Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. Other times, it's your entrée to an awesome evening. The 2nd Street Cigar Lounge & Gallery provides both an atmosphere and an experience, with locally made artworks, large-screen plasma TVs and comfortable chairs and couches encouraging prolonged visits. The humidor is fairly well-stocked, with brands including Rocky Patel, Padrón Anniversary and Gloria Cubana, but the real juice here is the friendly personality of the owner, Victor Migenes Jr., and his employees, along with the colorful cast of downtown characters who regularly pass the time in this spacious, high-ceilinged establishment. Beverage offerings are nonalcoholic, but the Edison and other liquor establishments are nearby for those needing a buzz before their smoke. 124 W. Second St., dwntwn., 90012. (213) 452-4416, 2ndstreetcigars.com. —Adam Gropman

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.