As many of you already know, TJ is a hotbed for counterfeit Cubans. If you buy a cigar from any liquor store or any other independant store, they are fake...for sure. There are only two places to get real Cuban cigars in TJ.

1. Casa de Habana (Plaza Rio)- Excellent selection includes Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, Bolivar, Cohiba, Punch and Partagas. All in sizes from robusto, to torpedo to double-corona size. Prices will vary from $4 to $14. The chicas working there will take you into the humidor and all of the prices are right there on the box.

2. Sanborns- Believe it or not, they cary real Cubans. The prices and selection are not that great but if your there, check it out.

Great advice for all on cigar selection in TJ but I have found that the prices at Casa de Habana increasing over my few-and-far-between trips.

Sanborn's carries a lot of fake Cubans. Especially the "Cohibas" in glass tubes. Casa de Habana is now out of business. That leaves the only authentic shop in town- La Villa Del Tobacco, across the street from KFC, on Avenida Revolution.