Virgin Cigars

Virgin Cigars has earned a strong reputation among Raleigh cigar lovers, and once you spend an afternoon here it's easy to understand why. The humidor is the heart of the place, kept in pristine condition and stocked with a wide selection that mixes legacy names with boutique sticks you won't easily find elsewhere. People passing through Raleigh make a point of stopping in, and we've even heard from folks visiting from the UK who came specifically to load up on cigars they can't get back home. The lounge is where this shop really shines.

Regulars describe it as high end and comfortable, a clean, bright space that manages to feel both sophisticated and relaxed. It's bring your own alcohol, with coffee and water on hand, plus games and good conversation to pass the time. Ask anyone who shops here and the staff comes up again and again. John, who runs the place, is described as down to earth and welcoming.

Andy has a real following for his knowledge and his knack for matching recommendations to your taste, if you're a seasoned aficionado or brand new to cigars. Rudy, Zack, Jessica, Oscar, and James round out a team folks genuinely enjoy dealing with, and more than one newcomer has walked out with a membership after a friendly nudge. A word to the wise: the lounge runs on a membership model, with day passes available for non members, and there are certain times set aside for members only. A couple of visitors have been caught off guard by that, so it's worth checking before you settle in to smoke.

That said, the sitting fee and pass system are posted, and once you're in, locals say the experience is hard to beat. If you're after premium cigars and a proper lounge in Raleigh, Virgin Cigars is one of the favorites around town, and the kind of spot people come back to again and again.