Red Star Vapor & Smoke

Red Star Vapor & Smoke has earned a reputation as one of the best-regarded vape shops in Englewood, and it shows in the way regulars talk about it. Ask anyone who shops here and you'll hear the same thing: people happily drive past two other vape stores just to get to this one. That kind of loyalty doesn't come easy, and the folks at Red Star have clearly earned it. The selection is a big part of the draw.

You'll find disposables from Geek Bar, Lost Mary, RAZ, Foger and Dispo Bar, plus the shop's own in-house disposable, the EC30K, which more than one local has made a point of coming back to try. The e-liquid wall is deep too, with their house RSV juice getting a lot of love for its range, everything from minty to fruity to dessert flavors. One regular walked in hunting for a hard-to-find joggers refill and the "ghost town" flavor, and the team not only had it but helped pick out a new device to go with it. There's rolling papers and smoking accessories on hand as well.

The staff is where this place really wins people over. Skye comes up again and again for being friendly and patient, the kind of person who'll wait out your flavor indecision without making you feel rushed. Store manager Clint is known for knowing his stuff, and Kevin keeps things easy with a little hockey talk at the counter. Mimi has a knack for steering newcomers toward flavors they'll actually like.

The space is roomy, and while the hangout couch is apparently gone now, the welcoming vibe hasn't gone anywhere. Locals are mostly glowing, though we've heard the occasional grumble about a return or a mixed-up coupon on a busy day. For most who come through, though, Red Star is simply their store, and they keep coming back for the selection and the people behind the counter.