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Last post 21 years ago by defcon. 28 replies replies.
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THL Offline
#1 Posted: Wed, Dec 4 2002, 6:58 AM EST
Joined: 10-22-2002
Posts: 3,044
What's a good cigar store in Chicago? I'm in town for a coupla days and figured that there has to be some good ones here. The downtown area, specifically the Garden Hilton is where I'm staying.






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defcon Offline
#2 Posted: Wed, Dec 4 2002, 9:04 AM EST
Joined: 10-23-2002
Posts: 110
Up Down Tobacco at 1550 n wells is THE cigar shop in chicago. 400 types of cigar on display 1400 in stock if I remember correctly. I just picked up a couple of OPUS and a PAN there today. Very knowledgeable staff from the two times I have been there. I live in the burbs now myself so I cant make it there regularly.

WHat are you in town for?
THL Offline
#3 Posted: Wed, Dec 4 2002, 9:25 AM EST
Joined: 10-22-2002
Posts: 3,044
Thankin' you defcon. That is just the info I was looking for. I'm in town to attend the RSNA (Radiological Society of North America) annual trade show and convention being held at McCormick place.
octowings Offline
#4 Posted: Wed, Dec 4 2002, 9:36 AM EST
Joined: 10-22-2002
Posts: 390
Iwan Reis is great. Can't tell you the exact address. Ask for Kevin. Hill show you the set that was used in U.S. Marshals with Wesley Snipes. They used the store for a shoot!...octo
Mr.Mean Offline
#5 Posted: Wed, Dec 4 2002, 9:44 AM EST
Joined: 05-16-2001
Posts: 3,025
Jack Schwartz is right around the corner from Iwan Reise.
rookie139 Offline
#6 Posted: Wed, Dec 4 2002, 10:39 AM EST
Joined: 03-02-2000
Posts: 2,149
Take a trip north of the city to Skokie (borders Chicago's north side) It's on North Lincoln Avenue...That place has everything, including big comfortable chairs in the huuuge lounge, free pool tables, a big screen TV...Definitely worth the trip..Plus an excellent Chicago Pizza place three doors down!
rookie139 Offline
#7 Posted: Wed, Dec 4 2002, 10:41 AM EST
Joined: 03-02-2000
Posts: 2,149
....and (most importantly) one of the biggest walk-in humidors anywhere!...Great selection!
They even have a "bundle room"
THL Offline
#8 Posted: Wed, Dec 4 2002, 11:11 AM EST
Joined: 10-22-2002
Posts: 3,044
Thanks for the good info guys!
defcon Offline
#9 Posted: Wed, Dec 4 2002, 6:39 PM EST
Joined: 10-23-2002
Posts: 110
rookie do you live in the chicago area?
rookie139 Offline
#10 Posted: Thu, Dec 5 2002, 12:49 AM EST
Joined: 03-02-2000
Posts: 2,149
Yep...I live in the southern burbs (until Jan when I move up north)...I work on the North Shore
JCrimmins, Mr. Mean, and Todog also live in the area
We try to get together once every month or every other month for a herf if you and other locals are interested

Keith
defcon Offline
#11 Posted: Thu, Dec 5 2002, 3:49 AM EST
Joined: 10-23-2002
Posts: 110
Yeah I live in Buffalo Grove, Office in Roselle (next to schaumburg)and I do outside sales which has me running everyewhere. So absolutely I am up for it.

email me [email protected]
rookie139 Offline
#12 Posted: Thu, Dec 5 2002, 3:59 AM EST
Joined: 03-02-2000
Posts: 2,149
Email sent!...We're practically neighbors..LOL
sammydaddy Offline
#13 Posted: Thu, Dec 5 2002, 5:45 AM EST
Joined: 10-29-2001
Posts: 201
I was born and raised in Chicago. Lived on the north side growing up, around Irving Park and Addison, not far from Wrigley but grew up a Sox fan. My family is still there, sister in Addison, brother in Palatine and parents in Elgin. Moved in 83, mostly because I am a warm weather person and winters got to me. You guys are kinda makin me home sick, but just till I read the weather page. Stay warm!
defcon Offline
#14 Posted: Thu, Dec 5 2002, 6:39 AM EST
Joined: 10-23-2002
Posts: 110
would you like to tell me where irving park and addison meet lol
Mr.Mean Offline
#15 Posted: Thu, Dec 5 2002, 7:37 AM EST
Joined: 05-16-2001
Posts: 3,025
Sammy, I was greeted this morning with 8 degree temps and a nice wind in my face.
Miss it now?
THL Offline
#16 Posted: Thu, Dec 5 2002, 7:52 AM EST
Joined: 10-22-2002
Posts: 3,044
Hey defcon! Went to the Up 'n Down last night and dropped a quick buck fifty on cigars. They were out of PAMs, only PANs left so I passed on them but I did buy his last 4 Opus Xs and assorted others including some Hemingway Signatures. He wouldn't sell me the Opus box, said that they get theirs in bundles and re-use the same box,(that's been the subject of other posts so I just mention it FYI, if not true at least it's a common lie, LOL). BTW, tremendous selection, so so prices, but he gave me a free coffee mug.
So, I leave the store and head down N.Wells to meet some friends at Gino's East for the best pizza on the
planet. Once seated with my group I'm looking around checking out all the graffiti. What do I see? Right above the Miller Genuine Draft neon guitar on the facing wall in 6", blue letters: defcon. I kid you
not. Good omen? I thought so. Then we went to Blue Chicago and they wouldn't let me smoke a cigar. The doorman saw one in my pocket as we were going in and said, "Dude, you can't smoke that sh*t in here." Cigarettes seemed to be allowed, though. Guess they're afraid that the cigar smell would mask the aroma of puke and stale beer.
sammydaddy Offline
#17 Posted: Thu, Dec 5 2002, 8:39 AM EST
Joined: 10-29-2001
Posts: 201
Mean, like I said, I miss it till I hear comments like that!

Defcon, it was actually the corner of Irving Park and Elston, its been almost 20 years and my memory is......what was I saying?
alsant Offline
#18 Posted: Thu, Dec 5 2002, 11:17 AM EST
Joined: 10-03-2002
Posts: 150
There is a nice place in villa pk / west burbs on St. charles road 8to8 cigars
Penguin13 Offline
#19 Posted: Thu, Dec 5 2002, 11:37 AM EST
Joined: 07-26-2002
Posts: 1,546
I've been to all the cigars places in downtown Chicago and the all have one thing in common..$$$$ If you want to venture out into the burbs, the best one I found is in LaGrange. It's on LaGrange road just south of Ogden Ave just and the Tracks. It's in the middle of town next to Palmers beer garden (another great place) The prices are right and he has a huge selection. I'm at Palmers on a regular basis and always stop in for a few cigars. Maybe I'll run into one of you next time.
alsant Offline
#20 Posted: Thu, Dec 5 2002, 12:20 PM EST
Joined: 10-03-2002
Posts: 150
thanks good to know . I know exactly where that is
defcon Offline
#21 Posted: Thu, Dec 5 2002, 12:58 PM EST
Joined: 10-23-2002
Posts: 110
come on sammy I have to gove you a hard time hence the lol at the end.

THL Glad you enjoyed that place. Something else isnt it
rookie139 Offline
#22 Posted: Fri, Dec 6 2002, 12:32 AM EST
Joined: 03-02-2000
Posts: 2,149
Eight to Eight is one of my favorite places!..Mike the owner is one of the most knowledgeable cigar guys around IMHO...On St Charles..THAT'S IT!...I couldn't remember the street even though I've been there a hundred times..LOL..Huuuuge selection
Prices don't include the dreaded Cook County taxes and the prices on the sticks are unbelievably reasonable too!
(Not as reasonable as CBid and CI of course!)
rookie139 Offline
#23 Posted: Fri, Dec 6 2002, 12:33 AM EST
Joined: 03-02-2000
Posts: 2,149
Penguin, I also go to Lagrange (and Palmer Place...hundreds of beers from around the world..Excellent food!..Love it all!) on occasion..Only problem with Lagrange is their selection hardly changes..The owners are nice guys though..Nice little lounge in the back
Penguin13 Offline
#24 Posted: Fri, Dec 6 2002, 4:54 AM EST
Joined: 07-26-2002
Posts: 1,546
Rookie...drop me a line next time your going to be there if you want...threedrcoupe at yahoo dot com
MrButtman Offline
#25 Posted: Fri, Dec 6 2002, 11:00 AM EST
Joined: 07-02-2002
Posts: 145
If you really want to travel west of the city, there is a new shop in Aurora on North Aurora Rd next to the train station just west of rt. 59. Very nice guy just starting out and has a good selection.
rookie139 Offline
#26 Posted: Fri, Dec 6 2002, 11:36 AM EST
Joined: 03-02-2000
Posts: 2,149
I will definitely do that Penguin!

Keith
xrundog Offline
#27 Posted: Fri, Dec 6 2002, 1:35 PM EST
Joined: 01-17-2002
Posts: 2,212
I have been stationed at Great Lakes Naval Station several times. Did boot camp there too. I like Chicago, great city, great people. My one and only gripe is that there are not enough exits on the I-94. You miss yours and and it takes a while and some change to get squared away. Tollways suck! I miss the Full Moon Cafe. Good dinner specials, great breakfasts!
THL Offline
#28 Posted: Sat, Dec 7 2002, 6:08 AM EST
Joined: 10-22-2002
Posts: 3,044
So long 'til next year, Chicago. What a great city. The weather sucks, the prices suck but the people are friendly and the variety,(of everything), is incredible. UpDown Tobacco is a one of a kind store that I'm glad to have visited.
Cya Chi-town

P.S. The architects of the Soldier Field renovation should be shot. It's a cryin' shame.
defcon Offline
#29 Posted: Sat, Dec 7 2002, 6:42 AM EST
Joined: 10-23-2002
Posts: 110
Yeah I haven't been down there in a little while but I hear it blows.
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