Wild Bill's Tobacco

Wild Bill's Tobacco has earned a strong following in Lincoln Park, and it's easy to see why. This is one of the highest-rated smoke shops around, and the word here is that the crew makes the difference. Tell them what you're after and they'll track it down or point you to something close. Ask anyone who shops here and Kiefer's name comes up again and again, calm, friendly, and patient with questions, whether you're picking up tobacco or trying a new cigar. Regulars also speak highly of Will and Johnny, who folks say are professional and quick to explain things like manufacturer coupon policies.

The selection runs deep. Cigar lovers will find names like CAO Brazilia, La Gloria Serie R, and Macanudo Inspirado on the shelves, and people who shop here swear by the fresh cigarettes. On the vape side, they carry disposables and vape juice, including Mr.Vapor, plus e-liquid to keep you stocked. The glass case is a favorite too. Locals will tell you it's probably the best selection for smoke shop items in the area, with water pipes, glass pipes, tobacco pipes, rolling papers, and plenty of random cool finds to browse.

One regular put it simply: this place has the most interesting things to look at. Value is a big part of the draw. We hear it's among the cheapest spots around for cigarettes, and when the store runs its 40 percent off sales, people stock up. It's the kind of place where the team keeps items in stock that other Wild Bill's locations run dry on. The drive-through is a nice touch when you're short on time and just need to grab and go.

We've heard the odd grumble about a cigar purchase gone wrong, but that's the exception against a steady stream of good words. For most folks in Lincoln Park, this is a friendly, well-stocked stop they keep coming back to.