City Tobacco Company

If you're after a good cigar and a comfortable place to enjoy it, City Tobacco Company in Edwardsville has become one of the most well-regarded spots for cigar lovers in the area. Word around town is strong, and once you spend an afternoon here it's easy to understand why. The lounge is the heart of it: leather couches, a big TV, a back deck, another room with video poker and slots, and smoke eaters good enough that regulars mention them by name. People come to relax, play a few games of chess, and settle in with something good.

The cigar selection covers every price point, and the guys behind the counter know their stuff. Ask anyone who shops here and they'll tell you the staff share what they know without ever making you feel out of your depth. Newcomers get real guidance, from an approachable Chillin Moose to a My Father, up through Liga Privada and beyond. Regulars stop in weekly to grab their favorites and try new brands, and one local put it plainly: this is his place for all things cigar.

They also carry tobacco pipes, run a loyalty card worth asking about, and keep events on the calendar. If you're just getting started, walk in with a little cash and let them set you up. Ben and the crew have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming, and the lounge stays clean, including the restroom. There's a small lounge fee to smoke on site, and while a couple of folks have grumbled about it, most understand it as common practice and consider it fair for the comfortable space you get.

One regular summed up the trade-off well: instead of extra display cases, you get seats that beg you to take a nap. For a cigar shop in Edwardsville, this is a genuine local favorite and an easy recommendation for anyone who loves a good smoke and good company.