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Buena Vista Cigar Club
Categories: Nightlife Bars Lounges Nightlife Bars Sports Bars Lounges, Sports Bars [Edit]
9715 Santa Monica BlvdBeverly Hills, CA 90210
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills
(310) 273-8100
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Yes
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
31 reviews for Buena Vista Cigar Club
Review Highlights
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"...full bar makes this literally the best place in LA to chill." In 2 reviews -
"its like havana meets teddy roosevelt's hunting lodge." In 3 reviews
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"Very laid back, and Rigo is the man." In 3 reviews
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31 reviews in English
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Review from Cory R.
Los Angeles, CA
5/13/2012
Exactly what I was looking for.
I just moved to the valley about 18 months ago, and I work in Santa Monica. I moved here from an area where I had a lovely, favorite cigar lounge. I hadn't had the chance to explore the ones here yet, and I finally decided to just say screw it. I went and tried Rigo's place this evening.
Immediately after walking in, I was digging the atmosphere. Quiet, small, probably about a dozen patrons at 11pm on a Saturday night. Cigar selection is small but decent with a decent array (everything from noobie cigars like Macanudos to heavy smokers like triple maduros, I think I saw one or two habanos in there). I grabbed a Camacho Gigante that hit the spot for $15 (not a bad price for a Camacho. Not the cheapest I've seen, but definitely reasonable for a cigar bar)
After grabbing my cigar for me, Rigo offered to cut it (which I always decline, cutting it myself with my Xikar guillotine cutter is part of the ritual for me). Nice liquor selection. I ordered a glass of Glenlivet. Rigo was friendly, and we briefly chatted. Two seats down at the bar was a regular, and Rigo was chatting with him, breaking away to serve other patrons.
I sat and read on the Kindle app while smoking. When I finished my book, he came over to chat with me a bit more. I then ordered a Mojito which was decent. For the Camacho, a glass of Glenlivet, and a mojito I paid $40. Not bad in my book, I was used to dropping $60 for the same.
A great place to come if you like your cigar experience like I enjoy mine. Cigar smoking for me is like a massage... it should be quiet, relaxing, and a way to unwind without disturbance.
I will definitely be coming here again frequently. Great place. If you are looking for a rowdy evening, go elsewhere. If you are looking for a quiet place to converse while smoking or having a couple of quiet drinks, this place is excellent. -
Review from Michael H.
NORTH HILLS, CA
4/22/2012
I have to say that i have always wanted to go to a cigar bar for a while now but i never thought there such things in LA because of the county's no smoking policy in indoor establishments. I have to be honest i found out about this place through Yelp! i know, pretty predictable right? haha!
I saw that this place had a lot of great reviews from many of the customers and i decided to give a shot, why not right? So i planned out this night with a group of my good friends, it was 7 of us who all went this past Friday night. We came suited up to this place because thinking it was Beverly Hills, why not dress up lol! But anyways, as soon as we walked in the door the owner by the name of Rigo, greeted you with a smile and a welcoming feeling. He was a really cool guy that new his stuff about cigars. He recommended many good cigars and never pushed on us the most expensive ones as one would think. He made you feel comfortable with the choices you made.So we all finally picked out cigars and started to enjoy them. From there Rigo took all of our drink orders and that's where we just started enjoying the night
This place is a nice size, and its very home-y. Its a great place to just come in and just hang out with your friend and have a good smoke and drink! I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking to have a nice time
And Rigo, if you are reading this, just have to say that service like yours, is why customers like myself, are going to come back time and time again! Thank you! -
Review from Del T.
Glendale, CA
3/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
i'm a fan, the owner doesn't BS you... he could've easily sold me the most expensive scotch, but asked for the flavor profiles i enjoyed, and recommended a moderate price scotch.
Friendly, and great place to kick back with some scotch and smoke.
Cheers! -
Review from Jean C. M.
Los Angeles, CA
12/20/2011 3 Check-ins Here
One of my favorite cigar lounges in Los Angeles! Buena Vista has a mellow and relaxed vibe. It doesn't feel like "a scene" when you walk in, just a nice place to enjoy some drinks and good cigars. Great decor - a hunting lodge feel with high ceilings. Most importantly...it has good ventilation so the smoke isn't settling down on you.
Rigo always offers good service. He maintains a good selection of bourbon, and hard to find rums. Reasonable prices on the cigars and drinks. Drop by and enjoy. -
Review from A S.
Los Angeles, CA
9/6/2011
Very cool lounge! Authentic but not super uppity.
My beautiful sisters and i ventured out hoping for a chill evening of mellow drinks and a good intro into the world of cigar savoring. Rigo was such a welcoming expert - and handsome too! ;)
We really enjoyed this low key spot, found a cozy corner to relax in, made some new acquaintances and learned a thing or two about cigars. Good times. Surely to be repeated again. Enjoy! -
Review from John M.
9/20/2011
Amazing atmosphere! So chill. Fantastic selection of cigars and tons of great scotch to choose from. The ability to smoke inside is unreal one of the last places you can do that in! Rigo is a fantastic bartender and the clientele here are pretty laid back as well.
It is def my favorite bar that I have been to during my brief stay here in Los Angeles! If you're in the area def check this place out. If Scotch and cigars are your thing then it is a must see. -
Review from Monique M.
Alhambra, CA
1/19/2012
A great cigar lounge where you can come and just relax. When you step in, you almost... just almost, forget that you're in LA. Rigo IS the man, and he makes you feel right at home!
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Review from Elizabeth M.
Los Angeles, CA
4/9/2011
Rigo is the best, with a fascinating story, if he'll tell it to you.
What I love is the selection of single-malt scotch and the fabulous English 'gentlemens lodge' feel of the place.
You must love the smell of good cigars to enjoy it - and plan on wearing something that washes easily, ladies! The aroma stays with you.
We also love to order avocado sandwiches from the restaurant a few doors down. (They deliver to the bar regularly.) -
Review from Andy K.
Brentwood, CA
11/23/2011
Great place, real chill, and awesome selection of drinks & cigars. Once in a while a d-bag will roll in and be obnoxiously loud (maybe to proclaim how chummy he is with the owner or what not) but otherwise, this place is amazing.
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Review from Penn T.
El Segundo, CA
12/22/2010 6 Check-ins Here
A cool, rainy afternoon... the streets are starting to get a little busy from the beginning of rush-hour, the sky's dimming with the oncoming night and a cool breeze blows through as we're waiting in front of Rigo's establishment, awaiting the clock to strike 4 PM, entrance inside and sanctuary.
As we sighted Rigo walking up, his companion goes to unlock the door and Rigo greets us warmly, shaking each of our hands like we were long term patrons (however, this was our first time here).
Once inside, I take in the comforts of the surroundings. A large humidor displays available sticks on the back wall and tables and chairs are peppered in around the sitting area both on the main floor and upstairs.
After my friend and I have our picks, we also order a drink, which he generously pours for us and we sit down to indulge for the next hour.
And I'm not kidding about sanctuary. if ever there was a true example of this word, Rigo's place is it!!! -
Review from Amy L.
Malden, MA
3/5/2012
I was surprised it was not bigger, there was no walk in humidor. The selection they had was good. The staff was very helpful in choosing a cigar. The prices were on the high side compared to other places I have been.
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Review from Fernando R.
Los Angeles, CA
7/20/2011
Best Kept Secret in Los Angeles! Unpretentious, cozy and fun. It is both, upscale and casual, with a fine selection of premium cigars, liquor, wine and beer. Rigo is the kind of proprietor who makes you feel at home and treats first-time customers as warmly as a longtime regular. I've been coming here for over 10 years, and it is my favorite place in LA. Also, you can order food from Italian restaurant right next door, Il Forno Caldo, and enjoy it at BVCC. If you like to enjoy a fine cigar with good company, this is your place.
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Review from Craig R.
11/8/2009
The atmosphere is laid-back and non-pretentious like the other stogie spots in Beverly Hills. The bar (yes, the only cigar lounge with a bar) has a relatively good selection of cigars, but all they ask is that if you're going to smoke, that you buy a cigar. Whether you smoke that one or the one you brought is up to you.
Buena Vista has a fairly good selection of Scotches and wines. The rum choices include Pyrat XO, a 15-year-old Zacapa, Botran and an eight-year-old Flor de Caña.
The decor is early whatever. A rack of antlers, some stuffed ducks, old skis and a bunch of photos populate the walls. As you venture to the "loft," the pictures tend to concentrate on baseball.
You are not going to confuse Buena Vista with the private cigar club a few blocks down the street, but then again, everybody can get in here. All that is required is that you have a friendly disposition. -
Review from Clark F.
Granada Hills, CA
8/1/2011
If you're a Cigar beginner and want a place where you can kick back and not pretend to be a smoke aficionado, this is the place.
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Review from Annie W.
11/20/2009
I think this place is definitely a hidden treasure.
Here's what I have to say about last night's (Thursday) experience =)
Smoke cigars, chill out, have a couple of drinks and just talk the night away. (Lakers were on, flat screen TV can be seen from upstairs also)
I learned of this place through my husband and since he wasn't around, I took one of my girlfriends out with me.
I think this place is cute (lodge/ cabin feel), and I adore the upstairs section. It seems a little private, more cozy feeling. (definitely fit up to 15+ people comfortably on the sofas and small tables)
Since I'm a woman, walking into this place was inviting and I didn't feel intimidated at all. The owner is super uber friendly.
I had 3 bailey on the rocks averaging $10.50 a drink. I saw that owner had a wine collection, but didn't bother to try any.
I will be back to try some whiskey next time. This is not Hollywood at all, there are no plush sofas or fancy decor. Just a really chill place to hang out.
The restroom is unisex and it was really clean. -
Review from HungryDoberman P.
Beverly Hills, CA
2/22/2010
There isn't much about this place that I can say that hasn't been said already. The Buena Vista Cigar Club is a bar and cigar store that is open the public and allows smoking inside. The fact that you can smoke both cigarettes and cigars at the bar makes the Buena Vista a complete rarity for a public establishment in Los Angeles County. They have an enormous selection of cigars and scotch whiskey and the place is decorated like a hunting lodge from the 40s (down to the real Remington 1100 shotgun on the wall).
I consider the owner, Rigo, to be a close personal friend and after spending time here you will understand why the Buena Vista has some of the most loyal clientele in LA. Rigo is the definition of a good host and as long as you respect his place you will get top notch service. He is absolutely accommodating in every way and I can't say enough good things about him.
They always show NFL, MLB, NBA events on the many TV screens - and if I'm there Rigo will gladly put on Boxing or UFC.
The crowd here is great and I've had some extremely interesting conversations here with everyone from CEOS to college professors to bus drivers - and of course with Rigo. The Buena Vista is not particularly political but that said it kind of serves as the de facto Republican men's club of Beverly Hills. The crowd is mostly 35+ - so take your flat brimmed baseball cap and your square glasses down the road to a hipster bar.
All in all the best place in LA to unwind without the girlfriend or the wife (though they are more than welcome to come and Rigo will treat them very hospitably). -
Review from Tommy P.
San Francisco, CA
10/1/2007
Had a little time to kill while a friend went for laser hair removal so I checked out this place and was pleasantly surprised. Very plush setting with nice flat screen tv's, lounge chairs, full bar (lots of top shelf stuff), and a nice little selection of stogies!!
Very chill atmosphere to slip out of the hustle and bustle of Beverly Hills, sit back with a beer, cigar and enjoy the game or whatever's on the tube. Recommended!! -
Review from Alex F.
Sherman Oaks, CA
11/11/2009
This place is amazing. It's got such classic old world vibe. its like havana meets teddy roosevelt's hunting lodge.
The owner, Rigo, is an incredibly gracious host and really is the reason why this place is special. He was born in Cuba, but immigrated here. He's got tons of amazing stories and is quite the conversationalist.
The cigar selection is excellent. Rigo doesn't sell anything he wouldn't personally smoke himself, and cigarette smoking is permitted to.
That plus a full bar makes this literally the best place in LA to chill. Beers are only 5 bucks and the selection is always changing. The liquor selection is very large. He has all the whisky and scotch staples plus some stuff that is rare that only the true aficionados are into.
Do yourself a favor and go check this place out, you won't regret it.
Disclaimer: This is not a meat market. It's a place to hang with friends and get a drink. It's not like Barneys Beanery, or something like that. -
Review from Jimmy F.
Beverly Hills, CA
6/5/2011 5 photos
This place is real gem. Perfect non pretentious celebrity spot in the heart of Beverly Hills. Full bar with a great selection of Scotch, beer and of course cigars. Owner operator Rigo is friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. It can get busy at times but he does a great job. With many HD wide screens available you can watch your favorite sports too. Open Mon - Sat till 2am there's plenty of time for a dink and a cigar (or cigarettes). I used to go to the members only Grand Havana Room nearby but the Buena Vista (aka Rigo's) is a better choice without membership -for now.
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Review from Joseph V.
Burbank, CA
5/12/2011
Great cigar lounge with lots of character. Great location. OK selection of cigars, fairly limited. However they do have a full bar and Rigo, the owner is a gem. Great guy to chat with. Hes got some fantastic stories about growing up in Cuba. I have been a few times and always look forward to stopping by while in the area.
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Review from Kim H.
Los Angeles, CA
2/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Awesome place to chill even though it is on the edge of Beverly Hills it is not a stuck up pretenious place. The owner is Cuban and makes great recommendation if you are a novice smoker like me. A lot of cigar places make you feel awkward if you don't seem to know your stuff....this place is far from it. Has tv's with sports on, a full bar and couches and leather seats to chill and relax. I will be going back again. Tip - the parking is the back but a few stores down there is muni parking and after 6pm it is free.
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Review from Neon W.
Venice, CA
4/18/2010
This place has charm! Wow, the decor is amazing and the owner is a delight.
Had some Whiskey and cigars with great friends and had a memorable night! -
Review from Garrett C.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 2/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Still amazing.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/6/2010
This place is great. Rigo and family are great hosts. The people that visit there are interesting… Read more »
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Review from kevin y.
Los Angeles, CA
1/31/2010
Summary: Awesome service here. Definitely a sweet place to chat and hang out with friends (even for non-smokers). I am coming back!
I'll keep this one short. Not that I am a huge cigar lover, but this is a great place to relax for a weekday night out with a few of your friends. Good seating (couches) and of course, a nice bar that stays open pretty late for BH.
I forgot the owner's name, but he has really a cool story. Ask him about it. -
Review from Walter H.
Carson, CA
6/1/2011
I loved it! Very laid back, and Rigo is the man! Forget about that other members only spot and come here.
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Review from Abigail F.
Woodside, NY
Updated - 4/7/2011
I visited this little cigar shop while on a business trip. I caught up with a mutual friend and shared wine. At the end of the night I got up to leave and left behind my camera bag. After several attempts to get in touch with the owner of this establishment, with no courtesy of a returned phone call or email, I posted my experience on YELP... Fast forward to TODAY-- I received this email from the owner --
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"It took me a while to have sometime to acknowledge the comments you posted on yelp a year ago, probably because they made us all laugh our a**es off. I should not tell you this, but out of your comments We have got a lot of new business because customers have realized that We do not take good care of b*tches and as a result our establishment is risk free of women that pretend to practice the oldest profession on earth."
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You can choose for yourself if you'd like to spend your time and money at this man's establishment. Obviously the email above shows his true character... If this is how he acts when he is called out on his lack of accountability. I hope that he has much more respect for the women in his life than what he has shown me in his email.
Best of luck in all your future endeavors and you're welcome for the gained business.
Thanks.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/23/2010
I visited Buena Vista Cigar Club over a month ago. I stupidly left my camera case there with my… Read more »
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Review from Dr. Ali Al-Hazeem Ph D.
Beverly Hills, CA
2/4/2009
The Buena Vista Cigar Club is the best hidden secret in the west coast. It offers all you can dream of if you enjoy a good smoke and well served cocktail. It is a very relaxing and friendly place where it is very easy to talk to nice people and make new friends. In case you do no know it, it is the only place around the Los Angeles area where you can smoke and drink inside. I highly recommend this cigar bar.
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Review from Stephen L.
Hermosa Beach, CA
Updated - 9/22/2009
Still best stogie place in LA.
Listed in: My Neighborhood
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/17/2007 First to Review
This is one of the few public cigar lounges in LA with a full bar. They have a great selection of… Read more »
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Review from jay p.
Los Angeles, CA
1/11/2011
One of Beverly Hills best kept secrets in a very "anti smoking" city. Rigo presents a "how ya doing, pull up a seat and feel right at home" atmosphere. His mojitos are fantastic and they have a very good selection of cigars!
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Review from Mike K.
Santa Clarita, CA
8/23/2010
its like the Saddle Peak Lodge, but cozier, and without the food... in all seriousness though, this place rocks.
super chill vibe, stiff drinks, and a great selection of smokes... if i lived anywhere near the westside, i'd be at this place on a weekly basis. as others have said before me, you can order in food from the surrounding restaurants which is super cool and a reflection of the great service this establishment provides its patrons.
its a dark & smokey (no pun intended) atmosphere... reminds me alot of an old mens' club/speak easy where you're encouraged to relax, pull up a chair (or plop on a sofa) and just puff away with your buds over good conversation... it feels like the den of your father in laws house, if you're father in law was cool.
really, i dont know what else i can add that hasnt already been said besides the fact that i really enjoyed the place and i cant wait to go back. -
Review from Allison K.
Los Angeles, CA
8/29/2010
We went to this place for a low-key birthday party and it was totally perfect. The atmosphere is intimate and warm, with low lighting, comfortable seating, attractive, old-style decor, and a low noise level that encourages good conversation. Rigo, the owner, is friendly and helpful -- the selection of cigars and liquor is fantastic, and Rigo is knowledgeable and passionate on the subjects. The prices are definitely high, but not outrageous (at least not for Beverly Hills) -- drinks are generally above $10, and a good cigar can easily run above $15. But if you are prepared to spend a little and treat yourself, it's well worth the splurge.
