This gem in Waukegan is worth the trip. I found myself in the area and looking for a place for cigars. If you were passing by, you couldn't tell from the street that a spacious cigar bar was inside! Upon entry, I was immediately awed by the layout. It's got seating for a good 40-50 ppl (in comfy leather couches) with enough room to house many times that if ppl are standing. The humidor had good options; not the biggest in IL but I liked they offered all the big names, along with their own house blend. Speaking of the house blend - there's literally a lady in the lounge sitting at a roller's table! The sticks were priced reasonably, and you're allowed to sit in the lounge for free with any stick purchase. If you bring something in from the outside, I think the cutting fee is $20. I also believe it's BYOB (but can't confirm because I didn't see anyone with booze.) The one drag is they close early; 7pm most days but open until 10pm on Wednesdays as they have a live band. If you're in that neck of the woods, I highly recommend this establishment. read more

A Cuban Experience - Their house blend. Decent stick - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Waukegan, Illinois

See all

A Cuban Experience is a fine place to spend some quality time with friends, a smooth cigar, a drink - byob or get a soda for $1, watch a game, bring some reading, or just chill. Easy to find. Good selection and prices. Very friendly service. Comfy chairs and setting. Music on Wed nights. Check their site for hours - since the owners will shake things up to match demand/season. Close to good restaurants to get your protein fix before or after. read more

A Cuban Experience owners (Billy, his wife, and Fred, I believe) hosted the Waukegan Chamber of Commerce's second annual event here. Turnout had to be north of 60 and no wonder: For $20, I filled my plate with two catered beef tacos, refried beans and rice, or pizza squares (that went fast), craft beer on tap -- a smooth tawny red amber or pale ale (I downed three...or was it four plastic 8-10 ounce cups' worth?) AND a robust madero stogie (that's cigarspeak for cigar). A mighty fine deal if you ask me. As good as that was my evening topper came when I notched my first win over my chessboard nemesis -- and cigar-smoking friend -- Gregory! Possibly the distilled spirits he was intermittently sipping on led to his uncharacteristic momentary lack of focus that left his queen hang, but the more-than-usual number of beers I imbibed equalized the concentration factor. read more

I live in San Diego, but every time I come up to Chicago, I like to have sandwiches at Hoagie Hut down the road from this place I smoke about five cigars a day I like to come to this location. The only downside of this place is apparently they have no problem with people playing music on their phones at full volume disrupting the vibe of the place Other than that it's got incredibly comfortable chairs and decent prices read more

What an amazing byo cigar lounge. With over 20 leather recliner chairs, this place can accommodate some serious relaxation. I was in town for work, and had never been to Waukegan. I googled a cigar shop and this place popped up. Definitely one of the nicest cigar lounges I have ever visited. I did not expect to find such a cool cigar lounge on what is otherwise a pretty desolate main street. The cigar selection is pretty good. The decor is awesome, with several hand rolling booths, an exposed brick wall with nice local art pieces, two large televisions, and an area for board games. There is also a fridge for storing any beverages you may wish to bring. The owner is really cool too. I highly recommend this place. read more

See all

Amazing location and wonderful, friendly, and knowledgeable staff. There's nothing like this in the area! Comfy, classic furniture in a beautiful historic building with the best cigar selection that just keeps growing in a gorgeous, massive Spanish cedar humidor. And BYOB! A Cuban Experience offers exactly that- wonderful cigars, domino nights, Cuban music, and so much more. If you want a taste of Cuba, come and see the best cigar roller in Lake County at A Cuban Experience. Also, Luis at A Cuban Experience rolled 200 cigars for our wedding and worked with us to include customized rings on each cigar. I can't tell you how much of a huge hit they were at our wedding and how much everyone loved them! Luis was very prompt, professional, and wonderful to work with. I highly recommend working with A Cuban Experience for cigars for any event. read more

A Cuban Experience - Watching the master roll - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Waukegan, Illinois

See all

Thank you so much for letting us spend our special day with you all. Cheers to forever read more

A Cuban Experience - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Waukegan, Illinois

This is not the closest cigar shop to my house but I believe it's totally worth the drive. I'm not a regular cigar smoker, having said that the few times I visited A Cuban Experience I instantly felt like I was part of the family. Louis has always great recommendations as far as which cigar I should try. His suggestions are always spot on. If you are new to the cigar smoking world, don't be shy and visit A Cuban Experience. The staff, decor and the cigar selection is just wonderful. read more

Welcoming to all very nice place to relax with a stick and talk to friends and other customers in the store.

This is a fantastic place! The leather chairs and all areas are clean and well maintained. Fantastic selection of premium cigars. read more

See all

This week while celebrating our son's 31st birthday we tried out "A Cuban Experience", a cigar lounge - a first for me! We LOVED the rich atmosphere, fantastic art work, friendly and helpful staff and enticing aromas! There was a variety of extremely comfortable settings for lounging with your friends while reading, playing chess or cards or conversing. And BEST of all on Wednesday nights a 4 piece blues band Trombone Dave and the Lawn Clippings!!! We will definitely be back! read more

See all

Best cigar lounge, big walk in humidor with a great selection. Knowledgeable and friendly staff. BYOB.

It is a cool looking place. The owner was very friendly and made us feel welcome. I didnt mind the cigar smoke. My dad loves this place. read more

Fantastic cigar shop with a large lounge and large leather chair and large screen TVs. A huge walk in humidor. Great people and great place. Cigar prices are a little high, but the leather lounge chairs makes up for it. A must try for cigar lovers!! read more

See all

Best cigar shop on Chicago's North Shore. A Cuban Experience met all my expectations: clean, well stocked, comfortable, spacious, and professionally staffed. On any given day customers will find an expert Cuban cigar roller, local musicians on the sound stage, or a live radio-broadcast discussion. The lounge hosts frequent events with national cigar reps. Parking is available on Genessee Street or the large, free city lot behind the lounge. A Cuban Experience is a great place for improving your work-smoke balance or meeting new friends while enjoying great cigars! read more

A great and classy place. Perfect for my daughters first cigar. Lots of seating and it well maintained. Staff is friendly and good selection of cigars read more

A Cuban Experience - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Waukegan, Illinois

Comfortable, friendly atmosphere with a great selection of cigars. The staff here is very helpful and friendly.

Like the atmosphere, relaxing fun place to kick back, BUT each time I have been in there lately, there is moldy cigars in the humidor. Unfortunate because the place is so nice. I hope the mold problem gets take care of. I know that some will say is plume, but boxes and cigar bands do not have plume on them. read more

Stopped in and the staff was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I enjoyed relaxing in the lounge chairs. This could be habit forming. I will return!!! read more

A Cuban Experience - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Waukegan, Illinois

See all

Excellent location and a big open space. Selection is good, but now overwhelming. Ambiance is fantastic and prices are good for Illinois. I'm hoping this wonderful place will anchor a recovery of the neighborhood. So much local charm and character. read more

This place is GREAT! Within walking distance of the courthouse so I am sure I will end up getting lost here often after court. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. Large humidor with a pretty good selection. The smoking environment is extremely comfortable with big leather chairs arranged so you can sit in a group or have private conversations. Great place for a meeting, which is what I used it for today. Additionally, the place is very clean and inviting. I will without question be back. read more

First time here, had an awesome time. Amazing walk-in humidor, great atmosphere, experienced hosts, and nice vibes.

Gorgeous lounge with comfortable chairs and Wi-Fi , big well stocked humidor. No Cook county taxes. Billy and Al are a pleasure to deal with. This place has great things going on. We have a winner. read more

Great selection with a MASSIVE lounge. Very friendly, locally owned business.

Nice walk in humidor, very friendly staff and comfortable accommodations make his place one of my favorite cigar bars!

Great experience in our first cigar lounge. The owner helped us select the right cigar and in detail explained how to smoke a cigar. I recommend the Java Latte for a first timer!! read more

I have been to countless cigar shops and lounges in many states..some places I was made to feel welcome and some I felt uncomfortable and like an outsider...nowhere have I felt more at home and frankly like family than at A Cuban Experience...From when I first walked in and was slightly intimidated by the large crowd (there was a Rocky Patel event) and was welcomed by Margaret to having long conversations and sharing beverages with Billy and Luis (the owners) and Keith, a longtime patron. I was amazed at how large the lounge was as well as the fully stocked humidor. The interior is beautifully furnished with original artwork and the tin ceiling (140 years old) was breathtaking...I used to be a regular patron of Cigar King until the owner sold it. The original owner and staff at CK were always welcoming but the clientele at CK were mostly businessmen busy on their laptops..Not here..People from all walks of life, different ethnic backgrounds all come together and shared their passion for great cigars..I found a place I would be honored to call my cigar home..Thank you again to the owners and staff of A Cuban Experience for everything read more

Located on the North end of downtown Waukegan is an experience that is unique to the suburbs and in many aspects unique in general. Founded from local Cigar aficionados and boaters A CUBAN EXPERIENCE is lined with a classy decor and comfortable chairs that even non cigar smokers seem to enjoy. The theme falls in line with the name itself decorated with native plants and a rustic appeal that compliments the wonderful smell of the many blends and highlighted by a massive beautifully crafted Spanish Cedar humidor built and stocked with CLE, Cornelius Anthony, Drew Estates, Erez and many other lines and consistently updated. 55" TVs surround the area along with a raised stage for music performance and open jam sessions. Tables line the room and are filled with patrons once a week for Dominos night. This spot is classy, professional and welcoming. Knowledgable staff who makes you feel at home while teaching many about this passion of cigars to those who are new to the taste and method.They also carry the Xikar line of accessories such as cutters, punches, lighters, humidor supplies and travel cases. This is a must see for any Cigar aficionados or folks who are interested. Men bring your wives or girlfriends for they seem to enjoy it as smokers or just to hang out in this wonderful spot. read more

This is by far the nicest lounge I've been to. I travel all over the US for work and this place is AMAZING. Great chairs, great music, nice owners amazing. read more