Piedmont Tobacconist

I think this is the only place in Oakland that sells pipe tobacco. I entered the store to see before me on the floor a HUGE golden lab, her eyes so friendly, her demeanor welcoming. The gentleman owner greeted me warmly and helped me with my tobacco selections. A few customers were in the tiny store, some making selections, a couple sitting in chairs smoking cigars. I had a nice conversation with the owner, and one of the customers sitting and smoking started a convo with me. I sat down, fired up my pipe, and smoked a whole bowl having a wonderful time with the people and the TWO HUGE friendly loving labs. Pros: Pros: Atmosphere, service. Cons: Cons: For what it is, none really. more

The gentlemen here have always provided me with excellent service even though every time I walk in it is very apparent that I am a tyro with regard to fine tobacco. Contrary to a previous reviewer, I find the store's aromas to be intoxicatingly inviting. You're not going to catch a whiff of cucumber face mask as you open the door to be sure. It's a cigar store. It's a wonderful, old time, throw back to an earlier era, cigar store. more

My friend chuck and I formed a smoking club a couple years back and we have traveled great distances to find cigars listed in the ""The Cigar Companion"". What started as research and love of cigars has turned into a way of life, that still confounds some of our friends and family. Pros: great quality and hard to find selection Cons: parking and hours more

The people that run this place like to use it as tobacco sitting room with no ventilation. I chose to move from cigarettes to pipe tobacco so that I don't inhale for health reasons. I usually only smoke in the evening and find it very relaxing. When I have gone to purchase pipe tobacco at Piedmont Tobacconists I have had to wait outside after saying what blend I wanted and how much because the air was so thick with cigar/and or pipe smoke. The attitude of the woman who is usually there is extremely surly and purist with her statements like""I smoke everything"". Good for you! I don't and don't want to be subjected to your smoke or derision. She treats customers like either close friends or someone who is bothering her. I am looking for another tobacconist in the Oakland area. If anyone knows of one it would great to hear from you! more