Why Are We Called “The Brig”?
The name "The Brig" for the popular cigar lounge in downtown Erie, Pennsylvania has an interesting tie to the city's maritime history on the shores of Lake Erie. A "brig" is a distinct type of sailing vessel that was commonly used on the Great Lakes, including Lake Erie, in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Brigs were two-masted ships that were square-rigged on the forward mast and fore-and-aft rigged on the aft mast. This mixed rig configuration gave brigs an ideal balance of speed and maneuverability for navigating the oftentimes choppy waters and tight ports of the Great Lakes. As such, brigs played a vital role in shipping and commerce around Lake Erie during the region's earliest eras of European settlement and development.
With Erie's position as a pivotal Lake Erie port city, brigs were a common sight in Presque Isle Bay and up the length of the lake transporting goods and materials. The hardy brig design could handle the lake's unpredictable weather while still carrying sufficient cargo loads. Naming our cigar lounge "The Brig" pays homage to this era when these hard-working ships were the vanguard of Erie's nautical and economic emergence as a maritime hub on Lake Erie.
The oldest known photo of the Erie bayfront, taken in 1841
Remains of U.S. Brig Niagara, flagship of Commodore Perry during the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie, taken 100 years later in 1913
"City of Erie" by William Henry Jackson, 1843-1942
Original 1900 State of Pennsylvania Atlas map of the City of Erie
The U.S. Brig Niagara, a wooden-hulled replica of Oliver Hazzard Perry’s flagship, sets sail on Lake Erie and docks in Presque Isle Bay, keeping that maritime history alive in Erie County
"Battle of Lake Erie" by William Henry Powell, painted 1865, shows Oliver Hazard Perry transferring from Lawrence to Niagara
"Battle of Erie" Printed by Sam’l Maverick, N.Y., Engraved by P. Maverick
The Public Dock in Erie, PA, now known as Dobbin's Landing. The USS Wolverine, also known as the USS Michigan is pictured at the dock.
About The Brig
You may have noticed that prior to The Brig Cigar Lounge opening, your only premium cigar lounge options were in Buffalo or Cleveland. We wanted to create a luxury smoking experience right in the heart of Erie. We opened in February of 2024 and have been serving the great people of Erie ever since. We have a passion for premium cigars and enjoying a friendly, luxurious experience while smoking them and we want to make sure we pass our passion on to you.
Reserve The Brig Cigar Lounge For Your Next Event
Host Your Next Private Event at The Brig Cigar Lounge in Erie, PA. Our premium cigar lounge offers a sophisticated and unique venue for corporate events, birthday celebrations, bachelor parties and more. Our space features plush leather seating, a bar ready for your best drinks, and a walk-in humidor with an extensive selection of premium cigars.
Located in downtown Erie, Pennsylvania, The Brig provides an upscale yet relaxed setting for your next gathering. With locally supported food and drink packages, we accommodate groups of all sizes, whether you want to rent the conference room or the whole lounge.
Book your private cigar lounge event online today by completing our event request form or calling us directly at (814) 580-6771
Our Cigars
The Brig offers exclusive house cigars blended and branded by our owners. Favoring a strong yet approachable flavor profile and intensity, these cigars are only available at The Brig and not always in stock! Be sure to follow our Instagram and sign up for our email list to be alerted to restocks and try one of these exclusive sticks for yourself!
FAQs
Does The Brig Sell Alcohol?
The Brig Cigar Lounge is a BYOB establishment, meaning that guests are permitted to bring their own beer, wine, and liquor and drink it on-site with a $10 corkage fee. This fee is waived for Perry Club members. The Brig does not sell alcohol.
Does The Brig Have Outdoor Seating?
The Brig does not have an outdoor space, but we do have large windows that can be opened !
Is There a Dress Code at The Brig?
The Brig welcomes all guests with no attire requirements. We obviously require that you wear SOMETHING, but we do not require business attire of our guests. Anything that covers the top and bottom will do.
How is Parking at The Brig?
The nearest street parking is available on State St, E 4th St, and E 5th St., but parking is ample along all nearby streets.
Can I Smoke Cigarettes In The Brig?
In short, no. We allow cigar and pipe tobacco smoking but do not allow vaping, cigarettes, or hookah to be consumed in-lounge.
Is The Brig Members-Only?
Not at all! Though we offer the Perry Club membership, all are welcome to enjoy premium cigars at The Brig. No reservations are required and seating is first come, first served.