Smokin' Shops #1

Up Down in Old Town

In the never-ending quest to find the absolute exemplary smoke shop, my travels have brought me to the likes of Chicago, Dallas, Portland, Miami, Phoenix and overseas. I’d like to dedicate this column to the shops that I’ve found to be the most memorable. Whether it’s a shop that introduced me to my first cigar or one that happened to stock a most sought after stick, every one of the shops that you’ll read about reserves a special place among my experiences. I hope that one day you may be able to enjoy them for yourselves.

Up Down Tobacco, located near the corner of North Avenue and Wells, is right in the center of Old Town. The name itself brings me back to the enjoyable streets of the windy city, enjoying the many fine restaurants, watering holes and quirky shops along my favorite historic district of Chicago. I can’t think of a better time to visit than autumn. The vibrant colors of changing leaves line the streets as the wind sends those, which have fallen swirling in front of doorways. The crispness of the cooling waters of Lake Michigan fills the air and drives the senses into a fury. The sun dips lower in the afternoon drawing long shadows across the streets on up the storefronts. In the heart of it all, you’ll find Up Down Tobacco.

Wooden Indians greet the sidewalk in front of the open door to the shop with a large wood-carved vintage pipe hanging not far above. Humidors of every size and shape line the windows as the smell of cigar smoke and fresh pipe tobacco drift into the open streets. Once inside, the walls are lined with glass wrap-around humidors with a beautiful selection in plain view. The shop is rather humble, which gives a quaint small-town feel within the surrounding city. It’s no surprise to find a building with this much character was used in the early 1960’s as an experimental art gallery.

With an experienced and genial staff, most always with a cigar in hand, service is second-to-none. The perfect cigar to match the right mood is only a suggestion away. Those who wish to stay and chat while smoking their purchase are always welcome to do so; otherwise there is a plethora of cigar-friendly restaurants and patios in the area to burn the day away.

Up Down is the home of my first cigar purchase, and certainly not my last. This is truly a shop not to be passed by.

Up Down Tobacco
1550 Wells Street
Chicago, IL 60610
(800) 5UpDown [587-3693]

www.updowncigar.com

Up Down in the Windy City