Tuesday
Nov022010

Santa Barbara Cigar and Tobacco

A week ago today I was in Santa Barbara, California presenting a conference session on segmentation strategy to a group of assembled cultural executives from the West. When people talk about Santa Barbara in October and November, they do so in hushed, reverential tones. I can see why. Between the climate and the scenery, Santa Barbara is positively heavenly.

As you might imagine, it wasn’t long before I told myself in no uncertain terms, “I could live here. I could be really, really happy here. Light sweater evenings and sweater vest days. Oh yeah….

After I settled into my lovely downtown hotel – the Canary – I opened my laptop to search for a nearby tobacco emporium where I might retire for a visit and a bowl. To my astonished delight, Santa Barbara Cigar and Tobacco was only a short block away from my hotel, so I made plans to visit during the late afternoon after I had fulfilled my conference duties.

I could tell from the website that I was in for a good experience. Classy, well-designed, and informational, the site subtly promised all those things that men love. I vividly remember a subtly desaturated image of the storefront with a vintage Cadillac convertible parked outside. With something so cool on the outside, the inside had to be fabulous.

I wasn’t disappointed. The store is decorated in rich wood panels and lovely cases. Furthermore, the cases were brimming with pipes. A good selection of bulk, jarred tobaccos are shelved next to the pipes. The pipe selection is better than many these days. Luigi Vipratis, Savinellis, Dunhills, and Petersons, among others, filled the pipe cases. What took my breath away, however, was the smoking lounge. Roomy and atmospheric, the lounge is appointed with tufted, burnished leather sofas and chairs the color of cabernet sauvignon.

Reading lamps, ash trays, and side tables are conveniently placed proximal to the chairs. Cold drinks are available in a refrigerator. Posters, lithographs, and autographed pictures of celebrity customers appoint the wood-paneled and brick walls. The pièce de resistance, however, was the chess table in front of the long sofa.

Santa Barbara Cigar and Tobacco Owner Matt LanfordFive-inch Kings and Queens survey their loyal forces arrayed on the checkered wood before them.

Owner Matt Lanford opened Santa Barbara Cigar and Tobacco in 1996. A burly, friendly man attired in a black linen guayabera, Lanford couldn’t have been more welcoming to me. As we chatted and I smoked my pipe, what I would think of as his afternoon crew sauntered in for a cigar and a smoke.

The culture of pipe and cigar smokers never ceases to amaze me in its similitude. No matter where I go, I find good conversation, winking jokes, and camaraderie. My afternoon at Santa Barbara Cigar and Tobacco was no exception. It’s another tobacco man’s caravanserai in a desert brimming with tongue-clucking, purse-lipped puritanical nanny-types who pride themselves on what they don’t do as opposed to what they have accomplished.

If you ever find yourself visiting Santa Barbara or passing through, give yourself a treat and go by Santa Barbara Cigar and Tobacco. There is ample parking around the shop, and many good restaurants nearby. There is also wonderful shopping for your significant other. Of course, the shopping may make for a very expensive afternoon recess, but I think you’ll find the experience worth every penny. 

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Reader Comments (10)

Nice article, Neill. Isn't it wonderful to be able to visit just about anywhere in the country and walk into a local pipe shop to discover a comfortable atmosphere and a lot of friends you didn't yet know you had? This article relates one of my favorite things about being a pipe smoker and I'm glad that you had one such experience in Santa Barbara. If I'm ever in the area, I'll be sure to swing by myself.

November 2, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterDavid Huber

Santa Barbara is just a wonderful place. I spent a week there in the early 90's and just about didn't leave town. A real shame the glitterati discovered it and drove prices through the roof and beyond.

November 2, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterDan Coomer

Looks great! Wish it had been there when I went to school at UCSB in 1971.

November 2, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterIra Stone

I also love that shop. Up until this past year, I would spend four weeks a year on vacation in nearby Montecito and I always stopped by the cigar shop for a quick purchase. Wonderful town and great store, especially considering the anti nature of California!

November 2, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterGautam khanna

I, too, love this place. It's a well deserved treat after my girlfriend trots me around Saks and Nordstrom's.

November 3, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterHunter

Hi,

That looks great.

I might have to take a Saturday and go for a little drive up there. It's less than 2 hours from Los Angeles. Maybe next time you are there you can let me know and I can meet you there. Maybe Rick will come with as he likes the way I drive real fast.

At least that's what I think he meant by, "I'll take my car." : )

November 4, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterG.M. Weber-Prada

I found SBC&T back when if first opened. I was smoking a pipe while going to college. Back then it was to me a great place to find fine tobaccos that suited my desires. Recently Dec 2010 I was down in Buellton visiting family. I took an afternoon and went back to the shop for the first time in probably 13 years. amazingly after talking with matt and one of the other staff they remembered me! I am now mainly smoking Cigars and their humidor was fantastic. I have wonderful conversations. I went to the NY style pizza joint next door and had a slice, pizza, and a coke for like 5 bucks! then after lunch I went back to the lounge, smoked another, and conversated some more. I can honestly say it was one of the most relaxing & enjoyable afternoons I have had i a looooong time.

January 31, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterScott Hicks
I found Santa Barbara Cigar & Tobacco a few weeks ago while on a business trip. Unfortunately I showed up right before closing so I couldn't spend much time. They had a nice selection of pipes, large variety of house blends and quite a few premium tins. I picked up a nice little Viking and a tin of Uni Flake on the way out. Thanks to long running business meetings I did not have a chance to return. It's a shame because they have a nice smoking room in the back and a great atmosphere. Hopefully I will find myself back in SB soon. Either way, I highly recommend this shop.
April 28, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterJon Edwards
I've been to Santa Barbara's Cigar and Tobacco a few times and I thoroughly enjoyed myself! The atmosphere was very nice and their selection was on par for sure. I come to Santa Barbara all the time and whenever I do I stay at the Sandman Inn (www.thesandmaninn.com). So affordable and the location is the best, really close to this wonderful establishment and tons of other things!
August 30, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterRachel
Neill, I must admit that I am very excited albeit surprised to find this post about my little hometown's tobacco shop.

Matt and the other folks that work there are extremely knowledgeable, and very friendly resources for the budding pipe smoker. (They also have some amazing cigar events there)

This article definitely made my day! Thank you!
January 8, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterEthan

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