Happy December, everyone! I don’t know about you, but with Christmas around the corner all I have been
wanting to do is stay local for places to go and enjoy some nightlife fun. Here is my dilemma, I’ve been feeling the urge for something new besides the usual DJ on a Friday night scene. It’s the holiday season, and I am craving some tradition, quality, and a cozy fireplace to hang my hat. Little did I know my Christmas wish was just around the corner from me at Jimenez Tobacco in
Newark, but this place is more than just a speakeasy cigar lounge.
The Jimenez family started the business in 1903. What made the company so successful was its focus in the creation of top quality, handmade cigars with a style all their own. By the late sixties, brother and sister Humberto Jimenez and Nelda Pozo-Jimenez came to Newark from Cuba. As time went on, Nelda continued the family tradition of premium cigars blended and made
by hand, making Jimenez not only the strong establishment it is today, but gaining notoriety for Nelda being the only female master blender in the country.
As far as rich history goes, Jimenez has it in spades. From the time you enter this awesome establishment, you’ll be feeling right at home. It has a beautiful outdoor garden area perfect for all outdoor occasions an events. I had the opportunity to visit during a few for both Destination Newark, and a live band night being immediately impressed at the hospitality I received by
both owner Peter Jimenez and his staff. Now I know what you are thinking, it’s freezing! Why are you spending time in the cold, you crazy woman? My response would be you are absolutely correct, so allow me to tell you some other perks to coming to this wonderful place.
Although my spot on the couch by the fire was hard to leave, I found myself curious and wandered into the bar area where I spotted the live music for the evening. The hostess offered to take my coat, and even helped me find a spot right in the middle of the action. The room itself had a couch and plenty of seating available so you won’t be stuck standing by the wall. When
it came time to have a drink, the waitress was quick to recommend Jimenez’s signature cocktail, The Old Fashioned. Compared to most places I’ve been to recently, it is safe to say Jimenez’s mixologists take their craft to a whole new level. Not only was this drink delicious, the preparation this staff takes to create it was like watching an artist paint their masterpiece. They took careful steps, using only the highest quality ingredients, to create one of the best premium cocktails I’ve had in a long time. Take my advice, you won’t want to miss it this holiday season.
Besides the drinks, you also have the option of enjoying one of Jimenez’s cigars. Peter or one of his staff are more than happy to advise you in one that will fit your tastes. I am not a smoker, but even I couldn’t resist trying one in order to get the full experience there. To my surprise, the cigar was smooth and enjoyable. Being the skeptic I was in the beginning, I even found the aromatics weren’t overpowering at all. They have different blends available, and if you are curious you can check out each one on their website from home, or stop by for a visit to try for yourself!
With a cigar in hand, cocktail on the table, and sultry edgy sounds coming from singer SuMyia Dabney, guitarist Randy Haze, and bass guitar Qaaaim Muñoz of The Jimenez House Band in front of me…my night couldn’t have been more enjoyable. The only thing that was missing was an espresso to close the night because hey, I love my late night coffee! Alas, could it be? It’s true caffeine addicts, Jimenez does serve espresso too! You have the option of taking it sweet or not, but either way I guarantee you’ll end up having more than one during your stay.
Be still my heart, I think I found my perfect local place. Between the hospitality, rich history, top-notch premium cocktails, cigars, and entertainment, Jimenez Tobacco is the place to be this holiday season and beyond. Be sure to follow Jimenez on Facebook and Instagram to see what the beautiful ladies and Peter have in store for you. Thanks for the awesome time, Jimenez staff.
I look forward to my next visit there. Until then happy holidays, and cheers and happy eating to you all! Oh, and don’t forget…The password is—Jimenez.