Lounge Review: Corona Cigar Co. – Tampa, FL
A Diamond Crown Lounge Experience
If you fly to Tampa or attend a game at Raymond James Stadium, make sure to visit Corona Cigar Co. It is a must-visit for cigar lovers. Plus, it is only a few minutes away.
This location is one of five in Central Florida. It proudly holds the title of Diamond Crown Lounge, a sign of quality in the cigar world. Whether you are in town for work, fun, or just passing through, this lounge offers a great experience. It combines a top cigar selection, comfort, and friendly service all in one place.
First Impressions
Upon walking into Corona Cigar Co., you’re immediately struck by the scale and layout of the place. You’re not just stepping into a small humidor with a couple of chairs and a few house blends.
This is a full-fledged cigar superstore. Aisles of cigars welcome you. They are neatly organized and kept at the right temperature. You can find both famous and unique brands here. From Arturo Fuente to Padron, My Father, and of course Diamond Crown, the selection here is as deep as it is wide.
Staff are readily available to answer questions or provide recommendations. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or someone picking up their first premium cigar, you’ll feel right at home.
The Location Advantage
What truly elevates this lounge experience is its prime location. The Tampa location is in a handy shopping center near the interstate. It is less than 10 minutes from Tampa International Airport.
It is also very close to International Plaza, Raymond James Stadium, and George M. Steinbrenner Field. Steinbrenner Field is the spring training home of the New York Yankees and the 2025 home of the Tampa Bay Rays. For sports fans and travelers, it’s the perfect pre-game or post-flight retreat.
There’s ample free parking, something that’s becoming increasingly rare in many cities. You can pull in, light up, and relax without having to circle a garage or feed a meter.
Bonus: The shopping center has several high-end restaurants. This makes it easy to enjoy a great steak or seafood dinner. You can also have a premium cigar afterward.
Atmosphere & Amenities
The interior of the lounge strikes a beautiful balance between luxury and approachability. You will find a comfortable bar and soft leather chairs.
There is a cozy indoor lounge area. The spacious patio has fans and shade for outdoor fun. Whether you stay for 30 minutes or several hours, the space encourages you to relax and enjoy the moment.
One of the standout features is the Full Liquor Bar. The bar at Corona Cigar Co. has hundreds of whiskies, bourbons, scotches, and craft cocktails.
It is a destination on its own. The bartenders are knowledgeable and friendly, and the prices are surprisingly reasonable given the quality of the selection. Whether you’re pairing your cigar with a smoky Islay Scotch or a smooth Old Fashioned, you’ll find plenty of choices to complement your smoke.
The lounge is also ideal for getting some work done or catching up with friends. Many patrons bring laptops or tablets and take advantage of the quiet, respectful atmosphere during the afternoon hours. And if you’re just in the mood to kick back, there’s plenty of seating to do exactly that.
Clientele & Culture
What makes this place special — and my favorite of the five Corona lounges — is the people and culture. During my visit on a Tuesday from 3 to 5 PM, I was happy to see a nice mix of people. There were businessmen unwinding after meetings, a few locals watching sports at the bar, and a small group of travelers fresh off their flight. The vibe was calm, friendly, and respectful.
One great thing about a true cigar lounge is the unspoken rules among guests.
– Don’t be too loud.
– Don’t judge others cigar choices.
– Make a space where everyone can enjoy their cigar without interruptions. That etiquette is alive and well at Corona in Tampa.
The staff also contributes to this culture by being attentive without being intrusive. They will check in with you and suggest pairings. They will help you get settled. If you prefer, they will leave you to enjoy your cigar and drink.
Cigar Selection: A Retail Powerhouse
Corona Cigar Co. isn’t just a lounge — it’s also one of the largest premium cigar retailers in Florida. Their humidor is huge. Unlike many lounges that focus on house brands, Corona has a wide selection of cigars. You’ll find aged rare cigars, limited-edition runs, and collector’s boxes displayed proudly.
There is a section for Diamond Crown. This brand is supported by the Newman family. It is known for fine Dominican craftsmanship. As a Diamond Crown Lounge, this location gets access to exclusive cigars you won’t find in your average shop.
Why It’s My Favorite
I have visited all five Corona Cigar Co. locations in Central Florida. There are three in the Orlando area, one in Sarasota, and this great one in Tampa. While they all offer quality and consistency, this one stands out.
It could be the perfect storm of convenient location, impressive selection, friendly staff, and relaxed ambiance. Or maybe it’s just the fact that every time I visit, I leave feeling like I got exactly what I needed from a cigar lounge — no pretension, no pressure, just pure cigar enjoyment.
Ideal Time to Visit
The lounge gets busier in the evenings, especially on weekends and during big sports events. The mid-afternoon is a good time for a quieter experience. For example, my visit from 3 to 5 PM on Tuesday was peaceful. The staff has time to chat, the bar is fully stocked, and you can usually grab your favorite seat indoors or on the patio.
Final Thoughts
In a state full of great cigar spots, Corona Cigar Co. in Tampa is still a top choice. I recommend it to any cigar lover visiting the area. It’s rare to find a lounge that nails selection, service, atmosphere, and value all at once — but this one does.
If you are a local wanting to relax, or a traveler needing a good smoke before your flight, visit Corona Cigar Co. in Tampa. If you are going to a game, this is the perfect start. Nothing beats a great cigar and drink before you watch the Phillies play the Rays just a few miles away.
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