The Bay Cigar Lounge

By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos By Antonio Pantoja • Sponsored

There is a luxury in having nowhere else to be.

At The Bay Cigar Lounge in Southern Indiana, that luxury comes in the form of a well-selected cigar, a thoughtfully poured cocktail, comfortable surroundings, and enough time to enjoy them all. Located in Clarksville, IN, just across the Ohio River from Louisville, The Bay gives cigar enthusiasts a place to settle in, meet friends, conduct business or simply spend an evening at their own pace.

Owners Julius K. Wilkerson Jr. and Sondra Wilkerson brought years of hospitality and entrepreneurship to the concept. Long before opening The Bay, the couple operated Big City Styles Barbershop and Nail Salon in downtown Louisville for 26 years. Their experience in business, entertainment, and community-building helped inform what they wanted their new venture to become.

“We are not a bar, although we have a fully stocked bar. We are not a club, although we host DJ’d events from time to time. We are a lounge, where people can come relax in comfort, have a meaningful conversation without yelling over loud music, conduct business with colleagues in an impressive space and host events of various types.”

That distinction is evident as soon as guests enter. The 5,000-square-foot space has an open floor plan, high ceilings, and seating arranged to accommodate both conversation and privacy. A retail area makes cigar purchases convenient, while the bar is close at hand. Large screens make the lounge a natural destination for watching a game, while live music and occasional DJs elevate the energy on weekends.

The Bay also puts considerable thought into the cigar-smoking environment. Four-ton heating and air units equipped with air scrubbers, strategically placed exhaust fans and large ceiling fans work together to manage the air. When weather permits, four 20-foot bay doors open to the outdoors, adding another layer of ventilation and helping give the lounge its name, The Bay. 

The cigar policy is equally deliberate. The Bay is dedicated to premium tobacco, with cigars as the only permitted smoking product. No cigarettes, vaping, or Black & Milds are allowed.

For Julius and Sondra, hospitality also means creating opportunities for people to connect. Membership is available but not required, and its purpose is community rather than restricted access and exclusivity. The couple sees the lounge as a place where entrepreneurs, professionals, and friends can expand their circles over a cigar.

“In the cigar culture, it is common to meet strangers who become your friends. The people are often from different backgrounds, but a conversation over a 45-minute smoke reveals many commonalities.”

For newcomers, The Bay offers an approachable introduction to the cigar world, from selecting and handling a cigar to cutting, lighting and smoking it properly. For seasoned smokers, the lounge provides an opportunity to explore premium brands while enjoying the company that makes a great cigar even better.

The Bay is ultimately about time well spent. As Julius puts it, “The joy of creating memories with friends, having a cultural experience in a comfortable and inviting space, with warm hospitality, is the luxury of time well spent, that makes patrons feel at home without the chore of cleaning and maintenance.”

That may be the best reason to visit. “Bring a friend, or come ready to meet someone new. Select a cigar from our collection, or enjoy your own for a nominal sitting fee. The Bay will provide the setting.”