Smokin'Sims
Gettin' my nerd on, Hopp Schwiez!
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2008
- Messages
- 2,873
Often, some asks about good smoke shops in various towns. I've added my opinions of the ones I visited while in Baton Rouge and New Orleans this past week-end.
Random French Quarter Shops:
All had nice staff, not particularly helpful, but I don't ask for help. Only one one shop near Jackson Square had a sales person who tried to push his house blend. In general, all the shops it the French Quarter were overpriced. Selection was moderate, nothing particularly special usually an assortment of Ashtons, Cohibas and other recognizable brands.
Cigar Factory New Orleans (on Decatur in the French Quarter):
I liked this place. I only saw their house blends, but we were able to watch a toreador roll a cigar or two. The prices per stick were about $6-8, but you could save up ~30% by buying a box. One of the nicer things I liked about this place was the offer to bring our own drinks and smoke. The lounge itself has nothing fancy; however, it would be a nice break from the walking around the quarter or to sit and watch the world go by. I will definitely go back and get some sticks here or order some.
Mayan Import Co. (on Magazine in the Garden District):
These guys had a great selection and prices were good. They had a straight mark up on cigars (at least they told me that). Marcas present were: Fuentes, Tats, CAO, Padron and lots of others. The staff was friendly and answered the few questions I had honestly and openly. A nice little shop and a good break from the madness of the quarter. Parking is an issue, but good luck avoiding that in the Crescent City.
While in Baton Rouge I visited 2 shops, Don Juan and Churchill's.
Don Juan Cigar Co. (on Corporate in the shopping center at the corner of Corporate and Jefferson)
This had a nice selection and had several HTF in stock; however, the prices on HTF's were well off MSRP, even taking into account the 20% tax in LA. The lounge had a nice TV and large chairs. The only knock on this place is that the sales person I asked did not know what Illusione were. Because this is situated in a shopping center, it would be an excellent place to send others (read wife/girlfriend) shopping while you enjoy a cigar.
Churchill's ( on Jefferson hwy)
This struck as a more upscale establishment. I have this observation due to a lower selection of medium to low end stick and a large amount of HTF. I found hemi maddies, WOAN, WOAM and BTL's. These also were heavily marked up, for example $35 for a BTL. The staff were friendly and helpful. I think they also had a bar in the back I did not check this out and therefore have no opinion on it. They also had some nice scotches and whiskeys in the front.
If you plan to visit either of these fine cities, (I must admit I love Louisiana) I would visit Mayan for New Orleans and Don Juan in Baton Rouge. The food in either city you won't beat and the price for alcohol is pretty good, if you stay off Bourbon Street for you main drinking.
In the end these are my opinions, and your may vary.
Random French Quarter Shops:
All had nice staff, not particularly helpful, but I don't ask for help. Only one one shop near Jackson Square had a sales person who tried to push his house blend. In general, all the shops it the French Quarter were overpriced. Selection was moderate, nothing particularly special usually an assortment of Ashtons, Cohibas and other recognizable brands.
Cigar Factory New Orleans (on Decatur in the French Quarter):
I liked this place. I only saw their house blends, but we were able to watch a toreador roll a cigar or two. The prices per stick were about $6-8, but you could save up ~30% by buying a box. One of the nicer things I liked about this place was the offer to bring our own drinks and smoke. The lounge itself has nothing fancy; however, it would be a nice break from the walking around the quarter or to sit and watch the world go by. I will definitely go back and get some sticks here or order some.
Mayan Import Co. (on Magazine in the Garden District):
These guys had a great selection and prices were good. They had a straight mark up on cigars (at least they told me that). Marcas present were: Fuentes, Tats, CAO, Padron and lots of others. The staff was friendly and answered the few questions I had honestly and openly. A nice little shop and a good break from the madness of the quarter. Parking is an issue, but good luck avoiding that in the Crescent City.
While in Baton Rouge I visited 2 shops, Don Juan and Churchill's.
Don Juan Cigar Co. (on Corporate in the shopping center at the corner of Corporate and Jefferson)
This had a nice selection and had several HTF in stock; however, the prices on HTF's were well off MSRP, even taking into account the 20% tax in LA. The lounge had a nice TV and large chairs. The only knock on this place is that the sales person I asked did not know what Illusione were. Because this is situated in a shopping center, it would be an excellent place to send others (read wife/girlfriend) shopping while you enjoy a cigar.
Churchill's ( on Jefferson hwy)
This struck as a more upscale establishment. I have this observation due to a lower selection of medium to low end stick and a large amount of HTF. I found hemi maddies, WOAN, WOAM and BTL's. These also were heavily marked up, for example $35 for a BTL. The staff were friendly and helpful. I think they also had a bar in the back I did not check this out and therefore have no opinion on it. They also had some nice scotches and whiskeys in the front.
If you plan to visit either of these fine cities, (I must admit I love Louisiana) I would visit Mayan for New Orleans and Don Juan in Baton Rouge. The food in either city you won't beat and the price for alcohol is pretty good, if you stay off Bourbon Street for you main drinking.
In the end these are my opinions, and your may vary.