UPTOWNflavor

Harlem now has a 700-square foot cigar store and lounge with more than a hundred varieties of premium cigars, including several labels hand-rolled on the premises. “We have relationships with factories in the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua that make rare blends for Renaissance,” observes Johnny Drake.

Displaying big screen TV’s, leather furnishings, chess boards, reading materials, a 150 sf. walk-in humidor and private lockers for lease, Renaissance Cigar Emporium will be the first Harlem-based cigar establishment in decades. Founded by Johnny Drake and Harold Span, Renaissance will further contribute to Harlem’s rebirth of social style, comfort and history. Its appeal is intended to be broad-based, for neighborhood smokers as well any downtown executive looking to unwind or network with colleagues.

“Harold and I were inspired not only by the cultural legacy produced by artists and writers of the historical Harlem Renaissance but the lasting standard of style, dignity and elegance it left us,” continues Drake. “Whether fixtures like Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. or visitors and friends such as Fats Waller, Romare Bearden and Fidel Castro, Harlem has always had people who appreciated and celebrated cigars. Renaissance Cigar Emporium is striving to bring that culture back.” adds Harold Span, “our place is the perfect balance of the old, and the new. Everyone from the avid smoker to the young woman or man buying a gift is welcome. Our neighbors include the Harlem Tea Room and Madison Avenue Wines and as cigar aficionados know well, coffee, tea and wine highly complement smoking.”

And though one might expect to be served an rich oaky cognac to accompany the hand rolled cigars, Renaissance does not serve alcohol on the premises. Customers are welcome to bring their own wine and liquor at a $10 corkage fee per bottle.

Renaissance Cigar Emporium
1825 Madison Avenue @ 119th Street

Related: Word on the Street

I’ve noticed this place being renovated over the past few weeks. Could this be another restaurant opening up, or a bar to break up the walk from Raggs to Carlitos?

Caminito
Park Avenue @ 118th Street

Submitted by: Doug Smith