by Samantha G.

This place is awesome! I am new to the area and in need of a new hookah so I check yelp and tried this place. The guys were super duper nice and very knowledgeable about hookah. I was taught a few tricks of the trade and left feeling very happy and completely satisfied with my purchase! Their own homemade shisha was the bomb too with great flavors to chose from plus if you buy your hookah there you get 20% off forever on shisha and other hookah stuff, sweet!

by ananda z.

Not a bad little smoke shop.  Extensive collection of sheesha's (hooka, waterpipe, whatever you want to call it), pipes, cigarettes, and the accompanying tobacco, lighters, accessories.  They have cigars too, but I don't know much about them.  They really take the time to explain the options to you, the pluses and minuses of this or that, and they are overall super helpful in navigating their vast array of smokeables.

by angela l.

i decided to buy myself a hookah for christmas, and popped by here to see if they had any i'd be interested in. the guys here are EXTREMELY helpful and friendly! he asked me what my budget was and carefully explained the differences between the hookahs and gave me a damned good price. he hooked it up too, and if you buy your hookah from here they give you 20% off additional purchases when you return.they have a wide selection of tobacco [packaged and homemade] and i bought apricot and mango. nice, smooth flavor. also, the same owners of the hookah lounge at pacific east mall own this place. who knew?

by Kione E.

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.

by Marcus L.

I'm not a big smoker, but whenever I do need any smoking paraphernalia, there's only one place I ever go. Located right at the corner of Telegraph and Bancroft, everyone knows that Whelan's there, but I don't know if everyone really knows how great the guys inside are.The people who run the shop are everything you would like out of store keepers: knowledgeable in their products, friendly in their greetings, and aren't pushy in the slightest.When I went in to buy a pipe, the guy behind the counter asked me for my budget and offered me every single option that fit within my limit.This place is great for their butane torches as well, all of which come with warranties. Some places let customers light the torches to let them see it in action and so you have to buy a partially empty torch right off the bat. But at Whelan's, the guys are honest enough to fill it back up for you so that you're getting the biggest bang for your buck.Also, for hookah fans, Whelan's is definitely the place to go. In addition to packaged tobacco, they make some of their own in a rather large assortment of flavors. And because they make it themselves, the flavor is always well-balanced and very fresh.PROs:-Extremeley helpful staff-Fantastic service-Huge selection of almost everything you'd ever need-Cute girls can almost ALWAYS get a great deal (*wink wink*)CONs:-A little pricey, but the extra you're paying is for great service

by eliot b.

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.

by Matt M.

Great smoke shop tucked away from the rest of the smoke shops on Telegraph.  On the campus side of Bancroft I can tell you that this place is probably my favorite smoke shop on this side of the bay.  Good prices, great employee's.  Sammy is a great addition to the spot, talking to me for 30 minutes casually about what pieces hit good and what pieces he liked etc.  What was really cool is that he let me tryout a water dry hit on a piece I was interested in.  Thats how you know this place is legit,  Letting you try out a piece (no tobacco or such inside of it, just filled with water).  Everyone says go to big al's but if your not looking for a toro, and you can walk around the corner from the shops at telegraph, you wont be disappointed.Place has a great selection of; RooR, phX,  hmg, ehle, etc very great big selection, great customer service.  Top 5 in the bay area of best smoke shops DEFINITELY!

by Davey R.

While I am not really sure why all the smoke shops cannot quote me prices over the phone, I ended up biking to Whelan's to pick up a little pipe.  All smoke shops are a little creepy, this place is no exception.  When it came down to it though, this was a fine business who gave me a good price on my selected item.  The dude even gave me some free screens so that I wouldn't go check out other smoke shops.  I love free stuff.  Win

by Felecia O.

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!

by Elizabeth R.

I came here as a new hookah smoker.  My friends armed me with a list of what not to buy, I researched my stores, and decided to buy here.  Mainly because they said they would give me a discount if I mentioned Yelp!  The people who worked in the store were very informative and helped me pick the best hookah for my needs.  Only one compliant, but not worth knocking a star off, the music was so loud my ears were ringing after I left the store.I've been smoking my new hookah for a while now, had friends over to check it out, and was told this is the best hookah for the money they've seen in the USA.  They were also impressed with the clean/slow burning charcoal and tasty tobacco.  The honey and unusual papaya flavor was a huge plus.  Oh, and they threw in a case to carry the hookah for free, my friends said this isn't a normal thing!I highly recommend this smoke shop to all of my friends!

by Stephanie W.

I came in here this afternoon to buy a replacement bowl because my friends are stupid and broke mine. I've heard humors that this place can be expensive, but seeing as my piece is only about 6 inches tall, a replacement bowl was only $5.The service was friendly and I was in and out in less than 5 minutes. They got me exactly what I wanted, charged me, and I ran off to class. They were very helpful in finding me exactly what I needed and after unwrapping it when I got home, realized it was much sturdier than my last one. It's still flimsy and will still break if tapped too hard, but its a very pretty blue tinted glass that matches quite perfectly.I've considered buying a hookah as well. Perhaps I will come to Whelans and purchase that. Their other items are sort of pricey, but for helpful, quick service, it seems totally worth it.

by Roy J.

Not as good as Sunshine Coast in the city, but probably the best in the East Bay. Prices are better than Sunshine, but the selection and quality isn't the same. I think this place focuses more on the pipes and water pipes instead of the hookahs. Still, every time Elaine and I are in the area, we will drop by. One really cool thing is that is you make a large purchase (hookah and/or a crapload of shisha), they'll be somewhat flexible on pricing.

by victor g.

they sell all kinds of smoking accessories including the hookah. the cigar smokes are along the right wall.  they have an interesting but not broad selection. it seems they like to focus on a few "names" like padron, romeo juliet, cao, sampling-patron maduro(14.99);  not  very impressive maduro smoke for patron, the regular is way better. needs more aging?  very strong smoke though.-macanuo cigarettos maduro(10/32.99) seem kind of dry. ok smokeashes:-parking difficult-vip card available (20 % off)-smokes  seriously pricey-friendly service

by Mary F.

For years, even my closest friends question my occupationI'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" ***

by Dash P.

I had only been in one smoke shop before I visited this one. The previous shop I had been in was a little gangster (I'm sure they all are), overpriced, and understaffed. One sunny day I decided that I wanted to buy a pipe. I turned to Yelp to point me in the right direction. I found this place and decided I would give it a try. When I arrived, I was greeted by two very friendly gentleman. I browsed the store and ended up at the glass case with the pipes. The guy behind the counter was only too happy to show me anything I wanted. They had pipes for any price range. I want to go back to buy one of their elaborate animal pipes (where were the same price as the pipe I bought). I picked one out and the guy told me I could have it for 1/2 the price marked! score.I also told him I wanted a hookah, but didn't want to spend a whole lotta moo-lah. He said, "No Prob!" (he didn't really say that).Anyway he hooked me up with a single hose hookah (I really don't need anything more elaborate). He also included coals and two flavors of their home made hookah! He said that the tobacco and flavoring is all natural and is made daily. They had so many flavors on the wall. He let us smell them and told us what he preferred. Next time I'm in Berkeley, I'm going to stop for some fresh hookah tobacco. At the end of the day I was out of there for about $70, not bad for a first experience. I will definitely be returning.

by Dash P.Mary F.victor g.

I had only been in one smoke shop before I visited this one. The previous shop I had been in was a little gangster (I'm sure they all are), overpriced, and understaffed. One sunny day I decided that I wanted to buy a pipe. I turned to Yelp to point me in the right direction. I found this place and decided I would give it a try. When I arrived, I was greeted by two very friendly gentleman. I browsed the store and ended up at the glass case with the pipes. The guy behind the counter was only too happy to show me anything I wanted. They had pipes for any price range. I want to go back to buy one of their elaborate animal pipes (where were the same price as the pipe I bought). I picked one out and the guy told me I could have it for 1/2 the price marked! score.I also told him I wanted a hookah, but didn't want to spend a whole lotta moo-lah. He said, "No Prob!" (he didn't really say that).Anyway he hooked me up with a single hose hookah (I really don't need anything more elaborate). He also included coals and two flavors of their home made hookah! He said that the tobacco and flavoring is all natural and is made daily. They had so many flavors on the wall. He let us smell them and told us what he preferred. Next time I'm in Berkeley, I'm going to stop for some fresh hookah tobacco. At the end of the day I was out of there for about $70, not bad for a first experience. I will definitely be returning.For years, even my closest friends question my occupationI'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" ***they sell all kinds of smoking accessories including the hookah. the cigar smokes are along the right wall.  they have an interesting but not broad selection. it seems they like to focus on a few "names" like padron, romeo juliet, cao, sampling-patron maduro(14.99);  not  very impressive maduro smoke for patron, the regular is way better. needs more aging?  very strong smoke though.-macanuo cigarettos maduro(10/32.99) seem kind of dry. ok smokeashes:-parking difficult-vip card available (20 % off)-smokes  seriously pricey-friendly service

by Dash P.Mary F.victor g.Roy J.Stephanie W.

I had only been in one smoke shop before I visited this one. The previous shop I had been in was a little gangster (I'm sure they all are), overpriced, and understaffed. One sunny day I decided that I wanted to buy a pipe. I turned to Yelp to point me in the right direction. I found this place and decided I would give it a try. When I arrived, I was greeted by two very friendly gentleman. I browsed the store and ended up at the glass case with the pipes. The guy behind the counter was only too happy to show me anything I wanted. They had pipes for any price range. I want to go back to buy one of their elaborate animal pipes (where were the same price as the pipe I bought). I picked one out and the guy told me I could have it for 1/2 the price marked! score.I also told him I wanted a hookah, but didn't want to spend a whole lotta moo-lah. He said, "No Prob!" (he didn't really say that).Anyway he hooked me up with a single hose hookah (I really don't need anything more elaborate). He also included coals and two flavors of their home made hookah! He said that the tobacco and flavoring is all natural and is made daily. They had so many flavors on the wall. He let us smell them and told us what he preferred. Next time I'm in Berkeley, I'm going to stop for some fresh hookah tobacco. At the end of the day I was out of there for about $70, not bad for a first experience. I will definitely be returning.For years, even my closest friends question my occupationI'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" ***they sell all kinds of smoking accessories including the hookah. the cigar smokes are along the right wall.  they have an interesting but not broad selection. it seems they like to focus on a few "names" like padron, romeo juliet, cao, sampling-patron maduro(14.99);  not  very impressive maduro smoke for patron, the regular is way better. needs more aging?  very strong smoke though.-macanuo cigarettos maduro(10/32.99) seem kind of dry. ok smokeashes:-parking difficult-vip card available (20 % off)-smokes  seriously pricey-friendly serviceNot as good as Sunshine Coast in the city, but probably the best in the East Bay. Prices are better than Sunshine, but the selection and quality isn't the same. I think this place focuses more on the pipes and water pipes instead of the hookahs. Still, every time Elaine and I are in the area, we will drop by. One really cool thing is that is you make a large purchase (hookah and/or a crapload of shisha), they'll be somewhat flexible on pricing.I came in here this afternoon to buy a replacement bowl because my friends are stupid and broke mine. I've heard humors that this place can be expensive, but seeing as my piece is only about 6 inches tall, a replacement bowl was only $5.The service was friendly and I was in and out in less than 5 minutes. They got me exactly what I wanted, charged me, and I ran off to class. They were very helpful in finding me exactly what I needed and after unwrapping it when I got home, realized it was much sturdier than my last one. It's still flimsy and will still break if tapped too hard, but its a very pretty blue tinted glass that matches quite perfectly.I've considered buying a hookah as well. Perhaps I will come to Whelans and purchase that. Their other items are sort of pricey, but for helpful, quick service, it seems totally worth it.