The Owl Shop is a cigar lounge and tobacconist with old world charm in the heart of downtown New Haven and Yale University. It is one of the oldest tobacconists and cigar lounges in the country, originally opening as a bookstore in 1934. This College Street institution is the only place in Connecticut with a full bar where you can legally smoke inside, a status grandfathered through the state's 2004 smoking ban. The venue offers an authentic experience with spectacularly ornate pressed tin ceilings, exposed brick walls, and rich knotty pine paneling. It features an extensive line up of cigars, tobaccos, pipes, humidors, and accessories, with an impressive selection stored in vintage humidor cabinets. It is also a cigar lounge with over 300 whiskies and a multitude of other spirits, complemented by a coffee bar serving light fare. The atmosphere is chill with cool vibes, achieving an unpretentious luxury that welcomes serious enthusiasts and newcomers alike. It is packed with a diverse clientele, from Yale professors to local tradesmen, creating genuine cultural authenticity. Weekly live acoustic performances and jazz bands add to the vibrant backdrop. The Owl Shop maintains high standards and professional staff expertise, offering an essential and irreplaceable Connecticut cultural experience.
