OUR STORY

BECOMING THE RACKETEER LOUNGE

The Racketeer’s tale began with a cigar and a spark. On his 15th birthday, Paul Banducci took his first puff of a Padron 5000, courtesy of his uncle, and a dream took root. In 2014, Paul and his wife Mary turned that dream into reality, taking over Bulldog Pipe & Cigar in Silverlake Mall.


By Fall 2015, they’d crafted a lounge that became a community—a place for premium tobacco, potlucks, and camaraderie. Through tough years of legal fights, shutdowns, and a forced move in 2020, their loyal patrons stood strong, helping them land in Post Falls. In August 2021, The Racketeer opened its doors, built on fellowship, liberty, and the motto Welcome to the Family.


After twelve years of grit and heart, Paul faced a personal turning point in 2024. Worn down by health struggles, he knew it was time to pass the torch. That’s where Nathan Arakelian steps in—a familiar face who’s been part of the family since the Bulldog days. Starting as a patron, Nathan joined the team as a bartender when The Racketeer launched, his passion for fine tobacco and mixology lighting up the lounge. Over years of shared smokes and stories, Paul became his mentor, friend, and brother. On April 7, 2025, Nathan took the helm as owner, ready to carry the legacy forward.



“It’s been an honor to be your bartender, and now to lead north Idaho’s favorite cigar lounge,” Nathan says. “Paul’s left big shoes, and I intend to fill them.” Alongside his wife Lauren, Nathan’s committed to serving the finest boutique tobaccos and crafting the best cocktails in the Northwest. The outpouring of support from this tight-knit community has only fueled their excitement. “We can’t thank you enough,” they share. “I’m thrilled to show you what’s in store for this incredible family I’ve grown to love.” With Paul stepping back to heal—and soon return as a patron—The Racketeer’s next chapter is in full swing. Here’s to great smokes, stellar drinks, and the bonds that make us who we are. Cheers!

ABOUT THE RACKETEER

The Racketeer Lounge is a Cigar Lounge and high class bar with top-shelf drinks, over 150 different cigars, and a relaxed lounge atmosphere to enjoy them in.


At the Racketeer one does not lack for options. 

Located in Post Falls Idaho our original cocktails are hand crafted by our skilled bartenders, in addition to our cocktails we have a great selection of barrel aged brews, local beer on tap, sake, wine, absinthe and more.

We offer well-established boutique, brands ranging from the expected like My Fathers and Padron, to the unusual like Room 101 and Crowned heads. 



For pipe smokers we have many unique house blends of pipe tobacco and a great selection of briar and meerschaum pipes. A large number of which are locally carved by our good friends over at American Heritage pipes.



We have memberships for our patrons. Humidified locker rentals, a cigar and pipe club with monthly offerings, and our Rocks Club that boasts our hand picked selection of rare spirits. These highly sought after spirits have been acquired over time and is ever growing as we use the monthly memberships to expand our collection and bring our members a taste of these rare offerings.



If you are looking for a laid back bar that nails the classy lounge feel where you can enjoy a smoke while enjoying a stiff drink there is no better option than The Racketeer Lounge.


Want to know more?

Coming soon Paul will be telling his story in an interview from the lounge. how what started as the bulldog became what the racketeer today.

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