Aiken is now home to an establishment that offers Latin jazz, flamenco performances, tasty dishes, cocktails, and premium cigars.
Rhumba Rum and Cigar Lounge opened at 321 Richland West in Aiken, the former location of Antique Emporium which closed last year. Rhumba held a soft opening in April and a grand opening on May 9.
Born in Cuba, Rhumba owner, Elier Alberto lived in Miami for 22 years working in nightclubs that served up Latin cuisine, Latin jazz, and fine cigars.
Miami is known for its thriving nightlife and sandy beaches. It embraces the Latin American influence with much more tenacity and appreciation than the rest of the country, and unsurprisingly — close to 70% of the city’s 2.5 million inhabitants are Hispanic.
“We are bringing the Latin experience to Aiken. My wife, Jessica and I fell in love with the charm of Aiken after a visit. We feel like we are filling a gap with Rhumba,” explained Alberto.
The smoking lounge is located outdoors so there is no cross-contamination, which was important to Alberto. It will also be heated in the winter months. Rhumba also offers subscription programs for cigar lovers, a way to discover a repertoire of cigars.
“The annual program which features a humidity-controlled space for cigars also offers discounts on food and liquor. We host events every other week for members.”
The menu is already popular for those who have visited in the past few weeks. It includes Churrasco, empanadas, and Cuban sandwiches on freshly baked bread.
If that isn’t enough to put you in the mood to rhumba, the live Latin jazz and the Flamenco dancing just might.
If you are in need of the right hat for a cigar bar or other accessories for a date night, Elier’s wife Jessica can help. She opened Tailored Gents Boutique a few months ago at 345 Hayne Ave. S.W. in Aiken.
To follow Rhumba Rum and Cigar Lounge on Facebook, click here. Their hours are Monday through Wednesday, from 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm. Thursday through Saturday, they are open from lunch until 10:00 pm and Rhumba is open every other Sunday.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means! If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
