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    Hi Everyone, as mentioned in my introduction post, BOTL needs quite a bit of updating, patching and whatever else I might come across. Over the next few weekends BOTL may be unreachable on occasion as I do migrations or updates, etc. Just be patient - we'll be back! I'll generally try to keep these maintenances until later in the evenings.

Chicago 1/20 - 1/24

kockroach

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Depends on where...and when.

There is Jack Schwartz (open 7am to 5pm M-F), Iwan Ries (9-5:30). Up Down Cigar is a little north of downtown, and is open til 11pm, midnight on Fri/Sat.
 

icehog3

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Some nice places in the burbs if you have transportation.

Casa de Montecristo in Countryside

Cigar King in Skokie
 

Cigar Cowboy

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I have smoked with the brothers at Casa de Montecristo. That is a great place.

I will be staying at the James Hotel downtown this time. Any of those shops in the city sell booze?
 

kockroach

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No shops have liquor licenses. But, you should be able to bring in your own. Best to ask ahead.
 
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Michael, my schedule wont allow me to head downtown to catch up with you, but if you make your way out towards the suburbs (Casa specifically) let me know. I may be able to swing meeting ya there for a bit.
 

Cigar Cowboy

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I would love to hang out with you all again but I will not have transportation this time around. I will be with my new company. I can sneak away for a few hours but not a whole evening. We have too many events and dinners planned. I better stay in the city. Thanks though! Let me know if anyone will be downtown.
 
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I will be in Chicago for Promat next week. I am staying downtown. Where can I smoke a cigar downtown? Anyone want to meet-up?

Michael
Hello Michael,

Iwan Ries is your best bet. It's only a mile from your hotel (19 S. Wabash) and their selection is very good. They have a basic free smoking lounge inside the humidor which is open during store hours but if you want something more upscale they have very cool cigar lounge (which stays open past store hours) that is available for a $15 fee that is BYOB and you are allowed to bring your own smokes or of course buy from them.
 
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Jadawin

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Figures, you are in town and i am gone that week. Check out Tesa if you get a chance! BYOB and an easy cab ride from downtown
 
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Figures, you are in town and i am gone that week. Check out Tesa if you get a chance! BYOB and an easy cab ride from downtown
I hear Tesa has a nice looking lounge but is it true that their selection is very limited as they want to steer customers to their house brand cigars?
 

Hoshneer

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If I remember right Tesa carries mostly Drew Estate and Liga Privada, I think they also had a very nice collection of Illusione and LFD. Their house brands are kick ass and trust me, you are gonna want to try the 312. The two guys that run it are Chris Kelly and Brian. I really think it's a awesome place and it's definitely one of the more relaxed smoke shops.

Sent from my Galaxy S3 while getting a blumpkin!
 
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Jadawin

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Their selection isnt as limited as it used to be. Yes, they sell a lot of their house brand cigars, the 312 Rex mentioned is very tasty, as well as the Gran Cru. They sell damn near everything DE makes, as well as LFD, Illusione, Oliva, VSG, and a few others.
 

Hoshneer

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Sorry, I live in Indiana. You never know though, I may Se you someday. ;)

Sent from my Galaxy S3 while getting a blumpkin!
 
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If I remember right Tesa carries mostly Drew Estate and Liga Privada, I think they also had a very nice collection of Illusione and LFD. Their house brands are kick ass and trust me, you are gonna want to try the 312. The two guys that run it are Chris Kelly and Brian. I really think it's a awesome place and it's definitely one of the more relaxed smoke shops.

Sent from my Galaxy S3 while getting a blumpkin!
Their selection isnt as limited as it used to be. Yes, they sell a lot of their house brand cigars, the 312 Rex mentioned is very tasty, as well as the Gran Cru. They sell damn near everything DE makes, as well as LFD, Illusione, Oliva, VSG, and a few others.
Thanks for the update guys! Sounds like I need to check them out!
 
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