A-List Secret: Dubai's 1920 Prohibition Style Cigar Club

In a city defined by transparency and excess, 1920 (1920 is the name) offers the ultimate indulgence: the luxury of restraint. This is not a venue you simply stumble into. Perched dramatically on the 52nd floor of ICD Brookfield Place, its anonymity from the street is entirely intentional, offering the thrill of discovering Dubai's best-kept secret. As you step out of the lift, you are immediately transported to a scene from the Roaring Twenties, where the city’s contemporary bustle fades away behind heavy velvet curtains.

Lobby and front desk

Image Credit: Alejandro Diaz

View of the main area (DJ on the left, bar on the right and stage in the middle at the back)

Image Credit: Alejandro Diaz

The Atmosphere: Art Deco & Intimacy

The design, helmed by the masterful Lázaro Rosa-Violán, is a sophisticated blend of Art Deco glamour and Manhattan skyscraper elegance. The atmosphere is immediately intimate and mysterious, achieved through plush crimson seating, dark varnished woods, and carefully curated lighting. It feels like a private gentlemen's club suspended in the sky.

The heavy drapes occasionally pull back to reveal a glittering, panoramic view of the Dubai skyline, including the Burj Khalifa—a breathtaking backdrop that shifts from a fiery sunset glow to a sleek, cinematic vista as the live jazz and swing band take the stage.

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Dress Code: smart-elegant. Sportswear, beachwear, shorts and caps are not permitted. Guests not adhering to this policy may be refused entry.

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Opening Time: As a rule of thumb in Dubai, do not show up without a reservation. They tend to open in the afternoons and close around midnight.

Image Credit: Alejandro Diaz

The Cigar Experience: Quality Over Volume

While 1920 is celebrated for its mixology—serving innovative, Prohibition-era inspired cocktails—its true hidden gem is its dedication to the discerning smoker. The cigar selection is minimal, but expertly calibrated. You won't find a sprawling, overwhelming menu. Instead, the focus is purely on quality and provenance.

This selective approach ensures that what is offered is top-tier, including just enough treasured Cuban cigars to satisfy any connoisseur. The team here prioritizes the spectacular moment over sheer variety, offering highly knowledgeable service to pair your chosen smoke with their exclusive list of vintage champagnes or refined spirits. For those who understand that less can be more, the humidor here is a sanctuary.

Image Credit: Alejandro Diaz

Verdict

1920 is more than a lounge; it is an escapist fantasy. It’s for the patron who values discretion, high-fidelity sound (thanks to the live music and vinyl sets), and a beautifully controlled environment. If your idea of a perfect evening involves a world-class Cuban cigar, a meticulously crafted cocktail, and the sense that you are part of an exclusive club watching the city lights twinkle far below, then 1920 is the definitive choice. It delivers a seamless, unforgettable evening that feels utterly removed from time and place.

Ambience: ★★★★★

Cigar Selection: ★★★★

View & Design: ★★★★★

Overall Experience: ★★★★

Website: https://1920.ae

Location: ICD Brookfield Place, 52 Floor, DIFC, Dubai

Call: +971 4 498 1920

Email: reservations@1920.ae

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I'd like to extend my special thanks to Abdul Malik for the invitation. It was an absolute pleasure to visit 1920.