Going to Chicago

[CasaSoho]

I will be in Chicago from Wednesday to Sunday attending a show at the Navy Pier. My hotel might be a little closer to the Mag Mile. Any suggestions on shops I might enjoy making a stop at? I will not have a car and would like to avoid taking a taxi anywhere, walking would be preferable.

 

[ggiese]

Really a bit pricey down there, but... Here's a pretty inclusive map of what's near downtown (downtown being at the bottom of the map). This list is about 9 years old, but most of them are still around.

Smoke Magazine's write up about Chicago cigar stores.

A fixture in Chicago is Updown. Diana Silvius is WELL know in the industry (if she's in the store, it's a treat). They're at 1550 N. Wells. A bit of a trip from the mag mile, but not that far (they're near Lincoln Park, the north end of the Mag Mile)

Iwan Reis is near downtown, and one of the most talked about... 19 S. Wabash

Jack Schwartz is talked about quite a bit as well... 175 W. Jackson

One not on the map is Cigar King in Skokie, IL. A bit of a trip from downtown, but well worth it if you get the chance...

Blue Havana has listings for "Tattoos & Piercings, Smoking & Tobacco" - having never been there, I'd say that's a VERY interesting combination... :laugh:

Not sure, but I think Kingsbury's has moved... I believe it is at Sam's Wine & Liquors 1000 W. North Ave., Chicago, IL 312-664-4394

Also have: The Cigar Shop at Neiman-Marcus 737 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 312-642-5900. What can I say about "Needless Markup"...

Hope it helps!!!

 

[alexgtp]

Chicago smoke shops are overpriced.

Wise to bring your own.

You can always stop into some of the local Steak Places. And light up in their bar.

Gibsons on rush street
MOrtons on rush street

I even lit up at ESPN ZONE in the Bar area..

 

[Fyodor]

As ggiese said, check out Cigar King. It's the very best place around here, do what ever it takes to get there, especially if you like Tatuaje's or Pepin products in general. And I've been to Blue Havana many,many times as it is walking distance from my house, and it's nothing special, but they neighborhood is interesting, or at least it used to be before the commercialization. Used to be the punk rock capital of the mid-west. Now it's all yuppie fucks and sportos, oops I've said too much. :0