If you enjoy a bit of the briar from time to time, stop in here and chat with Doug Owen. He has a wealth of knowledge from the heyday of proper pipes and tobacco. As far as the antique shop goes, I'd fill my house with the things in his shop, so I'm biased. However, given Doug's kind demeanor and honest nature, I'm sure he could guide you toward something you would enjoy. read more

This is a unique shop. From the outside to looks like a nautical themed gift shop, but it is so much more. Yes there are tons of nautical gifts but there is also a great selection of razors, shaving brushes, soaps and stands. The true awesomeness of the shop is that the owner is a bonafide tobacconist who stocks a nice selection of cigars and an even better selection pipes. Doug has been in the pipe business since the 70s and is always willing to share information about pipes and different tobacco blends. As a newbie in the hobby the employees of the Cargo Hold have answered all my questions and have never made me feel like any of them were dumb. Even though I am sure some were. So if your in Poulsbo and you want to visit a local business that is a hidden gem on the waterfront check out the Cargo Hold. read more

Bottom Line Upfront: I was knowingly sold a used and broken barometer that the owner told me was new! I ordered a barometer and was told it would be delivered in one month. One month later I called the Cargo Hold and the owner told me it was delayed. Two weeks later, same story. Two weeks after that I called again (note... no calls to me from the store... I had to initiate every call), this time the owner told me that the "barometer came in a few days ago." My thoughts were that a phone call would have been nice, but I let it go and drove to the store to pick it up. When I arrived at the store the owner handed me a box which had been opened and said, "this just came in but I wanted to open it to make sure it worked." Great! When I got home I put it up on the mantel and set the reference arrow over the current pressure. Over the next few days I noticed that although the pressure had changed (via the internet) that there was no change to reading on the barometer. I took it off the mantel and noticed a number of scratches on the back and that the owner's manual did not match the model I had purchased. I took the barometer back to the store to question how the barometer had been scratched and why the owners manual didn't match and was in a plastic baggy... At this the owner came clean... He said that my order was delayed and that instead of dealing with my phone calls he took a similar model off the wall and gave it to me as new. No "sorry." No further explanation. DO NOT PATRONIZE THIS STORE! read more

I was drawn into the store by a great aviation and nautical window display. The shop owner however committed quite the epic fail in customer experience and general lack of social graces. He has a beautiful collection of knives and I asked what they were made out, curious since they looked like scrimshaw. He said " they're made from cow bone." Without any indication of joking around he said, "whale and elephant is in short supply." Looking at me without any smile or anything I just really couldn't believe his comment. So I said "what are you trying to bait me?" And he said, "yes" he doesn't know me at all and I'm a browsing customer asking questions about something I was interested in buying and that's how he treats someone? I said you just lost yourself a potential customer. Then he said he was joking and how I couldn't take a joke. Ummm... no - you clearly have passive aggressive issues and I didn't need to feel harassed coming into his store. He needs a lesson in manners and general social graces because he has zero. EPIC FAIL for this shop owner. read more

I came out to Poulsbo WA to check this shop out. The shop barely has room for people to walk through. The owner was rude and short. Still I bought a telescope spyglass walking stick for $110. Got home and the telescope was extended (opened) into the chamber to the point it was unusable. I tried fixing it and it happened again. I decided I shouldn't have to "fix" a $110 walking stick. So I returned and thought I get a desktop compass for my new office. The owner scrutinized me, mocking how a telescope works. I explained what was happening and he said "I don't see anything wrong with it... I'll give you back your money anyway." He did. I told him that the issue was real and not to resell it. He said "sure, yeah I don't think so." The thing is, I am his customer and I would have bought other products. The thing is, it wouldn't have mattered if I was telling the truth or not If his intention is still to give me my refund (I am telling the truth and that's why I told him not to resale). Anyway, the only thing he gained by treating me that way is a lost of customer and this review. read more

A really cool shop with a great selection of pipe tobacco! I had recently picked up pipe smoking as a hobby and I stopped by there last summer to get my first pipe. The younger guy who works there not only helped me figure out which kinds of tobacco I'd like best, but he walked me through the whole pipe smoking process complete with tips and pointers for a newbie. Friendly, knowledge staff and great location! Will definitely be back again this summer when I trek out to Poulsbo! read more

I love this store and get in there whenever I'm in the area. The owner is very helpful and helps me pick pipe tobacco. He knows his stuff and is super friendly and informative. The store has all kinds of interesting things and would be a great place to find a gift. Nothing tacky or touristy, all interesting and beautiful things. It feels like it's loaded full of treasures! read more

Nothing but great things to say about THE CARGO HOLD. I went in to look at cigars and pipe tobacco and was received with knowledge and kindness. Doug is amazing and knows his tobaccos. He helped me find a pipe tobacco that I would like the taste of and others similar to it. I walked out with 4 different types and two cigars of my favorite wrapper, Maduro. I have been back several times for more cigars and pipe tobacco and he has always been very friendly and assisted me with the products. I even joined the Pipe club they have going that meets once a month. Looking forward to meeting up with the guys on Saturday. read more

We sailed into Poulsbo and found this store by accident. We spent a couple hundred bucks on very classy nautical games, music and some trinkets. It was a great investment. The pirate game we bought was a huge hit in a mixed bag of adults and teens and pre-teens. It was unique, tactical, and not your typical dice and follow the prescribed routes game. Shut the box was also a popular game even if it did require the kids to do some math. The rest of the store was fascinating. We will probably spend another couple hundred buck next time we go there. Rick & Patti Olympia, WA read more

Neat little store. Spent the day shopping and looking around in downtown Poulsbo while I had family visiting. However, the owner seemed to catch a small attitude and made a sarcastic remark when he asked if he could help us with anything, and we replied that we were just looking. We left the store shortly after that. I did not appreciate his attitude. The store has great merchandise, but I won't be returning. read more

This is a great shop! But listen up pipe smokers this is the best place to go for all your pipe needs! Huge selection of pipes and tobacco and vast amounts of knowledge! read more

I have frequently visited Cargo Hold and love this unique store. Many nautical items and an excellent selection of fine cigars, pipes(my favorite is Peterson's of Dublin) and tobaccos. Doug, the owner is highly knowledgeable and helpful. Whoever called his spaniel a "nasty" dog is a real dog hater. She's sweet as candy and always a pleasure to pet when in the store. Highest rating! read more

I had two completely different experiences. The first was with a very nice younger man who helped us pick out nice cigars. The second time was today and my husband and I and our baby and dog went in to get another cigar. Immediately this dog started barking viciously from underneath the desk. This older guy was incredibly RUDE and said, "didn't you see the sign out front? you can't bring your dog in here." As my husband was leaving with our dog, I was still in there looking at cigars until the guy gives a parting shot, saying, "It clearly says not to bring your dog." I don't have a problem not bringing my dog into a business but when you enter the shop the sign is not facing you and it's difficult to see. I also don't have a problem with a business owner telling me I can't have my dog in there but you don't need to be rude and say it multiple times. Also, why would you have a mean dog in a business? That's just not smart and quite frankly I don't want my baby around mean dog either or a mean grumpy man. Needless to say, I left immediately and I won't be back. read more