It was the middle of February 2014. An ice storm was coming across the tri-state area. My boss and I were flying out of Newark early the next morning to FLL and we were staying in Newark the night before. Even the tram taking us from the terminal to the car rental area was slipping on the tracks. After check-in at the hotel and a great meal in Elizabeth, I yelped cigar bars. Unfamiliar with the area I chose Jimenez Tobacco and Lounge. As we made our way into downtown Newark, we happen to come to the Prudential Center and to the left, a street full of 3-story houses. The first one was Jimenez Tobacco and Lounge. The multi-level house with wrought iron on the windows raised our interest and curiosity to say the least. I looked at my boss as we looked at the front door. Without any verbal communication, we both knew we were in for an adventure!
Do you remember the scene in the Wizard of OZ when Dorothy opened the door after crash landing in Oz? Suddenly the black and white images give way to the bright colored and beautiful Land of Oz. This phenomenon happens to me every time I walk through the front door or come in through the botanical gardens in the back of the building.
As I pass my one-year anniversary of patronizing this special place, I have changed my traveling routes to stay in Newark as opposed to the New York City area. There is no longer a need to smoke in NYC at expensive, crowded, hard-to-find parking, cigar establishments. As a native New Englander, the reputation of Newark isn't especially a great one to out-of-towners like me. The routes to downtown are well lit and safe to travel from the Turnpike, Route 21 and the airport area. As an added bonus, I have discovered the Ironbound district just across the tracks...if you want great Portuguese or Brazilian fare, indulge in the many fine choices to suit every budget and taste. Sorry, as I digress...
The real stars of Jimenez Tobacco and Lounge is the Jimenez Family. Peter is your host. Unforgettable and a magnet of a personality, Peter will make you feel like family. He will instantly indoctrinate you into the colorful cast of characters...politicians, lawyers, doctors, businessmen, white collar, blue collar, locals and me, a traveling peddler of the finest all natural cat litter in the world.
Now onto cigars and libations. There is only one brand here: the Jimenez label. I assure you, you will find a cigar you will fall in love with. And if Mark is tending bar, you are in for a real special treat. His catalog of pre-prohibition drinks will wow you. Be sure to watch him make your drink, it is a show all in itself.
So remember, the next time you are passing through on the Turnpike, staying in the Meadowlands, flying or grounded at Newark International, make sure you stop by for a great local experience that only Jimenez Tobacco and Lounge can provide. read more