Tampa Cigar Cave

In the very cosmopolitan Palm Harbor, Florida on US 19, there lies a man cave on steroids! Owner John Aslan completely flipped the script in coastal Pinellas County when it comes to a cigar friendly environment. 5000 square feet of tobacco and libation heaven greet the patron as they walk through the front door. Everything you’ve ever loved about cigar lounges is here; a VIP lounge, a full liquor bar, lockers, televisions, leather chairs, a robust humidor, but it’s all on a grander scale. I would say that it’s much like the famous maxim about the Lone Star State, “Everything is bigger in Texas” except this cave lies in Florida. Since its grand opening in 2009, the Cigar Cave has earned a reputation in the tourist magnet that is the Gulf Coast of Florida as being the big dog of cigar lounges!

A happy patron sitting in the row of leather chairs in front of the row of big screen tvs | Photo: Bruce Busch

Humble Beginnings

Mr. Aslan’s story of ascension to one day becoming the owner of the cave starts from a very small scale operation. Originally, John bought cigars from the famous Tampa Sweetheart factory in Ybor City and sold these cigars out of his house. This successful endeavor led the way to his opening of a Tobacco Depot store in a strip plaza in Palm Harbor in 1996. The success of the Depot gave way to the building of the Cave in 2009. Since 2009, this has been Pinellas County’s hotspot for leaf enjoyment and libations.

Owner John Aslan in the humidor | Photo: Bruce Busch

The Cigar Lounge With Hart!

Chances are that when you walk into the Cave, you will see a kind, salt of the earth soul working behind the bar. This is the incomparable Brett Hart. No, you wrestling fans, this is not Brett “Hitman” Hart, but rather Brett Hart the sommelier of fine spirits. Having started off at the old Florida staple of a store, Smoke n’ Snuff, which used to have a location in every shopping mall in the Sunshine State, Brett continued his career at Edward’s Pipe and Tobacco in South Tampa. Between these two stores, Brett gained much of his knowledge which made him an attractive free agent acquisition last year for John and the Cave. All questions that pertain to the proper cigar for a palate and what pairs with what can be easily fielded by this warrior of the Tampa Bay cigar scene.

The Cave is Alive!

Brett and John do their best to have at least two smokers a month at the Cave. In addition to smokers, there are many other happenings in the Cave. The Cave has a ladies’ night which offers many specials on drinks such as martinis and wine. There is also live music in the Cave. Twice a month the Cave will feature bands that range from Blues to Jazz and of course Rock. There is also a live DJ every Friday and Saturday night.

Photo: Bruce Busch

Rocky Patel VIP Lounge

For a small annual fee of $3000, you too can be a member of the Cigar Cave Rocky Patel VIP Lounge. This beautifully crafted room offers leather seats and beautiful mahogany wood tables that invite the customer to take a load off and relax while they watch the tube or just enjoy the quiet ambiance. Lockers are also available for a small fee of $250 annually.

Back to Our Roots

If you really want to be in touch with your inner caveman, this is the spot for you! A place where one can get away from the world and enjoy a great indoor cigar facility and get back to our pursuit of happiness of which the man endlessly tries to impede. As a wise caveman once said, “Grunt, grunt, fire good!” All these years later, I still understand and agree with my prehistoric friends! When in the Cave with a cocktail and a beautiful stick that I want to ignite, those words of wisdom still ring true!