Stumbled upon this gem while waiting for another store to open. I'm glad I did. I have been buying our golf cigars from places like Total Wine etc. The two gentlemen working were very polite and inviting. I believe one of them was the owner. Prices are decent considering it is a cigar shop, however their selection is pretty extensive. Ranging from R&J, to David off, to Monte Cristo and Cohiba. Unfortunately the parking makes this place a hard sell on weekends, but not bad if it's a weekday and the structure is empty. I would definitely return if I had time to plan a trip here read more

Tinder Box - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

One of the few great places for pipe enjoyers. Service was great, prices were as affordable as possible in California.

Late in the evening finishing up our shopping came across this cigar / tobacco pipe shop. Strolling through their store we found quite a nice selection of both cigars and pipes and loose tobacco. So I bought the pipe holder with tobacco container at a great price, and a nice selection of tobacco pipes, several cigars and two bags of loose tobacco. I put the word "tobacco" in front of the pipes because I don't want ya thinking that i'm smoking wacky weed or medical marijuana. I ain't even into that crap. So I ended up buying the place out and probably made this guy's day by spending all that money on his last sell of the day. Very nice person that took the time to show me the humidifier room, his selection of cigars and pipes. Love stinking up the backyard with cherry smelling tobacco. Tinder Box in Costa Mesa mall Pipe and cigars read more

Tinder Box - Tobacco container, pipe holder. Great price - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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I love going here! It's not close by but worth the drive. Today I had the pleasure of speaking to Ryan. This guy is awesome, a wealth of knowledge and just plain fun to discuss pipes with! This shop has always been amazing to visit! I really wish it wasn't inside because I would absolutely love to go and have a pipe with these fine folks after a purchase or just trying something new. They always make you feel like family and have a great selection of pipes and cigars! There's no other place like it in north Orange County! Hats off to these guys! Love the shop and the guys behind the counter!! read more

The people that work here are really nice and great to talk to. Good selection of cigars (small humidor in the front and a slightly larger one in the back just up the steps) and the best selection of pipe tobacco around. There are some additional shelves of pipe tobacco across from the humidor in the back and bulk is available as well. Really good tobacco prices too for a B&M. They carry quality stuff and they know their stuff. They also carry nice lighters, various antique stuff, ashtrays, and have pipes behind the counter as well as some under the glass display counter. They also have some miscellaneous stuff at the register like pipe cleaners and Czech tools. Covid: Employees wear masks and they don't allow more than one person in the humidors at a time and post a sign saying not to touch anything in the humidor. read more

Great selection of pipe tobaccos and even better customer service! It's always a joy to frequent this excellent shop. Both gentlemen behind the counter couldn't have been nicer and more hospitable! I'll be happy to return here for all my pipe and tobacco needs! read more

I had a wonderful experience purchasing my first pipe and several choice tobaccos! The gentlemen at Tinder Box were very knowledgeable and went to great lengths. The thing that I noticed was how respectful and patient they were in assisting their customers. Definitely will be making this my preferred location and recommend anyone to come here! read more

I've been a customer at Tinder Box for years now, and I cannot say enough good things about the place. The staff is extremely friendly, and you don't get that "pretentious higher level of being" vibe that you could get at other places here, all smiles and "hellos", and I appreciate that. Their selection is as good as one could expect for such a niche market. Their knowledge is unparalleled, and experience is flowing. I guess my only complaint would be the self identified owner of this establishment, as every time I speak with him he seems to try and push a $500 pipe on me when I'm simply in for a 2oz bag and some cleaners. Normally, I wouldn't mention this, as sales are sales, but I literally cannot have a conversation with the guy without him trying to get me to spend hundreds. Oh well, it's definitely not enough of a complaint to warrant me not returning, or even removing a star. I sincerely hope this store stays around for years to come, as it's one of only 3 tobacconists that I know of in a 40 mile radius of me, and they truly are some great folks. Thanks tinder box for everything! (Pro tip, if you park in the Macy's parking lot, and walk through the first floor, it's right there on your left) read more

Great selection of pipe and tobacco but they didn't have the one I am looking for but still bought other tobacco and it was great

My husband and I came by to get a present for his step dad and showed up around 11am today (Sat, 05/29/21) and it was closed. Did the hours change? Just disappointing because we really wanted to get a gift from there. read more

Ok if i can walk into a store inside of South Coast Plaza and see a guy smoking a pipe inside the mall it gets 5 stars hands down. I always enjoy buying smokes there and the staff is defiantly aware of their superior knowledge of tobacco ( or snobby maybe) I half wonder if the segerstroms have a handshake deal to let them and only them smoke in the mall. If i brought a pipe into nordstrom I would be tackled by the goons. Smoke up! ok now for the boring stuff from their website The Tinder Box in Costa Mesa is the oldest established tobacconist in the County of Orange, California. The two walk-in cigar humidors allow us to offer a selection of cigars parallel to none. The store also supports an extensive array of accessories for the cigar smoker, Elie Bleu Cigar humidors, Dupont lighters, Davidoff cutters and fine Spanish cigar cases. read more

Tinder Box - from the website - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I've had an unhealthy love affair (is there any other kind, really?) with cigars most of my life. Phallic jokes aside, I do enjoy a nice Churchill on the longer leisurely nights when I have a couple hours to sit with a bottle of wine on my balcony and pretend I'm some foreign dignitary on holiday committing tax evasion and smuggling sea turtles. Other nights, a nice Rothschild will do when I have less time to malinger in my Narcos Mexico fantasies. Whatever the situation or illusion, I do enjoy a nice smooth draw on a mild to mildly spicy tube (giggty). So one afternoon after roaming the halls of South Coast Plaza in search of a watch (success) and humanity (failure), I wandered over the bridge and, while sitting at Star$s watching a family ignore their child as he threw napkins all over the floor, I remembered The Tinder Box. "Well, that's a better place to be than sitting here confirming my dislike of children and poor parenting." The smell as you approach the store is beautiful, like the musky but pleasant familiarity of a lover's pillow in summer. The men working behind the counter didn't evoke such imagery, but they were very nice none the less. The younger of two came around after he had finished polishing some of the boxes on display behind the counter. He also greeted me when I walked in. The older gentleman seemed too preoccupied with the abyss that was somewhere between his eyes and the wall. No matter. I was looking at humidors for a friend who had recently gifted me with several cigars. I had also recently received a box of Cubans as a gift from my former company's CFO and I felt an upgrade was in order. Forgive my old age and senility; I've forgotten the young man's name (it's been several months since my visit) but for some reason I think his name is Michael (though I'm probably wrong). But he was very friendly and quite knowledgeable. He led me around and described the features of the humidors and the different woods used in each one. I settled on a medium sized Spanish Cedar which was hand crafted by someone in some place no doubt aggrandized in the company brochure ("Generations of craftsmanship developed in the jungles of the City of Industry" or something like that). We wandered into the larger humidor in the back and it was quite a treat. I spent more time reading the histories of the cigars rather than being in a consumerist mindset, and when I snapped out of my flashback into academia, I apologized for taking so much of his time then decided on a few limited edition Opus tubes and a couple Davidoffs for myself. Add in a torch and a nice cutter and I was a happy clam. They threw in a large butane canister as well so that was a nice gesture. I walked out with quite a large bag feeling quite happy with my purchases. I wondered if all those housewives on the other side of the bridge feel this way when they wander the marble and travertine halls carrying their branded bags from Gucci or wherever. Then I realized that I'd never seen them smile. Cigars are better. I walked to my car, past the untouched pile of napkins, and on the way I received a call. "I'll see you soon. I have something for you. I hope you like it." I didn't have a Gucci bag on my arm, but I did have a smile on my face. read more

This is the first time I have ever want to try some cigars. And Bob was so nice to give me some basic idea about the flavor.

Love this place got my husband a nice gift for Christmas prices are great and the workers are super nice and knowledgeable :) thank you!! We'll be back!! read more

Tinder Box - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Never smoked a pipe in my life. I talked to the gentleman and asked what he recommended and he was a great teacher in the types of pipe tobacco. Also i got a cob pipe and 4 ounces of pipe tobacco at a pretty good price. read more

Four employees, but none willing to at least say "Hello" or ask if we need help? I ended up buying my box somewhere else. The word "snobby" comes to mind... read more

Bob and Jody were the most informative and helpful people. It was my son's 21st birthday, and they showed us step by step how to pack the tobacco, light it and how to keep the pipe lit. Bob showed us so many different tobacco brands. Their enthusiasm and knowledge was unmatched. Then Bob showed us a Nicaraguan cigar which has 9 distinct flavors, so we bought a few for our Vegas trip. These guys are awesome. read more

Went in to get started on pipe smoking. I've smoked cigars for years and wanted to try something new. Staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Didn't try and gouge me on overly expensive things. Very knowledgeable. 10/10 would highly recommend. read more

Absolutely wonderful experience. The Tinder box has an extremely wide selection of cigars, tobacco pipes and tobacco. Staff are welcoming, highly knowledgeable and extremely helpful. They have a vast understanding of their products and can give solid advice if needed. The Tinder Box has two humidors Full of some of the most popular cigar brands and several walls lined with high-quality tobacco pipes varying in price. I highly recommend a visit to this awesome hidden gem. read more

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Bob and Jody are great! Super helpful and so knowledgeable. They know their pipes! Great selection of pipes as well as pipe tobacco. Reasonably priced. I highly recommend. read more

I just realized I haven't done a review on Tinder box. I've been coming here for years. This location has an amazing staff. Extremely knowledgeable . Their selection of cigars is to die for. If you're shopping for a gift of looking for a great cigar that's kept in excellent condition, this is your place. read more

Gotta be honest, the atmosphere is a little intimidating for the uninitiated. Feels like you need to be in The Club, and if you're not, then you're on your own. Been in a few times, and they are helpful enough once things get going. Maybe it's just quiet on this side of South Coast Plaza, or they're just wary of Looky-Loos, but service here was a little cold. But after some awkwardness they warmed up a bit and took care of business. That said, they have a nice selection of pipes and cigars, as well as some tins and great smelling bulk tobaccos. Their Wilshire blend smelled great. This location is a franchise based on the original in Santa Monica, so mileage may vary if you compare the two. Regardless, if you're looking for a gift I'm sure you could find something nice. But if you don't come in with some assertiveness, you may find yourself slinking right back out empty-handed. read more

Best tobacco I ever smoked (per my father) I come here often for fresh oz of tobacco. Great price and lots of notes to choose from, wish they shipped but worth the 45 minute drive read more

Just bought my first pipe from here. Such a great experience. The environment is more like the employees are bringing you into their family verse being just another customer. They are all so knowledgeable and kinda, declaring their passion for pipes in ways they talk and act. Ryan helps me out special. He is such a gentleman and know all there is to know about pipes read more

Always very helpful employees. A great selection of pipes and tobacco. Thanks read more

Great store, helpful staff, good inventory. I've been smoking a pipe for years without much knowledge or thought, as a break from cigars. I enjoy either mostly on weekends. I went here to buy some fresh pipe tobacco, and found the gentlemen who worked there polite, friendly, and informative. This is my new go to spot for pipe smoking needs, and they have a nice selection of all kinds of accessories, from pipes to tools to lighters. read more

Decent selection, fair prices, friendly and knowledgable staff. The fact that they can smoke INSIDE the mall is incredbile. Theres a fancy Davidoff humidor at the front which is cool, assuming you like Davidoff. Their regular humidor is in the back and usually where I direct my attention to. I wish they had a place for patrons to relax and smoke to fully take advangtage of the system they installed which allows the for the rarity that is indoor smoking. read more

Man I don't even know where to begin, but I guess I'll start with this place is AWESOME!!! For starters, it's in a mall, but you can still enjoy your pipe in the shop!! This blew my mind. Secondly they have a very nice selection of bulk blends and tins, as well as some awesome pipes! I bought a basket pipe and am extremely impressed with it so far, I even got to smoke the delicious tobacco I just purchased right there and then! Third and most important is the staff is extremely friendly and cool! Ryan helped me out a lot and bestowed on me tons of knowledge that I had no idea about, and I've been smoking a pipe for 13 years! We got to enjoy some pipes and talk about all the technicalities of the pipe and tobacco world (I'm a huge pipe nerd so this was a big highlight for me!) I even got to meet their reps for C&D and Arturo-Fuente who were also both super interesting people. The owner is a super cool guy too, I got to talk to him for a little and he has a ton of pipe world knowledge! Honestly, it's B&M's like this that remind me truly how awesome the pipe community is! If you live in the area and are a veteran pipe smoker, a novice, are interested in becoming a piper, or you are just curious about the pipe world, go here, you will not be disappointed!! I'm not even a local, but I will absolutely be back!! read more

I have been going to the Tinder Box for a few years now. It's quite the classy establishment. The employees have always been polite and helpful and their selection of tobacco is extensive. If I was a pipe smoker, this place would be paradise. Alas, I only go here to smoke some fine Eddie O'Clare's or cognac dipped Al Capone's so perhaps when the day comes that I will have enough money for a pipe, I can fully appreciate the assortment of smokes. In the meantime, I will enjoy buying smokes from here. read more

I have lived in Orange County since 1991, and around that time I was a wee little child that would walk around the South Coast Plaza with my Mom. I have fond memories of the mall and stores like Plaza Cutlery (which unfortunately closed its doors at the beginning of this year). How I never knew of the Tinder Box until recently is beyond me. Perhaps I wandered in when I was young, but I cannot recall. When I first walked into the Tinder Box I noticed how much it matched the rest of the mall. It is clean, organized, and full of high quality items. The second time I walked in a friendly gentleman was even dusting one of the display cases. Their glass cases are set up like museum displays in a handsome way and they remind me of a Rolex store that you would see in Switzerland. The employees here may throw you off at first because they are quite quiet. However, once you start talking with them they are very friendly and helpful. Although I am a relatively young guy in my 20's they respected the fact that I was interested in quality tobacco and let me smell a blend I was interested in. Pipe smokers tend to be quiet types, contemplative and laconic. Do not let their quiet demeanors influence your perception of the store, because this is a world class tobacco store and the employees are knowledgeable. Perhaps you may even prefer this style, where they let you browse in peace and don't try to push sales on you. The tobacco selection is great. Not amazing, but great. It would be amazing if they had larger quantities and more variety, but that is always hard for a brick and mortar store to accomplish. The products they sell here are top shelf though; you will not find drug store tobacco here like many other "tobacco stores" that are actually just vape and weed stores with a small section of cigarettes. This is a true cigar and pipe shop. This is my new favorite tobacco store and I plan to shop here every time I am at the mall. I already brought my brother in and told my cousin about the place. Places like this deserve five-star ratings, especially when there aren't many true pipe and cigar stores left. They are dedicated to their craft and I will gladly give them my business. read more

Talk about being treated like crap... I've been here twice, both times willing to spend over $300, and both times getting no help in a completely empty store. Did an amazing job at turning away a potential life long costumer, I will take my business online. read more

This smoke shop is not well known to outsiders. There is only and old wooden swing sign that even hints that there is a smoke shop there. Ive only seen two in the laguna beach area and this one has the better selection and the better price. As for those looking for meds, thats a bit of a trip; as in the new port beach area. Unless its delivery, of course. Friendly staff good customer service and nice set up. read more

This little cigar shop is just very ok. Its definitely on the expensive side but I have run into some very nice employees here, one of which who introduced me to my favorite cigar which is olivia double robusto something rather. If you want a truly great selection along with VALUE and educated employees, go check out hi-times which is only 10 minutes away. read more

Overall, this place is home to a whole lot of classy inventory and is definitely a go-to store for unique gifts. However, the customer service was down right terrible. From the moment I walked in I was treated like some looky-loo solely there to waste their time. When I asked for the item I was looking for the gentleman sloppily threw his finger to some corner of the store without saying a word. I swallowed my anger and purchased my gift simply out of the fact that the quality of their merchandise speaks louder than their cold service! Even as I purchased it he made me feel as if I had inconvenienced him to have unlocked the showcase... Good stuff, but I will not be going back... (It's just another snoody South Coast Plaza shop, get used to be treating like you're part of the lesser throughout the entire mall) read more

The shop is inside the mall...far from convenient. There's a Davidoff humidor in the front of the store, and in the back is the retail humidor room. Not very big, about 12x12. There's lots of Olivas, Padrons, Hoyo de Monterrey, La Gloria Cubana, and some CAO's. I chose an Oliva Ct reserve. Prices are reasonable. I'm spoiled on Hi-Times. read more

I buy cigars here for my man. Awesome employees so knowledgeable. I had no idea about cigars and they helped me pick the perfect box. I have returned multiple times and bought several more boxes. Love this place. I won't buy cigars anywhere else. read more

Great selection of pipes and tobaccos at this location. Their staff is extremely friendly, knowledgeable and helpful, especially to a novice like myself. read more

Ample selection, great prices and superb customer service. I came by thinking I was going to buy a couple of cigars but ended up buying 20+.

Great little cigar shop in The Crystal Court side of South Coast Plaza. I happened upon this pipe and cigar shop while we waited in line for pictures with the Easter Bunny (for our daughter, not me). The line was long and I love cigars, so I wandered in to view their selection. At first glance the shop looks like an overpriced, fancy tobacco shop, but as I looked at the merchandise in the cabinets I was pleasantly surprised at what I found. They have a great selection of briar pipes and accesories, lighters, ashtrays, and desk-top humidors and the prices were very reasonable. I entered one of their two walk-in humidors and found a great selection of standard and hard to find cigars. The cigar prices were also very reasonable, so I took the opportunity to grab a few of the sticks that I had hadn't found in other cigars shops. I recently restored my Grandfather's Silversmith pipe and have been enjoying the experience of smoking new tobaccos. Since The Tinder Box has such a good selection of pipe products, I will definitely be returning soon for a few items. read more

OK i don't smoke! but my bf does! And i've been to plenty of cigar places with him so I've had my fair share of experiences. I really like this place. The guys who work there are great! They are soooo knowledgeable. I don't think they've ever steered my bf wrong in choosing a cigar. They are always willing to help and the prices are great! I would definitely recommended this place to anyone looking for great cigars. read more