House of Cigar

House of Cigar has quickly become one of the most talked-about cigar shops on the south end of Columbus, Ohio, and once you step inside it's easy to see why. The humidor here runs deep, with names that serious smokers travel for: Padron, Opus X, Arturo Fuente, Liga Privada, Davidoff, Montecristo, Ashton, Rocky Patel, Alec Bradley, CAO, Cohiba, and Zino all have a home on the shelves. Pair one with a fresh cut from a Xikar or a flame from a Zippo, Lotus, or ST Dupont, and you've got everything you need for a good afternoon.

The lounge is where this place really earns its reputation. Locals will tell you it's a relaxing, peaceful spot with both an indoor area and an outdoor patio for the nice days, and it's the kind of place where you can settle in and enjoy what you just bought. Ask anyone who shops here and Patricia and Mike come up by name, along with the rest of the crew who greet you with a hello and a genuine willingness to help.

People who are brand new to cigars have a soft spot for this shop especially. The word around Columbus is that the guys behind the counter will happily walk a beginner through the difference between mild, full-bodied, and sweet, point you toward the right section, and even cut a couple for you to light up on the spot. Prices land fair across the board, and regulars keep an eye out for the specials and deals, so it's always worth asking what's running when you come in.

If we're being honest, one visitor grumbled about new lighting shining a little too bright near the shelves, but that's about the only quibble anyone raises, and it doesn't dent the warm, welcoming feel of the place. They also carry hookah and shisha along with a solid range of accessories. For a cigar shop and lounge in Columbus that treats first-timers and seasoned smokers alike, House of Cigar is a real local favorite.