Let me Introduce You to King Cigar Lounge
If you don’t smoke cigars, you may know very little about the five-year-old King Cigar Lounge on Hope between 11th and 12th. And yet, as a non-smoker you just might have a reason to stop in. If you are a cigar smoker, you definitely should stop in.
Did you know that King Cigar Lounge sells cigars and cigar-related items to the public? Looking for a gift for a cigar smoker? King Cigar has a special distinction because they offer the “white label” of Davidoff brand cigars – premium, luxury cigars.
Did you know that King Cigar Lounge has a public area as well as private memberships and day passes for the membership area? You can enjoy the public outdoor patio, purchase cigars to smoke, or buy and go.
I visited the King Cigar Lounge and talked with owner Oscar Gutierrez, who lives in South Park, and member Guy Torry, who also lives in South Park. My top take-aways from our conversation:
1. The #1 reason people smoke cigars, according to my sources, is to relax. Guy, a comedian, smokes a cigar before his show to calm himself and again after the show to come down from the exhilaration of the show. Regulars at King Cigar are doctors, lawyers, entertainers, professional sports players, police officers – high pressure careers where some calming time is desired. Which is why LeBron James is one of King Cigar’s patrons.
2. King Cigar attracts a mix of demographics – a melting pot of people. What they have in common is a love of cigars. All are welcome. While women are a small group of patrons at King Cigar, they are very welcome. There are two women certified Cigar Sommeliers ready to help any and all with cigar purchases.
3. King Cigar has a different vibe from other cigar lounges where a den-like environment with dark colors and stodgy décor is created. King Cigar chose a classy but cleaner and comfortable look for their lounges which was applauded by the president of the Geneva-based Davidoff cigars on a recent visit. King Cigar has four areas – the patio which is open to the public, the walk-in humidor with famous and exclusive cigars sold to members and non-members, and two lounges for members or those with a day pass. There are flat screen TVs for watching sports – the King Cigar event for the World Cup (held in Paris) included champagne, baguettes, and croissants along with cigars!
4. Membership gives access to member-only lounge areas, discounts on cigars and other products, King Cigar events, and a locker for cigars.
5. Oscar chose South Park as the location for his only cigar lounge because of the number of people living in South Park and the number who visit Crypto.com, LA Live, and the Convention Center. If you are a cigar lover and traveling to L.A., word is out that King Cigar should be your first visit. If you live in South Park, King Cigar is convenient, has a top-of-the-line selection of cigars, a great comfortable atmosphere, well ventilated, and lots of networking if that is what you are seeking.
6. King Cigar sees a fair amount of production filming – well, this is L.A. An episode of All American with actor Taye Diggs was filmed at King Cigar. Cedric the Entertainer filmed at King Cigar. TikTok influencers love King Cigar.
The King Cigar Lounge - open seven days a week – 12 pm to 10 pm on Sunday, 12 pm to 12 am the other six days of the week – is a cigar lover’s paradise! See for yourself.
By Debra Shrout