Gianni Cigars and Smoke Shop
Taylor Street has now become largely gentrified, and many of the old social clubs are gone. But if you want to experience the old Chicago Italian-American experience, go to Gianni Cigars and Smoke Shop. Stop in any afternoon and puff on a stogie while the old guys from the neighborhood play cards, dominos or shoot the breeze under a cloud of blue smoke. The shop offers a large selection of cigars, and even features a photo of Maxwell Street taken by Chicago filmmaker Tom Palazzolo.
Gianni Cigars and Smoke Shop, 654 West 31st, (312)791-9002
Best of Chicago 2012