By Phil Corso
Bell Boulevard has always been known to be bustling with bars and other local hangouts, but there is only one place in Bayside where locals, business people and others can go to fulfill an alternative desire.
Habana Hut, at 214-09 41st Ave., is Bayside’s own cigar lounge for anyone and everyone burning for a chance to get comfy while lighting up their favorite top-notch cigar.
Bob Reid, part owner of Habana Hut, said he was glad to be a part of one Bayside business that brings something different to passersby on Bell Boulevard.
“This is a nice, unique place to come where people can avoid all those smoking restrictions,” Reid said. “We have a great atmosphere, great conversations and anyone is welcome with open arms.”
Inside Habana Hut, the cigar enthusiast would find a wall-to-wall Humidor full of what Reid called top-of-the-line cigar choices for a range of different prices. Right beside the encased cigars are several couches and chairs that furnish a room full of large flat-screen televisions. Seven days a week from noon to about 1 a.m., Reid said cigar lovers pass through to enjoy a smoke during their favorite sporting events or television shows.
But Habana Hut is a hub for cigar smokers of all sorts, well beyond the occasional lounging customer or sports lover. Reid said cigar lounges serve an even more unique purpose for a specific type of clientele.
“During the daytime, we usually get a lot of the business people who come in after their lunch to hold business meetings or enjoy a nice cigar after lunch breaks,” Reid said. “You wouldn’t be able to enjoy a cigar after a nice meal anywhere else in Bayside.”
The Bayside cigar lounge first opened its doors five years ago and currently operates under three local owners, all of which remain active patrons of their own establishment. Joining Reid in running the cigar lounge are Flushing resident Steve Catalanatto and Valley Stream, L.I., resident Ursala Winter.
Habana Hut promotes several different discount deals throughout the year, including a cigar of the week at a discount price and a monthly special that features five cigars for the price of four. And to set it apart from other cigar lounges, Reid also said Habana Hut does not sell any other tobacco products so it could focus all of its attention on offering quality cigars.
“There are never any arguments or negative feelings in there,” Reid said. “It is a high-end type of person who smokes cigars and we think we offer a comfortable atmosphere for anyone interested in being a part of it.”
For more information, Habana Hut can be reached at 718-423-5059.
Reach reporter Phil Corso by e-mail at pcorso@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4573.
