Wilbur & Gil's
633 West Port Plaza DriveSt. Louis, MO 63146
Phone (314) 205-8508
FAX (314) 878-4246
My son-in-law Andrew and I ventured to West Port on a Tuesday night to visit this reportedly fine establishment. We were very impressed with the lounge areas equipped with comfortable chairs and couches. There were plenty of cigar smokers, some female. A hockey game was on the monitors without sound, making way for lovely chamber music that was piped throughout.
Serious cigar smokers should check out this attractive restaurant and bar that features a walk-in humidor. The cigar selection is amazing, especially in an era when retailers are facing stacks of back orders for premium cigars. Wilbur & Gil's stocks more than 40 lines, many of which are offered in more than one size. The aroma inside the humidor was wonderful, as you can imagine. Some of the staff allow cigar smoking inside the walk-in humidor and others don't. I personally think it is a good idea to keep a lit cigar outside of the cigar room.
A full-time humidor manager, Michael St. John, helps customers make their selections and then rings up the sale, separately from the food and drinks. Cigar prices range from $2 to $21, but you won't find many in the $2 range.
Located next to Ozzie's Restaurant & Sports Bar, this 3,400-square-foot restaurant and bar was free of residual smoke, thanks to an excellent ventilation system with outflow triple that of a normal restaurant. A good place to enjoy a fine cigar while in the presence of your "barely-cigar-tolerant" date! I would hate to pay the cooling and heating bill, however, since the air is not recirculated.
The food prices are reasonable. It is easy to eat a satisfying meal for less than the price of most of the cigars. The bar boasts 24 brands of single-malt Scotch, and 101 types of martinis. We have seen better beer selections, however. I think that we have been spoiled elsewhere.
The staff was friendly and helpful. I definitely plan to return again and again.
Reference: Personal visit on 2/4/97 and Fred Faust's "Minding Business" column in the 1/20/97 Post-Dispatch.
Ken Prouty - February, 1997
Have a comment to contribute? Use our Contribution Form!
|
|
|---|