If you are a cigar smoker and do a bit of travel, finding a good cigar lounge can be a daunting task. Yes, there are shops that sell cigars, and a few may have a comfortable chair or two, but there always seems to be something missing.  So, we continue to hunt for that gem of a cigar lounge that seems to bring it all together.

One such gem is Cubana Creations Cigar Bar at 533 Toulouse St. in the French Quarter of New Orleans.  A nice selection of well cared for cigars is available and the bar features an excellent selection of liquid pleasures, including some that can be difficult to find.  Aside from the bar, there are two rooms with comfortable seating in a setting that allows one to enjoy a smoke, your drink of choice and have a pleasant conversation without having to shout as is so often the case in many bars in New Orleans.

Matthew manning the shop that day, has travelled the world and provided each new customer a nice overview of the club and its offerings.  After inquiring about my favorite cigars, he suggested a Bandolero Vanidosos 50, which was a new cigar for me.  I teamed it with A Remy Martin Tercet cognac, and it was a happy choice.  The Bandolero was mid-range in strength and the Remy very smooth, a great team.

CC is the only indoor cigar lounge in the French Quarter so there was a slow but steady influx of clients, all happy to be able to enjoy their pleasures in a location that was far enough away from the sometimes craziness on the street to be a nice place of shelter. 

I recommend Cuban Creations not because it is the only shop of its kind, but because it offers a good selection of cigars and liquors in a calm, well-tended manner.  A step above a neighbor shop, it offers good value with a personal touch.