Dad's Smoke Shop

Dad's Smoke Shop in Cleveland is the kind of place cigar and pipe smokers keep coming back to, and it has earned its reputation as one of the highest-rated smoke shops around. Walk in and you get that old English smoking room feel, with cigars and tobacco pipes displayed the way they should be. Locals will tell you the humidors are well organized and the stock stays fresh, with all the major brands on hand plus plenty of unique smokes to explore. Ask about the specialty cigars kept in the back if you want to dig a little deeper.

Ask anyone who shops here and the conversation quickly turns to the people behind the counter. Chris and Bob get named again and again as friendly, knowledgeable guys who clearly love what they do. The owner is happy to answer questions, make a recommendation based on what you usually buy, or just have a laugh with you. We've heard from regulars who stop in and end up talking cigars, sports, politics, and how Cleveland used to be.

One fellow drove about 30 minutes to get here and called it worth every mile. Another summed it up simply: it's the only shop he goes to for his cigars. There's a small lounge area where you can sit and enjoy a smoke, and the folks who hang around are friendly too. No membership fee to relax here, which people appreciate.

The word around town is that the prices are fair and reasonable, without the markup you find at some heavily advertised places. If you're gift shopping, they'll help you find something for someone special, as one visitor found when he came in looking for a cigar for his dad. Not every visit lands perfectly, and we've heard the odd note about a quiet welcome, but that runs against the grain of what most folks experience here. For a cigar shop in Cleveland with real selection and staff who know their stuff, Dad's is a genuine local favorite.