Tabanero Cigars - Tampa (Ybor City), FL

 
Location:   1805 N. 22nd St., Tampa, FL 33605
Phone:  (813) 402-6316
Website:  www.tabanerocigars.com
Hours:  Mon-Thurs 9am-9pm; Fri-Sat 9am-10pm; Wed 11am-9pm, Sun 10am-7pm
Alcohol:  No.  Coffee, Soda, Water, (BYOB)
Selection:  Just the cigars they produce
Cigar prices:  competitive
Bdawg says:  This is actually a small factory with a small seating area inside and a couple seats outside.  If you go during the day you will see about 6 different rollers practicing their craft; while you enjoy a cup of Cuban coffee and a fine Tabanero smoke.  All of the rollers are Cuban born and have actually gone to school in Cuba to learn this trade.  The Cuban music in the background and friendly banter of the rollers only adds to the enjoyment of the experience.  

I was fortunate enough to meet the owner, Yanko Meceda.  He took us on a tour of the shop.  Taking us to the back; showing us the fillers and wrappers which he buys from the Oliva factory.  He took the time to explain their process of making a fine cigar.  Fascinating!  

We talked with Yanko for over an hour.  Yanko came to the USA when he was 14 years old.  He shared stories with us about his life in Cuba.  Suffice it to say, he is happy and proud to now be an American citizen.  Yanko opened Tabanero Cigars about 3 years ago.  He now supplies about 50 stores with his cigars.  

Folks like Yanko are the reason that Ybor City (A suburb of Tampa) is one of my favorite towns.  A vibrant atmosphere and very friendly people.  

BPatrick, Yanko Meceda, and Bdawg

Cigar rollers at Tabanero cigars.