Do you patronize your host?

[cody5thou]

I agree I don’t enjoy smoking cigars straight from the B&M, but I always pick up a couple. Especially, if I intend on staying for a smoke and some conversation. Whenever I have the chance to go to the cigar bar, I never buy cigars. First, they are way over priced and I figure most of the people that come into the bar I go to are big money spenders. But I always enjoy some drinks and always leave more than enough tip for the waitress.

 

[knuck42]

I often stop in to the 2 local B&Ms just to say hello as I have developed close friendships with the owners and staff, many of which extend byond the store. In these cases I rarely buy something as I am more there to socalize. If I'm going to be warming a chair for a while, I'll usually buy a stick or three to take home and store in the humifor for a spell. Well over 95% of what I smoke comes from on line vendors though.

 

[StogieFarts]

If I go into a restaurant, I don't bring in someone else's food. Same with a cigar bar/lounge. I think it's only fair to smoke a stick that you get from them.

 

[Smoking Mex]

I frequent a cigar bar, and never buy from them. However I consume enough alcohol with a mark up built into it as well that more than makes up for it.

 

[sonuvabum]

Nice topic!! Thanks.

I'm pretty much on board with what most people are saying here. I try and support the place I'm hangin' in some fashion or another. If it's principally a cigar shop, I'll buy some sticks. If it's mainly a bar, I'll drink or eat. It's the right thing to do. About the only thing I won't do is WAY overpay for cigars but I will always try to be fair.

I'm reminded of the Hooter's location not far from my house. A while back, some zealots petitioned to have there beer license revoked by having them classified as a "sexually oriented" business and it stuck. (This actually is a whole 'nother story) Anyway, the store remained open and vowed to continue to stay open all the while giving away their beer instead of selling it. They do have some drink limits and limited brands available but they have stuck to their word for about 2-3 years now. So, me being the fair-minded guy that I am, I make a point of visiting that Hooter's when I can. It's my way of supporting them and I get free beer in the process.

Is this a great country or what??!!

 

[Mrepp]

yeah, actually I almost feel obligated to buy something even though I just stopped in to see what they have.

 

[cuppajack]

This is nearly a non-issue for me as there are very few spots where I even have the option.

Generally I would prefer to smoke-my-own at a lounge, but I'll of course pay for the privilege either w/ a 'corkage' fee or by picking up a few sticks for another day. Of the of places where this isnt' an option one (way) out in Pasadena (that Rob turned me on to actually) has a nice enough lounge that I'll pay a premium-price for an every-day stick on occasion (though it has been quite a while...)

My favorite bar has a smoking patio, and a cigar menu that isn't horrible (for California: $7 for a Padron 2K,) but I always bring my own.

 

[JimK]

I like to buy from my B&M. I am sitting in one right now, smoking a big Rocky OWR I bought here for $14.00. It's not that much money, and I have a big comfy leather chair, flatscreen TVs, internet access and bar service. This time of year in FL, it is a really nice option, and I don't mind paying for the privilege.

JK

 

[NullSmurf]

I like to buy from my B&M. I am sitting in one right now, smoking a big Rocky OWR I bought here for $14.00. It's not that much money, and I have a big comfy leather chair, flatscreen TVs, internet access and bar service. This time of year in FL, it is a really nice option, and I don't mind paying for the privilege.

JK

When you say MY, you're not kidding, though. What's your take, Jim. How many guys DON'T pay the piper?

 

[Shooter]

It just all depends.

1. What is the mark up. vs the atmosphere

2. Are the smokes well kept?

3. Do they have anything in particular?


Its a case by case decision for me. I have to been to some bars with excellent smokes and not so excellent. Nothing worse than buying a dried out 9 dollar 858. When it comes to a B&M. I will always buy a few smokes, I may or may not smoke them then. I just like to have smokes sit in my humi for a while before I smoke em.

I do agree with the guys whoe train of thought says the alcohol helps foot the bill. I mean do they expect cigarette smokers to buy cigarettes from them also?

 

[puffstuff]

I won't comment on the B&M part. As far as a Cigar Bar is concerned, I will always buy their products. I'm paying for the service and atmosphere. Just like going out to a restaurant, I pay $10 for a hamburger which I can get the same thing at the grocery store for $2. I would never even consider making a hamburger at home, bringing it in to Applebees and buying some fries and drinks from them.

Al

 

[Shooter]

I won't comment on the B&M part. As far as a Cigar Bar is concerned, I will always buy their products. I'm paying for the service and atmosphere. Just like going out to a restaurant, I pay $10 for a hamburger which I can get the same thing at the grocery store for $2. I would never even consider making a hamburger at home, bringing it in to Applebees and buying some fries and drinks from them.

Al

Al I agree with ya, but its tough to buy a smoke that is not smokeable. Other than that I will buy a smoke or two. Its like ordering a hamburger thats not been cooked. I agree with the whole bringing a hamburger to a restaurant. Like I said, a case by case decision. Most of the time I will buy a smoke with no problems and there are very few cigar bars that slack on keeping their cigars fresh.

 

[Putz Mulligan]

I go to my local B&M expecting to purchase a stick or two in the hopes that when the occasional rare one comes in he is calling me first.

 

[JHolmes763]

If it's a B&M I'm smoking at (which is rare), I'll buy some sticks. A bar or lounge, I'd typically bring my own and buy drinks, unless they really have a good selection and prices.

 

[Dave]

Depends on whether the establishment is worthy of my business. There are a few cigar friendly establishments that I frequent, however only two come to mind as places I think deserve my money. Others are just not worth my hard earned cash. Needless to say, I will spend money to support my favorite places.

 

[CoventryCat86]

My local glass and cement (JimD's shop) always carries cigars I want to smoke for good prices. Every time I go there, I buy cigars.

I always buy cigars at other wood and shingles place (Connecticut Valley Tobacconist) that I frequent.

I rarely bring my own cigars to either unless I'm meeting Gary or Josh.

 

[Wurm]

I won't comment on the B&M part. As far as a Cigar Bar is concerned, I will always buy their products. I'm paying for the service and atmosphere. Just like going out to a restaurant, I pay $10 for a hamburger which I can get the same thing at the grocery store for $2. I would never even consider making a hamburger at home, bringing it in to Applebees and buying some fries and drinks from them.

Al

Al, the main word is BAR so if I go into the BAR and drop 50 to 60 bucks on drinks I should also buy an overpriced cigar from them? The last "cigar" BAR I was in didn't even have a humidifier in the humidor. And the markup was over 20% what I'd pay for the same cigar at my B&M. Sorry, I'll drink their booze and/or beer but the cigar I smoke will be coming out of my pocket humidor.

Shawn

 

[TheVitaleMob]

Well, in WA State here where I live, there is a statewide ban that doesn't apply to the reservations. There is a non-res B&M that I routinely buy singles from to support him, as he has great stock with a fair range of prices that correlate to the WA tax (something like 70% capped at $.75). He is also the only BM for miles that actually knows what he's doing, and is very easy to talk to. There is a res-owned cigar bar where I go sometimes that is overpriced of course, but the room they have is absolutely amazing. The NWers I met up with a while ago can attest to it, so I bring my own cigars, buy the booze and food, and tip the waitress well. The waitress I usually get is attractive, so that's a bonus.

 

[NullSmurf]

I won't comment on the B&M part. As far as a Cigar Bar is concerned, I will always buy their products. I'm paying for the service and atmosphere. Just like going out to a restaurant, I pay $10 for a hamburger which I can get the same thing at the grocery store for $2. I would never even consider making a hamburger at home, bringing it in to Applebees and buying some fries and drinks from them.

Al

Al, the main word is BAR so if I go into the BAR and drop 50 to 60 bucks on drinks I should also buy an overpriced cigar from them? The last "cigar" BAR I was in didn't even have a humidifier in the humidor. And the markup was over 20% what I'd pay for the same cigar at my B&M. Sorry, I'll drink their booze and/or beer but the cigar I smoke will be coming out of my pocket humidor.

Shawn

No, not at all! Churchill's in Denver is the perfect example. They have a great selection at the bar, but also have a reasonably good 2-3xMSRP selection of contemporary NC's that I wouldn't touch unless I was desperate. 2-3 drinks commonly set me back $50 and I smoke my own. They can sell their cigars to those who foolishly come without.

They also have a couple boxes of pre-embargo smokes that look like they spent the previous 40 years in the back corner of JoeBob's garage.

 

[KayakinBoy]

i have trouble just visiting the b/m and not buying anything... never mind smoking there...

Yep, I can't go in a shop and walk out empty handed.

If I have the time, I'll smoke at Chattanooga Billiards Club, which is connected to my B&M.