Downtown St. Petersburg is without a doubt the finest part of the state of Florida! What was once nothing more than a tiny replica of New York City, geared to appease those Big Apple snowbirds in the winter months, has now developed into a mecca of culture and gastronomical delights all onto itself. Those that inhabit St. Pete, or “The Burg” which has become its more contemporary moniker, these days call this place home with absolutely no desire to head up North at any time of the year. Right on Central Avenue, the main artery that goes right through all the magic, lies Central Cigars. Central Cigars is the old mainstay for cigar smokers in The Burg, where people have been coming to fire up their sticks for years. One might think this place is completely old school by that description, quite the contrary. Central is a blend of old and new school that results in the premier place to smoke in all of St. Pete!
Let’s start with old school, there is a club membership that costs $400 annually. This membership offers one a 10% discount on all purchases and 15% off of liquor purchases and humidified lockers where you can stash your tobacco. Cigars can be brought from outside and stored in the lockers.
New school, the back end of Central Cigars turns into Ruby’s Elixir. Two live bands are there every night of the week. There is never a cover charge. Cigars cannot be smoked by the stage, However the stage is streamed outside on the patio where cigars can be smoked. This is really a cool venue. So many people that live in St. Petersburg come here for the live music and drinks, even if they themselves do not smoke cigars. There is also a beautiful outside patio right on the main drag of St. Pete, Central Avenue. A few tables and a couple of very comfortable loveseats and couches sit out front by Central Avenue so you can enjoy the great Florida weather while you smoke away!
A couple of great features of Central Cigars are General Manager Alex Weghorn and Spirits and Cigar Sommalier Macy . Macy might be the most knowledgeable person I’ve ever met when it comes to what to smoke and with what to pair it. From bourbons to tequilas to cigars, feel free to pick her brain which is a labyrinth of wisdom in choosing the proper libation and stick!
So enjoy Central Cigars, and enjoy Downtown St. Petersburg! Have a smoke, and then go for a walk to the pier, The Dali Museum, a Rowdies soccer game, a Rays baseball game, and then find your way back to Central and Ruby’s Elixir to catch some live music and smoke a sublime cigar. Then consider why you yourself do not live in the Burg!
Central Cigars
273 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
(727) 898-2442
Food available: No
Cigars available: Yes
Alcoholic drinks available: Yes
Seating capacity inside is 33, on Ruby’s side 53.
