Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur seeking a plush lounge with the perfect pour or a casual stogie aficionado who just wants a relaxing spot to puff with friends, I got you covered. Overall, there are many great options for cigars in Amherst. Our top choice for best spot for cigars in Amherst is Nickel City Cigars, but there are many to choose from.
Our list covers the top cigar havens in Amherst, NY, catering to all walks of the cigar world. Fancy a place with top-shelf drinks and leather armchairs? We have it. Craving a chill hangout with a no-nonsense vibe? You bet. Looking to stock up on your favorite smokes, by the stick or the box? Yep, got that too. So, light up a metaphorical pre-amble cigar, settle in, and let’s explore the best cigar experiences Amherst has to offer!
Top 3 Cigars Spots in Amherst
1. Nickel City Cigars, 5/5
2. AOG Cigar Lounge, 5/5
3. Buffalo Cigars, 4.8/5
Guide to Choosing a Cigar Lounge & Shop in Amherst, NY
Choosing the right cigar spot in Amherst isn’t just about the sticks, folks. There are many factors to consider for that perfect cigar sanctuary. First off, let’s talk budget. Are you rolling in dough, ready to drop some serious cash on fancy drinks and premium lounge memberships? Or you more of a kick-back-and-relax smoker on a budget?
What about selection? If you’re just looking for common cigars then most places will be ok, but if you’re looking for limited edition cigars or boutique brands, know that not every spot will have what you’re looking for.
Next up, lockers. If you’re a regular, having a personal humidor at the lounge is clutch – no more hauling your sticks around!
Then there’s the booze situation. Do they have a full bar with your favorite whiskeys, or are you stuck with a limited selection? Bonus points if you’re allowed to bring your own and not pay an opening or corking fee.
Finally, consider the vibe. Some spots get crazy crowded, while others have a mellow, laid-back feel.
Picking the right spot means matching your preferences and taking all these factors into account.
10 Best Cigars Lounges and Shops in Amherst
1. Nickel City Cigars
Rating: 5/5
Phone: (716) 844-9696
Address: 284 Franklin St Buffalo, NY 14202 United States
Website: nickelcitycigars.com
About: Specialities Nickel City Cigars specializes in providing artisanal boutique brand premium cigars. We take pride in bringing the city of Buffalo and WNY the most high end premium cigars the industry has to offer. Housed inside our 400 sq ft walk-in humidor, is Buffalo’s largest all boutique brand collection. Stop in and receive a unique one on one sales experience with one of our certified boutique tobacconists. We will tailor your selections specifically to your palate. Our Brick & Mortar location offers retail shopping for all (cigars, accessories, merchandise) and a private member lounge that anyone can join – Nickel City Club, Co. History Established in 2019. Nickel City Cigars LLC was established in May of 2019, and shortly thereafter launched our e-commerce NickelCityCigars. Our Brick & Mortar location on Franklin St. is directly in front of the famous Buffalo Chophouse and steps away from all the restaurants and nightlife on Chippewa St. Our location was equally as important as our cigar portfolio; all class, just like the 716! Meet the Business Owner Business owner information Tommy F. Business Owner My name is Tommy F. Owner & Operator of Nickel City Cigars, LLC. Born and raised in Buffalo, NY. While serving in the US Navy I fell in love with the cigar Industry and the unique culture it represents. This centuries old craft is truly something everyone should experience. The same hand made techniques are used today as they were centuries ago. Premium aged tobaccos are blended by masters to create a variety of body, flavor and strengths. Boutique brands are comprised of only the finest raw materials, carefully sourced and curated by masters blenders. I set out to break the mold; offer only the best, nothing mass produced, and to establish a one of a kind lounge more in alignment with the craft beer/whiskey bar scene here in our city. I hope you enjoy what I have created, and I hope to meet you all! Stop in and ask for Tommy.
2. AOG Cigar Lounge
Rating: 5/5
Phone: (716) 714-4012
Address: 3491 Delaware Ave Buffalo, NY 14217 United States
Website:
About: Specialities When we opened our first Art Of Glass Smokeshop in Kenmore, NY, we were determined to provide a quality and refined cigar experience for enthusiasts within the community. Beginning with a cabinet humidor stocked with a premium selection of cigars, we continued adding more cabinets and a walk-in humidor, expanding our selection as our community of connoisseurs grew. Now, we are thrilled to unveil the latest offering to our community of enthusiasts – the AOG Cigar Lounge! Browse our newly expanded walk-in humidor, featuring over three times more cigars. Whether you’re relaxing on the luxurious leather couches or playing a competitive game of pool, the lounges’ relaxing atmosphere is perfect for savoring every single puff of our premium cigars, from top brands like Acid, AVO, Gurkha, Oliva, and many more. Catch the game on one of our many flat-screen TVs, and be sure to keep an eye on the calendar for upcoming events! We invite you to come relax with our day pass or become an exclusive member with our luxurious plans offering exclusive benefits. Our plans offer member discounts, a personalized locker, monthly credits, exclusive events, and a selection of other privileges. At AOG Cigar Lounge, we invite you to indulge in the refined tastes of smooth tobacco and savor every note and flavor while relaxing in a room designed for your comfort. Join our community as we continue to enrich the cigar & tobacco experience in WNY. Become a part of AOG Cigars, where puff meets perfection!
3. Buffalo Cigars
Rating: 4.8/5
Phone: (716) 674-7833
Address: 500 Main St Buffalo, NY 14202 United States
Website: buffalocigars.com
About: Buffalo Cigars is your source for cigars in Amherst. Visit Buffalo Cigars’s website for more information about hours and selection.
4. Tinder Box
Rating: 4.5/5
Phone: (716) 689-2914
Address: 8212 Transit Rd Williamsville, NY 14221 United States
Website: tinderboxwilliamsville.com
About: Specialities We offer WNY’s largest selection of premium cigars and a comfortable lounge to enjoy them in. Come in and enjoy a cigar and maybe an espresso or Arturo Fuente coffee. Browse the area’s largest selection of lighters, cutters and other accessories. Hope to see you soon! History Established in 1995. Proudly serving the Buffalo area since 1995!
5. Virgil Avenue Tobacconist
Rating: 4.5/5
Phone: (716) 873-6461
Address: 6 Virgil Ave Buffalo, NY 14216 United States
Website: virgilave.com
About: Virgil Avenue Tobacconist is your source for cigars in Amherst. Visit Virgil Avenue Tobacconist’s website for more information about hours and selection.
6. Hand Rolled Cigars by Gregorio
Rating: 4.5/5
Phone: (716) 685-7970
Address: 5334 Transit Rd Depew, NY 14043 United States
Website: gregoriocigars.com
About: Specialities *Gregorio Cigars are exclusively sold at Nice Ash Cigars, in store to purchase or to hire for on site rolling From a passion for cigars, a thirst for adventure & skillful hands… Gregorio was born! More than just a cigar roller, he is an American who has cultivated the rare art of crafting a premium cigar with an original personality to share at events & parties. -Hand Rolled Cigars on site -Only Fresh Rolled Cigars in Buffalo -One of a kind cigar blends -Available for Events History Established in 2013. After finding his place in the cigar world with Nice Ash Cigars & Lounge, there was a hunger to learn more, see more and do more. Traveling to Honduras he learned first hand the journey from seed to cigar. From the farms and fields, to the barns and factories he saw the long and delicate process of creating a premium cigar. After a brief hands-on introduction to the art of rolling a cigar from the famed Leo Peraza of La Gloria Cubana, he was determined to truly learn the art of cigar making. Flying to Esteli, Nicaragua he was introduced to Evita who would become his mentor, guiding him through the masterful art. Upon his return, he spared no time in continuing to practice and refine his skills to create exquisite hand rolled cigars. Now, Gregorio is proud to be the only cigar roller in Buffalo and Western New York. He is honored to have the ability to share the beautiful art of cigar rolling, as well as his wonderful cigars with fellow cigar enthusiasts. Meet the Manager Business owner information Gregorio C. Manager The one and only, Gregorio hand rolls his fine cigars for all. A Certified Retail Tobacconist (CRT) and thoroughly trained in the art or rolling cigars by masters in Estelli, Nicaragua. Gregorio proudly shares his passion and skill in the fine art of cigar rolling across the Greater Buffalo area and beyond. Hand Rolled Cigars by Gregorio also recommends Nice Ash Cigars & Lounge 18 Lounges, Tobacconists Gregorio C. says, “The home to Gregorio & his hand rolled cigars. The exclusive retailer of Gregorio Cigars!”
7. Teton Kitchen Thai & Japanese Cuisine
Rating: 4.4/5
Phone: (716) 800-2598
Address: 415 Dick Rd Cheektowaga, NY 14043 United States
Website: tetonkitchen.com
About: Teton Kitchen Thai & Japanese Cuisine is your source for cigars in Amherst. Visit Teton Kitchen Thai & Japanese Cuisine’s website for more information about hours and selection.
8. Buffalo Cigars
Rating: 4/5
Phone: (716) 674-7833
Address: 7032 Transit Rd Amherst, NY 14221 United States
Website: buffalocigars.com
About: History Established in 2014. The owners of a successful, national online premium cigar retail business have created Buffalo Cigars, the finest, most well appointed premium cigar shop and private lounge in all of Western New York.
9. Nice Ash Cigars & Lounge
Rating: 4/5
Phone: (716) 685-7970
Address: 5334 Transit Rd Depew, NY 14043 United States
Website: niceashnews.com
About: Specialities We specialize in Fine, Hand Made, Imported Cigars in Buffalo, NY. Our walk-in cigar humidor is the largest in WNY. We have a private cigar lounge with seating for 20 in fine leather with two card tables and two large screen TV’s. In addition we offer, WIFI, Ice and a beverage machine. A $10 fee for non-members will get you in during business hours. Just read the reviews…We have one of the nicest cigar lounges in the country and have been appointed as one the 19 prestigious Montecristo lounges in the world. We are the only cigar shop in WNY that has an onsite cigar roller; rolling our most popular line of cigars which bears his name, Gregorio cigars. In addition to Cigars, we offer a wide selection of Pipe and Hookah tobaccos. History Established in 1996. We started as a successful wholesale distributor and e-tailer. With our contacts in place and years of experience as purveyors of fine cigars, pipe tobaccos, shisha, and all of the accessories and smoking necessities our customers could want, we decided to open our doors to the public in July of 2007 in Depew, NY just outside of the city of Buffalo. It has always been our goal – from day one – to be the absolute best tobacconist for all of our customers, and we appreciate all of your support! We are also very proud to offer our customers a chance to relax in one of only 19 Montecristo Lounges in the world. This is a private, fully-furnished, 900 square foot smoking lounge and, even more exciting, we’re able to carry the exclusive Casa de Montecristo cigar – the premier and premium Montecristo cigar that is only available at Nice Ash Cigars and nowhere else in Buffalo. Please use the menu above to learn more about it! Meet the Business Owner Business owner information Rob R. Business Owner I have been a cigar smoker and enthusiast for over 30 years. I own 3 cigar stores and 3 websites. I am very active in the industry. I spent 3 years on the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers (IPCPR) board of directors. I am currently on the Board of the New York Tobacconist Association. I am one of a handful of Certified Master Tobacconists in the world.
10. Black & Blue Steak & Crab
Rating: 4/5
Phone: (716) 839-2525
Address: 5493 Sheridan Dr Williamsville, NY 14221 United States
Website: blackandbluesteakandcrab.com
About: Black & Blue Steak & Crab is your source for cigars in Amherst. Visit Black & Blue Steak & Crab’s website for more information about hours and selection.
Basic Cigar Lounge Etiquette
Alright, so you’re ready to venture into a cigar lounge and be a respectable member of the smoky community. Here’s a quick rundown of some essential cigar lounge etiquette tips:
Cut and toast your own cigar. Most lounges provide tools, but don’t expect staff to do this for you. It’s part of the ritual!
Ask before lighting up next to someone. You might love the smell, but always be courteous to others.
Dispose of ashes and bands properly. Use the ashtrays, and keep the lounge clean.
Respect the cigars. Don’t handle other people’s smokes without permission, and avoid putting your mouth directly on someone else’s stick.
Mind your smoke. Try to direct smoke away from others. A breezy day calls for extra careful puffing!
Keep the noise down. Lounges are meant for relaxation and conversation, so try not to disrupt the vibe.
Tip the staff. Just like at a bar, tipping your servers is a sign of appreciation and good etiquette.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you’re new to the scene, don’t hesitate! Most lounge regulars are happy to offer guidance.
Remember, a good cigar lounge is about enjoying your smokes in a welcoming and respectful environment.
Check all New York cigar shops here.
