Various reasons to stop and investigate. The enticing aroma of tobacco and cedar are what bring you back. The club is very high classed and sophisticated. You want to dress accordingly for the whole experience. It's been very crowded on both our visits, we've managed to find comfortable accommodations each time. The bourbon AND whiskey list is impressive as is the cigar selection. The perfect scene to try something new. The service is also hats off. The wonderful staff round out this surreal venue. Another important aspect is the filtration system. They boast an excellent air quality. It's truly a dignified spot for a small meeting, conversation or to just sit and unwind. 12/25 read more

Still a nice humidor and spacious, comfortable lounge. But, my last couple visits service has been weak. Tonight was a long wait to order. The place wasn't busy, but two servers and the bartender were shooting the breeze at the end of the bar with nobody taking orders or making drinks. When my drink finally arrived, it seemed that the bartender had not expressed the oil from the lemon peel on top of the martini. However, the server was friendly when she finally showed up. And, after the initial long delay she was proactive asking if I wanted another drink. Also, the other server checked on me several times. read more

Empire Social Lounge - Brickell - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

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In town for Art Basel, our cool STK server said you guys need to make a trip to Empire. We're normally loyal to Espanola Cigar lounge while in SOBE, but hey, let's take a 20min ride and see if Empire could compete. One word.. YES! The Brickell area is JUMPING and Empire fits in quite well. Located on the lower level of a HIGH END condo high rise, Empire looks as rich as the people who live there!! Huge leather chairs, oak all around, and the best Bourbon/whiskey selection I've seen in a while. With a phenomenal stogie selection to match. The bar was crowded, but we were able to snag a couple seats shared by four cool patrons. We chopped it up for a couple hours and had a bunch of laughs. I absolutely love meeting new folks at the bar! Empire has the absolute best filtration system I've ever experience. It reminded me of Civil Cigar lounge that I'm still sad shut down in Bethesda :(!!! If you're a cigar lounge fan, then definitely check out Empire your next South Beach trip.. you will absolutely love it!!! read more

Loved this place. Cant say enough. Comfortable chairs good drink drinks plenty of ventilation knowledgeable cigar aficionado

I wouldn't waste my time coming here. If you offered me a free cigar and drink from this place I wouldn't take it. "Proper Attire" is essential discretionary. The bigger question is you're in a touristy part of the city and first time people coming in to have an experience can't even enjoy. Kudos to the own experience to running their business the way they want, I just know I'll make sure I won't come back nor send anyone there. read more

Very nice place. Very mellow cool crowd. Very nice selection of cigars as well as wines, cocktails and spirits. Great place to hangout, socialize and network. Of course it's Brickell. read more

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Real classy joint, a great place to go for a drink and a stogi with the boys. Well prices cigars & the guys behind the bar brought that 5 star service. Had the abuelos old fashioned, absolute money! Paired it with an Arturo Fuente 858, was a great sesh with the homie. read more

Empire Social Lounge - Brickell - Abuelos Old fashioned was - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

Stopped in for an after dinner wine down and cigars. Nice vibes, cigar list and drink menu. The music was nice as well. If smoke doesn't bother you, it's definitely a cool lounge to check out. The ladies weren't however the friendliest servers I've seen. read more

Empire Social Lounge - Brickell - Cigars loading - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

One of the best. Wide ranging cigar selection and wonderfully priced for cigar lounge. Good quality and good humidity control. The most notable aspect of this lounge is the service that was provided by Fernando, Tatiana and Shannon. Very attentive and super polite. The whiskey and rum selection tops almost any lounge I've been in. The lounge is very comfortable inside with plenty of TVs to watch sporting events. There are a couple seats outside if you'd prefer that. Definitely a must visit! read more

If you enjoy cigars and a solid bourbon or scotch, this is the place to go. The staff and service were awesome and engaging. Empire has a vast selection of cigars and the space is spacious and comfortable. I can't wait to visit again! read more

Empire Social Lounge - Brickell - The Late Hour Winston Churchill by Davidoff and Garrisons Brothers Single Barrel Bourbon - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

Empire is our go to place for a good smoke and drinks. Last Friday we ended there as we often do and the music was great. Made ourselves comfortable. Got the cigars and order our drinks and ... Water to what our waitress said that they only sell water bottles. It is a bar, we were consuming and the waitress wanted to sell us water! Never had this problem before at Empire, never had a bar in the downtown area (or anywhere) wanting to charge for water. I want to believe that this is definitely not Empire's new policy but maybe the waitress herself adding to the bill to increase the tip percentage, It seemed pity. . After that we needed to ask another staff member for service because our waitress left us. We could see her talking to another server at the end of the bar area but only came back to bring the bill. We love Empire and will be back soon hoping for a better experience and a glass of complementary water read more

Empire is a great cigar lounge that is nicely perched on the second floor. They have seating on the ground floor that welcomes you on both sides of the entrance. Some sit there and watch the street-level scene pass and walk by. Go upstairs and you are greeted by a welcoming hostess. One would be advised to make reservations here during peak times. I fortunately know one of the managers, Rafael, who managed a cigar lounge in NYC. He took great care of me and other friends two nights in a row. This brings to mind one of the strengths of Empire: the staff and operations. The other managers, Byron and Alex are running the humidor and the floor of the place, looking after everyone and everything. Brittany, the mixologist, was steadily making great drinks both nights behind the very well stocked bar. She was making any and everything, shy of frozen concoctions. They also have a selection of wines and rare spirits in their own glass enclosed cases. They serve a great charcuterie platter that was quite impressive: cheese heads and salami fans rejoice, with a bowl of olives to boot. The wait staff and bussers are looking after everyone. One of the strongest points to Empire is their air handling and air conditioning. I don't care how hot and humid Miami can be and it's been hot this summer, you will be kept cool in this lounge. Some might even find it a bit chilly. It matters not how crowded Empire can become, particularly on the Friday night I was there, the air handling and filtration was superb, the best I have ever experienced by a long shot. Smoke disappears and your clothing will not smell of smoke when leaving Empire. Women will greatly appreciate this, especially not having smoke in their hair. This is truly a dateworthy cigar lounge. There is an abundance of comfortable lounge seating with sizable tables for all those drinks, ashtrays and charcuterie boards. There are several flatscreens behind the bar and others are located on pillars and columns so that everyone has a view to a screen. There is a members only section in the back that is quite large in its own right and a bit quieter when the rest of Empire picks up later in the evening, that sometimes features a DJ. The members have a very nicely appointed locker room and the glass enclosed humidor is large enough for the discriminating aficionado. You'll appreciate the six clean restrooms that can accommodate the capacity of this lounge. The front of the lounge has floor to ceiling glass overlooking the street and the ambient lighting of the lounge keeps it cozy and relaxed, with individual mini table lamps for an added touch. If you're a BOTL or SOTL, Empire should be at the top of your list when in Miami. read more

60$ for a Johnny Walker black is disrespectful - it was a double and a great pour- but it's not even a high quality drink . Just feel that's important to know- no need to include 20% gratuity for a drink Honest feedback from a Miamian read more

If you are a Cigar and Whisky connoisseur, then this is the place for you. I am not. However, I went to support my friend that had a DJing gig that night. The ambience is very chilled and laid back in an upscale type fashion. I did not eat here, so I can't say anything about the food. The service however left a lot to be desired. It wasn't that busy and most of the bartenders and servers where hanging out at the end of the bar chit-chatting. We were a party of 5 and had to get up various times for them to take our drink orders. I've been here one other time and had a better experience at that time. Here's a few pics for your viewing pleasure. read more

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Being back here for the first time since 2016, we were most impressed with Oscar from the moment we sat down until the end of our experience. He went above and beyond, making sure we were not just looked after but got what we really wanted and even went to look in the back for something. He really genuinely cared about us and the time we were having, and he is extremely good at what he does. The multi-tasking and tuition were above par, I hope everybody appreciates him and the experience as much as we did! read more

Empire Social Lounge - Brickell - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

Excellent service great ambiance very friendly staff and great selection of fine cigars. A must visit if your in Miami Cheers read more

Empire Social Lounge - Brickell - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

This is a great lounge for a great smoke and some drinks. Very friendly staff. Huge selection in the humidor. The vibe is a cool vibe. Place to chill and relax and watch the game or meet new people. Tons of seating in these comfortable leather chairs. Places by the window or in the center of the lounge. They have a huge members only area with some large screen TVs separate lounge area for more privacy. Drinks are excellent. All top shelf spirits. Huge beer and wine selection. After you make your cigar selection they will go ahead and cut it to your liking whether a punch a V cut full cut or Crown cut. You decide they cut it. Take it to the spot you want and the server will bring over a soft flame to light your cigar. Great place to sit back and relax. Met some really nice people and enjoyed the game with the locals. Stop in and enjoy. Beautiful lounge. read more

Empire Social Lounge - Brickell - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

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This location profiles guests and bullies guests based on appearance and racial profiling. I was formally dressed with suit and my fav baseball cap and was forced to flip my hat or leave... after the aggressive and unprofessional manager I simply walked out with our group and took our business to City Cigar Lounge a few blocks north. Avoid this discrimination and racial profiling and go to any other cigar lounge. Anyone I know will know not to give these people future business. read more

This is one of my favorite places in Miami to wind down and have cool vibes. The service is excellent and the manager is the best of the best. Will continue coming and bringing people with me. Highly recommended. read more

Empire Social Lounge - Brickell - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

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TLDR: Really nice cigar lounge in Brickell. Would I go again: Yes, if I'm in Brickell and want to smoke. Drinks: The menu is really catered nice to cigars. If you appreciate smoking than you'll appreciate the menu that offers proper pairings. Service: Very fast, friendly, and welcoming. Ambiance: This is where they make their money. Tables are spread out nice so you don't feel on top of other smokers, they have TVs in ideal spots if you want to watch a game or listen to music. The best part, is the way the ventilate the building so you don't having lingering tobacco smoke. read more

Food, service and Ambiance were exceptional. Even when the other 8-9 of our party showed up and crashed the party, The League of Extraordinary Canadians, the staff was very accommodating and I wouldn't expect that for such and overly large group. read more

Empire Social Lounge - Brickell - Bar and Lounge area from the window seats - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

Our first stop in Miami's Brickell neighborhood, an excellent choice for premium relaxation with a scotch and cigar. ESL tonight boasted boxes of the MONTECRISTO 1935 ANNIVERSARY. Number 2 Cigar of the Year for Cigar Aficionado! My friend and I split a box of these tasty Nicaragua series toros. This stick is a tribute to the original blend of the first Montecristo cigar, created in 1935. Soft-pressed delicacies, this Montecristo delivers a smooth draw, medium-full strength, and a roasted pecan start up, with a consistent build to a full finish. We stationed ourselves first at the bar where we lit up and ordered beers, bourbon and scotch, chatted up Jean-Marc, the bartender, and got to know the local patrons. After a few minutes we retired into the more comfortable leather sofas and arm chairs for an evening of Cuban jazz. ESL is spacious, well ventilated lounge with a professionally staffed walk-in humidor. A few outdoor seats and vestibule on the street level belie the atmospheric society that comes alive after an elevator trip to the second floor lounge. Best social club in Miami, and it's only our first night! read more

Empire Social Lounge - Brickell - Montecristo design & history - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

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Great spot to have a cigar, drink and chill. Wait staff was very helpful and the prices were very reasonable. Definitely worth the visit to see if you want to do some kick back and smoke read more

Empire Social Lounge - Brickell - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

I do like my cigars and whiskey. The Casa de Montecristo by Prime Cigar bar in Brickell is a great spot to go, with a nice selection of both. Being that the establishment is close to my office helps if I need a smoke and drink after a long week. The cool part about this cigar bar is that it's two floors. The first floor is more for those who need to buy a quick smoke and head on the way to their next destination, with outdoor seating situated on the sidewalk. The second floor (via elevator) takes you to the actual main area, with a bar, vast lounge with plus leather chairs and sofas, walk-in humidor with a solid selection of different cigars by producers such as Padron, Ashton, and Illusione to name a few, and a private lounge for VIP members. Price-wise, tends to be more expensive than other cigar bars I have frequented in South Florida, mostly due to its location in the Brickell district of Miami, I suspect. But this is more a moot point if you're looking for quality whiskey and cigars -- and Prime has both. My most recent excursion had me enjoying doubles of Jameson Caskmates on the rocks while savoring a Ashton for a good hour and change. Needless to say, I possessed a nice buzz as I walked to the Metrorail to catch my train on the Brightline. Prime had a nice crowd on this particular Friday afternoon, with both the lounge and bar filled with patrons done with the workday or visiting for their weekly/ daily fix. A lot of 30 through 50-something business professionals who enjoy good smokes and drink -- my type of crowd. Do note that if you're coming from outside of the Brickell/Downtown Miami area, parking will be a challenge. Most either have parking permits or like me, commute via train. For myself, Prime is a greatly needed spot for aficionados who are looking for some good smokes and drink to start their evening or take a breather. read more

Cozy, with decent cigar selection and prices for cigars seemed reasonable to me. I went on Wednesday evening and there was live music, very good. Welcoming reception staff and helpers. Would recommend! read more

My new favorite place to relax! This is the ultimate gentlemen's cigar lounge. My girl had a few coupons for us to go check it out and since I just got my real estate license this was the perfect gift to go celebrate with. Don't be fooled by the small entrance outside. It looks just like a small cigar store but it's a lot more than that once you take the elevator to the lounge area. We were immediately greeted and taken care of by Sr. Operations Manager Joel and were very grateful for that. The inside ambiance is classy, sophisticated, luxurious, and relaxed. The ultimate gentlemen's experience which I was in love with right away. Leather chairs, couches, tv's, full bar, and giant humidor were all part of the experience. A huge benefit is they have ventilation fans so it's not cloudy or smokey inside. The giant humidor has pretty much any kind of cigar of choice being cut however you prefer. I went with my favorites the Java Maduro with a v cut and Acid Blondie cut the same way. The comfortable leather chairs, luxurious ashtrays, whisky on the rocks, and great conversation while puffing my Java Maduro made me feel on cloud nine! The bar has a great selection of liquors, craft beers, and spirits so you won't be disappointed. Thank you to Joel Capin and the rest of the staff for making this a night to remember. I'll be back many times. read more

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This place is truly a class act --- The staff, patrons, and everything is upscale and I highly recommend for you to stop in. even if you're not a cigar aficionado ---it's perfect---the drinks & the atmosphere allow you to enjoy conversation while sipping & puffing the night away.... THE END read more

Empire Social Lounge - Brickell - CEEGAR - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

Always a great time here at Empire lounge. This place is the prefect get away from the daily hustle and bustle that miami is. Their lounge is nice and spacious and has a large bar. They have a nice variety of cigars to choose from. There is also a member lounge in the back that make it nice to have a small gathering or host an event. There are plenty of comfortable chairs and tables to sit at and lounge with the boys to de-stress. read more

I was invited to visit Empire Social Lounge for a buddies going away party a couple years back. I don't usually frequent Brickell but I do love a snazzy lounge where I can sip whiskey and have the option to smoke a cigar. Honestly this establishment is just a whole VIBE: laid back, amazing prices, and great seating. I actually really miss it so I'm planning on visiting again soon now that things are somewhat going back to normal. read more

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A very elegant place for real men and cigar connoisseurs! Comfortable masculine environment! I recommend read more

Empire Social Lounge - Brickell - Room for real men - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

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Elegant cigar bar with excellent pricing. I found all Padron cigars here a lot cheaper than most places I've recently been to in NYC, LA and here in Miami. They have a full bar, TVs everywhere and the service is close to white glove. Really enjoyed the ambiance. Will be back. read more

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Was turned back on the door for wearing a T-shirt. we could see at least 5 guys wearing tshirts inside. Spent 200+ a day before.... While wearing a tshirt. ... clowns read more

Visited this really nice cigar bar that is located upstairs. They have an elevator which lets you off to the lounge. Although I am not a cigar smoker I enjoyed a lemon drop. However, my friend enjoyed her cigar. We sat at the bar and the bartender was pleasant and attentive. It is dimly lit and has a lot of wood accents. They also have 2 tables outside if you want to enjoy the views. read more

Empire Social Lounge - Brickell - Lemon Drop - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

My boyfriend and I were looking for a lounge where he could smoke a ciggar we came across this place walking distance from our hotel . Very clean nice place . I was very impressed that Oscar went out of he's way to get me the drink I wanted. We will definitely be back read more

We briefly stopped by here the other evening while my friend was visiting the neighborhood for his birthday. He wanted to visit a nice bar in the area, but most of the places we saw were a little too closely packed for our liking. Trying to be cautious during these COVID times, we looked elsewhere and ended up at Empire Social. Formerly known as Casa de Montecristo, this place has been around Brickell for several years and always seemed interesting to me. My boss got me into scotch whiskey, so I've been meaning to check this place out. The actual upstairs lounge is much bigger than you'd think. It was stocked with plenty of comfortable leather chairs and distance between patrons. Their menu is very extensive. We only had time for one drink each, but will certainly be back soon! Our ever so brief, first impression of this place was excellent. Prices seemed fair for the area, and the vibe was much more relaxed versus some of the other places we checked out that night. My Smokey Old Fashioned was excellent, as was my girlfriend's Heaven's Door. My friends opted for beer, but will try some of Empire Social's vast whiskey offerings next time. Can't wait! PS: I also saw they opened up a Dadeland location, and will be sure check that out as well when in that area. read more

Empire Social Lounge - Brickell - Smokey Old Fashioned ($15), Heaven's Door Tennessee Whiskey Old Fashioned ($15) - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

Good Selection of Cigars, drinks are amazing. Ambiance is very relaxed, servers and bartenders are Fabulous. read more

Very disappointing!!! When you look at there website, it says nothing about a clothing attire. They do have a dress attire, only for men. But you don't get told that until you walk in the door. Shorts and a tee shirt will not work, which I would be fine with. That is something that they should put on their website for people to read and come with the proper attire. I was looking forward to this experience since I am from Seattle. Being able to smoke inside with a cocktail is something we can't do up in the Seattle area. But was not able to participate because of the wrong attire. Frustrated & embarrassed patron Ryan read more

We used to come here in the evening every time we were in Miami when this place was still "Casa de Montecristo". The lounge is on the second floor, but they also have a couple of seats outdoor on the street. They had a nice big bar, comfy chairs and a good selection of cigars. The drinks have been always pretty expensive, but the ambiance was great, the waiters very attentive and we loved to spend a couple of hours to chill (while sometimes listening to live music). What I loved of that place is that even if it was packed, you could not smell the cigar smoke at all! We returned to this place last month for the first time after about 3 years. The name is different but nothing has changed inside, so the ambiance is the same (including the expensive drinks). However, this time we couldn't stay to chill as we used to because the cigar's smell was so overwhelming, although it was in the middle of the afternoon and the place was almost empty! Also, according to my husband, the person in the humidor was not very knowledgeable, and there wasn't a cigar selection as extensive as before. Not sure we will stop here again when visiting Miami. read more

Was refused entrance or service at 1:30 am when operating times show that location is open to 3am was told that time is depended on volume. Even let staff know that had flown into Miami and Uber to location and ask could be let into lounge due to the fact that the operation hrs are wrong on website giving false info was told no they will not let me in .do not recommend visting. Also guess where still inside location seems as if lounge may be bias to who they let in . read more

We went to visit them for one of their live performance nights. I'm not big on going to brickell, but I'm happy I went. The parking was far as can be typical for a Friday night in Brickell. You walk into a small entrance downstairs and then take an elevator upstairs to get to the actual cigar lounge. Service was excellent, from the waitress to the manager. We were very impressed with the extensive selection of liquors. The cigar selection was also really good. There is no food to eat here, no appetizers, so make sure to eat before coming. The vibe of the place was really, really nice. The live music was excellent. They must have some amazing extractors because it wasn't smelly, stuffy, or hazy inside the place despite it being a cigar lounge. We were 2 couples and we all enjoyed the place. We have recommended it to friends and will definitely be back. read more

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