Roberta V.
Yelp
I have been to Smokey Joe's many a couple times, this being my second time. But my husband has been several times. It is a comfortable Cigar Lounge. My first back since they remodeled. The changes look great. The room is more divided now where before it was an open space. Use to have several long tables with many four top tables. They still have the balcony, but not always open.
My first time, we met a small group for Father's Day. We enjoyed good company, good appetizers, and good company. The staff was very friendly. This was about 4 yrs ago.
This visit was a bit different for me. We were meeting a small group for my husband's birthday. Not a party, just throw it out there to a small select of our friends, if they wanted to join us. Given it was a last minute idea and it being right before Christmas, we figured our son and maybe three others. To our surprise, we had 11 people come and go. Not all there at the same time. Made it easier since the remodel took away the nice long tables they use to have. No worries, some sat/stood at two four top tables. A few sat at the bar.
I had a gin and tonic and two Negronis. In a span of just over three hours.
The server I had was a very friendly gal. No problem giving her my order. There was a more older gal who wasn't as friendly but friendly enough. Seemed to be bothered by our group. I over heard the younger ask her how do they want to handle us, didn't hear what was answered, but her facial expression wasn't that kind. And clearly she didn't know because as they were handing checks out to people, there was a lot confusion who severed who and what check belonged to which guest. In fact, there was a tab not paid, but when talking with both waitresses, it was confirmed that all of our group paid. Still had to pay the open tab that belonged to someone else who came and sat at the bar. I could have made a bigger stink, but it was only two shots of vodka, not much, so just paid it. The slightly older server was just not gonna let it go. I know our friends, all good tippers, and I am a great tipper (I worked 17 yrs in a variety of restaurant positions so I appreciate their work) but I not sure the older gal deserved her tip with the attitude she gave. I fortunately only had to deal with her when she brought the open tab to us.
The same gal cut me off when my daughter came late from work and bought her dad a birthday shot. I was not even buzzed, nor did the gal ever talk to me, she wasn't the one serving me. I am happy to have the shot, I don't like shots. But that isn't the point. She made a judgement without being the one serving me nor ever talking to me. Admittedly I am loud by nature. You can hear my laugh throughout any room, even in "whisper" laugh. I believe she made a judgement because she didn't appreciate my loudness. There was another group there watching the Navy/Army football game. Guess she just didn't like us.
Either way, might not be a place for more than 4 people as a group. Clearly they are not trained how to handle larger parties. Too much confusion.
Other than that, and my prior visit, it is a really nice place to go and relax, have a cocktail, and enjoy a cigar.
We did love this Star Wars Christmas Tree.