I was visiting Sarasota with my family, about an hour away from home, and as someone who frequents St. Armands Circle often, I always make it a point to support local cigar shops whenever I'm in town. I've spent money at several tobacconists throughout Florida - from Tampa spots like Ybor Cigar shops, Cigar International, Grand Cathedral Cigars, and Cigar Paradise, to shops in other cities as well. One thing that has always stood out in cigar culture is hospitality. Most tobacconists are knowledgeable, welcoming, conversational, and appreciative of your business. Unfortunately, that was the complete opposite experience here. The moment my wife and I walked in, I greeted the older white-haired gentleman behind the counter with a polite, "Hello sir, how are you?" He looked directly at me and said absolutely nothing back. No greeting. No acknowledgment. Nothing. A moment later, he came out from behind the desk to assist a Caucasian couple in the store. After helping them, he returned behind the counter while my wife and I continued browsing the humidor and shelves. Not once did he ask if we needed help, offer recommendations, explain inventory, or attempt to engage in any type of customer service. I eventually asked him if they carried a specific cigar brand. He walked over to one shelf, glanced for a few seconds, then said, "No, never mind, I thought we did," and immediately walked back behind the counter. That was the extent of the interaction. What made the experience worse was how uncomfortable the atmosphere became afterward. Instead of helping or interacting like every other cigar shop I've visited, he sat behind the desk with his glasses lowered on the bridge of his nose and stared at me the entire time like I was there to steal cigars rather than buy them. Anyone who knows cigar smokers knows we're usually there to relax, browse, ask questions, and spend money. Every time I walk into a cigar shop, I typically spend anywhere from $60-$100 minimum. I fully intended on purchasing cigars here regardless of pricing because I believe in supporting local businesses. But the energy in this place felt so unwelcoming and uncomfortable that I decided to leave. As I walked out, I still remained respectful and said, "Thank you sir, have a good day." Again -- no response. Completely ignored. The moment we got outside, my wife immediately said, "Thank God you left. We're not going back in there, right?" I asked her why she felt that way, and she replied, "He literally watched your every move the entire time. He didn't even try to help you. He saw you looking through empty shelves for cigars and didn't offer to check inventory or ask if you needed assistance. He just stared at you. It was uncomfortable." That confirmed I wasn't imagining the experience. My wife is usually the optimistic one who gives people the benefit of the doubt, so for her to notice it immediately said everything. After leaving there, we went over to Cigar Paradise nearby, and the difference was night and day. We were immediately greeted by a wonderful woman who was friendly, conversational, welcoming, and genuinely appreciative of our business. She even gave my wife coffee recommendations and made her an iced coffee while I browsed the humidor. Because of how well we were treated, I happily spent 2-3x more than I normally would on the exact same cigars. That's the difference customer service makes. You can have the best inventory in the world, but if customers feel ignored, profiled, uncomfortable, or unwelcome, they're simply going to spend their money elsewhere. Would not return. read more

Great Selection, the gentleman working there was nice. Very nice looking store with lots charm. Prices seem reasonable for the area. I will be back. read more

Service from one of the Bennington Brothers is always great! They know cigars and pipes more comprehensively than any other shop in the area. Solid shop that I visit regularly since I started smoking in the early 1980s. read more

My annual visit to Bennington Tobacco was awesome. Jack has an excellent selection of cigars and pipe Tobacco. He is very knowledgeable and professional in choosing the type of cigars and Tobacco I enjoy. Its always a great experience personally visiting versus ordering via cell.​ Thanks again, Dan B. read more

Stopped in with our dog, they were very friendly and hada couple of chairs to sit and smoke. It was perfect And spotless. Will visit again when in St Armonds circle. read more

Bennington Tobacconist - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Cute store. Great selection of cigars, Staff very helpful. My husband will be a repeat when we visit Sarasota again.

Not friendly. Shabby selection. I felt more like an inconvenience than a customer. Oh well it's best I don't smoke any way.

Talk about a pretentious store owner (Jim). Walked in to purchase a gift and the owner was almost upset we had even walked in. Luckily we knew what we wanted to purchase because we were only allowed 1 min of conversion per transaction to get some expert advice about the cigars. Will not be retuning to this establishment due to service. read more

Nice little shop to grab a cigar or browse the (large) pipe selection after a meal in the area. I found the cigar selection to be broad, but some of the more common stuff that I like (RoMaCraft, for example) was missing. Pipe tobacco prices were crazy, IMO, for common tinned stuff, but the cigar prices were perfectly reasonable. The guy working was friendly and helpful. Another reviewer said they thought he was rude and didn't speak to them, but it seemed to me more that the guy was just not super chatty. He quietly greeted us, offered to open the pipe case and told me about his favorites, and cut our cigars for us. Not much of a "lounge" per se, but it doesn't advertise itself to be. I'd definitely go back if I'm in the area again. read more

Bennington Tobacconist - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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Visited this store last weekend. Hands down one of the best tobacco shops I've been in. Everyone was so friendly and I felt as if I was chatting with family. They helped me pick out some cigars for my dad and he really enjoyed the ones they suggested. Will definitely be coming back for more! read more

Friendly shop owner knowledgeable about pipes and pipe tobacco. I purchased a Randy Wiley Galleon and it has become one of my favorites. Not many places like this anymore; definitely stop in. read more

The man working on 12/17/19 7:00 pm wasn't welcoming didn't say a word to me about noting. not a hello or good bye I been to a lot of ciger shops and never felt so uncomfortable is it so hard to work at a ciger shop. where people go to enjoy a cigar and get bad customer service I will never go back. Thanks ass hoe.!!! I hope the owners do something about this man or if he's the own close it down and let someone that will be welcoming . read more

Well tailored selections, amazingly friendly staff. They do a lot of mail order as well so if you're quarantined in place, they'll deliver. I'll be back again soon. read more

The cigar selection was quite impressive, but the owner/whoever was working the evening shift was worse than rude. A trend I'm seeing in these reviews, I wish I had read them earlier. He never spoke a word to me during the entire transaction. Luckily I knew what I wanted. Pointed out 2 cigars and he retrieved them. Told him I was from out of town and needed a cheap cutter for just these two. He stared at me as if he was mute as I picked up a $5 cutter by the register and said "I guess I'll take this one". He tossed my card on the counter at me after paying as well as the product I had bought. I asked him if he treats all his customers this way and he continued to just stare. I want to say he has a disability because it's hard to believe that anyone could be this rude. BTW I'm a single, white, middle aged male. Anyone using this guy's actions as a claim to discrimination are just being silly. read more

Great selection of pipes and pipe tobacco. This is an "Old School" pipe shop. They stock Dunhill tobacco and the own in-house blends. Blend #15 is really close to Balkan Sobranie! Manager is a second generation tobacconist. He was very knowledgeable and helpful. read more

Nice selection of quality cigars. Unfortunately the customer service is subpar. The gentleman working the store this evening didn't seem interested in helping me make my selections when I asked for his assistance. I would say he was almost rude. When spending $20 plus on a cigar I expect some customer service and a knowledgeable salesperson who is interested in assisting his customer. read more

Good selection of tobacco, no doubt about that. But the man that worked there was straight up RUDE to me and barely spoke a word other than to tell me my total. Maybe they don't get too many ladies in there... read more

I gave this shop one star only because you have to pick a star. We lasted about 30 seconds in shop. As we walked in, we greeted the gentlemen standing behind the counter. He didn't even acknowledge us. We simply walked out of the shop and decided not to buy a thing. It's sad that in 2019, we are still facing discrimination based on color/appearance. Best of luck to the owners. read more

I'm only an occasional (handful a year) cigar smoker, but this place, while not huge, is impressive. Feels very high-end, and like any tobacco shop, smells incredible. Every inch has been used wisely -- they have a lot to choose from. And the staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. read more

Terrific little cigar store with good prices and good selection. I found all my favorites plus a few new items. Worth the visit.

Have to stop into this place every time I visit. This gentleman is very knowledgable and generous with his tobacco blends. I am only an occasional smoker but buy all my tobacco and pipes from him. I trust him to give me an honest answer with no intentions of trying to get purchases out of me. As a 30 year old woman of sound mind who never smoked previously, I am pleased to say that I enjoy an occasional pipe thanks to his direction. read more

Not the best selection of cigars I've every seen and really didn't have much in the way of what I prefer. The staff is very knowledgeable and courteous. I did buy a couple of cigars, but not the greatest or widest variety of cigars. read more

Nice store great selection. Except the little guy behind the register looks like a keebler elf always has his panties in a bunch.not much of a help if u have a question. The other guys that are there are very nice read more

Just stopped in to get a Cigar before we leave, wish I went sooner... the smell is amazing, with a huge selection in a small old school shop. The man who helped me was really friendly even though I am a novice, I basically just told him some basic things I was looking for, then he picked out one for me. He was very knowledgeable and knew each cigar very well. Glad I went!! read more

Fantastic selection of cigars from Acid to Zino; Accessories from every major and minor manufacturer. Incredible house pipes through to majestic freehands from all over the world. The staff is extremely cordial and knowledgeable (this coming from a tobacconist myself). I bought a beautiful Savinelli Rusticated Poker, three cylinders of Gold Dupont Gaz, a Montecristo Cabinet Selection Robusto, and a Charles Brizard & Co. Trilogy Cigar Piercer. For a mint. read more

The owner here is so friendly. I only come here to stock up on my flavored Tatiana cigarillos. I adore the smell and coziness. Plus I enjoy the nice selection of cigar boxes in the window. I have quite a few at home. The service here is first class. read more

Very nice store although small it has a great selection from floor to ceiling that more than makes up for the space it is in. Plus a very knowledgeable staff. read more

This was a wonderful find on my trip to the Bradenton area. Amazing selection of premium cigars and very helpful staff. If your a daily cigar smoker like me or just in need of one for a special occasion, this is the place. I'll definitely be a return customer on my future trips here. read more

We love to stop and chat with Ginger when we are on St. Armands' She is delightful and always helps us pick out our next "favorite" cigar read more

This is usually one of our first and one of our last stops when we visit Sarasota. Pipe tobacco to last for our vacation and then some to take home with us. We also have friends in the area that buy it to ship up north when our stock gets low. The store has an awesome fine tobacco smell, the staff is knowledge and friendly. The pipe selection is great and the tobacco keeps bring us back. read more

A very nice quaint cigar shop. They need more selection but the setting of the store is absolutely perfect.

Great cigar shop. I was able to set up my condo with everything I needed from cigars, humidor, lighter, ashtray etc. Gary is great and the rest of the staff is very knowledgable. It's the first place I stop when I come down to my place on Longboat. Also, a great place to go while my wife is shopping in St. Armand's. I'll stop in, grab a stick and have it inside or right outside on the bench. Definitely recommend! read more