This isn't easy to get to...it's a tad pricey...they charge a cover for their lounge. But I love it! It's old Chicago. It has a great selection of really premium cigars. They carry the standards and the few off brand cigars are the ones with great reputations. The lounge you pay to get into is huge and you can BYOB&liquors. It's a bit stodgy as to the members who hang out there--slicked back hair, fancy suits, lawyers and finance guys--but it's actually entertaining to see how they pretend. But to date everyone's been polite. I love going there late afternoon and working with a good cigar to pass the time with. Highly recommend...but don't go there expecting a trendy discount shop. read more

For a birthday present, my girlfriend treated me to this fine lounge. As I'm not (or rather, was not) much of a cigar smoker, I wasn't familiar with this place. The short of it: Comfortable and relaxing with a staff that's friendly and helpful. I've been back since, and I'll probably be smoking more cigars because of these guys. read more

This has got to be the biggest secret hide-away in the loop. Must check out Iwan Ries before the ciy gets any ideas to close them down. One of the last places to light up a nice smoke indoors. read more

I went here on my birthday Tuesday Aug 4th and me and my lady were the only two people there expect for the people in the members only room which had a closed door. One of the guys who worked there followed us to the lounge but didn't turn on the tv. I spent about 10 minutes working the projector and cable to watch the NBA games. They have a basic sound system no surrounds and no bass at the time I was there. No biggie I turned the tv up so I could hear the games. One of the guys that worked there (the one with glasses) comes in the room turns down the tv walks out then went into a different room to have a loud conversation with the other worker. I felt like as if they didn't want us there, I don't if it's because we are Black or whatever. Because their tv doesn't get loud and instead of walking over to us and respectfully saying what his issue was he had no respect or regard for our company and just turned the tv down and could barely hear it, so we left. I will never go back. read more

Ça fait plusieurs courriels que je vous envoie,suite au retour de ma marchandise qui coûtait trop cher de douane et vous ne m'avez pas encore remboursé sur ma carte Masrer-Card, que se passe-t-il ? Répondez moi....merci read more

Went with my husband and we loved it. It was nice and quite. Very relaxing. Would definitely go back

I needed to find a tobacco shop to purchase a gift for someone. After a week of searching for a decent tobacco shop near downtown Chicago, I stumbled upon Iwan Ries. Unfortunately, I don't know anything about cigars or how to properly pick one. Thankfully, the gentlemen that worked there were able to recommend a cigar that would serve nicely as a gift. They boxed and gift wrapped the cigar and I was out of the shop within 15 mins. Had I been greeted upon walking in the store, I would have given Iwan Ries 5 stars. But, I was only approached after they saw that I was lost and confused. Nevertheless, it was a great experience! read more

Excellent tobacco store in Chicago. It has a large selection of pipes and cigars. Always a good time at Iwan Ries & Co.

Great selection! Great Cigars! My only issue is that I do not exactly know how to pronounce the name, without sounding pretentious. read more

Bought a set of cigars as a gift for my father. The staff was very helpful and picked out cigars for us based on origins and how much we wanted to spend. Also we were provided us with a nice box and cutter on the house. Overall good experience! read more

Very old school place! I can't comment on pricing because I just don't know, but I like old school feel type of shops and this definitely has that. You can also smoke within the store, as the guy who rung me up was. I feel like this is more of a pipe place and there was quite a selection but they also had a ton of cigars. read more

Fast and helpful staff. Needed a couple stogies for Dead and Co. July 1st and was hooked up! Rocky Patel Edge light Toro $6.50 a piece, thank you!! read more

The employees here are AMAZING and really helped me (someone who knows nothing cigars) find a great set of cigars to give a friend for a wedding. I came in only having a price point and one of the employees, whose name I don't remember, filled out the rest. He gave me a light, med and dark and then gave me matches and gift box for FREE along with a free cigar cutter off the Yelp deal even though I technically used Google Maps. Also a discount on smoking the cigars in their cigar lounge. The owner, Iwan Reis' descendant, wrapped it all up for me! Left feeling like I got what I wanted for my price point without my ignorance being taken advantage of. One complaint - one of the employees hit on me read more

I spent a couple hours here. It feels like a true historical establishment the moment you walk in. I visited to get started smoking a pipe. I came in with no equipment and no knowledge and left with everything I needed to embrace a new hobby. Douglas was a gracious host and between his stories and pipe knowledge, it was a phenomenal experience. Grazie! read more

This place is just simply amazing! From the customer service to the quality and wide selection, this place has it all! My favorite staff member is Douglas, not just because he was able to match products to my specific taste as well as my wallet, but he made my time in the store that much fun! The quality of the pipes they have for the prices cannot be beat, and especially in a place like the Chicago Loop. Every time I've set foot in this place, I've felt right at home, and I'm sure you will too! Stop in, and I would be willing to bet you'd be hard pressed to leave empty handed! read more

Placed an order for Lane 1Q tobacco in the 50g tin, which showed as in stock on their website. Waited a week for delivery and when nothing arrived, I emailed them. Got a prompt reply from Kevin that the order had been shipped that same day. Still had not received it so I called today. Turns out, it was never shipped because they don't have it in stock. Why would you tell me it's been shipped? Lying to a customer is a poor way to retain them. You lost a customer with this poor customer service. read more

clean place, very friendly and 2 smoke lounges; one us free and the other is private/$15 day. BYOB and great selection. glad to have found this place while visiting the "Windy City" :) read more

Yesterday was the first time i visited, and will not be the last. I believe this will become my 1 and only shop I go to for any and all my pipe and cigar needs. The amount and variety of all things pipe and cigar is outstanding. The knowlege and helpfulness was also top notch. Ill be back wether i need to or just want to. read more

For anyone that is a pipe smoker you probably already know how hard it can be to find REAL t'bac. If you don't know, it is miserable. Cigar stores will occasionally have a pouch of cheap stuff. Think what's behind the counter at a drug store. Some "tobacco shops," like the Tinderbox chain, have a bit of pipe tobacco but it is generally relatively expensive and of fairly low quality, usually being infused w/ glycol and other flavours. Think of it like the difference between something with real fruit v. artificial fruit flavour. Even if stores have quality tins/pouches, they have trouble keeping them in stock and/or have become stale from sitting on the shelf so long...Needless to say, I've become quite frustrated. Their selection of pipe tobaccos,and pipes for the matter, is quite extensive. I've had no difficulty locating my favourite brands/flavours or running out of recommendations for new ones to try. Scanning some of the reviews I've seen that people think the prices are quite high. While I can't speak for the cigars, I can for pipes and think they are quite fair. Good pipe tobacco is expensive. Iwan Ries even tries to help out by eating some of the extra Chicago tax instead of just pushing it along to us the consumes. Iwan Ries is a true and proper t'bac shop from the days of old. While I feel fairly knowledgeable pipe t'bac, everyone I've spoken with there has put me to shame. I mean, they really are experts. I think that even a first-time pipe smoker would do well to come here and feel good about walking out with what they want. What really helps push them ahead besides their incredible knowledge and selection is their customer service. On my first visit I spoke with a clerk for about 15 minutes to find a good recommendation for a new smoke, which has been wonderful. Upon learning that I had just moved here he gave me a free pouch of Three-Star (their house brand) telling me that every pipe smoker in Chicago needed to try it. On my second visit I casually asked about having trouble drawing my pipe. Not only did they ream and re-drill the pipe he even shined up the stem, which, to my embarrassment, had gotten quite oxidized. After a pipe in their lounge I noticed it was smoking a bit hotter. When I mentioned this to a clerk we started problem-solving, resulting in them giving me a free ceramic humidifier and pouch. Not high ticked items but I think it illustrates how they are really willing to go out of their way to make sure you have a good experience. This is laudable for any business but especially one for which there is little to no other competition. In short: fantastic selection, knowledgeable staff, and great service=can't go wrong! read more

We had a bachelor party event here and the staff did everything possible to make us feel welcome! We are cigar novices, but that did not matter one bit- there was not one pretentious comment; rather, an excitement to share knowledge of the cigar world. Highly recommend! read more

I used to hang around here when I lived on the South Side. The FREE lounge is the place to go, quite a diverse cast of characters--doctors, boilermakers, lawyers, retired sailors, truckers, city workers, salesmen, a retired Chicago Bear, a literature professor who's an expert on Mark Twain--and all are first rate bullshitters. Forget the stuffy pay lounge with it's "power smoker" crowd, hang out with the regular guys in the free lounge. read more

How could I give this place less than five stars. At some tobacconists I've been to, the staff can be really unfriendly. However, I walked into Iwan Ries, gave the staff a hello, and one of the workers came over, started talking to me, and gave me a great lay of the land. The relationship that Iwan Ries has with it's clientele is like none other too. They encourage you to open up the cases and explore what they have to offer. They've got a huge selection, and a ton of space so you can breath a little when you're perusing the cabinets. I don't know much about loose tobacco and pipes, but they had plenty to offer in that department. The quality of the cigar was great, but that's expected when you're at a place that doesn't sell cigars in a tiny glass case near the register. What makes Iwan Ries stand out more than anything is the staff. Any worker at a cigar place can tell you if something is full-bodied or nutty, but the staff let's you know that and more, enhancing the overall experience. They also have a free delivery service within a mile of the store, and they do roadside pick-up because parking can be inconvenient on Wabash if you're in a rush. Great find. read more

Man heaven on earth. Cigars, pipes, unique blends of tabacco, leather chairs, cool super educated employees... I love this place. Bought a pipe here and it cracked the second time I smoked it. I didn't have a receipt, but the guy working the counter remembered me and was mortified that the pipe had cracked. He could not find the same model so upgraded me to something substantially more expensive for free. It's nice to see that service still reigns at quality places like Iwan Ries. Bravo gents. read more

My favorite tobacco/cigar store anywhere. I stop here whenever I am in Chicago and enjoy working the staff. They are knowledgeable and helpful when I am there and always know what to recommend. If you are a pipe or cigar smoker and are in Chicago- you have to stop here. read more

You come into this place and you're in an old era of Chicago history. This place just has a very throwback feel and if you don't mind the smell of cigars, you're in for a special treat if you walk upstairs. We got bachelor party cigars, which were fine, and staff was very willing to cater to several levels of clientele read more

If you love good cigars purchased from a family owned, friendly business...then go here. Get your stick, a bottle of your favorite libation, and to the back lounge to chill in a laid back, wonderful environment. Glasses and ice are provided. You will feel like you hanging out in your own home, just cooler. I have spent a whole lot of late afternoons here while I am in Chicago. It is a must experience and I am here whenever I get a free moment in town. read more

Can't beat IR for selection and service. A Chicago institution! Got two beautiful pipes at a very good price today. I go there every time in Illinois. read more

Great stock, staff, and private lounge! The lounge is comfortable and clean. Staff is happy to give recommendations that were fantastic. Will definitely go back. read more

I've been getting the catalog and ordering tobacco online from Iwan Ries for years. Recently while in Chicago I had a chance to finally stop in the store. Very glad I did. They have a huge selection of pipes, a great selection of cigars and pipe tobacco, and an extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff. I spent about 45 mins with Doug and Ethan going over different pipes and finding the best option for my budget. Overall I highly recommend. read more

Wonderful shop! Very friendly and informative staff. Douglas was a fantastic gentlemen and gives a great lesson on how to properly light a cigar! Good selection, lots of accessories and what an amazing history!! read more

Used to frequent many years ago. Always dealt with a super gentleman named Tony who made you feel right at home. Went back after he left and the staff didn't seem to care if they got my business or not. If you want a nice selection without personality, this is your place. read more

Great Lounge. Unfortunately the staff and regulars are pretentious and rude. This is the perfect example of a 5 star establishment with 1 star people! read more

Great selection, decent prices outside of the ridiculous Illinois tax. Staff is great and welcoming, and a day pass for the lounge is well worth it if you have a few hours to kill. read more

Came here for a Union League event and this place was just amazing! The place is paneled in dark wood, leather chairs, and has this old charm to it. Not going to lie it screams boy's club, but if you are a girl who is like me and can hang with the boys then you will be heaven! The gentleman who helped me pick out my cigar was very knowledgeable and knew the right questions to ask to find the right cigar. They had a great selection of cigars from reasonable to very high end. Overall, great place and cannot wait to come back and do my Sunday crossword here with a glass of Scotch. read more

Great selection and chill, friendly staff. Not at all intimidating if you're new to cigars (like I was!) If you're in the Loop, come to Iwan Ries. I'm glad my first smoke shop experience was with this place. :) read more

Sad to say, but his place is the tallest midget. There are no real cigar bars in Chicago and this is the closest that you will come to one. Bring your own booze and bring your own food, rent a chair for $15 and watch the game with some nice guys. read more

Best shop I've been to yet bar none. Too notch customer service. Keith, Steve, & Ethan are the best, extremely knowledgable, and personable. Tremendous selection and variety to pick from and very well stocked. I will be back. read more

Walk up the stairs. This is definitely the coolest Tobacco in town. Their selection is amazing, the service is helpful, their decor is vintage in an authentic way. It's old Chicago. The people who work their are helpful so don't be shy and ask questions. Great place for tobacco related gifts. Stuff you won't find anywhere else. The have a little smoking room to the left in the back when you walk in. It's a very quiet and relaxed meeting place to enjoy your new pipe, cigar, or RYO cigarette with a friend. I get the feeling that few people know of this wonderful Chicago store. read more

Simply put: no place like it anywhere. Iwan Reis is a true old world pipe shop. An astonishing array of new and estate pipes of all price points and a glorious wall of tins plus custom blends aplenty make Iwan Reis the Chicago destination for the pipe smoker. Kudos to the fine, enthusiastic staff. A gem of a smoke shop. read more

Fantastic service and very knowledgable. If you are looking to step back in time then check out their smoking lounge which is wooden panel and leather wall to wall. read more