Empire Social Lounge (Brickell Location) - Miami, Florida

Jeremy Edmunds

In Miami's sanitized Brickell district, where status symbols sprout like tropical flora, Empire Social Lounge has mastered a rare feat: making cigar lounges cool again. This isn't your grandfather's smoky den of leather-bound pretension, but rather a stylish hybrid where Wall Street meets Calle Ocho.

The sophisticated space, nestled at 1106 S Miami Ave, marries Miami modernism with classic tobacco tradition. An octagonal humidor, worthy of a museum of contemporary art, showcases cigars like precious artifacts. The ventilation system – usually an afterthought in lesser establishments – works such efficient magic that your clothes won't tell tales of your visit the next day.

Sport screens flicker above a bar stocked with enough premium spirits to fuel a Latin American summit, while a crystal chandelier adds unexpected bling to the proceedings. It's as if Don Draper's office had a love child with a tech startup's break room.

The crowd is as varied as the humidor's selection: suited finance types decompress over Davidoffs, while tech entrepreneurs pair craft cocktails with their Padróns. Even the occasional sports fan, drawn in by the multiple screens, finds themselves unexpectedly educated in the finer points of torpedo versus robusto.

The service staff navigates this mix with the expertise of diplomatic attachés, equally comfortable discussing wrapper leaves or last night's game. Their knowledge runs deep, but without the stuffiness that often plagues high-end cigar venues.

Open from noon until 1 a.m. (2 a.m. on weekends), Empire Social plays the long game, transitioning smoothly from power lunches to nightcaps. The outdoor seating area, complete with Miami's requisite tropical plants, offers a refreshing alternative for those who prefer their air unscented.

The impressive Google rating suggests they're doing something right, and indeed they are. While other venues might excel at either cigars or atmosphere, Empire Social has mastered both. The herringbone floors, custom woodwork, and geometric ceiling designs create an Instagram-worthy backdrop for serious cigar appreciation.

Bottom Line: Empire Social Lounge proves that where there's smoke, there's not just fire, but fine design, skilled service, and a thoroughly modern take on an age-old pleasure. It's a rare space where both cigar aficionados and novices can feel at home, whether they're celebrating a deal or just Tuesday.

Insider Tip: Come for the cigars, stay for the scene, but don't skip the cocktails – they're mixed with the same precision as the humidor is maintained.

The Details:
Empire Social Lounge
1106 S Miami Ave #202, Miami, FL 33130
Tel: +1 786-622-2220
Open Mon-Wed, Sun 12PM-1AM; Fri-Sat 12PM-2AM
Price Range: $$$
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Vibe: Upscale but unstuffy
Best For: Deal closers, 3rd date nights, and distinguished dalliances with tobacco

Rich H.

Other than this guy hanging out on their front patio, it's a nice business - good selection of cigars, reasonably priced nice atmosphere and great drinks. Smoky Old Fashion is strongly recommended ?

A R

Update... Stopped by here again on my trip to Miami, this is one of the top cigar lounges in the country. Fantastic!...

Empire Social is a spectacular cigar lounge located in the heart of Brickell. The space is absolutely beautiful. They also have a diverse selection of cigars for sale as well, with some cigars for purchase being very hard to get. This place is by far one of the nicest cigar lounges that I have ever been to. Not since the now closed Grand Havana Room in New York have I been to a place this good. Needless to say, I highly recommend it here and can't wait to see how the new location in Ft Lauderdale is going to turn out!

Alyssa Patchin

First time being back here since it was Prime, and I'm so glad we chose to return this trip to Miami.
It was above and beyond a wonderful experience.
Oscar took the most amazing care of us, taking the time when he was busy to look for things and make sure we got what we were looking for.
He's definitely a top tier bartender with an amazing set of skills, the ability to balance so many taaks at once, and his intuition is so impressive. Made for a perfect experience, lasting impression, and the reason to come back.
He took extra time to give us recommendations, giving us a good view into the valuable spots to visit. He made the whole experience for us extra special and we will definitely remember him on our trip to Miami.
I hope everybody else sees Oscar as the dime he is and values what he brought to the table for us.

Leon M

The benchmark. I’ve been a regular since the beginning. Sincerely appreciate the foundation and experience created by the legacy bar and wait staff. Clean, sexy, and intoxicating atmosphere. Keep up the great work! Much love and respect!

victor

I had a wonderful time at Empired cigar lounge. The atmosphere was fantastic, and the music added to the enjoyable experience. The wide selection of cigars was impressive, and I appreciated the option to bring my own cigar as well. Despite the higher prices on their cigars selection, it was worth it to be able to relax in such a comfortable and welcoming environment. Thank you for a great time!

Nita M.

Truly enjoyed my visit this past Sunday. The Servers were very pleasant. Drinks were good. I recommend the charcuterie board, it was yummy. The atmosphere is also great. I'll definitely be back on my next visit to Miami.

Erick Conde

Great place for tasting cigars while having great time with friends and colleagues. The variety of international cigars available it’s outstanding and you can directly select your choice. The ambience it’s superb and the drinks and appetizers menu it’s outstanding. Enjoy!