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| Photo by Leonidas Tsementzis |
Website: www.hospitalityholdings.com
Price: $$$$
Ever since the smoking ban, there have been precious few places where a gentleman can enjoy an after-dinner cigar in the company of friends. Fortunately, Carnegie Club has the prestigious distinction of being one of those few. Located directly across 56th Street from Carnegie Hall, the recently renovated elegant art deco interior of the Carnegie Club exudes luxury, sophistication, and class.
As with most places worth going to in New York City, Carnegie Club has an unassuming street presence that makes it blend in with the nondescript office buildings in the neighborhood. Immediately upon crossing the threshold, however, you are transported back to a bygone era as you are enveloped in the smells of leather, wood, whiskey, and the earthy smokey undertones of cigar smoke. Fortunately the renovation also included a new ventilation system, so the smoke is not uncomfortably oppressive.
As with most places worth going to in New York City, Carnegie Club has an unassuming street presence that makes it blend in with the nondescript office buildings in the neighborhood. Immediately upon crossing the threshold, however, you are transported back to a bygone era as you are enveloped in the smells of leather, wood, whiskey, and the earthy smokey undertones of cigar smoke. Fortunately the renovation also included a new ventilation system, so the smoke is not uncomfortably oppressive.
The cigar menu is certainly adequate, and includes some really great selections. Just be prepared to pay a relatively high mark-up. You are welcome to bring your own, but there is a $10 cutting fee. The fee will waived, however, through an agreement set up with the Davidoff Flagship Store a few blocks away. If you bring a cigar purchased there and show your receipt. Expertly mixed cocktails, a full bar of liquors, and pub fare is also available.
The clientele is about what one might expect for this kind of establishment, being mostly middle age and older well-dressed gentlemen. There was, however, a smattering of equally dapper younger guys who can appreciate a good cigar and an atmosphere that is certainly high end, but does not feel snobbish or pretentious.
Live music is frequently featured, with a
four-piece jazz band on Friday and lounge singer with full band on
Saturday evenings. I brought my father here during my parents' most
recent visit to the city, and it was a major hit. He's of an age that he's beginning to
have difficulty hearing conversation and is quickly fatigued in the
typically overcrowded and loud NYC establishments, so Carnegie Club was just
right. We seemed to be in a capsule stuck in time as the commotion of the city faded into memory, and we were able to just sit back, relax, and enjoy conversation over a few drinks
and cigars.
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