Lexington Bar & Books

I really wanted to like this place, I really did. First, the space IS beautiful and I love the set-​up. Take a few steps down below street level into a very cozy, lo-​lit bar with low ceilings. But, as a serious cigar bar? Gimme a break! I sit down and ask if I can smoke the cigar I brought, the hostess says for a $ 5 fee, no problem at all. I don’t have my cigar paraphernalia with me so I ask for a cutter and lighter, I’m brought the cheapest cutter with a backstop and a tiny minibic lighter. Whaaaat? lol. I explain that I have a pyramid cigar so I need a guillotine cutter that has a hole in it, not a backstop, I’m brought a V-​cutter, I explain again and then am brought the cheapest 99cent single blade cutter. I take my Cuban Bolivar belicoso and carefully cut it and then try to light it with the tiny bic lighter all while having the stupid wall-​mounted «filtration» system blowing straight in my face. I get it lit and end up switching seats so my back is to the blower, nonetheless the thing is blowing so hard that my cigar starts canoeing and continues to do so all the way up, ruining a fine stick from Habana. Throw in paying $ 17 for a small splash of Aberlour and you’ve got a lousy experience. Next time I’m in NYC and want a cigar, I’ll be going elsewhere for sure!

Great place for whisky lovers. Especially on a Tuesday. The service it polite and attentive. By the nature of the place though, there always seems to be at least one loudmouth who has the political masterplan. If one them and enjoy the beautiful fireplace with a nice cigar.

Amazing cigar bar in the upper east side. Stays open late, very nice atmosphere, brings you back in time. Don’t forget you need to dress well to be able to get in, no sneakers and you need a jacket to get in. I highly recommend this place.

Great décor and setting which is a cross between a speakeasy and someone’s private library. There is a dress code so be mindful of that.
We came in for drinks and smokes after a great dinner elsewhere and ended up racking up a huge bill as we stayed until 3:00AM.
Their scotch/​bourbon list is huge with over a hundred choices. I went with the Bowmore 12 which, at $ 15 was reasonably priced. I had brought some of my own cigars so there is a $ 5 cutting fee per person who does not smoke on of theirs. I did end up purchasing a Rocky Patel, which at $ 25, was completely overpriced, it should be more in the $ 10 – 15 range.
One of my friends opted for their Old Fashioned which was prepared nicely and the ladies went with the Lady Luck cocktail which must have been good since they had 5 each.
Service was attentive although one guy insisted I take my fedora off while our waitress said we should ignore him.
As a cigar smoker I like that there are still some dedicated spots in Nannyhattan where you can grab a smoke and relax after a good meal.

I am a young woman living and working in New York City.
I was meeting with a client who mentioned that he enjoys a cigar every now and then, so proposed we meet at Lex Bar & Books.
Never again.
The young waiter walked up to us and when I asked for cigar recommendations, he specified twice –I pretended not to hear him the first time– that they didn’t «have flavored cigars».
I usually smoke Macunudos and did not appreciate his attitude.
Shortly after, the waitress walked up and clumsily poured water all over our table.
Needless to say, I was mortified.
Finally, in my pitch to the client I realized he could barely hear me because the house staff began playing obnoxious pan flute music very loudly.
Who do they think their clientele is, the circus?
Will not be meeting here again to conduct business or meet anyone for any reason whatsoever.
Would give NEGATIVE stars if possible. Worst service I’ve had in a very, very long time.

Cigar bar that has a Wonderful atmosphere with a library theme. Also among the only lounges open late upper east side.
Smoky –so you have to be able to tolerate that.
I had been here before and liked the relaxed vibe but last night being there Halloween the vibe was especially colorful– I was pretty engaged people watching for the first 10 – 15 minutes.
The vibe especially in the heart of the bar close to the front reminded me of an underground speakeasy during that period with old school men in suits, a couple women sitting on their dates’ laps, cigarette and cigars lifted in the air, people laughing and puffing away, a couple standing up semi moving to the (wonderful, more modern) music. It reminded me of a scene out of a movie.
A very mixed crowd: Old school upper east side men — some with their family, sons or friends… A number of couples, and also a mix of younger singles at the bar. Half the people were in costume coming here as an end of night option probably following parties.
We moved seats to a more cozy table toward the back of the bar when one opened, and that was a little more private and much less colorful and vibrant.
At the very back there is a separate small library themed room.
I tried to be adventurous and order a couple new specialty drinks off their menu but wasn’t the biggest fan… The server was very nice in accommodating and making me a new drink when I did not like the first drink, a blueberry Caipirinha, which I think is just not my preference — as my friend said it is a common drink In Rio and that’s how it is supposed to taste. I prefer sweeter tasting cocktails. When the very kind personable server offered to make me a different cocktail that was sweeter I took her recommendation but it was grapefruit flavored which is bitter and tart not sweet to me. — I didn’t want to seem «that impossible high maintenance customer» when she’d kindly had a second drink made (and my friend liked it) so we shared it then ordered the Manhattan, which was wonderfully made.
Highly recommend as a later end of night spot to go or a cigar bar to go with friends or a date.

«Mandatory» $ 2 coat check. 20% gratuity added for larger parties. Rude, pushy, and pretentious service; not very accommodating. But, free birthday fireworks and slice of cake. Would not go back, of course.

Horrible place not worth your time — place is full of old 50 yo ugly men and has a extremely stuffy smell (cigars/​cigarettes) bad air circulation! Gratuity was already included on bill at 38% on all purchases — even though we ordered 4 bottles of wine they allegedly mistakenly billed for 6 (corrected but not good business practice for those that just pay without reviewing bill). Very uncomfortable when your entertaining corporate clients and manager had a very negative attitude. Do not waste your time and money in this place.

Very classy spot. Myself and four of my work colleagues had a blast here. Great selection of House cigars, scotches and whiskey. Very comfortable setting and great service by both the barman and the cocktail waitress. Its refreshing to see an upscale bar have a dress code, jackets, slacks, tucked in shirt. Jeans are okay as well which is refreshing to know especially in this summer heat.

Seems like a much better hangout for men of a certain age who want to enjoy cigars (obviously I guessed this in advance but still thought it may be an interesting scene for a few twenty-​something girls). It’s a very speakeasy-​like space and so odd (but kind of cool) to see people smoking (cigars and cigarettes) indoors. I almost felt as if I was in 1920s Paris. The glasses of wine are expensive at $ 15 – 20 per glass, but the pours are LARGE, so can’t complain.

Excellent place to have after dinner drinks and cigars. Nice crowd and great atmosphere. A must visit to soak in NYCs social scene…

This place is a complete joke. We showed up looking amazing, but one person in our party was wearing shorts (paired with a $ 600 Givenchy t-​shirt and $ 900 Louboutin sneakers), and we were denied entry. What a bunch of moronic douche bags that run this place. Meanwhile, we peaked inside and apparently $ 15 Gap jeans are completely fine with a rented Men’s warehouse blazer. Such a high class crowd! Maintain that UES standard you retards. You’re not the Le Bain, Bar and Books, so grow the fuck up.

If you want to go to a classy, bar setting — and I mean REALLY classy — and you’re on the Upper East Side, go to Bar and Books. First of all, they are 25 and up, so you won’t be getting a young, obnoxious crowd. Second, they have a restrictive attire. Basically, dress somewhat formally (no hats, sneakers or anything of the like). Third, the place is set up to look like a library or study den. There are books lining the shelves, and the wooden atmosphere and loungey music is incredible for getting work done, taking a date, or meeting a business partner. Last, their drink menu is stellar. Not only are there plenty of options, but each drink — be it whiskey, wine etc. — is divided by the country to which it belongs. MaCallan 24 is my favorite here. The drinks and food are expectedly pricey, since you are on the Upper East Side and all, but it is a small price to pay for the inimitable and fantastic environment.

Make sure you’re dressed properly & you love smoking. The staff is very professional & have an assortment of scotches & bourbons to choose from.

I love this place! Beautiful selection of scotch, bourbon and cigars. Great staff, amazing service and energetic vibeI will definitely come back. The Manager AJay is a very good mixologist.

17 dollars for a drink that is not worth the price tag and the place reeks of cigar and cigarette smoke. Definitely will not be back here. Also make sure you tuck your shirt in to your pants here; it’s the rule.

Great spot for cigars and whiskey, the ultimate combination!
Guy hang out for sure, but I was surprised with the amount of women that were there. Just chill spot for everyone… that likes cigars! If its not their «thing» leave them home lol.
Lot of conversation so they place can definitely get loud, but completely tolerable.
Love the atmosphere and the staff. Can’t wait to go back!

This place is great for:
— the older folks that like to smoke cigars (or cigarettes)
— dates
— low key man hang outs
Good drinks and cigar choices. Nice little setting. I came here on a date and thing it’s a great place for such an event. Totally recommend if you’re into smoke and booze! Side note, the music is pretty random, but pretty awesome – def helps set the mood.

This is such a nice place but totally screwed by the people working there. I went there with my friends and we stayed for around 3,5 hours. I believe the waitress came to ask if we want another drink around 20 times (no kidding). This means the waitress asking if we want another round every 10 minutes. If there is some person in this world thinking this is not annoying then i have to apologize for my low score…
Obviously, they want people to spend money — everybody wants that. But they are not smart about it. Indeed, they are completely stupid…
If they think that way they will make more money — in the long run — good luck!

It is a cigar bar, and an expensive one at that. Amazing selection of scotch with several decently priced options for whiskey flights. For $ 60, you can taste six whiskies that normally cost upwards of seventy-​five bucks a piece. They also make a mean martini.
Only downside is Cigar list that’s not so great and with very high markups. House cigars are okay and more reasonably priced. Great sound system. For awhile, I thought there was a live band. Music is mostly jazz and 60s but once I was here and they plugged in one of my friend’s iPod and played his library of Sinatra tunes. I don’t think they will do that anymore.
Service is excellent, the best I’ve seen amongst the various cigar bars in the area. Very fast taking coats at the door, seating, taking drink orders without being obtrusive, and delivering the drinks. Their version of the Vesper Martini uses a flamed lemon peel and is very tasty.
A sign at the door says «no cigarette smoking, cigars only» but the rule is indifferently enforced.