SMoKE Manayunk - Cigar & Hookah Lounge

Reviews 6

PA

Patricia Leach

THIS IS GOING TO BE A LONG HONEST REVIEW. BUT, IT WILL BE WORTH THE READ. I came here this weekend past, with my best friend whom was visiting from California and her cousin recommended this place as a place to gather and have a few drinks (because it was BYOB). I’d never heard of this place and quite frankly I do not smoke, but for the sake of the fun of gathering I tagged along. We took an Uber and were dropped off in front of the building. Yet, we walked passed it quite a few times due to looking for a more ‘vibrant’ entrance. No worries, it literally says ‘SMOKE’ on the building, so once you do find it you will feel a bit silly about it. Lastly, they do not have a bar, so do not expect to have a range of drinks to choose from (again, that is fine). Visiting their website beforehand may prepare you for their ambiance but not their service, so dont just DROP BY (apparently). Let me tell you why. When we first arrived, the impression the shop gave to us, was some sort of cave like underground den. I will admit that I did not hold high expectations for this particular place, however, I probably should have lowered them even more. This makes me sad, because the place has the potential to be a great spot in that area, if they would: execute good business practices, better customer service, actually make people want to come back and bring a friend. First thing is first, DO NOT EXPECT GREAT SERVICE OR EVEN GOOD SERVICE. Aside from the one person in our group, none of us had come to this spot, so we did not know what to expect. We walked in and no one greeted us or pointed us to anything. We stood around lost for about a good twenty minutes, without anyone addressing us. That should have been our first clue to leave. We eventually found someone we thought worked there, only after asking several people walking by. The man who we eventually found, seemed extremely busy and overwhelmed. It was a Saturday night, so we expected it to be a little crowded. However, it was about a good maybe thirty people inside. We stood around more and eventually a friend (determined not to have our night ruined) addressed the man to inquire as to whether we should sit anywhere. “Sofas are for members only” he says and then walks away. Quite frankly, I would have left then. No information as to how to become a member or indication that the place was for members only, so we were again lost. We addressed him again, asking where we could sit. He pointed to the only ten seats by a "bar", and all were occupied. However, there was an entire table with no one sitting at it that we were told we could not sit at originally. Nonetheless, finally he cleaned the table off (by clean I mean removed a used hookah) and gestured we could “sit there if we want.” We then sat down and it was another fifteen minutes before we even received a menu to see what it is we wanted to partake in AND we had to chase someone down for even that. Long story short, the experience was a bust and by the time we left, after only about maybe an hour or maybe two (probably way less), we had a tab of $87.50! To be completely honest, I was given the impression that they had an "impression" of us that played a part in how we were treated. Glasses were $5.50 each (just the glass) and ice was given only when we asked but nothing to scoop it out with! Suppose I was from out of town, walking by and decided to stop in? Suppose I had not read your site menu or anything else? My experience should not rely on extensive research on the ambiance of a place before arriving, as it is your responsibility as the owner to create it. Not the customer. I am open to speaking with your management to elaborate further (luckily this forum has character count or I would go on). But I did not in any way get the impression that we were welcomed there. We really just wanted to come out, have some fun, laugh, they (our other friends) wanted to try your hookah (we usually go all the way downtown) and get a different experience. Sad what we encountered instead.

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NI

Nick C.

Hands down the best cigar bar in Philadelphia. I recently picked this hobby up and Im glad I found this place. The staff are extremely friendly and more than willing to help when it comes to selecting a cigar in your price range and what you are feeling flavor wise. The staff treat you as if you have been a long time friend, and they always make me feel at home. The customers as well are all very social and easy to talk to. The owner Kosta is constantly improving the building, every time I come in (once a week) there is always something new. Case in point the lights under the bar and the new chalkboard wall. Its a great atmosphere to come and relax, I can easily spend 2 hours here and leave excited to come back. The couches are INSANELY comfortable and there are two HD projectors. I drive 40 minutes just to come here because I think its just that great of a place. I recommend it to everyone I know who likes a good cigar or hookah!

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Michelle Greenspan

Smoke is a very special place! You can come in with a group of friends and have a blast actually being able to spend time with each other (which is hard to find in the crowded college bars in Manayunk) or come in by yourself and spark up a conversation with one of the awesome regulars. Ive spent many days and nights in Smoke with my boyfriend and have left with some new friends and really fun memories. Sam (male), Sam (female), and Spencer are the greatest employees and if youre lucky enough to become friendly with the owner, Kosta, youll probably end up with a lifelong friend. Kosta remembers everyone that comes through the door and always introduces himself to people hes never seen. A kid walked down to Smoke for a cigar during a snow storm and Kosta offered to drive him home just because his heart is as big as his beard (big). Smoke is the best, great cigars, BYOB > bars, comfy couches and awesome people ***drops mic***

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Samantha Kraft

Great experience! Was seated right away, the couches are so comfy. My friends got a hookah(tasted super fresh compared to what Ive had before) and I got a cigar. Tried a cool boutique cigar from a company in Granada called Mombacho There is a BYOB fee and some of my friends were iffy about it but anyone who can do simple math can see how youre saving money from bar prices. its $5.50 a person to drink. My $30 bottle with 3 drinks saved me like $13. Overall great experience. Been back once on the way home to sit out traffic. Great conversation happen there.

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Nicholas Reiboldt

This has to be the best place to visit, walking around town and finding this kind of gem is a cigar lovers dream. Kosta is one of the best and most knowledgeable in the business and I seriously can not wait till the liquor license comes through. A whole notha level of awesomeness! Drink in one hand and massive cigar paired perfectly.

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MI

Michael Faia

Turned off by extremely poor service and the unwritten byo fee on the weekends. I understand why you might charge a fee, but $1 per beer? Keeping us waiting over 10 minutes at an unbusy time. Nah, maybe I was just on edge that night. Either way I wont be back on a weekend that is for sure.

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