The King Cigar Lounge: Downtown LA's Premier Destination for Cigar Connoisseurs and Friends in Los Angeles, California
Written and verified by the Rallyvite editorial team using publicly available data and the business’s official website. Last updated: 24 Dec 2025 14:09
TL;DR: The King Cigar Lounge Cigar Lounge is One of the Best Group Outing Venues near Los Angeles
The King Cigar Lounge, located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles just steps away from Staples Center and L.A. Live, serves as an upscale haven for cigar enthusiasts and social gatherings alike. Open every day until midnight, the lounge offers both public spaces and an exclusive private members' area, creating an inviting atmosphere perfect for meeting up with friends or enjoying a solo immersive experience. What sets The King Cigar Lounge apart is its team of certified cigar sommeliers who provide expert advice, carefully cut, and light cigars to ensure a perfect smoking experience. The lounge's world-class humidor boasts an impressive selection of premium and exclusive cigars from renowned brands worldwide such as Ashton, Padrón, Arturo Fuente, Davidoff, Avo, and more, catering to all tastes and price points. Comfortable seating options inside include luxurious red leather chairs and sofas while the outdoor patio offers a pleasant setting to enjoy Los Angeles' beautiful weather. The atmosphere balances luxury and comfort with attentive staff service, making it an excellent spot for both casual meetups and special occasions. Membership benefits include access to a private room with cigar lockers, discounts on cigar purchases, and an exclusive community vibe. Overall, The King Cigar Lounge is much more than a place to smoke — it is a distinguished venue facilitating friendships, relaxation, and the art of cigar appreciation.
Table of Contents
What people think of The King Cigar Lounge, based on reviews
As of recent, The King Cigar Lounge holds a 4.6-star rating based on 175 reviews.
User reviews of The King Cigar Lounge consistently highlight its exceptional ambiance and knowledgeable staff. Many patrons appreciate the certified cigar sommeliers who enhance the experience by expertly preparing cigars, which resonates well for both novices and seasoned smokers. Positive feedback often mentions the broad cigar selection catering to diverse preferences and budgets, along with the comfortable, clean environment featuring plush seating and an outdoor patio. Customers also commend the approachable and courteous service, noting how staff attentively ensure guests are well cared for throughout their visit. Several reviews underscore the enjoyment of exclusive brands like Davidoff and the availability of sugar-free cold drinks, complimenting the well-curated offerings. On the downside, some critiques mention a $25 cutting fee applied if customers bring their own cigars rather than purchasing from the humidor; this could be a deterrent for some regular cigar users accustomed to bringing their own cigars. Additionally, the membership fee of $2,500 per year may be steep for casual visitors, though it grants access to private lockers and discounts. Overall, the lounge is viewed positively, regarded as a clean, stylish, and knowledgeable venue that stands out in Los Angeles for cigar aficionados. The balance of premium products, expert service, and an inviting social environment make it a highly recommended location despite minor reservations about fees.
How to reach The King Cigar Lounge
1117 S Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA
FAQ about The King Cigar Lounge, your new favorite meetup place for groups in Los Angeles, California
Because this upscale establishment in Downtown Los Angeles offers more than just cigars—it provides a premier social atmosphere where friends and family can gather to unwind, connect, and enjoy a sophisticated experience together. The lounge’s elegant and spacious environment, combining indoor comfort and an inviting outdoor patio, creates an ideal setting for intimate conversations or lively group discussions, all while savoring exceptional cigars handpicked from a world-class humidor. The King Cigar Lounge boasts knowledgeable staff, certified as cigar sommeliers, who enhance the gathering by recommending cigars tailored to each guest's preferences. Beyond the premium smoke, the lounge offers an array of beverage options, from Lavazza espresso to soft drinks, and soon licensed spirits, ensuring everyone finds something to complement their cigar. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a casual evening, The King Cigar Lounge’s blend of luxury, camaraderie, and expertise makes it a top choice for hosting meetups that leave lasting memories.
The primary allure at The King Cigar Lounge is its expertly curated cigar smoking experience, but there is so much more that makes it perfect for group activities. Starting with the extensive humidor that stocks famous and exclusive cigars globally, groups can explore a vast selection and find options that suit every palate and budget. The staff’s sommelier-level knowledge helps guide these choices, ensuring novices and aficionados alike pick the ideal cigar for the occasion. Guests can engage in the ritual of cigar tasting together, comparing flavors and sharing impressions, which naturally sparks conversation and bonding.
The lounge also features comfortable seating arranged for social interaction, including a spacious indoor area with 15+ chairs and additional seating on a lovely outdoor patio, perfect for enjoying Los Angeles' pleasant weather while relaxing in great company. Groups can spend hours here without feeling rushed, whether they’re coordinating a casual meet-and-greet or a more formal gathering. Additionally, The King Cigar Lounge provides WiFi, enabling friends to share moments online, listen to curated music, or even stream events, creating a modern blend of relaxation and entertainment within a classic cigar lounge setting.
The King Cigar Lounge’s atmosphere strikes a balance between exclusivity and approachability, making it especially conducive to group meetups. Its recent renovations added a high-end, masculine charm that still feels welcoming and cozy, ideal for groups of friends or family wanting an upscale yet relaxed space. The combination of a public lounge area plus a private room reserved for members ensures flexibility: casual groups can enjoy the vibrant social vibe, while private parties get an exclusive environment for their own discussions and celebrations.
Moreover, the staff’s personalized service stands out—they routinely engage with guests to ensure everyone is well taken care of, providing recommendations not only on cigars but also on pairing beverages like imported beers and soon, liquors. This attentive hospitality elevates the group experience, making everyone feel valued. The lounge’s location near landmarks like Staples Center and LA Live also adds convenience for groups who want to combine their cigar lounge visit with nearby entertainment and dining options, making a full day or night out seamless and enjoyable.
The ambiance at The King Cigar Lounge plays a significant role in making it a meaningful destination for gatherings. The interior design is elegant with touches that emphasize the lounge’s devotion to the cigar craft—such as wall art featuring tobacco leaves and displays of certificates highlighting the staff’s expertise. These details set a tone of authenticity and passion, allowing visitors to feel immersed in a cigar culture that is both serious and celebratory.
Outdoor seating on the lounge’s patio adds versatility; groups can enjoy alfresco comfort amid the mild Los Angeles evenings while smoking and socializing. The ability to move between air-conditioned indoor spaces and the fresh air outdoors caters to diverse preferences within a group. The lounge is also notably clean and well-maintained, with a reputation for being one of the most hygienic cigar lounges in the city, which enhances comfort and enjoyment for patrons concerned about their environment.
Additionally, background music is carefully selected—not overpowering but enough to enrich the mood—making gatherings lively yet intimate. The King Cigar Lounge forbids cigarette and marijuana smoking, reinforcing a focus on premium cigars and maintaining a refined atmosphere suited for connected conversations and shared moments.
The King Cigar Lounge stands out for several key amenities that elevate group visits beyond typical lounges. Chief among these is a walk-in humidor with an impressive selection from renowned premium brands worldwide. This allows guests to explore a broad range of cigars together and even discover something new as a group. The inclusion of a cigar sommelier on staff means personalized education is always available, which helps both novices and seasoned smokers appreciate the nuances of their selections.
Seating arrangements provide comfort for extended socializing, with areas that accommodate both quiet conversations and small celebrations. The availability of WiFi and beverage options—from espresso to soft drinks, and soon alcohol—means groups have more than just cigars to enjoy, catering to different tastes and ensuring non-smokers or those who prefer lighter refreshments also feel welcome.
The lounge’s strategic location near parking and adjacent valet services enhances accessibility, an important consideration for groups coordinating travel and schedules. Its daily operation until midnight makes it flexible for after-work meetups or late-night gatherings. For members, there is added value in a private room and cigar lockers, deepening the sense of community and exclusivity that friends or families can take advantage of for recurring meetups.
Compared with other cigar lounges, The King Cigar Lounge excels in combining expert service, ambiance, and flexibility, making it a superior venue choice. While some lounges may have limited seating or a narrower cigar selection, The King offers a walk-in humidor with a reputation for variety and exclusivity that attracts enthusiasts at all levels. The presence of cigar sommeliers ensures guests receive knowledgeable guidance uncommon at many competitors, which facilitates a richer tasting and learning experience for groups.
Another distinguishing factor is its modern, clean environment with well-thought-out indoor and outdoor spaces. This contrasts with some lounges that feel cramped or dated, especially when accommodating groups. The King’s location in a bustling part of Downtown Los Angeles links the lounge experience to broader entertainment and dining options, providing additional appeal for groups planning a full night out.
Some other lounges might impose restrictions or policies that discourage mixed groups, but The King Cigar Lounge is generally praised for its welcoming attitude toward friends and families who want to share memorable experiences. The pending liquor license also suggests future enhancements that will align with evolving customer expectations, positioning The King as a forward-looking establishment primed for group enjoyment.
In summary, The King Cigar Lounge offers a unique blend of luxurious ambiance, expertly curated cigars, knowledgeable staff, and inviting amenities to make any meetup with friends or family feel special and indulgent. Its thoughtful layout and broad offerings provide a comfortable and enriching setting where social bonds deepen over exceptional cigars and convivial hospitality. Whether you are a local or just visiting Downtown Los Angeles, gathering here promises an experience that exceeds expectations for comfort, class, and camaraderie.