Corona Cigar Company & J.C. Newman Diamond Crown Lounge

If you know cigars in Tampa, you already know Corona Cigar Company & J.C. Newman Diamond Crown Lounge. This is one of the most talked-about cigar spots in town, and for good reason. The selection is the real draw.

Locals will tell you the humidor runs deep with both boutique names and the tried-and-true favorites, all kept in careful, consistent humidity so the cigars are fresh when you light up. Beyond cigars, they stock tobacco pipes and the smoking accessories to round out your visit. The lounge itself is a big part of the appeal. People who spend time here describe a relaxed room with couches inside and outdoor seating for those cooler evenings, plus a full bar that regulars rave about.

The bourbon, whiskey, and scotch lineup gets high praise, and you can even grab bottles from select barrel picks. One regular summed up the vibe as "Disney for men," and another said the crowd is lovely and easy to strike up a conversation with, never stuffy. The staff earn a lot of the credit. Ask anyone who shops here and names come up: Blaine and Ryan have helped out-of-town visitors track down exactly what they were after, and Ira, the manager, has a knack for matching people to the right cigar.

The word around Tampa is that these folks know their stuff and make you feel welcome if you're a seasoned aficionado or just getting into it. We've heard the odd grumble about service on a slow night, but that's the exception, not the rule. For value, people consistently say the prices are fair for the quality on offer. If you're looking for a cigar shop in Tampa with a serious selection, a proper lounge, and a full bar to go with it, this is a place worth settling into for an evening.