Heading South from downtown Naples, Florida on the Tamiami Trail you’ll see a bastion of righteousness on the right side of the road called Freedom Fine Cigars & Lounge. In a city like Naples, it’s very easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour of the luxury lifestyle. If you are looking for a release from this somewhat tired pursuit, I have just the cigar lounge for you! I would simply classify Freedom as the working man’s, blue-collar cigar lounge. Randall Denman, owner of Freedom and creator of the concept was the wine sommelier at The Grand Havanna Room in New York City for 13 years. So Freedom is a beautiful blend of very palatable wines at a reasonable price along with a nice craft beer selection, and a very down-to-earth setting in which one can relax with a great cigar and let the troubles of the working day fade away.
In addition to a fantastic cigar selection that has everything one could want, there is also a house cigar here that is the real star! Freedom has their own line of cigars that are available in all the main sizes and shapes. These cigars, which are created and hand-rolled by Oswaldo Pla in the Dominican Republic, have a special guest tobacco in the filler. Peruvian tobacco is used in the blend, hence the name of the line: Machu Picchu. The Machu Picchu series ranges in price from $5.75 to $7.00 depending on the size. The Peruvian filler adds a sublime almond essence to what is already a delicious treat! If you prefer one of the classic brands, you could do worse than have Randall choose a cigar for you since he knows most of the masters personally from his time up in the Big Apple. After your cigar and drink choices are made, it’s time to sit in one of the two circular smoking areas and get to know your neighbours.
Photo: Bruce Brush
“There is no elitism here” says Denman. Freedom does not have a membership program, nor does it have lockers. Everyone that walks in to Freedom has equal status. Sometimes in other lounges there can be a bit of a disparity between patrons depending on how much stock they have in the place. That concept doesn’t live here. On Tuesday, all draft beers are $2, wine is half price on Wednesday, and cigars are available everyday at the best prices to be found anywhere. Freedom makes it truly accessible for all to live the cigar lifestyle without breaking the bank.
Freedom Fine Cigars & Lounge
2260 Tamiami Trail East
Naples, Florida 34112
(239) 207-9070
www.Freedomfinecigars.com
Beer and wine: yes
Food: no
Cigars: yes
Seating Capacity: 40