I don't really smoke, but I have friends who do, and sometimes buy them packs as gifts. Whenever faced with the tobacco-gift-buying situation, I head over to Whelan's Smoke Shop, since they are the friendliest tobacconist I've ever encountered on the Left Coast of the U.S. I mean, corner stores and a the request for a certain particular pack of smokes, often, is met with grunts and disgruntled annoyance that you left your x-ray specs at home and can't tell if that pack is a Nat Sherman's hint-of-mints or mint classic (not by any stretch of the imagination the same thing, says my smoke aficionado friends). You can always get both at Whelans (they're never out of stock of anything), and they're genuinely happy to do business with you. read more

A lot of cool selections. I went in recently for the first time and it first all the choices were overwhelming. The guy behind the counter promptly asked if I needed help finding anything and pulled out several pieces for me to view until I had made my choice. He never rushed me or seemed annoyed. He even asked what color case I wanted for my pipe. Needless to say the product can be really pricey but it is an investment and you are buying a functional piece of art. I will be back for any future smoking needs! Thank you so much to the man who helped me, I am sorry I didn't catch your name. read more

Whelans Premium Cigars & Gifts - My new pipe Aphrodite. - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Berkeley, California

Best selection of pieces in Berkeley!! Super friendly staff and great prices. No need to look any further for what you may be looking for. They've got it all here. Thanks guys! read more

Whelans Premium Cigars & Gifts - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I come here for their homemade hookah tobacco. It smokes well, it's flavorful and it's unique. I think the quality is very similar to Starbuzz but the tobacco is not as strong so it doesn't get you as lightheaded. The staff is pretty helpful and knowledgable about the products they carry here. I also bought a hookah here for a decent price. I think everything is priced sort of high so you have to sweet talk the owners for a bargain. It's definitely worth the try because they don't really have prices on any of their hookahs/pieces. My favorite hookah flavors ranked in order: 1. Absolute Lime 2. Ambroise (taste like sweet cantaloupe) 3. Peach Mint 4. Strawberry Lemonade Their hookah tobacco is definitely not cheap for the amount they give you (only makes 3 bowls for a 30in hookah). It's worth it if you feel like experiencing a few exotic flavors but perhaps not economical if you smoke a lot. read more

Card reader doesn't work (obviously a lie since it happens all the time) and their cigars are overpriced. Never coming back here simply because it is not a honest business. read more

If you gotta smoke, smoke good tobacco. They have a nice selection of loose leaf shag from various countries. With about a several dozen types of rolling paper to choose from. They also have tobacco for those who might like to smoke "oldman-style", from a pipe, and all kinds of cool pipes as well. Yes, they also have some mad crazy paraphanalia for those who might like to smoke more entertaining tobacco. What ever this means. read more

I have been coming here for years and absolutely love this shop. Like most places, if you're not a dick you'll probably find that everyone here is very helpful and I've personally never had a negative experience here. I walked in today to buy a vape to help me quit smoking. I had no idea what I was looking at or what I wanted. Zach went over the different options I had and explained the pro's and cons of each and even answered the thousand questions I had before patiently opening 60 different flavors for me so I could smell every single one before finally settling on some magical fruity (low nicotine) flavors. That's when I noticed the "clearance jar" of all the vape juice options I didn't even know I had and at the point I started to feel bad for the guy that he was stuck helping me with so many serious life decisions. For $130 I walked out with a really nice set up with a fancy digital display and more options than I'll ever need, some organic cotton filter tank (so I feel better about the artificial flavors in my vegetable glycerine) and 6 different flavors. I could have cheaped out and saved $70 but I wanted a good quality reliable vape so I don't drunkenly buy cigarettes when a $30 vape stops working. When I got home I noticed that my 50w iStick wouldn't charge. They were very upfront that the units do not have warrantees so I gave them a call and they had me come back in to exchange for a new one. See how that works? If you're a nice guy you'll get hooked up. OH and I'm never smoking another cigarette in my life. read more

Worst place to buy vapes. I drive all the way from SF area to buy vapes from this shop and every time i come, i buy up to 12 vapes due to me saving on gas but every disposable vape i buy, they last fucking TWO DAYS for $25 EACH!! that's absolutely disgusting. In my home town, i can buy 15 vapes for $20 or less for a discount. Waste of money and trip to drive. read more

I was in need of a new glass spoon and was tired of the same old same old at the Mighty Quinn in San Rafael. First of all, Whelan's clean and inviting store presents to you it's vast selection in an organized and well-lit store. Zack, who assisted me, was very friendly and happy to show me everything outside of the case. When I found something I liked, Zack even suggested a case in a color of my choice. 10/10 service that I've never seen the like of in a smoke shop before. For whatever your glass, paper, or various other recreational smoking needs, Whelan's seems eager to have you leave a satisfied customer. read more

Whelans Premium Cigars & Gifts - Zack even gave me 10% my next purchase - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Berkeley, California

Okay been back here a few more times. My previous view haven't really changed, but at least now I understand why. The employees all seems quite stressed or isn't really satisfied with their job, which made them do things in a more "I really don't care" fashion. Don't know why it is, but at least now I can be understanding about it. If my previous review was the only problems I find with this store, then yes.. I would increase the rating up to 4 stars just simply because I think the employees are cool, and if they were less stressed they can probably do better. I also honestly had a few instances where they did seem very knowledgeable and want to talk things out. HOWEVER after a few my trips there.... there are more problems. All these new problems can be summed up as, after purchasing from them you get a whole "feels bad man" feeling about your purchase. Here are the reasons. "Premium" E liquids are marked up by around 30 to 50%. The perfect example of this is the Milk Man e-liquid. Written on the package of the Milk Man E-liquid it states that the suggested MSRP is $18 dollars. They sell it from anywhere between 24 to 27 dollars. I understand brick and mortar stores have bills to pay so they need to mark up, but I am pretty sure $18 dollars is not your invoice price of those things. I am also pretty sure the company Vaping Rabbit already consider that when they wrote $18 as MSRP on the packaging. "Premium" E Liquids are sold to you in ways they sell normal E Liquids. Premium E Liquids comes with fancy packaging. Often times when they sell it to you they either don't give you bottles with the packaging, or the packaging is heavily damaged. The only time I ever gotten a proper packaged "Premium" E liquid from here is when there isn't any readily available unpackaged ones for the nic level I want, so they have to dig through the supplies to find the right nic level. Come on, if you want to mark up the liquid by 50%, at least give me a nice packaging. RDAs are not in their original packaging. They are just thrown into a tray unpackaged, with some in tiny mason jars. This is problematic, because: A) you don't know are the RDAs authentic or not. They just claim it is. B) There are extra tid bits in the packaging of the RDAs such as extra O-Rings, screws, posts, and sometimes even cotton, and wires. Without the original packaging, you aren't getting any of those extras. TL;DR - Previous problems I had with them are just "a bad day" so I can forgive them for it. - However shady business practices are found here, making the rating stay the same if not go down. read more

I went here a couple of months back in search of a new addition for the household. I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted, but I knew exactly where to find it! After stopping by the shop and perusing the shelves for a minute, I was immediately assisted in my journey. They've got something there that's perfect for you! Give it a few and be sure to peek behind the multitude of pieces they have to offer. I can't believe how much I love my new addition and the compliments that she receive are relentless! Thanks Guys! read more

Very very great glass. Awesome service!

Never written a negative review before, but theres a first time for everything. This place is shady, man at the counter (I think the owner) wasn't upfront about pricing, asked me for "whatever cash I had on me" and then he'd put the rest on my card, never telling me the total price. $90 for a novo and a juice. When I started questioning on the price, he told me he ran the card already and couldn't change it when he clearly hadn't run anything yet. I'm kicking myself that I let myself get so clearly scammed by this guy, and didn't just take my card and leave. Learn from my mistakes, don't go here--better yet, order online, where the same purchase would've cost me about $40. Other guy helping out was really nice, shame its such a shitty establishment. read more

Very friendly staff. They lower the prices on items too if you have a face that what they are asking for is too expensive. I thought this place only sold smoke stuff but they sell a lot more. I came here to buy a flask for a friend and I not only found the perfect one I was looking for, but the person selling me it gave a slight discount on it. Something is better than nothing. read more

I actually came across this place by accident, I guess you could say. I originally was trying to find a smoke shop that sold Tangiers shisha. After spending time online, I came across a list of places that supposedly sold it. Since driving to Berkeley and finding parking would have taken me 35 minutes or more, I called to make sure that the smoke shop did indeed sell it. I called Big Al's first, only to find out that they didn't carry the brand. However, they directed me to Whelans and provided me with their number, so I called and spoke with the owner. He explained to me that they too did not carry Tangiers, but did have their own house blends. I decided to give it a try. When I walked in, I was fascinated by the amount of glass pipes, bubblers, water bongs, and other smoking paraphernalia that they had. They had a massive selection and even had a clearance section. The workers there were very attentive, patient, and helpful, and after explaining to them that it was my first time there, they really took their time to ask me questions about the type/flavor of shisha I was looking for. They also let me smell the ones I was interested in as well as made suggestions on flavors I might like. I thought they had a pretty decent deal too. $5.99 for a container or 4 for $20. Their house blends are pretty good, and honestly my favorite in the Bay Area so far. I would like to come back and really take my time to look at all that they have to offer. So, I will be sure to swing by the next time I'm in Berkeley. read more

They tryed to charge me 30 bucks for a dabbing stick. How is that worth 30 i can easily buy for 5 or 10 anywhere

This has been my ONE and ONLY smoke shop. All the guys have an amazing vibe and will always help you find what you're looking for. Nick is our guy though - he is descriptive, totally knows his stuff, and will make sure you leave the store happy. Totally recommend this place over any around!! read more

Was in there other day I got a water pipe and it's great I'm in love with it, Great customer service and amazing shop I will be back for all my needs! you guys are boss. read more

Whelans Premium Cigars & Gifts - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Berkeley, California

One of my favorite smoke shops. Have been coming here for a few years now for all my glass needs. Very friendly and educated staff. One guy to definitely go to is Mike, he has always taken care of me and took the time to go give me reviews on the products I was interested about. Went in this morning, and Mike wasn't in yet, but another guy also very educated and friendly, took care of me today. Very happy with my new dab rig. The only reason this place isn't getting a 5 star review is because of the parking situation. There is a parking lot that is free for the 1st hour around the corner but Im just plain lazy and Im just complaining just to complain now. Overall, I recommend this place over Big Al's down the street. Nothing wrong with Big Al's but the guys here at Whelans have always done me solid. read more

These guys are super chill and really know how to take care of you! One I brought in my damaged HiSi--which I loved and bought here--and asked the people of f Whelan's if there was anything that could be done for it. Long story short, my bong was REALLY broken when I left but hey no harm no foul, it was already effectively gone to me when I brought it in. I get a call to come back to the shop a week later and one of the guys pulls out a brand new replacement HiSi and subsequently hoooked it upppp with the price. He confessed that he felt bad for having a hand in the destruction of my bong (which was totally not a big deal to me, I definitely would have broken it completely myself if I hadn't brought it in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!).\ If that's not customer service, what is? read more

Top tier quality for a great price. Literally a one stop shop you won't regret coming here.

staff were very polite and helpful, but also a little pushy. Selection is great, especially if you're looking for a pipe, bong, or hookah - they've got those covered. They also have a pretty great supply of tobacco smoking supplies, including different types of loose pipe tobacco, herbal cigarettes, all kinds of rolling papers, and even empty cigarette tubes (although no unfiltered cigarette tubes which is what I was looking for). Very happy with the pipe I got there but I felt like the stuff pressured me into buying it when I'd really only come in to look. Staff also pressured me to split cost between cash and my card when I wanted to pay all in card. If you're reading this and concerned about pushy staff I recommend seeing Angela S's review below, I think she sums them up well. read more

Great prices and selections on glass!! Ray really knows what he's talking about. Very nice looking hand blown pieces. read more

All sales are final? Not acceptable in 2015 I bought something that turned out to be not needed and wanted to returned it on the same day. I will never buy anything from here and I will make sure none of my friends does. read more

I am big on service and I have to say that Sam? I think his name was was very helpful at suggesting shisha flavors and letting me smell them until I decided on my four. Four for 14.95, i dont think thats bad is it? Anyway I was pleased with my selection and the service. Before we headed out the door, we stoppd to look at the hookahs and Sam came over to help us, there was one that I had my eye on and he took it down and was telling me about the different brands of hookah pipes. He offered me and amazing price on the hookah I was eyeing, as I just got my forst one last week, I cant justify buying another one just yet. I will be back for more shisha and for my next hookah! read more

Alex was super helpful! I brought one that changes color. All the design are really Kool. read more

Whelans Premium Cigars & Gifts - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Berkeley, California

I stopped by Whelans last weekend to pick up a few pipes and was really happy with their selection. Really beautiful pieces in a range of prices. And, it was all made better with the Christmas sale they had going on. Big discounts, amazing selection, and lots to choose from. I was a very happy shopper! The only negative I can say about the experience is the lack of lighting. If they were to install track lighting above the cases, it would be much easier to see the detail work in the beautiful pipes. I will definitely be back! read more

Horrible business. Bought a defective vape for 32 bucks that burned my lip and stopped working right after. Went in today to ask for a refund but they refused to give me one. Inflated prices for defective products. Never come here. read more

Best smoke shop in the area! Anthony helped me out this time and was kind, and so patient with me. He helped me pick out the perfect pipe and brought out all the pipes I wanted to see with no complaint. He was really knowledgeable about the different type of glass and "pros" and "cons" about the different types of pipes. This is the second pipe I bought from here after someone broke mine, and love my new one just as much. 10/10 would recommend coming here if you want to go to an amazing smoke shop. They by far have the Best prices AND Best pipe selection. It is very clean, in a great location, and easy to get to. Accepts cash and card, also have an ATM on the inside if you need to take out money. read more

Whelans Premium Cigars & Gifts - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Berkeley, California

Strictly Cigars: Having recently picked up the healthy hobby of cigar smoking i decided to stop by this place after class and browse their selection of premium cigars and cigar accessories. Accessories: They carry just about everything an amateur cigar aficionado would need: humidor's (mostly desktop/travel), cigar carrying cases, hygrometers, humidification devices, a variety of cutters as well as a good but somewhat pricey selection of torch lighters. Cigars: They have a pretty damn good basic selection of premium cigars such as( Cohiba, Padron, Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, A. Fuente...) As for the prices they tended to be a bit steep, ranging from $12-25 for any of the above mentioned brands but I guess for the convenience of not having to travel to the city for a great tobacco shop it's worth it. Also they have the buy 4 get 1 free special going on most of the time. Overall nice place, well organized, friendly staff that are willing to give you a discount if you ask for it. read more

Today was my first time coming to this place & I don't think I would purchase my hookah sets from anywhere else ever again! I was referred by someone who said this place could give me a good deal. I drove from Daly City, and even though parking was a bit tough since it's right across from UC Berkeley, it was worth it. Immediately as I walked in I was greeted by Mike, and I think his mood put me into a better mood than I initially was coming in. He brought down about 6-8 hookah sets for me to look at -no complaints about me being so picky either! He seemed to be happy with his job or at least just happy helping people out. I chose a beautiful set finally, and he was able to give me an AMAZING deal. I paid $180 for my last hookah set (ONLY), but today I paid about $160, which included the set, cleaning supplies, a plastic hose, shisha, and coals! I am incredibly happy with the experience at this smoke shop, and it was definitely worth the drive to Berkeley! Sidenote: try their homemade shisha!! they all smell pretty good & the selection is awesome. THANKS AGAIN MIKE! :) read more

I drive all the way from San Jose to shop here! It's the best smoke shop in all of the bay! Friendly and helpful staff!

Had a great selection for my price range. Very satisfied and will be coming back for future glass purchases. Would recommend! :)

5 star Glass and 5 star service. They were patient with me and I got EXACTLY what I wanted. My sister is going to love her gift. A MILLION THANKS read more

Out of all the Telegraph smoke shops, Whelans is by far my favorite. So far I have bought a very nice hookah and a small but good glass on glass waterpipe, and Sam has given me unbeatable deals on both of them. Also, their house blends of shisha are some of my favorite and come in tons great flavors ranging from lemon mint to papaya. Whatever you smoking needs may be, I'd say It's worth checking them out. read more

You just have to come here if you're in Berkeley. Whether or not you are an avid smoker or a fan of glasswork, this shop has it all. I spoke to Ray when I got in, he was a little under the weather but he was still patient in helping me look around. Zach is the man, he came over, dapped me up like I was part of the crew. I stuck with the Pax as Whelans was one of the first shops to hold that specific vape. Really glad I met these guys. Awesome experience in the shop. read more

Walked in and was greeted immediately by Dean and was straight down to business. My buddy and I told him that we were looking for a bong and that we wanted good quality but being college students, we were also limited on funds.. Dean understood and helped us out with a killer deal! We ended up leaving satisfied without having to spend and arm and a leg for a quality piece. read more

Short version: They're friendly, but overcharged me. Not cool. I went in today, and the guys were super friendly/helpful. I am new to vaping, and they seemed to be cool about that and explained things a little more, set me up and everything. I'm kinda sad after leaving though because I realized they overcharged me for a tank... Bummed about that; might not go back because of it. read more

For years, even my closest friends question my occupation I've been asked if I was: - Foreign emissary/spy (No) - New school Geisha (No, not anymore) - The dank supplier for the Oakland high school I used to teach at (No, and that's fucked up guys) - A high class escort for an elite mob (thanks Joshua, that was my favorite. But still.. no) - International drug mule... er um, well...... There's a little bit of truth to the later. I don't export drugs.. but rather lots and lots of shisha (water pipe tobacco). I visit my man in Canada A LOT and got all those kids strung out on the high grade shisha that they have here. The selection is HUGE, I mean huge. Every time I go there, Ray the chill ass owner, shows me the new stuff they have. Today I got hooked up with "Love" and some other flavors. In their arsenal you can also find Mint Chip, Blueberry Muffin (hella good), Mojito, Sex on the Beach, Cosmopolitan, White Peach, Orange Mint, Guava and more that I can't even remember plus all the staple flavors. Each tub is $5.49 or 4 for $20. Ray said that all the flavors are homemade which is pretty hard to come by these days. Aside from shisha, they have a mad selection of pipes (for that wacky tabacky) and hookahs. I bought a hookah here last year. I remember walking through the door, being automatically greeted with "Hey girl, we'll hook you up!" And they did... indeed. I got a large amber colored piece with beautiful etching, extra hoses and crazy accessories for an insane deal. I even looked and their prices were cheaper than the internet and you can actually come in and find a piece you fall in love with. The staff is real cool too. You can come in there and just chop it up with the guys while an eclectic soundtrack plays in the background. I was in there today and you could get 2 of the simpler/smaller hookahs for $70. ARE YOU SHITTING ME!? Note to all the undergrads: hosting a hookah party at your dorm will automatically make you look worldly and cause panties to drop. PS, you guys are messed... you know I'm a "social worker" *** read more

Bought my first pipe here 5 years ago and this is the only spot I'll buy things from. They have all you need plus more. Dope looking store