Miami – The Magic City with a Cuban Soul and a Cigar Heartbeat
Miami, affectionately known across the U.S. as “The Magic City”, and the vibrant capital of Florida’s Sunshine State, is considered by many to be the true cigar capital of the world — and with good reason.
Today, its bustling port may be best known as the world’s busiest cruise hub, but not so long ago, this very harbor welcomed hundreds of thousands of immigrants whose stories would come to shape the soul of the city. Among them were legendary Cuban cigar families and master blenders like Don Pepin García, the Padróns, the Toraños, the Perdomos, and Ernesto Perez-Carrillo. These names, now etched into the annals of cigar history, chose Miami as their home base — setting up headquarters while shifting production to Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras.
The Cuban aroma began to infuse the city in the 1960s, following the Cuban Revolution. It didn’t take long before it wrapped its rich, smoky charm around Miami’s streets — with kiosks serving Cafecito, that potent, sweet Cuban espresso shot served in a tiny cup; with cigars in the mouths of men from every walk of life, turning cigar smoking into an everyday ritual rather than an elite indulgence (which explains the city’s relative scarcity of upscale cigar lounges); and with Spanish spoken in every corner — a language that has become the city’s dominant tongue.
Nowhere is this cultural influence more alive than in Little Havana, a neighborhood in West Miami that was once predominantly Jewish, and today is the beating heart of Cuban and Central American immigrant life. The streets are lined with cigar shops — many of which house live rolling stations, where you can watch skilled torcedores hand-roll cigars right before your eyes. Most of these shops also offer cozy smoking areas, where locals and visitors alike gather to savor the experience.
Little Havana Cigar Factory
Nestled in the heart of Little Havana, the Little Havana Cigar Factory stands proudly on the neighborhood’s main street, Calle Ocho 1501, directly across from Domino Park — the Cuban pastime beloved by all. The owners are true cigar aficionados, welcoming guests with warmth and creating a relaxed ambiance perfect for savoring a wide selection of premium cigar brands such as Davidoff, Padron, and Alec Bradley, alongside many others. All this is complemented by traditional Cuban Cafecito, enhancing the experience in true Cuban fashion.
Another must-visit spot on the same street, Top Cigars at 1551 Calle Ocho, brings the ultimate Cuban atmosphere to life. With vintage furnishings, domino tables regularly occupied by locals, an impressive selection of cigars and drinks, Cuban music, and a friendly staff, it’s an invitation to take a brief escape to the nearby Caribbean island, capturing the essence of Cuba with every moment.
A Refined Evening with a Cigar
For those seeking a more exclusive and luxurious experience, blending the pleasure of a fine cigar with a sip of an exquisite alcoholic drink or cocktail, we present two top-tier spots that cater to cigar lovers in Miami.
StripSteak
On Collins Avenue, in the heart of Millionaire’s Row, one of Miami Beach’s most exclusive neighborhoods where home prices are measured in the tens of millions of dollars, and where residents in recent years have included Matt Damon, Ricky Martin, Calvin Klein, Jennifer Lopez, and other celebrities, stands the luxurious Fontainebleau Hotel, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Beyond its architectural beauty and perfect location, the hotel offers a wealth of entertainment, top-tier service, live performances, and a culinary experience in each of its four restaurants, all helmed by renowned chef Michael Mina, an American culinary icon who operates over 30 different concept restaurants across the United States.
Among these four restaurants, StripSteak stands out for cigar lovers. A subtle yet inviting aroma of grilled meat awakens the taste buds as you enter the two-level restaurant. The menu, naturally focused on meat, draws inspiration from the beachfront location of the hotel, offering a variety of seafood and fish dishes as well.
After the meal, guests are invited to enjoy a cigar in the open area designated for the restaurant (where you can also dine alongside your cigar). Cigars are available for purchase from one of two humidors — the first, adjacent to the restaurant’s bar, holds premium cigars from brands like Fuente, Padron, and others; the second, located in the restaurant’s wine cellar, contains rare pre-embargo Cuban cigars from before 1962, carefully preserved over the years, including cigars from Montecristo, H. Upmann, and Partagas. The bar offers a selection of dozens of whiskeys and bourbons, as well as original cocktails to complement your cigar.
4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
(877) 326 7412
Casa De Montecristo
In June 2016, the Casa De Montecristo Prime Cigar & Whiskey Bar opened its doors in Brickell, Miami’s bustling business district, marking the expansion of Prime Cigar into a chain. The first location, Prime Cigar & Wine Bar, had been established six years earlier in Boca Raton, 70 miles north of Miami. Now, Casa De Montecristo has taken its place in the newly constructed Millicento Tower, at the heart of Miami’s business district.
The Prime Cigar brand was born out of a powerful father-son connection. Ryan Leeds, a banker, tragically lost his father in an accident, prompting him to reevaluate the meaning of life. He left his banking career behind and, together with his business partner Jason Resnick, founded Prime Cigar, inspired by the experiences shared with his father. The result is an upscale cigar lounge that celebrates a love for fine cigars, premium whiskey, and luxurious comfort.
In collaboration with Tabacalera USA, the local arm of Altadis USA, the expansive walk-in humidor is stocked with a wide, diverse selection of top-tier cigars, while the Vintage Room showcases the most exclusive and rare offerings.
The bar features an impressive selection of fine whiskeys, including rare and exclusive bottles. The lounge boasts a massive 80-ton air conditioning system that constantly circulates 100% fresh air, ensuring the utmost comfort for guests (and likely the residents of the building as well), all in keeping with Prime Cigar’s motto – “Sophisticated Relaxation.”
South Miami Avenue, Suite 202
(786) 622 2220
