About
Cigars | Community | Chicago
Our Story — From Norwood Park to Nationwide Loyalty
If you’re searching for a cigar shop near O’Hare, or wondering where to buy boutique cigars in Chicago, let’s cut to the chase:
You just found it.
Norwood Royal Cigars started with hustle and a handshake. In 2002, Vick Shah came to Chicago from India and began working at his uncle’s small tobacco shop. One year later, he bought it out. He didn’t just keep the flame alive—he scaled it.
Nestled just off I‑90 in Chicago’s Norwood Park neighborhood, Norwood Royal Cigars is more than a tobacconist—it’s a community institution born from passion and precision – a 4,300 sq ft space now houses the Midwest’s largest cigar humidor, carrying thousands of premium facings, high-end accessories, and a curated selection, designed for true connoisseurs. Even some rare blends you won’t find online or in the corner shop.
Vick built not just a store, but a space where the new enthusiast, weekend warrior, seasoned aficionado and aficionada feel at home.
What’s kept us going all these years?
Respect for the leaf. Respect for the customer. Respect for the moment.
It’s not just what we carry. It’s how we treat people. Our customers come from downtown Chicago, the suburbs, and even out of state for one reason:
We listen. We guide. We respect the ritual.
Meet the Team
This isn’t a faceless franchise. Norwood Royal is proudly independent—run by owner Vick Shah and his tight-knit team.
Vick still works the floor, answers the phone, and makes box suggestions like your favorite bartender remembers your drink.
Most any day you will see Vick and his staff talking cigars, recommending pairings,
helping new smokers feel confident and collectors feel understood.
Light it. Smoke it. Love it.
That’s not a slogan. It’s a promise.
Why We Love Cigars —
Culture & Community
For us, cigars are rituals, relationships, and reflection.
Enter the store and you’re greeted like family. The humidor isn’t just expansive—it’s an immersive journey, framed by tributes to legends and everyday heroes. It’s a place to find peace, discovery, and delight over your next selection.
Every interaction is warmed by gratitude—especially for those who serve. Military, police, and first responders enjoy dedicated discounts, a small but sincere token of our thanks.
Ready to Visit or Order?
We’re just minutes from O’Hare and worth the trip from anywhere. If you’re tired of websites that don’t talk back and shops that treat you like a number, call us or drop in.
Awards & Recognition
We’re humbled to be recognized by industry and peers alike:
- 2024 Best of the Leaf – PCA Winner: Best Cigar Shop Only (Midwest)
- Diamond Crown Lounge Designation – One of the nation’s most exclusive cigar shop certifications
- Featured in Cigar Journal, Leaf n Grain Society, and Cigar Snob for authenticity and service
“A cigar lounge that understands its customers as well as its craft.”
— Cigar Journal
In the Media
Norwood Royal has become a top-rated cigar store in Chicago and a must-visit for travelers, locals, and cigar heads:
Our Signature Brands: Don V Cigars & Don V Coffee
Norwood Originals:
Don V Cigars & Don V Coffee
We don’t just stock greatness — we create it.
As our shop grew, so did our vision.
We partnered with Oscar Valladares to create Don V Cigars, a Norwood Royal exclusive. These premium blends are crafted for smooth, bold, clean-burning experiences—a local favorite, now drawing fans across the country. Our in-house Don V Cigar line is a Norwood exclusive, developed with Oscar Valladares to deliver bold, clean-smoking blends that overdeliver on flavor and smoothness. It’s become a customer favorite for both seasoned aficionados and curious first-timers.
And for those who like to light up with a fresh cup in hand, we created Don V Coffee — slow-roasted, small-batch blends made to complement the cigar ritual. And because great cigars deserve the perfect companion, we launched Don V Coffee — slow-roasted blends crafted specifically to complement the cigar ritual. Whether you’re lighting up a Maduro or starting your morning, the pairing just makes sense.
Why We Love Cigars
(and Why You’ll Love This Place)
Cigars aren’t just a product. They’re a pause. A handshake. A celebration. A memory.
Whether you’re walking in with $20 or $200, we treat every customer the same:
with honesty, real recommendations, and a deep respect for cigar culture.
We offer:
- A walk-in humidor with thousands of premium and boutique cigar brands
- Personalized help — no upsell, no pressure
- Lounge space that feels like your favorite corner bar, minus the noise
- A welcoming attitude toward new smokers, seasoned collectors, and casual guests
- And if you’re wondering where to buy cigars near O’Hare, we’re just a few minutes away.
To us, cigars aren’t just about taste.
They’re about tradition, conversation, escape, and community.
- Whether it’s your first cigar or your fiftieth box, you’ll get the same thing here:
- A massive, thoughtfully stocked walk-in humidor
- Honest guidance without the snobbery
- Military & first responder discounts (10% every day / 20% on Wednesdays)
- Loyalty perks ($25 store credit for every $300 spent)
- And a seat in our culture—whether you’re in-store or ordering from afar
From Norwood Park to downtown Chicago, our customers know:
When it’s time to light up, Norwood’s got the goods.
“Met Vick for the first time. Best cigar recommendation I ever got! The humidor is HUGE.”
— Nicholas K. (Yelp)
“Top-tier service and selection. Put this place against any shop in Chicago.”
— Bobblehead B. (MapQuest)
“I came in looking for a gift. Vick made it feel personal and perfect.”
— Jasmine D. (Google Review)
“Great place to learn. Great place to relax. Great place to be around good people.”