West Palm Beach, Florida – an iconic Florida city that marks the start of what I consider South Florida. Founded in the late 1800’s the city has grown over the centuries and seen the booms and busts of the ever changing American economy. Now with a bustling business, shopping, and vibrant nightlife, the city has become a destination stop for visitors and tourists alike.
I was first turned onto West Palm back in the late 1990’s when I would make regular Thursday treks down from Melbourne, FL with friends to enjoy the Clematis by Night, an outdoor event held on the main street (Clematis) with live music and food. Since then, I have found my way to the West Palm on many an occasion as a stopover to visit friends. This past Thursday was no exception. I was heading down to Fort Lauderdale to attend an Island Jim Leaf by Oscar event and decided to pick up my friend Steve along the way. Steve lives and works in West Palm Beach and told me I should check out the new Cigar Lounge there, Sticks and Spirits Cigar and Wine Bar, if I arrived early.
The trip down was uneventful and arriving early is exactly what I did! I am always looking to visit new lounges so I can inform fellow cigar lovers about them. So I headed over to Sticks and Spirits Cigar and Wine Bar, which is located in a small alcove right on Clematis Street. Damn nice location if you ask me, especially since the city still has the weekly Clematis by Night event.
The store front is located right across from a large fountain in the alcove and has a large seating area outside that is protected from the element of weather should you want to smoke outdoors. Of course this is Florida, and we are fortunate to still have the laws in our favor, at least to smoke inside a cigar lounge.
As you enter Sticks and Spirits you will notice they have the largest walk-in humidor in all of West Palm Beach, FL. which is adorned with a Davidoff logo on the door and a neon Avo sign above the door casing. There is a seating area in the front that looks out over the patio and a larger seating area in the back. Both areas have flat screen televisions to watch the news and favorite sporting events and are appointed with comfortable seating.
The bar is located just to the left as you walk in and is stocked with a variety of bottled beers and a select collection of wine. Having only a beer and wine license they don’t serve liquor. I found myself a stool at the end of the bar and struck up a conversation with the Jay, the man in charge behind the bar. I ordered a Pinot Noir and Jay introduced to me to the establishment.
Jay was very helpful, walking me through the Humidor and describing the various brands they stock. The humidor is well stocked with most of the brands one would expect for a high end lounge:
- Arturo Fuente
- Ashton
- Avo
- Camacho
- Cusano
- Davidoff
- Don Pepin
- Drew Estates
- E. P. Carrillo
- Griffin
- La Aurora
- La Flor Dominicana
- La Gloria
- LigaPrivida
- My Father
- Padron
- Rocky Patel
- Tatuaje
I will say they don’t carry many boutique lines, but their selection was sufficient to satisfy most discerning palates. In addition to the selection of premium cigars, they also carry cold pressed pipe tobacco from Virginia and North Carolina. The ventilation system was working at peak performance, keeping the air clean.
Having about an hour or so till my friend Steve got out of work, I selected a Padron 1926 to enjoy with my Pinot. As I puffed, Jay explained that they have been open since July – just about 3 months. The other patrons that were in the lounge, or came in, were very friendly and professional, easily striking up conversation, primarily around sports, movies, and books. We even had a lady of the leaf that had her 11 year old cocker spaniel with her.
Overall I would say that Sticks and Spirits is a lounge worth visiting. The prices are as you would expect in a place like West Palm Beach, but not ridiculous. I would like to see them carry some more boutique brands, especially for the young and professional millennials who look for these quality gems. The only major gripe I have, is serving wine in a plastic cup. Being a high end lounge in a city like West Palm Beach deserves a proper glass for your wine.
So if you are in the area of West Palm Beach and are looking for a place to relax and enjoy a good smoke, friendly conversation, and a fine beverage, checkout Sticks and Spirits Cigar and Wine Bar.
Sticks and Spirits Cigar and Wine Bar
Sticks and Spirits Lounge is located at 330 Clematis Street – Suite 111. You can’t miss it, there is a cigar store Indian marking the way, right on the sidewalk of Clematis Street.
Phone: (561) 805-5800
Email: [email protected]