Talented live music earlier in the evening is a regular thing, but show up before 9pm if you want a seat and don't want to pay for a VIP spot. Cigar selection is decent, though small and pricey. Staff was very friendly.

Nice atmosphere! Will return :). The "heel" policy for women is not enforced for all women which is unfortunate because nowadays there are some very cute flats to be worn. I personally have a few pair of designers that I wear because I like to be cute & comfortable. There were girls in there with skater distressed jeans & heels. Heels alone don't make your outfit upscale. Hopefully the owners will reconsider. I did enjoy myself but sat for a large portion of the night :(.

My husband and I decided to check out Lit last Friday for the first time. We got there right after 8 when they opened after trying to find parking which is not easy. We settled for the garage across the street but for next time we'll use the valet from the business next door. Because we were there before 11:00 we were able to sit anywhere. First tip: bring cash at least $10 in case you're charged an entry fee. Even though on the website it says Ladies may be free before 11 it's not set. And, the lady at the door says the price vary each night. I don't think you're able to pay via credit card at the door. The band playing was pretty good and the saxophonists were interactive with the audience. They go into the crowd and play for the ladies - a really nice touch. The drinks were tasty and you could taste the liquor. Happy Hour prices were reasonable less than some other establishments. Cigar smoke is prevalent IF you're in the area where folks are directly smoking. After the band my hubby and I moved to the patio more to get away from the cigar smoke. But, it also was a good spot for us because we had a table that wasn't reserved, and with the fresh air outside, still great bar service (our waitress followed us to keep the drinks flowing), we still could participate in the vibe and heard the music perfectly. We plan to visit for the culture nights. Overall, I highly recommend and for us the age group and vibe were perfect. We left around 12:30. Everyone was friendly from the security (the most polite I've seen not only Tampa but as I've travelled). They treated people with respect. There was an incident with a member of our party (we saw 2 friends while outside on the patio and they came in). Apparently, there was an issue re:hookah with one of the ladies and the security came and talked to us respectfully as they advised she had to leave due to whatever happened inside. They gave her time to talk to us and we understood. This is a really classy well dressed patrons. Just don't complain about the smoke - go outside if it's too much and enjoy the vibe.

Patted down like a criminal to boot. Like this was a club in the hood when the location is suppose to be upscale downtown. Website said doors and pricing was one thing, but found out couples pay an up charge from $20 a couple to $50 a couple for disco music after 11:00pm. No live music. Makes no sense to me. Six nonchalant girls at the front door and not one was warm and inviting. Couldn't find seating except 4 empty VIP sections booked up. Only 25 people in the whole damn place with 15 servers lounging and trying to look busy. Made no sense to charge extra for a no name DJ as our entertainment. This DJ talked through every song. Got heckled over and over for constantly stopping the music. Never seen a DJ heckled. Crazy. The DJ stopped the music to explain why he kept stopping the music. WTH. Had to plead with one of the mangers to get us chairs. They had the space, but kept removing these uncomfortable metal chairs. Why? Asked us to get out the chairs after we got the chairs. Can't make this up people. Again, their business to patron policy makes no sense. I'll pay real good money for a good relaxing environment and good entertainment where I feel respected and my presence is appreciated. If my experience is the opposite anything over $5 is too much. Overpriced cover charge overpriced drinks. Overpriced dried out cigars. No control temp on cigars. Not a true cigar bar despite the name. Sometime service by the bartenders. Standard recipe for a failed club in Tampa. In my 30 years in this town LIT will soon be added to the list of clubs that went away. Either soon or later they will be gone. Change your service or get canceled. Gave this 2 stars instead of 1, because it use to be nicer. It’s a sympathy star.

I understand that the door man and security have to be a certain way (tough skin), but when I was asking for help because I lost my wallet, the security guard didn’t care at all and pointed me where to exit. I was asking for the manager or owner to see if they could make an announcement since I had important cards in it (SS card). I was worried sick! Thankfully someone found it and turned it in!!! Security guards, door men especially at a club like this— should be respectful and welcoming not just the bottle girls. Unless of course someone is acting in a way they shouldn’t or making scene etc., but I was asking for HELP, and this is how I got treated. He was tall, African American, with short dreads.

I was visiting for a night and stopped into this club because, why not. It was not really what I expected. The drink prices are aligned with most places, although where I live, they are a lot cheaper for the same thing ($6 vs $14 for a shot of vodka). The atmosphere was smokey because of the hookah and cigars. That wasn't an issue and I expected to smell like an ashtray when I left. The cover was $20 even though there was nothing special going on other than it being the first Friday of the year. It was your average club. Also, because I didn't have a handbag with me, I was not scanned/waned or anything by security. I thought that was concerning. I even reentered after going to my car. That is definitely not a smart procedure. If I am in the area again, I would not return to this particular establishment. Not for any negative reason, but I'm sure Tampa has more to offer. Everyone should visit at least once though. * UPDATE (clarification) * I'm reviewing, not complaining. This establishment did not search or scan my person with a metal detector. I specifically asked one of the two security guards did he need to check me and he said, (not verbatim) "you don't have a bag, you're fine." One guard asked for my ID, but I also showed it to the young lady at the door. So my ID was scanned whoop de doo. That doesn't protect anyone. I didn't feel safe because of the fact that I wasn't checked for weapons so I could only assume no one else was either. That should be concerning for anyone. I left a review of this establishment based on MY experience. I'm not reviewing to prove a point, lower ratings, bicker virtually, or downplay/attack anyone or anything. However, what I'm stating is what I experienced so it's my factual account. I would not go back, but I would recommend it to someone in their 20s.

The band was very good, service was not as good. The whole time I was there, not one server came over to see if I needed anything! Gave 3 stars only because of the entertainment!

I went to this place last Saturday, and I love the vibe of the place. I know the website says it is $10 to get in, but last Saturday, this band, I believe, his name is Shaun Brown, I believe that was his name, was there, and it was $25. I'm from NY, so that is normal for me, but my cousin, who is from here, was not a happy camper. I personally loved the atmosphere of the lounge. First place that I have been to that reminds me of home. I love the dress code. The atmosphere and the drinks were delicious. I need to learn the schedule for the happy hour. I will be coming back. I had a lovely time.

Truly disappointed, we visited on the 4th Thursday of the month to experience jazz night however it was sports night. No music at all.. if you're looking for a sports bar this is perfect but as far as the Lit experience offered not at all..

Stopped here for the first time to check out the band and smoke cigars. Atmosphere was nice. Arrived around 8pm when they first opened. Stayed for 3 hours and that's when the crowd started to arrive. I would go again.

Not enough seating and someone that works there said VIP was $700 if we wanted to sit down. That's absolutely ridiculous. I did enjoy myself, but that $700 VIP blew my mind.

This was our last stop for the night. We only had a Voss water, Casamigo and Padron cigar. Service was great from the restroom to the bar. But most importantly security was super attentive.

They have live music until 10 then there's a DJ. The atmosphere is great! We were able to do hookah at a reasonable rate. The drinks were great and consistent. We're definitely going back. This place is indeed LIT!!!

First time.. The live band was everything. Great vibe. Great atmosphere

"Lit Cigar Lounge provided an unforgettable experience. The exceptional live band and amazing atmosphere made it a night to remember."

The band was exceptional. I totally enjoyed my whole experience there. Thank you Triple OG for showing me a great time. We will be back.

It was definitely not what my friend and I expected for a lounge, but our friends and I did enjoy ourselves. A big thank you to the doorman for letting us park our SUV right in the front.

Place is nice. A little small and doesn't have a full humidor. Just a few shelves at the entrance. Would suggest bringing your own. Bartender was on it all night.

Music was good. No food was available today... and you had to keep finding our waitress to get more drinks.

Definitely recommend this place. Great music/drinks/vibes. This place is for the grown and sexy, so no bs. They have a bunch of sections and hookah.

First time there. Celebrated my birthday with my family. The bartender was great. The band was exceptional. I totally enjoyed my whole experience there. Thank you Triple OG for showing me a great time. We will be back.

I have frequented this establishment many times and I always have the time of my life! from the music, to the service all the way to management CHEFS KISS! I recommend this spot if you are looking to have a great time in downtown tampa! and ladies, if you are looking for the crem de la crem of men THEY ARE HERE! thank me later!

Great live music on Fridays. Just wish the cigar smoke was ventilated better. Was on the patio with open windows. But nice adult atmosphere!