- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Velvet Cigar Lounge
Categories: Nightlife Bars Lounges Shopping Tobacco Shops Lounges, Tobacco Shops [Edit]
80 E 7th St(between 1st Ave & 2nd Ave)
New York, NY 10003
Neighborhood: East Village
(212) 533-5582
- Nearest Transit:
-
Astor Pl (4, 6, 6X)
2 Av (F)
1 Av (L)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 3 pm - 1 am
Fri 3 pm - 2 am
Sat 12 pm - 2 am
Sun 2 pm - 12 am
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- No
- Smoking:
- Yes
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Romantic, Classy, Intimate
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Our Main Lounge creates the perfect combination of modern and contemporary design, and a state-of-the-art sound system. When you come to Mystique, you… read more »
46 reviews for Velvet Cigar Lounge
Review Highlights
"A great place to relax and smoke cigars."
(in 2 reviews)
"A friendly place to sit and enjoy a smoke."
(in 16 reviews)
"...limited selection consisting of house blends and some Oliva..."
(in 4 reviews)
Loading...
46 reviews in English
-
Review from Tobin T.
11/9/2011
BYOB!
Hang your coat outside, select a comfy chair, grab a Churchill, pour some Whiskey, and surround yourself with some great company! Great place to relax after some long food touring in the East Village!!
Mention "Torpedo" for a 15% discount! (speakeasy) -
Review from Kainne H.
Medway, MA
1/31/2012
Pros: This place is great. Small but tasty selection of cigars. BYOB! They are very friendly here! Can order your favorite cigars on line
Cons: I wish they venue was a little bigger and or the ventilation was improved -
Review from Sean G.
Philadelphia, PA
1/1/2012
My fiance and her mom headed off to go wedding dress shopping, leaving my soon to be father in law and me to smoke and drink the day away. After our lunch at Caracas, we started the festivities at Velvet Cigar Lounge...
Cigars: 3.5 stars
They offer 3 house cigars and 3 premium cigars. I had the ASTOR (medium bodied with an easy draw) and my soon to be father in law had the COOPER (mild bodied). The cigars we smooth and delicious. Definitely not a harsh smoke. The lounge is a BYOB too. Stop by one of the bodegas around the corner and bring in some beer to enjoy with your cigars (for a small fee).
Ambiance: 3.5 stars
The lounge is small. We were able to sit in a comfortable chair and chat with other patrons and the owner of the lounge. The lounge is nothing spectacular but still very comfortable and inviting.
Location: 3.5 stars
East Village close to some great restaurants/bars
Price: 3.5 stars
Cigars run $8-12. BYOB fee is $8.
Service: 4.0 stars
The staff is very welcoming and knowledgable. They kept our beer in their refridgerator and were very nice and enjoyable to be around.
**Overall: 3.5 stars
I wish there were more cigar varieties/choices. Being a BYOB is a huge bonus. The staff and ambiance make the experience enjoyable. Velvet is a very standard cigar lounge. It doesn't offer anything above and beyond other lounges but does what it does well. If you enjoy a good cigar, definitely give Velvet a try. -
Review from Pete S.
Wilton, CT
1/4/2012
Been twice now. Wasn't a huge fan the first time, but I failed to linger which led me to overlook the best aspect of the bar: the ambiance.
The atmosphere here the second time, however, was right on the money. Comfy chairs, great ventilation, and pretty decent house cigars make for a good combination. Place feels kind of cramped but if you're there with few other people it's a nice spot and quite intimate.
Both times now, I didn't really care for the person who was behind the counter, didn't think she was all that knowledgeable. And the house cigars are pretty good, but the first time I had an Astor and kind of hated it. The Cooper hit the spot though, maybe that's just my personal preference coming through. Anyway, I'd recommend it for all but the most serious of cigar smokers. -
Review from SungMo Y.
New York, NY
6/25/2011
Came here with a friend of mine on a late Friday night, and with my bro on a lazy Saturday afternoon. One of many things that I cherish out of this place is the ambience here - vintage, wooden chairs, Frank Sinatra, gentlemen sorta place. The cigars here are not the finest, but OK to Good quality ones with reasonable price. Seems like even lots of young hipsters and preppies come by here, so thats a plus for me. I would say that this is a good bro-bonding place, especially with 1 or 2 other friends or family members for bouncing off good ole memories and things on minds.
There are numerous regulars who come by here, and it's just natural to strike up a conversation with them - who knows? maybe they could offer their own finest cigar from their decked out humidor for you? Lots of delis nearby also, so get your favorite beer or soda along with your cigar.
Good times here and love the people. -
Review from Eloy S.
Bronx, NY
10/11/2011
It's a Connecticut use of leafs, taste was bland, dry, crunchy and over charged for a limited selection of thier own brand of cigars. The only reason they get this many stars is because they have a nice decor, bar like atmosphere with the tables & the place has frequent customers.
-
Review from Michael K.
Manhattan, NY
12/14/2011
Come to Velvet with a bottle of whiskey, treat yourself to a reasonably-priced cigar, and soak up the vintage decor. A fantastic place to unwind in the East Village and feel like a part of a different era.
-
Review from Alison C.
3/14/2011
Though I have yet to try a cigarette, I am oddly a fan of cigars and feel that their smokey aroma can be a truly indulgent treat. I had passed the Velvet Cigar Lounge several times and loved its comfortable swanky vibe. I later heard many positive reviews on the space and waited for the day when I had the chance to really check it out.
After a recent dinner around the corner, my friend suggested that we end the evening on a unique note by engaging in a smoke. We headed over to the lounge, where I was shocked to find a coat rack right out on the street outside of the bar. I was surprised by this concept and was too cold to part with my down gear, but I should have taken the packed hooks as a warning, because my clothing reeked by the end of the night.
We entered the dimly lit, cozy space and were greeted with several seating options, including comfortable couches and an intimate bar. Even though this space tended to attract a predominantly male contingent, they thoughtfully provided purse hooks along the bar.
Keep in mind that when I say "bar", I use that term purely to describe the furniture, since the lounge was actually BYO. Luckily, a group of men seated near us at the bar decided that they were ready to leave, so they donated their remaining beers to our drinking cause for the evening. "Bartenders" poised themselves behind the bar, ready to explain the various cigar offerings, which come in mild, medium, and bold strengths, and then each of those are offered in 3 to 4 different sizes. We opted for the medium-bodied, robusto-sized Astor. Its clean, smooth taste possessed essences of coffee, wood and nuts. Each puff provided the perfect level of heartiness, being just strong enough to make us feel satisfied but not too overpowering to make us sick to our stomachs.
I enjoyed all aspects of the Velvet Cigar Lounge, from the friendly service to the interesting smokes. The relaxed, hip atmosphere would change the mind of anyone fearful to enter a cigar lounge for its assumed stuffiness. -
Review from Barry S.
Brooklyn, NY
2/23/2011
This dingy small shop in the city is a bad experience for cigar smokers. The selection is abysmal and limited for the most part to poor house blends. There is a corking fee for any liquor brought in unlike other lounges on the east side.
There are roughly 8 chairs in this space that is about the size of a small walk in closet with no ventilation and is frigid in the winter. Not a place for the true cigar smoker. -
Review from Minh L.
10/14/2010
This place is money.
Went here on a Thursday night, and there was a nice crowd in the place, as well as seats open. Fairly priced cigars, and a one of a kind atmosphere. If you have an hour to kill, or want somewhere to hang out at instead of going out, this is the place. -
Review from N P.
Astoria, NY
8/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
A friendly place to sit and enjoy a smoke.
-
Review from Stephen Z.
Los Angeles, CA
6/13/2010
Damn, I want to give this place 5 stars so badly, but I will get to the negative later, first the good. Four of us came in here on a Saturday night, three of us from CA, one a NYC transplant from CA. We all smoke cigars and were super happy to have found out about this place on Yelp. Last time in time a couple of us went to the The Carnegie Club , but it was a bit lame and Velvet looked a lot better.
The place is in a cool neighborhood and open late, which is great. It is small, but there is enough seating and the atmosphere is wonderful - dark, comfortable, intimate. Their ventilation system good so the small space doesn't get all smoked out.
Their house cigars were okay and reasonably priced, they had a few major brands for only dollars more - I would recommend just getting a Rocky Patel or something comparable, but am still happy to have tried their house blend. The BYOB is pretty cool, we followed Peter K's recommendation to go around the block to the East Village Convenience store (located on 2nd Avenue between St Marks and East 7th St - next door to the Orpheum Theater: STOMP). The convenience store has a good selection of Belgian beers.
It was a pretty damn cool experience overall at Velvet - drinking our 750ml Delirium Tremens and smoking at the bar. We all had an excellent time.
Now for my two problems. #1: on Velvet's page here on Yelp they advertise a "Spring Special - No $8 BYO cover." We were totally happy about trying a new place and saving the $8 per person for the beer we would bring, but when we arrived, the hostess told us that it must be from last year and no longer applicable... damn, then take it off of Yelp! #2: The hostess was very nice and all, but I really disliked someone with far less cigar knowledge attempting to recommend something when we have clearly made up our minds or correct us on some cigar related issue in which the other person is clearly wrong. -
Review from Laura T.
Manhattan, NY
Updated - 5/22/2011 1 photo
Sorry previous post is actually for another location. East Village location is much more convenient and relaxing.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/16/2011
Unfortunately this spot has been affected by the smoking ban law and no longer offers the luxury of… Read more »
Comment from Dan B. of Velvet Cigar Lounge 5/16/2011
Laura, I believe you are referring to Velvet Lounge in… More » -
-
Review from Billy L.
Brooklyn, NY
10/26/2010
I'm going to preface this by saying I don't smoke cigars, but two of my best friends smoke and know a good cigar lounge from a bad one. Velvet Cigar Lounge, aside from having a very cool and down to earth bartender, really fits the East Village perfectly. It's small, comfortable, and you get great service. Compared to some of the other cigar bars in the city, it also has a much younger vibe. It is BYOB and it's about $8 per person to drink there, but it's a nice comfort and the bartender takes care of everything for you. Plus there are a bunch of delis in the area so it's not like you have to walk far to find beer and it is a nice relaxing change of pace from some of the bars down there.
Overall very knowledgeable, speedy (and yea really attractive) service helped make this place a real cool spot to visit once every so often. -
Review from Assaf C.
Woodmere, NY
10/7/2010
1-2-3 that's all the puffs I needed to take before I realized I love this place and can't wait to be back.
This is a hidden gem in the east village. So cool, so friendly, unpretentious and welcoming. Took a seat next to one of the owners, Amar near the front window next to the smoking Indian statue. I think it's a rarity to find owners mingling with the crowd these days. It seemed like he was enjoying his cigar like it was his first time smoking one.
Can't wait to be back to this fine NYC establishment. -
Review from Michael F.
New York, NY
6/6/2008 1 Check-in Here
Edward F. and I arranged for a "Cigar Night 2.5" this week and as always, hanging with Edward for cigars is a great experience. Good cigars, good company, and in this case, a great venue.
Velvet Cigar lounge is part of a rare breed of establishments; it's a place where the owners actually love to hang out and meet the people who patronize their establishment. They're more than happy to sit around and smoke cigars with you. One of them was even leaving on a trip in a couple of days and while talking about his travel arrangements and about being away for the weekend he said to his business partner and friend, "I'm going to miss this place." I can understand why. It's like these gentlemen are truly inviting you into their livingroom to hang out. It's absolutely awesome. One of the best things is, you can smoke cigars in their livingroom and not stink up your own.
The place is small but super cozy and fun. There are coat hooks outside the door to hang your coat on so you don't come home smelling like... my Uncle Abe (I think everyone has/had an uncle like this; you know, the guy with the stub of a stogie in his mouth who gives you big painful hugs, and smells like old stale cigars). Trust me, you don't want to smell like Uncle Abe.
It's a cool and casual place to fire up, and they have their own boutique brand of cigars you can buy, they have humidors you can rent, and beers you can buy. As has been pointed out, they're instituting a BYO policy.
Best part is, I know exactly where our next cigar night is going to be! -
Review from Peter K.
Updated - 12/19/2008 3 Check-ins Here
Although Satine (Sateen?) has left to pursue other opportunities, Jamie and Ashley have taken over the hostess duties. Dan the proprietor is a distinctive gentleman that greets newbies and regulars if the hostess steps out.
Newbie tip #1: if you want a good selection of beer for BYOB, I would walk to the East Village Convenience store which is located on 2nd Avenue between St Marks and East 7th St (next door to the Orpheum Theater: STOMP). The selection is the best (I can't count the number of Belgian beers on my fingers and toes) for that area. The deli/bodegas around the corner from Velvet are ok if you are just lazy.
Newbie tip #2: even if the establishment looks exclusive, scary, or crowded, walk through the door. Sometimes people are getting ready to leave and you will have a seat.
I returned with a friend last night (I brought my own stash) and enjoyed every minute of it. Pura vida.Listed in: Pedro Yelp Map, The Good, Bad & Ugly, Pedro's Best of Yelp, What Smoking Ban?
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
10/9/2008
A wise man once said "Gentlemen, you may smoke!"
Welcome to Velvet Cigar Lounge, the last of a dying… Read more »
-
-
Review from Leonard W.
Bronx, NY
10/14/2008
This is a small Cigar Bar Hidden in the East Village. 80E. 7th Street Bet 1&2 Aves. Thanks to Mayor Bloomberg It is totally now BYOB. With a $8 bottle charge per person. There is a $10 Cigar Cutting fee. Unless you purchase one of theirs, from $5 up. Their Cigars are Dominican & quite nice.
The Atmosphere is friendly. If you like a small place really nice & cozy. Check it out.
I spoke with the new owner Dan. He welcomes cigar clubs & groups.
Wish he had a place in the Bronx.
Be well,
Lenny Waller -
Review from Garrett P.
Queens, NY
2/22/2011
Went to a UYE here a few days ago (my first experience meeting Yelpers) and I have to say I was really impressed with this spot. Good lighting, great tunes, and a pretty damn good cigar, too. Had the house brand as I hadn't smoked a cigar in a long time and didn't feel the need to drop $10 on a cutting charge just to puff, so I bought The Bowery cigar from their own selection. It actually turned out to be a great smoke, though there was a slight inconsistency to the burn about 60% of the way through the cigar.
Had a few drinks, chatted with a few Yelpers (Michael F, Rob L, Irene F and others), had a great time and would absolutely recommend this place to anybody. Also, a coat rack outside keeps the smoke from funking up your jacket.
The hostess essentially acts as a bartender for the BYOB ($8 charge to bring in outside beverages), but be aware they don't stock any kind of liquid in house, even water, so if you're going to be drinking for a while you may want to plan ahead for hydration. -
Review from James B.
Brooklyn, NY
6/30/2011
I have visited Velvet Cigar Lounge a number of times with friends or just to relax. They may not have the largest selection in the city but the house blend are decent to very good, the Astor and Bowery are the best. Velvet does carry a few premium brands also in a small humidor. This is a small lounge that will fit twenty people at most,however, in some ways that adds to it. There are regulars and young people who stop in to enjoy a nice cigar. Velvet's decor of the brick wall and the quote by King Edward VII is a nice touch. A worth while place to stop by and visit for cigar smokers who enjoy visiting different cigar lounges. Visit, light up, and have a good time since that's the purpose of a cigar.
-
Review from Edward F.
New York, NY
I stopped by on a late Sunday night and it was not packed. The young woman behind the bar was very helpful and gave me the rundown on the policy:
- There is a BYO policy: Beer or Wine only (no hard liquor everyone). A simple $8 cover charge per person and you can bring your own 6-pack, bottle of wine(s) in any quantity.
- You can purchase cigars from the bar humidor, or, if you bring your own, there is a $10 cutting fee (fair enough, as this seems to be the trend at most cigar bars). Alternatively, if you purchase a cigar from them, you can smoke your own without surcharge. VCL offers a deluxe assortment of private label premium cigar handrolled in Nicaragua. You can choose from mild, medium and full-bodied (cuban) strength.
- Velvet lounge also offers locked humidor rental service where they will store your precious cigars (about $60/month).
It's a very small lounge -- seats 12 people at most (with 5 seats at the bar), but comfortable.
I ordered a Brooklyn Lager ($5), purchased a Robusto cigar from Nicaragua ($7) to store in my humidor and proceeded to one of the chairs with an ottoman and sat down. From my bag, I took out my Romeo Y Julieta Exhibicion No. 3 (hencho en Habana), cut the cigar with a cat-eye clipper and lit up the corona gorda with a wooden match.
The opportunity to sit back and enjoy the complex aromas of blue smoke for an hour, chat with a few patrons (all seemed to be regulars but very welcoming of guests) and listen to Coltrane, Miles and Oscar Peterson is priceless. I will be back here....often. -
Review from Baron L.
San Francisco, CA
2/16/2008
This is where I popped my cigar smoking cherry so I don't have other cigar lounges to compare it to. What I can say is that Velvet reflects what I imagined a cigar bar SHOULD be. Dark, comfortable, sports on the TV, knowledgeable, friendly (female) staff and discussions ranging from physics, politics and country music.
The place is small (10 people would pack the room) but it is New York City and I liked the intimacy. No hard alcohol is served but they do have bottle beer (I had a Guiness.)
The cigar made me a bit green on the taxi back home but nevertheless I think I will be back to Velvet soon. -
Review from Winston G.
Chicago, IL
5/31/2009
They have a limited selection consisting of house blends and some Oliva cigars, but the prices are very good and the house blends are decent at the price point. I like the small, cozy atmosphere and the fact that you can bring in outside beverages.
The one thing I would recommend is cutting your own cigars-- some of the cashiers working behind the desk are not that experienced with cutting cigars. -
Review from Mike H.
Brooklyn, NY
8/4/2007
I visited Velvet for my birthday cigar. I love Velvet--the selection, the atmosphere, the staff, and the other patrons. Add some liquor (at least a small selection of whiskey) and let me get a better handle on the gender dynamics, and this could be a five-star place.
There were plenty of cigars to choose from varying in price and type. I'm a know-what-I-like guy with cigars, so I can't speak authoritatively on selection, but the bartender helped me choose a delicious medium flavored smoke at a good price. Also--you have your choice of 3 cuts when it's time to clip the cigar. (I don't know what difference each makes, but it's nifty to have that many options.)
The space is small and intimate--plush chairs; plenty of ashtrays and candles accompanied by sticks to light up with; warm, slightly dim lighting. It feels like something called "lounge" should. There's a small selection of beer available, but no liquor which was a disappointment. A nice touch was no cigarette smoking inside--only cigars, cigarillos, and other things wrapped in tobacco to keep the smoke smell rich and pleasant.
The staff was one helpful, friendly girl. Her job description is probably equal parts cutting cigars/serving beer and hanging out with the customers. She was completely at ease and engaged with the regulars.
It's clear Velvet is a place of regulars. Most of the guys who came in (and they were all guys, and 90% middle age and up) joked and made the small talk you make with old friends. Everyone seemed to know each other. Despite this regulars feel, I didn't feel uncomfortable, chatting the other guys, getting cigar recommendations, and just quietly reading comics for a bit.
My one caution--Velvet did seem like a guys' place. No women the evening I was there, and at one point when the (young + cute) waitress came out from behind the bar, she announced "OK everyone, hands up," and all the guys grinned, laughed a little, and raised both hands while she walked through the tight spaces. It looked like a drill that had been done before. I couldn't tell if this was just a running joke with the regulars or a skillful way to prevent ass-grabbing without ruffling feathers.
Overall, I highly recommend this place. Comfy and friendly, it nails the cigar lounge atmosphere. The faults I have with it are no liquor (I want a good whiskey with my cigar) and gender dynamics that may or may not be comfortable for women (I don't want to overstate this point, though--it's based on one visit, and one moment that may have been just be a running joke among regulars). -
Review from Jin K.
Brooklyn, NY
2/26/2008
**7/18/08 Update
They no longer serve alcohol here. But don't fret. They allow BYOB (with $8 charge for each person). In some ways, this is better. There is a small store just around the corner where there is a nice selection of beers so you're not limited to what they have. Also, since it's much cheaper to buy the beers at the store, the $8 charge isn't such a big deal.
___________________
What a great find in the East Village. This small cozy shop is a perfect place for a nightcap after a night of drinking and partying at the various sake joints nearby.
It appears that they roll their own cigars (presumably from imported tobacco). I have to ask them where they are sourcing their cigars next time I'm there.
They had a great selection in terms of size and strengths-everything from maduro wrapper robusto(my favorite) to Connecticut wrapper coronas (perfect for any cigar newbies).
Space is tiny and intimate, but people were quite friendly, including the young lady that was behind the counter. Besides the cigars, you can get beers (they even had Brooklyn lagers). It's quiet enough to have an intimate conversation or strike up a new conversation with one of the other patrons.
This is a very different experience than Club Macanudo, which is much larger, more expensive, and less intimate (but which I also enjoy immensely). Club Macanudo is a great place to take your business client or host a bachelor party--boisterous, loud and fun. Velvet Lounge is the kind of place you go to with your close buddies to have a nice cigar and a beer and just relax. -
Review from Ben W.
Capitol Hill/Southeast, Washington, DC
10/12/2008
Alright, so you probably read the other posts - small place, BYOB, etc. Here's what people don't talk about enough: the cigars. They only allow cigars (I even asked if they would allow a non-aromatic pipe blend and they said that because of the members it wasn't allowed). Cigarettes are definitely not allowed.
They have their own label which comes in light, medium, and full bodied strengths, all of which are Dominican blends. Each of these come in a wide array of styles: Churchills, torpedos, robustos, grandes, and, only for the very brave, the Presidente. Ring gauges went from 44 to the low 50's, while the length ranged from 4" to 9" (Presidente. Seriously, this thing is ginormous). The mediums had an amazingly easy draw, while the full bodied were not overwhelming. No need for a nice lighter, as they have a great match box for a proper, fuel-free light. You can get all manners of cuts, and they know what they're doing, so go crazy and get a v-cut.
Finally, the atmosphere is awesome. Mostly guys, but my gf felt completely comfortable. I think partly due to the size, everyone is really genial and talkative.Listed in: Coopercy Town
-
Review from Stephanie U.
New York, NY
2/20/2011
If you love a good cigar every once in a while, Velvet Cigar Lounge is a great place to smoke. The friendly service and cozy vintage atmosphere make this a relaxing lounge. BYOB is an added bonus! The only downside is how small the lounge is, so be sure to get there early and claim a seat!
-
Review from Zachary A.
Austin, TX
8/3/2010
My first time in a cigar lounge and I will definitely give it another try.
The lady working the lounge that night was really helpful and considered the fact that we were newbies.
The clientele is apparently known to be comprised of internationals, New Yorkers and out-of-towners alike. And it was really chill.
Ladies--you will definitely get a lot of attention if you come here (attention isn't necessarily bad). The majority of people that were in the bar were men and the women were my friends.
Definitely would like to visit again. Got a free cigar from visiting their Facebook!
-1 star bc it's BYOB for $8 each bottle you bringComment from Dan B. of Velvet Cigar Lounge 8/10/2010
Zachary, just to clarify, the BYO charge is a one time fee… More » -
Review from Jason A.
New York, NY
11/5/2006
A truly cozy unique neighborhood cigar lounge in the east village. Leather chairs, dark wood, red velvet, and plank hard wood floors make up the decor. A beautiful young woman will help you choose a house cigar, clip it and light it for your enjoyment. A great place to relax and smoke cigars. This is not a stuffy, pretentious cigar bar. The menu offers 25 different types of cigars, chocolate, espresso, wine, a unique beer selection and over 25 different types of port wine.
If you love cigars, then this is a place not to be missed. -
Review from Matt B.
Brooklyn, NY
11/25/2009
The atmosphere is what keeps bringing me back. Whether I am in my suit after work or stroll in on the weekends in a T and jeans, I always feel at home. Exactly what I want from a relaxing experience.
Only qualm is the music, which is provided by the hostess' I-pod. should go with some mellow indie or world music. Would help complement the environment. -
Review from Edwin L.
1/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a very cool BYOB cigar lounge in the East Village. It's $8 a person if you want to bring in booze and they sell and cut the cigars for you at the bar. There are matches in old wood cigar boxes around the bar so you don't have to ask the bartender for a match. The bartender refrigerated our beer and brought them out to us cold. Don't forget to tip the bartender for whatever service they provide...but keep in mind the tip won't be based on your bar tab, cause you won't have one. The bar is very small and extremely, extremely smokey so don't bring anyone who is not smoking a cigar (like I did) because they won't enjoy it. No cigarette smoking is allowed in the lounge.
-
Review from Lauren L.
Manhattan, NY
6/30/2010
Stepping into Velvet is like stepping back in time: a plush, dimly lit lounge filled with characters of all types, straight out of a Dickens novel.
Rustic wood fixtures and stools, arm chairs, and couches outfit the homey interior.
The cigar "menu" is posted on a board beside bar, which is tended by a lovely lady. Prices aren't exactly Dickens-esque, but are by no means extravagant. My companion ordered us two mild cigars. The lovely lady behind the bar cut our cigars and brought us a large silver ashtray, followed by a long match to light us up.
As we puffed we engaged in conversation with the three colorful gentlemen sitting at the other end of the bar. They were all genuinely charming, not the fake, sleezy "charming" I've become accustomed to. We talked about my nose piercing, one of the gentlemen's ear piercing, and my friend's snake bite. They offered us beer, which we politely declined, and we talked about how great it was that this cigar bar was BYOB.
After we finished our cigars, paid the tab, and bid farewell to our new friends, we walked back out into the bustle of the East Village. Looking at each other quizzically, I said to my friend: "Did that really just happen?"Listed in: Mah Fave-o-ritz!
-
Review from Chucky L.
Astoria, NY
1/13/2011
I visited this establishment one baumy autumn nite to have a cigar and a whiskey with a friend. The entire experience was very Dickens-esque to say the least. The cigar lady and the patrons were very cordial. This is a hidden gem if you are a cigar aficionado. One note, it is BYOB with a nominal fee...but I relish this type of establishment.
-
Review from Renvie R.
9/26/2008
This place is really a nice and very chillaxed place, I wasn't a big fan of cigars but my boyfriend introduced me to them and basically started to like it. He brought me here once or twice and I must say it was very relaxing, cigars really do help ease the stress a little bit. Oh yes a female that likes cigars, ya gotta love it :P
-
Review from Johnny M.
JACKSON HTS, NY
9/3/2010
It is the atmosphere that brought me here. I am not saying their cigar selection is below par, however this was one of those places that you come because of the environment.
My roommate and I came on a Thursday a few weeks ago. He is not a big cigar smoker, but he could not stop talking about this place - the plush chairs, dim lights and the coziness of the place was perfect. To top it off it had been raining and the door had been open. That was the kicker for me.
Again I would love to give this place a five star review, but the cigar selection was the downfall for me. -
Review from Brian L.
New York, NY
4/21/2008
was celebrating with a couple friends friday night, and after dinner decided to go to a cigar place. this place was perfect. although on the small side, it helps with the atmosphere. probably seats 12 at the very most.
the girl who worked there was very friendly and helped in selecting the right cigar. for the record my cigar knowledge extends to big or small.
ordered some drinks (no hard liqour), and all in all was a great time to relax and chat. i think they close at 1 on fridays, but there were a few regulars so she kept the place open a little longer.
wouldn't recommend this place if there are more than 4 in a group since it's so small, but i would defintiely recommend this place as a non-pretentious place to chill and enjoy a cigar. -
Review from Allison h.
New York, NY
5/14/2010
Wood paneling and smoking jackets make me a very happy girl. Brought a bottle of red here the other night and settled into a comfy chair listening to lite indie music in the background. The atmosphere is amazing. Am I a hypocrite if I approve of cigars but not cigerettes? I'm coming back once a week-they just need more taxidermy.
-
Review from Nino B.
Washington, DC
5/21/2010
What's not to like your smoking cigars in the East Village. I don't smoke cigars all the time, but when I'm in NY I always make sure to stop here and enjoy a puro. The first time I came here was with a friend who lives in New York
They have house blends or you can buy known brands either way it's a win, win situation This is a BYOB establishment, which is a change of pace for me because in Ca this is unheard of. My friend already knew this and had brought some cognac to enjoy with our smokes. It was a great time. I've been here 3 times my friend and I never get tired of coming here. -
Review from J K.
New York, NY
3/7/2009
A true gem in what's now Disney-fied Manhattan.
Intimate, relaxing, great jazz, unpretentious and friendly crowd (all guys when I went there), and $8 per person BYOB! We were the only two women in the lounge, and the guys just treated us like one of them. The house cigars smoked a bit unevenly, so I may try a brand name next time.
Adrienne the hostess (Aussie from Perth) was awesome - friendly and accommodating. Will definitely be back. -
Review from David C.
Loveland, OH
4/11/2011
Only because I'm a nice guy did I not give this joint a single star. Underwhelmed is an understatement; the ceiling looks as if it might fall on you tonight (and it's a low one). It's tiny and not well-ventilated, and their cigar selection is abysmal for a NYC smoking bar. And I use the term bar loosely: no booze, no beer, no wine, no pop, no water. Nothing. All these people who gave it 4 and 5 stars obviously are satisfied with mediocrity. It's hard to believe this is a standard for NYC. I won't be back anytime soon. Please, someone tell me where a real cigar bar exists in the city.
