I hesitantly draft this review because I selfishly enjoy this delightfully smoky oasis and don’t want it to become so popular there’s no seating for me when I arrive. But after checking out every cigar bar in OC I gotta tell ya…Club Aficionado put the rest to shame. Oh sure…the fine cigar selection, layout, food, and liquor are all excellent reason for this, but those things are not the reason people are drawn here. It’s something much more compelling, a rarity that is difficult to define. Club Aficionado is a portal to inner peace that envelopes you when you enter. It’s more than a “vibe” or “atmosphere”…and it’s a true challenge to explain using mere words. You must experience it for yourself. You walk in and just know you’ve entered a welcoming bubble of goodwill…a sanctuary from the crazy world outside. I didn’t understand it until last night when I met the owner. The sense of tranquility and belonging radiates from her…even when she’s not present. The staff is extremely attentive and obliging, the food is top shelf and the décor, lighting, music sets the perfect tone. But there’s something else taking place here, something that everyone you meet here grasps…this place has zero negativity. No asshats in here…ever! I’ve never taken anyone here yet found myself engaged in compelling and entertaining conversation with numerous people every time. Everybody is so friendly and that’s because this place brings out the best in people. Everyone feels it. It’s just an acknowledged fact. How it’s achieved may allude some but the sense of kindness and generosity permeating from those within it’s walls is undeniable. I have been to every cigar bar and none of them have this unique aura of peacefulness. It’s a cigar lovers haven…no, wait, scratch that…it’s a cigar lovers Heaven. You’ll feel blessed to be here. People talk to each other here…everybody gets caught up in the feeling and you are part of the interpersonal collective even though you don’t know anybody. Impromptu conversations just happen and I have met fascinating people here…strangers I now call friends. Last night the place was filled with people who drove long distances to be there. I was the only local. I met folks from the upper desert, LA, San Diego…crazy distances. “Seriously…you drove thru the El Cajon Pass to come here? WHY?!!” Why indeed. I just told you why. They were drawn here by an invisible and unifying cloud of camaraderie…a genuinely exceptional and refreshing hideaway that magnifies your humanity just by entering. Like I said, it’s hard to explain. It’s impossible to miss or resist. Club Aficionado Cigar Bar, Lounge and Restaurant set the customer care bar so high…other cigar bar personnel need to charter a plane just to see it. I sure hope sharing this little secret with you doesn’t result in me finding standing room only in the future…but if it does, I’ll stay and stand. My humanity gets heavily taxed by people outside these walls. I breathe easier here. When you arrive for the first time, tell em Bruce sent you. I’m hoping they’ll save me a seat if my name is dropped enough times.

First time visitor on May 15, 2026 - there's a young man handling the entire operation from sales to service to tables and everything in between - I didn't get his name but he was awesome and took care of everything like a speeding bullet. The drinks and food were perfect and all of it together made for a nice evening with my buddy. I would go back.

Good collection of cigars, nice place and good stuff (especially thank you Tim). Cigars are a bit expensive but that is acceptable for this kind of place

Great spot to unwind after a long day of showings in Irvine and the surrounding communities. Club Aficionado has a relaxed but refined atmosphere — perfect for brokers and clients who want somewhere comfortable to decompress. I've come here with clients relocating to Irvine who appreciate having a quality lounge nearby. The cigar selection is solid, the staff is welcoming, and the restaurant side adds convenience. It fills a real niche in the OC market for a polished lounge experience without having to drive to Newport or Laguna. Good drinks, good smoke, good company.

There is no better cigar spot in South OC. Absolutely fantastic staff. So helpful and friendly. The lounge is awesome and the people in there are always great. They recommend the Godmother cigar and my goodness they're incredible. I used to always get Davidoffs but now this will be my new favorite and go to! Highly recommend.