Chase Kinger and Helen Russell are all smiles at the Knoxville Cigar Company.

Absorbing the vibe at the Knoxville Cigar Company are Danny Berry, from left, Gwen Williamson, Mike Badal, April Schubert and Tommy Smith.

Comments

There are 5 responses to this article. Click here to join the conversation »

STORY TOOLS

• E-mail story
• Printer friendly

More Nightlife news

• Drink of the Week: Three-O Cherry Coke Float
• Drink of the Week: Yamazaki Autumn Delight
• Drink of the Week: The Smoothest Gin and Tonic

Share and Enjoy

The Old City is home to more bars than I can ever keep up with. In truth, it doesn’t surprise me anymore when someone brings up a bar I haven’t managed to visit, often due to my complete oversight. This instance occurred again when I finally realized that the Knoxville Cigar Company was not only an upscale smoke shop, but a pretty classy bar as well.

The Knoxville Cigar Company is on the main strip of the Old City just across from another classy establishment, The Crown and Goose. Before even heading downtown I already had images in my head of how I should potentially dress, what scotch I should order and how cool I should ultimately be.

This is, of course, assuming that I was actually cool or able to even pick a scotch that I recognized from their gigantic selection. Realizing this, I donned my normal getup and headed for the Old City. Unfamiliar with the particular scene that I assumed plopped down in the cigar bar every night, I pictured several groups of gentlemen sitting around in top hats and suits smoking stogies while discussing their latest railroad venture.

Entering through the Cigar Company side of the building, you are greeted with shelves of cigars, the rather pungent aroma of cigar smoke and a variety of fancy tobacco products. If I was to take a guess, I would say they carry just about anything you might need if smoking was your hobby. Personally, cigar and cigarette smoke don’t usually bother me, but be warned: The smoke is thick.

After making your way through the cigar shop and into the bar, you will find what I can only describe as a sort of “man-adise.” The bar is fairly large with comfortable seating all around the bar and along the walls. There are televisions scattered throughout the room that kept me up to date on the Stanley Cup finals throughout the evening. (Boo Red Wings!)

We took a seat near the back of the room and waited on one of the many tables to clear out. The crowd was fairly heavy earlier on in the evening, but began to thin out around 11. The crowd was surprisingly more varied than I had imagined. From young to old, T-shirts to more dressy attire, it was all represented at the Knoxville Cigar Company. Sure, there were still a few frumpy old men sipping scotch and smoking cigars, but that was only to be expected.

Speaking of scotch, the Knoxville Cigar Company has a large scotch menu with what I can only assume are some pretty high-dollar drinks from my limited knowledge of the beverage. They also carry a full selection of microbrews and imports as well as a fairly healthy draft selection, when it’s available. On this night, of the six or seven selections, only two, Magic Hat #9 and Guinness, were available. I decided to go with a #9 for $3.25, a good price considering we were clearly past any sort of happy hour. I also ordered a Jack and Coke for a reasonable $6. The service was great, with the bartender often coming out of the bar to make sure we had what we needed.

The Cigar Company also has a food menu, but I didn’t get around to trying any of it. Just from glancing over the menu I feel it is safe to say it is worth trying. Most of the food is under $10, and the menu features a wide range of choices for even the pickiest of eaters.

I had a great evening at the Knoxville Cigar Company and would definitely consider making a second trip in the future. The atmosphere, service and affordable drinks make the Knoxville Cigar Company a great alternative when heading out to the Old City.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel
Want to use this article? Click here for options!