La Merna Added Cigarettes to Cocktail Menu
The Dupont Circle restaurant now offers individual cigarettes for purchase alongside its signature espresso martinis.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Cocktails
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The Washington D.C. restaurant La Merna has introduced a unique menu pairing that allows guests to add a cigarette to their drink order. The establishment secured a special license to sell Export A cigarettes through a vintage dispenser.
Why it matters
The owners aim to evoke a nostalgic atmosphere inspired by Midwest smoking culture while pairing the bitter notes of an amaro-infused martini with tobacco. Customers must move to outdoor spaces to smoke the cigarettes.
An individual cigarette costs 3 dollars, while the espresso martini is priced at 14 dollars without the add-on. A full pack of Export A cigarettes is available for 30 dollars.
The players
La Merna
This restaurant located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington D.C. is known for its specialized menu offerings.
Franks Wild Years
An establishment on 14th Street in Washington D.C. that has also implemented a model for selling cigarettes through a vintage machine.
The details
La Merna serves the individual cigarettes via a vintage dispenser to match the restaurant’s intended aesthetic. This practice mirrors operations at the Washington D.C. establishment Franks Wild Years, which began selling cigarette packs from a vintage machine in 2026.
Timeline
Franks Wild Years began selling cigarettes in Summer 2026.
The report regarding La Merna’s current menu items was published in October 2026.
Culture Shift
This trend marks a return to the historical trend of American Midwest smoking culture within modern urban social spaces. It highlights a nostalgic shift where establishments are reviving past consumption habits to create a specific, moody dining environment for patrons.
Patrons at La Merna can now purchase individual cigarettes at the bar for a lower upfront cost than a full pack. However, visitors must adhere to local rules and consume these products only in designated outdoor smoking areas.
The takeaway
The move by La Merna highlights a growing interest in curated, retro-themed dining experiences. Readers looking for similar social atmospheres should check if their local venues have obtained the necessary municipal permits for such tobacco sales.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest trends in the capital's bar scene in the Washington Cocktails section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Washingtonian.
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