Ybor Cigars Plus Lounge & Bar

Ybor Cigars Plus Lounge & Bar is exactly the kind of place people mean when they talk about the soul of Ybor City. Part cigar shop, part lively bar, it has built one of the strongest reputations in the Ybor District, and once you have spent an afternoon here it is easy to understand why. Ask anyone who stops in and they will tell you the same thing: great cigars, great drinks, and a crowd that keeps the room warm and welcoming. The cigars are the heart of it.

Regulars swear by the hand rolled selection, the kind you cannot pick up anywhere else, and the shop keeps a wide array on hand along with bulk cigars for folks who want to stock up. What locals appreciate just as much is the staff. Word around Tampa is that the people behind the bar know their cigars cold and take real time to walk you through the options, whether you are a seasoned smoker or figuring out where to start. One visitor put it plainly: this spot got their attention and did not disappoint, and they came away with exactly what they needed.

Then there are the mojitos. People here talk about them the way they talk about the cigars, and the bartender, Mili by name if you are lucky enough to catch her, has earned a following of her own. Beyond the mojitos you will find cocktails, beer, house made drinks, and authentic Cuban espresso. A Cortado and a cigar, or a Cuban espresso martini, is the sort of pairing that turns a quick stop into a lasting memory.

The room itself is comfortable and easygoing, with air conditioning, indoor and outdoor seating, live music, and the ability to smoke inside. Friday and weekend nights bring the liveliest energy, though plenty of people love it as a quiet escape from the Florida heat. Sign the wall, catch some dominos, and you will see why so many folks plan their trips back before they even leave.