Virginia's Coolest Cigar Lounge & Coffee Shop - Griffin Lounge
- AMCIGARS
- Jul 22
- 4 min read
I love a lounge with soul. Located in Petersburg, Virginia, is a lounge like no other. Griffin Cigar Lounge & Coffee Shop is where Southern hospitality, the charm of the 1960s, premium cigars, and exceptional coffee come together. This magnificent all-American lounge is the perfect place to enjoy a fine cigar while listening to classics from Ella Fitzgerald or Frank Sinatra. Pair your smoke with a cappuccino and some of the best baked goods you'll find anywhere in Virginia. While the exterior embraces a nostalgic retro style dinner, the interior adds another layer of character with some Turkish coffee-inspired décor, warm accents, and plenty of charm.
Cigars/Humidor - Rating: 3.5 out of 5
A great cigar lounge must have a great cigar selection, and Griffin certainly delivers. The humidor is stocked with some of Arturo Fuente's finest offerings, including OpusX, Rare Pink, and Don Carlos, Liga Privada along with favorites like, Padrón, and my personal favorite, Foundation's "The Tabernacle Connecticut". And that's just the beginning.
Virginia imposes a 20% tax on premium cigars, so the higher price tags are understandable. While we didn't spot any Davidoff or vintage cigars during our visit, the impressive selection more than makes up for their absence.
Lounge - Rating: 3.5
As it should, the lounge shares the same DNA as the rest of the building. Walking through the original metal double doors immediately sets the tone. Inside, vintage leather chairs and elegant wood and marble tables create a timeless atmosphere. Brass accents, a classic chess set, and carefully selected books complete the space, reinforcing its old-world charm and making it feel more than a typical cigar lounge. Although, we though around the word "vintage" or "old", make no mistake. The place was spotless and everything worked as it should.
Amenities - Rating: 4
The coffee here is the best in town, and the pastries are just as impressive. The cappuccino was perfectly made, and the croissant was flaky, buttery, and absolutely delicious. As you can see in the photos, the café embraces the charm of a classic 1960s diner, while thoughtful touches like Arturo Fuente cigar boxes used as sugar holders serve as a subtle reminder that you're connected to one of Virginia's finest cigar lounges. For some reason, the Turkish coffee décor fits the atmosphere perfectly, adding another layer of character without feeling out of place.
The gathering spaces are spacious and inviting, with excellent lighting that makes the café feel warm and comfortable whether you're stopping in for a quick coffee or settling in for a longer visit. We'll definitely be back to work our way through the rest of the menu.
Staff - Rating: 4.5
The staff is what truly holds a business together. It doesn't matter how much money is invested in a beautiful building or an impressive inventory. Without the right people, even the best businesses will struggle.
We want to personally thank Andrew and Alyssa for providing exceptional customer service. Their professionalism, genuine politeness, and attention to detail made our visit especially memorable. They prepared a fantastic cappuccino, personally escorted us through the walk-in humidor, and took the time to chat with us throughout our visit, making us feel like valued guests rather than just customers.
Everything was delivered with the warm Southern hospitality you would expect in Virginia, and it elevated an already outstanding experience into one we'll gladly return for.
Overall Rating: 4.5
Ah yes, the overall rating. Just this once, we're going to overrule our own scoring system and award this lounge a 4.5.
Our rating system was designed with luxury lounges in mind. We evaluate details such as whether the humidor offers 10 to 15 year aged cigars, whether the restrooms feature premium fragrances like oud or bespoke scents from Florence, whether the bar carries 15 to 25 year old whiskies and wines, and whether the interior showcases high-end finishes like piano-gloss woodwork or elegant French millwork.
This lounge checks very few of those boxes and that's exactly why we're making an exception. None of those luxury touches would have made this place any better. Its charm lies in its authenticity, history, welcoming atmosphere, and the experience it delivers. Sometimes, perfection isn't about extravagance. It's about character. And this lounge has plenty of it.
Conclusion
This place doesn't have to scream "authentic". It simply is. Although, we typically review upscale cigar lounges, this is one of the rare occasions where a lounge with a completely different atmosphere has captured our admiration. Otherwise, we wouldn't have written about it. While Virginia is home to many luxurious cigar lounges, we encourage you to experience this one for something different. Come visit a place where history, character, and a welcoming atmosphere can be found in every corner. We wish more places in US were like it.
Google Rating
Store Info
108 E Washington St, Petersburg, VA 23803
Hours
MON - TUE, 7 AM–2 PM
FRI - SAT, 7 AM–10 PM
Sunday, 9 AM–6 PM
Disclosure
This blog was written independently, and AM | CIGARS was neither compensated nor influenced in any way by Griffin Cigar Lounge or any affiliated party.
Comments