Edmond C.
Yelp
Empire is a great cigar lounge that is nicely perched on the second floor. They have seating on the ground floor that welcomes you on both sides of the entrance. Some sit there and watch the street-level scene pass and walk by. Go upstairs and you are greeted by a welcoming hostess. One would be advised to make reservations here during peak times. I fortunately know one of the managers, Rafael, who managed a cigar lounge in NYC. He took great care of me and other friends two nights in a row.
This brings to mind one of the strengths of Empire: the staff and operations. The other managers, Byron and Alex are running the humidor and the floor of the place, looking after everyone and everything. Brittany, the mixologist, was steadily making great drinks both nights behind the very well stocked bar. She was making any and everything, shy of frozen concoctions. They also have a selection of wines and rare spirits in their own glass enclosed cases. They serve a great charcuterie platter that was quite impressive: cheese heads and salami fans rejoice, with a bowl of olives to boot. The wait staff and bussers are looking after everyone.
One of the strongest points to Empire is their air handling and air conditioning. I don't care how hot and humid Miami can be and it's been hot this summer, you will be kept cool in this lounge. Some might even find it a bit chilly. It matters not how crowded Empire can become, particularly on the Friday night I was there, the air handling and filtration was superb, the best I have ever experienced by a long shot. Smoke disappears and your clothing will not smell of smoke when leaving Empire. Women will greatly appreciate this, especially not having smoke in their hair. This is truly a dateworthy cigar lounge.
There is an abundance of comfortable lounge seating with sizable tables for all those drinks, ashtrays and charcuterie boards. There are several flatscreens behind the bar and others are located on pillars and columns so that everyone has a view to a screen. There is a members only section in the back that is quite large in its own right and a bit quieter when the rest of Empire picks up later in the evening, that sometimes features a DJ. The members have a very nicely appointed locker room and the glass enclosed humidor is large enough for the discriminating aficionado. You'll appreciate the six clean restrooms that can accommodate the capacity of this lounge. The front of the lounge has floor to ceiling glass overlooking the street and the ambient lighting of the lounge keeps it cozy and relaxed, with individual mini table lamps for an added touch.
If you're a BOTL or SOTL, Empire should be at the top of your list when in Miami.