Cru Hemp Lounge Replaces Habanos Cigar Lounge in Castleberry Hill Next Month

The owners of Habanos Cigar Lounge in Castleberry Hill sold the Peters Street cigar and cocktail bar in December to Castleberry Hill resident Dennis McKinley (The Original Hot Dog Factory), according to What Now Atlanta.

McKinley plans to open Cru Hemp Lounge there in February, offering Hemp- and CBD-infused hookahs. In addition to hookah, the bar also offers bottle service, a small menu of shared plates, and several cocktails.

Hookah lounges like Cru and designated cigar bars and shops are not included in the new citywide smoking ban, which went into effect in Atlanta and at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on January 2. The ban prohibits smoking, including e-cigarette devices, inside restaurants and bars around the city as well as Atlanta government and public buildings.

Castleberry Hill barbecue restaurant Smoke Ring on Nelson Street shuttered in December after six years. Owners Steve Buero and Chris Segal of 101 Concepts (Meehan’s, 101 Steak) plan to replace Smoke Ring with a “new restaurant coming this spring.” An anonymous source with knowledge of the situation tells Eater Atlanta it could become a Meehan’s.

The owners of neighboring Elliott Street Pub announced last June they were selling the beloved dive bar, known for its deli-style sandwiches, after 13 years in the neighborhood. Mike Jakob, who owns the bar with his brother, Pete, told Eater at the time they are “ready to move on.” The brothers are asking $3.3 million for the entire property.

301 Peters Street, Atlanta. cruhemplounge.com.

Update: This story has been updated to clarify that the owners of Habanos sold the lounge to Dennis McKinley.

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