I'll start by saying that my generation (90's baby) generally looks down on smokers. They are usually too sissy or just think it's nasty and unhealthy to smoke, especially coming from California, one of the more liberal, health-conscious, progressive states in the Union. Chicago also has its fair share of such sissified youth. I smoke not to show off, but because I like the taste, I like the relaxation and I like the variety. It was an absolute godsend to find out about Iwan Ries. In the Loop, smokers have to be segregated to certain areas, OUTSIDE. In the winter, that won't do. Iwan Ries is my new retreat at least once a week, maybe more. It's right down the street from HWC so I can just walk in, buy a cigar, unwind and get some work done in one of the two lounges. The private lounge is a membership-only, but you can pay $15 for a day-pass for gorgeous wood-paneled walls, super comfy leather chairs, Fox News or Fox Business on a flat screen and a view of bustling Wabash and the L. The free lounge is nothing special but I have met a few interesting personalities, most of them middle aged to old but it's interesting to hear their stories. It's BYOB, so I bring a Starbucks to go along with my cigar. They have a HUGE selection, from Joya de Nigaraguas to Davidoffs, they've got it all. They also got a great selection of pipes, pipe tobacco, lighters, RYO, and snuff. The staff are super friendly, laid back and help me find whatever kind of cigar I ask for, which is usually cheap but good. I got a full bodied but smooth JDN Antaño Dark Corojo for $7 last time I went. They usually have classic rock playing which is a huge plus. All in all, Iwan Ries is the place to be if you want to go back to a time where people could smoke in restaurants, bars, planes, wherever, without getting terribly offended. read more

I would say I am an avid cigar smoker, but I came here in search of my first tobacco pipe. Completely new to the world of tobacco pipes, I felt like I was set on the right path with Douglas. You could tell that he was passionate about tobacco products by the way he graciously introduced me to different pipe lines and tobacco. He even took the time to explain the differences and made me feel like I knew quite a bit more about using pipes upon leaving the store. Very happy with my Ropp pipe and Balkan tobacco. The store itself is also gorgeous. Old wood everywhere, and a HUGE selection. Completely worth paying the Chicago tax. read more

Since 2001, this shop has captured my heart. The Loop, in general, has a paltry and expensive tobacco selection. They have an extensive rolling tobacco selection including selling Peter Stokkebye tobacco in mini-pouches with Sharrow rolling papers as well as Samson, Bali-shag, Drum, American Spirit, and the regular standards for the Roll Your Own (RYO) person. They also have an extensive collection of pre-rolled cigarettes that are worth the expense as well as rare outside of international duty-free shops. Of course, it's mostly pipes and cigars there and that just ain't my style. However it suddenly became my style to do that, I'm sure the staff there would be more than happy to assist me in discovering more ways to stain my teeth. Their staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable and not the least bit pretentious. read more

I give this place 5 stars for their selection, but I take away two for their lack of helpfulness on the few times I've been in there. Talking about pipe tobacco, for example, I told the salesperson what I had been smoking and asked for suggestions on other things I might like based on my history. He simply pointed out the most popular pipe tobacco. I asked him if it was similar to what I had been smoking. He told me again that it was the most popular. On the plus side, you will find cigars and other tobacco stuff that you are not likely to find commonly around the city. They have a huge selection of pipes too. The location is convenient in the loop (though slightly hidden if you don't know where to look for it). The store is kept up well, and it is very easy to find what you are looking for here. read more

I have been a Iwan Ries customer for 45+ years. I live in San Francisco but am in Chicago frequently and enjoy stopping by and browse their selection of estate pipes (many are brand new). Owner Kevin Levy and his staff are extremely knowledgeable on both pipes and cigars. They have always provided me with the best possible customer experience. If you find a particular cigar you like that is not in stock nor on their website you should contract them and they will probably be able to special order you a box. Prices are competitive or sometimes even better than the more widely known mail order suppliers. The history of Iwan Ries & Co. is fascinating. https://www.iwanries.com/about-us.cfm read more

Let's be blunt: if your business has been around since before the start of the Civil War, you're doing something right. I've been to plenty of tobacco shops throughout my life and Iwan Ries is easily the nicest in terms of selection, customer service and overall atmosphere. There are plenty of places to get cigars in this city, but not all of them store their products properly. I've occasionally gotten dried out cigars and even ones with mold on them from other places. That's probably not going to happen with the set up here. But I've gotten away from cigars and switched over to pipe smoking, and they have plenty of stuff for pipe smokers here. I've actually never seen such a selection of pipe tobacco at a tobacco shop. There is a lot of bulk tobacco to choose from, but their tin selection is incredible. There isn't much they don't have, and it's a pretty good balance of aromatic and English blends, so you're sure to find something you'll like. As for actual pipes, you could probably stack them together and build a replica of Fort Dearborn with all the pipes they have in the store, so it's guaranteed that you'll find one that fits your budget. The customer service is top notch. Everyone working there is friendly and happy to help. Don't worry if you're a novice to cigar or pipe smoking. I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to pipes, but I had no problems asking questions with these guys. They're very professional, not pushy in any way, and they don't try to gouge you into spending more money for no reason. Whether you go there to buy a $5 cigar or $200 humidor, they'll take you just as seriously as a customer They opened in 1857 and when you go in, it definitely looks like it's been around for that long, but not in a run down this-place-has-seen-better-days way. It feels like you've gone through a time portal to the early 20th century with the fancy chandeliers and the hand carved wooden display cases. It's just not something you see that frequently anymore. The smoking lounge is probably one of the nicest I've seen. There are comfortable leather chairs, wood paneled walls, and a decent view of Wabash ave. There's a $15 entry fee to smoke in there, but it's also BYOB. So buy a cigar, bring a bottle of your favorite scotch with a few glasses and you're looking at a nice and fairly inexpensive night out. read more

It's a fast paced, health club, power lunch world that we live in these days. It's now bad form for a boss to have a bottle of liquor in their office or to conduct business with any kind of flair. Fortunately, hidden gems like Iwan Ries & Co exist to serve as a welcome respite from the rigors of the outside world. If you can't find a cigar that you like in their shop, then you really do not like cigars. Their selection of smoking accessories and pipes/pipe tobacco is also excellent compared to any shop I've been in around the country and far outstrips anything else that you can find in Chicago. Their premium lounge, The Front Room, can only be summed up in one word: fantastic. With sumptuous leather chairs, marble topped tables, provided glassware and ice for your BYOB alcohol, it is very easy to lose many hours solving the worlds problems and maybe even starting a few of your own. You can purchase a day pass to the lounge for 25 dollars or become a full member for a year for 750 dollars. The benefits of membership are very worthwhile and if you are an avid tobacco enthusiast, the membership will pay for itself within a few months. If you are a lover of cigars, pipes and the like, then you simply must give Iwan Ries a look. read more

I've not found a cigar shop that compares to Iwan Ries - this place is classy, amazing selection, and reasonable prices. The employees are real tobacconists and know the product. It's not like dealing with a 20 something wannabe from a large liquor store of Tinderbox mall location. Classic, historic, and a necessary stop in Chicago. read more

I had been smoking Iwan Ries' house brand - 3 Star Blue, for years. And in a recent order, I asked Kevin, the manager, if he might suggest something new - of an aromatic nature - for me to try, as well. He sent a packet of their Dr. Bradley Mixture. In my last order, I asked for 3 canisters of it. I'm afraid it is becoming my new favorite (a bit bolder in character than the 3-Star blends.) Now how many tobacconists do you know who take such a personal concern for pipe smokers? This place is one of a kind! read more

Pipe & pipe tobacco selection to die for, secondary only to the vast power of the internet. My bland palette generally relied on McClelland's 5100 or occasional dips into scottish targe although connoisseurs would have a field day. Iwan Ries has their own blends, bags and sales at hand to assuage any finnicky old codger (which the shop is generally full of, mawing on old danish hand tooled pipes). They've done plenty of free touchups and favors for me and my old pipes so I cannot recommend their service, staff and business enough. For newcomers you just head up the staircase/elevator and pop a few doors down the hall to the open awaiting arms (doors), surrounded by a bunch of cigar boxes they toss. Great cigar selection and they have plenty of other smokes and tobaccos. read more

I visit tobacconists in every city I travel to and have seen the best and the worst. I worked in one all through college and into my late 20's, so I'm pretty picky. Here's a break down of Iwan Ries. 1. Pipe selection. Huge. From most price ranges and new and estate pipes. I had a great time looking them all over. As I looked, it was like having my own personal assistant. Thats how well I was treated. I wasn't dressed like I was rich, but they sure treated me like a valued guest. 2. Cigar Selection was also very good. They have everything you'd be looking for, and then some. 3. They also have amazing smoking rooms. Seriously, look at them on the web page. You won't believe them. They aren't free, but sure look to be worth the price if you lived near by. You'll be hard pressed to find a better store nationally, let alone in Chicago. I still get their catalog, and love to drool over the pages. read more

Being one of the only place in Chicago you could smoke indoors, it was a place that I spend every night on my recent trip to Chicago. They charge you $15, you are allowed to bring your own cigars and booze. If you don't have any sticks they have a nice selection for sale. Nice comfortable leather chairs and flat screen TVS spread out in three different rooms. There are allot of regular smokers that go there often and are very friendly to people visiting from out of town, making you feel very welcomed in there sanctuary. If will be tops on my list when I go back to Chicago. read more

I freakin' love this place. I work two blocks away, and, at times, drop embarrassing amounts of cash on cigars here. I get "regular" recognition, get some real rare stuff, and am always happy with the service. Seriously, I spend way too much time here. In short, it's got an amazing selection, The house pipe blends are great, and I get my fill of Davidoff's here. I'm a happy camper. read more

Nice shop, good selection of cigars and pipes. Helpful staff. There is a small lounge in the store with eight seats. The other lounge is nicer, but I didn't want to pay $15 to smoke my $8 H. Upmann. I recommend this place and will be back next time I'm in town. read more

Iwan Ries - Free lounge - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The third oldest tobacconist in the country, they live up to every expectation. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. The small side lounge almost always has a few friendly people smoking their new purchase. While incredibly expensive, the private lounges are also incredibly beautiful. Iwan Ries is found in the historic Iwan Ries building in Chicago's famous Jewelers' Row, up an antique elevator, and down a beautiful hardwood hallway. The store's atmosphere has all the elegant charm one would expect from such a renowned company, while providing all the modern amenities needed to make it comfortable. Cigars range immensely in price, though there are very few "cheap" selections. This is a place for both existing and prospective tobacco enthusiasts, with a wide variety of quality cigars, pipes, humidors, tobacco, lighters, cutters, and other accoutrements. read more

Wow. Simply wow. This place proves that you don't need to be in a high-end location to have a great shop. They are on the second floor of a downtown building with the L running right outside. That's actually cool, in my book. The shop is among the oldest in the country and it shows its age. Still it is charming. What I like best, is that this place is primarily a pipe shop. They have lots of pipes on display, a huge selection of pipe tobacco and a very diverse and knowledgable staff. The cigar selection is fantastic as well. Lots of great smokes to pick from and they keep them in perfect storage. Pricing is what you would expect from any place with this pedigree, especially in a major metropolis. By that, you should expect to pay a little more than in most other areas. Also, the IL tax adds a bit of bite to the bill. Non of this should be held against them though. Rent is high, and they more than make up for it in service. There is a small lounge in the shop that is adequate for a few smokers, but the real surprise is their second suite in the front of the building. It is a large multi-room lounge with ebony/mahogany paneled walls and plenty of seating. You can easily relax away several hours here without noticing. The clientele are friendly and happy to chat. Mostly for upper-crust or near upper-crust smokers, you should be ready to meet lawyers, brokers, and business execs here. If you're in town, this place is well worth a visit. Walk there, take a cab or be prepared to park a block or so away if you drive. read more

Amazing tobacco shop! Experiential retail at its finest. Iwan Reis offers a full range of products and accessories, exceptionally friendly and helpful staff. The store, located in Chicago's old Jewelry district, is old-school, in and of itself a great reason to support the retailer. The lounge, accessible after-hours, is welcoming and comfortable. read more

Went in today for a gift and the staff was SUPER helpful. I know nothing about pipe tobacco but they explained the different types and showed us where we could smell everything. They have an ENORMOUS selection of pipes and cigars. This is the kind of place that makes you want to take up cigar or pipe smoking. Awesome! read more

My last few hours (in the city) on my trip to Chicago. I decided to visit Iwan Ries. It was the best decision I made. I was warmly greeted by Kim (manager). She helped me pick out a house cigar (Hoffman). Great smoke. I thoroughly enjoyed the smoke in their beautiful lounge. An hour or so later when I was done, I decided to go back in the shop and buy some to go. Kim again helped me . She is very knowledgeable, friendly, and most of all, she remembered my name! It's always good when you get great service, but always better when it feels sincere. I was lucky enough to meet the current owner, Mr Chuck Levi. And as busy as he was, graciously took a second to entertain this visitor with a selfie. Awesome!!! Thank you. If you are ever in downtown Chicago, come visit Iwan Ries, and enjoy a smoke in this Historic shop. read more

This place has a very sold selection of cigars and they are decently priced - of course, the sales and cigar tax in Chicago add about 20-25% to the prices they have listed there, but all in all, their selection is truly top notch. Auroras, Padrons, Ashtons, Trinidad, Davidoff, etc... just name it and they probably have it. I discovered that Chicago basically outlawed smoking indoors a few years ago, which means there are basically NO places to smoke indoors at all. That sucks. However, if you are interested in a place to smoke indoors, they do have a private lounge - $750 for yearly access, $15 for single day passes. Really nice - something I might think about getting in the future. Only drawback about this place? It closes early, so you gotta get your purchases in before the sun sets. read more

Enter through an outdated covered entrance on South Wabash where a few (unrelated) porters are smoking cigarettes on the sidewalk. Look for a large placard in front of the door or on the building by the doors if you're uncertain. Find yourself in a clean but sallow-looking first-floor hallway. Follow the paper signs to take the stairs up or use the elevator if it's working. Emerge onto the second floor and start to smell the sweet scent of tobacco and wrapper. Walk past the charming wooden figure and well-worn armchairs. You've arrived at a large airy chamber dedicated to the display of cigars and other fine tobacco products. The seasoned salespeople are the sort who will give you a once-over and have your number. Seeing my dazed expression at the sight of all these choices, I was approached by a gentleman who quickly assessed my needs with a few probing questions and led me around to pick out my needs. Service was brisk but confident, and my cigars were carefully placed into a bag that would keep them properly humidified for about a month and given a box of matches. You may not find someone with plenty of time on their hands at Iwan Ries, but you should certainly bring the cigar lover in your life to this historic store to see the joy on their face. read more

I only had about an hour and a half to visit this historic tobacco shop, but man was it worth it. The owner found me what I was looking for while juggling a couple other customers with ease. A big surprise was how busy the store was on a Saturday afternoon. This is not something I am used to seeing in any tobacco shop. After making my purchase, which included a one day membership to their nice lounge, I went to said lounge to smoke. This lounge is nice. All comfortable leather chairs, oak paneled walls and appointments rich with a patina that only comes with age. A nice kitchen area complete with icemaker and glasses with a Chicago view of passing trains out the window. Heaven for the smoker. read more

If you walked into a bar that has 150+ beers on tap, a full bar including many top shelf liquors and they also had a full selection of drinks that you could only find at that bar, you could call it Iwan O'ries'. This shop is a tobacco lovers dream. Huge selection, full of accessories, and a great staff that is very helpful and unpretentious. I have smoked briar pipes for close to 8 years and have been to many tobacconists in my years bouncing around the Midwest. Nothing compares to IRC. Stop by once and you'll be a lifetime customer. read more

Walking into this business is like walking back in time. The atmosphere is fantastic, the selection is huge, and the employees are super helpful! I'd been looking for a certain type of cigarillo for a while and none of the other cigar shops I checked in Chicago had them in stock. I emailed the store and got a response within an hour or two! When I stopped by to purchase them, the staff was super friendly and helpful. I highly recommend this shop for all your smoking needs! read more

This is a real tobacco shop, not a head shop. Great selection of pipes & pipe tabacco, & cigars. Knowledgeable staff, without being pushy. Family owned and operated. They also have their own smoking lounge opened till midnight thats B.Y.O.B. read more

I've been here a couple of times and it is by far my favorite cigar shop. The aroma as you walk to the second floor is amazing. The decor and atmosphere makes it seem like you're walking back in time. The people who work there are both very friendly and helpful from the first time I went there as a cigar noob to the last couple times I've been there as a more experienced cigar smoker. They have a great cigar collection and a pipe one as well for the pipe smokers. They also stock tons of accesories that one might need. There are two lounges. One that is free and one that is for members or people who pay a daily fee. I've never been to the smaller, free lounge so I can't say anything about that. The other lounge is awesome! BYOB and many comfortable seats. A great place to smoke and enjoy the view of Wabash from the 2nd floor of the building and/or play chess with a friend. Top notch! Would recommend! read more

The customer service was probably the best I've ever experience, anywhere. Douglas was an absolute gentleman and scholar with his knowledge and kindness "rolled into one smooth blend". Also, the relaxation of their leather lounge room was impeccable and absolutely added to the atmosphere. I would recommend this to everyone that enjoys smoking cigars and pipes alike. Double thumbs up read more

I love everything about this place, the staff is super knowledgeable, the prices are exactly what they should be. The briarwood pipe selection is easily the best I have ever seen in person. Also, the ambiance is exactly what any real tobacco connoisseur would want the pungent aromas and elegant mixing decorations make it a great place to shop. I was also pleasantly surprised that they sell hookahs. Not many of them to be fair, but a few quality products is all that market probably needs. read more

Simply awesome! In business since 1857, Iwan Ries & Co is the oldest family-owned tobacconists in the country. Thank's to Yelp, I found this Chicago gem and had to pay visit. The shop has an exceptional variety of tabacco products. I honestly have never seen so many pipes in my life. The atmosphere is certainly historic and the staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. The business also has a few lounges ($15 per day or $750 per year access) that you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax with a cigar or pipe. Notes: $10 min on credit card purchases (will not be hard to do!). Yes, taxes on tobacco are pretty high in Chicago, but this shop is worth it. read more

Really glad I found this place. Nice to have a spot close to my office. Very convenient. Recently visited to grab a few cigars for a golf outing and the service was very helpful. This place will be my go-to in the future. read more

I was in Chicago for a meeting and had some free time before my flight so I stopped in. I'm glad I did! Although the location was a bit hard to find it was worth it. They had a large selection and the service was both friendly and helpful. I bought a couple of sticks and enjoyed one while I was there. Great place! read more

Sent the husband here for some birthday fun with his friends and he absolutely loved it. Thanks to the staff at Iwan Reis for helping make my husband's birthday weekend so wonderful. This review is written on behalf of him. He loved the chill vibe and the ability to bring in some of his favorite bottles and sticks. He loved the kindness and attentiveness of the staff. He will most definitely be back again with his friends. read more

AMAZING shop. History all around you while you are there!! From the building to the family heritage everything had story. 12,000 pipes in stock is truly unimaginable. That could not be done today in a modern shop. They have a true passion for smoking fine tobacco and artistry of the beautiful pipes. The staff was fantastic too. If you want an true education on pipes Douglas is your guy. He was great. He was patient and happily showed me over 20 pipes and helped me narrow it down to 2. (I bought both) He has a passion for all Italian pipes but knows about them all. Definitely ask for Douglas when you get there. He also has great knowledge and background in tobacco and some great worldly experience to back it up. It was a true pleasure to visit and speak with him. The lounge was so classy. Great old time Chicago feel. The atmosphere was great. The view of trains going by, the leather chairs and the dark mahogany walls sealed the whole experience. Don't miss a chance buy a new pipe or cigar and have a smoke at the oldest tobacco shop in the nation. Plan on making it a multi hour visit. I know I will on my next visit to Chicago. read more

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

Very cool byob smoking lounge ($15 day pass) with a good selection of smokes. Had a Padron Anniversary which was very reasonably priced but it cracked when punched and another wrapper split when cut. Although they did smoke very well. Humidity needs to be kicked up a little I think. Next time I'll probably just bring my own but it's a neat spot in the loop to have a smoke and a chat that's for sure. read more

Iwan Ries - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My first time here and I really enjoyed myself. Very informative. The young man they helped me was very knowledgeable about what I'd need and what was the best cigar for a starter. I'll definitely be back, just wish the lounge was a little bigger. read more

I have been coming here for years. Finally thought I'd check out the private lounge. It was worth the cost! read more

Iwan Ries - The address - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is an amazing experience! The staff was friendly and helped me choose a selection of great cigars.

This is the oldest cigar club in Chicago and apparently was the first one in the US. Very old school and a comfortable place to relax and have a smoke. If you appreciate cigars and are in town you need to stop by and have a smoke here... read more

Best place in the city! I have been a customer for many years and will always go back. The staff is so friendly, adam is one of the best!! A great selection to choose from and the staff knows their stuff. Stopped by Uptown on a sunday and they cant compare. will never go back even if its a sunday, will wait till iwan's opens on monday keep up the good work guys, you deserve the success your business has read more