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San Francisco Peninsula
(San Mateo County & North Santa Clara County)


Belmont Smoke Shop & Novelties : 884 El Camino Real (north of Ralston), Belmont, CA {MAP}
650-508-1805 --- Hours: M-Th: 10-10, Sat: 11-10, Sun: 11-9.
This place made the mistake of installing western red cedar in their walk-in humidor.  But, they have a large assortment of cigars (full line of AF.. Royal Salute, Chateu L, Petite Corona etc..) at fair prices.. in a crummy liquor-store setting.  Rick Bolen says.. "Check it out!"
- Macanudo Portofino: Out-of-Stock, AF Curlyhead: $2.25

Broadway Tobacconist : 2013 Broadway Ave. (@ Main St.), Redwood City, CA 94063 {MAP}
650-261-9657 --- Hours: M-Th:11-10 Fri/Sat:11-11, Sun:11-6.
This is a classic "old style" cigar shop/lounge that opened in downtown Redwood City in August 1996.  It is owned by four Redwood City Police Officers. This is a very elegant shop with (70) humidified rental lockers, a chess table, current magazines and newspapers for leisure reading and two TVs for sports/news viewing and, of course, chairs and an overstuffed couch to relax and enjoy a smoke. Very friendly atmosphere. They feature a good selection of cigars and accessories for the most discriminating tastes.
- Macanudo Portofino: $7.09, AF Curlyhead: $3.85 (lots in-stock!)

Burlingame Tobacconist : 1404 Burlingame Ave., Burlingame, CA 94010 {MAP}
650-343-3300 --- Hours: Mon-Sat: 9am-8pm, Sun: 10-4. Holidays: 10-4
A traditional tobacco store.  They have a fantastic selection of cigars and accessories.. the best on the peninsula. Burlingame Tobacconist is one of the only Davidoff White Label appointed merchant. They also carry Opus X, Padron 1926s, and other hard to find cigars. Humidified (rental) storage lockers for customers cigars are available in their new, updated lounge. Update: Winter 2010: The newly redesigned lounge has 8 first-class aviation style leather chairs, two 46" plasma displays with surround sound. The Burlingame Tobacconist lounge is a quiet, great place to enjoy a beautiful Davidoff Double-R smoke while you are visiting the Bay Area or on a layover at SFO (San Francisco International Airport) as it is a quick cab ride (15 minute max with traffic) from the airport.

Cigar Loft: 106 W 25th Avenue, San Mateo, CA
Located right across the street from Lucetti's Italian Restaurant.
650-312-1141 -- Hours: Mon-Sat 10-8, Sunday 10-6
Owner Will Shekaib has created a very nice place to smoke a cigar. Cigar Loft has a great selection of premium cigars. There is a spacious lounge in the back with very good ventiliation. There is also free WiFi, coffee, and a 50" plasma TV. Will and his staff are very welcoming and friendly. Visit their website at: http://www.cigarloft.net.

Cigars & More:: 666 Laurel Ave., San Carlos, CA.
650-596-9752 -- Hours: Mon-Sat 11-9, Sunday 11-5
In the heart of downtown San Carlos, Cigars and More is the one stop shop for any and all your tobacco enjoyment needs. Specializing in Fine Cigars, Glassware, and Accessories. Featuring Arturo Fuente, Ashton, Partagas, Padron, and Romeo y Julieta. Visit their website at: http://www.ronycigars.com/.

The Humboldt Tobacco Co.: 78 E. 21st Ave. (1 block east of El Camino Real), San Mateo, CA
Located 2 blocks northwest of Bay Meadows Racetrack in San Mateo. {MAP}
650-341-0924 -- Hours: Mon, Thurs, Fri: 9-6, Sat: 11-6, Sun: 11-4, Closed Tuesday & Wednesday.
REVIEW UPDATED 1/4/09: The Humboldt Tobacco Company has officially received their Beer and Wine license; making it one of the only places in Northern California to legally enjoy a cigar with a glass of fine wine, beer, or port! Open Mic. on Saturday afternoons -- come in a listen to some tunes when you have the time!
REVIEW UPDATED 10/17/07: The Very Right Reverend Mark Underwood has truly created a smoker's paradise among the industrial warehouses of 21st Avenue in San Mateo. Humboldt still has the absolute best prices in Northern California on cigarettes and cigars, and you cannot beat the laid back, comfortable, friendly atmosphere Underwood has created. If you are lucky, you'll hear a bit of live music while you are there too. The lounge in back is reminiscent of a 1980's living room complete with 2 pool tables, couches, chairs, a touch of neon, and those materialistic 80s posters with attractive women flaunting the advantages of a high net worth. The front of Underwood's shop still houses his commercial cigarette business. Simply head to the back room to enter the cigar-smoker's paradise. Underwood's well-seasoned walk-in humidor is always at 70% -- and is obsessively checked twice per day, 7 days a week. His recent additions to his humidor include such heralded selections as Greycliff, Avo 787s and Signatures, and the Reserva Figurado La Gloria Cubanas -- all at prices that are tough to beat unless you go online. After making your selection, enjoy your smoke at the front counter for a "religious" experience or the complementary lounge in back. I'm told that very soon now, Underwood is going to host "open mic" music and cigar events. A quote from Mark Underwood says it all, "be kind, be cool, be conscious." Be sure to visit The Humboldt Tobacco Company online at: http://www.humboldttobacco.com.

Old Knickerbockers Tobacconists : 555 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park, CA {MAP}
650-327-PIPE (7473) --- Hours: Mon-Sat: 10-9'ish, Sun: Closed.
Next to "BBC", the British Banker's Club (attached actually). Cigars, pipes, rare tobaccos, smoker's requisites. High prices and a snooty staff make this cramped little place a bit "uncomfortable" to visit.
Another opinion: I must disagree with the (above) review of this store. I found the staff to very helpful and the store to be quite charming. Much better than the magazine shops so frequently found in the surrounding areas. This is one of the only shops (that I have seen) that has hard to find cigars usually in stock. (Second review by: Garrett Gafke).
Editors note: Why not go check it out and decide for yourself?
- Macanudo Portofino: $7.33, AF Curlyhead: Out-of-stock.


If a cigar shop or cigar bar you frequent in San Mateo County is not listed here, please let me know by e-mail, or submit a listing (partial or complete) or review and I will add it as soon as possible.
Happy smoke trails,
- Lance Kelly




Click here to return to "The SF Bay Area Cigar Page" -Main Index
Click here to see the "cigar friendly" locations on the SF Peninsula!