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Name of Shop: James and Sons Tobacconists
Date Visited: 09/21/2009
Street Address: 360 Broadway
City: Saratoga Springs
State: NY
Zip: 12866
Phone Number: (518) 581-7274
Hours of Operation: M-T 10:00am – 9:00pm, F-S 10:00am-10:00pm, Sun 10:00am-6:00pm
Website: http://www.jamesandsonstobacco.com/
Location: Exceptional
Right on main strip in Saratoga Springs. In the summer during the horse racing season Saratoga is bustling. The building is an old bank and they still have the old vault in there that is part of the members lounge.
Staff: Exceptional
They are always willing to help. Last time I was in one of the workers was asking me what I liked. We had similar tastes so he walked around with me showing me everything he smokes and what he likes. I tried a couple he suggested and they were all spot on. The owner is frequently there and his sons work there as well. The store manager Bill is very friendly. Nate, a very big samoan, works frequently. He is a riot and co-ordinates most of the events.
Stock: Above Average
They have a large well kept, neat humidor. There are no signs of beatles or mold anywhere. Pricing may be slightly higher but the store front rents in that location are quite high so I guess it’s understandable. The rest of the shop makes up for it. They have a decent amount of accessories as well.
Lounge: Above Average
They have 4 large leather wingback chairs in the main area with some vintage ashtrays. At any time lots of guys are hanging around and talking. There are also some fold up chairs along the wall. The place is well lit with lots of magazines around to read. They have a private lounge in the back which you have to be a member to use. There are several flat screens back there. As part of the membership you get a personal humidor with your name on it.
Overall Opinion: Exceptional
It’s always a treat for me to go there. It’s great to just hang around. They do a breakfast the first Sunday of every month. I am always happy to shop there and I have yet to have a bad experience. I highly recommend stopping by if you are in Saratoga Springs.
I love James and Sons. Ive been going there for a few years (back when it was still Park Lane Tobacconist). You pay a little more, but its right in the heart of Saratoga Springs. Great staff and selection!
Just a note on this shop, Nate who is the big Samoan that worked there has left and started his own shop in Schuylerville NY. It is called Badgers Cigar Den.
I was wondering what happened to Nate!
As a resident of Saratoga, I’m glad somebody hit up James & Son for the review and I’d say it’s largely spot-on. They’re definitely a little pricey, but considering the other stores situated on Broadway and the size of the space it makes sense you’d pay a premium. My one gripe is that they tend not to carry a deep stock of the high-quality brands – it’s a shame to have one vitolo of Montecristo – that and some of the younger people working there have no idea what the countries of origin are for most brands or anything about the cigar itself.