This past weekend, I had the honor of participating in the 2021 Cigar Smoking World Championship US National final. That is a story yet to be published but I will say it was held in Pittsburgh, PA. Since I had a late afternoon flight back to Florida the following day, I was able to reconnect with a very good friend of mine, great BOTL, and occasional Stogie Press contributor – Mike Bruce. Mike picked me up from my hotel and we headed over to one of his favorite lounges in the the Pittsburgh area – The Smoke Stack.
As you know by now, I never miss the chance to visit a new cigar lounge when on business or pleasure and this weekend was no different. Mike I and arrived at The Smoke Stack late Sunday morning. I noticed there was ample parking in the front parking lot and the lounge was easy to identify with its bold sign and Perdomo Cigars logo on the front door.
The shop’s website notes:
The Smoke Stack provides all things tobacco and cigars. From the sale of top quality cigarettes, our own new premium Stack Cigar, and the latest special releases and accessories – The Smoke Stack has it all!
Our founders are Josh Egal and Laurie Lewis-Killen. They have many years of business ownership experience throughout Pittsburgh. After visiting a little tobacco store in New Brighton called Tightwad Tobacco, they brought home the idea to open their own tobacco store. This led to the establishment of The Smoke Stack.
Entering the lounge is down a short stairwell and through the front door. As you enter you notice the front counter that has a show case of accessories. There is also a side pipe and tobacco display to the right for the pipe lovers out there.
The Cigar Collection
The fun part of this lounge begins once you start walking around. First thing I notice is that it has a rustic feel and look to it and there is no walk in humidor. Josh and Laurie opted for humidified cabinets that are placed throughout the lounge. Every turn and twist you will notice another collection of fine premium cigars that range from large to small brands. Just when I thought I saw them all, I turned a corner and boom there was more. The layout is fun as walk about the maze of cabinets shopping for your perfect smoke of the day.
Seating
The lounge has a number of sitting areas that are placed between the cigar cabinets and makes for semi private areas to sit with a group of friends and have conversation. The cabinets offer a noise buffer between the different areas. There are two areas that offer comfortable leather seating, a rustic wood and tile bar in the back, and a large card/conference table in the center. They do not sell alcohol but they do allow BYOB in accordance with PA State law.
Atmosphere
The shop uses numerous RabbitAir smoke filtration systems throughout and also an exhaust system to keep the smoke volume at a comfortably minimal level. The day I was there, I would say there was close to 12 patrons in the shop and I found the air quality to be quite comfortable. There is also single stall bathroom that was decently clean and a small coffee and drinking glass station. If you need munchies, they have a small selection of bagged chips for sale and of course you can bring your own or order in from local eateries that have delivery service. There are two flat screen televisions for your viewing enjoyment.
Coffee Station 
Munchies 
Lockers on The Left 
Since my friend Mike and I got there early, I had the opportunity to observe the patrons, each of which stopped to say hello as they entered the lounge, so I would say this is most certainly an inclusive atmosphere.
Location/Contact/Hours of Operations
The Smoke Stack is located at 7305 University Boulevard, Moon Township, PA 15108. It just a few minutes drive from Pittsburgh International Airport and Interstate 275.
Phone: (412) 375-7627
HOURS OF OPERATION
Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
So if you live in the area or are visiting for business or pleasure, check out The Smoke Stack and tell them Boston Jimmie says hello.