The Phoenix-Scottsdale metro has over 30 cigar lounges, bars, and shops scattered across it. That number surprises people. But the climate makes it obvious once you think about it: dry heat, 300+ days of sun, and patio season that basically never ends. Add in Arizona's looser smoking regs compared to, say, California, and you get a scene that's been building quietly for years.
The Phoenix-Scottsdale Cigar Scene at a Glance
Geography tells most of the story here:
- Scottsdale leans upscale. Full bars, VIP rooms, resort visitors mixing with local professionals. Old Town has the densest cluster.
- Central Phoenix is where the variety lives. Strip-mall shops with regulars who've been coming for a decade sit a few miles from newer purpose-built lounges. Prices run lower than Scottsdale across the board.
- East Valley (Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler) is the growth story. New lounges keep opening with modern HVAC, big square footage, and less weekend crowding than Scottsdale spots.
- West Valley (Glendale, Peoria) has fewer options but a handful of solid neighborhood shops. Worth knowing about if you're staying on that side of town.
Top Cigar Lounges in Phoenix
Here are the top-rated cigar lounges in our Phoenix listings:
Top Cigar Lounges in Phoenix
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And here are the top spots in Scottsdale:
Top Cigar Lounges in Scottsdale
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What to Know Before You Go
Smoking Laws
Arizona's Smoke-Free Arizona Act bans indoor smoking but carves out exemptions for tobacco shops and cigar bars. If a place is a licensed cigar lounge, you can smoke inside. Some spots with food service face extra restrictions, but the vast majority of dedicated cigar venues allow full indoor smoking.
BYOC Policies
This varies a lot by neighborhood. Scottsdale's nicer lounges generally expect you to buy on-site. Phoenix neighborhood shops tend to be more relaxed about it, with some being fully BYOC-friendly. Where cutting fees exist, expect $5 to $15.
Drinks
Scottsdale wins on drink programs. Full cocktail menus, deep whiskey and bourbon lists built around cigar pairings. In Phoenix proper, most shops offer at least beer and wine. Several are BYOB, which is a good deal if you want to bring something specific.
Weather and Patio Smoking
This is the real draw. Almost zero humidity, almost zero rain. You can smoke outside comfortably from October through May without thinking twice. Summer is a different animal. Daytime temps blow past 110°F from June through September, so evening sessions after 7 PM become the standard. Once the sun drops, it's genuinely pleasant.
Getting Around
Phoenix is sprawling and car-dependent. Public transit won't get you anywhere near most lounges. Uber and Lyft work fine, or just drive yourself. Free parking at nearly every lounge, which is a welcome change if you're visiting from a coastal city.
Key Areas for Cigar Lounges
Old Town Scottsdale
The highest concentration of upscale lounges in the metro. You can walk to dinner, hit a lounge, then continue into Scottsdale's bar scene without moving your car. That convenience makes it the go-to area for a night out.
Central Phoenix (Camelback Corridor)
Established shops and newer lounges line the Camelback Road corridor. Pricing is more accessible than Scottsdale, and the crowd skews local professionals rather than tourists.
East Valley
Fastest-growing part of the scene right now. Mesa, Gilbert, and Chandler have lounges that rival Scottsdale's best, often with more space and newer ventilation. Weekends are noticeably less packed out here.
FAQ
How many cigar lounges are in Phoenix and Scottsdale? We list over 30 cigar lounges, bars, and shops across the Phoenix-Scottsdale metro area. Browse the full Phoenix listings and Scottsdale listings for details.
Is Scottsdale or Phoenix better for cigar lounges? Different strengths. Scottsdale has the most polished options with full bar service. Phoenix has more variety and lower prices. If you have time, hit both.
Can you smoke cigars outside year-round in Arizona? Effectively yes. Summer evenings after sunset are fine. The other three seasons are perfect for it. Rain is basically a non-factor.
What's the best cigar lounge in Scottsdale? Depends what you're after. Browse our Scottsdale listings to compare ratings, BYOC policies, and amenities.
Exploring the Valley? Browse all cigar lounges in Phoenix and Scottsdale with filters for BYOC, drinks, patio, and more.