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This lounge stages its Caribbean-colonial hospitality via coconut-palm fronds, a red mosaic-tiled bar, a faux-hewn-wood floor, and front windows that open wide to keep things from getting stuffy. Modern art and mirrors grace the walls while unguarded real-life puffers—a mix of bar-weary lounge lizards and bleary, satisfied customers from Peter Luger—grouse about the state of the neighborhood. The draw? Velvet’s two dozen varieties of cigars, rolled with tobacco the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. Those cigars are just for sale, as there's no actual smoking allowed. While inside, you'll have to get your vice kick from the wine list, the port selection, and dark bottled beers like Saxo Ale and Aventinus. — Ben Perkins