Salem Street Cigar Lounge — Local services in Apex

The selection here is good. Undeniable. If that's all you are looking for, you are set. Having the attached lounge is a plus. This used to be my main shop for quite some time.

Unfortunately what's wrong with this shop has nothing to do with the products and everything to do with the personnel. You see, while the current iteration of the business may be known as the Apex Cigar Lounge, this cigar shop has been an entity for like 20 years. It's changed names and moved around the Triangle over the years and brought with it the same cast of characters, some of whom are great people. The only disappointing part about that is these people have all known each other for decades, and they don't need you. They are family, and you are just a client. I used to spend ~$800/month here. You know what I was? Some schlub they wouldn't open the door for if it was a minute past closing time while I could see the main crew is hanging out inside. I still remember Rob's smirk. I thought I was doing them the favor, but apparently it was the other way 'round.

Admittedly, other than the somewhat clique-y nature of some of the employees and long term clientele (who are a frequently rotating cast of the same people), and the out-of-the-way location (unless you are local to Apex or headed to Costco), this is great shop and I actually miss it in a lot of ways. But I've also never been made to feel more like an outsider at any business I've ever patronized.

Now, could all this have changed? Absolutely. Should you give them a try? Sure. What have you got to lose? (If Porter the dog is still alive, scratch his ears for me) But I will never set foot in this lounge in this lifetime again, and that's unfortunate. Because this is the type of place that feels like if you could have gotten in on the 'ground floor' and been there in the beginning, it could have been a truly special place (And I imagine it still is for those guys). But that was ~20 years ago now and that ship has sailed.

It's a bit like George Carlin said, I guess: "It's a big club, and you...

Updating this because it's BACK. The best lounge in the friggin triangle is opening up again soon! They're getting new sticks, the walls are covered in new art. Come to the grand opening, then come back again and again Excellent cigar lounge conveniently located near the highway. Extremely good selection of sticks-running to hundreds of varieties and dozens of brands- ranging from classic favorites to boutique brands. There is also an extremely knowledgeable staff who are friendly and helpful.

In addition, there is a selection of pipes, pipe tobacco and accessories that can only be matched in the area at Pipes by George.

Aside from the incredible humidor, the lounge is amazing. About twenty leather club chairs, big screen TVs in a large and comfortable room that has a top of the line ventilation system. Even on Superbowl Sunday when they're packed with forty people, theres barely any smoke. There is also a beautiful patio and front porch for good weather smoking, and the lounge is a historic house located on a great piece of land.

There are many events throughout the year, and a friendly group of regulars.

Jeff (the owner) has really gone above and beyond. The small touches- from the art to the coffeebto the lockers for rent- all do a great job at making your time here exceptional.

This is one of only a few lounges in the area. But not only is it the best in the triangle, I'd put it up with the best lounges in the state. Absolutely a mecca for any cigar or pipe smoker in the triangle.

You can bring beer or wine to the Members Only Lounge-and the membership is extremely inexpensive- currently all you have to do is buy a cigar! Five stars,...

First time I was welcomed and helped with in a min. To me this is a good time as I've been bumrushed the second you come in. The Tabacoonist was on point. The humidor was well stocked and had a good variety for all levels. Now I traveled far, this isn't your typical lounge it appears to be a home.

So I was unsure, but It's comfortable, and the patrons welcomed me like a regular. I didn't see bar and that's usually a factor but I had a long drove ahead. ( I sure it's that states part)

The lounge patrons had snacks and the staff offers no alcoholic drinks. It's a spacious, friendly lounge. At this point I've traveled across the US from one-offs to chains...