Zax Cigar Bar

Zax Cigar Bar is one of the newer cigar lounges to open in the Mesa area, and it has already earned a real following. Ask anyone who has walked through the door and they will tell you the same thing: the atmosphere makes you feel like you are on vacation, a welcome escape from the Arizona heat. Comfortable executive seating, plenty of TVs for catching whatever game is on, and a clean, laid-back room where you can settle in for a couple of hours without anyone rushing you. A couple of friendly dogs are part of the charm too.

The humidor is the centerpiece, and locals do not hold back praising it. It is large and well stocked, carrying everything from everyday smokes to harder-to-find sticks. The lineup runs deep with names like Arturo Fuente, Padron, My Father Cigars, Liga Privada, Oliva, Rocky Patel, Perdomo, Cohiba, Montecristo, Tatuaje, Aganorsa Leaf, Undercrown, Camacho, and plenty more. Pipe smokers have found a home here too, with one regular calling it their only source for pipe tobacco in the valley.

Whatever your budget, people say there is something on the shelf for you, and prices land in fair territory. What keeps folks coming back is the staff. Zach knows his stuff and is happy to talk through cigars and the drink selection alike, and the whole team actually knows their inventory rather than just pointing at shelves. The owners are hands-on and genuinely welcoming, whether you have been smoking for decades or are just getting started.

There is a solid beer selection at an easy price, which pairs nicely with a night out or a quiet afternoon getting some work done away from the club-scene crowd. One local summed it up by comparing it to their favorite spot in Scottsdale and calling this the equal of it right here in Mesa. That is high praise, and it fits. If you are looking for a comfortable, well-run cigar bar in Mesa, this one is worth the drive.