Cigar City Club: A Stylish International Dining and Cigar Lounge Experience in Atlanta
If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and searching for an upscale spot that blends international cuisine, craft cocktails, and a refined cigar lounge atmosphere, Cigar City Club is one of the most recognizable names on the north side of the metro area. This guide walks you through what to expect, how it fits into Atlanta’s dining scene, and how to decide if it’s the right spot for your night out.
Where Cigar City Club Fits in Atlanta’s Restaurant Scene
Atlanta has a strong mix of international restaurants, from Buford Highway’s casual gems to Buckhead’s white-tablecloth spots. Cigar City Club sits in a more lounge‑style, clubby niche, combining:
- A full restaurant with globally influenced dishes
- A cigar bar and lounge with a humidor
- A social, grown‑and‑polished atmosphere that leans more evening and late night than daytime dining
It’s a place many Atlantans consider for:
- After‑work meetups
- Date nights
- Small celebrations
- Business or client dinners in a more relaxed, yet upscale, environment
Location, Parking, and Getting There
Cigar City Club is located in the Sandy Springs / North Atlanta area, convenient to GA‑400 and the Perimeter.
Typical local considerations:
- ✅ Driving: Most visitors arrive by car; factor in evening traffic around the Perimeter and Roswell Road.
- ✅ Parking: Venues in this corridor often offer a mix of self‑parking and nearby lots. It’s smart to allow a few extra minutes on weekends and event nights.
- ✅ Rideshare: If you plan to enjoy cocktails, many Atlanta locals opt for rideshare due to alcohol and late hours.
If you’re coming from:
- Downtown / Midtown: Expect a drive up I‑85/GA‑400 or I‑75/285 depending on your route, often 20–35 minutes in typical evening traffic.
- Buckhead: The drive is usually shorter, but Roswell Road can be busy at peak hours.
Because exact hours and offerings can change, it’s wise to call ahead or check recent information before you go, especially for holidays, private events, or late‑night plans.
Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside
People often choose Cigar City Club less for a quick bite and more for the overall experience. Expect:
- Dim lighting and lounge‑style seating
- A mature, adult crowd (often 30+)
- Background music that can become more energetic later in the evening
- A noticeable but controlled cigar aroma throughout the space
If you’re sensitive to smoke or prefer a quiet, low‑scent dining room, this may not be your ideal everyday restaurant. But if you appreciate a classic cigar‑lounge vibe with full dining service, that’s exactly the environment it’s built for.
Dress Code and Expectations
Cigar City Club leans upscale casual to dressy, especially during evenings and weekends.
Common norms:
- ✅ Men: Collared shirts, nice jeans or slacks, dress shoes or clean sneakers
- ✅ Women: Dresses, stylish tops with jeans or pants, or business‑casual outfits
- 🚫 Items often discouraged at similar Atlanta lounges:
- Athletic wear
- Baggy or ripped clothing
- Beachwear or overly casual flip‑flops
If you’re coming from work in Buckhead, Perimeter, or Midtown, typical office attire usually fits well. When in doubt, aim one step above casual.
Food: International Cuisine With Lounge-Friendly Flair
As an international cuisine spot within Atlanta’s restaurant scene, Cigar City Club usually focuses on:
- Shared plates and appetizers designed for groups
- Entrées that blend American favorites with global flavors
- Hearty, lounge‑friendly dishes that pair well with whiskey, wine, and cigars
You may find:
- Seafood options (like shrimp dishes, fish, or crab‑based snacks)
- Steak or chops, often with classic sides
- Pastas or globally inspired mains, which can reflect Mediterranean, Latin, or broader international influences
- Finger foods tailored to a cocktail and cigar crowd
Because menus can change, regulars often check current offerings before planning a group outing or special meal.
Drinks: Cocktails, Wine, and Pairing With Cigars
For many Atlanta visitors, the bar program is a key reason to visit.
You can typically expect:
- Craft cocktails: Whiskey‑forward drinks, martinis, and classic recipes
- Wine and bubbly: Often curated to match rich, savory dishes and cigars
- Spirits selection: A range of bourbons, scotches, and other aged liquors
If you’re new to pairing:
- Bolder cigars tend to go well with whiskey, cognac, or dark rum
- Milder cigars can balance with lighter cocktails or sparkling wine
Staff in Atlanta cigar lounges often help guests choose a cigar and drink combination that matches their flavor preferences and experience level.
Cigars and the Lounge Experience
As the name suggests, cigars are central to the Cigar City Club concept.
Typical cigar‑lounge features include:
- A humidor with a range of cigars from mild to full‑bodied
- Table service so you can order cigars, food, and drinks from your seat
- Seating areas that encourage conversation and longer stays
Key points if you’re planning your visit:
- ✅ Smoking is part of the environment. Even non‑smokers often notice the aroma.
- ✅ Ventilation: Many Atlanta cigar lounges invest in ventilation systems, but sensitivity to smoke varies by person.
- ✅ Bring Your Own (BYO): Some lounges allow guests to bring cigars, sometimes with a cutting fee. It’s best to check directly with the venue.
If you’re new to cigars, you can mention that to staff. Many cigar lounges in Atlanta are accustomed to guiding first‑timers through lighter, more approachable options.
Reservations, Groups, and Events
Cigar City Club often draws after‑work crowds, weekend visitors, and groups, so planning ahead is smart.
Common practices among similar Atlanta venues:
- Reservations recommended for:
- Friday and Saturday nights
- Larger groups (4+)
- Special occasions (birthdays, client dinners, small celebrations)
- Call ahead for:
- Private or semi‑private areas
- Large parties
- Specific seating preferences (for example, closer to or farther from main lounge activity)
If you’re hosting out‑of‑town guests staying in Perimeter Center, Buckhead, or Sandy Springs, this kind of venue can work well as a “welcome to Atlanta nightlife” introduction, blending dining and cigar‑lounge culture in one stop.
Typical Costs and Budgeting
Pricing can vary by night and by selection, but compared to the broader Atlanta dining scene, Cigar City Club sits in the mid‑to‑upper range, similar to many Buckhead and Sandy Springs lounges.
To plan realistically:
- Food: Expect to pay more than a casual chain restaurant, closer to an upscale neighborhood bistro.
- Drinks: Craft cocktails and premium spirits are generally priced in line with other North Atlanta lounges.
- Cigars: Depending on brand and rarity, these can range from approachable to premium.
Many Atlantans treat a night here as a special evening or “grown‑up” night out, rather than an everyday dinner choice.
Quick Snapshot for Atlanta Visitors
Here’s a simple summary to see if Cigar City Club fits what you’re looking for:
| Question | What to Expect at Cigar City Club (Atlanta Context) |
|---|---|
| Is it mainly a restaurant or bar? | A hybrid: full restaurant plus cigar lounge and bar. |
| What kind of food? | International‑influenced dishes with lounge‑style fare and shared plates. |
| Smoke-free or smoking? | Cigar‑friendly environment; smoke is part of the experience. |
| Dress code? | Upscale casual to dressy; avoid very casual or athletic wear at night. |
| Good for dates? | Yes, for couples who enjoy a clubby, cigar‑lounge vibe. |
| Good for families with kids? | Generally more suited to adults, especially evenings. |
| Best time to go? | Evenings, especially Thursdays–Saturdays for a livelier crowd. |
Tips Before You Go (Atlanta-Specific)
To make the most of a visit to Cigar City Club in the Atlanta area:
- 📅 Check current hours and policies. Atlanta nightlife spots sometimes adjust hours, entertainment schedules, or cigar policies.
- 🚗 Plan for traffic. Evening congestion on GA‑400, I‑285, and Roswell Road can add time to your trip.
- 📞 Call ahead for groups. If you’re bringing coworkers, clients, or celebrating a birthday, advance coordination is helpful.
- 😌 Consider smoke tolerance. If someone in your party is sensitive to smoke, discuss it beforehand so everyone is comfortable.
- 💳 Budget accordingly. Treat it like an upscale lounge dinner, not a quick casual meal.
For Atlantans and visitors who appreciate international cuisine, a polished lounge atmosphere, and cigars all under one roof, Cigar City Club offers a distinct niche in the city’s restaurant and nightlife landscape. Whether you’re planning a date night, an after‑work unwind, or a sophisticated night out with friends, it’s worth considering if that classic cigar‑lounge feel aligns with the kind of evening you want in Atlanta.