Smoking a cigar is a guilty pleasure that shouldn’t be persecuted in modern society. As it is a pure ritual, it isn’t just about what we smoke, but mostly about when (and where) we consume it. So here is a little guide to a few cool spots in Milan to enjoy a nice smoke.
Disclaimer: this aims to be a brief list of my favorite places to enjoy a good smoke, and why. It could be updated in the future or not, life will tell us…
It’s no secret than a proper speakeasy is hard to create. Flavio Angiolillo and his team managed to succeed in that hard task, delighting us with one of the best spots in a Milan that happens not to be there anymore.
A super refined ambiance, paired with a properly chill vibe is how I’d describe the feeling I have as soon as one walks into the true 1930 (the street entrance really isn’t fancy, but it’s a proper way to hide the place).
No, you can’t smoke in the bar: it’s old fashioned, but not as much. What’s the trick then?
A tavern, below, looking like a country house where you can smoke whatever you like.
Pros: the drinks are amazing and seasonal, service is impeccable, the place can hold just few people and it’s kind of “members only”, so it’s hard to get in but so fun to stay!
5 more point for the fact that they actually provide you cigars in the place!
A favorite of mine since 2016, a place that feels like home and one of the few pre-COVID gardens opened during the whole years.
The Dolce&Gabbana Martini Bar truly is a timeless place fo Milan. A full-day place, with two courts, one of which (“Sartoria”) is also covered for winter or bad weather times.
Seasonal drinks, an always perfect temperature, nice people and a super wide selection of soft and alchoolic drinks are what makes this place a great choice for every time of the day. Oh, and the location too: being near Piazza San Babila actually helps a lot.
Pro tip: you can smoke, as it is actually a garden, and the wide patio makes you cigar harmless to anyone.
Pasta alla Norma is pretty cool as well, but never mind.
The best “Old Fashioned” I’ve ever drank, obviously in the garden.
I have to admit it, it’s expensive and since a couple months (it’s now April 2022) it’s pretty kitch looking, but enjoying the Milanese weather of April and May here is a very delight you should try.
Since club-sandwitches help your smoking routine, I can ensure you that you’ll thank me.
Nothing more to add: it’s a MO, so you should already know it, it’s nice. The service is not on point though, but the location makes it even.
Pro tip: they have cool matches!!
THE Place I suggest in Milan. Always packed in (good) people, LuBar is my go to for casual meetings. Three different settings as well, having a big internal room with lots of plants, palms and a beautiful monument in the centre, a courtyard next to the Galleria d’Arte Moderna (Modern Art Gallery of Milan, GAM) and another one hidden in a beautiful public garden (my favorite among the three).
Unfortunately, as almost everywhere in Milan, you can’t smoke inside, but you have 2 other places to enjoy whatever you like, also covered in verandas for the winter or rainy days.
As much as I’m not sure about how long you can stay at your table (as they serve everything from breakfast to late night drinks) I have tried the whole “day” there, and (apart from the croissants, basic ones), they rock! And at unbeatable prices.
An eternal classic and the most fashionable Sunday brunch you can have in Milan, the Bulgari Hotel is among the coolest locations around the city.
The cigar lounge though is an eternal place, peaceful and pleasant for the eyes, with matches, drinks that you can ask for and everything handy. Once again, the overall service could be improved, but the place is worth the wait and everything.
Pro tip: the garden. Don’t have to say more.
