The Best Cigar Bar Near Chicago (45 Minutes Away & Worth Every Mile)
Chicago has bars. Chicago has restaurants. But if you’re looking for a real cigar lounge — the kind where you can sink into a leather chair, order a proper drink, and actually enjoy your smoke without someone rushing you out the door — you already know how hard that is to find in the city.
That’s exactly why Karma Cigar Bar exists.
Located in Merrillville, Indiana — just 45 minutes south of downtown Chicago — Karma isn’t a compromise. It’s an upgrade.
Why Chicago Cigar Lovers Drive to Karma
The Selection
Most cigar bars near Chicago carry a few dozen options behind the bar. Karma’s humidor holds over 1,800 premium cigars — Arturo Fuente, Padrón, Liga Privada, Davidoff, Cohiba, My Father, Oliva, Atabey, Byron, Darren Shah, Casa Carillo, La Flor Dominicana, Perdomo, and dozens more. Whether you’re looking for an $8 everyday smoke or a $150 rare special occasion stick, it’s here.
The Space
Karma isn’t a corner of a bar that happens to have cigars. It was built as a cigar lounge — ventilated properly, designed for comfort, with a private back lounge for members and events. You’re not competing with the noise of a restaurant or the crowd of a club.
No City Prices
A premium cigar in Chicago? Add the city markup, the bar markup, and the “experience tax.” At Karma, you’re getting the same — often better — experience at prices that don’t require a second thought before ordering.
The Bar Program
Cigars deserve the right pairing. Karma’s full bar features craft cocktails, bourbon, scotch, rum, cognac, and wine — curated to complement what you’re smoking. Our specialists know their pairings. Ask them.
What to Expect on Your First Visit
Walk in, head to the humidor. A Karma specialist will help you find the right cigar for your mood, experience level, and what you’re drinking. No pressure, no upsell — just genuine guidance.
The lounge is yours for the evening. Stay for one cigar or three. There’s no clock running.
If you’re coming from Chicago, plan to stay a while. The drive back feels shorter when you leave relaxed.
Events & Live Music
Karma hosts regular cigar tastings, brand events, live music nights, and private banquets. If you’ve never attended a cigar tasting paired with a single malt scotch or a small-batch bourbon, put it on your list. It’s one of those evenings you don’t forget.
Check the events calendar at karmacigar.com/events for what’s coming up.
Membership — For the Regulars
If you’re making the drive from Chicago more than once, Karma’s membership program pays for itself fast.
Three tiers — VIP, Executive, and Corporate — each with reserved seating, member-only pricing, priority event access, and a lounge that feels like yours. Chicago has private clubs. This is better.
Getting Here from Chicago
From downtown Chicago:
Take I-90/94 South → I-80/94 West → US-30 East → 5 minutes to 850 W 81st Ave, Merrillville, IN 46410.
Drive time: 45-55 minutes depending on traffic.
Parking: Free. Plenty of it. (Yes, that’s a thing.)
Hours
– Sunday – Thursday: 11AM – 10PM
– Friday – Saturday: 11AM – 12AM
Visit and shop at Karma Cigar Bar
Address: 850 W 81st Ave, Merrillville, IN 46410
Phone: 219-226-3038
Website: karmacigar.com
Chicago has options. Karma is the destination.
*Karma Cigar Bar — Northwest Indiana’s premier cigar lounge, serving the greater Chicago area since 2006.*