Harlem now has a 700-square foot cigar store and lounge with more than a hundred varieties of premium cigars, including several labels hand-rolled on the premises. “We have relationships with factories in the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua that make rare blends for Renaissance,” observes Johnny Drake.
Displaying big screen TV’s, leather furnishings, chess boards, reading materials, a 150 sf. walk-in humidor and private lockers for lease, Renaissance Cigar Emporium will be the first Harlem-based cigar establishment in decades. Founded by Johnny Drake and Harold Span, Renaissance will further contribute to Harlem’s rebirth of social style, comfort and history. Its appeal is intended to be broad-based, for neighborhood smokers as well any downtown executive looking to unwind or network with colleagues.
“Harold and I were inspired not only by the cultural legacy produced by artists and writers of the historical Harlem Renaissance but the lasting standard of style, dignity and elegance it left us,” continues Drake. “Whether fixtures like Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. or visitors and friends such as Fats Waller, Romare Bearden and Fidel Castro, Harlem has always had people who appreciated and celebrated cigars. Renaissance Cigar Emporium is striving to bring that culture back.” adds Harold Span, “our place is the perfect balance of the old, and the new. Everyone from the avid smoker to the young woman or man buying a gift is welcome. Our neighbors include the Harlem Tea Room and Madison Avenue Wines and as cigar aficionados know well, coffee, tea and wine highly complement smoking.”
And though one might expect to be served an rich oaky cognac to accompany the hand rolled cigars, Renaissance does not serve alcohol on the premises. Customers are welcome to bring their own wine and liquor at a $10 corkage fee per bottle.
Renaissance Cigar Emporium
1825 Madison Avenue @ 119th Street
Related: Word on the Street
I’ve noticed this place being renovated over the past few weeks. Could this be another restaurant opening up, or a bar to break up the walk from Raggs to Carlitos?
Caminito
Park Avenue @ 118th Street
Submitted by: Doug Smith
Doug Smith
August 13, 2007
It’s already been reviewed in the New Yorker
orange girl
August 6, 2007
Went in Caminito today and met the owner. It is going to be an Argentinian Steakhouse. The grand opening will be tomorrow, Aug. 7th. The hours will be 4 – 11pm to start. Very cute inside and seems like they have a nice wine selection. Moderately priced menu with entrees from $14 – 25.
Doug Smith
August 6, 2007
Caminito is a restaurant that I believe will open for business on Tuesday, August 7th.
Jamar
August 5, 2007
I like cigars, it’s nice to see something on an upscale level in Harlem. Besides it’s better than a 99cent store or a bodega….
Anonymous
August 2, 2007
doesn’t sound so bad to me – some place where people can get together.
EPM
August 2, 2007
Seriously, as if this is what Harlem needs? What a waste and its byob. Right, sounds like a front for something else.