Anyone visiting Hemingway Cigar Bar & Lounge in Fitchburg over the last two years could see the place was on the decline. I had visited on four separate occasions when they had no cigars and no patrons, even on Friday and Saturday nights. I once encountered a bartender who didn’t know what “neat” meant and seriously thought I had made up that term.
Fortunately, since new owners Matt and Kathy took over last month, Hemingway seems to be headed in the right direction. Matt told me that the previous owner was thinking of closing his bar, and to prevent that from happening, Matt and Kathy ended up purchasing it.
First thing’s first: they restocked one of the cigar cases. They have even taken requests on the Hemingway Facebook page. Something interesting I learned is that unlike its Madison counterparts, Hemingway allows cigarettes in addition to cigars and pipes.
I’ve always enjoyed lounging in the couches with friends while enjoying a cigar. Currently there are two spaces in the rear for that, but Matt says they hope to add more near the entrance. That will make the area more inviting vs. the current high tops that are there.
Also on the horizon are potentially a larger beer selection, more wine and live music. I’m hoping for the bar to add a few more scotches to its somewhat small selection. Happy hour runs from 4:30-7 p.m. and includes $1 off rails and Bud/Miller products.
I’m looking forward to future visits and watching Hemingway evolve.
I was actually happy to see The Continental close this past summer. In its final months, the service had greatly deteriorated, and I was never impressed by the menu. The succeeding establishment is 
There are numerous small plates on the menu, though I’m not sure how many you can order since they cost as much as $24 each. One that wasn’t satisfying was the bulgogi-style Grilled Short Ribs ($12), as there was barely any meat on the endless bones. Another was Rose Marie’s Original Spiedini ($14). The four tiny rolls of breaded sirloin and two pieces of mozzarella–while all very tasty–should have been half the price.
Isn’t the first rule of opening any business “location, location, location”? Despite being so close to Highway PD and Seminole Highway, 
I also was impressed by the fried fish (available beginning at 5 p.m. Friday), especially the crisp and light breading that was used. It did need just a hint of salt, though. I chose the hash browns with fried onions as the side and thoroughly enjoyed it.
