Was looking for some cigars, heard about this spot and the photos on Yelp looked good. Here was my experience. AMBIANCE Parking: Hillcrest area--street parking, might take a minute depending on the time. Seating: Multiple lounge-style areas--couches, chairs, even a pool table setup. Plenty of space to spread out and hang. Good for small groups Vibes: Welcome to the Hillcrest Gay-borhood. It's an eventful place from good eats to bars. This place leans heavy into that speakeasy / vintage lounge feel--dim lighting, moody atmosphere, and a slightly cinematic vibe. It almost feels like stepping into another era. DRINKS / EXPERIENCE They've got a solid selection of wine, beer, and cigars, and the humidor (cigar storage room) is stocked with a variety of options for different preferences. Even if you're not a cigar expert, the staff is known to help guide you toward something you'll actually enjoy--which makes it approachable for both beginners and regulars. CUSTOMER SERVICE Friendly and knowledgeable. Rocky was pretty helpful. TL;DR OVERALL 4 Stars. Solid selections and pleasant vibes. I'm not into the cigar culture but it looks like a unique spot in San Diego. Great for a chill night out, especially if you're looking for something different from the usual bar scene. TIPS: * Take your time--this isn't a rush-through spot * Ask for recommendations if you're new to cigar read more

Cigar Cave - Wooo! - Wine Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

I had my doubts walking up to the place. It's in an alley and nothing good has ever come from a business down one of those. But as soon as i walked in, I knew I was in for a gem and it didn't disappoint. I had such a great experience at Cigar Cave! From the moment I walked in, the staff made me feel right at home. They were fun and totally added to the vibe of the place, even if they inserted themselves into our conversation. Their energy was part of some really dope vibes and good fun! The selection of cigars they recommended based on the flavor profiles we described was spot-on. They have hundreds of cigars as well. Close the door when you enter and exit to keep the cigars fresh. They also serve beer and wine in cool glasses, which was a nice touch. The place has a low-lit, smokey, and had an edgy vibe that just screams chill. The decor is really unique and adds to the overall ambiance. Plus, they'll even change the TV to whatever you want, so you can kick back and enjoy your time however you like. It's super comfy and relaxed. I would definitely recommend this spot to others but not too many because I want to make this part of my monthly routine. If you're in Hillcrest and want a laid-back, fun place to grab a cigar, this is it! read more

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Great place for a relaxing cigar! Nice location - with a good selection of cigars and drinks! Awesome service from Raul. Will be back! read more

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Me and my friends were looking for a cigar lounge to hang out for the evening. We found this lounge on yelp. We entered the lounge and were greeted by the staff. The staff showed us the humidor and the different selection of cigars. The bar has beer and wine. The cigar selection is top notch and the customer service was great. The staff cuts your cigar to your liking and the ambiance is customer friendly. The lounge has pool and outside seating. Great place to go smoke a cigar. read more

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Raul is the friendliest cigar bar owner in town. Super easy going and always provides top notch customer service. This is one of the few cigar spots in town open until midnight during the week and until 2am on weekends. If you're like me and want to have a late night cigar, Cigar Cave is your spot. There are tons of regulars here that you'll get to know. Great beer selection, especially Belgian stuff on tap or bottle. And their humidor is stocked with a lot of the good stuff. Light one up at the bar and allow the team here to provide great hospitality! read more

Cigar Cave - Wine Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Love this place. The lounge is dark, cozy, and very comfortable. It has a great social atmosphere, with plenty of comfy couches and even a billiard table. Perfect spot to relax and spend time with friends. read more

Awesome speakeasy and cigar bar!awesome beer and wine selection with a full bar. Great decor and ambiance. Access through 5th avenue and also the back alley parking. The bartender is great and super accommodating.... Love this place! read more

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I'm biased because I'm a regular here. Come in for a cigar and a drink. It's a mellow atmosphere where people come to chat and unwind.

If you want to smoke a cigar this is the spot in town to go to. Big inside with plenty of chairs. They only charge $5 if you bring your own cigar which totally makes this place worth it. They have beer and wine, a pool table and plenty of chairs and ash trays. The humidor isn't huge but they have enough good variety for any level of cigar smoker. Parking can be tricky but it's worth it. People working there are chill too. read more

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If you're looking for the most authentic cigar lounge in San Diego, come here! If you aren't questioning if you are in the right spot or not then you haven't gone far enough. Emanates the cave in cigar cave. We loved the speak easy feel of having to ring the doorbell to be let in and how moody the lighting and furniture was. The decor of this place deserves some kind of award, it is a bunch of random items immaculately brought together. The cigar collection for purchase was great especially for a couple of amateurs. They offer drinks in the most sophisticated glasses. The owner was friendly and provided great conversation. This was the highlight of my husband's birthday in San Diego. read more

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Open til 2am on most nights Friendly bartender, Christine Pool table and plenty of nooks to sit and have more intimate conversations. You can bring your own cigars as long as your support the place and buy a drink :) read more

Cigars Drinks Ambiance Coziness Friendly place 5 star service Quality design Togetherness read more

Cigar Cave - One of the most amazing spots I've ever had the chance to visit. Quality time, good cigars and cool drinks. Raul will assure your comfort! - Wine Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Came to Rancho Santa Fe for the cars and coffee car show and to meet a business associate. After our meeting, we went to the Cigar Cave. Now let me tell you, its hidden so you have to read the signs. Off of fifth Avenue through an alley way next to the Chase Bank parking lot. It's like a secret speakeasy. As soon as you walk in, theres a big humidor to your immediate left. Great selection of cigars and if you are not sure ask the owner Emmy and she can suggest some great cigars. As you walk in further, there's a bar to your left. You can get your libations here. Emmy suggested the bourbon to pair with my cognac cigar. The mood is a dark, sexy, whimsical, vintage inviting kind of way in which the further you walk in the more you want to stay. Old with a modern twist.There is plenty of comfortable leather seats and couches. There's chessbosrds through and a pool table. This is one of the most unique cigar lounges I have been to. First class service. Emmy is professional and friendly and she makes you feel at home. The atmosphere is very chill and relaxing....great vibes...great music. You dont want to miss this place. This is a 5 star establishment and I have been to many cigar lounges including Chicago and Beverly Hills. This place is amazing, phenomenal service, and the vibe is a speakeasy night club with a cigar lounge. Only thing missing is the password at the door to get in. I recommend this place to all my cigar aficionados. Simply the best cigar lounge hands down in Downtown San Diego. Great cigars, great libations, great conversations. I will definitely be back. Thank you Emmy. read more

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What a great time... It was a tad unconventional to get in through the front entrance because we had to be let in by an electrically locked door. We made our way in and it was a tad dingy but it's a cigar bar right? There was a piano, places to sit, a nice bartender named Christine who was more than kind. I'm a new smoker so I picked a cigar from their big selection and she asked me how the cuts differ and affect the taste. Which I loved because she didn't have to. My wife and I talked and she kept our drinks full and at one point told us what they have to offer. Books, board games, and a pool table. My wife usually hates these kind of places but she had fun. Cigar was fairly priced and drinks weren't too bad either price wise. I recommend this place for a quiet drink and smoke. We had fun. Christine was nice. read more

Loved this place so much come and enjoy the company of the workers ! I would come in every other day if I could but yes amazing atmosphere

Correction. They do serve scotch whisky! Think cause it's so dark in here he didn't see it? Second visit and it just gets better. They also have hookah and vibe is great! read more

My son's favorite place. They had some really delicious Belgium ale and the prices were reasonable. Staff was very friendly and I really felt quite at home sitting next to the fire pits. read more

Okay, as another reviewer stated, Christine is the Cigar Cave Queen! I'm not a cigar smoker. My partner is. We recently explored little Havana and came home to San Diego wanting to find a good cigar place. We tried Gas Lamp. Yeah, not so great. Landed at cigar cave after eating at our favorite Greek restaurant. Cigar cave has a great atmosphere, good beer and wine. But seriously, Christine knows her cigars. Great recommendations and on top of bar for drinks. We've been back several times and this will definitely be our spot. Totally recommend read more

Cigar Cave - Inside - Wine Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Great service, great cigar selection, and the vibe is amazing. The prices are very reasonable and a perfect place to go relax, have a smoke, and hang out. read more

Yes!!! Got brought here super drunk on a Saturday night and remembered, "that bar is awesome!" And also left my credit card there so had to go back sober to get it. I confirm sober or drunk this place is AWESOME! A very New York or LA vibe with SD peeps. Back alley entrance, cigars, pool, vintage art, outdoor space, I could go on and on. Officially obsessed! read more

Cigar Cave - Glimpse of the bar (also everything is for sale you see) - Wine Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Fun fun fun. The vibe is dar yet inviting. You can sit inside or outside, drinks, pool, cigars, and hookah what is not to like? Not to mention there are lots of beautiful women that frequent this place. read more

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Bartender cigar queen Christine is so amazing and friendly. I just love this place from the decor to the staff. It's my new favorite spot for sure. Pool table a tremendous bonus as well. I may want to hold a small biz event there this summer as well. Til next time, keep toking. Donnyland read more

The art, the esthetic, the vibe of all the regulars, this place has it all. It has a real speak easy feel to it which is very cool. The staff is very attentive and I honestly can't say anything bad about this place other than you won't be able to keep from coming back over and over. This place is amazing. read more

Cigar Cave - a bar with purple lighting - Wine Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Wow, And WOW! What a great place! Emmy and Raul have created the most relaxing place for wine, beer and cigars in the city. Nobody who wanders in as we did can not come back. Parking isn't terrible and it's worth the cost. Cigars are reasonably priced with a strong selection available. An hour spent here is an hour well spent. read more

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We visited on the 22nd 23rd and 25th of September in 2023 (Jim and Priya) I've been in a lot of cigar lounges and this is by far the most awesome experience I've ever had. The decor is like a movie set and the crowd is young and fun and eclectic. You will not find better ambiance anywhere. The host Christine took fabulous care of us and even let me borrow her torch - not something every lounge will do. They serve a nice selection of beer/wine and are open till Midnight. When we find ourselves in town again we're sure to come back. read more

I like the atmosphere of this place. Most lounges are Latin American themed, although it has touches of it its more contemporary. The owner is a very nice lady. I felt welcomed when I walked in and had my first beer and smoke. read more

Cigar Cave - Beer and and a smoke after work - Wine Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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This bar was good till this bar tender I think his name was Roman, he was such a rude person just being a dick about everything, I would ask him a question about beer or cigar and he acted very rudely, they should fire him very bad service. Guy acted like everything bothered him. I would not go back to this establishment, they guy had very bad vibes. Dnt go to the cigar cave in hillcrest read more

Very friendly owner, great venue, and music playing, inviting environment, small but good selection of cigars, brews, and wine. I recommend the Esteban Carreras Brownstone cigar. It's a good mild to medium bodied cigar! read more

Cigar Cave - Esteban Carreras Brownstone ring. - Wine Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Amy is awesome and this place is great! Come check it out if you can! The spot has a parking lot attached to the back of it. if you try to find it off of 5th street you have to go through an alley way but this place is awesome check it out! read more

Arrived at Cigar Cave at 415pm on Thursday/2 AUG for business meeting with 3 other cigar aficionados Advertised hours indicated Cigar Cave opened at 4pm. We waited for another 10 minutes, but no sign of opening. Adjourned to reliable backup, Churchills for our meeting. Hard to support local business when they dont adhere to advertised operating jours read more

This is my favorite bar lounge on the West Coast; I met some of the coolest people in San Diego at the Cigar Cave, and have become a regular customer because it just feels good to hang out there. read more

Came in one evening for my brothers birthday party it was absolutely beautiful inside the atmosphere the staff the cigars the wine it all blended together so well to creat the perfect evening thank you Cigar Cave for the VIP service! read more

Was visiting a friend from out of town and we needed a cigar bad. It was late and we found this place tucked away in a great hide. Not only was the environment completely cool and perfect for a cigar. The manager helped me find the type of cigar I was looking for and was very hospitable to both of us. Let me put it this way. We don't look like your usual Cigar Lounge Patrons. But this guy made us feel at home. Pool table in the back. Didn't charge us for it. Really cool setup back there. Quite a find. Don't question it. If you want a cigar or a place to sit back and relax. This is a great escape. read more

I did the place to hang but the cigar don't seem to be taken care of well. Bartender cut my cigar and the wrapper started to unravel. He was nice and grabbed me another but while I smoked it it started to unravel. They need to work on their humidor. Cigars were dry. read more

Great atmosphere, adequate cigar selection with very fair prices. Knowledgeable if you need help deciding on what to get. It's extremely relaxing with amazing decor. Pool tables and lounge areas in the back. Even the bathroom is amazing! Check this place out. New favorite cigar lounge in SD. read more

Love this place, but the new bartender seems to be drunk behind the bar more than half the time I come here....owner is super nice !!!

Great atmosphere. Chill people. Awesome owner. Good cigars. Cold beers. What more can someone ask for!?! Can't wait to get back out here and have another visit. I had a Garcia & Vega 1882 wonder choice. The beer I forget the name but it was a local brew and had great dark notes which I loved. Sports on the tv and good music playing. Pool table póker table great time. read more

Cigar Cave - Wine Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

I dig this place a lot and I hope it works out for this relatively new business. They're off to a great start! Benefits: Some selection without being overwhelming Prices are average for an urban area; not as high as downtown places, not as low as Liberty on Clairmont Mesa. They have some boozy stuff, though I don't care. Every other place in town has booze except Liberty. The owners are great, friendly, personable, and good conversationalists (unlike Excalibur, whose owner is kind of a jerk.) They recently got a very nice pool table! The place is clean and doesn't stank like old farts of Republicans (as does Liberty.) The only place I like nearly as much is Churchill on Miramar, but that's almost twice as far for me. Other than downtown, I think this is the southernmost cigar lounge in town. The only downsides are that it doesn't open until 4 pm and that Cigar Cave has a Hillcrest parking problem (but there's free parking if you walk a bit and paid parking if you're lazy!) read more

Fantastic hidden spot tucked away in Hillcrest. The bar staff (Raoul, Chelsey and Nick) are exceptionally friendly and great at making first timers and regulars feel welcome. The patrons of the bar mirror this and are approachable and conversational. The setting is dark and sultry with eclectic decorations and diverse music. It has a a games room for pool, checkers, etc and a firepit in a courtyard. The wine selection is carefully chosen by Raoul who considers customer feedback. Being a cigar bar the staff is very knowledgeable and eager to assist you with any queries you might have. This is a gem if you're in the uptown area of San Diego. read more

Nestled between shops and restaurants on 5th, you might miss this cave. Circle back. This cigar lounge and bar is a great stop. The proprietors are true cigar students and their expertise shows. No question is too basic or too obscure. While the selection isn't the largest, you won't have a problem finding a good cigar. Just want a drink? Come on in. There is a bar, TV, and music in the billiard room. There are plenty of various styles of chairs, sofas, stools to get comfortable on. Did I mention the proprietors are excellent? They are absolutely inviting as if welcoming you into thier home. Thank you Raul. read more