By Sara Goode
Cigar lovers seeking a speakeasy feel will want to light up and kick back at Cygaro cigar club and lounge. Nestled above the new Mexican restaurant, Hidalgo Grill, on 32 Washington Street in Ellicottville, NY with a view overlooking the heart of the village, Cygaro Cigar Club and Lounge has recently opened its doors to the public. When you walk into Cygaro, holy smokes, the ambiance immediately immerses you and takes you away like you’re in a whole other world with its classic and luxurious atmosphere that is filled with the delicious aromas from the smoke of fine tobacco. You truly feel like you stepped back in time and entered a space of sophistication, class and relaxation. It is a new, distinctive experience in the village.
This luxury lounge is a place where people go to enjoy company, share stories, create new ones and enjoy the finer things in life. Susan Baryza from Hamburg, NY who had just migrated to Ellicottville is the brilliant mind that vivified Cygaro. Susan had worked in the healthcare business as a RN for 25 years and decided it was time for a change of career which led her to be an entrepreneur. Susan has quite the knack for what she does, a natural ability proven from what she has built while making an outstanding contribution to the Ellicottville experience with her ideas and skills.
Cygaro Cigar Club and Lounge mastermind Susan Baryza also owns and operates a boutique just down the street from Cygaro Cigar Club and Lounge called “She Shed, He Shed”. (What a great name!) This boutique offers everything from self-pampering products to fun and unique items as well as cigars. Susan has been selling cigars in She Shed, He Shed for 3 years in which her experience doing so sparked her idea to create Cygaro cigar lounge and cigar club. Susan explains to me from her experience at She Shed, He Shed, “The cigars sold quite well. People would come into She shed, He shed after buying cigars and ask where do we smoke these?” Susan expressed that she saw a real need she wanted to meet which gave her an idea for another business opportunity, a Cigar Club and Lounge where people can enjoy their cigars in a pleasant space while giving the aficionado the complete works. Susan advised, “All walks of life vacation here, a huge part of business is learning from them along the way.” So as her ideas and businesses unfold, she brings her vision to life.
Susan wanted a speakeasy vibe which is obviously perfect for a cigar lounge, and yes, she did deliver. As I entered the lounge for the first time, I felt my inner “Sinatra chords” struck. I immediately noticed the eye-catching vintage decor, the color scheme, lounge furniture, antique lamps, ash trays and glassware; it all takes you back in time and gives you that speakeasy feel. It’s a lounge of luxury, beautifully crafted with a cozy atmosphere. There is a large humidor that glows and is filled with a variety of top-notch cigar brands and flavors from all over the world such as Partagas, Macanudo and my personal favorite Cohiba. You can also upscale your experience at Cygaro and pair your cigar with the fancy accessories they offer as well such as lighters and cigar cutters. Cygaro is also in the works of getting a liquor license, which will be a great addition to the lounge experience. Smoky Manhattan anyone? Or do you prefer the casual Jack and Smoke? Susan is currently having cigar humidor lockers crafted for the lounge that will arrive soon, giving the guests the real VIP experience.