***MUST VISIT*** Recently took a trip to Chicago for a week. Had hundreds of suggestions from friends recommending places that I had to visit. Unfortunately, no one told me to visit this amazing stop. FORTUNATELY, I spoke to my hotel concierge and they mentioned I should stop by as it was close. Immediately after walking into the store, Douglas warmly greeted me and asked if there was anything I was looking for. I in fact was! I am a very rookie pipe smoker, and was looking to add one to my collection. Not only did he take a lot of time to educate me and help me find the right pipe, but he was friendly and made this purchase an experience I will always take with me. He treated me with respect and shared so much knowledge. Just when I thought things couldn't be better, I was once again surprised by the lounge experience. I went across the street to CVS to get a bottle of Johnny Walker and enjoyed the great tobacco and new pipe in one of the classiest cigar lounges I have ever set foot in! During my week trip I visited 3 times and was always treated well and thoroughly enjoyed the visit! This is a must stop for tobacco rookies or experts! Thank you Douglas! I will treasure my first estate pipe for years to come! read more

Iwan Ries - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great selection, prices and very friendly. Douglas is the man. As someone who doesn't normally smoke cigars, it was well worth the stop just to see the insane selection and chat with the employees. Thank you to Douglas and Joe for the great experience! read more

Chicago is an increasingly difficult setting to fire up a good cigar...and this lounge was handy as I stayed nearby. Their supply of cigars is deep and well-rounded...the staff far from genial, but knowledgeable and accommodating. The smoking lounge itself requires a full, permanent membership...or a $15 entry fee for a one time visit. What you get is a place to smoke that is not on the street. Deep comfortable leather chairs... television if you are so inclined...and the "el" rumbles by the second floor setting to remind you duty will eventually pull you back. I was alone in the lounge during my mid morning visit....left to my newspaper and cigar. And I liked it just fine. read more

I can't say enough about this place and a special thanks to Harry for all his help! I have been there twice and have always had a great experience and enjoy learning about cigars. The do a great job educating you as well!! They are extremely helpful and knowledgeable!! I don't know anything about cigars but Harry was wonderful and helped me pick the perfect cigars. They don't try to upsell and are very honest. I will definitely be back to buy more cigars! Thanks again Harry for all your help!! Cheers! read more

Pretty cool shop with lots of character and charm. There's a nice selection of cigars, pipes, tobacco, humidors, and more. There's also two lounges to smoke, one is a free lounge and the other is a lounge with a $15 per day charge. It's also BYOB which is rare. You can also shop and smoke at the same time. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The paid lounge looks amazing and has several rooms to sit in. A must stop for the tobacco and cigar aficionados. read more

Amazing place! Hidden gem. From the history of the place to the simplicity of it really covers the gambit.

I came here super excited to check the place out, after reading about it. Yelp said when you check in, you get a free cigar or tobacco pouch. Not true. (By law they can't give out tobacco, or something like that, the guy said). This is a great historic place, and had a ton of great cigars and selections. The 5th star would have been for more customer service, or a friendlier welcoming staff. Some more seasoned cigar smokers may find this unimportant, but for a new smoker, the staff can make some really good recommendations, and educate on new brands to try. In a nutshell: You've got to check this place out at least once. I liked it. read more

Iwan Ries - After getting off the elevator on the 2nd floor - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

There's really not much to say that hasn't already been said. The staff was friendly and very knowledgeable. Unfortunately, they didn't have my cigar - Alec Bradley Prensado Lost Art - but they did have several others to choose from, including a very nice assortments of pipes and pipe tobacco. My only complaint -- are the snobbish suits that walk in. Sadly, these types are in every city I encounter ..... will I return? Absolutely. read more

Great customer service thru the door. Knowledgeable and great variety of offerings for all tobacco enthusiasts! I think they offer curb side pick-up which is awesome for downtown Chicago. read more

Douglas is and was an absolute gentleman and a scholar! What a wealth of knowledge with great perspective. Best selection I've ever seen of pipes and tobaccos. I will make this a must visit place every time I visit Chicago! read more

I finally made it to Iwan Ries to see what all the hype was all about, and boy was they hype spot on. This store is truly a one of a kind gem in the Chicago downtown area that will fulfill your every cigar and pipe need. I was initially taken back when I walked in by the huge amount of cigar and pipe products they offer. Feeling like on cloud nine with all the goodies to choose from I crossed paths with Douglas (AKA the Pipe Guru) who went above and beyond to make my shopping for a new pipe an epic experience. There are no words for when you run into someone who knows and has such a deep love, passion, and extreme expertise for his craft. He truly made me feel as if I was not leaving until I was completely satisfied as a customer with my purchases. He went out of his way to make us feel as I was his top customer and main concern, even tossing in a joke here and there and offering insider tips on things to not miss out on around town. Secondly I also had the great experience of hanging out with Kevin the fifth generation owner of Iwan Res and his father. All I can say is that I left feeling utterly impressed by the level of friendliness and customer service I received while visiting the store. If you find yourself in the Chicago area your should most certainly make it a point to go and visit Kevin and Douglas, and check Iwan Reis off your bucket list. You will be so glad you did I promise... read more

I was searching for a gift for my father and he actually is a big smoker. so I decided to check out some nice pipe for him. I checked reviews of the place and came around this spot. The staff is polite and understanding, as I don't know much I had to seek for an advise from the specialist. We selected a nice one wooden pipe with engraving read more

A really interesting place. It's on the second floor of a not-too-interesting entrance to a downtown building, though once inside time seems to slow down and then you are trapped there for a glorious few hours. It's great that you can bring your own alcohol, the service is very considerate and they supply you with real whiskey glasses. I'd definitely return. read more

I had a wonderful experience shopping at Iwan Ries. My grandfather smoked pipes for as long as I can remember, so the aroma of a pipe has a very fond place in my heart, and I have enjoyed a smoke or two here and there but was always a bit intimidated by the massive variety of pipes, tobaccos, etc. At any rate, at the suggestion of a friend I decided to stop into Iwan Ries today to explore, and potentially buy a pipe and some tobacco. The shop itself is in a neat old building on Jewler's Row and very convenient to my office. I stopped in around lunch time and was almost immediately greeted by a salesperson named Harry. Harry asked what brought me in today, and if I had any questions and if he could help me find anything. I explained to him that I was new to pipes and interested in getting my feet wet in the hobby. Harry was very generous with his time, and more importantly his knowledge. He explained the various types of pipes, some of their features, etc. Keep in mind that Iwan Ries is a high end store and has literally hundreds if not thousands of pipes on display and in drawers. Knowing I was interested in buying a pipe, he then suggested I buy a Missouri Meerschaum corn cob pipe that was priced at $5.70, explaining that cob pipes are some of the best smoking pipes available and as a beginner it was the best choice since it offers an excellent experience at a low price point and does not require "breaking in" like a briar pipe would. He also pointed out that if I come to enjoy pipes there is plenty of time later to upgrade to something longer lasting. Pipe in hand, we went over to the tobacco section of the store. Harry then explained the main types of pipe tobacco and how they smoke, their aromas, etc. as well as going over some of the variations off the main types, etc. He offered to let me smoke a sample of any right there in the store to try them out, but being somewhat limited in time, I decided to simply buy a small portion each of a Virigina, English, and aromatic tobacco so that I can try them out at home and decide what I enjoy from there. We also talked about how to pack and light a pipe, how to clean it, how to use a pipe tool, etc. In the end I think I spent around $35 and left with a pipe, 3 different tobaccos, a bag of pipe cleaners, a Czech tool, a "new pipe smoker's" how-to booklet, and a butane lighter, and most importantly, a basic education in pipes and pipe smoking, compliments of Harry. I'm excited to try these tobaccos over the next couple of weeks, and I look forward to returning to Iwan Ries when it's time to explore further. I should note that while my interest today was in pipe smoking, they also have a variety of other tobacco products including a wide selection of cigars, and they also have a smoking lounge area that I unfortunately did not get a chance to enjoy today. read more

My Grandfather came here when I was a kid. He'd buy the house bend pipe tobacco and give me a few bucks to buy camera stuff down the street. I recall they had a another store in evergreen plaza and my Granddad was there so often he and the counter person would continue conversations from previous visits. I still have his Peterson, Cavanelli and Dunhill pipes but haven't been to The shop in many years. I remember the place because my Grandfather would not patronize any establishment where he didn't feel welcomed. He always said This is one of the places he felt welcome as a black man in Chicago. Even when there were other shops close to his house. I'm glad this place is still around. I plan on visiting soon. read more

I don't smoke tobacco so I can only suggest that this is an excellent place if you're looking to buy a gift for a pipe or cigar smoker. The service is quite good, even though I was only looking for a moderately priced gift. They did an excellent job of gift wrapping, saving me the trouble. If you're a non-smoker, it really does smell funny in here. It smells like, hmmm, how do I describe this,... the 1970s. So, put that in your pipe and smoke it. read more

If you smoke cigars in downtown Chicago - make it your business to stop by Iwan Ries. All you need to know, to quote a previous reviewer, are the following: this place has lots leather chairs, wood grain everything, TVs, and ice cubes...BIG ONES. Grab your favorite bottle of scotch (Glenrothes I hope), drop $15 to get into the lounge upstairs, and smoke whatever you want. #pimp read more

My travel companion and I visit a lot of cigar shops in cities across the US. I get it: this is the oldest one in the country or the world or whatever..... But it just doesn't measure up. Seating is uncomfortable. It was really dirty. Dusty. Fluorescent overhead lighting. Ashes all over the floor. No windows to the outside world. Just depressing. Other ones are appointed with nice leather furniture, floors that have been swept, and better lighting. I guess the cigar selection is ok. I'm really tempted to put a 2, but I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt and raising it to a 3 because my travel companion found a decent cigar. In all fairness, I wasn't really feeling very well when I was here. read more

Found these guys in Chicago. Been in business over a hundred years and in the same location for over 50 years. Cigar selections was out of this world. They had everything you needed regarding tobacco, cigars and pipes. Yes....pipes. An amazing selection. Spent a lot of time just looking at what they had. Cool place. Have to take an elevator up to the 2nd floor and voila...there it was. Check this place out! read more

Being a woman and not knowing a thing about cigars or tobacco, I felt a little shy and intimidated about going into the store to find a birthday gift for my husband. But what a pleasant surprise I had when Douglas immediately greeted and warmly welcomed me making me feel instantly comfortable! From that moment on, Doug gave me his undivided attention anticipating every one of my questions, educating me on the different accessories, types of cigars and how to smoke them, and recommending the best gift within my budget. Even Harry, the owner, personally wrapped up the gift for me at no extra cost. Top-notch customer service along with the largest and finest selection of cigars and tobacco. Thank you! read more

I visited Iwan Ries & Co during a recent business trip to Chicago and I couldn't wait to get back and write this review! The shop is well laid out and stocked, and the staff is extremely welcoming and friendly. Doug, the shop's charismatic pipe expert, was nothing short of magnificent! He gave my colleague and I an impromptu lesson on pipes - the different makes, styles and sizes - as well as great detail on the craftsmanship behind the various handmade pipes in the shop's collection. My colleague and I were so impressed that we wound up staying in the members-only room. For a very modest $15pp fee, you can sit in the members-only room as a visitor and smoke a stick or pipe or BYOB and have a drink. This was great also, as the regular members were very friendly - one even offered to share his Johnnie Walker Blue Label ($200+ a bottle) with us! The room was very nicely decorated, with dark wood accents, high ceilings and was well ventilated. Awesome time!! Doug also got us a deeply discounted coupon for dinner at a nearby steakhouse - which was great as well. We went back the next day for another smoke before leaving Chicago, and we each wound up purchasing a pipe from Doug. I can't say enough how nice he is and how great of a time I had there. I've never smoked a pipe before, but this was a great education and I look forward to my first light-up! read more

I finally made it to Iwan Ries last week after purchasing from them online for a while. I was extremely impressed with the pipe and cigar selection. The friendly, knowledable staff helped match me up with a tobacco. I will absolutely be back to try out my pipe and some more tobacco. In spite of being pressed for time, I had a great experience. After returning home, I loaded my pipe with a bowl of the Three Star Bronze, which had been what the sales gentleman had been smoking, and I really enjoyed it. I also picked up a few Arturo Fuente Hemingways, and they were perfect. If you smoke pipes or cigars, Iwan Ries & Co. is legendary, with excellent service to match. read more

A great place. From the shop to the private smoking lounge, it is top-shelf. Not only does this place claim to be the US's oldest tobacco retailer, but it has lots of great character and a very knowledgeable staff. I found a very wide selection of my favorite cigars here and even bought my first pipe--a fantastic Dunhill briar. A friendly staff person led me through the whole process and made me feel right at home. If I ever do a lot of work in or happen to relocate to Chicago in the future, I will definitely pay the membership dues to become a member of the smoking lounge, too! read more

My friend and I just finished dinner and we were walking and talking along the north side. We remembered we purchased cigars from this place (details escape how we found this store, I found out we checked in here so I assume we bought it from here). What's better than an after dinner cigar walking along the north side of the Windy City amongst the Sunday night crowd? I forget what kind we got but it was damn good. Smooth and savory, nothing like having a stogy and chat with a friend on vacation. I need to find this place again. If only I remember how we got there! read more

I'm so cigar expert, but I've started to dabble. As a dabbler, I've come to enjoy this place every time that I've been in here. The Store: Majorly helpful employees. I told them that I knew almost nothing about cigar smoking, but that I'd recently taken it up (in lieu of more exercise or reading) as an addition, once a week type hobby. They helped me pin-point the types of things that I should be looking for, and directed me to smoke some light-mild cigars. Additionally, they pointed me toward a lighter smoke that had, "a bit of complexity," for a light smoke. Even though I'm a total newb, he didn't make me feel like an idiot. If you're also a newb, I'd highly recommend the, "Butera." The Lounge: Leather. Wood walls. A few TV's. Fridge for BYOB goodies. Freezer with the BIG ice cubes. That should tell you everything. If it doesn't, I shall expand: this has become my go-to place for post steak-dinners with the boys, or for a relaxing Friday or Saturday evening. The guy that works the lounge is always wearing a slick grey, double-breasted suit and is a nice guy, even to the folks that aren't regulars. Oh, there is a $15 cover on the lounge, if you aren't a full member. I've only paid it about 50% of the time I've been there -- sometimes, they just don't ask me for money. Definitely get this place out. read more

Iwan Ries - Perfect Saturday evening - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I cannot say enough about this store, if you dont want to read this long post, just go and you wont regret it! All aspects of this establishment are five star, from the lounge (both the free and the member) to the employees, the the vast store itself! first off in entering the store you are immediately greeted by the staff. the staff I encountered were so friendly and knowledgeable. Douglas was the first gentleman that I met and he knew all the right questions to find me a great cigar. I wanted something unique and he definitely met the order with thier house cigar as well as the exclusive TAA cigar. Both were amazing BTW. then I talked with Mark for a while, again, so knowledgeable and friendly. I was only there for 2 hours but was already feeling like a regular. Then there was Harry, he has been in the field for a long time and really knew his stuff. I had such a great experience there and will definitely return! it is nice to find honest people in the industry. this place from the outside doesnt seem much, but when you walk in it is amazing! A must for all cigar and pipe lovers! read more

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I was in Chicago for only one day while my wife went to a conference and was looking for a place to smoke a cigar indoors. I wan Aries & Co was about a block away. This place is on the second floor and since the buildings elevator was broken I took the stairs. When I walked in I was immediately greeted by a pipe smiling gentleman( unfortunately I forgot his name). He was friendly and asked if I'd even there before. I told him no and he gave me the lay of the land. He asked if there was something I was looking for and I said I wanted something new. He then asked all the right questions; size, strength, light or full bodied. I gave him my preferences and he helped me pick out two sticks. They charge $750 a year to join and have access to the lounge but sell 24 hour day passes for $15. He made it a point to tell me to save the receipt because I could get back in anytime that day if I wanted to come back. This is a BYOB lounge so I brought a half filled bottle of Laphroaig Lore with me. They had a wide selection of clean glassware to choose from. The lounge was clean with well worn and very comfortable leather chairs with tables and ash trays everywhere and all of them clean. I spent four hours there and everyone was friendly. Some people, like myself stayed quietly by themselves and others(complete strangers) started up conversations. It was everything you would want in a cigar lounge. This place was well worth the stop. The prices were reasonable for someone from New York since taxes are about the same (over 30%) and I will be making sure I stay at a hotel close enough every time I visit Chicago. read more

Iwan Ries is an excellent place to go for a customized, and quality smoking experience. I encourage tobacco smokers of all interest levels and inclinations to visit, and you'll be greeted by genuinely dedicated and helpful staff. Douglass, for example, is an extremely knowledgeable and passionate tobacconist, who's thoughtful and kind, even despite the fact that he's a hard core New Yorker read more

The oldest tobacconist in the USA since 1857. Enormous selection of Cigars, Pipes, Pipe Tobaccos and accessories. This is the place you MUST visit when you are in Chicago! I work with Douglas who is a knowledgeable and enthusiastic salesman. If you are a cigar or pipe guy, this should be on your bucket list! See my video review (link below) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbJdBo2bfuY read more

Very classy cigar shop. $15 cover though and not the biggest selection of cigars. It is part of the oldest smoke shop store in the country. That's neat. Good place to relax, watch sports, socialize, and smoke. read more

This place is a hidden gem rich with history Personable and knowledgeable staff, and some of the best quality tobacco products you can find in Chicago. Make this a must visit. read more

Such an amazing place. Flew in from LA for a birthday getaway and my fiancé wanted to smoke a cigar. Searched a few places online and came across this gem. Their selection is out of this world. Their service is impeccable. Douglas is wonderful!!!! So knowledgeable and beyond helpful. Definitely recommend this place. read more

I'm a recent transplant to Chicago and I needed a new local shop to pick up my pipe tobacco and paraphernalia. I was skeptical of this place at first, assuming from the first floor and online pictures, that it was going to be some stuffy haunt resting on its centenarian laurels. I was wrong. I love this place. First, I should note that my review is based solely on purchasing products from the upstairs shop. I had tried other shops in the city first, like Up Down and Monadnock, but once I met the staff here, I knew I found my place. They know their stuff and they're respectable to your needs. Want a cheap ashtray? OK, they got you. Want a mid-range pipe pouch? No problem. They don't judge and only cater to high end clientele. They are tobacconists through and through and respect anyone still interesting in this unfortunately demonized past time. Anyway, I'm glad I found this place and it's the only place I come to now. I highly suggest you try it for all your smoking needs. If you're looking for a cigar lounge? I don't know what to tell you except, don't be that guy. read more

I would say I am an avid cigar smoker, but I came here in search of my first tobacco pipe. Completely new to the world of tobacco pipes, I felt like I was set on the right path with Douglas. You could tell that he was passionate about tobacco products by the way he graciously introduced me to different pipe lines and tobacco. He even took the time to explain the differences and made me feel like I knew quite a bit more about using pipes upon leaving the store. Very happy with my Ropp pipe and Balkan tobacco. The store itself is also gorgeous. Old wood everywhere, and a HUGE selection. Completely worth paying the Chicago tax. read more

I had been smoking Iwan Ries' house brand - 3 Star Blue, for years. And in a recent order, I asked Kevin, the manager, if he might suggest something new - of an aromatic nature - for me to try, as well. He sent a packet of their Dr. Bradley Mixture. In my last order, I asked for 3 canisters of it. I'm afraid it is becoming my new favorite (a bit bolder in character than the 3-Star blends.) Now how many tobacconists do you know who take such a personal concern for pipe smokers? This place is one of a kind! read more

Normally I would say that Iwan Ries is a nice place with an extensive collection of cigars and loose tobacco. My dad went here in the 70's and I used to go here until today. The thing is, there's not a lot of tobacco stores in the loop...unless you want some Bugler from 7-11. When it comes down to it, men get preferential treatment over women. I am always treated rudely, and if any man is purchasing something- the employees will actually ring them up before a woman. I am disgusted that I am treated differently just because i am female. I have spent hundreds of dollars at this place over the past year or two and it wasn't until my rude treatment today that I decided I will not be returning. I can't help but notice that most of the positive reviews for this place are written by men. So ladies, if you're looking for a nicotine fix- GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. This is 2010, and this place has not evolved one bit. read more

I have been a Iwan Ries customer for 45+ years. I live in San Francisco but am in Chicago frequently and enjoy stopping by and browse their selection of estate pipes (many are brand new). Owner Kevin Levy and his staff are extremely knowledgeable on both pipes and cigars. They have always provided me with the best possible customer experience. If you find a particular cigar you like that is not in stock nor on their website you should contract them and they will probably be able to special order you a box. Prices are competitive or sometimes even better than the more widely known mail order suppliers. The history of Iwan Ries & Co. is fascinating. https://www.iwanries.com/about-us.cfm read more

This place is wonderful. It is located in a wonderful old building on Wabash. The beautiful scent of cigars and pipe Tobacco smack you right in the face when you walk in. It is a luxurious decor that makes you feel like you have walked back in time. I actually expected to see Winston Churchill hanging out in one of the humidors. The staff is quite knowledgeable. The Gentleman who worked with me sold me a Davidoff that I really enjoyed. This is not a place to go if you are working on a budget. The prices are quite high, but who gives a damn. If you enjoy lighting up a good cigar, this is a smokers playground. When you are in a mood to treat yourself to a great experience and find a great high end cigar, head on over to Iwan Reis. read more

I went in here the other day to purchase rolling tobacco and papers . It's right across the street from work, so I figured I'd give it a shot. I'm pretty glad I did. As I browsed through the store, I realized that they have a pretty extensive selection of products. I also smoke cigars and pipe tobacco, so I was interested in seeing what they had to offer in those categories as well. I would say the selection for both was impressive. The staff was really nice and helped me pick out a brand of shag I'd never tried before. I really like it, so the guy must have known what he was talking about. I think I'll probably be back in there soon to pick up a humidor so I stop ruining cigars I forget I have. I could also use some new pipe tobacco, since I haven't used what I have in a while and it's about as dry as Death Valley. Note: If you are using credit/debit, you have to make a minimum purchase of ten smackers. read more

I'll start by saying that my generation (90's baby) generally looks down on smokers. They are usually too sissy or just think it's nasty and unhealthy to smoke, especially coming from California, one of the more liberal, health-conscious, progressive states in the Union. Chicago also has its fair share of such sissified youth. I smoke not to show off, but because I like the taste, I like the relaxation and I like the variety. It was an absolute godsend to find out about Iwan Ries. In the Loop, smokers have to be segregated to certain areas, OUTSIDE. In the winter, that won't do. Iwan Ries is my new retreat at least once a week, maybe more. It's right down the street from HWC so I can just walk in, buy a cigar, unwind and get some work done in one of the two lounges. The private lounge is a membership-only, but you can pay $15 for a day-pass for gorgeous wood-paneled walls, super comfy leather chairs, Fox News or Fox Business on a flat screen and a view of bustling Wabash and the L. The free lounge is nothing special but I have met a few interesting personalities, most of them middle aged to old but it's interesting to hear their stories. It's BYOB, so I bring a Starbucks to go along with my cigar. They have a HUGE selection, from Joya de Nigaraguas to Davidoffs, they've got it all. They also got a great selection of pipes, pipe tobacco, lighters, RYO, and snuff. The staff are super friendly, laid back and help me find whatever kind of cigar I ask for, which is usually cheap but good. I got a full bodied but smooth JDN Antaño Dark Corojo for $7 last time I went. They usually have classic rock playing which is a huge plus. All in all, Iwan Ries is the place to be if you want to go back to a time where people could smoke in restaurants, bars, planes, wherever, without getting terribly offended. read more