As a brand-new pipe smoker, I couldn't have asked for a better experience. The owner of Cargo Hold was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and patient. He took the time to answer all of my questions and was very knowledgeable about pipes, pipe tobacco, and everything I needed to get started. Instead of trying to upsell me, he focused on helping me find the right tobacco for my experience level, which I really appreciated. His customer service made me feel comfortable and confident walking into a hobby that can be a little intimidating at first. If you're new to pipe smoking--or even if you've been enjoying it for years--I highly recommend stopping by. Great selection, outstanding customer service, and a staff that genuinely knows their craft! read more

Looking at the other review I was weary about going to this shop for the first time because of the feedback on the employee. The same employee was super nice, informative and very helpful. I'll be back for sure. read more

If you want to see/experience a modern day Scrooge well this is the place to visit! My wife and I visited this place because we saw some "cool" looking antique stuff. We were inspecting one of the clocks on the wall there and he came out of no where being rude and condescending. Like this man has some serious issues. I honestly wouldn't come back to this place. Why even start a "business" if you're going to be a total duck. read more

Terrible experience with the old man behind the desk- he cannot answer a few questions without irritation and rolling eyes. The worst few minutes in town Why do you have a store in the middle of a very touristy place when you do not know how to speak to people politely? Zero stars read more

I was not expecting to run into this gem in the middle of poulsbo. A ridiculous selection of pipe tobacco both tin and loose. Could have easily spent a few hours perusing this little but packed shop. Everything you need from accessories, knives, stands, pipes (from corn cob to nice estate pieces), and unique to the area guy souvenirs. Doug is very friendly and knowledgeable, highly recommend a visit. read more

Cargo Hold - Met Doug and talked shop while the wife and kids visited lesser shops. - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Poulsbo, Washington

Another great visit to the Cargo Hold. There's so many great gift items, it's hard to not buy everything. There are few shops like this, I encourage everyone to gift shop here. The owner was , as usual, nice to chat with, and a wealth of information. Also got some pipe tobacco, of which there is a great selection, particularly of some blends that are nearly impossible to find online. Yes, prices are higher than online, but having a real pipe spot with a knowledgeable owner is worth it. Same with the cigar selection. Nice pipe selection as well, I'll be buying my next pipe here. Support this place at all cost! read more

Very nice shop, the man behind the counter is knowledgeable in the world of pipes/tobacco. Lots of other cool things to take a look at as well. read more

The owner was rude and condescending. I have been all around the world and this man was the most ignorant and rude person I have ever dealt with. As a woman, DO NOT GO HERE! DO NOT SPEND YOUR MONEY HERE! read more

We went here to look around but the owner was extremely rude. He was eyeing us like we were criminals, then asked in a very rude and condescending tone "Can I help you?!" I mean if you can't take photos or touch things he could do so politely and maybe even have a sign. Then I read the other reviews on Google that they're usually rude to people of color. I wanted to buy one of the compasses but got so turned off afterwards. I would not recommend going here and will tell all my friends and circles the same experience. read more

The owner is incredibly friendly and has a great collection of genuine antiques, tobacco and pipes!! When my husband and I visited, the person ahead of us in line was new into pipes and decided to purchase one. He told the owner that he had one pipe before and used the sharp end of a meat thermometer to scrape out the old tobacco. The owner gave him a bunch of stuff for free including a blunt tobacco pipe scraper so he wouldn't put a hole in his pipe lololol. The owner has even put together a little booklet all about smoking pipes, he gave one to us and the man ahead of us for free. He's very knowledgeable about the craft and his store is so cool. 10/10 we will visit again. read more

Like quite a few other reviewers here we wandered into this shop on a sunny nice day in good spirits. The fella (I won't call him a gentleman) was extremely rude to us for no reason. We ended up putting back the items we intended on purchasing. He's the owner so he can do as he wishes, but he could just be rude to people on the sidewalk for free without the overhead of a retail store methinks. read more

Cool place with something for everyone. Lots of nautical stuff and some random stuff as well.

The best place in the Pacific North West to stop by for all you tobacco and pipe needs. Great service and selections on both pipes, tobacco and accessories. read more

Cargo Hold - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Poulsbo, Washington

Opens over 20 minutes late and the man is extremely rude. Honestly no reason to go, more likely to ruin your mood than add anything positive to your life. read more

If your dream is to live vicariously as a pipe smoking, whiskey chugging pirate (and who doesn't?), this is your place. I've been to Cargo Hold twice now, and every time I find some new trinket or treasure that I (for practicality's sake) don't need, but desperately want! Last time was a compass/sextant, and this time it was a whiskey flask. The proprietor has crammed this tiny space with all things nautical and novelty, maritime and masculine. There are dozens of hand-carved pipes and fresh pipeweed, board games, shaving kits, magnifying and spyglasses, compasses, clocks, pirate paraphernalia, and so many other little trinkets and wonders stashed away in corners or hidden piles, that you have to make a concerted effort to examine and take in everything on display before you. It's sensory overload, in the best way possible! Cargo Hold is the toy store for discerning gentlemen (and ladies!) with a penchant for the charms of the old world. It is one of the most unique shops anywhere, among the best Poulsbo has to offer, and a pure pleasure upon every visit. read more

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20 years ago I bought a wall hanger with brass portholes which had time, temp, and barometer. Recently the barometer quit working so I went back to the shop to see if there were any instructions for adjusting or repairing it. The owner, Doug, looked it over, determined that it was kaput, and REPLACED IT AT NO CHARGE. After 20 years! Doug can be a little off-putting on first encounter, but with a little discussion warms up. I think he might worry that careless shoppers may cause accidents and breakage as the shop is small and aisles are narrow. There is a sign on the door to notify the presence of his dog, advising to leave yours outside. In the shop you will find some of the neatest brass maritime themed gifts as well as a variety of other unique items. read more

Great inventory ! Fair prices , However will NEVER go back . Too bad the guy is such an A Hole ... read more

Interesting selection of nautical themed stuff with premium prices. Guyb ehind the counter is crabby as heck. Seems irritated if you don't decide immediately what you want. read more

experience a really rude male today which is the owner, which I don't understand being rude to my sister, who comes to town from a long ways from home to visit and this very grumpy old man decided to not acknowledge us. She asked how long the shop has been around all he said was, can I help you very rude very unprofessional, and no customer service will never be coming back. read more

What a rad store! The pipe tobacco selection is amazing, let alone just the actual pipes they have too! Peterson. Savinelli. Rocca and so many more. Talked to Richard for quiet a bit. What a great guy to talk pipes and tobacco with. Im really glad theres a place to shop for pipes and tobacco near by. read more

Cargo Hold - Found one of my favorite tobaccos...that is out of stock everywhere! - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Poulsbo, Washington

The items in this store are unique and very cool I was excited to check it out until my interaction with the gentleman behind the counter took a turn for the worse. I would not recommend coming here unless you look for some form of sick entertainment. As a female veteran his attitude reminds me of men in the service from the old guard who think lesser of women that's not a "political statement" the demeaning behavior of a question that got me berated and even after I apologized for offending him made it worse. Just reading other people's comments on the behavior makes me think this place is by all intensive purposes an "Old Gentlemen's Club." read more

The owner is immensely confrontational. I was walking in the back of the store, while my SO was looking at the calligraphy pens he was picking out for his sister. He was sending her a picture of them to see which one she may want, but got caught off guard by the owner screaming "can I help you?! No pictures!" So we left. I didn't see signs up for no pictures allowed, but didn't stick around to see. Will not be returning. read more

If i could give this place 0 stars i would, i had a horrible experience at this store. I walked in because i saw some old fashioned feather ink pens and was yelled at for bringing our service dog in the store. The owner had his own dog that was very aggressive and started lounging on our dog but yet he claims "no dogs allowed" and "i should ask permission next time before bringing in a dog at a store" the people that walked out behind us also commented on the rudeness of the employee. Avoid this place is possible! read more

One of the last great pipe tobacco shops in Washington. Very helpful and passionate with tobacco selection. Overall amazing pipe and tobacco selection but because this is Washington, prices tend to be on the higher end. Definitely recommend coming here if you have any interest in pipe smoking! read more

Had a terrible experience here. The owner was so rude. Basically ridiculed us for wearing masks and actually asked us to remove them. He was not wearing one. Went in with a plan to buy a specific item I had my eye on, but walked out without giving him a sale. Do not give your business to this shop! The absolute rudest owner! read more

Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. The gentlemen who I worked with helped me select the perfect pipe and all necessary accessories. I'll be back. Very neat store read more

Best selection of pipe tobacco I've found anywhere in Washington. The store has fantastic ambience, and even when I worked next door, and came in weekly, it remained a joy to look around and soak it all in. Doug is a very friendly, and extremely knowledgeable guy, and it's clear that all of the products he sells are carefully curated. He also carries a great selection of vintage estate pipes, all of which are in excellent condition and ready to smoke. For the discerning pipe tobacco enthusiast, I really can't recommend this shop enough. read more

This store is amazing! Small but worthwhile especially for any gents you might be with. My husband and I visited Poulsbo last year and fell in love with this store because of its antiques, naval items, pipes, and interesting pieces. We took my parents here recently as well and my dad lit up when he walked in. He's not a fan of shopping and usually gets tired of it, but he loved this store. So many interesting and different items to look at. Stop in and support this business if you're in town, and possibly pick up some gifts for the men in your life. read more

Cargo Hold - Store exterior - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Poulsbo, Washington

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While on vacation in poulsbo I asked the owner to pick out a tin of mild small cigars for me. I paid for 6 that were supposedly in the box. When I returned home I opened the box, my mistake for not checking earlier, there were only 3 cigars. When I called the owner and told him, he said I should have picked a box with cellophane on it and was very rude to me. I told him that he picked them out and handed them to me, but he was still rude. He said I could come back in and get more which was fine if I lived nearby which I don't. I wasn't asking for anything but just letting him know what had happened. If you don't want to be polite to your customers then you should retire. I won't return to this shop. read more

Lots of Nautical items from a bygone era..... Clocks, barometers, Brass Bells, brass novelty boat gear. Also interesting model planes from WWl to the Spirit of St. Louis. Some very nice Chess Sets and other old school classic type games. If all of that stuff to look through isn't enough, it seems that they have hand rolled cigars, different varieties as well as some pipe tobaccos. All in all, well worth a trip through on each visit to downtown Poulsbo. read more

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So I love this place! My husband has dreamed of owning more pipes , getting real tobacco, flavors that he actually likes. We have always stopped in here but this time we were going to buy . The theme is nautical which they Have the most beautiful compasses, pictures, boat worthy stuff. So we go to the back and the older gentlemen who is the best ! He took the time to talk to my husband, pick out his pipe that was in our price range. Pick out his tobacco which was a cool sampler pack which had all the "flavor notes " you could think of . This was for his birthday mind you , so he was so excited that someone wasn't a snob to him, taught him how to clean his pipes properly, give him advice, and actually be a mentor rather than show off or up sell him. The gentleman is a writer as well and wrote a book that he gives when you buy a pipe which is insanely informative and well written . My husbands experience was one to remember and he truly appreciates the kindness watching him beaming with glee as we left the store meant the world to me. Thank you to this kind gentlemen to help my husband find his first pipe that wasn't handed down or from an antique shop . read more

We have had several experiences with The Cargo Hold and all have been positive. It is a small shop with lots of knick-knack type items, most of which are nautical in theme. The shop is considered expensive when compared to say... Walmart. It is a family-owned shop that fills a very particular niche: tobacco and nautical goods. read more

Came here for the pipe tobacco, left with that and a neat hat for my dad and a smile on my face. The owner was very sweet to me, contrary to other reviews. We talked about Connecticut and Portland which we both had in common. The items in the shop seemed to be more than "cheap expensive crap" to me but we mostly went for the tobacco so I am not an authority. Very nice pipes. I hate that my partner smokes but if you're going to do it, this is the sort of establishment I'd like to support rather than a convenience store. We will visit again. Also of note: the dog has apparently since died. So don't worry about that anymore. read more

Cargo Hold - Gorgeous. - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Poulsbo, Washington

Went in here today specifically to purchase an item I'd had my eye on. I left in shock. The owner was disturbingly rude. My daughter was so upset by his awful attitude and asked me to promise her I would NEVER give him any business. read more

Some cool stuff in there but the old man didn't make me feel welcome in the store and was rude and grumpy, wanted to buy something in there but couldn't do it because of him. read more

Weather your a pipe or cigar smoker Doug has you covered. Extremely knowledgeable and a down right awesome guy. His shop has all the best cigars, pipes and pipe tobacco. Second to none. read more

Exceptional store and owner. Doug is courteous, passionate and has high end clocks and items that are impossible to find elsewhere. This place is as much a poulsbo staple as the marina and sluys bakery. It's a must see for anyone going to poulsbo! read more

First review on Yelp I've posted, don't normally do this but felt like I needed to after my experience in the shop. Worst customer experience I've ever had at a retail shop. I have bought $600 clocks from the shop in the past and cigars on many occasions and a chess board. Looking to buy a pipe and some tobacco today after restoring my great aunts vintage lighter. After asking some questions about a green St. Patricks pipe the clerk rudely chastised me about my question "you smoke tobacco out of pipes" as if I'm looking to smoke something different. After I confronted him about the rude comment he kicked me out of the shop. 0 stars if I could. Never going back and recommending people to stay away. I work in retail 23 years as a career. Unfortunate experience for such a great town. read more

The Gentlemen's gift shop, particularly if you love boats and the lure of the sea. I was lured in by the Meerschaum pipes. The proprietor has assembled a beautiful array of pipes. If you enjoy an occasional smoke, stop by an see Doug. I think he will make you a good deal. Trust me. read more

Cheap expensive crap! Bad attitude, nasty dog! I bought a rather expensive ($250.00) brass clock from this shop during Viking Fest 2014. The clock didn't come with any fasteners or battery, and the clockworks are made of cheap parts that don't keep time accurately. Actually, I have to adjust the clock weekly, as the drift is ridiculous! The younger fellow working behind the counter is pleasant to do business with, but stay away from the old grumpy guy and his dog! Watchin out for the nasty animal behind the counter! For someone who depends on selling cheap expensive junk along a tourist trade area, you would expect some sort of positive friendly demeanour, but not this guy! Keep your dogs away from this place as well. read more