The Owl Shop

I've been coming here for many years but as I get older I appreciate things like quiet time and conversation. I showed up and completely forgot that Jazz night was in session. That was amazing. Because despite how quiet it wasn't I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was wonderful, but what was more amazing was that the band played, "Caravan" at the end and that was amazing. All of the staff is always super friendly and kind! We got taken care of right away without any issues! Can't wait to be back and have a couple more cigars!

Packed on a Wednesday night with a Jazz band playing. Since 2004 the Owl Shop has been the only public venue in CT where you can smoke cigars and drink. The Owl Shop originally opened as a bookstore in 1934 at 84 ½ Wall Street in New Haven, CT.

The best atmosphere, just a good vibes, good cigars, spectacular drinks and an even better staff. Will always come back, as this is probably one of my favorite lounges.

I don’t smoke but this is a smoke 🦉 shop done right. Amazing ambience and a great place to sit down and have a conversation with your pals. Drinks, food, and cigars for those that indulge. Simple yet elegant decor and not extremely loud. My friends and I enjoyed 10/10.

Always a good time. Great sticks with outside smoke area. Staff are awsome!

This is the chill spot. My primo @themeattruck and me @iamlivingproofdesigns love coming here for the cool vibes. Jazz, cigars and drinks. Thanks

Beautiful shop, nice atmosphere. Drinks and food were good. I went up to ask the bartender for a glass of water and watched him pick something black out of the glass from the ice. He then gave me the same glass of water. Stupid me drank it instead of face the bartender and ask for a clean glass, at the bottom of the glass was more black gunk. I don't know if I would trust this place for any drinks again. Not sure if it is their ice machine or the water tube that has black mold in it.

Dark sophisticated ambiance with excellent cocktails. Highly recommend an old fashioned with bartender’s selection for rye whiskey. Also the coffee here is ridiculously good! There is a heavy amount of cigar smoke since this is a cigar lounge so just something to consider. Definitely will be back:)

This spot is rumored for having some of the best espresso martinis in downtown New Haven -- and I'd say they live up to the hype with a solid 7 out of 10. I was a little surprised that outside water bottles weren't allowed inside, especially on such a hot day, which definitely took away from the experience a bit. Also, if you're sensitive to the smell of smoke, you might want to skip this one -- it's pretty noticeable throughout the space.

Yes it is the quintessential cigar shop and lounge. Full bar, any possible cigar you could want, excellent service! Has almost a speakeasy vibe. Been here several times, never disappointed

This place always delivers! And a great place to just chill and have good cocktails. Staff is very pleasant and knowledgeable.

I love coming to the Owl Shop! I usually stop in every couple of months to meet up with a group fellow pipe smokers. We have had several meet ups here and each time, we all had a great time. I usually grab a couple of their "House Cigars" and a couple of Davidoff Cigars before I fire up a pipe. I like to have a nice cigar and a Redbreast Irish Whiskey, when I arrive. That has been my "Owl Shop Ritual" for every visit. I also grab a nice glass of Port, before I call it a day. Speaking of Whiskey, the Owl Shop has a very well stocked bar. A lot of Bourbons, but alas, not very many Irish Whiskey offerings. I'm sure they are sick of hearing me complain about their lack of "Irish", but they let me stay anyway! The lounge if very comfortable and there are several TVs playing throughout the location, if you are looking to catch a game that day. The crowd is mixed. Young, old, male , female. When Yale is in session, the place can get a little crowded with "Yalies". Some can be slightly obnoxious at times. I guess they are new to the concept of decorum within a cigar lounge / bar. Everyone has to learn and start somewhere, i guess. Having said that, I have never seen anyone "get out of hand". I know the Owner and Manager take absolutely zero crap from anyone who acts out. They run a very tight ship, indeed. The Owl Shop, is a great place to spend a Saturday afternoon and ponder world events while you enjoy your favorite cigar or pipe. A great place, run by very nice people. S.E.N. 02/19/2025

5 stars for you from my visits many, many, many years ago. Purchased wood carved figurines and some beautiful music boxes of which I still take very good care of. Just wondering if you still carry these types of items. Love you OWL SHOP!

Moody vibes and great selection of smokables but the drinks were less than espresso-so...

This review is based on sitting at the bar for a few hours and enjoying cocktails, not smoking a cigar. I plan to indulge in the excellent selection on my next visit. The bar staff were knowledgeable and friendly. The drink selection is vast and the specialties fit the decor and style. The space is anchored by a long bar but there are tables and comfortable seating throughout the place for relaxing and smoking. The draw here is the cigars, smoking the cigars inside, and drinks to have while smoking cigars inside (it delivers on all fronts). It is/was/will be smokey inside due to people smoking, so prepare to have to wash your clothes after a visit. The backstory/history is cool and the decor lives up to it. I very much plan on visiting again.

While in New Haven visiting friends and family, we ended the night at The Owl Shop. They have great signature cocktails and tons of cigars to choose from. You can smoke inside which is obviously a rare sight to see nowadays. The ventilation system does a good job of clearing the smoke inside. They also have a bunch of tables and chairs out front for those who prefer outdoor seating. Friendly service and cool ambiance. Definitely worth checking out. Don't forget to grab a souvenir coaster or match box!

The best cigar bar so far in CT. Nothing like Club Mac in NYC or Davidoff RIP. The layout is this, the posers are more in the front of the bar, date nights in the middle- maybe posers as well not definitive; if you only have 1 cigar and one 1 drink undisputedly a poser. Back are the cigar aficionados; we are watching you and laughing in our silence. Great food for a cigar bar. Libations are vast and tandem with cigars. Definitely a place to go.

Had a pretty fun time here at the bar last night. All the tables were full so we just stood there having a few cocktails. I loved my El Presidente drink special, and the bartender was absolutely hilarious. I will have to come back to try a cigar next time, looked like they have some nice offerings.

Went there in August no problems. 6 months later they recharged me after I deactived the card because of an issue on THEIR END. This caused an overdraft fee and many other issues. Absolutely unacceptable, 6 months later is crazy with no other authorization. Shady business doing sketchy stuff stay away or pay with cash.

The owl shop is one of the oldest bars in New Haven. This establishment brings a welcoming feel to newcomers and friendly greetings to regular patrons. While they offer a wide range of cigars and cigarettes, their options for drinks are also extensive and well made. I would suggest going for one of the jazz nights that they host weekly if you're looking for something relaxing and fun to do!

Such a chill place to get away and relax at. I had B-52 and a very tasty vanilla cigar. I'm no avid cigar smoker but seeing how 2020 was such an interesting year that I figured, why not? I must visit, for sure.

Great atmosphere and great music! Definitely an easy place to just relax. The beer was good.

Love it here. I don't smoke personally but my boyfriend does and I've tried some of the tobacco they have, it's smooth and goes light. Plus, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, live music for free! Their drinks are also amazing and their dirty martini is the way to go! Also the nutty Irishman is delicious! Staff is polite and very attentive. Love coming here!

I'm visiting with the band Portugal The Man doing a show next door I'm their truck driver. The crew guys told me about the Owl Shop and I just had to visit being a cigar and coffee guy and I was not disappointed!!! The ladies on staff were so welcoming and helpful and made me the best mocha latte!! Made my visit here perfect! My gratitude to them I'll be back at load out for another round!! If you love history and good coffee or bourbon and cigars it's a must visit in New Haven!! Sincerely, Greg

My review might be considered useless and not the most helpful, but here it is anyway. I'm not a smoker, I don't ever smoke, yet I found myself in this cigar lounge. I was with a few people who wanted to smoke cigars on a nice afternoon in New Haven. We walked inside this place, I immediately had to step outside, the smell was nauseating, and so uncomfortable. They thankfully offer outdoor seating. I can't speak to the variety of cigars they offer because it's just not something that interests me, or that I know much about. The menu is chunky, with a strong odor of smoke, it has lots choose from, and it isn't food. They do offer a variety of cocktails, whisky and coffee. I had a nice cappuccino, that came well presented in proper dish ware, not the typical paper cups. I enjoyed this coffee, and the seating outside was appreciated, I had to turn at an angle to avoid smoke coming my way. Not a place I plan on returning to again personally, but if you're into cigars, it might be worthy of a visit.

Possibly my favorite cigar shop in the country. Great selection of cigars. Great service. Drinks and beautiful, fun people.

Nice place for a drink and to listen to cool Jazz. This place attracts a decent crowd of folks. Nice chill atmosphere.

As long as I've been in New Haven, this is the second time I've been in Owl Shop and actually sat down (outside because that smoke is not getting in my hair) as a patron. Stopped by here on a Sunday Funday as my friends wanted to grab a cigar and drink. While I wasn't smoking, I did ask for a Side Car and the bartender actually made it right and it's not even on their menu. I was very impressed by that, along with how attentive the wait staff was. I wouldn't go here on a busy night but I certainly will on a Sunday evening. The vibe was perfect!

If you haven't gone to Owl Shop and smoked a fat cigar with one of their signature cocktails, you haven't lived.

Outstanding whiskey selection. Perfect for cigar lovers inside. Good music and great atmosphere.

wouldnt sell us a loose cig. would have been way cooler if they did. ......xxxxxxxxxxxxxx....................

Was up in New Haven for a reunion and had a chance to stop by. Can't complain about a place where you can smoke a nice cigar and order a good drink. It seems these kinds of places are getting rarer. As to the place, it was quite spacious and on the night I was there not that crowded so ventilation was fine. The whisky selection was extensive. Cigar selection could have been a little better, but they had all the standards and were well humidified.

God I love this place. Where else can you sit down in a great atmosphere with a wonderful staff and enjoy a coffee with Baileys while enjoying a cigarette.

Fantastic atmosphere with music, cigars and drinks. Staff was very accommodating. Whiskey selection was excellent. Highly recommend a visit.

This is the best hangout spot I've ever been to. Amanda is the best barista I've ever met. She is so sweet. She makes the best drinks. Ask for her when you come here. You will have the best time ever! Love her so much. Gina is also the best bartender. If you want good drinks, ask for her. Amazing! Best experience everytime you come here!

This place has one of the best old fashions I've ever had. And what a chill spot! Loved sitting outside, having a drink, and a delicious cigar. I was only inside for a very brief period of time, but it looked super cool on the inside too! Definitely recommend for hanging out and relaxing with friends.

This surprised me. Think olde school speakeasy. The place was packed after work. Very impressed with the cigar selection and bar. Filled with fine whiskey, brandy and port wine. It has a coffee and sweet bar along with some impressive antipasto platters. There's live music late night and plenty of cigars to go around. Definitely a great after dinner stop. Come thru and enjoy.

Cigars, scotch, and sports on TV. Really enjoyed getting away from the laws of CA. A true cigar bar!

A classic joint I have been frequenting for decades. Great selection, decent prices and a full bar with great coffee. What's not to like right? Parking in New Haven is predictably a challenge but that's why they make garages. When your tee time gets rained out on a summer Saturday there is one solution. The Owl Shop.

Great whiskey and bourbon selection, bartender was friendly and has great info on cigars and drinks

Grab a unique cocktail and peruse the enormous (and constantly updating/changing) menu of cigars and sit down at a very classy spot. There is a very interesting cross section of people here. Some in shorts and a t-shirt just grabbing a cigar, some (like us) were slightly dressed up and just enjoying the end of a great bar crawl. A few are dressed to the 9's with top hats and wood-carved pipes. The wait staff was very knowledgeable about the cigar types, and the menus themselves explain styles and cuts. The best part is that there is little to no pretension here. Even if you are a cigar novice, you can have a good time. They could use a little more ventilation inside as it felt a little heady. Also a little more sitting room outside would be nice as everything was taken. But that just means it was busy which is always a good thing.

This is my favorite place in the city. There are amazing cigars and amazing drinks! Raina and Tessa make sure I get great drinks and have a wonderful time. Aygen makes sure I have a table and have amazing time. I've never had a bad time at owl shop. Can you go in for a cigar and old fashioned? Yes. Can you stop by for an espresso martini and a chill night? Yes. Can you ask for special cocktails and a smaller cigar? DEFINITELY YES! This place is a gem in the New Haven area! There's no where better to spend your time! I come here for date night, I come here for pre-dinner drinks, I come here for post-dinner drinks, I come here to study, I come here to relax. Owl Shop may be the best spot to spend time in New Haven regardless of why or how you made your way here. Trust me in this you will never be disappointed. My favorite place in the city!!

Wow wow wow. This place was incredible. Super knowledgeable staff that recommended one of my new favorite whiskeys when my old one was out of stock. They also knew exactly what cigar I wanted based on description, I had bought it at a pop up during Two Roads Oct2ber Fest. This place is a gem and I will be back.

Just came in for a quick drink and a cigar. There were two workers behind the bar, serving the handful of other customers while my friend and I stood waiting...and waiting...and waiting. It's like we were absolutely invisible. Not a single hello. All eye contact strictly avoided. They even served the older man that came in after us. I've never been refused service like this, so this was definitely sort of a traumatic low blow. I left after 10 mins of awkward silence and watching the barkeep pointedly turn away from us. It's safe to say I will not be coming back, nor will I be recommending this place. Can't two young women just get a decent cigar and a whiskey in peace?? Apparently not at the Owl Shop

I'm not even a smoker and I love this place. Great spot to sit with a Manhattan and chat.

I like it here, it's one of my favorite places. It's one of the last places you can smoke, in peace. Bartenders are a little hit or miss. This is also absolutely not a spot for a date, unless you and your date both want a smoke.

A review solely about the behavior of staff, not the quality of their drinks and cigars... I was here a few weeks back in a pre COVID workd in a group with my partner and another couple, acquaintances who we wanted to show the New Haven area around to and who we have some business ventures with. I thought "what cooler spot to bring this couple to!"! I was unfortunately mistaken. We had a late 20's/early 30s blonde waitress (who might have been the manager?) serve our table, and she was very friendly to the gentlemen... Unfortunately, she all but ignored myself and the other woman I was with. She must have touched this person's boyfriend's shoulder and my own boyfriend's shoulder at least 10 times each, always addressing them first, laughing (a little fake and uproariously) at every word they uttered, and just generally leaning over the tables a little too much. Meanwhile, this other female and I had such a tough time ordering drinks from her that we ended up having to give the guys our order. The female acquaintance was visibly distraught most of the evening, her partner tried to pretend nothing had happened, I felt practically ignored the whole night (by the waitress, since my poor boyfriend was trying to make as little contact with her as possible, which I found amusing); afterwards my boyfriend mentioned he too noticed how it was "just too much"and expressed how sorry he was that myself and her felt so uncomfortable. Needless to say, I was mortified I had brought these potential business acquaintances here. Although I'm more bothered by the fact it made a bad impression (and hope this doesn't cost me a transaction), I too found the behavior crass. I understand that it's probably good business to give extra attention to customers who might be more willing to tip depending on their sexual preferences, but frankly we both felt it was pretty distasteful on the waitresses's part, and if we wanted that type of vibe we would have gone to a strip club. Might be worth having a conversation with the staff about appropriateness with certain types of customers (i.e. couples). Maybe the majority of their customers skew male, but it's a shame that the staff's behavior doesn't help in making a more female friendly place. Seeing as a lot of the one and two star reviews are from females feeling ignored at the bar... I don't think this is a new problem. Now we can add females feeling ignored and having their partners hit on shamelessly many times in one night. A shame, really.

For a Fine Selection of Cigars & Spirits to accompany the Delicious Fair this is must Experience to have when visiting New Haven or passing through.... A One of a Kind Place with an Atmosphere to venture into.

I had a nice afternoon today at the Owl ,the staff and selection are second to none and the place looks great too...very clean! I've been going there since the late seventies and I would never stop ...anyone who enjoys cigars and a well stocked bar area should come on down ! Donnie Parisi

My favorite place to have a great Cigar and chill, The staff is Awesome always welcoming. Huge selection of fine Cigars and Liquor.

Great choice of a cigar from the guy behind the bar. Also had Old Weller bourbon...is a Buffalo Trace product so I had to try it. Very smooth and tasty! Great vibe here, cool people, great service.

Amazing ambiance, fantastic selection of cigars, great coffee, and the jazz night was pure magic. Have dinner at South Bay then head here for an after dinner fun night out!

I'm not a smoker. Cigarettes are just not my thing. However, give me a nice cigar, a good glass of red (or a dark espresso martini), a comfy chair and good friends....and I'm happy for hours. Hence...the Owl Shop. I frickin' love this place.They have a great selection of cigars, awesome bartenders, big comfy chairs...and the history behind it is amazing. Good jazz during the week. It's never overly crowded either. Honestly...one of my fave places in New Haven.

I've never seen anything like the Owl Shop outside of, well, the Owl Shop. I've heard from at least one SWF that it is the spot to pick up eligible males. Who doesn't like a chick who digs cigars? I'll confess - my game is not exactly up to par, and my experience with the Owl Shop is limited to chill excursions with friends. The Owl Shop is perfect for such outings. I'll confess again - I don't like cigars unless I'm really wasted, and even then, I might prefer cigarettes. That said, I still like this place. The decor is really old school, with dark wood and an ingrained institutional atmosphere that doesn't detract from the laid-back vibe. There's a nice patio outside for warmer nights, and the interior is decked out with comfortable seating. The bar is well-stocked and bartenders are helpful. I especially like the bartender in the sweet khaki fedora who queried my preferences and got me both smoke and drink to my liking. If you're into cigars, the Owl Shop is a must-stop. If you're not, you'll enjoy yourself anyway. You might even pick up a smoker or two.

A very swanky, sexy and smokey hang out spot in New Haven. For those non-smokers with virgin lungs, just breathing in this place will be challenging. I'm not a cigarette nor cigar smoker really, but I like coming here because it really does have such a cool vibe. Oh and the whiskey selection, from small batch bourbons to single malt scotches, is pretty tremendous. They have a wide variety of cigars for purchase, but a newbie like me can't really appreciate the differences. The cappuccinos are well prepared as well. There are some comfy leather couches towards the back near the cigar lockers if you're looking to lounge out or get below the rising smoke for a breath of not-so-fresh air. Alternatively you can snag a seat outside or near the front windows if you're looking for a less smoke-induced experience here. There's no way to escape leaving this place without wreaking of smoke, but don't let that keep you from checking it out because it really is such a unique establishment and is the perfect nightcap spot.

If I had to pick one bar I could go to on my final day it's The Owl Shop. I like smoking cigars and the atmosphere and the people here are very nice. Great bar and live music. Can't wait till the next time I'm in new haven so I can stop by once again.

We basically spent money to feel unwelcome in a bar that smelled like stale smoke. Unfriendly patrons and the female manager/supervisor was demeaning to a worker in front of customers. Avoid it!