Shelly's is bomb. 4.5 stars. Not a lotta places in DC left where you can smoke ANYTHING, let alone a good cigar, but this in one of them. More relaxed than Civil or Draper's IMO. My bartender JoJo was bomb too. She's Thai, as is most of the staff...and she makes some STIFF ass drinks. They even have good food, surprisingly. I've been here a number of times and only smoked cigars and had drinks. This time I had food... wings and fries. The wings are super baked hard so they seem fried and the fries are hand cut. Their kitchen menu is extensive. I could see coming here JUST to eat and I imagine folks likely do. I watched the number of plates come out with burgers that had brioche buns and other really delectable goodies on them so look forward to trying more food in the future. The salads looked good too. I saw a shrimp one that looked delish. Apparently the Chef back there knows how to throw down. Nice bathrooms and quality napkins too. Service is super attentive. I love this place now more than ever. read more

See all

The service and ambiance are first-rate. If you want to enjoy a cigar and cocktail in a very relaxing atmosphere, this is the place to go. Professionally run with a very discreet staff the booze and cigar selection cannot be beat. read more

See all

Great option in the city if you are a cigar enthusiast. Both outdoor and indoor options with a good service. Since they have a full bar, you can bring your own cigar but they also have a decent selection of cigars available as well. It gets quite busy at nights and sometimes hard to find a seating. I have not tried their but since I went both times either after lunch or dinner. But they do have food options as well. read more

After visiting another so-called cigar lounge earlier in the day around brunch time (they wouldn't allow cigar smoking until 6:00 that evening!), I looked at Yelp for anywhere else that might be open. Shelly's Back Room came up and I quickly took a Lyft over there. Best decision for a cigar lounge in DC I've made thus far! Only two blocks from The White House, Shelly's Back Room is a surprisingly large space, with a full-stocked bar at the back. Naturally, most of the liquor there is top-shelf, and the beers on tap were excellent, too! Their cigar menu is larger than most wine lists. I went big and enjoyed an Opus X as well as a couple other high-end smokes. The bartender and staff are FANTASTIC and made me feel immediately at ease and right at home. Got some great stories about Shelly's and its famous clientele (not telling, heh)! Shelly's Back Room is now my go-to cigar lounge in the DC area and I'll definitely be back next time I'm in town! read more

Great cigar spot in DC. Good feel and great place to unwind jf you are in town and want a whiskey and cigar. read more

I love coming here. It's my 2nd time here and they have an extensive cigar and drink list for whiskey and scotch. We also ordered the Crab Artichoke Dip and Cheesy Bread that was pretty decent. The cocktail Japanese Soho was also really good. Good service, great cigars and a laid back atmosphere. read more

See all

I finally made it to the infamous Shelley's while in town Staff was friendly but not my kind of place All cigars were on a menu and you couldn't see them. And the cigars were small - If you enjoy larger gauge or ring cigars this place isn't for you. I would not return. read more

Only reason it's not 5 stars is there is an idiot yelling his conversation so loud it's ruining the experience. Food amazing and good cigar selection but out of several cigars. Beautiful bar and interior. A must if visiting DC. read more

Shelly's Back Room - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

There are two premier cigar establishments in the DMV, Shelly's Backroom is definitely one of them. However, Shelly's is number one when it comes to popularity in the DC region. Shelly's is like an old friend, it's there when you need it! Conveniently located on F Street, it's a one stop shop if you don't want to bounce around DC all night. If you want a good drink, Shelly's has a full service bar, if you want a good meal, Shelly's has a FULL menu and the food is really good!! If you want to watch your favorite DC area team play, Shelly's has several TV's throughout!! And of course, if you want a good stogie, Shelly's has a wide variety for all the cigar aficianados!! Pick your seating preference.. Leather couches and oversized chairs, hi-top tables in the rear or even a semi-private dining area off to the right. Again, you have choices and a brotha LOVES choices.. :)!!!! If you're visiting from out of town or if you want to try something different, Shelly's Backroom is a DC staple for sure! Oh yeah, Shelly's has the best ventilation system I've even experienced at a cigar lounge so don't hesitate for the fear of smelling like a walking used cigar when you leave, Shelly's has you covered.. Lol! read more

What a classy high end restaurant! We could smoke cigars inside and the vents took care of the smoke! the food was spectacular read more

Shelly's Back Room - Beautiful surroundings - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Awesome food great atmosphere BUT it is a CIGAR BAR Very nice atmosphere and great steaks read more

Went there for lunch with family. Was very specific that one of our party has Celiac disease and couldn't eat wheat. Despite assuring us over and over that the pita in the meal was gluten free, we later discovered that it wasn't (she got sick). No respect for health and safety. read more

This place is my stop when in DC. Cigars and drinks are what I have and although it is expensive it is worth the trip every time. Service is top notch especially early in the day. You never know who you will run into there as well. read more

Everything about Shelley's is done...so well. A throwback in time to when dining out, smoking and having a drink or two in a sophisticated yet casual environment made for a relaxing experience. The staff are friendly yet professional, knowledgeable about the food options, cigar and alcohol choices and even available parking options. Btw, their ventilation system is excellent. You don't walk out smelling like Uncle Harry's house.... read more

Nice place friendly staff a little pricey but hey location. Great selection of cigars, enjoy food selections to pair a good cigar. Oh and of course scotch and bourbon. read more

Shelly's Back Room - Ashton Vsg Spellbound 7 1/2x54** - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Shelly's is always a good time.Good drinks service and the wings are some of the best in town. Of course, cigars are always a win

After-walking around the city my friends and I wanted to grab a drink. They wanted to check this place out and have a cigar. This place had a variety of cigars to choose from. I don't smoke cigars but I was able to order a glass of wine here. This place can get very smokey so if you don't like the smell of smoke do not go here. It was a nice vibe in there people socializing the staff was friendly. The staff cut the cigars for the girls and asked if they wanted matches or a light to start there cigar. This place was nice read more

Shelly's Back Room - The Seeker Riesling (Germany) - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

A nice place in downtown DC for a late-night drink and cigar. Both the inside and outside areas are nice, with the inside taking on a cozy library vibe. Prices aren't cheap but there's not many places like it in the area unfortunately. There are plenty of restaurants in the immediate area to go to beforehand for dinner. read more

I am beyond happy in regards to stopping here. I got here 1/16, so during the covid/inauguration shutdown, and everywhere around my hotel was closed. She stayed open and not only was she open but it was an amazing dinner! Granted it was outside and chilly But she stilled stayed open regardless for the military and everyone to have an opportunity to really be satisfied with their journey to DC during this horrific day in age. So with that my steak was perfect honestly. I had great company, we chose to make the best of it, and my drinks were simply delicious. Thank you again for serving this community during this time. I e courage anyone and everyone to make an effort to stop here and not only enjoy a cold tasty beverage but I had her New York and well it was awesome! So don't think about it just stop in why not! read more

Shelly's Back Room - New York with a basil bourbon - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Very tired service. Very attentive. Drinks are a 3.5. Decent selection of cigars. Sky high prices on cigars, I don't know why as Montecristo is down the road and better selection overall and much cheaper! I come to Shelly's for the atmosphere, that's it. read more

Been to Shelly's a number of time nice spot with outdoor seating. Bar and food are pretty decent. Nice selection of cigars.

Classic cigar bar, no super fancy cocktails here, just straight scotch/whiskey, old fashions and beer. The gents behind the counter were super attentive, and the folks at the bar were friendly and provided great company! I wish they provided a coat check in at the front so I didn't have to bring my coat all the way into the restaurant/bar. I love a good cigar and cocktail but my dang coat just absorbs the smell, even with their bad ass ventilation. read more

Shelly's Back Room - Cigar and scotch - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Don't go there. They let people smoke cigars! I had a great burger there, but I could have had two lousy ones at MacDonalds for the same price. The selection of cigars, Scotch and bourbon is so extensive, it's hard to make a choice. And I almost fell asleep in the overstuffed leather chairs. I could have dropped my cigar and started a fire. The wait staff is wickedly friendly. They make you want to order another drink or smoke another cigar. Stay away!! I warned you. read more

Great cigars, what a cigar bar should be, great ventilation, your wife does not complain that your clothes smell like cigars. Excellent service, I like the $30 a person minimum, it keeps the right clientele, serious cigars smokers only. Over all good food and great drinks, excellent cigar bar read more

Been meaning to stop by. Shelley's for awhile and finally got that chance. Beautiful day so we were able to sit outside. Waitress was very prompt and attentive. I know the prices of cigars is pretty high, so I brought a stick to enjoy. The drinks were pretty good and the food we ordered was very good. Portion sizes were very generous and prices reasonable for the area. Enjoyable time, I'll definitely have to get back here again and again. read more

Shelly's Back Room - Cigar menu - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Firstly there's a sign that says $30 per person, which was very odd to see. Secondly, there was a group of four of us, two of the members ordered a salad, two beers, and two waters. The wait staffs are very rude when taking orders and my group did not have a great experience with this establishment. Whomever the manager is, please train your staff again on customer service. It's a customer service job so check your attitude at the door. Seems like this establishment has received multiple complaints for bad customer service. read more

Lovely place for a great cigar and wee dram. Great selection. Comfy chairs. Easy to have a conversation. They also have good food, and I had the opportunity to sit out in the front patio for a late evening salad. read more

Shelly's Back Room - a cigar and a glass of water - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Everything was good. Very enjoyable experience. Drinks, smokes, food and service were good.

Shelly's is the cornerstone of DC politics and cigars. Conveniently located on F street in NW DC, there is plenty of on and off street parking. Unlike most typical cigar amp s and aficionados I prefer to smoke outdoors. Luckily Shelly's has outdoor seating often referred as the "front porch" by its regulars that is opened daily from April till around late October weather providing. The camp fire wings are my favorite especially if you're calorie counting they are baked in Shelly's special marinade. The cigar humidor is packed with selections for even a beginner ranging from flavored cigars all the way to full body and Maduros. There isn't a cutting fee of you being your own stogey however you must honor the $15.00 minimum. Now let's get to the good spirits they have a full stocked bar with everything you could imagine from fine cognacs and scotches to their own whiskey made at Makers distillery. On a hot summer day you can quench your thirst with an ice cold beer ranging from domestics to your favorite IPA. You can usually find the owner Bob sitting and chatting with some of the regulars and partaking in some of the good conversations. If you're in the DC area stop on by 1331 F Street NW DC and if it's a good day I'll probably hand you one of my favorite Cubans Monte Cristo #2 if we happen to strike up a good convo. Spread love it's the Cigar Aficionados way and PSSITA for those who don't know that means Put some smoke in the air!!! read more

Shelly's Back Room - Pappy Van Winkle Cigar With Opus X cutter and lighter. - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great variety of cigars! They also have lots of cocktails, wine, and beer. Great location walking distance to White House and the Smithsonian museums. Efficient service and friendly service. read more

Shelly's Back Room - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This place has a requirement to purchase at least $30 per person. No one tells you that when you're seated and there is no notice on the menus (food, beverage or cigarette menu). They try to get away with it from a sign as you walk in. Who looks for a sign like that when walking into a restaurant? Instead, you're looking where to go to enter and get seated. Seems like sly trickery to me. Good luck with that business model. Be up front and tell the customer before seating the customer but maybe were that done the person will leave. read more

The food was much better than I was expecting for a cigar bar. Everyone in our group loved their dinner. My only complaint is the smell of smoke in the non-smoking section. I know... cigar bar. read more

All right I was highly impressed with this place. First thing is the ventilation system is top notch. That makes a huge difference in your experience and cigar lounges. They have a huge whiskey and bourbon selection but they did run out of a few things. The food was pretty good as well. Cigar selection was okay. It was a little pricey but considering the location I understand. I just bring my own smokes. It is a very diverse environment and I did not feel unwelcomed at all. I would definitely return to this place when I'm in DC. read more

Shelly's Back Room - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great food good prices! Nice people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love these pies! Really good taste!!!!

Used to come here regularly. Moved away & was back in town recently...happy to see Shelly's still going strong. Great selection of spirits, cigars & friendly service. Ventilation works well so no worries about too much smoke. Happy to be back for a drink & a stick. read more

My lady and I decided to stop by Shelly's to order some wings and a couple of shots of tequila. It's almost midnight most of the tables have reserve signs on them, and the other tables wore occupied. We decided to sit at the bar, immediately the bartender with the pony tail comes out the back, stares at us but doesn't greet us. I say " hey bro how you doing, is the kitchen still open??" His response " no" I ask "what time do you guys usually shut it down, midnight? " His response "does it matter!....... Yea" Me and my lady just walked out, his energy was unwelcoming to say this least. I went to "Old Ebitt" a 2 blocks over its a more polished establishment and best late night food choice in DC, they have great service as well. We enjoyed the rest of the night.. read more

We had so much fun! We could get seated immediately and the service was great. I will definitely go back! read more

Shelly's Back Room - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

It's a shame that the Shelly's backroomroom is managed by such a rude woman. The bartender, Mike, was very nice and selected cigars for us based on a description of what we might like. Unfortunately, the servers when we walked in were extremely disgruntled and rude. Additionally when it was time to check out the manager/owner, a woman named Nan, was extremely rude when it came time to close out the chat. She urged us to sign the check so that we could have all the checks closed out by 2 AM and escort us out. We felt extremely uncomfortable with this manager. It is sad that the bartender Mike has to deal with this kind of person when he himself is so kind and personable read more

Good little bar for cigar smoking, drinks, bar food, and watching the NCAA games. Comfortable, big chairs and sofas. Lots of tvs. Good service. read more

I was with a friend and we asked the waitress how many pieces could come with the Chicken Tenders, she said usually 3 or 4. Since we were 2, we asked her if it would be possible to bring it with 4 pieces since we were sharing. Automatically she reply saying she couldn't help us with that because it is up to the chef. She didn't even try to ask him. And unfortunately it came with 3 small pieces. The chicken was good, but small. Also there was only 3 tables occupied in the no-smoking area (so it wasn't crowded or anything) and she didn't come to check on us after the food arrived. read more

Shelly's Back Room - Basket of Fries (w/ chilli, bacon and cheese) - it was really good. Perfect for sharing. - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all