Great atmosphere. Stopped in late Saturday night with my friend and a bachelor party I crashed. An extensive selection of cigars and whiskey. The bartender was knowledgeable and friendly. We only stayed for about an hour, but I will definitely come back and check out some of their cocktails. read more

This place has come down a bit in recent years. The prices are premium, but the cigar service isn't as experienced as it should be. I was brought the wrong cigar twice, and billed for a more expensive one. The port was not poured at the table, which it should be at the prices. Still a good place to smoke a cigar, but not as good as it once was. read more

This is definitely a man's club where smoke and scotch pollute the air. The real reason you go is for the cigar smoking. They have a nice selection where I found my personal favorite but you will pay a decent price. I didn't have a problem with the service as one yelper mentioned. TV's are also in abundance with a good view from almost any seat in the house. read more

Great place for cigars and drinks. Very clean, the wait staff was excellent and the atmosphere was cozy. Sat indoors and it ventilated nicely, AC was cool; will be going back soon. Try it! read more

Been to this place for the sixth time in a year...like the other posters, this is very much a man's club; but women will feel right at home here as well. The servers are not cocktail waitresses, they are friendly men and women in long black t-shirts and black pants...a very good scotch list, and decent bar food, $1-2 more than an average bar, but come on..it's worth it. Very diverse crowd...place is clean and has a very relaxed vibe...come here with your own cigar, settle into one of the club seats, light up, order a drink and an order of wings, and chill... Parking is available in a lot on either corner, don't park across...we have seen folks get $100 parking tickets...yep....yikes... read more

I have been to many a cigar bar, but this being my first one in DC, I felt the need to share my experience. After months of prodding by my co-workers to join them at this fine establishment, I decided to make an appearance. My first impression as I walked in the door was "Wow", now this is what I expect in a classy, but not too stuffy kind of cigar establishment. The ambiance was very professional but laid back, and the wait staff was not only knowledgeable, but very courteous. There is a wide range of cigars to choose from, and if you want, you can even bring your own to enjoy. Lastly, I enjoyed a DELICIOUS "Diablo" burger and I was impressed by how tasty it was. Not at all the typical bar food that I'm used to. I will definitely return here in the near future to see if I can't bring my rating up to a fifth star. read more

Was serviced by Mike. Really chill guy, definitely could tell it was my first time and was very polite and helpful. Kept me hydrated after drinking too much. More than enough of a reason to come back. DOPE! 5 STARS read more

I love cigars so this place was a real treat when I found it. I believe this is the only place in the city where you can have a smoke, drink, and decent food. Now for the bad The service here sucks! Waited almost 20 min for a drink/food order. The servers here are not the friendliest people. I would also recommend bringing your own cigars, not sure if they take good care of there house cigars. read more

I went to Shelly's today for the 100th time but have failed to write a review of my experience(s). Today after spending 4 hours in paradise I am compelled to share the joy that is Shelly's Backroom. This is a cigar bar. You will smell the sweet alluring smell of fine cigars coupled with the intermittent aroma of great bar style food prepared from a gourmands perspective. The food is amazing! That's right, a cigar bar with great food. Who knew. The wings are like no wings you have had before. They are smoked, then grilled, then coated with a sweet and spicy sauce that makes them taste like something from heaven. The burgers are great with perfect buns and cold toppings. Everything is worth a try. The cigar selection is decent and the fine spirits list is off the chart. Prices are great considering portions and the DC location and I feel like the wait staff knows me to a tee although I am sure I am not memorable. If you are looking for a great place to smoke in DC that is close to everything you owe it to yourself to stop by Shelly's. Don't bother telling them Greg sent you because they won't know who you are talking about. read more

It's hard to believe that there's an honest to goodness cigar bar, right in the heart of DC, considering that smokers of any type have been chased out of doors just about everywhere. Woodwork, leather, cigar lockers, and a tremendous list of liquors... Didn't bring your own cigars? They've got a menu for those as well. The food is pretty good, too. Of particular note, their chicken wings, which are baked, rather than fried... The cuban sandwich isn't bad either. Just know what you're getting into... While Shelly's has a pretty good air filtration system, this is a cigar bar. You will smell smoke. When you leave, you will smell like smoke. As a smoker, this doesn't really trouble me, but some of the 1-star reviews for this place are ridiculous. If you can't handle a good dose of second hand smoke, steer clear of Shelly's. If you like a wide selection of booze, the novelty of smoking a cigar indoors, and a pretty good array of gnosh, then this place can't be beaten. read more

After a long day of talking to people about the benefits of chiropractic, my colleagues and I were looking for a place to unwind, enjoy a cigar, some scotch (or bourbon, as the case may be). Not from the DC area, we were looking for a place where we could bring our own stogies and still enjoy a nice meal. Our server was very knowledgeable on pairing our cigars with complementary liquors, and the food was fantastic. I highly recommend the campfire wings, which were an amazing find for me, as they aren't bread and friend, but instead are herbed and baked, so they're gluten-free. read more

Tony makes this place the place to be even more than the cigars! Great atmosphere and great everything. The drinks are outstanding and the food even better. You get the sense that you are in an old fashioned "joint." read more

I was really surprised with this place. Nice little spot in DC for whiskey and cigars. Rich with history. Great service. Everything you would expect from a solid smoke room and more. read more

Think the ultimate in fine cigars and top scotch or wine and you will be happy. A truly laid-back atmosphere of dark wood and comfortable couches. A throwback to a more elegant day of the past. read more

Wow, where to begin. A friend and I met up with two out of town friends (one from California) and we decided to give Shelly's a try because they're smokers and I was intrigued as a bourbon fan. As soon as we arrived, we sat in the bar area and was greeted 10 minutes later by an obnoxious waitress. When we ordered she yelled our drinks to the bartender which we found kinda odd. Throughout our 3 hour stay for the most part it was chill and a good experience until the check arrived. We told her prior that we wanted it split and when it arrived with all four seats included my friend called her over. Our waitress went from super friendly and bubbly to a raging wild woman. She not only yelled at my friend who was trying ask her to split the check but she also started yelling, "Security! Security!" After that outburst she also continued to throw a tantrum behind the bar and talk loudly to other customers about the ordeal. I can't make this stuff up people. And I'm not exaggerating when I say everyone on the left side of Shelly's stopped and looked at us. I have never been so insulted and humiliated in my entire life and we will not return. I guess it was this lady's last night or was going to be. We were all surprised that the "manager(s)" and our table busser had glazed over looks and weren't very helpful. Ten minutes later one of the guys stepped to our table and helped us to settle the tab so he could "get us out of there." What a fiasco; never again. read more

Very nice cigar bar with good cocktails a good selection of draft beer Food was very good and fresh - served hot My only dissatisfaction was that the bartender asked how I wanted my burger cooked and I said NO pink - and she said then we will make it medium well done. I agreed. When my burger came out it was very juicy and tasty - but also pink inside. I make this point because I really try to avoid any ground beef products that are not cooked thru - due to the risk of food born illness. read more

This is for cigars only, didn't try out the food. I brought my own cigars as their cigars are ridiculously marked up. Well ventilated, comfortable, easy noise level and friendly people. Bar staff were very friendly and attentive as well, filling my club soda without me asking more than two times. Overall good experience read more

Walk in here and BAM you're hit by a strong stench of cigar. Almost knocked my on my ass. I don't smoke cigars or cigarettes but I've second hand smoked most of my life. This place might be too intense for clean air breathers. But for those of you who can deal with the smoke the food here is really good. I tried the regular burger which was amazing. I had about 10 coworkers with me and everyone tried a different variation of burger, no complaints. I also took a couple bites of the chicken half. It's really good. The only down point is it's alot of food. This place has a very members club feel. There's a lot of usuals and everyone seems to know everyone else. If you enjoy cigars this is definitely your place. If you can deal with the smoke this is a good place for a burger. read more

Great atmosphere, service, and the food is right up to snuff. Although easy to drop some cash while partaking in all that Shelly's has to offer, I'll still go back. read more

Great spot to kick back. Great location, not far off the mall. Cigars are pricey. Drinks are reasonable and great selection of bourbon, whiskey and scotch. Had the meatballs, very good. A bit tightly packed for seating (call it cosy) but well ventilated. Outdoor seating. Great staff. Definitely a place on my list for return trips. read more

If you are downtown in F St or 14th and have some time to kill, this is a place to try. Again, it might be the only bar within a few block radius so it is not as if your are spoiled for choice. I have had a couple of great nights at the bar chatting to some of the regulars ( the offices upstairs house the usual rogues' gallery of lobbyists and former congressmen) and it seems as if they all have their own humidor here and the barmen know exactly which bitters (Regan's Orange, Peychaud's or Angostura) they like in their Manhattans. I prefer my cigars later in the evening rather than earlier, so I have never actually smoked one here, but I have had several pleasant cocktails when waiting for an event or two across the street at the Press Club. read more

Don't get the $5 rum punch. Yes it's $5. No, it's not good. This seems to be a decent place if you're into drinks and cigars (be forewarned - the smoke wafts easily over to the smoke-free section, much to one pregnant woman's chagrin). The ambiance was smooth, and the seating was comfy, especially when you're ready to smoke. I wasn't overly impressed, but I didn't eat much, and you've already heard my spiel on the rum punch (don't). I can't say I don't recommend it, but I wouldn't take you there either. read more

I don't know why I like this place so much, since I'm not a smoker! But I've really enjoyed hanging out in the bar every time I've been here, and their wings are really, really good. You can also buy empty cigar boxes for $2 near the hostess stand, and they'll sell you fancier ones for $5 if you ask. read more

Delicious cigar lounge in DC that takes "smoke filled room" to a whole other level. Good drinks at reasonable prices and a massive cigar menu. All kinds of seats and tables for whatever level of comfort you're looking for. Love it. read more

I think this is one of my new favorite places. There's a lot to like about it, from the drink selection to the classy but relaxed atmosphere. And, of course, it's a great place if you're into cigars. Not only do they have a nice selection, but they let you bring and smoke your own. (And the ventilation is good, so you're not smoking other people's stuff too.) Last but not least, our waitress was excellent - very friendly and attentive, without being pushy. read more

This place is awesome. Definitely a man cave. Cigar selection is pretty good...but pricey. If you are pinching pennies, you should hit up a cigar shop before rolling in. The only reason I withheld that fifth star in this case is that I hold firm to the belief that their ventilation system could be improved. Obviously, if you're there, you expect to get COATED with the aroma of cigars (which is obviously good), but it can also be incriminating upon return home. I mean, how are you supposed to convince your wife that you were at a business meeting after that?! Litto Gomez just tweeted that this was one of his favorite places in the world. After that, I don't know how you could not love it. They serve food?! Who knew? :) read more

DC's best centrally located cigar bar. Would give five stars if it looked more like a classic cigar lounge and less like a cabin in the Minnesota north woods, which just seems a bit out of place in DC. You can bring your own cigars without an extra charge, so I highly recommend hitting up Curtis Draper's tobacco shop a couple blocks away before settling in at Shelly's, as their markup is at least 200%. Reasonably priced bourbon and scotch selection. Average pub food. VERY smoky. REVIEW KEY: ***** - Best-in-class **** - Really Solid *** - Average ** - Red Flags * - Epic Fail read more

Went out with a bunch of folks after an event and they chose Shelly's Back Room. Nice layout, not smoky (which was my main concern), and they welcomed a group of 20 late at night. The only drawback that I saw was when I asked for a food menu, the kitchen was closed, then received a menu 20 minutes later and was asked what I would like. I was very hungry, so I dove into the Cuban sandwich which, after living in Florida for three years, is very hard to find authentic bread and taste, they were spot on. Rating would have been all five stars had the food situation gone more smoothly. read more

One of the best cigar lounges that I have been too. They have a nice selection of drinks and great service. They have a nice selection of cigars but fewer to choose from compared to other cigar lounges. I think they have a $20 minimum. read more

A nice place to relax with a cigar or pipe. Though they sell cigars of all varieties, they also allow customers to bring their own. They sell food, but I've never tried any. read more

I could see this place being awesome for the real cigar smoker. I am not her! However, I do not mind the smell of a cigar. I will say this place is not bad for being full of smoke. The smoke filters do work. I went for a happy hour and enjoyed some menu items (fries and Shelly's Sampler). The food wasn't bad...just OK for me. The staff was super friendly and service was great. If you are into cigars and looking a nice place to enjoy your smokes, visit Shelly's. read more

A great selection of spirits, from bourbon to cordials, whiskeys to single or blended scotches; a drink for about every palate. But it doesn't stop there as Shelley's also has a great selection of cigars. I ordered a Maduro to smoke and a Remy Martin to sip. A great combination that lost its pizzazz among the crowd and notice. Shelley's isn't a traditional cigar bar, but a bar that allows cigar smoking - there is a difference. I will say that Shelley's "state-of-the-art" filtration system does get the smoke out, but not the smell, so if visiting DC and don't want the smell of smoke on your clothes then turn on a hot shower and let the bathroom steam up. Put your clothes on hangers and let the steam loosen up the smoke. read more

Stopped here for a cigar after dinner. It was one of this perfect nights weather-wise. There were a few empty chairs. It was a weekend guy. Service was good. I would return. read more

This is a great place! It is a little pricey. Nevertheless, you are paying for the ample atmosphere. The staff is incredibly friendly and courteous at all times. I ordered a steak and was pleasantly surprised. In a cigar bar, I expected good food. However, this was still above and beyond my expectations. The meat was incredibly tender and spiced to perfection. In addition, the ventilation system here does an excellent job at keeping the smoke levels down. Tell your non-smoking friends not to be shy! Will their clothes smell like cigars when they go home? Yes. Will they sit there coughing in a cloud of smoke? Absolutely not! I am not frequently in DC. However, I will make this my regular lounge when I am there. read more

Great atmosphere. Was in town for work and this place was the perfect after work retreat. Good food, cigar, and spirits selection. Prices were reasonable for DC. read more

Now that the smoke ban is on in DC, it is getting harder and harder for people that still get their cigar on to find a spot to do it. No worries, long ash lovers -- head to Shelly's. This year, Shelly's is celebrating their 10th anniversary. One visit (if you can stand the cigar smoke) and you'll understand why. The atmosphere is comfy, right down to their over sized chairs. And hey, cigar fans, Shelly rents out their many humidors, too. As far as cigars you can BYOC (bring your own cigar) or buy one there. The drink list is really great..I had a wonderful glass of sherry here (sherry at Shelly's...it is a iliteration thing). They serve their own beer here also, called Birch Bay. Goes perfectly with their chicken wings which are totally gourmet. read more

I'm not a huge cigar smoker because I don't like to wake up the next morning smelling like a caved in ash tray. However, after one of the most amazing meals of my life at Bobby Van's this was the most perfect relaxing environment to chill with a glass of whiskey and a cigar. I just wish the night had ended there. Too. Much. Booze. On a serious note, this will certainly not be a frequent stop during my DC nights, but for any big guys night out on the town...this will certainly be on the itinerary. read more

We were in DC on a day trip from New York. Looking for a quick place to grab a bite and found this little gem. Very cute inside. It's a cigar bar so it smells like cigar smoke inside. We sat on the restaurant side so the smell wasn't too strong. We ordered the chicken strips with fries. The food was good and the price was excellent. The servers were awesome, coming around frequently to make sure we were okay. Great experience here. read more

Awesome atmosphere!!! Service was excellent. Highlight of the evening was a late evening cocktail with a smooth cigar!!

Who knew it could be so much fun to evesdrop while smoking a stogie and drinking port wine? This is a great place to have some long conversations with the govt/policy/military/contracting crowd. Easily accessible across the 14th street bridge and open late every night! read more