 16 match. Mexico City itself is one of the world’s great metropolises, overwhelming, electric, and completely unforgettable.
Cigar Lounges:
Mexico City has several standout cigar destinations that couldn’t be more different from each other. In the upscale Polanco neighborhood, on Avenida Presidente Masaryk, the city’s answer to Rodeo Drive, is Casa Turrent, the lounge of the Turrent family, fifth-generation tobacco growers and cigar makers whose roots in Mexican tobacco date to 1880. The selection skews heavily toward their own Mexican-grown blends, making this the definitive place to smoke a puro mexicano in its home country. For something with a completely different energy, head southeast to the Roma neighborhood and climb to the third floor of Mercado Roma to find Cigar Point. The indoor-outdoor lounge sits above one of the city’s best food halls, has a walk-in humidor stocked with Cuban and non-Cuban cigars, and backs it up with a spirits menu featuring over 300 spirits heavy on tequila, mezcal, and Scotch. Order food from downstairs, pair it with mezcal and a smoke, and watch the city do its thing from the open-air terrace.
Guadalajara
Estadio Guadalajara will host four group stage matches. “El Volcán,” as it’s known locally, was designed to look like a volcano, with a grass-covered exterior mimicking the base of a volcano. Unlike a volcano, the temperature in the stadium is noticeably cooler thanks to the natural temperature-regulating properties of the soil covering the exterior. The slate of games includes Mexico vs. South Korea and Uruguay vs. Spain. The stadium is in Zapopan, a municipality about 15 kilometers west of Guadalajara’s city center.
Cigar Lounges:
Guadalajara’s cigar scene is compact, with limited indoor smoking options. In the Prados Providencia neighborhood sits Casa Blend Restaurant and Cigar Bar. It is not only the city’s most polished cigar destination, it’s perhaps one of the most complete smoking experiences open to the public you’ll find anywhere. It features a full-service restaurant and cigar bar with an upscale atmosphere across multiple floors accessible by a dramatic staircase. The walk-in humidor, run by a well-trained staff, has a variety of premium cigars. The excellent barbershop and putting green are there to round out your visit. For something entirely different, climb the stairs above Uma Uma Japanese Kitchen to find Hamaki – Puros & Whisky Bar, an intimate lounge with a curated selection of cigars and spirits. The concept seems out of place; whisky and cigar bar above a casual Japanese restaurant in Guadalajara. But once settled in, the service and ambiance make you feel like a guest at a friend’s man cave with excellent food, drinks, and cigars. It’s the kind of only-here discovery that makes cigar travel worthwhile.
