Smoke Cities: Cigar Haunts of New York -
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Name: BARCLAY-REX
Address: 7 Maiden Lane (off Broadway), New York, NY 10038
70 East 42nd Street, (between Madison and Park Avenue), New York, NY 10165
Tel: (212) 962-3355 , (888) DRTOBAC
Proprietor: Vince Nastri
Years Operating: 86 years Downtown, 10 years Midtown
# of Brands: "It's easier to count the ones we don't carry."
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8-6 (Maiden Lane location); Mon.-Fri., 8-6:30; Sat., 10-5:30 (42nd Street location).
Special Features: New York's oldest continually-operating store has two locations: one two blocks south of St. Paul's Church, in the financial district, and one on 42nd Street right across from Grand Central. Both have broad selections, walk-in humidors, and highly capable staff. Yet for historical interest, it's hard to beat the downtown shop. From the tobacco drawers to the ceiling fan to the shots of Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth, it's old school Manhattan at its best (Wall Streeters -- this is the only noteworthy smoke shop at the tip of the island!).
Name: NAT SHERMAN
Address: 500 5th Avenue (corner of 42nd and 5th Avenue), New York, NY 10110
Tel: (212) 246-5500, (800) 221-1690
Proprietor: Joel Sherman
Years Operating: 66 years, 5 years in current location
# of Brands: 4
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9-7; Sat., 10-5:30; Sun., 11-5.
Special Features: Undoubtedly the most recognizable cigar shop in the City, right on the corner of 5th Avenue and 42nd Street. Astounding mahogany-paneled interior. Don't miss the mezzanine with its player piano, display cases full of smoking accessories, and capacious walk-in humidor. Despite the patrician air of the place, the Shermans do their best to accommodate. There are smoking chairs upstairs, a "smoking room" in the humidor, and a Private Reserve for prized customers. Maintain a five-box minimum and they'll store, inventory, and even ship your cigars for you. For details call (800) MY CIGAR.
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