If You're Feelin' Froggy.... [Cigar Frog's]

Walk into Cigar Frog’s and you are likely to have one immediate reaction – “Damn, that’s a big frog!”  The tall green gentleman just inside the front door is Senõr Sapo, a five foot tall ceramic frog. Senõr Sapo is the beloved mascot of Cigar Frog’s and a fitting doorman to welcome you to this hoppin’ little addition to downtown Midland.

If the idea of a cigar bar conjures up visions of a dark, smoke-filled, musty ol’ library-like den of old men puffin’ away on their stogies, then you are in for a real surprise when you enter Cigar Frog’s.  Just beyond the green doorman, you’ll find a beautifully decorated area furnished with plush, living room quality furniture, a near-forty-foot-long walk-in humidor, warm hardwood flooring, walls adorned with the works of local artists, a small stage with a player piano and a small but elegant bar stocked with over 30 domestic and import beers as well as wines for every palate.  Venture down a hallway past the bar, and you’ll find a covered patio furnished with padded wicker armchairs surrounding beautiful tables, many of which have built-in natural gas fire pits – perfect for those cool evenings.

By mixing classic elements such as hardwood and stone flooring with tropical flavored decor and comfortable furnishings and then adding whimsical elements like Senõr Sapo and his band of Junior Sapos holding up glass end tables, owners Joe and Martha Dunham have created an atmosphere that is truly unique. Joe explains, “I had a vision of how it could look the first time I walked in the door.  And, with [Martha’s] help with decorating, it just kinda came together”.  Their collaboration resulted in a cigar bar with just enough traditional elements to keep a cigar-bar-feel and just enough whimsy to keep it from becoming stuffy or cliquey feeling.

“I try to make everyone feel welcome when they come in .... that’s the way it should be, I think. You know, if you’re dressed in shorts or you’re dressed in a suit you should be treated the same.”  ~ Joe Dunham

In their quest to make everyone feel welcome, Joe and Martha have also taken great care to create an atmosphere that is friendly to non-smokers as well.  The Dunhams installed a state-of-the-art ventilation system that completely recirculates the air inside up to twenty-eight times per hour and removes up to 98% of the particulates in the air.  The addition of numerous fans throughout means that the air inside Cigar Frog’s may well be cleaner than the air in your own home!  I think Joe said it best, “I don’t think that a cigar bar needs to smell like cigars.”

What’s Smokin’?
Well, we can’t talk about a cigar bar without talkin’ about cigars, and whether you’re a novice or an aficionado, Cigar Frog’s has got you covered.  Inside you’ll find a wide selection of cigars and imported cigarettes as well as cigar accessories, humidors and gifts.  If you need help selecting that perfect stogie, Joe and his staff are happy to assist.

What’s on Tap?
Finding the perfect drink to pair with your stogie is made easy with Cigar Frog’s selection for wines, beers and ales. For beer lovers they have classics such as Guinness, New Castle, Sam Adams, Dos Equies and seasonal beer on tap plus over 30 more import and domestic beers in the bottle.  If wine is your drink of choice, then you are sure to find your favorite varietal in their growing wine collection. If distilled spirits are more to your liking, you are welcome to bring your own bottle and the bar staff will provide the set-ups.

Got Food?
If Cigar Frog’s hasn’t put your senses in to orbit by now, they still have one more treat to put you over the top – Fannie May gourmet chocolates! Yum! Cigar Frog’s also offers a few snacks such as chips and some baked goods, but if you want something more substantial you can place a carry-out order with Wall Street Bar & Grill and the staff will pick it up for you.  Joe says that he is trying to work out similar deals with other downtown restaurants.

Membership Has it’s Privileges...
For those who prefer a little V.I.P. treatment, Cigar Frog’s also offers a membership package for a reasonable annual fee. Members get access to Cigar Frog’s V.I.P. Lounge – an intimate and elegant private room that is perfect for business meetings, small office parties or happy hour with friends. V.I.P. members also get their own private locker in the humidor for storing their favorite stogies or distilled spirits. Member also receive a 5% discount on single cigars, a 10% on cigar purchases of five or more, and a 15% discount on boxes of cigars.

So, if the usual bar choices have got you feelin’ a bit froggy – the choking smoke, loud music, uncomfortable seating and less-than-polite wait staff, then Joe and Martha Dunham have created the perfect pad for you!  With plush seating, an excellent staff,  a state-of-the-art ventilation system and live music played at a respectable volume, downtown Midland’s newest watering hole, Cigar Frog’s, is sure to make
you happy as a frog in a pond.

Cigar Frog’s is located at 216 N. Main Street in downtown Midland. They are open from 10:00 a.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday. For more information call them at 432.687.1671 or visit their website at www.cigarfrogs.com – and tell ‘em Good Times sent ya!

Check out the Cigar Frog's Photo Gallery!