Platinum Cigar Lounge

If you're hunting for a proper cigar lounge in Miami, Platinum Cigar Lounge is one that locals talk about with real affection. People who come here rave about the setup, from the well-kept humidor to the wide selection of cigars, and more than one regular has called it the best cigar shop in the city. Ask around and you'll hear the same word again and again: home. That's the feeling folks get walking through the door, and it keeps them coming back.

The atmosphere is a big part of the draw. It's classy but comfortable, the kind of spot where a group can gather, settle in with clean ashtrays, and pick what to put on the TV while they smoke. Rita, one of the owners, is known for being warm and genuinely helpful, and Mario has built himself a bit of a following for the way he guides people toward the right cigar. If you want a place to bring an out-of-town friend, this is the one people reach for.

The Millenium cigar comes up often as a favorite among those who know their smokes. Something that sets a nice tone here is the custom work. Enrique does hand-drawn humidors, and we've heard about him turning a photo of someone's car into a detailed piece in a couple of days for a client gift. That kind of craftsmanship makes Platinum a good stop if you're after something special rather than just a smoke.

On value, the word around Miami is that the prices are fair and the shop is always spotless, with the humidor and humidification kept in top shape. One thing worth knowing before you go: the lounge has some house guidelines about which cigars qualify for use of the space, and a visitor or two has been caught off guard by it. Best to ask up front. Do that, and by all accounts you're in for a great experience.