Calabash
| Address: | 425 Western Ave, South Portland, ME 04106, USA |
| Phone: | +1 207-774-8673 |
| Site: | calabashcigar.com |
| Rating: | 3.3 |
| Working: | 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 11AM–6PM |
Location
Photos 25
Reviews 10
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Ruik Lunox
It bothers me how little this place knows about cigars and the basic science around it, especially considering its niche is a cigar lounge in the Portland area. First, Id like to say that if you ever have smoked a cigar bought from this place, and claimed it was the best youve ever had, youre literally smoking the bottom of the barrel. Its not that their selection is bad, its that they let all their expensive product go bad. Ever notice how the cigars are horribly dry, and tend to flake a lot? The first error they make is in their extremely terrible humador that doesnt even qualify as one. Their humador isnt keeping the cigars fresh, not only because it doesnt maintain the humidity, but its even exposed to the elements through a window in the humador (seriously? Who thought it was a good idea to put your product next to a window where the light and changes in temperature significantly damage your product?). If you want to see a real humador, go to any cigar shop in the Old Port. A real humidor maintains a specific humidity to keep the cigars from going bad. Every single smoke Ive had at this place completely pales in comparison to many other lounges nationwide Ive had the opportunity to purchase a cigar at. Its a shame, because the place has a lot of potential it never even bothers trying to take advantage of. With the ridiculous mark up on the cigars there (which, by the way, marking your stale cigars up by more than half the base price is ludicrous and is hurting the potential profit in your company), Im assuming the owner is very greedy deep down, considering he doesnt want to provide a good quality product to his customers even though he marks up the prices insanely. To be honest, his prices for the same cigar rank within the top 5% most expensive prices for that cigar. You should feel ripped off for the poor quality of product here. This is also only the beginning.... Second, their staff and foodservice is horrendous at best. Trying to conform to still being a cafe and serving food is fine, but your menu is lackluster, your staff is tiring, and your final product is something I could make better myself in less amount of time. The staff slog throughout their day, and sloppily perform their job even though all aspects of it are done in front of the customer (thats right! Even food prep and the kitchen resides behind the bar). The menu needs updating and the staff needs to receive training on specific, quick pub style fare they can serve their customers. More people would flock here if the food was actually edible. To make matters worse, dont expect to get an educated opinion on cigars here. The staff do not know much about the products they sell, how cigars are made, the processes the leaves go through, blends, and how all these things make each cigar unique. I honestly feel bad for them, because the staff, besides the owner, is what makes Callabash great. They are friendly, down to earth people that if they had training in a renovated menu, and product knowledge, they would grow Callabash into a great success. If you are still planning on going to this dump expect terrible stale cigars, a try hard lounge atmosphere that attempts to mask their greedy prices, and wonderful staff to get you through the pain of having to smoke a stale cigar and eat that ham sandwich they haphazardly threw you together in the poor kitchen. This lounge stays afloat by being frequented with regulars that dont mind burning their money and buying stale product in exchange for the friendly camaraderie provided by the personable staff. Callabash is in a critical time where it needs to gain focus, and reinnovate its image otherwise it risks losing its company financially and gets washed out with time or competition.
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A Private User
Well, I hate to disagree but Ive been going to the Calabash for a couple of years and have always enjoyed it. I think calling the owner a "shyster" is a little much: I have always found Ali very helpful and very honest. Yes, the cigars may cost a little more than in a regular store but one is also paying for the great lounge area, the good bar, and the big screen tvs. The crowd there is great --- very down to earth, no big egos, a lot of laughs. I recomend the bash very highly. But, thats just me.
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Rylen Snow
I have been to the calabash a few times and I have to say this is probably one of the worst cigar lounges ever. Terrible pricing for horrendously treated cigars. On top of that they will even charge you $8 if you just want a place to smoke your own cigar! They boast how they have beer and wine on their website yet all you get to choose from is 4 beers. If a new cigar lounge opened up that actually knew how to run a business calabash would be done for in a year.
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Scott Allocca
I dont know what all the whining is about but the Calabash staff treats me and mine like royalty. If you buy your cigars direct of course you will find them cheaper. Ali has rent to pay and staff to support so of course theyre marked up. You obviously dont know how retail works. And as for the food goes I have never been disappointed. Always a good time and a huge stress reliever to hang out with the Calabash Gang!
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A Private User
I used to go here all the time but found that the owner was rude and hikes up all his cigar prices. Still this is a fun place and I recomend going in the area if you dont care spending an extra 3$ per cigar (which may be worth having a indor place to smoke it). Owner is a shister and a rip off artist though and has a tendency to sell rip off cheap fake cigars labeled Cohiba when he knows there fake and plug up.
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Sean OHare
I have been enjoying the Calabash for a number of years, on and off. I enjoy the atmosphere and really enjoy their Cigar dinners. Ali is a great owner and treats all of his customers as friends. They have a good menu and a really nice beer selection, with a few local craft beers. I would certainly recommend the Calabash!
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Joshua Taylor
What a great place to be. Ive been a regaular at the shop for years now and its the only cigar place Ill go. The owner and staff are friendly, funny, and happy to always help. Rain, or shine this place is open and offers a wide variety of cigars, food, pipes, accessories, and beer on tap.
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Thomas Dahlborg
Very enjoyable. Steak wraps were very good. As was the service. The Camacho Triple Maduro was excellent and well priced.
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A Private User
Good Place to smoke a cigar...be careful if you dont smoke....go to another restaurant!
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Patrick Arnold
This place is great, good food, great cigars and wonderful people!
