We used to love to come here to drink and smoke. Now they charge you to smoke inside. Can smoke free outside, whoop. No cigars for sale. No music outside, not enough seating. I can stay at home for better atmosphere and freedom to smoke.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
Norman Lipscomb
Best cocktails and service in town
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Anton E
I sat outside on a surprising, cool Texas summer night. The service was impeccable, and the drinks were sublime. A true gem in the heart of Texas.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Nicholas Smith
Best selection in Bryan...
Carson Paul Walker
Logan and Julia are AMAZING bartenders! So down to Earth, talented, and very pleasant to talk to!!! I highly recommend them!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Lora Cavazos
Well here we are on a random Saturday afternoon at the newly refurbished West End Elixer Co In downtown Bryan, formerly known as the Velvet Leaf Cigar Lounge. Dustin could care less that there are only 4 of us on a lazy afternoon. He brings it. And by that I mean: music that makes you forget the year, lighting that makes you forget the time, conversation that makes you forget your stress, and cocktails so excellently crafted they make you forget your religion!Dustin prepares and presents every drink like it is a libation crafted specifically for you. I should know! On this particular day, I had 4 as did my husband. Each drink was tailored as if to beat the mark that the previous one had hit spot on. Dustin is a master mixologist and the West End Elixir Co is a gem almost hidden in downtown Bryan, across from the old La Salle on an unassuming corner. Walk in and experience a mix of speakeasy, New Orleans, premium cocktail bar, and cigar lovers lounge all at the same time.Dustin is a US Marine and fellow brother of my brother in that branch; for that alone, he is family, though his humility dissuades the conversation from any accolades he has earned, a fact that I silently acknowledge and, in turn, steer the conversation back to his craft. And what a master craftsman he is!!!Dustin, ever present locally in recent years, has been instrumental in reinventing the allure of downtown Bryan, repurposing buildings, and bringing to life a town square that had been sleeping for quite some time. Surprisingly, he has been met with resistance and obstacles put in place by city officials. Dustin has navigated around these challenges and set backs with grace and dignity and deserves recognition and support from members of our local community.I strongly advise you to come experience the ambience of the West End Elixer Co in downtown Bryan. Choose from a huge variety of menu cocktails or simply tell Dustin what flavors you like and what you don’t and I promise he will magically mix up the perfect cocktail just for you!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Greg Allen
This place just ain’t worth it. Talk about trying to squeeze every single penny out of you. Oh and they change cheap whiskey into their cocktails. Just sad and what’s wrong with how corporate downtown Bryan.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Jackson
We first heard of the Velvet Leaf a few months back and fell in love with the place. There was peaceful and relaxing vibe to the place, which along with a poker table and lounging made getting together with friends and smoking cigars a weekly treat for us. Unfortunately that has all changed. Pop music blares, you must now pay a $15 day pass just to smoke in a small corner indoors, and the cool relaxing vibe is now gone. The Velvet Leaf is now just like any other bar in the area and has lost the charm that made it such a great venue.Edit: in response to the owner’s comment to my review: My 5-Star review was making my patronage a weekly ritual as well as all the recommendations I made word of mouth to all of my friends, coworkers, and family. The fact that you disregarded my criticisms just goes to show they are proving my point right.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 3
Sarah Magee
Nate is the best bartender in this town! He is very savy with his words and his drinks! 10/10 would come again just for Nate to make our drinks!! ?
Josh Hutchins
Came in on a first Friday and as busy as they were (wall to wall people), the bartender made an excellent night and experience (I think his name was Nate?). I’ll be coming back when it’s not quite as crazy but even then it was a great experience. 10/10
Excellent selection of cigars and great atmosphere with a detailed craft cocktail menu.
John Kelty
Great place! I try to visit it every time I am in town. Dustin has a great eye for your speakeasy, gentleman’s style bar. From the leather aprons to the old fashions to the walk-in cigar humidor…extremely well-done. - Kelty
Dr. Eddie Veyran
A great hidden gem for cigar enthusiasts!
Eddie Veyran
A great hidden gem for cigar enthusiasts!
Yael
I'm new to the world of cigars but the staff made me feel welcome and answered my questions! I love the atmosphere and the location.
We used to love to come here to drink and smoke. Now they charge you to smoke inside. Can smoke free outside, whoop. No cigars for sale. No music outside, not enough seating. I can stay at home for better atmosphere and freedom to smoke.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
Best cocktails and service in town
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
I sat outside on a surprising, cool Texas summer night. The service was impeccable, and the drinks were sublime. A true gem in the heart of Texas.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Best selection in Bryan...
Logan and Julia are AMAZING bartenders! So down to Earth, talented, and very pleasant to talk to!!! I highly recommend them!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Well here we are on a random Saturday afternoon at the newly refurbished West End Elixer Co In downtown Bryan, formerly known as the Velvet Leaf Cigar Lounge. Dustin could care less that there are only 4 of us on a lazy afternoon. He brings it. And by that I mean: music that makes you forget the year, lighting that makes you forget the time, conversation that makes you forget your stress, and cocktails so excellently crafted they make you forget your religion!Dustin prepares and presents every drink like it is a libation crafted specifically for you. I should know! On this particular day, I had 4 as did my husband. Each drink was tailored as if to beat the mark that the previous one had hit spot on. Dustin is a master mixologist and the West End Elixir Co is a gem almost hidden in downtown Bryan, across from the old La Salle on an unassuming corner. Walk in and experience a mix of speakeasy, New Orleans, premium cocktail bar, and cigar lovers lounge all at the same time.Dustin is a US Marine and fellow brother of my brother in that branch; for that alone, he is family, though his humility dissuades the conversation from any accolades he has earned, a fact that I silently acknowledge and, in turn, steer the conversation back to his craft. And what a master craftsman he is!!!Dustin, ever present locally in recent years, has been instrumental in reinventing the allure of downtown Bryan, repurposing buildings, and bringing to life a town square that had been sleeping for quite some time. Surprisingly, he has been met with resistance and obstacles put in place by city officials. Dustin has navigated around these challenges and set backs with grace and dignity and deserves recognition and support from members of our local community.I strongly advise you to come experience the ambience of the West End Elixer Co in downtown Bryan. Choose from a huge variety of menu cocktails or simply tell Dustin what flavors you like and what you don’t and I promise he will magically mix up the perfect cocktail just for you!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
This place just ain’t worth it. Talk about trying to squeeze every single penny out of you. Oh and they change cheap whiskey into their cocktails. Just sad and what’s wrong with how corporate downtown Bryan.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
We first heard of the Velvet Leaf a few months back and fell in love with the place. There was peaceful and relaxing vibe to the place, which along with a poker table and lounging made getting together with friends and smoking cigars a weekly treat for us. Unfortunately that has all changed. Pop music blares, you must now pay a $15 day pass just to smoke in a small corner indoors, and the cool relaxing vibe is now gone. The Velvet Leaf is now just like any other bar in the area and has lost the charm that made it such a great venue.Edit: in response to the owner’s comment to my review: My 5-Star review was making my patronage a weekly ritual as well as all the recommendations I made word of mouth to all of my friends, coworkers, and family. The fact that you disregarded my criticisms just goes to show they are proving my point right.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 3
Nate is the best bartender in this town! He is very savy with his words and his drinks! 10/10 would come again just for Nate to make our drinks!! ?
Came in on a first Friday and as busy as they were (wall to wall people), the bartender made an excellent night and experience (I think his name was Nate?). I’ll be coming back when it’s not quite as crazy but even then it was a great experience. 10/10
Restaurantji Recommends
Excellent selection of cigars and great atmosphere with a detailed craft cocktail menu.
Great place! I try to visit it every time I am in town. Dustin has a great eye for your speakeasy, gentleman’s style bar. From the leather aprons to the old fashions to the walk-in cigar humidor…extremely well-done. - Kelty
A great hidden gem for cigar enthusiasts!
A great hidden gem for cigar enthusiasts!
I'm new to the world of cigars but the staff made me feel welcome and answered my questions! I love the atmosphere and the location.
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