Club Macanudo Now Serving Lunch

General Cigar Co.'s Club Macanudo, the iconic New York City cigar bar where an aficionado can smoke, drink and eat, is now open for lunch.

General made the decision based upon the noontime crowds attending other eateries in the midtown area, as well as the shortage of places in which New Yorkers can enjoy a fine cigar.

"Looking around the neighborhood, most of the other restaurants are bustling," said Victoria McKee, a spokeswoman for General.

Rather than creating a specific lunch menu, the cigar bar (which is not a private club, despite its name) is using its dinner menu for lunchtime as well. The fare is geared toward big eaters, with several meat-and-potatoes choices. Selections include a grilled Havana rib eye, peppercorn-crusted filet mignon and a French dip sandwich (with roast beef, melted cheese and carmelized onions). If you wish, you can order rack of lamb: as an appetizer.

Club Macanudo, which has three rooms, also has an impressive selection of after- (or pre-) meal drinks, including a dozen Port choices, even more rums and more than 40 types of single-malt Scotch.

Opened in 1996, Club Macanudo is located at 26 East 63rd Street, between Park and Madison avenues. To take a look inside, see this Cigar Aficionado video
By David Savona