Tampa - Edward's Pipe & Tobacco

[sepia5]

Edward's Pipe & Tobacco
3235 Henderson Boulevard near Kennedy Boulevard
Tampa, FL (not sure of exact zip)
813-872-0723 / 1-800-257-6653

Hours
Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

When I asked a local B&M employee about pipe tobacco in the Tampa Bay area, he just responded, "You've got to go to Edward's for that." So I drove over to the Tampa side of the bay to check out this spot. The truth of the matter is that most of the pipes and pipe tobacco are actually made/blended by Edward's, and they don't have much of a selection if you are looking for Dunhill, Savenelli, MacBarren, etc. The thing that really struck me about this shop was the humidor. It is probably the best humidor I've seen anywhere in the Tampa area, and their prices are reasonable for a B&M. There's a small bar where you can sit and have a cup of joe or a beer (if I recall correctly, they did serve some alcohol, but I can't remember for sure). This is a nice spot to have a cigar and a cup of coffee, and has been a Tampa tradition since 1960.

Website:

http://www.edwardstampa.com/

[Big Dawg]

Pretty decent B&M, which I too frequent from time to time. Unfortunately, they don't sell beer though. The one thing that I'm not crazy about with Edwards is that it kind of has a snobby atmosphere to it (unless you're "in"). Nonetheless, I still like to visit Edwards occasionally.

[garilla]

Originally Posted by Big Dawg

Pretty decent B&M, which I too frequent from time to time. Unfortunately, they don't sell beer though. The one thing that I'm not crazy about with Edwards is that it kind of has a snobby atmosphere to it (unless you're "in"). Nonetheless, I still like to visit Edwards occasionally.

I've found this as well, but those walls seem to come crashing down pretty well when a herf is going on, which they hold them usually on the last Friday of the month. The hours are nice, because if I want to swing by on my way to work (like this morning) to pick up a few things, I can. Not too many other places are open at 8AM.

- Garilla

[barbourjay]

Originally Posted by Big Dawg

Pretty decent B&M, which I too frequent from time to time. Unfortunately, they don't sell beer though. The one thing that I'm not crazy about with Edwards is that it kind of has a snobby atmosphere to it (unless you're "in"). Nonetheless, I still like to visit Edwards occasionally.

i've been there a few times and have also felt snubbed by the people who work there. i won't go where i'm not wanted and honestly there are other stores in the area that have just as much if not more. not to mention pricing differences. it's only around 2$ difference but it's the point. i can use that 2$ for gas to go to a different place.

[sepia5]

Originally Posted by barbourjay

i've been there a few times and have also felt snubbed by the people who work there. i won't go where i'm not wanted and honestly there are other stores in the area that have just as much if not more. not to mention pricing differences. it's only around 2$ difference but it's the point. i can use that 2$ for gas to go to a different place.

Barbourjay: Please do some reviews of these other places you mention. I'm wondering where you frequent.

[barbourjay]

Originally Posted by sepia5

Barbourjay: Please do some reviews of these other places you mention. I'm wondering where you frequent.

I don't frequent anywhere for the enjoyment of smoking. I do that on my own or with a friend and maybe at the casino every so often. i'll post up reviews of where i get my stuff from though.

[joshtpa]

Originally Posted by barbourjay

I don't frequent anywhere for the enjoyment of smoking. I do that on my own or with a friend and maybe at the casino every so often. i'll post up reviews of where i get my stuff from though.

I like to hang out at the shops. That is why I have narrowed my choices down to a couple. I live in Westchase, but still make the hike over to blue smoke to hang for an hour or so each day.

[bpcr]

I recently have been to Edwards .. I was greated by the staff and felt right at home. Prices are a little on the high side for a B&M but you have to keep the lights on. the bar is nice and you can allways find someone BS'in about something fun. I would recomend to all to try it... AB

[blindsmoke]

Tampa Humidor is a real nice spot. They have a huge walk in humidor and they sell beer and wine. They have at least 15 recliners/sofas spread throughout the main room. It's really well done. The only problem is that they keep their Acids in the walk in humidor.

I usually buy boxes when I'm there, so it hasn't bothered my smokes, but I am hesitant about getting singles from there.

Another decent place is The Cigar Castle in Temple Terrace. It has an equal humidor to Edwards and they let you do a mix and match box with 10% off. The atmosphere's alright, but nothing special.

The Board Room in Brandon has a lot of great, interesting people that frequent it, but the selection is not good. It's pretty much just Fuente, CAO, General, Altadis, and a few LFDs. Even with that said, I've had my most enjoyable discussions in Tampa at The Board Room.

Happy B&M hunting!

Originally Posted by sepia5

Barbourjay: Please do some reviews of these other places you mention. I'm wondering where you frequent.