I thought I was a nightlife know-it-all but realized I was just a novice when I discovered the Florida Cigar Co. Lounge & Bar.

If you're sensitive to cigar smoke, invest in a decent pair of nose plugs because you're not going to want to miss out on this unique social scene. The Florida Cigar Co. Lounge & Bar, 1527 N. Federal Hwy. in Fort Lauderdale, is easy to miss. Unless you're specifically looking for this nightspot, it simply meshes into the miles of shopping centers in the area.

You might not expect opulent decor from a place next to a waxing center and a nail salon, but when you walk in, you see furnishings fit for a five-star hotel. The softly lit lounge is outfitted with fine leather couches, Persian rugs, a baby grand piano, a crackling faux fireplace and tasteful artwork. The adjoining billiards room sports a red Peter Vitalie pool table -- the Rolls Royce of pool tables -- an oak poker table and polished wood floors.

The bar in the back is equally decked out with lavish trimmings and 12 HDTVs. The room exudes exclusivity and feels like a private social club where only the cast of Oceans 11 is allowed admittance. Thankfully though, the crowd is welcoming to newcomers, and bartender Aynur -- who looks like actress Monica Bellucci but has the sports knowledge of Robert De Niro's character in Casino -- is gracious about making introductions.

Unless you're extremely sensitive to cigar smoke or if someone is sitting in your lap puffing on a big stogie (which is known to happen here regardless of how upscale it is), you won't actually need those nose plugs. The overhead smoke eaters do a thorough job of cleaning the air.

The walk-in humidor is filled with more than 100 types of cigars including Padrons, Rocky Patels and the cognac-infused Gurkha.

The patrons love their sports but would look out of place in a typical sports bar. Although some are dressed casually, most men are dressed in button-down shirts and slacks, and the women are dressed to kill. On Tuesday nights, a select group of ladies wear nothing but lingerie.

There's a cigar event on the last Thursday of the month and next Thursday, the ambassador from Remy Martin will pour samples of cognac, and Gurkhas will be discounted.

Click to www.FloridaCigarCompany.com to sign up for the e-mail newsletter so you don't miss the information you'll need -- along with this column -- to be a nightlife know-it-all.

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