Cygaro - An Elegant Haven in Ellicottville
Cygaro - An Elegant Haven in Ellicottville
New Cigar Bar Boasts a Quality Selection in a Sophisticated Setting
As of March 2023, 28 states have a smoking ban on all enclosed workplaces. Nevertheless, some of the states have exemptions specifically for cigar bars. New York State is one of them. With what seems like the whole world conspiring against smokers, a cigar bar is a sanctuary where cigar smokers can relax and enjoy their cigars without having people wrinkling their noses at them. Among friends and like-minded individuals, cigar smokers have a genuine haven (or is it their heaven?) at cigar bars.
Ellicottville has a new cigar bar in the beginning stages of becoming a full-service cigar bar. As of this writing, owner of the trendy retail shop, She Shed He Shed, Susan Baryza, has opened on a limited basis, Cygaro Cigar Club and Lounge, Ellicottville’s cigar bar. The doors opened last month, providing a place where cigar aficionados, or occasional smokers can enjoy the pleasures of cigar smoking in welcoming, elegant surroundings with leather chairs, intimate settings, soft music, TVs and like-minded individuals.
A place to escape the outside world, one can imagine themselves back in 1931 as innovative and daring Charlie Chaplin, wielding a huge cigar to portray influence and wealth in his classic film, City Lights sits among them. Of course, who cannot imagine a roomful of Corleones in the ‘40s, seated around a table in the 1972 film, The Godfather, filling the room with a fragrant, smokey haze from their cabanas? And, not to be outdone, imagine Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn and Diane Keaton striking a sassy pose holding big fat cigars in the posters for the 1996 film, First Wives Club. Women do visit the club, often with their male counterparts, some to smoke and others just to take in the ambience, the fragrance, and the company.
Baryza is presently negotiating with the NYS Health Department and other entities to bring you a full-service cigar bar. These wheels move slowly, however Baryza felt that a soft opening gave her clients an opportunity to come out of the weather, enjoy the second-floor views of Ellicottville’s main street, the companionship of their friends and one of her more than 50 choices of fine cigars. Baryza sells a smorgasbord of brands that range from Acid Krush Blondies to Cohiba brand with its balanced, creamy blend, to Monte Cristo and Macanudo handmades. Her selection should fill the desires of any cigar smoker who enjoys flavors varying from mild to flavored.
The idea for a classy cigar bar took root after selling cigars in her shop for the past three years and having many inquiries from customers about opening a cigar bar. What better person to ask? After all, she provided the cigars - why not provide a welcoming place to enjoy them? When the room above Hidalgo Grill at 32 Washington became available, she knew this was her opportunity to provide this long-awaited service to the community. Following her business instincts and her entrepreneur’s heart, she did not hesitate to jump into this new endeavor.
To partake in the elegance of this tasteful cigar bar, one needs to become a member. You can gain access to the club as a one-day member for $5. An annual membership ($250) provides access to the lounge and private Cygaro events, 10% off the select cigars of the month, notification of all special events, first choice for private lockers (on their way) and private rental of the cigar bar. She reminds smokers, "You're going to smoke them anyway, why not smoke them with us!”
Hours of operation are Thursday through Friday 5:00-9:00pm, Saturday 3:00-9:00pm and Sunday 1:00-5:00pm. For more information call 716-699-1323 or email cygarolounge@gmail.com.