Rocky Patel Cigar Lounge — Attraction in Norwood Park Township

I’ve lived in the Dunning neighborhood for close to 3yrs and I just recently started shopping at this cigar shop because they have a nice selection. Today was my third time shopping there in about as many weeks. The salesman followed me immediately into the humidor, almost hovering over me not saying a word & then got on the phone & started having a conversation(presumably)…after about 10min I head to the register…he booked it out right in front of me, so can ring me up….still hadn’t said one word to me yet. I put my card in….receipts start popping out so I reached for my card & that’s when he said his first words to me….”no not yet!” When I reached for my card. (I’m sorry, he did say hello when I walked thru the front door)….then when the reader gave me the approval…he put the phone down…that’s when I asked him…’are you done?’ He looked confused….that’s when I asked him why he was stalking me around the humidor….he said “no sir…I was there to serve you…’ That’s when I froze him by mentioning that he never even asked me if I needed anything…. He was still stuck…..then i told him to just think about that..grabbed my cigars & left. Im a truck driver now, but I sold suits at Nordstrom for 5yrs & we’re praised for our customer service & I’ve seen when other salesmen treat black people poorly there as well….it’s something most black people have experienced all of our lives…but I don’t spend money where I’m not welcome.. I work hard for my money & I don’t steal & I respect all people until they show me they don’t deserve my...

My partner and I called them on Super Bowl Sunday, 20 minutes before arriving, to see if they were at or near capacity. The person that answered the phone stated that there was plenty room. We are African American btw. Upon arrival, we noticed that it wasn’t really a diverse crowd and head reservations about being allowed in, but we wanted to give it a shot anyway. Upon entering the establishment, we asked a man behind the register what the fee for entry was. He immediately told us that they were at capacity. My partner looked inside the lounge and it was half full (they weren’t selling tickets or anything that would suggest persons yet to arrive). We were very disappointed as we’d traveled to the location as a part of our mini vacation and we felt as though we were turned away due to ethnicity. I would suggest better business practices and more inclusivity...

I practically live there during the colder months. I met a few of the gentleman at a different shop but my relationships continued to grow once we found this, our new home. The lounge is enormous now has a small pool table. There are plenty of TVs if that’s your thing. Saturdays and Sundays are definitely busy in the lounge with people watching sporting events. Most important to me though you can pick up a conversation and meet someone very friendly and seconds flat. The walk-in humidor is one of the largest in the city. The selection is great and they’re happy to get stuff for you if they don’t have it. I purchased a locker which is humidified properly.

Honestly I’m surprised they didn’t leave a review sooner but I can’t recommend the...