May 04, 2005

Cigar Shop Review for BlogNashville

BlogNashville

For those folks coming to BlogNashville that may enjoy a fine cigar, I thought I might offer up a quick guide to cigar shops that I frequent (those that live in Nashville can use it as well).

When I travel, I know that I always search out the good cigar shops in the cities I'll be visiting. I was reminded of the importance of this when I was sitting in Jackson's the other day and the people at the table next to me asked the waiter if he knew of a good cigar shop nearby. Since he knew of none, I chimed in and offered them directions to the nearest tobacconist (just prior to lighting up myself). Continued...

So, without further ado, here's my list with details. Keep in mind, these are strictly stores that sell cigars (or pipe tobacco) and accessories (with only a couple of exceptions). There are several stores that may have a small humidor in the back, but I don't normally frequent those unless it's an emergency.

The list starts out with cigar stores nearest downtown, going outward:

Market Street Smoke Shop
2nd Avenue Downtown
This little shop is hidden away somewhere between the Wild Horse Saloon and Hard Rock Cafe and right across from Piranhas (which is also highly recommended with their Pittsburgh style sandwiches). You go back and up the stairs, and you'll find a small little smoke shop. The selection isn't the best, but it's right there on 2nd Avenue, and if you look in the tall humidor opposite of the main humidor you might find a nice little surprise. $18 a pop, but you won't find them anywhere else (but you didn't hear it from me).

Havana Lounge
2nd Avenue
This is one of the exceptions to this list, and I'm only adding it to say that the cigars in their humidor (located upstairs above Buffalo Billiards) are too expensive. Go elsewhere. If you do decide to go there, just bring your own cigar.

The Arcade Smoke Shop
11 The Arcade
Located in the historic Arcade between 4th and 5th avenues, the Arcade Smoke shop has a semi-decent selection of cigars. However, I recommend you try their house brand, Arcadia. I normally wouldn't recommend such a thing, but these cigars are some of the best cigars around, and you can only get them at the Arcade Smoke Shop. Think high quality Cubans...these things are great. Just ask the guy at the counter for some Arcadias.

Uptown's Smoke Shop
3900 Hillsboro Road
This is one of the more upscale tobacco shops, and it's located in the Green Hills area. They sell a lot of accessories, pipes, pens, etc, but they also have an excellent selection of cigars in their humidor. Prices are average to good.

Tobacco Road Smoke Shop
15551 Old Hickory Blvd
Not far from I-65 South on Old Hickory Blvd, this shop is worth a visit...just for the selection. I've heard them say that they had the "largest walk-in humidor in the South," and I believe them. The prices are average to good as well.

Woody's Smokes and Brews
1935 Mallory Lane, Franklin
This is another exception, and it's just outside of Nashville in the Cool Springs areas. It gets mention because of price. Woody's has the best prices on cigars in the area, and their selection is pretty decent. It's also located right next to Cool Springs Wine and Spirits which has the best and largest selection of wine in the area...not to mention the having the best prices as well.

So, that's the quick and dirty list of the cigar shops I frequent (minus the one exception). Perhaps it will be a help to you if you are visiting town for the big event.

Comments:

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Incidentally, Market Street Smoke Shop is right across (not across the street -- across the stairs) from our office. So, after you get a cigar, maybe you can swing by and get an enterprise backup or e-mail system or something!

As for the surprise, I have a feeling that's how that guy makes all his money, because god knows no one hardly ever goes in that place. But you also didn't hear that from me, either.

I second the review of Havana -- although we did have some friends trying to start up a local cigar magazine (it was a failed venture, I believe) that kept inviting us to free cigar nights, so that was always nice -- all we had to do was rate them/write a review.

Posted by: Chris Wage at May 4, 2005 03:30 PM

Market Street Smoke Shop also has an online business (where they told me that they get most of their income). They supply odds and ends to Civil War reenactors. It's called The Haversack...but it looks like their website has expired...so I don't know what's up with it now.

Posted by: Blake at May 4, 2005 09:33 PM

Good work here, Blake. Something near to my heart...or vices, really...

Uptown's, Tobacco Road, and Woody's have gotten a lot of my money over the years. But now I'll go check out The Arcade Smoke Shop when I can...

Posted by: Steve Stemac at May 5, 2005 02:57 AM

FYI, Havana Lounge is or will be closing soon. They auctioned off all of the kitchen and bar equipment last weekend and the owners are attempting to lease out that space to someone else. Not that it was worth visiting for a cigar anyway.

Posted by: Redrum at May 5, 2005 02:01 PM

Thanks for the review we do have the largest walk-in humidor in Tenn. Check out are site at www.tobaccoroadsmokeshop.com

Posted by: Tobacco Road Smoke Shop at May 12, 2005 02:48 PM

What about Ellistonn Place Pipe & Tobacco? They are definitely woth a mention. Been around for awhile and have a good selection.

Posted by: spikesdad at June 3, 2005 11:19 PM

What about Ellistonn Place Pipe & Tobacco? They are definitely woth a mention. Been around for awhile and have a good selection.

Posted by: spikesdad at June 3, 2005 11:20 PM