Paradise Puff

Paradise Puff has quickly become one of the highest-rated smoke shops around Charlotte, and once you spend a few minutes inside it's easy to see why. The word around town is that the folks behind the counter treat first-timers with the same care as regulars. Ask about hookahs and you'll likely end up talking to Moses, who has a reputation for walking newcomers through everything, from how to put a hookah together to how to keep it clean.

One person who came in knowing almost nothing about hookahs left saying they'd be back for all their hookah needs, and that's the kind of thing we hear a lot here. The shelves cover a lot of ground for a shop this size. Regulars will tell you there's always something new to look at, and that the owner runs good deals and keeps prices reasonable.

One local who wandered in on a whim summed it up simply: glad he stepped in, and excited to keep coming back. Even folks who like fewer choices seem happy, since the picks that are stocked are the ones worth having. The owner himself gets a lot of love for being genuinely helpful and honest, and the staff have a way of making you feel comfortable whether you're buying or just browsing.

A couple of small gripes float around: prices aren't always posted, and a few people have shown up to find the door locked during posted hours. Fair to mention, but they don't dim what most people think of this place. If you're looking for a friendly, well-stocked smoke shop in Charlotte with people who take the time to explain things, Paradise Puff is worth the trip.