Great service, and their staff is very welcoming. (With the exception of their manager from time to time) other than that the associates are great and always willing to help, but they don't forcefully up-sell you. I always buy my cigars here and even when I have too many at home, I'll still come in at least once or twice a week to enjoy a fresh stick with the fellow moderation loungers read more

Considering the history of the store and the decent selection, I'm disappointed that I have to give Briar Shoppe a low rating. When I walked in, I was met with the sight of a woman on her laptop behind the counter and the very attentive Joseph, who I came to find was quite knowledgable about their inventory. When one visits a cigar shop, it's important to feel comfortable and welcomed. Much to my dismay, when conversing with Joseph about the history of the shop, the woman on her laptop felt it was pertinent to trouble Joseph with menial tasks around the store DURING our conversation, as she continued to sit on her laptop by the way. As a customer, I felt it was very rude and most of all, it was demeaning to Joseph, who at the time was demonstrating excellent customer service. As someone who purchases a considerable amount of cigars each month for personal and professional reasons, why would I patronize a shop that feels providing customer service comes second wiping display cases? When she was forced to walk away from her laptop to help other customers who walked in, she admonished her coworker for being inconvenienced. My question to her is, am I not worthy of good customer service or does it comes second to sitting on her laptop? If she's not prepared to help customers as they walk in, then why sit behind the counter of the store? She should be out of sight of the patrons, otherwise she should be prepared to help whoever walks in and not expect another worker to stop helping someone to attend to other customers as she just sits. Again, I'm disappointed that I must give a low ranking, but based on my experience today, Briar Shoppe failed at what should be top priority at such a business: hospitality. read more

Incredible staff, and my favorite products from all over the world. No where else I go for my tobacco in Houston!

I want to thank the staff for taking the time and showing me from start to finish how to smoke a pipe. I didn't know anything at all but by the time I left I was equipped with all the basic knowledge of pipe smoking. Bought my first pipe, tobacco and supplies. Special thanks to Ross and the owners for creating a relaxing and inviting environment to enjoy a smoke. read more

I have been going to the Briar Shoppe for about a year and a half now and have to I'm hooked. From the first time I walked in the door I was greeted with a warm and friendly welcome and it has never changed. the staff is very pleasant and knowledgeable. And the the patrons I've met while setting and enjoying a cigar have now all become great friends everyone is very respectful staff and patrons it's a great environment to hang out enjoy a cigar, smoke your pipe and just feel at home . Thanks guys your the best see ya soon read more

Any smokers dream! You do not necessarily have to be a cigar connoisseur to appreciate the Briar Shoppe. The friendly, knowledgeable staff is ready and willing to help out any curious shopper! Did I mention you can smoke while you shop?!! So if you're into cigars, pipes, specialty cigarettes, or just plain bored and want to learn something new, check this joint out! Ask for Jenny and tell her Amie sent you! read more

The Briar Shoppe is a Houston landmark for pipes and pipe tobacco and they have a fair selection of cigars as well. I have been a customer of The Briar Shoppe for over twelve years now and have had many great customer service experiences there. I have to travel at least 40 minutes one way to get to The Briar Shoppe on a good day and more during peak traffic times, so I only make the trip every month or two. My last few visits have been less than pleasant due to Jara. I do not believe that customer service is her calling in life. She always seems aloof, less than willing to assist with tobacco selection and downright rude at times. Another employee invited me back to see and smell the bulk tobaccos behind the counter and Jara shouted at me in front on the entire shop "Do Not go back there, someone will help you with anything you want to see behind the counter". I found this wayyyyy out of line. Jara acted as if she was doing me a favor by assisting with bulk tobacco purchases on my visit yesterday, so I didn't even dare ask to see any tins that I was interested in purchasing. I feel that people like Jara are part of the reason that online tobacco purchases are becoming more common. Due to Jara and her poor customer service skills, I will save myself the time of driving, fuel and taxes by ordering my tobacco online... read more

I was traveling for business and in the Houston area for a couple of days and decided to go enjoy a nice cigar. Immediately upon entering the store the owner engaged me and offered assistance. The selection is on point and the siting area is very welcoming. I will definitely be back when visiting Houston again! read more

The kind of Cigar/Tobacco Shop one can only dream about. Selection? Great. Layout? Superb. Ease of shopping? Terrific. Helpfulness of staff? Magnificent. This is like a European tobacco shop with a touch of Southwestern charm -- I only wish they would open a shop in Los Angeles. One of the owners noticed a tiny flaw in the wrapper of one of the cigars I was buying -- I never noticed it, it was so small. She insisted on getting a new one for me. It wouldn't have mattered, I am sure, but she said, "I am sorry, we cannot sell that to you...." Really a great place. read more

I have come in twice now, and each time was amazing. My first time in was for cigars and the second was for purchasing my first pipe. Austin and Ross provided me with a customized journey through the large selection of pipes and pipe tobacco that the shop offers. I was able to find an amazing and perfect 1st pipe and got some great tobacco. They invited me to enjoy my first bowl of tobacco with them and helped teach me how to properly use it. They were both extremely knowledgeable about pipes and knew everything about tobacco. Super excited to come back! read more

They have high-end AND low-end cigars, tobacco pipes, torches etc. I loved my experience! I had so many questions, and they took the time to answer them all and to give me so many recommendations. This is the only place I go to in town for cigars!! read more

Great variety, good prices, and excellent service. The help with everything they can and they're really patient. I wouldn't go anywhere else. I recommend it a 100%! read more

I recently visited this shop because I needed a new Xicar crystal humidifier for my humidor - mine had run out of gel. I took it in with me, and a slender white woman helped me. She explained that these humidifiers have a lifetime warranty, and she simplify took my old one and handed me a new one. Then, she went into more detail about how to keep them full and how to properly use them. She was a really helpful. When I went in, I didn't know this, and I assumed I'd need to buy a new one. She could've just sold me one, no questions asked, but she was cool enough to fill me in. I said something like: "Sorry I'm not actually spending money with you this visit," and she responded something like: "No worries - what matters is that you're happy." Great experience. Will go back here. read more

Excellent selection, friendly and knowledgeable staff, great atmosphere. Hands down my favorite cigar shop/lounge in houston.

Awesome shop. Great selection of rare wine and cigars. Helpful staff. Definitely will return.

This is my go-to shop for tobacco, bar none. Maybe I'm a relic of a bygone era for preferring the feel of a family-run shop where the staff is passionate about their products and not just pushing what they think I should like from a smoke, but there's something about this place that just feels like what a tobacco shop should, especially with so many other stores focusing on incense, glass pipes, bongs, and other paraphernalia not meant for tobacco. I started smoking a pipe in college. After moving back to Houston, a friend recommended The Briar Shoppe, and it quickly became the only shop I went to for tobacco. When my second cheap pipe broke on me, I'd had enough and bought a pipe from The Briar Shoppe. It was immediately evident that the staff's knowledge of and passion for their products extended to their impressive selection of pipes, and not just to the tobaccos that they sell. Because of the time and attention that they spent with me, I knew I could trust them months later when I asked for recommendations on good cigars to start with. The first cigar that one of the staff suggested to me became an instant favorite, and has led to trying more of what they have in their humidor, rather than staying away from cigars as I initially thought I would. This is an amazing shop, and it took no time at all for me to see why some customers have been coming for decades. Sure, sometimes it gets a bit hectic, especially when several people are trying to buy pipes and/or cigars at the same time, but I'd rather spend a few extra minutes for the exceptional service and competence of the staff than run to a different shop where I get something to smoke, but miss the experience of buying from people I am honored to call my friends. Besides, even if parking is tight thanks to Torchy's next door, you can always just call and they'll give you a pass to park in the lot on the roof. read more

Michael Fontaine Sr. I have been shopping at the Briar Shoppe ever since they were located in downtown Houston. I have always received the best, most courteous service of ANY place I do business. I smoke both pipes and cigars and have found the staff there to be knowledgeable in both areas. I have watched the owners and staff teach 'newbies' the finer points of cigars and how to smoke a pipe, to include which pipe tobacco they might like. I am always amazed at how quickly the newly hired staff jumps right in and learns the pipe and cigar business. I enjoy the friendly atmosphere there and feel like family when I shop. I keep my tobacco 'recipe' on file there and can call ahead to have whatever mixture of pipe tobacco I want prepared and ready upon my arrival. The Briar Shoppe is reminds me of a neighborhood pub where I can go to relax, smoke and browse to my heart's content. Coffee used to be served, until the city jumped in and cancelled that...before I took great pleasure in sitting, enjoying coffeeand conversation with an eclectic group of smokers. Recent renovations have provided a larger sitting area, but unfortunately the old practice of smoking,sippping and conversing has died out. The staff is so friendly, though, I must admit, I personally spend just about as much time there as in the 'old days.' Houston has a jewel in the Briar Shoppe, do yourself a favor and stop by... read more

Great selection but kind of semi poor staff treatment, some times you may stand around for a while and no one will help you.

I have been a customer at the Briar Shoppe since the 80s when it was on Main Street. It has a​ nice Cozy Atmosphere with a friendly and fantastic staff. I sometimes work on my computer while there and sip on a good bourbon and smoke a good cigar. No better place to be. read more

I'm a long time pipe smoker that found himself stuck in Houston for a few weeks. Naturally I wanted to find a smoke shop and try out some new tobaccos and this place was the best. The staff was incredibly friendly offering me dozens of smells and advice on her favorites as well as talked to me about my preferences and helped me find the right tobacco. They have it all! From inexpensive cigars and pipes to the best on the market. Look no further when searching for a smoke shop! read more

This is, hands down, the best cigar shop in the United States. The owners Bill and Terra are the best. The best service, company, cigar selection around. I strongly endorse this place. read more

After my initial review I received a very well written and thoughtful explanation of the pricing constraints within which a local tobacco shop has to operate from Ross Tieken of the Briar Shoppe. My low review was based entirely on the cost of the tobacco I purchased. The Briar Shoppe is a very nice store and I am changing my rating. read more

Great staff, excellent location, superb selection, cordial customers. Will enjoy spending a lot of time here.

When I went into this shop the staff was not friendly. The humidor was being reorganized and not kept at proper conditions. Most of the cigars I felt were borderline crunchy. When I get cigars from Serious Cigars they are good for 4-5 days out of the humidor. These were crunchy in 2! read more

Awesome selection of pipes. It is a great place to sample by the bowl. Their master tobacconist looks like he went to college to work here. He is very professional, informative and helpful. read more

This is my second review, don't know what happened to the first. I have been trading with the Briar Shoppe for over 35 years-through THREE generations!!! The current family member to run the shop,with his wife is Bill (Tara). The entire staff are like family to me, in fact I actually purchased a gift for a member of the staff that recently moved out of state. This particular young lady always offered me a bottle of water because she knew I take meds (which she would remind to take, as did another former employee). I now drive over 40 miles to the Briar Shoppe from League City, TX, passing at least four tobacco shops along the way to the Village in Houston. Now, for the business aspect of this review-I have been smoking pipes and cigars since 1974 (starting to trade with Bill's grandmother about a year later). I KNOW pipes and cigars, not a walking compendium by any means but I do know what I know. I STILL learn from the staff from time to time when I'm not buying and talking to other customers. I'm also unofficial ambassador for the shop to foreign visitors and other customers as well as late night security prior to closing when I'm there at those times (as a now retired police officer). By the way, whatever you expect to find in a top notch tobacco shop you WILL find at MY store, from the finest pipes to a great selection of tobaccos and cigars. I have been to tobacco shops across America and Europe and the Briar Shoppe does not disappoint. If you like latakia, try 'Dark Lagoon,' a new blend by Ross a staff member there. read more

Poor customer service . Even though there is a decent selection of cigars, it would be nice to see some of the staff employees demonstrate a little customer service to help on the selection of cigars and not take the sale for granted. read more

Not sure what the gripes about customer service are all about. The ladies have always been unobtrusive but super helpful for me. The selection is more than adequate and the pricing is fair. The biggest draw back to this shop is the parking. You're always at the mercy,of some jerk in the lot which is shared with other businesses. I can't begin to tell you how many times I've driven off - usually to Serious Cigars - because there's been no parking within several blocks. If it wasn't for the parking, my rating would be 5 stars. read more