Finding a place to actually smoke in Manhattan is getting harder by the second. Honestly, between the strict indoor clean air acts and the vanishing real estate for cigar lovers, most guys end up huddled under a scaffolding in the rain. That is why Merchants Cigar Bar New York feels like such a massive relief when you finally walk down those stairs. It isn’t just a basement with some humidors; it’s one of the last standing bastions of a version of New York that shouldn't exist anymore but somehow does.
Located at 1125 First Avenue, right on the corner of 62nd Street, it’s tucked away in the Upper East Side. It’s been there for over 30 years. Think about that. In a city where restaurants close before their first lease is even up, three decades is a lifetime. You've probably walked past it a dozen times if you live in the neighborhood. It’s unassuming from the street level, but the vibe changes the moment you hit the lounge.
The air is thick, but not in a "I can't breathe" way. They’ve invested heavily in high-end ventilation systems—specifically the kind of industrial-grade smoke eaters that keep the room comfortable even when twenty people are puffing on Churchill-sized sticks at the same time. It smells like leather, expensive bourbon, and that distinct, rich aroma of aged Dominican and Nicaraguan tobacco.
The Reality of the Merchants Cigar Bar New York Vibe
Forget the stuffy, velvet-rope nonsense you find at some of the newer "private clubs" in Midtown. Merchants is approachable. It’s luxurious, sure, with the plush leather chairs and the flickering fireplace, but it doesn't feel like you need a membership at a country club to get a seat. It's basically the neighborhood’s living room, provided your living room has a world-class humidor and a bar staff that knows the difference between a Peat Monster and a Macallan 12.
Most people get it wrong. They think a cigar bar has to be silent, like a library for old men. Merchants flips that. On a Thursday or Friday night, the place is buzzing. You'll see guys in $4,000 suits sitting right next to someone in a hoodie and jeans. That’s the magic of tobacco; it’s a great equalizer. You’re all just there to decompress.
The decor is very "Old World." We’re talking dark woods, low lighting, and heavy curtains. It’s moody. If you’re looking for a bright, Instagram-friendly spot with neon signs, this isn't it. This is where you go to disappear for two hours.
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The Humidor and What to Smoke
The selection here isn't just a random assortment of whatever was on sale at the wholesaler. They curate it. You’ll find the heavy hitters—Arturo Fuente, Padrón, Davideff—but they also keep some boutique stuff that changes based on what the humidor manager is vibing with.
If you're a novice, don't be weird about it. Just ask. The staff at Merchants Cigar Bar New York are actually pretty chill about guiding people. They won't judge you if you want something light and creamy like a Montecristo White Series. But if you’ve been around the block, they usually have some OpusX or harder-to-find Padrón 1926 Anniversary Series tucked away.
Prices? It's New York. You're going to pay a premium. You aren't just paying for the tobacco; you’re paying for the right to sit in a comfortable chair in a climate-controlled room in one of the most expensive zip codes on the planet. Expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $75 for a stick, depending on how fancy you want to get.
Why the "Bar" Part Actually Matters
A lot of cigar lounges treat the drinks as an afterthought. Not here. The cocktail program is surprisingly tight. Their Old Fashioned is a staple—not too sweet, which is crucial because sugar ruins the palate for a good smoke.
- The Scotch List: It’s extensive. They lean heavily into Islay malts because the smokiness of a Laphroaig or Lagavulin plays so well with a full-bodied cigar.
- The Bourbon: Plenty of Buffalo Trace products and some harder-to-find small batches.
- Wine and Port: If you haven’t tried a 20-year Tawny Port with a Maduro-wrapped cigar, you’re missing out on one of life’s greatest pairings.
The food is surprisingly decent too. Usually, cigar bar food is "bar snacks" at best, but they have a kitchen that turns out legitimate small plates and sliders. It’s meant to be shared. You aren’t coming here for a four-course dinner, but you won't go hungry while you're nursing that second Churchill.
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Membership vs. Walk-ins
Here is the deal. You don’t need a membership to enjoy Merchants, which is a huge plus. A lot of places in the city have gone "members only" to skirt around various regulations or just to be elitist. Merchants stays open to the public.
However, they do have a membership program if you’re a regular. It usually involves locker rentals. Having your own humidified locker in Manhattan is a flex, but it’s also practical. You can keep your own stash there, aged to your preference, and just show up and smoke. It’s a community. You start seeing the same faces every Tuesday night, and suddenly you’re part of this weird, smoky subculture.
Common Misconceptions About Merchants
People think it’s a "boys' club." Kinda, but not really. You’ll see plenty of women in there, either enjoying a cigar themselves or just there for the cocktail lounge vibe. It’s less "1950s boardroom" and more "modern sanctuary."
Another myth: You have to be a pro.
Nope.
I’ve seen people walk in who didn't even know which end to cut. The staff will cut and light it for you if you ask. They use cedar spills sometimes too, which is a nice touch. Lighting a cigar with a cedar spill instead of a torch lighter keeps the chemicals out of the foot of the cigar. It’s a small detail, but it shows they give a damn about the ritual.
The Logistics: Getting There and Staying Late
The lounge is open late. That’s a rarity in the "new" New York where everything seems to close at 10 PM. On weekends, they’re often rocking until 2 AM.
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It’s easy to get to via the 4, 5, 6 or N, R, W trains at Lexington Ave/59th St. Just a short walk from the station. If you’re driving, well, good luck with parking on the Upper East Side, but there are garages nearby if you’re willing to drop $50 for the privilege.
Actionable Advice for Your Visit
If you’re planning to head to Merchants Cigar Bar New York, don't just wing it. Follow these steps to actually enjoy the experience:
- Reservations are a thing: Especially on Thursday through Saturday nights. The place gets packed. Call ahead or use their online booking. If you just show up with a group of four at 9 PM on a Friday, you’re going to be standing at the bar.
- Watch your pace: A cigar is a 60-to-90-minute commitment. If you’re in a rush, don't bother. This isn't a cigarette break.
- Respect the "No Licking" rule: If you’re using a public cutter, don't put the cigar in your mouth before you cut it. It’s a hygiene thing.
- Dress the part: You don’t need a tuxedo, but maybe leave the gym shorts at home. Business casual is the "sweet spot" here. You’ll feel more in sync with the environment.
- Eat something first: Smoking a full-bodied cigar on an empty stomach is a one-way ticket to nausea. Grab a burger or order some of their sliders early.
The reality is that places like Merchants are a dying breed. Between rising tobacco taxes and the general push toward "wellness" everything, a spot where you can sit in a leather chair, drink a stiff rye, and smoke a leaf from Nicaragua is a relic. But it’s a necessary one. It’s a pressure valve for the city. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or just someone curious about the lifestyle, it’s worth the trip down those stairs.
Next time you're on the Upper East Side and the noise of the city gets to be a bit much, look for that unassuming entrance on First Avenue. Grab a stick, find a corner, and just breathe—well, you know what I mean.