[Clemenza]

You can no longer smoke in bars or restaurants. You can, however, smoke in cigar shops. The two best being:

1. De La Concha, sixth between 56th and 57th. Run by the Macabi family, formerly of Cuba. GREAT selection, and alot of celebrity sightings.

2. Nat Sherman. Oldest in the city. On 5th and 42nd, across 42nd from the New York public library. Not as good selection as the above, but what they have is OUTSTANDING. Try some of the house brand, you will not be disappointed.

As far as drinking is concerned, you can only smoke and drink outside, with a paper bag covering your beer, open container laws being rather odd in NYC.

Best bar to have the New York experience is the Oak Bar in the Plaza Hotel on 5th and Central Park South. Famously featured in North by Northwest.

[Licensed-To-Carry]

Hey Clemenza,

Thanks so much for the info. I'm sure we will have a great time. De La Concha sounds like the place to try. I will be taking a few of my own sticks, the Waldorf says they have a cigar lounge. We will see. Thanks again.

[hispanarepublicana]

I agree with Clemenza about the Oak Room Bar in the Plaza hotel. If you don't want to get all dressed up, the best thing is to show up about 11 a.m. and linger over one of their Bloody Mary's (about $12 to $15 each but practically a meal in itself with boiled shrimp garnish, etc.) Then, order your lunch, which will be exemplary. Try to get a seat by the windows so that you can "people watch". You'll likely see lots of famous faces.