Jeremy Edmunds
Google
In Miami's sanitized Brickell district, where status symbols sprout like tropical flora, Empire Social Lounge has mastered a rare feat: making cigar lounges cool again. This isn't your grandfather's smoky den of leather-bound pretension, but rather a stylish hybrid where Wall Street meets Calle Ocho.
The sophisticated space, nestled at 1106 S Miami Ave, marries Miami modernism with classic tobacco tradition. An octagonal humidor, worthy of a museum of contemporary art, showcases cigars like precious artifacts. The ventilation system – usually an afterthought in lesser establishments – works such efficient magic that your clothes won't tell tales of your visit the next day.
Sport screens flicker above a bar stocked with enough premium spirits to fuel a Latin American summit, while a crystal chandelier adds unexpected bling to the proceedings. It's as if Don Draper's office had a love child with a tech startup's break room.
The crowd is as varied as the humidor's selection: suited finance types decompress over Davidoffs, while tech entrepreneurs pair craft cocktails with their Padróns. Even the occasional sports fan, drawn in by the multiple screens, finds themselves unexpectedly educated in the finer points of torpedo versus robusto.
The service staff navigates this mix with the expertise of diplomatic attachés, equally comfortable discussing wrapper leaves or last night's game. Their knowledge runs deep, but without the stuffiness that often plagues high-end cigar venues.
Open from noon until 1 a.m. (2 a.m. on weekends), Empire Social plays the long game, transitioning smoothly from power lunches to nightcaps. The outdoor seating area, complete with Miami's requisite tropical plants, offers a refreshing alternative for those who prefer their air unscented.
The impressive Google rating suggests they're doing something right, and indeed they are. While other venues might excel at either cigars or atmosphere, Empire Social has mastered both. The herringbone floors, custom woodwork, and geometric ceiling designs create an Instagram-worthy backdrop for serious cigar appreciation.
Bottom Line: Empire Social Lounge proves that where there's smoke, there's not just fire, but fine design, skilled service, and a thoroughly modern take on an age-old pleasure. It's a rare space where both cigar aficionados and novices can feel at home, whether they're celebrating a deal or just Tuesday.
Insider Tip: Come for the cigars, stay for the scene, but don't skip the cocktails – they're mixed with the same precision as the humidor is maintained.
The Details:
Empire Social Lounge
1106 S Miami Ave #202, Miami, FL 33130
Tel: +1 786-622-2220
Open Mon-Wed, Sun 12PM-1AM; Fri-Sat 12PM-2AM
Price Range: $$$
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Vibe: Upscale but unstuffy
Best For: Deal closers, 3rd date nights, and distinguished dalliances with tobacco