Yesterday we closed a big client and we were feeling like smoking some cigars to celebrate, after a quick Yelp search this place caught our eye and we decided to check it out. Let's first begin with the positives- it looks like this place was fairly new which is definitely a plus, it also has a nice modern upscale feeling to it which I appreciate. I can't stand run down cigar shops. The Clayton fails in several aspects, hence why they only merit 2 stars. First of all their cigar selection needs some work, I don't mind paying a markup (which is significant here compared to other places in the Chicagoland area) however if they want to be taken seriously they need a bigger selection. Number two- the seating area is really limited. While the set up is nice and modern its lack of seats and functionally really is an inconvenience, it was a Friday afternoon and I saw several people standing outside smoking due to the lack of seating and several left because of that fact as well. There are probably around 10 chairs, which is fairly low given my experience through the US. Lastly, they are seriously understaffed. While we were at the shop it appeared to only be one employee for a significant number of customers. We had to wait to be checked out and after a 6 minute wait the guy assisting us had to go back to the humidor to check the prices. If you are going to invest in a cigar shop this nice make sure your operations are on point. As a recap, The Clayton is a nice/modern cigar shop however it's lack of functionality with the limited amount of seating and poor operations/understaffing merits only 2 stars. I will be giving them another chance in the future and hopefully they improve these aspects, if not they will not be in business for long. read more

Yelped cigar shop while visiting Chicago. Went to The Clayton. Staff was chill and very helpful with cigar selection. Plenty of comfy chairs. Relaxed while watching US Open PGA. Ideal Saturday afternoon. Highly recommend. read more

Love this place. Went here after checking in on a 2 hr wait for a table and it is the best place I have found in a long time. Super knowledgeable staff great selection and the best accessories if you are looking for something higher end. They will ship them for you so TSA doesn't confiscate them. If you a looking for a good smoke and good advice this is the place. read more

Owners are extremely helpful and informative by showing you around there selection of high end cigars and accessories. Nice quiet lounge to enough a cigar with your friends. Glad I stopped in and can't wait to return. read more

Customer service at The Clayton is as good as it gets, and it starts with Israel. I am relatively knew to the cigar world and every time I go in, Israel provides answers to questions and assistance like I am a VIP. He is patient, explains nuances in a way that anyone can understand and is willing to spend as much time with you as needed to make sure you get the right cigar and experience every time. I've been to several other spots in the city, and by far, this is the place I would recommend. In addition to this, they host fun, engaging and informative events that have tremendous value in what you receive (both cigars and knowledge). Nick, another team member, is running a "cigar school" right now that's been a treasure trove of information. They check all the boxes as well for ambiance, cigar selection and amenities. read more

Experience was great. Nice clean quite spot w/ amicable employees and good cigar selection.

Great atmosphere, excellent owner and a nice place to have a cigar for a show I highly recommend this place read more

The Clayton - Just a nice place to come, friendly atmosphere! - Cigar Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Looking for a calm and relaxing spot to smoke well priced cigars, this is the place. Highly recommended.

My favorite spot to enjoy a great cigar. Great selection of cigars and a great staff. I like how if you aren't a member you can still enjoy a cigar in the first level. read more

First time here. Perfect place to enjoy a cigar and conversation with my son. Good selection, knowledgeable staff, and great service. Anytime we are in the area we will stop in. read more

Top notch. Nowhere finer. Too bad they don't have a liquor license for the retail portion! Israel and Daniel are extremely friendly & honest. Pricing is fair read more

Nice comfy joint. Not to many if these in the city. Cutting fee isnt to bad, $7. No alcoholic beverages only tho... boo

I have been to many cigar lounges throughout the country and The Clayton consistently takes the cake. The people are laid back, incredibly knowledgeable and enjoy what they're taking about. We mentioned we were going to Cuba and got the low down and phenomenal recommendations. They work hard to make sure you want to come back and it shows. Thanks for everything! read more

Really helpful staff with a nice selection of cigars of varying strength, as well as a very nice lighter and cutter collection. Definitely my new go-to cigar spot in Chicago. read more

Awesome place, great to have a cigar shop in the neighborhood. Service and atmosphere were both amazing. Will be coming back soon!

This is hands down the best cigar lounge in Chicago, and probably the country. It is a private club but if you somehow have the opportunity to check it out you will not be disappointed. The attention to detail and level of quality make it appear more like a 5 star hotel than a cigar club. There really is no other place like it. Another reviewer on here posted that it was small and short staffed, but it looks like he wasnt able to get into the actual club and instead only saw the cigar store (which is open to the public). The actual club itself is 4 stories and a giant patio with more than enough room and the service is unbelievable. Anything you could want they have and are always asking if you need anything. The Clayton is an awesome new addition to the city of Chicago. read more

The Clayton is an exceptional place for both cigar enthusiasts and newbies. The retail shop is welcoming, spacious and neat. The humidor is a glass cube in the middle of the back room...it's very attractive, unique and functional. You can tell a lot of money has been sunk into The Clayton and it's been very well done and not wasted. There is a forward room area for people to smoke at a table and watch tv. The air ventilation is perfect (I'm neurotic about this...cough cough Biggs) and they've nailed it. If I remember correctly the air is cleansed every 10 minutes. Most importantly, you don't sit in smoke. Cigar selection is solid but I anticipate will get better - have to be fair since they literally just opened. Pricing is tough in Chicago because of all the taxes but seems reasonable. If you light the cigar up at the lounge and connect to wifi then it's very reasonable. Staff is great, especially Israel - I think it's safe to say he knows almost everything about cigars and can help you find something you'll enjoy. I've gone twice now and will be going back. read more

Finally someone has got it all right. Just about everything one could want in a cigar shop and lounge.

This place is stunning! The selection of cigars is second to none. Customer service is superb. I wanted to try something new and they were very helpful when making suggestions. The space is beautifully done with modern updates. It's located right next to French Market/Ogilvie train station which is the perfect location for me and my friends to meet up before we head home for the evening from work. I have been here a handful of times now and they have yet to disappoint. read more

I came into town and was looking for a good cigar bar. This was the place I had in mind. A nice selection of cigars in a cool, modern humidor. The staff was extremely friendly and accommodating from the moment I walked in the door. The lounge seating is very comfortable and they just happened to be a block away. I will return here every time I come to Chicago. I couldn't be more pleased. read more

Very modern and clean! Super cool glass humidor! Staff is kind! Only thing is there is no parking....

Best cigar shop in the city. First class in every way. The private club really makes it. If you have a chance to check out the private club with a member don't pass it up. read more

I have been to a handful of cigar shops in Chicago and the Clayton is my favorite thus far. I have only been in the retail (non-club) section of the store, and it was the newest looking cigar shop I have ever visited. It has a modern look and feel with a large glass humidor in the middle. The staff was knowledgeable and helpful and it was very roomy and well ventilated. I can't remember what I bought but recall it was an average price. read more

I work nearby and visit the shop at least once a week. It is perfect place for the 1 hour meeting. The lounge is comfortable and the cigar selection is solid. The staff is amazing and have turned me on to several cigars, they are very easy to interact with extremely knowledgeable. read more