Federico Empire Cigar Factory: A Premier Cuban Tradition Boutique in Little Havana in Miami, Florida
Written and verified by the Rallyvite editorial team using publicly available data and the business’s official website. Last updated: 22 Dec 2025 21:19
❮ ❯
TL;DR: Federico Empire Cigar Factory Cigar Lounge is One of the Best Group Outing Venues near Miami
Federico Empire Cigar Factory is a distinguished boutique cigar factory located in the heart of Little Havana, Miami, on the famed Calle Ocho. It stands out as a premier destination for aficionados and casual cigar smokers alike, offering a unique place to connect over the rich heritage and culture of Cuban-style cigars. Founded in 2015 by Boris L. Hernandez, a master cigar roller and blender, the factory continues the legacy of his father, the renowned cigar master Federico Hernandez, whose expertise and passion permeate every cigar produced. The factory specializes in handmade cigars crafted following ancient and unique Cuban traditions, ensuring a high-quality smoking experience characterized by excellent flavor, smooth combustion, and pleasantly aromatic profiles. Each cigar is painstakingly rolled by Cuban master rollers with over 25 years of experience, blending premium tobaccos grown from Cuban seeds with Dominican, Peruvian, and Nicaraguan fillers wrapped in Ecuadorian Habano binders. The blend creates a mild to medium-bodied cigar known for its balanced flavor and intriguing taste. With operating hours extending from morning until late evening, Federico Empire Cigar Factory also offers free shipping on orders over $100, making its premium products accessible to both local patrons and cigar lovers nationwide. Its authentic Cuban heritage, expert craftsmanship, and inviting location in Miami make it an ideal place to gather with friends and share a remarkable cigar experience.
Table of Contents
What people think of Federico Empire Cigar Factory, based on reviews
As of recent, Federico Empire Cigar Factory holds a 4.9-star rating based on 62 reviews.
Federico Empire Cigar Factory enjoys an excellent reputation with a 4.9-star rating based on 62 reviews, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction. Reviewers commonly praise the authenticity and quality of the cigars, highlighting the thorough craftsmanship by master Cuban rollers who dedicate decades of expertise to each product. Many appreciate the flavorful blends, smooth draw, and aromatic profiles which reflect deep Cuban traditions. The personalized customer service and the intimate boutique experience also receive positive remarks, with patrons valuing the knowledgeable staff and the welcoming atmosphere conducive to social gatherings. On the other hand, a few less favorable comments mention occasional limited product availability, which can be a downside for enthusiasts seeking certain blends or sizes. Some reviewers wished for more extended operating hours or additional lounge space to enhance the in-person visit experience. Overall, however, the negatives appear minor compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback. The consensus suggests that Federico Empire Cigar Factory successfully delivers a premium and authentic Cuban cigar experience that resonates well with both seasoned cigar smokers and new customers, making it a beloved destination in Miami's cigar community.
How to reach Federico Empire Cigar Factory
1607 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135, USA
FAQ about Federico Empire Cigar Factory, your new favorite meetup place for groups in Miami, Florida
Gathering at this boutique cigar factory is more than just a typical meetup — it's an experience rich with culture, craft, and connection. Located in the heart of Miami’s vibrant Little Havana district, Federico Empire Cigar Factory offers an authentic Cuban cigar atmosphere that transports visitors right into the traditions and artistry of cigar craftsmanship. Whether you and your friends are cigar aficionados or novices intrigued by the craft, this venue promises a welcoming and engaging environment to relax and bond. The high rating of 4.9 out of 5, based on 62 reviews, reflects the consistent quality, warmth, and hospitality patrons enjoy here. When you come together at Federico Empire, you immerse yourselves in a unique setting where you can witness master rollers handcraft cigars in real time, savor premium Miami-made cigars, and enjoy the lively cultural backdrop of Little Havana. For groups, it’s an ideal setting to spark conversation, celebrate special occasions, or simply unwind in an intimate yet lively space dedicated to tradition, flavor, and camaraderie.
The centerpiece of this experience is the in-house cigar production, where Cuban master rollers with over 25 years of expertise handcraft each cigar. Observing this process together offers a fascinating glimpse into a centuries-old artisanal tradition, sparking appreciation and discussion among your group. Once you pick your favorite selections, you and your friends can enjoy smoking these finely blended cigars onsite in an inviting ambiance tailored for socializing. Federico Empire cigars are crafted from a carefully chosen blend of Dominican, Peruvian, and Nicaraguan fillers wrapped with Ecuadorian Habano binders and complemented by Ecuadorian and Mexican San Andres wrappers, ensuring a rich flavor profile that sparks lively debate and enjoyment. The staff is known for their friendliness and knowledge, often sharing detailed information about the cigars’ history, blending, and flavor notes, enhancing your group’s appreciation and creating a shared learning experience. Whether it's a casual visit or a special event, the factory’s warm ambiance and passionate staff help create memorable moments around a shared love of quality cigars.
The venue spans beyond just being a retail shop — it is a boutique factory that merges tradition with an intimate social atmosphere. Its location on Southwest 8th Street places it at the heart of Little Havana, an area abundant with Latin culture, food, and music, which adds vibrancy to your meetups. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, the factory offers the flexibility for groups to convene whenever it suits their schedules, from early day visits to relaxed evenings. The setting is cozy yet spacious enough to accommodate groups, with staff skilled in making everyone feel welcomed and attended to. For groups wanting to explore Cuban culture through cigars, this setting fosters not just enjoyment but also cultural immersion, perfect for celebrations, reunions, or casual gatherings. Complementary activities nearby, including renowned Latin restaurants and cultural spots, allow your meetup to extend beyond the factory itself into a full cultural outing if desired.
The cigars crafted at Federico Empire are notable for their exceptional balance of flavors, aroma, and combustion quality, which come from the blend of selected tobaccos grown from Cuban seeds. This thoughtful composition offers cigars that are mild to medium in strength, making them accessible for both new and experienced smokers alike within your group. Their intriguing taste profiles, which combine Dominican, Peruvian, and Nicaraguan fillers with Ecuadorian and Mexican wrappers, create nuanced experiences tailored to different palates, sparking lively conversations and comparisons among friends. Each cigar is handmade by expert Cuban rollers, ensuring the utmost craftsmanship and consistency, which is a great talking point and source of appreciation when sharing cigars in a group. The flavor and quality craftsmanship of these cigars make the factory not only a place to purchase but a venue to savor and share premium smoking experiences, enhancing your gathering.
Patrons repeatedly mention the friendly and welcoming nature of the owner and staff, which is a critical element when hosting a group event or casual hangout. The factory’s ambiance strikes a perfect balance between casual and polished — it’s cozy and personable but also steeped in cultural authenticity and artisanal pride. The setting encourages lingering, allowing groups to relax over the course of an hour or more while enjoying their cigars. This is ideal for meetups, where conversation flows best when guests feel comfortable and catered to. Additionally, the staff’s ability to educate visitors on cigar production, selection, and smoking etiquette adds a layer of enrichment to your visit, turning a simple meetup into an engaging, memorable event. The factory's location in lively Little Havana enhances this by surrounding you with music, culture, and nearby dining options, making it a multi-dimensional social experience suitable for groups who want to combine culture, craftsmanship, and conviviality.
Situated in Little Havana, Federico Empire Cigar Factory is encompassed by an array of restaurants, dessert spots, and cultural landmarks perfect for expanding a group visit. After enjoying cigars, your party can explore nearby eateries offering Cuban, Latin, and Caribbean cuisine such as Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina or Mofongo Restaurant Calle 8 to deepen the cultural experience. For dessert or a sweet finish, the Azucar Ice Cream Factory is a local favorite just steps away, which appeals to groups seeking variety in their outing. Little Havana itself is a vibrant neighborhood filled with street art, music, and cultural events — an excellent backdrop for those who want to make a day of their meetup. This makes the cigar factory not just a standalone stop but a gateway to exploring Miami’s rich Latin heritage, giving your gathering multiple layers of enjoyment and exploration.
The factory strictly adheres to federal laws requiring visitors to be 21 years or older to purchase and smoke cigars, providing a secure and responsible environment for all attendees. Staff enforce this age limit rigorously, which is critical for groups to know, especially those organizing gatherings that include younger adults. This compliance reassures guests that the venue operates professionally with customer care as a priority. The factory's open all-week policy with consistent hours also demonstrates dependable service and respect for visitor convenience, avoiding any confusion or disruption when planning your meetup. Overall, the clear legal guidelines and professionalism contribute to making Federico Empire a trustworthy and enjoyable destination for groups looking to host safe, spirited, and culturally rich cigar experiences.
The hand-rolled cigars, knowledgeable staff, and vibrant Little Havana location create a dynamic atmosphere that can transform any group meet into a memorable event. From witnessing live cigar production to savoring rich, Cuban tradition-inspired cigars and exploring nearby cultural spots, this factory offers a rich palette of experiences suited for socializing and celebration. Its perfect combination of accessibility, quality, and cultural immersion truly sets Federico Empire apart as a premier venue for group gatherings in Miami.