Civil Lounge, a new Friendship Heights cigar bar and retail space from the owners of W. Curtis Draper Tobacconist, should be open by the first of the year, says co-owner John Anderson.
Along with cigars, the 105-seat lounge will offer beer, wine, and a large selection of spirits. Also in the plans, says Anderson, is a menu of small plates created in the kitchen at neighboring Range, Bryan Voltaggio’s forthcoming, 14,000-square-foot restaurant in the Chevy Chase Pavilion. Voltaggio confirmed via a rep this morning that once his restaurant “is open and into its first few months, Civil will be opening its dining options and Range will be included in providing small plates for the menu.”
Anderson says the menu is still under development, but could include a Cuban sandwich, salads, soups, and charcuterie made at Range. His business partner Matt Krimm has been working on the wine and bottled beer lists, as well as a high-end spirits collection—rail liquors will include Maker’s Mark and Ketel One. The focus will be on brown spirits, and cocktails will include a selection of Manhattans. In addition to the lounge area, the space will include private dining rooms that will be available to customers when not booked for events. There are 130 lockers that cigar fans can rent on an annual basis.
Designed by Collective Architecture, it is a “very clean, very modern” space with poured concrete floors, cushy bar stools, and a lot of textures and dark woods. Red accents play off the idea of a lit cigar. If the idea of dining in a smoky bar turns you off, fear not, says Anderson. Civil will feature a special smoke removal system to keep clean air flowing in and smoke out. Look for the retail shop to open in November.
