Steak & Cigars
In 2017, Long Island cigar retailer Boris Grossman had a brilliant idea: open one of the most recognizable tobacconists next to one of the most famous steakhouses. In 2018, he made it happen. Grossman partnered with Davidoff of Geneva and set up a cigar shop and lounge in Brooklyn just a few doors down from the original Peter Luger, perhaps the most iconic steakhouse in the country.
The idea is simple: have a pre-dinner cigar in Davidoff’s sleek lounge, walk a few steps over to Peter Luger when you’re done (“Luger’s,” as the locals call it) and then walk back over after dinner for some post-porterhouse puffing. Even if you’re in Manhattan for just one night, the experience is well worth the detour to Brooklyn—it’s just over the Williamsburg Bridge, so you won’t have to venture deep into the outer borough.
Like all Davidoff locations, the shop offers a full range of Davidoff products, but because this isn’t one of Davidoff’s flagship stores, Grossman has the freedom to stock more third-party cigars. He doesn’t take this freedom lightly. With shelf space always at a premium, he prides himself on carrying limited releases and hard-to-find items.
You needn’t look too hard for the humidor—the shop is the humidor. The entire front area is completely humidified, so you can start browsing as soon as you enter. The clean lines and enticing display cases give you the unmistakable Davidoff experience. The staff here is knowledgeable and friendly without hovering or being too pushy and will happily guide you down the central corridor of cigars through the glass door and into the lounge. You won’t find rows and rows of pleather La-Z-Boys facing the television in this space. Rather, it’s a more urbane setup of smartly appointed leather chairs arranged in conversation pods, perfect for small groups or solo smoking if you’d rather read while you puff. WiFi is free and there are televisions in the lounge, but they are not the focus. They’re only one part of the ambience.
There’s more than just a good chance that you’re a steak fan. And you probably don’t need to be told how to order your meat, but keep in mind that Luger’s has its own set of rules. Here’s a pro tip: order the porterhouse for two, even if you’re only one person. It’s the cut they do best. Don’t skip the onion and tomato appetizer either. Raw onions might not be your thing, but make an exception. This Luger staple sets it apart from many other steakhouses.
On Monday to Thursday, Davidoff Brooklyn is open from 10 a.m. to midnight. On Friday and Saturday, it’s open from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., and it’s 11 to 11 on Sunday. Get there before 6 p.m. and you’ll avoid the $40 minimum purchase requirement to use the lounge. Then again, with cigar prices being what they are in New York, you’ll probably end up spending that much anyway.
Davidoff of Geneva Brooklyn 156 Broadway, Brooklyn • (347) 599-0565
Peter Luger Steak House 178 Broadway, Brooklyn • (718) 387-7400
