Civil Cigar Lounge

Awesome cigar lounge in DC. I have visited Civil several times and each time I have enjoyed the music, crowd and drinks. The crowd is a mature yet fun mix. I like the setup and décor, and most importantly I love the ventilation system. I’m a huge fan of cigars, but hate lingering smoke. Civil does a great job of managing the amount of smoke in the air. A must visit for cigar aficionados!

I liked this place a lot! I am 30 and am so over the club scene, this is definitely a nice alternative. Think grown and sexy, a nice place for a date or even to social with friends and meet new friends. The music is old school but its low enough that you can have a conversation. It would be nice if they mixed the music selection up a bit. I spent about $ 160 for 4 people — we each had a cigar and 1 – 2 drinks. The bartender (black gentleman, forgot his name) was great at helping me choose a cigar and going over the basics. Be careful, I order 4 Hennessy and cokes and was presented with a $ 200 bill. Turns out he charged me for Hennessy XO instead of the regular degular:) He quickly corrected it after I bought it to his attention. It was a nice mix of young and older, clean, classy… I wish they kept the kitchen open longer than 10pm though. Will definitely return!

Great location and the ventilation in this place is one of the best I have experienced. I do think they should serve food after 10 since the place stays open until 3.

I love a quality cigar lounge, and this one is all that and then some.
Great setting, nice crowd, very attentive staff.
I spent a few hours here for a cigar and a couple of beers, the bartender offered great conversation.
Thy also have a great bar menu… Tons of whisky, scotch, rum etc…
If you need a nice chill place to smoke a cigar and decompress, this one is worth checking out!!!

This review is for the drinks and ambiance. I have to say, the ambiance of this place is very nice. Their drinks are strong and the décor is really on point. I never knew this place existed until a gf invited me to do a group couples outing. I have been to several cigar bars in dc, but this one has an open atmosphere, where you feel comfortable quickly. There was no waitlist-​wait time like other cigar bars. They also have an extensive wine selection and several seating areas for you and your guests. I believe I had a few puffs of my bf’s cigar, and it was pretty smooth. Cant speak on the cigars.

Short but sweet.
Came to Civil for a friend’s birthday with a party of around 8. We were bounced around the lounge and actually got seated once then moved to another area. The food was pretty good but the dinner prices are a little high. Civil gets cool points for having an extensive liquor list but charges by the ounce (1 oz or 2 oz pours). You can find affordable selections but the drinks are on the pricey side. They have a wide selection of cigars and are willing to help steer you in the direction of a good cigar. The service we got was OK, not the most attentive but not horrible. We also switched servers abecause our first server was less than pleasant. My experience here wasn’t horrible and wasn’t fantastic. It’s a good cigar lounge… come here for that.

The ambiance, cigars, drinks/​food are great at Civil, but it comes at the price of questionable service and shady business practices.
Had a reservation for 10:45pm on a Saturday night, arrived around one to two minutes late. Waited approximately two to three minutes for the hostess to arrive at the front door. I’ve visited Civil three times prior to this visit and all three times there was a delay in the hostess arriving at the front door. The hostess are usually gregarious and chat with patrons for a couple of mintues while seating them, so that was not unusual. What was peculiar was the hostess told us she could not honor our reservation and gave our table away because we were late. Not 30 minutes late or an hour late, she gave our table away because she believed we were five minutes late. We were actually two minutes late. She explained that she would give us the next available table. Ok, no big deal. There is typically a wait even when you have a reservation at restaurants and we were actually seated after 10 minutes of waiting.
Civil lounge boasts about it’s state of the art ventilation system that «replaces 100% of the air in the facility every two minutes» on it’s website. On this night, I could see billows of cigar smoke wafting above my head, but again no big deal. Systems occassionally fail.
We’re now seated at our table, it took the waitress about 30 minutes to come and get our orders. In the process of taking our order, she’s extemely impatient and rushes us through our orders. I also get the sense that she’s annoyed by the questions asked by our table concerning the drinks and cigars. The lounge is extremely packed and busy which is causing her to be flustered, so I give her a pass.
When it’s time to pay for the bill, we noticed there are a couple of extra drinks that don’t belong on the bill and everyone was given two oz. of liquor, including in the mixed drinks. The couple of times I’ve been to Civil in the past, the server has always asked if I wanted a one oz. or a two oz. drink. The waitress on this night, gave everyone at my table a two oz. drink by default without asking. I’ve never been to an establishment where you’re given the most expensive option without any consultation. This was the first time everyone at my table has been to Civil so this was very confusing and disconcerting. We spoke with Paul, the manager, in an attempt to rectify the bill. While he removed the extra drinks from the bill, he was intransigent concerning the two oz. drinks. According to Paul, giving patrons 2 oz. drinks by default was an official policy of Civil. Of course this was BS because I was always asked if I wanted a one or two oz. drink in my previous visits.
The ambiance, cigars, drinks/​food are great at Civil, but it comes at the price of questionable service and shady business practices.

Very nice spot esp for beginners or non smokers as well as the experienced ones. Went for a gfs birthday dinner/​party and had a great time. They’re open areas near the bar and also private rooms/​areas (kind of a grown and sexy vibe). They have half size cigars (if you don’t want a whole cigar) and you can add flavors. Our server (forgot his name– sorry) was excellent and patient. He took his time and explained to us how to cut, light and smoke cigars.
Only downside was a little problem getting the food out in a timely manner (not sure what took so long) it was only 6 of us and it wasn’t really crowded. But all in all had a great time and definitely recommend to ladies who don’t know much about cigars.

First and last time I visit this establishment. Arrived four minutes late and my table for 6 was already given away and we had to wait for another one. Server, Patricia, extremely rude and rushed us through our order, didn’t explain the difference between one ounce drinks vs standard two ounce drinks (or optional two ounce drinks), automatically assumed two ounce drinks for each of us, double charged some drinks, and attempted to charge for premium liquor– more than two staff members (including ‘owner/​manager’ had to «correct» our receipt. If you don’t look at your receipt, they will try to pull a fast one on you.
After explaining to the owner/​partner, Paul, about our service, the additional charges, and how we wanted him to fix it, he did not apologize (a bartender apologized before he even did) and did not correct the mistake the way any other establishment would. All he said was that you consumed it and I’ll fix the charge for the premium liquor and one of the extra drinks & attempted to blame his POS server and how drinks are processed. It is not the client’s fault when the servers are poorly trained or when a server is knowingly & blatantly overcharging the customer. To be very clear, the cost of the drinks were reasonable– the challenge was that the server robbed us of our choice to select a one vs two-​ounce– she attempted to capitalize on our group, which consisted of law enforcement, accountants, IT professional, and a doctor. Money isn’t an issue– it’s an issue when Paul and Patricia are practicing poor business ethics, lack customer service, and do not take the correct steps to remedy the situation.

I went on a Sunday afternoon to watch the Redskins game, eat lunch, have a beer, and smoke a cigar. I had a wonderful experience! Food is provided by the Range restaurant next door, so it is very tastey. Service at the bar was great. I was impressed that the don’t mark up the cigar prices to rediculous levels. Best of all, the smoke filtration system is the best I have ever experienced so I went home barely smelling of cigars!

Excellent selection of cigars. Very large selection of fine single malt scotch as well as various wines. There’s more but that’s what I was interested in I was impressed. The salad and pizza were good too. But mostly come to this place for atmosphere. Very classy. Plenty of space, doesn’t feel cramped or congested. Definitely for the luxury lovers out there

This place is one classy joint.
Very eye appealing place to have a cigar and have good conversation with friends that came with you, strangers, or even the staff.
They always have a good selection of drinks and food items (stay away from the crab cake it was pretty terrible). It is always clean and inviting atmosphere.
Eric was the cigar guru with personality that could fill a room. He has since left to pursue his own career development. He does sometime work a weekend here or there but I recently learned that he will be back around on the weekends. Recently met Anthony who is equally as knowledgeable of cigars and just as friendly. I also met the actual owner of the shop one evening I stopped in after work and he was also very personable and we help a pretty lengthy conversation about cigars, our high school rivalries and all of the charity programs that he is involved with. I can’t remember his name but I know he graduated from DeMatha right here in the DC area.
Easily the best cigar room in town. The store also has a wide variety of cigars for purchase. The best thing about Civil is that even though it is a cigar lounge the ventilation system keeps it smoke free and you don’t have to worry about going home smelling like smoke.

Civil is a great place to relax and have a nice cigar. They offer a vast variety of cigars for purchase and high quality profile of spirits. Anthony is great, very personable, and a great asset to help you pick out the perfect cigar for your palette. I especially enjoy the whiskey offerings. Jameson Rarest Reserve is one of my favorites. They were out of a few selections on the menu but the bartender was quick to offer some great substitutions which dis not disappoint.
Also the ambiance is great. Low light, full bar and comfortable seating. I would definitely. Recommend this place for a great cigar and a good drink. I would say this place is worth your time and money. The customer service is fantastic in my experience.

Best cigar lounge in the city! Professional, sexy, classy all the gems that make it a diamond. The food is incredible and the beverage selection is sick. The only cigar lounge I have ever come out of not smelling like smoke.

Always an educational experience dealing with Anthony and Juan. These cats know their sticks. Adam, Ray and the rest of the crew are top notch. Very good atmosphere to kick back and chill.

Great gem in the heart of Friendship Heights. The décor is refreshingly chic and the staff is incredibly knowledgeable about all of the cigar offerings… of which there are a ton! This is the perfect late night date spot, or a great place for friends to gather. There is no dress code, but the majority of the patrons come dressed to impress.

I had the pleasure of visiting this cigar lounge on a business trip and it was a great experience. The décor of the shop, lounge and bar are definitely elegant and sharp. The service was amazing, the host was welcoming the waiter was great always checked in, but wasn’t over bearing. I smoked an untamed cigar by la aurora which fantastic and you actually only get this stick at Civil. I will definitely be back when I visit again.

Cool cigar lounge but it is kind of hard to find, it is in the Chevy Chase Pavilion. It is next to the restaurant Range. There aren’t many cigar lounges that i know of in the area but this one is definitely trendy and with an upscale environment. The servers are super friendly and knowledgeable. It is a great place for cigar enthusiast as well as newbies. The server can suggest some cigars based on what you are in the mood for. So grab a couple friends and lounge with a cigar in one hand and a glass of whiskey in the other.

I love Civil Cigar Lounge! The people there are very knowledgeable about cigar and whisky. Definitely a good place to try both!
The environment there is also not too noise. Highly recommended if you just wanted to find a place with a friend to chat over cigar and whisky.

This is a wonderful venue. The space is classy, and the bartenders are great. I was able to get some really excellent advice about what type of cigar is best for a new cigar smoker.
There is a wonderful drink menu. The Moscow Mule is a favoritie of mine.

This is a great place to meet black professionals in the DMV. Friday and Saturday is a good time to go. There is bar seating, but it fills up quickly, so it’s best to make a reservation for a table in advance.
There are 3 pages of selection show-​casting a variety of cigars. Valet is offered out front in case you have difficulty finding street parking.
4 stars given because the place use to be ventilated extremely well, but unfortunately not anymore. If smoke bothers you, you will have a difficult time with inhalation.

I went here after a Valentines Day dinner at Matisse. We were looking for an after dinner drink and Unilocal pointed us to the Civil Cigar Lounge.
They had an extensive drink list and we ended up staying for a few drinks. We really enjoyed the atmosphere too.
You are allowed to smoke the cigars inside the restaurant, so if smoke bothers you, this is definitely not the place for you.

Really nice and spacious place. Excellent cigar and whiskey selection. Variety of tables, booths and even private rooms. Everyone was friendly and accommodating. Just a bit hard to find as you have to walk through the Hilton Hotel and then go up to the 2^nd floor. It’s nestled in the corner.
Parking in the garage attached to the hotel/​lounge.

I’m not a huge cigar fan, but every once in a while I like to join in the fun. Civil Cigar has a lounge and a bar area, but also have a retail shop and offer rental of cigar lockers. So, for the cigar aficionado, this is the place.
The staff is knowledgeable about their cigars as well as their wined and whiskey. So, for the non-​smoker like myself… I still feel comfy.
Civil does serve small bites, that come from Range next door.
The décor is pretty typical for a cigar bar. dark, leather chairs, traditional, but very classy. I also noticed that Civil was not smokey like some cigar bars. I still walked out smelling like smoke, but just not as smoky.
Again, I’m not a huge cigar fan, but would give this 5 stars for the cigar smokers. You have to try this place.

I’m not a cigar smoker, so I didn’t have an interest in this place. My SO suggested coming here, so I figured that I’ll sip wine and enjoy the sights.
We were promptly greeted by Angel who looked fabulous in her purple dress. Our coats were checked in and we were seated.
Our server was Marcie, and she was extremely knowledgeable about the various cigars. My SO ordered his cigar, and I ordered the temperanillo, which was great. My sister enjoyed the sage martini. It had an interesting taste… not in a bad way.
About 20 minutes later, I decided to try a cigar for the first time. Marcie suggested a honey– flavored CAO. She even showed me how to smoke it. The flavor was nice. This is when I discovered a new love.
I vowed to return so that I can try another flavored CAO as well as try something from the menu.
Exactly one week later, we were greeted by Angel again. This time the server was Hillary. She was equally as knowledgeable about the cigars. Hillary suggested a great white chocolate truffle cigar to compliment the Riesling.
The next morning my hair wasn’t as smoky as I thought it would be. Ladies, if you think a cigar bar is strictly for men, think again! Civil is extremely sexy yet laid back. This is the place to enjoy a great cigar, drink awesome whiskey, and catch a good game.

This is THE place to go smoke in the DMV. The atmosphere was great without being pretentious. The quality of sticks are great. The drink menu is expansive with a good number of top shelf drinks. The service was phenomenal (shoutout to Marcy). The ventilation system is top of the line. And to top it all off the place is relatively affordable!!!