The Etiquette of Cigar Bars

 

If I were to smoke some other place, it would be at a pipe shop or a cigar bar.  The above photo is of a cigar bar and this post is mostly about cigar bars.  Pipes are always welcome at pipe shops that also sell cigars.  But pipes are not always welcomed at cigar bars.  It just depends.  Usually cigar bars are for cigar smokers.  Which is why I've never smoked my pipe at a cigar bar.  Usually cigar bars are for cigar smokers.  If a pipe shop has a lounge I always feel obligated to buy a cigar and smoke it there.  There are a few rules generally for cigar bars only.

These rules might not apply to pipe shops, but they apply to cigar bars.  One will always buy a cigar to smoke in the cigar bar unless one just wants to buy a cigar to take home.  Polite conversation is allowed only.  If one goes to a cigar bar to talk religion or politics, one will be asked to leave quite promptly.  I hardly ever remove a band from a cigar I am smoking, but I never advertise the cigar whether it costs five bucks or fifty dollars, which is never.  Which means I keep the band hidden with my fingers.

I never volunteer information about my cigar unless I'm asked.  Drinks are usually served at cigar bars, but one never goes there bringing their own or for the purpose of getting drunk.  Cigar bars usually require one dress appropriately as one would at a nice restaurant.  And any loud behavior is usually not tolerated.  Cigar bars are not for men only.  So respect for the opposite sex is a must.  

Usually cigar bars are for cigar smokers only.  No cigarettes are allowed, and sometimes that also means pipes.  That depends on the cigar bar.  Usually a pipe smoker has to ask, but even if he's allowed, it's rude of him not to buy a cigar.   One unwritten rule is the use of electronics.  Just keep the cell phone off.

These are the general rules about cigar bars and why I've never been to one to smoke my pipe.  Going to a cigar bar will generally cost me ten to fifteen dollars.  If a cigar bar sells pipe tobacco, which hardly any do, I would purchase some tobacco and know I could smoke my pipe there.  But generally speaking, just about any cigar bar never sells pipe tobacco.  I always talk to the manager before deciding whether I'd go back.

Cigar bars are the gentlemen's clubs of old with women allowed.  It is a place where janitors and CEO's can mingle and talk.  Only a dress code can keep out the more unrefined.  A suit is not required, but clean neat clothing is.  Actually, I'm quite comfortable in shorts and a t-shirt on the patio.  And while I sometimes wish I could go someplace else to smoke my pipe, I'm quite content to be where I usually am.  Today it is my Peterson Irish Harp pipe with my Special Blend and my coffee is Organic Bella Maria.  Thank you for your time and Peace to each one of you.

Dave