Hi all. Just wondering if anyone could recommend any shops in the Los Angeles area. I have got a lot of great info from this site and have found some decent deals online. However, I would also like to have a local place to go to pick up a cigar and/or maybe get some recommendations etc. Does anyone know of a place that has decent prices, knowledgeable people, and most importantly someone who won't rip off a noob such as myself. Any help is appreciated.

There are two places that I frequent for reasonably-priced cigars with a knowledgeable staff.

1. Kolpin Cigars, 21744 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills. 818-346-1505. Wall-to-wall cigars, good prices. No lounge, just cigars.

2. Vendome Liquors, 10600 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake. 818-766-9593. Surprisingly good selection and modest prices. Since it's right up the street from my house, it's the first place I go to sample new sticks.

Once you're ready to buy a box of cigars, try Cigars International (www.cigarsinternational.com). They have the best prices. I've been buying from them for years.

Thanks. Woodland Hills is not to far from me. Anyone else have any suggestions?

You didn't say what state you're from, but just remember California has among the higher cigar taxes in the country-- about 50% of the wholesale price. It would have been a lot worse if that tobacco tax had passed in November.

There's also a few cigar bars or owner-operated bars exempt from the state's smoking ban.