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Cigars, not just for communist dictators any more: Cigar Bar Guide

Some time in the 1990’s it became okay to smoke cigars in the United States. More than okay, it became a trend and, though they had always been around, Americans fell in love with the cigar bar once again. In case you’re wondering, a classic cigar bar is an establishment that caters to those who smoke cigars. No cigarettes allowed. Just cigars.

It was during the 1990’s that city and other government entities began cracking down on public smoking, especially in restaurants. New York City is a (not) so shining example of government dabbling in social controls under the guise of health concerns. However, all these smoking bans provided exceptions for establishments that catered to smokers.

Voila! The cigar bar became trendy and the cigar a cool accessory. Celebrities like Rush Limbaugh, Demi Moore, and Arnold Schwarzenegger became the figureheads of the movement. Strangely, Fidel Castro, once and forever associated with cigars, quit smoking them long ago for health reasons, according to the CIA, whose plot to plant explosives in one of the Cuban leader’s heaters fell by the wayside. Oh well, wait long enough and time takes care of everything. Recent pictures of Fidel suggest the bloody dictator is nothing more than a feeble old man in a shiny sweat suit tottering around a nursing home.

But you don’t have to be a celebrity or infamous leader of a communist country to enjoy cigars. All you have to do is live in Philadelphia, where an ample selection of cigar bars awaits your grand arrival. Check one out when you’re in the neighborhood.

Mahogany on Walnut (1524 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA)
There’s no better authority than Cigar Afficionado, which says, “One step into Mahohany on Walnut and you realize this is not your average cigar bar, this is the genuine article.” That about sums it up for Philadelphia’s premiere cigar lounge. Stop by for cigars, cocktails, light dining, and desserts. Perfect for bachelor parties, corporate parties, and birthdays, before or after the Academy of Music, the theatre, or an exquisite dinner on Rittenhouse Row.

Fox and Hound Smokehouse and Tavern (1501 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA)
This is cigar smoking for the NASCAR crowd. Do you like yelling at sports events on television, fried food, and hanging out with the boys wearing baseball caps? Then the Fox and Hound is your place to light up a cigar. Obviously, NOT kid friendly but very adult friendly.

The Vault at Ritz Carlton (Ten Avenue of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA)
Gain entry to this upscale cigar and drinking lounge through the original Girard Bank vault door. This intimate lounge is warm woods and richly colored tapestries. Light up your cigar of choice while savoring combinations of the finest cordials; cognacs, armagnacs, single malt Scotch, champagne, wines, and classic cocktails. Opens at 5:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday.

Liberties (705 North Second Street, Philadelphia, PA)
Liberties is living breathing Philadelphia history, from the historically accurate façade to the rich walnut interior. It features the city’s most magnificent Victorian bar and radiates with the ambiance of a traditional American saloon. Many of the interior fixtures are original and date to the mid 1800’s. Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em!

Bussola Trattoria and Lounge (3rd Street and Girard, Avenue, Philadelphia, PA)
Recently re-opened, Bussola Trattoria and Lounge offers, Tuscan cuisine entrees at reasonable prices, gelato martinis, Italian wines, and – TA DA! The Stogie Haven Cigar Lounge, which is located in a primo position atop the restaurant.

There you have it ladies and gents, a list of special places to take your favorite cigar, light it up and burn it away. Whether cigar smoking is an infrequent luxury or way of life, these establishments will welcome you and your secondhand smoke with open arms. Try one (or more) out and tell them ThisWeekInPhilly.com spilled the beans about them.

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