The best cigar/pipe shop in Chicago (possibly the nation!) hands-down. Douglas was a pleasure to meet and work with, and my two friends each brought home a pipe thanks to him. Fantastic customer service, great selection of cigars at reasonable prices, and a staggering number of pipes and pipe tobaccos to choose from. A must-visit for a relaxing smoke and a walk through history! read more

See all

Read my review Apparently the owner backs up his employees 100 without even listening to you , it's stupid and prices aren't cheap read more

Recent trip to Chicago, my husband wanted a spot to enjoy a good cigar, and I came across this place. It definitely did not disappoint. From the warm greeting when we walked in, to the perfectly humidified cigars, and just relaxing at the lounge, the whole experience was so good. Definitely a spot we would recommend if you're in Chicago! read more

Iwan Ries - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I am amazed at the quality of this smoke lounge. It is amazingly clean and has a large inventory of both pipes and cigars.. This is a high value establishment that I would recommend. I brought an old pipe that had been damaged and asked that it be repaired. Not only did they take this task on gladly. They were very knowledgeable about what needed to be done and how long it would take.. Doug waited on us and his in-depth knowledge of his inventory and what would fit our needs best. I would not only recommend Iwan Ries I would highly suggest that anyone that wants to see top quality service in action and how to run a business should go and experience this. Doug went above and beyond in his service to us. read more

Iwan Ries - A partial section of the pipe inventory with Doug the best cigar/pipe/tobacco aficionado I've met. - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The shop is aesthetically beautiful that old time feel cigar lounge nothing like I have been to and I have visited several shops in New York. They have everything a cigar or pipe enthusiast would want. My boyfriend and I were very impressed with the whole thing from the beginning to the end. The lounges are out of this world and everyone was helpful. Douglas in sales was awesome and extremely knowledgeable. Thank you for making this trip memorable. read more

Best kept secret in Chicago. Very nice humidor. Cigars were perfectly humidified and the lounge was beautiful. Great place. If I lived in Chicago I'd be there everyday. The people who work there were awesome and the people smoking were Super nice. Highly recommend this place. read more

Where to begin? On a recent trip to Chicago with family, I managed to get to this legendary shop and was not disappointed. Douglas at once greeted me, and for some time we just talked...about his life and mine in education; about the grammar of Latin, Greek, and Polish; about life. Only then did we get down to the business of pipes. He began with series of questions about what shapes and finishes I preferred, what types of tobacco, and the range I would be interested in spending. It felt like going to a fitting at a proper tailor's. He introduced me to Kevin, who allowed me to take some video around the main shop and in the wonderful smoking lounge. In the end, I walked out with a Pipsan olive-wood pipe and an Aldo Velani churchwarden, some IRC Three Star Bronze and some IRC Three Star Green. At least that was what was in the bag. What I truly left with was a purchasing experience like no other...for any purchase of any kind. Highly recommended! I will certainly be returning. read more

Iwan Ries - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Not my first time here, and still an amazing experience. Douglas guided us through the cigars that met our taste. He was very good at qualifying what we liked. It was like a perfume shop or cologne shop for cigars with great attendants. I will definitely be back. read more

Great old tobacco and Cigar Shop. Amazing selection of great cigars. Be careful with the cigar lounge ... it was pricey! $30-$35 to smoke a cigar you bot from their shop. read more

Best source for pipes in cook county They are knowledgeable and helpful I also love their tobacco company read more

Amazing! A happy accident we found and what a treat! Staff were so kind and knowledgeable. This is why I love Chicago! read more

Iwan Ries - We just stumbled upon this cigar shop and it was a real treat! - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Iwan Ries is the oldest family owned cigar company/lounge in Chicago and the 2nd longest continuous operating tobacconist in the country. When you walk in I felt a sense of nostalgia and history. Established in 1857, Iwan Ries prides itself on running the business as it did 167 years ago When i entered the building, you take the elevator (or stairs) up to the lounge/retail area. There are several type of tobacco products and pipes and some of my favorite premium cigars. I purchased the LFD Ligero. The price was slightly above average but expected. The cigar was in great condition. The place was well humidified. There are lockers, a huge tv and nice size couches and chairs in the lounge area. I had to purchase a day-passes to the lounge to but you can either purchased from Iwan Ries or they can bring their own. A nice size group, not crowded. Good vibes. I enjoyed my time here and plan on coming back when I'm in the area. read more

Iwan Ries - La Flor Dominicana Ligero - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Singular not only in what they are and what they offer but in customer service as well. You want a wide selection of fine tobacco products at fair prices? Done. You want highly knowledgable and friendly staff? Done. There are many reasons why Iwan Ries is the storied institution it is, and one you need to see for yourself. Ask for Douglas and do more listening than speaking. You may not walk out with what you came in for, but that's why you go to Iwan Ries. To learn what you need more than what you want. read more

Loved this place. Chock full of atmosphere, character and history. Huge selection, knowledgeable staff that's been around the block a few times and large, well-appointed lounge areas, adequate to accommodate multiple groups. read more

The place mixes the old with the new, definitely a place people should visit when Chicago even if they smoke or not

I can't say enough good things about this place. Friendly helpful staff, phenomenal selection of pipes, amazing smoking lounges with real leather and wood. $20 for a day pass is a bargain for everything you get acccess to. It's well worth it to make time in your day to hang out read more

Service was great. Everyone was friendly and helpful. Douglas is very knowledgeable and passionate about everything tobacco related; he really made the experience absolutely wonderful! Great selection of pipes, tobacco and cigars. Their lounge is spacious and accommodating. If you are into pipes or cigars it is definitely worth stopping in and checking out. read more

Excellent selection, very knowledgeable staff, great atmosphere! This is a perfect old school tabaconist!

The space is nice, the service is good but the price is high for what you get. The biggest perk is bringing your own drinks which is what sold me on coming here for a birthday treat. Wouldn't do it on a regular basis due to cost but a special occasion is worth it read more

Quite literally the Willy Wonka of cigars. Popped in on a recent trip to Chi Town and found a smoker's paradise. Just around the corner from my hotel and Michigan Avenue, this shop has everything you need for a smoke. Brought some hard to find 93-rated Macanudos home. Will definitely add this to my stops next time I'm in town. read more

Iwan Ries - The Willy Wonka of cigars. - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Being new to pipe smoking, I was treated to a pipe "fitting" reminiscent of Harry Potter's wand shop experience. I walked in with zero knowledge and walked away with Doug taking the time and patience to walk me through all the nuances and types of pipes before finding the right one to start. I was also treated to a pipe smoking lesson, and tried various tobaccos before finding a few ones pleasant to my palette. If you're a first time pipe smoker, or an accomplished one who wants to talk about pipes, this is the place for you. (I was also recommended reasonably priced garage parking at 55 E. Monroe around the corner from the shop.) read more

Iwan Ries - There's plenty of matches. - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Historic cigar and pipe shop that has been in business over 100 years. Great selection very knowledgeable and great service. They have something for everyone ranging from your entry level pipe to a nice selection of high end and estate pipes. I always make it a stop when I am in Chicago read more

What an absolute gem! If you're into premium tobacco (pipes and cigars), historical places, and top tier customer service - there's no debate this is a must see. Douglas took great care of us from showing me different pipes at different price ranges, to conversing about what he used to do for work. When you first walk in, you're immediately greeted by the wonderful aroma of premium tobacco. As you take your first steps off the elevator, you'll soon see how rich with history this place truly is. I purchased a brand new Dunhill after browsing the entire store (trust me, you'd want to if you're into this hobby.) Douglas helped me narrow down my options and also gave some suggestions based on my preferences. If I'm ever in Chicago again, I'll be coming back. read more

Visited IR on a business trip and met Douglass. Knows his pipe and a solid Brooklyn boy to boot. Recommended some baccy and offered a pinch on the house of some Virginia. If I lived in Chicago, I would be here EVERY DAY. Reminds me the now gone Nat Sherman and others in NYC. A true treasure. read more

I visited Iwan Ries looking for pipe tobacco and maybe a pipe or two. What I left was much more. Douglas, the pipe expert, is extremely knowledgeable and hospitable. I immediately felt like I'd met a long time friend. I was able to sample a few of the house blends and was able to take my time as I shopped. The pricing of tobacco and pipes were super fair and Douglas is an added value that is priceless! I will 100% be visiting Iwan Ries again. I recommend anyone that enjoys fine tobacco, nice pipes, and top-notch customer service to visit Iwan Ries and tell my good friend Douglas that I sent you! read more

Iwan Ries - Douglas (center) and Daniel (left) made my time at Iwan Ries a pleasure.  Top notch folks! This is a must stop when in Chicago. - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Mr Douglas welcome me to this Lounge in Chicago on Wabash 19 S and Madison. It was my first time at this wonderful and amazing historic lounge. There at the lounge I met Mr John Adams, not the former president but an elegant gentleman who also kindly welcomed me offering me a great drink. Another nice cigar enthusiast joined us, Mr Jay, gave me a great cigar as a gift from the store at the lounge. I can't describe with better words how grateful and happy I was at this pleasant lounge. I purchased some nice cigars and my first pipe, a Savinelli a fine Italian, hand made pipe. My youngest son smokes cigars and pipes, so I had to get myself in to trying some of his great pipe tabacos and the experience was amazing and since I was going to Chicago for a week I was recommended by the nicest doorman Mr Rufus at the Hilton hotel to Iwan Ríes, best recommendation ever! In a few months I will be back to Chicago and my first stop will be to this now my favorite lounge in Chicago. On of my best friends from Mayaguez, owner of Massa artisan bakery and restaurant will be visiting Chicago next weekend and I recommended him Iwan Ríes Cigar lounge, he hopes to make an escape to this Chicago's famous cigar lounge a great landmark. read more

Having a lounge in downtown Chicago is amazing. I only wish I would've found this place sooner. This will definitely be on my must do list for every return. read more

This is my second time in Iwan Ries, I can only say I wish I would be able to get back there more often than I do. Douglas is exceptional with selections and always has a great attitude. My first experience was over a year ago and after walking in and looking around a bit he came out after helping another customer and remembered me and what pipe I had purchased. While in the mood for a good cigar which they have many of, after asking what profile I like and what I have had recently. He had a few suggestions that were very good at great prices and for someone that enjoys more pipe tobacco than cigars I was glad to have taken his word on one of his recommendations. I was also able to be shown several pipes and was able to snag a few at some very reasonable prices. It is always enjoyable to come to this shop and relax during the day watching one of several TV's, read a good book, working away from the office. I hope that others will come in and be able to enjoy more frequently than I have. Thank you again for all the great conversations and recommendations. read more

Iwan Ries - Lounge room - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

My go to spot to unwind, enjoy my tobacco pipe and watch the 'L' pass by their giant window looking out to the surrounding neighborhood. This place is ornate and offers all the amenities you'd expect like leather lounge chairs to relax and a kitchen stocked with rocks glasses and ice for BYOB. I always bring a bottle of burboun or rum every time. If you want to buy a cigar, pipe, or tobacco there they have a store with a knowledgeable staff. read more

I was beyond pleased with our visit to Iwan Ries. Douglas provided over the top great service and made sure that we got the appropriate products within our budget. He took the time to educate us newbies on use and care of the pipes that we purchased. The shop has a large selection and lots of interesting historical features. It was definitely a big highlight to our visit to Chicago! read more

The cigar/pipe/tobacco store is only open M-F, but the lounge is open at 11am even on weekends. It's a "private" club, but for a $15 guest fee you can visit and use all the amenities. They have glassware and ice; you byob liquor and mixers or beer or wine. Enter through the plywood construction foyer and go up the stairs to the second floor. Go through the door with the Iwan Ries sign on it. The store is to the right, the lounge is straight ahead. The lounge door might be propped open on the weekend. If you come while the store is open, they will let you into the lounge. There is a small selection of cigars and accessories available for sale in the lounge. The host will collect the guest fee, answer questions and sell sticks. It's like a secret hideout. read more

Iwan Ries - Dark wood, lots of comfy leather chairs, ice and glasses for byob. It's cigar heaven. - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I visited Iwan Reis during a short work trip to Chicago - on my off time I was sniffing around for some tobacco to try and maybe a pipe to purchase when I stumbled upon Iwan Reis. The shop itself has an exceptional selection of products and excellent staff. A gentleman by the name of Harry presented himself as a Sherpa to my relatively inexperienced pipe smoking self. Not only was he super knowledgeable, he had a sense of humor as sharp as a tack - he cracked me up several times while we developed our rapport. They have brand name tobaccos and house tobacco, which were very reasonably priced. I look forward to my next visit! read more

Incredible place, fantastic customer service, selection of tobaccos, knowledge and hospitality. Thank you Douglas! I'll definitely visit again when in Chicago! read more

Good selection of cigars, BYOB and very interesting views of the city. You are situated on the second floor facing South and West on Wabash; great people watching and laid back ambiance. The spot could use an updated ventilation system but otherwise classy and roomy. read more

Looking for the real life Chicago vibe? This is your place! Come ready to enjoy some time here & BYOB. Always a memorable experience. Haven't experienced anything like Iwan Ries anywhere else in the world. read more

My grandfather started going here in the 30s and it is truly the finest tobacconist in America -- and I've been to many! The expertise is unparalleled, the selection is unmet, and the place itself is funky as all get out (in a good way)! Not to be missed. read more

I found this place on Yelp during a business trip to Chicago and happy I did. This is the oldest tobacco shop in the US and it is a class act. The attendants are friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. I tried the house brand cigar and was very pleasantly surprised at the quality experience for the modest price. I ordered two boxes to send home. The lounge requires a $15 entrance fee but it is very elegant and well kept.IRC also sells pipes and pipe tobacco. I highly recommend the shop, lounge, and online website. read more

This place ROCKS!! I am a new-ish pipe smoker, and went in not knowing where to start. I was greeted by Douglas, and his amazing personality! We talked for a bit so he could get a sense on what kind of pipe I was looking for and the budget I needed to work with. He immediately took me to their HUGE selection of estate pipes. And their estate pipes aren't just smoked, they have a huge assortment of UNSMOKED estate pipes. At one point, Douglas had 6 pipes out on the counter for me to touch, hold, and get acquainted with. I finally chose "the one" and was ready to pay, but wait... Douglas took me over to their tobacco section and I was blown away AGAIN!! From bulk/loose tobacco, to ouches to tins, they have the largest selection I have ever seen in one place. Douglas had me smelling tobaccos, sniffing coffee beans in between. After finding a couple that I liked the smell of, I was given samples of each to try right there in the store! Say whaaaaaaaat??? Also, did you know that eating a Tootsie Roll helps with cleansing your palette between tasting different tobaccos? Me neither, but you know who did? You guessed it, Douglas!! When all was said and done, I was at the store for about 2 hours, being WELL taken care of, and leaving with a new pipes, some amazing house tobacco, and some other goodies, along with a Tootsie Roll for the road. ;-) Fantastic service, great selection, and an amazing experience!! Thank you Douglas, I really appreciate all of your time and great conversation!! 10/10 Would recommend read more

Good joint to grab a stick and can sit inside and smoke, or you can take to go. Guys that work here are always knowledgeable if you need help and the selection is always stellar. If you are a true aficionado, you can get a member ship and get some private space for you and your friends which is great as you can bring in some premium liquors to go with those cigars. I'm here maybe once every other month and I always have a good time. read more

My partner and I just spent a week in Chicago and went here several times. Superb staff and selection. The members of the private club ( you can pay a reasonable day rate ) are nice and engaging to visitors. This is a great place. Oldest tobacco shop in America. read more