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Racine & Laramie
Category: Shopping Tobacco Shops Tobacco Shops [Edit]
2737 San Diego Ave(between Mason St & Congress St)
San Diego, CA 92110
Neighborhood: Old Town
(619) 291-7833
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 8 pm
Sun 10:30 am - 8 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
We offer the best in selection, price and quality of smoking products and accesories. Our inventory includes a wide variety of products including… read more »
25 reviews for Racine & Laramie
Review Highlights
"A good cigar selection (including a few hard to finds."
(in 14 reviews)
"...felt like I was in a candy store when I paid a visit to..."
(in 3 reviews)
"...great pipe tobacco, new and estate pipes, and lots of other..."
(in 6 reviews)
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25 reviews in English
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Review from Christine A.
Cerritos, CA
2/3/2012
With how Old Town has been re-gravitating toward recapturing the historic look of the area, requiring shopkeepers and other workers to wear costumes with stores refocusing on semi-period products, there's no shop closer to the Old West than Racine & Laramie, which outside of perhaps El Centro Artesano, remains the most unchanged and among the best places in Old Town.
Stepping into R&L is as close to visiting an authentic Wild West tobacconist as one can possibly get this millennium. You pass their cigar store Indian, on the weathered, wooden boardwalk, and head into the heady aroma of their showroom, lined with boxes upon boxes of cigars as a friendly, 1800s handlebar-mustachioed shopkeep asks if he can help with anything.
They've got a VERY wide array to choose from -- be it dollar cigarillos to thick, robust cigars that might make you have to pay the water bill a little late this month. They have their humidore in this rear parlor, where you may partake in your purchases.
Even if you aren't a smoker, the atmosphere (which can be smoky) is worth a visit to the oldest cigar shop in San Diego.Listed in: Visitable History (California…
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Review from Bong H.
San Diego, CA
11/20/2011
I can't say anything bad about this establishment. I've been an avid customer of this place for about 2-3 years now. As a cigar snob I have huge selection to choose. They have some of the most hardest to find cigar (as long as you ask for it) and the regular heavy hitters.
Their goal is to make their costumer happy. They are the one who's in-charge of their shelf space not the cigar representatives which is rare practice in this industry.
From the owner Jeffrey and his son David have been running this store for a long time. This is the only cigar store that I always recommend to my friends. -
Review from Walter M.
1/4/2012
Old Town San Diego really does give you a sense of a time that has almost been forgotten with the food, culture and lifestyle, but Racine & Laramie keeps things classic. An American tradition is tobacco, often thought to be more European we grow an insane amount of tobacco domestically for pipes, hookah, cigarettes, dip and even cigars. This is not your cigarette shop, this is not a cigar lounge/bar, but yet they do have a healthy selection of cigars. A very healthy selection of pipes and tobacco you can absolutely tell the quality and craftsmanship from the 1st step onto the hand made wood floors to the antique cabinetry and glass display cases that are not bought, but built. Even the employees take pride in all tobacco in the store. Yes the tourists visit old town and run amuck here, but if you want to see, learn and purchase pipes, tobacco and cigars that are not advertised and unpretentious you'll want to come back here again and again. San Diego's largest selection of nasal snuff and estate pipes.
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Review from Thom H.
Vista, CA
4/30/2011
I have shopped here twice and both times have been very satisfied.
First, the atmosphere there is awesome. Oddly enough, the humidor is open, so I am surprised that the cigars do not dry out. There is a nice comfortable smoking area.
Second, the service is awesome; both times that I have been there, the help I received was very good. Both gentlemen were very knowledgeable and both were dressed in period attire. I like that. One of the cigars that I have only found there was the anise (black licorice) flavored cigar. A very interesting smoke. Careful to store them by themselves to prevent that flavoring from effecting the other cigars in you humidor.
The smokes they sell are very eclectic. Some are rolled solely for them, I find that interesting. The first time there, I just wanted to peruse the place, but after speaking with the young gentleman there, I ended up dropping over $150. Today I only spent about $30.
They also have pipes, pipe tobaccos and a small pipe museum in a large display case. If you need a cigar box, they sell them as well, but I think all smoke shops sell them. -
Review from Erica J.
San Diego, CA
10/14/2011
The place is absolutely beautiful.
I was welcomed by a warm smile from the lady who worked there named Amanda; furthermore, she answered all my questions and made sure I got exactly what I asked for. The coffee was delightful and delicious.
Old town is a bit out of my way but next time i'm available, will surely bring some friends and visit this place again. -
Review from Sean A.
San Diego, CA
1/18/2011
New to cigars and ended up at Racine & Laramie after visiting 3 other local shops. Thank you Yelp for the suggestions. It's not hard to find but if you're like me and frequent Old Town only to show visitors around I'd recommend going while it's still light out. Found it with a little help from a neighboring souvenir shopkeeper.
My one gripe would be that a majority of the cigars are behind the counter. In addition, with it dimly lit, it's difficult to peruse. Shy types (like me) could find it intimidating. Although, I'm told shops of the Old Town era were just like this. The store keeper would bring you whatever you asked for, very different from today's impersonal "mega" stores. Luckily, the "ambassador" was welcoming and more than willing to answer my endless barrage of cigar 101 questions. He stayed open well after close teaching the finer points of cigars. Mind you he did this without ever making feel pressured to buy a single thing.
I would recommend this place to anyone interested from aficionado to novice. I'd definitely going there again. -
Review from Juan H.
San Diego, CA
2/4/2011
Me smoke'm fine tobacco. Okay, I got the NDN movie cliché out of the way. This cool shop is the Unpretentious cigar shop in Old Town. This is the one where the guys behind the counter actually know what they are talking about and if you tell them what you smoke and what you like, they can turn you on to some great finds, many of which are very reasonably priced. The smoking room is old west at it's best. I keep thinking Wyatt Earp will walk in for a card game.
This place has a touristy side but also a very serious cigar side and the best selection in town (much better than the other place down the street). I have also heard those wonderful words, "Ah, I think that is over-rated and over-priced...we have this which is better and less expensive...if don't think so, come back and I'll give you a different cigar". Wow! Mind blowing customer relations. Check it out. There are cool people (staff and customers) there. -
Review from Conrad R.
So much to appreciate here, from the wooden Indian on display, to the vast array of period specific pipes, lighters, artifacts, and costumed employees.
There is a good selection of tobacco products to fit your preferences and budget, and the people there are friendly and will help you find exactly what you're looking for.
Guys, for being in a tourist trap area among the kitchy souvenier shops and cantinas, this place is legit to get your stogie fix. Even if you don't fancy a smoke, it's still a good little museum of sorts. -
Review from Scott A.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 8/6/2011 1 photo
My favorite place to "hide" and relax in San Diego.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/23/2009
I have never been in a cigar shop like this one to compare it to, so the rating may be less than it… Read more »
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Review from Alyssa G.
Cincinnati, OH
9/20/2010
Very relaxed environment, courteous & knowledgeable staff...
Whether you're new to cigars, or are a serious aficionado, you've got to stop here if you're in the area. -
Review from Tito Y.
Emeryville, CA
7/26/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Stogie galore... for sure... a matter of fact owners, sales and patrons can and are encouraged to light up. Bring the kids!
Savory flavors, they have everything, but be sure to ask them about the historical cigar artifacts display located in the center cases. The building is well suited for large numbers of cigar affectionaros including a the best in back yard areas near the old San Diego Jail. Ashtrays, lights, cigars, stogies, cigarettes, pipes, roll owns, western wear. -
Review from R S.
11/5/2011
This shop is like a candy store, you can keep walking around and discover new things all the time. It's not just a shop, also a museum of everything concerning tobacco. Mindblowing really. Staff is very friendly and helpful. I went there 2 nights and had a great time hanging around with the locals.
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Review from Antonio G.
Staten Island, NY
9/20/2008
Old Town: It's not just for tourists anymore.
The cigar tasting event here was fabulous. Apparently they do this this a few times a year, so hopefully it will be posted on Yelp again in the future. I felt like I was sitting in someone's living room, smoking a stogy and chomping on snacks. The staff here is really cool, friendly,hospitable, and SUPER knowledgeable. This place is definitely not just for the passing tourist, but any tobacco enthusiast would find this place to be an asset. Huge selection of cigars, and again, the staff will be happy to help you navigate them if you're a novice. They also have a really cool selection of hand-carved pipes, and any other tobacco product you can think of. -
Review from David R.
4/16/2009
Very cool little shop. They carry standard cigars and pipe tobacco, as well as flavored shite for the weak. The staff is fantastic, especially the one guy who was having a good time ribbing and cracking jokes to the various customers who came in. It's hard to transcribe his non-stop torrent of deadpan sarcastic banter, but trust me, it was hilarious.
They have a little smoking lounge in the back with a checkers set, and a glass case in front with all sorts of pipes from various places and eras. Some of them are a few hundreds of years old and museum-quality.
They sell a few other knick-knacks such as marbles by volume. One little kid asked "How much for just one marble?" and the funny guy said without missing a beat "Ten thousand dollars. But you see this tube? Fill it up to that first line, and it's only a dollar. But if you want just that one, we have to have a hundred thousand dollars."
Good times. Too bad that I don't smoke cigars regularly anymore, but it's a fun place to stop in just for entertainment value. "Fun for all ages."Listed in: San Diego Travelogue, April…
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Review from Abigail G.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 8/30/2008
I just got back from their cigar tasting... and OH MY, I love this place EVEN more!
The staff is SO knowledgeable and VERY personable and helpful... they totally create an atmosphere where I feel comfortable in asking questions and learning about things like pipe smoking.
Even better, when they suggest cigars - they take your personality into consideration - rather than just throwing whatever they have your way.
I'm extremely pleased to learn something new each time I visit.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/29/2008
Always in stock with something I'm in the mood for...
They were the first place where I was… Read more »
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Review from Matt P.
San Diego, CA
1/25/2010
Like wine or beer tasting, smoking a cigar or tobacco pipe takes time to become skilled at. It requires attention to detail and commitment. It can be confusing when you're starting out. Racine and Laramie tobacconist understands this and will give you all the help you need, answer any questions you have or just shoot the shit with you.
I would recommend going even if you're not interested in smoking tobacco just to see the shop and take in the sights and aromas they have to offer.
The smoke lounge is wonderful. I don't detect any attitude from any of the staff and they're more than happy to allow you to sample as many tobaccos as you like before you buy provided you bring your own pipe. Highly recommended! -
Review from Bill O.
Half Moon Bay, CA
4/5/2010 1 Check-in Here
This is a VERY cool little cigar shop. Tucked away in the back corner of Old Town, it's actually San Diego's oldest tobacco store. You walk in to find all kinds of memorabilia (including the cabinets said memorabilia is tucked away in). Migrate towards the back left of the store to get to the cigar lounge.
The good - talk about an old fashioned cigar shop - you simply do NOT get more down to earth than this. Nice smoking lounge area (albeit a bit dark).
A good cigar selection (including a few hard to finds).
The bad - the cigar cabinets are behind the counter of a VERY poorly lit room. In other words, you better know what you're looking for.
No liquids available - so if you DO want to smoke a bone, make sure you BYOB.
Overall, a cool place to check out. -
Review from Nick B.
El Cajon, CA
8/29/2010
I love this place. It smells like heaven... a sophisticated man's heaven. I'm not particularly sophisticated myself, but I can appreciate some of the fine cigars and pipe tobaccos here. The customer service is excellent, and the atmosphere is a blast from the past. I've stopped in to Racine & Laramie just about every time I've been to Old Town in the 3.5 years I've lived in San Diego, and I always find something new and interesting to try.
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Review from Christine C.
San Diego, CA
12/10/2006
I almost felt like I was in a candy store when I paid a visit to Racine & Laramie primarily because the shop sells a variety of sweet smelling cigars that come in unique and yummy flavors. The store attendant showed me the various flavors that the ladies love, like strawberry, chocolate and my favorite, Kahlua (I guess that cigar tastes best when it is dipped in Kahlua). They cigars I checked out were very small and almost feminine. I didn't break down and buy one, but if I wasn't with my family (they don't approve of smoking, but hey that what family's are for) I think I just may have.
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Review from Oscar V.
Tujunga, CA
9/16/2010
I really like this place. The guys in the shop will answer any question you have. I got my first pipe here and the sales person was very helpful in helping me to select a good tobacco. The cigars are well priced also. I wish there was a little place like this near where I live.
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Review from John R.
Mt Pleasant, SC
10/19/2010
Very knowledgeable about cigars and they wont steer you wrong, tricky to find by gps. Located in the village so you have to park and walk but neat atmosphere and relaxing place to hang out and have a great smoke.
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Review from Christy H.
San Diego, CA
5/16/2011
My sister and I shopped here for my Brother In Law cigars. They had some awesome ones! And these were some of the friendliest and most helpful people I ever met in a cigar shop. They won me over cuz I spent quite a bit here and so did my sister!!!
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Review from Edenista M.
San Diego, CA
10/11/2006
The old west decor with antiquated and smoky mirrors set against the high ceiling almost merits a five star rating. This cigar shop deserves your visit based on the sole fact that it is historically reported to be the first cigar shop ever opened in San Diego. Its name actually comes from the two men from Quebec who established it in the 1800s. The humidor system is out in the open and generated by a regular mist that keeps the cigars at the right temperature. It is a very fun place to peek in; unfortunately, it doesn't have a lounging area...
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Review from Zach S.
Colorado Springs, CO
4/7/2010
I love this place. There was a time when you could see me in the humidor every Wednesday, smoking a cigar and chatting. The staff is very knowledgeable, the crowd is colorful, the prices are great. All in all, a great cigar shop, and I have gone to just about every one in San Diego. The theme is also a lot of fun, it is old-timey, but still really laid back and the staff know about all the latest cigar news. Their house brand is also pretty damn good. A MUST VISIT for any cigar smoker.
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Review from Dustin B.
San Diego, CA
2/6/2010
This is a really nice little tobacco shop. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. They have an impressive cigar selection, great pipe tobacco, new and estate pipes, and lots of other doodads. R&L is in historic Old Town, so the employees wear old-timey clothes, and the store is covered wall-to-wall with cool old stuff. It's well worth visiting, even if only to look around.
