Fidel's

I have looked into a bunch of the cigar shops in Kansas City and I have to say this is my favorite. They have the knowledgable and friendly staff working here who are more than willing to point you in the right direction if you have any questions or need any suggestions.

I'm one of those "I don't smoke unless I'm 3-4 drinks in" types of smokers, so more times than I can count have I been in Westport and needed to make a nicotine run. Thankfully Fidel's has always been there for me, so I don't have to go slogging down Broadway to one of the sketch gas stations.

Well, they haven't ALWAYS been there for me. Years ago this place was more of a "specialty" tobacco shop, and would sneer at me for asking for a regular brand of smokes. Thankfully, something has changed. The snobbery is gone, and the Parliaments have arrived - though I'm willing to bet this has more to do with economic realities than it does a change of heart. Still, the people I've interacted with here over the past couple of years are friendly, funny and helpful. Nice folks.

Bonus points for being reasonably priced smack in the middle of a bar district.

Oh and kids: smoking kills. Don't even start, because it's a bitch to quit.

I don't smoke. I especially don't smoke cigars.  I don't even LIKE cigars.  

So, why, pray tell, do I even review Fidel's, let along give it four stars?  To put it simply, having been in there with people who don't share my personal stance on tobacco,  it's a nicely run, classy joint.  The staff who work there are so nice and knowledgeable, the atmosphere is lovely, and it's just an interesting place.  I was last in there on the same day as the Kentucky Derby, and it was kinda fun to chill on leather chairs in the back (nicely ventilated, for my delicate Scarlett O'Hara sensibilities, hah) while my companion puffed on a celebratory stogie after a minor triumph at work, watching the race day festivities, and enjoying the other patrons, cool and classy dudes and ladies.  

If a smoke shop can get four stars out of a gal past whose lips tobacco vapors have ne'er once passed, you know it's gotta be pretty decent.