Jonathon Robert Fielding & Co — Local services in Shoreview

I've been elated to have been a customer of David's since 1986 - when he was still at the Roseville location. His Studebaker Lark parked out front drew me in, and we have had many intellectually stimulating conversations since then. The fine, high quality tobacco products purveyed here have been a source of enjoyment and pleasure for many. I stopped smoking cigarettes permanently, the day I bought a pipe. I have been 100% satisfied with every product ever purchased from J.R.F. & Co., but the REAL treat is that the whole experience of stepping in the door is that of "Old School". Folks, this place is one of those parts of classic America that is still alive and well. Even if you are not a pipe or cigar aficionado, it is worth the trip to this store just to partake of the rich atmosphere and enrich your soul with the warmth and wit of the proprietor: a classy gentleman by all accounts. If you possess even an ounce of sentimentality in your being, you will not be disappointed by a visit to this classy establishment - it will be a fond, convivial memory for you; an absolute treasure, and a welcome step out of the hectic pace. Good mental health...

Unique and fun tobacco shop with a spacious cigar humidor and a nice selection of tobacco, pipes and accouterments. David - extremely knowledgeable, and entertaining to boot - helped me pick out a nice Savanelli, supplemented with a selection of custom blended tobacco. If you're a pipe smoker you need to visit this store!

Now, for a short rant:

It's terribly unfortunate that the city of Shoreview, in their infinite wisdom, has disallowed smoking in tobacco shops. I can smoke in Tobacco Grove (Maple Grove) and Cigar Jones (Minnetonka), but not here. Who are they protecting? The owner - who's a life-long pipe smoker? The customers, who are all smokers? The UPS driver popping in for less than a minute? They're certainly not protecting the proprietor's business, that's for...

I smoke my fine briarwood pipe as I write this feeling like a truly distinguished gentleman. Dave made me feel as if I was a returning dignitary and his humor and wit are top notch. He was willing to answer every question, willing to teach me everything I needed to smoke a pipe and not look stupid (hopefully, or else this review will change). This is a dying art of salesmanship and this place needs to be supported. Go here for cigars and (actual) tobacco pipes. If you need a pack of smokes, go to the gas station across the street. You will feel like you need a single razor shave and a visit to the nearest haberdashery...