Midwest Cigar Summit Blog

Posted By Lucas Woith on February 3, 2011

Part 1 In A Series

By: Lucas Woith

One of the most important aspects of enjoying a premium cigar is atmosphere.  Depending on my mood and situation, I  may enjoy a cigar in my back yard, at a cigar lounge/shop, at a friend’s house, or at a local watering hole.  With smoking bans all the rage nowadays, the latter of that list can sometimes be hard to find.

Since I moved to Long Island, I have been lucky being near some great shops and lounges, names which resonate with cigar smokers all around the world.  Davidoff on Madison, Nat Sherman, Barclay Rex, Cigar Inn, Club Macanudo…legends in the cigar world.  However, in Peoria, it can be a tad bit tougher to find an inviting place to light up your favorite stick.

One location that never disappoints, Jimmy’s Bar, on Farmington Rd. in West Peoria.  Jimmy’s is the true definition of a hole in the wall.  Small, cramped (especially on Saturday nights) and dimly lit…but there’s no better place to spend a Saturday afternoon…which all too often leads to spending Saturday night, and sometimes Sunday mornings there.

The have a good sized beer garden in the back, and you’re usually guaranteed to find a couple other cigar smokers back there.  The garden is heated, and I have been out there in 30 degree weather and was comfortable.

Go to Jimmy’s on a Saturday afternoon, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to share a smoke with owner Jimmy Spears.  I’m proud to call Jimmy a friend, and he has been instrumental in assisting with the Midwest Cigar Summit.  A chance to sit with him and enjoy a beer and a cigar is one of the things I miss about calling Peoria home.

Jimmy’s also has an outstanding beer selection, specializing in Belgian imports.  They also feature the best Guinness in town, always poured expertly by their knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive bar keeps.  If you get hungry, never fear, just order up a pub burger, complete with grilled onions and pepperjack cheese and an order of Irish nachos, and you’re all set.

Jimmy’s has a great group of regulars who always welcome newcomers in with a smile and a story.  Smoking a cigar at Jimmy’s on a Saturday afternoon is a prerequisite to the Central Illinois cigar experience…trust me…I’ve had many a cigar there!

Categories: Great Places To Smoke
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