Though the smoke from our visit to the Royal Cigar Lounge has long since faded, the impressions remain vivid. In today’s post, we share our thoughts on this truly unique spot on Poland’s cigar map. A visit to the Royal Cigar Lounge. Join us.
We’d been planning a visit to the Royal Cigar Lounge for quite some time, but in the end it was Piotr Rożek who finally pulled us in. As it often goes, life kept throwing things in the way – until Piotr reached out, extended the invitation, we set a date, and off we went. For me, it wasn’t the first time. If I’m counting right, it must have been my third or maybe fourth visit. The place has always struck me as unique, and I knew sooner or later I’d have to write about it. This time, I finally did – and here’s the story.
A Trip to Kraków
Piotr’s adventure actually started the day before. Since we had agreed to meet around lunchtime, Piotr Siwiński decided it would be wiser to arrive in Kraków a night early. And I can’t blame him – stepping straight off a five-hour train ride into a cigar lounge would have been exhausting. Wanting to be in the best shape possible, he rolled into town late Friday night.
As for us – and here I say “us,” because I was joined by my indispensable Julia – our journey began Saturday morning, the day of the visit itself. In less than two hours we were there. Usually, it’s us who have the longer trip, so I was actually glad to think that this relatively new spot on Poland’s cigar map was closer than Warsaw for once.
Before we even got to Kraków, though, we learned that our meeting time had been pushed back a little. Instead of noon, we were expected around 2:30 p.m. Nobody complained. The truth is, whenever Piotr and I meet, there’s never enough time to actually talk – even though we chat several times a week, often for over an hour. So having some extra space in the schedule was a blessing. We used it well: grabbed a bite to eat, and on that day I discovered just how good a bowl of ramen can be. At Piotr’s suggestion, I also tried Vietnamese coffee – and I was delighted I did.
There was enough time to talk on the way to the restaurant, back to the hotel, and again as we got ready and walked toward our destination. And as much as we talk on the phone, nothing beats catching up face-to-face.
Once dressed and ready, we strolled over. Piotr had found a great apartment close to the lounge. On the way, we got a call from Szymon Kwiatkowski, with whom we had already been in touch earlier. Strictly speaking, you don’t invite guests when you’re a guest yourself – but Szymon is always welcome wherever we’re heading. And with that, we finally arrived.
A visit to the Royal Cigar Lounge
The Panorama Forum building catches the eye from a distance. As we drew closer along Kraków’s Vistula boulevards, the grand silhouette of the structure grew sharper with every step. Up close, though, you could see how the passage of time had left its mark on the façade. Still, this place is considered something of a local legend.
Personally, my only memories of it were tied to cigar events – the stories of the building I knew only second-hand, through others’ recollections. I never got to experience it quite the way many Kraków locals did. But since this wasn’t my first visit, we knew exactly where to head.
The elevator ride took us up to the sixth floor, next to the ferris wheel overlooking Wawel Castle. On the way up, I told my companions about my very first trip here. Last time I was at the lounge, it was for a memorable evening with Vivian and Justo Eiroa of Aladino Cigars – a memory that brought a smile to my face as we ascended. The lift may take its time, but eventually it delivered us right to the door.
The Welcome
As soon as the elevator doors opened, we were greeted by a glass display filled with boxes of cigars stacked neatly on the shelves. For a cigar lover like me, that’s about as inviting as it gets – cigars right at the entrance, setting the tone before you’ve even stepped inside. A few steps to the right, through one door and then another to the left, and we were in the lounge.
The moment we walked in, we were welcomed with a warm smile from our host, Piotr Rożek. He already had guests, so we joined them for a bit. Within minutes – barely a quarter of an hour – we had cigars in hand. As Piotr put it, “Let’s start with something small.” What arrived, however, was a Quai d’Orsay Imperiales, drawn from a stunning little travel humidor-box, complete with a hygrometer and thermometer. A beautiful sight indeed! Though I couldn’t help but chuckle at the contrast between the word “small” and the generous cigar we were actually treated to.
Piotr offered me coffee, something I rarely get when visiting cigar spots – and I truly appreciated it. His choice of pairing was spot-on, as expected. Sitting there with a so-called “small” cigar, I couldn’t stop smiling. Soon after, Szymon Kwiatkowski, who we had been expecting, joined us and lit up as well. Conversation flowed as easily as the smoke. Unfortunately, Szymon couldn’t stay long – just enough to finish his cigar – but it was a pleasure to have him with us, even briefly.
After he left, Piotr gave us a quick tour. We walked through the restaurant that occupies much of the floor and peeked into the panoramic room I already knew from past events. It’s a spacious spot, complete with a central bar, private restroom, and an incredible view. Right by the entrance is a door leading to the terrace, where restaurant guests can sit at tables overlooking the city. Taking that terrace, we made our way back to the lounge.
A Few Words About the Royal Cigar Lounge
The lounge itself is essentially made up of two main rooms, with an adjoining glass-enclosed terrace that opens directly to a stunning view of Wawel Castle. To step into the humidor, you actually walk straight into the showcase we first saw right after stepping out of the elevator. The humidor is already impressively stocked – and from what we’ve heard, the collection is still growing.
The first room is furnished with comfortable armchairs, a bar-style island, and a display of spirits. The décor carries a unique charm: a knight’s suit of armor, portraits of Polish kings, and – naturally – Winston Churchill, cigar in mouth. Our host hinted that he has further plans for the artwork, but I’ll leave that as a surprise for when his vision comes to life. It’s definitely worth keeping an eye on how the lounge evolves.
From here, you can step onto a glass-walled terrace. It has a slightly different feel than the main room – more open space, different armchairs and tables. What immediately draws attention, though, is the view. From this spot, you get the best perspective of Wawel itself. It was here, in fact, that I once had the pleasure of recording an interview with Jeremi Casdagli.
The second room features a modern, designer fireplace that will surely soon have flames dancing inside. The room also holds comfortable armchairs, a sofa, paintings, and yet another knight’s armor. From here, you can step out onto the terrace that connects it with the larger panoramic room I mentioned earlier. This is where we ashed our very first “small cigars.”
The Restaurant
This isn’t meant to be a restaurant review – my culinary critic skills are strictly for home use – but for the sake of completeness, the restaurant simply has to be mentioned. Even though it hadn’t been long since our last meal, our host invited us to dinner. And here’s one of the great perks of the lounge: you only have to step outside, and you’re at the restaurant’s doorstep.
The menu is full of intriguing options. How about żurek (traditional Polish sour rye soup) served with a poached egg and a duck “cigarillo”? Or pierogi stuffed with goose meat? Classic Polish dishes, each given a creative twist.
I went for the beef tenderloin with herb butter, pepper sauce infused with dark chocolate, potato gratin, and grilled marinated vegetables. Later that evening, I also got to taste the goose pierogi and an absolutely delicious cheesecake. The presentation was beautiful, and the flavor combinations even better. Either I wasn’t really hungry, or the portions were generous – but I left the table full, and anyone who knows me knows that’s not an easy task.
During dinner, our host treated us to a mini tasting of vodkas from Tessellis, a Polish distillery. Traditional Polish food, paired with local spirits, and served with one of the most iconic Polish views in the background – it was a combination I couldn’t help but appreciate, and I told our host as much. The flavors were genuinely unique: pineapple with white chocolate, or dark chocolate with orange. Have you ever tried anything like that? My personal favorite was Tessellis Sloe Gin. If you enjoy the taste of Jägermeister or Becherovka, you need to try this Polish gem. Absolutely delightful!
New Podcast Episode
After dinner, it was time to do what we had actually come here for: recording a new podcast episode! While Piotr was busy setting up the gear and checking the mics, our host was already preparing another round of cigars for us to enjoy during the conversation.
I won’t spoil too much here – you’ll hear all the details in the episode itself. But what I can say is that we had a fantastic time. It’s not every day (though lately it’s happening more often) that we get to light up cigars while recording a podcast episode – about cigars, no less.
We talked, we smoked, and we laughed for nearly two hours, not only diving deeper into our guest’s story but also sharing our impressions of the Royal Cigar Lounge in real time.
One important note: our podcast is recorded exclusively in Polish (for now). The upcoming episode is currently in editing – and while that may sound like a team effort, the truth is it’s all in the capable hands of one person: the irreplaceable Piotr Siwiński. Stay tuned!
Closing the Evening
While we were still recording the episode, the lounge slowly began to fill with guests. By the time we wrapped up, the first room was buzzing with people – among them was Łukasz Warzyński, whom I warmly greet here. The rest of the evening flowed with engaging conversations – about cigars and far beyond.
To close the night – actually even before the microphones were turned off – our host, Piotr Rożek, made a spontaneous gesture. Hearing that I had never smoked a Cohiba, he changed his plans for the third cigar of the evening and handed us each a Cohiba Siglo II. Since my palate isn’t used to handling quite that many cigars in one sitting, I’ll spare you my tasting notes for now. That moment deserves a fresh perspective another day.
And so – around 1 a.m. – it was time for the words that usually bring such evenings to an end. We thanked our host for the invitation, promised to drop by more often for future events, said our goodbyes, and finally took a quiet walk back to the hotel.
The Journey Home
Before heading our separate ways, we still had enough time to sit down for breakfast with Piotr and Julia. Julia has a real talent for finding places with character – and usually, a menu that doesn’t disappoint. This time was no different. Naturally, the only topic at the table was our visit to the Royal Cigar Lounge. Sharing impressions while they’re still fresh is one of my favorite parts of trips like this. It usually means that the evening – and above all, the people – will stay with us for a long time.
I’ve never been fond of goodbyes, especially with Piotr. But we knew the moment had to come. So we said farewell at Kraków Główny station, promising each other that the next meeting wouldn’t be too far away. And just like that, we went our separate ways.
Every journey feels right when it ends at home. After just over two hours, Julia and I were back. Piotr had another three hours on the train ahead of him, but eventually, he too made it safely home.
A Few Final Words
As if I hadn’t already said enough.. we visited a truly unique place, one that deserves attention not only from cigar lovers in Poland, but also from aficionados worldwide. And here’s why I believe that.
While food isn’t served directly inside the lounge, stepping out brings you straight into a restaurant offering delicious Polish cuisine with a creative twist – perfect for those who want more than just traditional pierogi. Add to that a well-curated selection of spirits, a knowledgeable bartender (cheers to Borys Makowski), and a humidor filled with tempting choices, and you’ve got a place where one could easily spend the entire day.
And that’s not an exaggeration. If I were visiting Kraków on business, I could see myself dedicating a whole day to Royal Cigar Lounge, pairing the experience with the restaurant next door.
And One More Thing..
What I personally appreciate most is the strong emphasis on what’s Polish. Why? Because Kraków is one of the country’s top tourist destinations. And here, alongside fine cigars and local spirits, you’ll find traditional Polish dishes refined to match the elegance of the setting. Everything feels intentional. The location’s strengths are well used, and most importantly, there’s a clear vision.
Instead of trying to replicate a New York–style cigar lounge straight out of Fifth Avenue, you step into a place that feels authentically Polish, filled with references to the very best our country has to offer. It’s another outstanding spot on Poland’s cigar map — one where I’d gladly bring friends or business partners from abroad to make their stay in Kraków, or in Poland in general, all the more memorable.
This story was made possible thanks to the kind invitation of Piotr Rożek, one of the co-owners of Royal Cigar Lounge.
If you enjoyed reading this, let me know! Drop a comment or share the post – every bit of support helps others discover my cigar reviews and smoking tips. If you prefer to listen, I co-host a podcast with Piotr Siwiński called „Spotkanie z Dymem” („A Meeting with Smoke”) – currently in Polish, though who knows what the future holds? You can also find me on Instagram, where I share a slice of my cigar life – and a bit more. I always welcome a good conversation. That’s how great connections start – and they often go far beyond just cigars.
Stay smoky!
Mateusz Krzywiecki, @mateusz.krzywiecki, Polski Aficionado, @polskiaficionado
