SJ Cigars

Around since 1996, SJ Cigars has become one of the better-known cigar shops in the greater Philadelphia area, and locals in Bala Cynwyd will tell you the newer setup is worth the visit. The main sales floor is big and immaculate, with a selection that runs deep across brands and body. You'll find heavy hitters like Arturo Fuente, Ashton, Cohiba, Padron-adjacent names such as Don Pepin Garcia, plus Acid, Alec Bradley, AJ Fernandez, Avo, Camacho, CAO, Excalibur, El Rey Del Mundo and more filling the walls. Beyond cigars they carry tobacco pipes, hookah and shisha, and the usual smoking accessories, including their own cigar glue that regulars swear works exactly as it should for the little repairs every cigar smoker runs into.

Up on the second floor you'll find a smoking lounge that people describe as chill and relaxing. It's smaller than the sales floor but nicely done, with a TV, snacks and refreshments, and a comfortable sitting area if you want to light up and stay awhile. More than one person has mentioned the bathroom looks like it came straight out of a home design magazine, which tells you how much care went into the space. The staff are a big part of why people come back.

Ask for Vance and folks describe him as knowledgeable, patient and genuinely pleasant to deal with, and Evan gets the same praise for walking newcomers through the wide selection and landing the right recommendation. The word around town is that the owner and team know their sticks, make great suggestions, and keep prices fair. A few visitors have noted the odd less-attentive moment at the counter, but that's the exception in a shop most consider a favorite. One regular put it simply: maybe the best cigar shop in the greater Philadelphia area.

Between the deep inventory, the honest prices and the easygoing lounge, SJ Cigars is a spot cigar lovers keep circling back to.