Anthony's Cigar Emporium

If you love a good cigar in Phoenix, Anthony's Cigar Emporium is the kind of place worth knowing about. The humidor here draws plenty of praise, and for good reason. The shelves run deep with names cigar folks recognize: Arturo Fuente, Ashton, Padron, Oliva, Davidoff, My Father, Tatuaje, Drew Estate, Plasencia, Acid, Casa Carrillo and Curivari among them. Locals will tell you the selection includes sticks you won't turn up at every other shop around town, and the staff know the inventory well enough to steer you right.

Ask anyone who shops here and the service comes up fast. One regular said he just lets the guy pick a stick for him and hasn't been let down yet. A gentleman named Jimmy gets singled out for taking his time and helping people find the right cigar, and the friendly touches add up. We've heard about cold sodas offered, charging cables on hand, and a genuine welcome that makes people want to linger.

The lounge is a big part of the draw. Comfy chairs, plenty of room, TVs tuned to the game, and both indoor seating and an outside area depending on the weather. It's BYOB, and folks talk about stopping in on a lunch break to enjoy a smoke or settling in to watch the sports they wanted to catch. During those brutal Phoenix summers, the cool, comfortable lounge is a real plus.

On value, the word around Phoenix is consistent: fair prices, no gouging. One traveler who's been through more than thirty states called it the best price point he's found anywhere. The one gripe worth flagging is the early close, so plan your visit accordingly. For cigar smokers in Phoenix looking for solid selection, honest prices and a laid-back spot to sit down, this one earns its strong local reputation.