Jernigan's

Jernigan's is a cigar lounge in Pittsburgh that surprises people the first time they walk in, mostly because you don't expect to find a spot like this inside a mall. There's a walk-in humidor, a full bar with drinks on tap, and the kind of seating that invites you to stay a while. Locals who know it will point you toward the soft leather chairs, the high tops, and even the chess boards, big and small, if you feel like settling in. The vibe here leans speakeasy, and that's a big part of the draw. People come to spend a few hours, not to grab and go.

Regulars talk about the ventilation being genuinely good, so you're not walking out smelling like smoke, and the atmosphere stays relaxed most of the time. The staff know their stuff, especially with pairing cocktails with cigars, and we hear they'll go the extra mile, even ordering food in for you or letting you bring your own. Ask for Ms. Pokey if you want someone who'll make you feel at home. Happy hour brings a solid discount on drinks, and there's a membership that earns you a little back as you spend.

On cigars, opinion is a touch split. Some folks find the walk-in humidor stocked with quality and harder-to-find smokes, including a handful of Crowned Heads offerings, while others have wished the selection ran deeper on certain brands. Word around Pittsburgh is that new ownership, the people behind Puff 'n' Stuff up in Robinson, has been steadying the ship with more consistent hours and a better tap list. The accessory case is worth a look too, running from a simple cutter all the way up to S.T. Dupont lighters.

Parking in the ramp drops you right near the door, so it's easy for a quick stop or a long, easy afternoon. This one has earned a strong reputation in town, and it's the kind of place people keep coming back to.