Cigar aficionados share a smoke at Mauler's lounge

Marlene Karas/viewGustav Mauler sits inside the Gustav Mauler Cigar Lounge, which he owns, located inside the Rampart Casino at the Resort at Summerlin. Advertisement

It's a random Thursday night inside Gustav Mauler's Cigar Bar and Lounge at the Rampart Casino at the Resort at Summerlin, and although it's only 7 p.m., business is good.

A group of doctors who meet weekly in the lounge sit smiling, puffing old Cubans and sipping cognac.

The ambience is reminiscent of a classic old world elegance, with deep stained mahogany, marble countertops and plush leather seating areas. Softly lit display cases filled with premium blend imported cigars line the interior, the ceiling above the lounge's main seating area is constructed of solid 14-carat gold, intricately carved lions' heads adorn the archways, and single votives sit perched inside hand-blown glass sconces at the center of each table.

"Atmosphere is very important," owner Gustav Mauler said. "Our customers come here to relax and get away from their stresses and worry. The idea when we designed this place was that it would be an escape into elegance, and after nine years of successful business, I think that we succeeded."

Although the establishment is a cigar bar, it is not smoke-filled in the least.

"Most air filters have an air exchange six times per minute," Mauler said. "We have a filter that exchanges 15 times per minute, and that's why you can walk in and out of my establishment and never leave smelling like smoke. In fact, you can't smell smoke when you walk in."

Summerlin resident Nick Billingsly said he enjoys a good cigar and comes to relax with friends from work about once a month.

"There's a great selection here," Bilingsly said. "I know that he (Mauler) gets in special brands from time to time, but even what he has in stock on a regular basis is a premium cigar."

While Mauler admits that the majority of his clientele are males, he said that women do pop in from time to time.

"We sell ladies' cigars which are flavored," Mauler said. "And even if they don't smoke, we have excellent martinis. Many of our female customers come in with their significant others and it's a bonding experience. But, yes, we do have a number of ladies who enjoy the lounge."

Elizabeth Grabill has worked as a bartender for Mauler for the past seven years, and she said a great portion of the lounge's charm is a result of a sincere and friendly staff.

"We know everyone who comes in because, unlike everywhere else in Vegas, the staff stays the same," Grabill said. "We are like a 'Cheers' bar. I have heard the same old stories again and again, and I love them more every time."

According to Mauler, much of the lounge's popularity stems from stricter laws that prohibit smoking in bars that sell food.

"It's illegal to smoke almost everywhere now," Mauler said. "I have seen smokers come in here and just look so relived that they can kick back and not have to worry about offending anyone because that's what we're about. Elegance, premium blends and great times."