The Cigar Shop - On the Rocks

The Cigar Shop - On the Rocks is a newer addition to Monroe, North Carolina, having opened its doors last fall, and locals have taken to it fast. Ask anyone who shops here and they'll point you straight to the walk-in humidor, which is stocked deep with top-tier cigar names and some rare and exclusive blends. You'll find Arturo Fuente, Padron, My Father, Oliva, Rocky Patel, Drew Estate, Davidoff, Montecristo, Aganorsa Leaf, Fuente OpusX and Padron's finest, plus a long list of others from Ashton and Ferio Tego to Tatuaje, Plasencia and El Septimo. The word around town is this is one of the best cigar spots in Union county, and folks from over in Charlotte make the trip too.

It's more than a cigar shop, though. There's a bar and lounge with a speakeasy feel, comfortable chairs and sofas, big TVs, and a patio with sun shades and a ceiling heat system for the cooler months. People rave about the drink selection here, bourbon, Scotch, whiskey, beer, wine and soft drinks, and more than one regular has raved about the coffee. No membership fee is required, though yearly locker rentals are available for those who want a spot to keep their sticks.

Pipe smokers are looked after as well, with names like Peterson, Savinelli, Missouri Meerschaum and Nording alongside pipe tobacco from Cornell & Diehl, G.L. Pease and Sutliff, plus rolling papers and accessories from Xikar, Palio, Lotus and Vertigo. The people behind the counter get a lot of the credit for the atmosphere. Regulars ask for Joey, Bruce and Felecia, and locals will tell you Felecia behind the bar is the heart of the place, always smiling.

As one regular put it, visit once and you'll be hooked. Casual, classy and welcoming, this is the kind of place where you meet a few friends and make a few more. Well worth a visit for cigar lovers in and around Monroe.