Vendetta Mens Apparel & Vintage Cuban Cigars

What a great little shop. We stopped by while staying at the Fairmont and were immediately impressed by both the very cool selection of Pre Embargo Cubans, but also all the great men’s accessories/​clothing. The owner, Bruce is a consummate Gentleman and treated as if we were old friends. My friend splurged and bought a couple of his pre embargo sticks and we adjourned to the small smoking lounge to enjoy these cigars along with a snifter of great Rum. Will definitely return and highly recommend.

This has been on my list since I moved to SF. I was warmly greeted by the owner and his colleague, who helped me select delicious cigars for my father’s bday– we selected Dunhill Robustos from Cuba that were rolled in 1956, the year Dad was born. I bought two for Dad, but had to buy one to sample them. HOLY CRAP. These guys know what they are doing, and the cigar was the most spectacular I’ve ever enjoyed. Each cigar comes with complimentary aged rum, and I’m telling you, smoking a 59 year old cuban, sipping rum, and enjoying the Fairmont… I could get used to this… I’d give extra stars for service and for selection. And even though the cigars were… pricey… I think the prices were more than fair for the quality and the experience. It is one I hope to repeat as often as I can.

I did my homework so I’ve taken the time to join into the conversation about Vendetta’s. It is truly a gem but as I think the owner will allow me to admit not exactly for everyone. Specifically I’d like to say that if your looking for a inexpensive pre-​embargo smoke. This would not be the place for you. I not only read Unilocal but I did some other research and found that the vast majority of the cigar smokers forums are not receptive to this niche nor price range. I fully understand it. Their common statement that they can find x number of perfectly good to great cigars for a lesser price point can’t really be disputed. They are 100% right. However nothing in life is absolute and that’s were I hope you’ll get some insights below.
My review focus’s on the cigar aspect of Vendetta’s. While I was surprised by the extensive selection of fine men’s clothing and huge selection of accessories I came here for the cigars. I’m a cigar apprecianado. For me that’s someone who loves cigars but doesn’t have the time, energy or inclination to be a geek. No disrespect to the geeks you all are the one’s who make it so much easier and pleasant for me to find and enjoy this passion of mine. Anyway I see the the listing on Unilocal read up and decide to see what it’s all about. Boy did I strike gold.
First of all there’s Bruce the owner, welcoming, professional and courteous just what you’d hope and expect for such a unique business as this. Then there’s the cigars and the «sticker shock» many refer to. Ok it’s there, what can you say? What would most of us expect to pay for a 1958 Montecristo Robusto in mint condition? I have no idea. All I know is I work hard. I’ve worked a long time to become successful and on occasion I like to turn off my value warning light and take a chance. Sometimes I walk away kicking myself, shaking my head and wondering what the hell I just did that for. Well for me this time wasn’t one of those.
I didn’t pretend to be an expert with Bruce. I told him what I usually smoked and what my intention was and solicited his opinion. He told me a bit about himself and what he was doing in the pre-​embargo cigar business and we hit it off. A most pleasant surprise was finding out that we were born in the same Miami hospital and grew up in the many of the same area’s as kids. I looked down at the time and realized that we had a play to go to make a show and told him I’d be back. He’s probably heard that 1 or 2 times before.
The next day we went on what turned out to be a great adventure, a 5.5 hour E-​bike tour with Dylan’s, what a great time. But when we were done I was cashed. I mean exhausted and it was decision time. Either go back to the hotel and kid myself that I’d rest, shower and go back to Vendetta’s before he closed. Yeah, not so much. But this would be the only time in our busy schedule, it was now or never. So my wonderful wife steps in and encourages me to go ahead and do it and she’d go have a glass of wine for an hour in the hotel bar.
So I go back to see Bruce, he’s in his smoking lounge with a customer/​friend and he comes out and greets me. Remembers his suggestion and I commit. And off we go to the intimate smoking lounge. He introduce’s me to the other patron, pours me a very generous pour of I believe Montecristo Sipping Rum and I light up. Here’s where the rubber meets the road.
The cigar was splendid. I mean exceptional I wasn’t disappointed in the least it was big on flavor but not overwhelming. It smoke so nicely. The flavors didn’t overwhelmed me at all it was creamy a bit leathery and it hit my sweet spot. I’m not a heavy full flavored guy. I can take it but it really isn’t my thing. Phew, I wasn’t going to have to shake my head.
The rest of the story. So you’ve got a good cigar going, a excellent libation what else can you expect. How about one of the nicest afternoon’s conversation I’ve had in quite a while. Bruce is a true gentlemen, adept at interesting and thought provoking conversation. His other guest (darn I’m sorry I forgot his name) was equally as interesting and conversational. So my hour turned into 2.5 hours and that wife of mine just went to a second glass of wine and a charcuterie platter. Ha, what a great woman!
So for me this was a day when a grand memory was created in a short afternoon. I hope if you fit the in the same mold and that you’ll give it a try as well. Cheers!

A hidden gem, tucked away in the lobby of the Fairmont hotel, this is a great men’s apparel shop and haven for cigar aficionados. The proprietor, Bruce, is a great guide to the vast selection of mens accessories and clothing, as well as vintage, pre-​embargo, Cuban cigars. Well worth a visit!

The Best Men’s Store in San Francisco
I’ve been going to Vendetta for several years now every time I’m in San Francisco it’s only fault is that more people don’t know about it probably because it’s located inside the Fairmont Hotel which is about 10 minutes up the road from the main shopping area of Union Square. That said, this is a true wonder, something that anybody who has looked for a true men’s store should visit.
it is owned and operated by Bruce, who is usually the only person working except for one other salesman who seems to be very part time.
Bruce is a true gentleman and he’s the kind of guy who you just love to sit and talk with, he has vast info on the finer things in life.
Despite its small size, vendetta probably carries a wider selection of top-​end luxury items than many department stores. From fine pens, cufflinks, belts, keychains, to great European clothing and hats, gloves, etc. And it also has a great selection of cigars and other gentleman products.
But what really makes the store is Bruce’s impeccable eye for fine art. Ranging from old paintings to vintage cigar and wine posters, this store probably has the finest decorations I have ever seen in a retail setting.
On a recent visit I purchased the nicest pair of gloves I have seen, and this includes visits to fine glove stores in Paris. A pair of italian dress gloves made from Pittards British leather. So nice you don’t want to wear them.
A true gem of a store, and a throwback to a bygone era when these places were located in every city, Venetta is the last of the great USA men’s stores.
Not to be missed

Awesome collection of pre-​embargoed Cuban cigars from the 1950’s from $ 130 & up along with a small quantity of quality modern day cigars. Kind of regret not buying a pre-​embargoed Cuban. Had me drooling.

hands down best

Great store couldn’t find a better cigar shop in San Francisco. They even have a smoking room there! Would totally recommend going if you love cigars or fine apparel.

Great place to relax and enjoy yourself. Stuff is extremely overpriced but I guess you gotta do what you gotta do to have a store inside The Fairmont.
His selection of pre-​embargo Cuban cigars is impressive. The cheapest is a 1956 Hoyo de Monterrey corona for $ 125. But it was worth it to understand the beauty of an aged cigar. A guy who was in the smoking room had a 1960 Montecristo #2 that he got for $ 225.
He also has some Padrons and Partagas stogies that he has been aging for 15 – 20 years. Around $ 50 for those.
He also gives some complimentary Montecristo 12-​year aged rum when you get a cigar.
This is for a splurge my friends. It’s really nice. I take away one star because there was a line of snifters uncleaned, and while the store hours say it is open at 11:30, I showed up at 12:15 and still had to wait 10 minutes before he showed up. As for if its overpriced or not, I honestly don’t know the value of a pre-​Castro Cuban cigar but if you want to spoil yourself this is a good spot.

Vendetta– This is not your usual hotel store– of course it’s in the «Fairmont Hotel» on Nob Hill, which is not just any hotel either — but back to Vendetta– wow– this place has the absolute best of Italian clothing for men– every item in this small comfy store oozes with good taste, male sexiness and the softest cashmere you can buy. I loved it, especially as I’m a dunce at whats truly classic & fashionably masculine,– the advise of haute couture expert, which is the owner, Bruce Rothenberg was a god send– They also sell «real» vintage cigars from Cuba, now that’s a «woohoo» stocking stuffer-.

i found this shop thanks to Unilocal last december. my employer wanted to buy a very, very special box of cigars for his brother for christmas. after a little searching, i found vendetta and spent some time in the shop with the owner putting together a great box. the gift was an over-​the-​top hit and the recipient was beyond thrilled.
the shop is small and packed, the owner is very kind and helpful, and (apparently) the cigars are supremely top notch.

By far the best cigar experience I’ve ever had. Smoked a 1957 pre embargo Cuban Dunhill and enjoyed a complimentary glass of Monte Cristo rum.
Cuban cigars from this era are extremely rare and exceptionally better than their modern day counterparts.
If I lived in San Fran I would be here every week. Definitely jealous of the the locals who have this unique opportunity in their own backyard.

Beautiful store! Thanks to my fellow Unilocalers I stumbled upon Vendetta. I was looking for an amazing Christmas present for my boyfriend who is a cigar lover, and after reading the reviews on this place I had to check it out. I know absolutely nothing about cigars, but Bruce (the owner) was very helpful. He has an impressive collection of vintage Cubans from the 1930s to the 1960s. I ended up purchasing a 1955 Romeo y Julieta cigar, which I was very excited about giving.
Great service and great products! I highly recommend this store, and will definitely be returning.

If you’re looking for a «vintage» Cuban cigar to experience the REAL thing, this is the place to go.
Vendetta use to be located on an alley off of Grant Ave near Sutter, but it’s now located off the lobby of the Fairmont Hotel. How chic is that?! There’s a small smoking room (only 2 chairs) at the rear of the store, where you can smoke your Cuban w/​a complimentary glass of aged rum (which the owner says is what you should drink w/​a cigar), but I still prefer to drink an aged single malt Islay scotch (Lagavulin, Laphroaig or Caol Ila) or vintage ruby port when smoking a cigar.
My GF bought me a 1958 Dunhill Natural Maduro Robusto for over $ 100 as an «anniversary» gift a year ago and it was absolutely the BEST cigar I’ve ever smoked. Looking forward to another opportunity to celebrate there again soon.

Great shop. Bruce, the owner, has a real passion for the finer things in life. Unique among bay area shops. Highly recommended for clothing, accessories and, of course, pre-​embargo cuban cigars (with certificate of authenticity)

Ladies. Shop here to get your man the ultimate gift.
wonderfully tasting Vintage Cigars from 1948 — 1962
men’s appearal
the Fumo Blu smoking room
25 year old rum
Of course Men, Shop here to get your lady the ultimate gift — that 50 year old cigar.