Capitol Cigar (919 E. Colfax Ave.)- Denver's newest cigar shop - sort of. Formerly What's Knot to Love, Capitol occupies the same space, but is a far cry from the old What's Knot. The new owner has done a nice job of classing the place up, including a complete overhaul of the humidor. There are now many more of the most popular cigars on the market available, from boutiques like Casa Magna and Jesus Fuego to higher end like Avo and Winston Churchill by Davidoff. There's a very comfortable lounge, divided into several seating areas, an espresso bar, and a seperated TV room with large screen flat pannel TV. Parking is usually easy, with the exception of "show nights" at the Ogden next door.
Churchill Bar in the Brown Palace Hotel (321 17th St.) - Class excudes here. This is a regular haunt for many of Denver's oil and gas executives and downtown business men. Think comfortable English library when picturing this true cigar bar. Well appointed top shelf selections, including some rare offerings, a Wine Spectator awarded wine list, and perhaps one of the best Scotch selections around. Their cigar selection has improved recently, but I suggest you bring your own, as prices tend to be rather high (there is no cut fee, so don't feel guilty). Truly a wonderful cigar bar.
Cigars on 6th (707 E. 6th Ave.)- Dan has done a great job over the last couple of years revamping his relatively small space into a real neighborhood hangout. And the humidor looks great! The customers are typically friendly, though a common complaint is that until you become a regular, the "regular regulars" aren't overly friendly. Think of it as a bunch of high school cliques that stare every time someone new walks in the door. But once you get to know them, they really are friendly. And Dan (the owner) and his staff are always more than pleasant, so at the worst, you can chat with them.
Del Frisco's Steakhouse (8100 E. Orchard Rd.)- Enjoy one of the best steak dinners around, then head to the cigar lounge. Great space with dark woods, live piano jazz (though it tends to be a bit loud at times), and the best staff in town. Another fantastic wine list, top shelf cocktails, and great selection of Ports. Their cigar selection isn't huge, but the prices aren't bad and variety is premium all the way. The only drawback to this great cigar bar is its popularity; it tends to get very crowded, and finding a seat can be difficult at times.
Edwards (3439 S. Broadway)- Possibly Denver's best selection of cigars, though the humidor may be a daunting task to navigate. They've done a great job of getting just about every cigar under the sun in there, but don't display them in the traditional box-lid-facing-outward manner, rather they remove the lids and place them sideways to maximize space. Effective, but make sure you take plenty of time to really search around (if you know what you're looking for, don't hesitate to just ask). The decor is old and dirty but that seems to be its charm. They've got a nice smoking area out back during the summer months, but the indoor area leaves a bit to be desired.
Jerri's (500 16th St.)- Jerri's has a great selection of higher end cigars in particular, including Davidoff and Padron. The humidor isn't huge, but if you can't find something you'll like, there may be something wrong with you. As a former shop owner, I can say without hesitation, Jerri's has the best staff in town. You will not find a friendlier, more polite staff. Period. If you're a guest to Denver, Jerri's is a great place to pick up a fine cigar AND a bottle of wine or premium liquor. Biggest drawback is the lack of seating. Just a couple of chairs to sit in while you enjoy your cigar.
Stanley Pappas (9648 E. Arapahoe Rd.)- If you are a Fuente fan, this is the place for you. Because Stanley Papas is a Diamond Crown Lounge, they are given preferential treatment from the good folks at Fuente Newman. What does that mean? That means they've usually got just about every size Opus X in stock, as well as a formitable selection of Anejos during their release months. Wonderful lounge. Theo, the manager, is great. Only gripe - prices. But they've got a lot of overhead and that lounge doesn't pay for itself - trust me, I know all too well about that.
Tewksbury & Co. (1512 Larimer St.)- I'll be honest, it's been a while since I've been in this shop. As I remember, they have a good selection of cigars, though I always thought they lacked creativity (loads of General, Altadis and Fuente, but little in the boutique realm). They do have a great selection of Colorado wines, and hold wine tastings regularly. There isn't a lot of room to sit, but that's typical of Denver's downtown shops.
Tobacco Leaf (7111 W. Alameda Ave.)- Very nice cigar selection. In fact, the owner will tell you it's the greatest selection in Colorado. If you let him, he'll probably tell you it's the best west of the Mississippi. He tends to get just about every rare offering manufacturers come out with, so that's a real draw. The negatives, however fall on personality. The owner is very knowledgeable, but can be an ass. Sorry, but the truth hurts. Go grab some great cigars at great prices, and get out as quickly as possible. God help the person who doesn't light his cigar in just the right way; you will get lectured in the most condesending way, and that will likely be your last trip.
