Places in Chicago to smoke a pipe or cigar?

[Eric Cioe]

Now that the smoking ban is in effect, is there anyplace where a guy can go enjoy a pipe or cigar indoors? I don't care for cigarette smoke, and think it reeks, but I'm a pretty dedicated pipe smoker and really enjoy spending time with friends over a pipe or cigar. Is there anyplace one can go do this now other than tobacco shops like Iwan Ries and Updown Cigar?

I know it isn't a big market, but I think it'd be great if one of the tobacco shops had a decent-sized lounge for us to enjoy our vice. The one in Iwan Ries is pretty small.

[RAM]

The shop I go to the most is up in Deerfield, called Churchills 'n Down. There are actually 2 lounge areas, each a comfortable size. IMO, the lounge at Iwan Reis is little more than a closet.

There's also a shop in Skokie called Cigar King. There's an area to hang out that's huge.

Other than that, I don't think there's really anything left other than tobacco shops, given the new ban.

[markjazzbassist]

doesn't Chicago have any Hookah Bars?

[nortonrider]

crackhouse!

[eedre]

Your house!

Seriously though, looks like we'll have to freeze our fingers off in the winter... or quit - nah.

[Eric Cioe]

Originally Posted by eedre

Your house!

Seriously though, looks like we'll have to freeze our fingers off in the winter... or quit - nah.

I've got a great deck on my apartment for hanging out with up to 6 people for a smoke. Big lounge chair and everything (very college of us). But still, it's a bit cold to do that all winter long.

[burk48237]

Don't some of the restaurants still have cigar rooms? I use to enjoy Cafe Luciano's on Rush, great Jazz, great scotch, and a fine cigar room. What more can a man ask for?

[Eric Cioe]

Originally Posted by burk48237

What more can a man ask for?

Apparently a smoking ban.

[jsbass]

I cheered when I heard that Wisconsin was raising the cigarette tax by $1. Sucks to be a smoker.

[LiquidMidnight]

I don't know what that law is like there, but the smoking ban law always gets brought up in Pennsylvania's legislature. From what I understand, the bill states that it wouldn't affect businesses centered around tobacco smoking. Therefore, a cigar bar shouldn't be affected here if the bill is passed - which, as a nonsmoker, I hope that it doesn't, because I know that it would put quite a damper on the already struggling club scene.

I do like hookah lounges though! I've been meaning to hit up one of the local places. I haven't been there since like September.

[Eric Cioe]

Originally Posted by jsbass

I cheered when I heard that Wisconsin was raising the cigarette tax by $1. Sucks to be a smoker.

Cigarette smoking is pretty different from pipe and cigar smoking. If I don't smoke the equivalent of a pack of cigarettes a day in my pipe, I don't get the jitters or grouchy. I can go weeks without smoking a pipe and not even think about it. It's just a fun thing to do with friends. It's a shame all of us smokers get lumped in together.

[Phalex]

On a boat. At least 5 miles from the shore.

[davetakis]

why dont you guys join the official TALK BASS CIGAR CLUB? you get a number and everything. i have just recently discoverd the incredible euphoria of pipe smoking. love my pipes!!!!

[davetakis]

it's funny, there are a few places in atlanta now that cater to cigar/pipe smoking. the highland cigar club is one, so if you are ever in the atlanta area.............

Highland Cigar Company
245 North Highland Ave., Suite 140
Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 477-2415

Hours:
Monday through Thursday 10AM - Midnight
Friday and Saturday 10AM - 2AM
Sunday 12PM - 10PM

Website: http://www.highlandcigar.com

[davetakis]

interseting side effect of a smoking ban

http://www.reuters.com/article/lifes...27185520080102