Tobacco Merchant — Restaurant in South Carolina

I have been a patron of 'The Merchant', as we like to call it, since before it was as it is today. The place itself is perfect; elegant enough that you could go there for an adult beverage and a smoke after a night of fine dining, but casual enough that you can also go in shorts and a t-shirt.

You will find ALL races, creeds, sexes, socio-economic classes, political bends, and 'walks-of-life' there. It is a cross between a United Nations steering committee and a casting call from the 'Bar scene' in Stars Wars. It is not uncommon, on any given day, to find an individual with multiple facial piercings, a 'jeans and t-shirt' individual, and someone 'dressed to the nines', all together, sharing their mutual love of a fine smoke and an ideally matched adult beverage.

The tobacco selection, cigars and for pipes, is World Class. The beer selection is World Class The Staffs' knowledge on BOTH these fields of interest is World Class.

I have been all over the Country and in some of the finest 'Smoke Rooms' there are. I would pit 'The Tobacco Merchant against ANY of them for scope of product, pricing, beverage selection, amenities, and overall atmosphere.

There are PLENTY of places that will ALWAYS have ONE of these categories that is just a bit better than ‘The Merchant'. I have YET to find a place in these United States that has the balance of ALL of these categories as The Tobacco Merchant has it.

If you are a true afficianado of fine tobacco and fine adult beverages, an 'afficianado-in-training', a 'wanna-be' afficianado, or just a lover of the fellowship that comes with sharing the virtues of fine tobacco and fine adult beverages, you are ethically, morally, and perhaps spiritually obligated to visit The Tobacco Merchant. It will lift your spirits, delight your olfactory senses, and dance lively upon your palate!!!

Tim...

Good selection, nice atmosphere, but terrible service.

Walked in to the Tobacco Merchant while waiting for a movie with my fiancee. Figured we'd kill some time by checking the place out and maybe smoke a cigar. Went straight for the humidor; we weren't asked if we needed help, but the bartender, who seemed friendly enough, at least greeted us.

Selected a cigar, went to the check-out counter, and the guy tending it (not the bartender) seemed really put-off having to pause his conversation with a few buddies in order to ring us up. He was very curt and unfriendly, and definitely gave the impression that we weren't wanted there. Didn't even have a matchbook to give us, nor did he offer to spare a light.

We're young (early twenties), but very polite and respectable looking, so I see no reason why we should have been discriminated against. We will not be returning -- we'll take our business to merchants who treat customers...

It was only my first time visiting the location. Very clean and organized. The one guy who was working with a customer before I entered the humidor. Was taking his time to help the older lady with a selection for her husband. When he returned into the humidor, he greeted me and asked if I needed any assistance. Then, at the time of payment, he spoke and seemed to be very pleasant. There was a small conversation about the 101st and the military. But, I must say that the reviews from the past of people of color and service were on my mind. I will return, and hopefully, as my face is seen more. The communication will increase, and the ability to recommend others from my experience will be better. But the selection is very large and...