The Pipe Rack & Cigars

If you know pipes, or want to learn them, The Pipe Rack & Cigars in Philadelphia is the kind of place people plan trips around. This is a historical shop that first opened its doors in 1963, since restored into a proper pipe smoker's nook, and the word around Philadelphia is that the tobacco selection here is the best in the greater Philly area. Folks drive in from an hour out, and one visitor made the trip all the way from Lewes, Delaware just to see the pipe wall. They don't leave disappointed.

Ask anyone who shops here and Dave's name comes up fast. The owner knows his stuff cold, and regulars swear you can name what you like and he'll walk you straight to the blend that fits, no hard sell. The pipe selection covers everything from new to estates, at price points across the board. We've heard about beautiful finds like an unfinished Author from the Savinelli Series III, and the tobacco stock runs deep, including hard-to-find blends like Carolina Red Flake and plenty of Mac Baren for anyone looking to branch out.

Cigars, cigarettes, rolling papers, and the accessories to go with them all round out the shelves. What really wins people over is the patience. One newcomer who walked in knowing nothing about pipe smoking got a solid twenty minutes on pipe types, lighting, maintenance, even smelling through different tobaccos, no pressure at all. Another stopped in for a gift and had the man behind the counter answering questions he hadn't even thought to ask.

It's a charming little space, on the small side, but stocked to the ceiling. One tip locals pass along: if you're coming from out of the neighborhood, call ahead first, since weather can sometimes keep the doors closed. Make the call, then make the trip. This is one of the most beloved tobacco shops in Philadelphia for good reason.