Where to Smoke: Seattle

Finding a cigar lounge in Seattle is no easy task. Unfortunately, the laws regarding smoking in public places are extremely strict. The state of Washington prohibits smoking in any public building or place of employment. This means that even if you do manage to locate a cigar lounge, you won’t find a paid employee anywhere. One such lounge is The Vertigo Club, where you actually can sit inside and have a smoke—but the caveat is you must be invited to join, and membership is limited to 150 people.

There is some possible good news on the horizon, though. There is a bill in the Washington House that, if passed, would allow businesses to apply for endorsements that would permit smoking of tobacco in designated indoor areas as long as the facility has special ventilation. It would also require cigar lounge employees to sign a declaration saying they are active smokers and that they understand the risks posed by secondhand smoke, as well as take blood tests proving they are active smokers. Seem a bit extreme? Maybe, but local cigar shops are very excited at the possibilities.

It may be a while before the bill passes, so until then there are plenty of places to buy a good cigar and then smoke it while sitting on a pier or looking at the majestic mountain ranges. Here are two favorites:

Market Tobacco Patch

This shop may seem tiny on the outside, but the humidor is massive and has a wide and diverse selection of inexpensive—and a few expensive—cigars. They also carry pipes and pipe tobacco, as well as a small mountain of colorful cigar boxes for sale. It’s a great place to stop by during a visit to the Pike Place Market.

Market Tobacco Patch
1906 Pike Place #6
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 728-7291

F.K. Kirsten

The Kirsten Pipe Company has been around since 1936, so if you’re looking for a quality and beautiful pipe, this is your stop. They also carry a large selection of cigars, and if you don’t know much about them, don’t fret, as the staff is very knowledgeable and willing to answer questions.

910 Lenora St. #156
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 264- 2966
kirstenpipe.com

 

Toking in the City:

Seattle may have some strict smoking laws, but when it comes to weed … they’re relaxed, man. Marijuana is completely legal in Washington state, which means that anyone over the age of 21 can walk into an approved shop and buy anywhere up to one ounce of weed, seven grams of concentrates, or 72 ounces in liquid form.

Unfortunately, just like cigar smoking, finding a place to light up can be difficult. The fix is simple: Find a private dwelling or privately owned land. Some hotels may even allow it, but make sure to ask first. Spend a few minutes near Alki Beach Park, however, and you’ll find a fair number of people enjoying their day with an afternoon smoke.

Whatever you do though, don’t smoke in your car, even if it’s parked in a dimly lit parking lot. Seattle police will have none of that.