While cigar bars have been around for years, interest in them developed in the 1990s when cities and government entities began instituting smoking bans but provided exceptions for establishments that catered to smokers.

While some cigar bars permit the smoking of cigarettes, the classic cigar bar focuses strictly on cigars. Many of the upscale cigar bars such as the Grand Havana in Beverly Hills, California and New York City create a gentleman's club ambiance with plushly appointed interiors. Featured prominently in upscale bars are humidors often with special lockers for individuals. The bars frequently also serve food and alcohol.

The first cigar bar in Major League Baseball was the Cuesta-Rey Cigar Bar at Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. This is fitting since Tampa is the Cigar Capital of the USA and Cuesta-Rey, while now handmade in the Dominican Republic, is an old famous Tampa brand. The Cuesta-Rey cigar bar has a full bar, billiards table, tvs, and lots of cigars.