Stopped by here on the way back from boundary waters and was not disappointed. Nice location and plenty of indoor and outdoor seatings. Staff was nice and lots of different sandwich choices. Parking lot right next to it which was convenient. I got the slamin Gordon and it was good. The greens were a strong would have liked more salmon but the flavoring was good. read more

Northern Waters Smokehaus - Gordon - Meat Shops Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

Northern Waters Smokehaus is one of the most recommended restaurants in Duluth. Located conveniently in the center of Canal Park, we stopped by on a sunny Wednesday early afternoon, hoping to score some of the best sandwiches in town. Even though this was well past lunch time at 2PM, the outside patio was packed and there was a line of 10 people or so to contend with to order at the register. Due to how busy it was, our food took about 20 minutes to arrive. The Squealy Dan, Porketta ($16) - Unlike most other restaurants with Iron Range Porketta, Northern Waters slices their porketta thinly instead of pulling the pork apart. It has a pleasant spiced flavor and the texture feels as if it's cured rather than roasted. It's relatively tender, and while they give a decent amount of meat, it's completely overshadowed by the heavy spicy quality of the black pepper and the acidity and vegetalness of the crunchy pepperoncini. There's a bit of melted gooey provolone on top of the porketta. While nice, there's not enough to balance out the peppers. This is all on a crusty almost baguette-like hero roll, toasty and warm. The sandwich is served with a side dip that's essentially black pepper and pepperoncini water. Definitely not needed given how overwhelming those elements are in the sandwich. (3/5) Pastrami Mommy ($19) - I haven't had bison pastrami before. Now I know why it's not very common - it's way too lean and dry compared to beef pastrami. Still, it's nicely spiced and peppery, and there's not much of the bison gamey flavor since it's cooked out from the curing. There's a little bit of mayo underneath and some mustard on top, but it's not enough moisture or fat in my opinion to counteract the leanness of the bison. While there are some slices of provolone above the meat, they are served cold. I feel like melting it with the pastrami on the griddle would do wonders to help develop some more unctuousness. It's also served on cold rye - perhaps toasting with some butter would also help. Otherwise, the sandwich is just too dry and lean for my tastes. (3/5) I feel like I ordered the wrong items. I probably should have gone with some of the seafood sandwiches, but I found it strange they only serve Atlantic salmon rather than local lake fish. In the end, I appreciate that Northern Waters Smokehaus makes most of their meats in house, but after trying their food, I feel like it's more hype than substance. Bathrooms - Larger ones located upstairs, shared with the rest of the businesses in the mini mall. Note: Northern Waters Smokehaus charges a 3% credit card fee. This is disclosed on a sign at the front register. Food: [3/5] Service: [ ] Other: [+] Final Rating: 3/5 read more

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Was the hour wait worth it? Not really. Was it good? Yes. Dined on a Tuesday afternoon. 30 minute wait to place order, then 30 minute wait for the food. The sandwiches are creative and the meats are fresh. It just didn't blow me away to justify an hour wait. On the plus side, they serve beer. Make sure you grab a few for the wait. read more

Northern Waters Smokehaus - Cedar's Secret - Meat Shops Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

Best smoked food in the world. I get the northern bagel every time and it always hits the spot. I make it a habit of planning my trips up north around a stop for a bite here. The service is great (a bit busy but that speaks to the quality). It's a cute little shop under the building and feels cozy. read more

Northern Waters Smokehaus - The northern bagel - Meat Shops Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

We have been meaning to try this place for years and today was the day! Parking: There is a free parking lot or store we parking. Ambiance: This is located inside a building with other food and trinkets! Definitely worth checking everything out after you eat! These guys are located on the lower level! There is truly character in this basement level. If you know the "vibes" of Duluth, this definitely has that charm! When it's warm out, definitely worth taking the food to go and sitting out by superior! The service: polite and very quick to move through a very busy lunch line. Food: my boyfriend got the clubhouse toasted! That was the right move, definitely do that! I got the Cedars secret. The turkey is sooo flavorful!! I mean holy moly! It also comes on a pillowy soft naan bread! They do have gluten free option! I would highly recommend this place for a fresh bite! read more

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I feel like Northern Smokehouse was a little overhyped. The sandwich was good, but there wasn't really a "wow" factor for me. It was also pretty small, especially for around $20. Overall, I just felt it was too pricey for what you get. Too many people that we ended up ordering online for pickup because there was nowhere to sit the ambience was that there was just too many people. read more

I don't even like smoked meat (kids love it). I chose the place simply because I can't stand every fish is fried around here, yes I hate fried fish even more. Both destroy the flavor of fresh fish, fried even more. But I am very impressed with the deli smoked white fish, it has good texture and flavor (a bit too salty), like the mackerels grilled but smoked gives it more tenderness. About 3.5 for the food and extra for the friendly and helpful staff. read more

Northern Waters Smokehaus - Meat Shops Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

I got the Sitka sushi (4/5). It was good, but the ginger was a little strong, and the siracha was a little overwhelming in some bites. The overall flavor was good, and the cucumbers added a nice crunch! The service was good and quick (4/5), and the restaurant is nice and has a great outdoor dining area (4/5)! There is also a station to refill water bottles, which is very helpful if you are walking around canal park! read more

Northern Waters Smokehaus - Sitka Sushi (4/5) - Meat Shops Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

Sandwiches are one of my favorite foods and I am a tough critic. The variety of sandwiches was impressive. They had creative combinations and they were well executed. The bread was excellent and toppings were generous and fresh. I had the Cajun finn which was delicious and my friend had a turkey Cranberry sandwich that she loved. Definitely stop here when you come to duluth. read more

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The food was PHENOMENAL!!! I highly recommend this place. I got the pastrami mommy and my partner got the Banh Mi - both were so flavorful and tasty. We also got a half pound of the smoked white fish (because we watched the DDD episode) and it was a very interesting, an acquired taste I think. The thicker pieces were a lot more enjoyable in my and my partner's opinion. So definitely worth a try! read more

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Northern Waters is everything it's cracked up to be. The Cajun Finn is amazing, 11/10. We also got the Pastrami Mommy, which I thought was amazing until I tasted the goodness of Cajun Finn. Both were so delicious with fresh ingredients. There was live music there while we were there also which made our visit even more enjoyable. We also taste tested some of the meat sticks, all of which were good. We also tried candied salmon which was interesting and smoked tail tips. The girl behind the meat counter was super helpful and kind. She encouraged us to try whatever we wanted. Can't wait to return. read more

Northern Waters Smokehaus - Meat counter - Meat Shops Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

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These are the best sandwiches we've ever had- and we make a point to stop when in Duluth every time because of it! The smoked meat is simply amazing and all of the sandwiches we've had (Spring Roll, mmMmm, Cajun Finn, and Fluffy Bunny) are creative combinations of delicious veggies, condiments, and protein. The sauerkraut and kimchi are also worth getting in a side portion. You may wait a long while for your sandwich. It was only about 20 mins for us this visit during both lunch and dinner time. And yes, we did visit twice- it is that good! Because there's usually a wait, make a plan to walk in Canal Park-or bring 4 quarters to get a mini print from the print vending machine from the artist inciardi- it's so cute and fun! You won't regret the $$ or wait here- it's a must try and staple of a great Duluth day. read more

Northern Waters Smokehaus - Mini print vending machine - Meat Shops Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

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I was there recently on 8/16/2026. I have been there many times, per the usual 30 minutes in line to place order and wait 30 for the to-go bag to be dropped on the counter. When placing my order they asked for a phone number to text when the order was ready......the text came 30 minutes after I picked it up from the counter. Don't drift too far or you'll wait....yep and shrink-flation on the sandwich size too. Thankfully, the sandwich can be replicated at home. read more

If you're in Duluth or the surrounding area, northern Waters is a must stop for any meal! Pictured you will see the Sunday sushi with tomato. It was absolutely incredible. They have a very extensive menu with lots of smoked meats and fish options as well as a tofu vegetarian option. It is large inside with a lot of seating as well as a large parking lot attached that is free. It is calm and relaxing, and the staff are very welcoming. read more

Northern Waters Smokehaus - Sunday sushi with tomato - Meat Shops Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

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Visited 9/28/25. You can't go wrong with Northern Waters in Duluth. Just be prepared to wait for it, especially if on the weekend. But for real, I've never had a bad sandwich at this place and I'm willing to wait 45 minutes to order and eat a sandwich from here. Speaks to how good they are because I'm not an incredibly patient person. This time I tried the Cajun Finn for the first time and wow is it perfection. May be one of my top bites of 2025. Great flavor and if you like salmon you should definitely get this. Again be prepared for a wait but my hack is having one person in your party hold your place in line while another person explores DeWitt Sites building and then switch part way through. Northern waters, you've done it again read more

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Great sandwiches. If you're in Duluth area this place is an institution that you really must try.

Honestly, one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. I absolutely love smoked fish, and this place blew my mind! Not only that, but when we arrived there was live jazz music starting. All around it's a great vibe. Also, the worker there was very helpful and extremely enthusiastic about the food. It was infectious. Everything is smoked fresh, but they also make their own cream cheeses! read more

Northern Waters Smokehaus - Cajun Fin - Meat Shops Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

This was my first stop when I visited Minnesota's North Shore at the end of May 2025. Ordered the Northern Bagel (traditional smoked Atlantic salmon, served on a toasted traditional bagel, slathered with scallion cream cheese). Was surprised at how good the sandwich was, that I came back and bought 1 lb's worth of smoked salmon to bring back home with me to the Twin Cities. The line is kind of long, took about 5-10 minutes to get to the counter. Which gives you enough time to figure out which one of their 30+ sandwiches you would like to order (I get overwhelmed when I'm presented with too many options). There is indoor and outdoor seating. The indoor seating is kind of cramped. The food also took about 10-15 minutes to arrive to our table. read more

Northern Waters Smokehaus - Northern bagel - Meat Shops Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

Glad they moved to the basement of the DeWitt-Seitz building as they seem to have more room and have added some flair. The service is fast and the food is good, with plenty of eat there or takeout options. read more

Great food and people who work there !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In the old Amazing Grace space. I had the capers and lox (I can't remember the clever name it had) and it was very good. All three of us crushed our sandwiches. Staff were friendly and happily answered our questions. Great lunch spot. read more

Expensive but excellent! I got the Salmon melt and added my own jalapenos to it but it was extremely tasty...for almost $20 out the door for a sandwich only, and a pickle slice, I would like the sandwich to be bigger or have more on it. Still though, super yummy and will definitely get it again. read more

Ordered the mmmMmmm and Cedars Secret. Best sandwiches we've ever had. Definitely a must-stop in Duluth.

Still the best Smoked Salmon sandwich in the whole state of Minnesota! Their deli also has fabulous smoked fish, cheeses, spreads and everything else you need for an amazing experience! read more

Northern Waters Smokehaus - Cajun Finn - Meat Shops Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

One of the "must visit" places any time I'm in the Duluth area. It's a cute sandwich shop and deli in the basement of a touristy section of Canal Park. The service is always amazingly friendly and quick. They've got a ton of sandwich options and the deli case is loaded with top tier smoked seafood, dips, cheeses, and anything you would want to make a snaking board. They also have live music most evenings so you could grab dinner and stick around for a show. The Sitka Sushi sandwich had a really flavorful kimchi and aioli but that's ended up totally blowing the lox flavor out of the water. Don't know if I'd get it again since I like to taste the salmon. Would love to try their tofu sandwich next time. read more

Northern Waters Smokehaus - Sandwich shop and deli - Meat Shops Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

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Easily missed because they're located below ground level, but you will not disappointed if you stop in! Their candied smoked walleye was delicious and you can also order smoked fish along with crackers and spread to make an entree. Otherwise you can go to the restaurant counter to place your order there and it will get brought out. The place was definitely bustling when I was there and I can see why. read more

Coming to Duluth on a whim we didn't know where to eat. There's so many options here especially at the DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace. We decided on Northern Waters Smokehaus. And I'm so glad that we did! Immediately from entering I can tell that this place was the place to be. They had a long line and the majority of the tables filled with customers. That must be a good sign! I didn't pay attention to how long my husband waited in line to order our food since I was saving a table for us but I'm going to gauge it was about 10-15 minutes and then maybe another 10 minutes after to receive our food. Let me say that the sandwiches have got it going on! They are sooooo tasty that I kinda wish they were in Vegas lol! We ordered the Mommy Pastrami, the Italiensk and did a second order of The 06 and Big Dipper and for it being lunch the following day they both still tasted fresh! Definitely worth coming here! read more

Northern Waters Smokehaus - Looking forward it's on the left - Meat Shops Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

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I would come to Duluth just to eat here. I have nothing but incredible things to say about this place! The food was so fresh and very very very good! I got "the cold one" wich consisted of lettuce, cranberry mayo, maple smoked turkey, and tomato! I also got the potato salad as a side and it was some of the best potato salad I've ever had! It wasn't your typical potato salad, there was a lot of pickles, bacon, egg , and potatoes but none of it was overpowering. My BF got the Italian sandwich. His review is "yeah I loved it, five stars". The atmosphere was cool! I would definitely come to Duluth just to eat here!! read more

One of the best salmon sandwiches I've ever had. The salmon was perfect - I wish I could go back every weekend! read more

Northern Waters Smokehaus - Northern Bagel - Meat Shops Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

Quick service. Great sandwiches, we got the Cajun filet. I don't usually like salmon but this sandwich was great. 10/10. Potato salad 1/10 I would skip this. Dog friendly patio outside. Lots of variety of sandwiches. Will be back again. read more

Northern Waters Smokehaus - Cajun filet excellent sandwich 10/10. - Meat Shops Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

The Northern Bagel is outstanding. I haven't tried anything else because it must be a Northern Bagel for me every time. 10/10

Am I crazy, or are these sandwiches prices steep? This used to be a favorite to stop at when going to the North Shore, but each time I come back since 2017 I leave a little disappointed. There's no dispute - the flavors and ingredient combinations are delicious. Their smoked fish and meats are great. $16 for a small sandwich - not even well-filled - and no sides has just gotten too steep for my taste. I'd gladly pay that for a denser sandwich and a side of cheap chips and a pickle, but this just isn't a filling meal on its own. Even the salmon pate dip was shockingly pricey. This most recent time we were there, they'd converted their space into a pick-up window only, which limited the experience as well. We couldn't see any of the smoked fish or dips, so it was hard to know what else we wanted to get. Sadly, I'm just not sure I'll stop here again after a few too many disappointing sandwiches. read more

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This is a destination restaurant in northern Minnesota for sure. I rank them with Fitgers and New Scenic Cafe on my short list. Not to mention Louie's. Cajun Finn and Pastrami Mommy were my most recent jams. Don't forget chips and drinks the first time through, because there is only one line of hangry tourists waiting to order. Also, this is a $$$ kind of sandwich place. But I get it. Producing this quality of food and running a joint in Canal Park cannot be cheap. Sell a kidney if you have to. read more

Excellent smoked salmon. Excellent olives. Cool location. Everyone enjoyed everything they got!! read more

Northern Waters Smokehaus - Smoked Atlantic Salmon bagel - Meat Shops Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

The wait was worth it. Some of the best sandwiches ever! Our party had 4 different sandwiches and every one was different and so delicious.

Cool vibe. Nice and friendly staff. Huge selection of drinks and sandwiches. I got the pastrami mommy and my wife got the mmhmm. We both thought ours was the best. I can say I would eat the pastrami mommy again for sure! read more

Northern Waters Smokehaus - Pastrami Mommy - Meat Shops Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

Per other Yelp reviews, the sandwiches were very good, we also purchased smoked salmon spread to go. We'd come back again if we were locals.

Amazing place! Super cool location with one of the best sandwiches i've ever had, I wish I could try every sandwich on the menu. Absolute must go read more

Must stop in Duluth if you love smoked fish and meats. There isn't a bad sandwich in the place. Fresh and tasty, with easy walk up ordering and friendly service. It has a bit of a food hall vibe but is laid back and nice for a pit stop if you're continuing north past Duluth or on your way home. read more

Northern Waters Smokehaus - Cajun Finn - Meat Shops Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

Super fun little place with a deli market and restaurant in downtown Duluth. We came on a recommendation from a friend as we passed through on our way back to the cities from Lutsen. We of course had to stop and check out what kind of yummy smoked fish they had and ended up getting a couple pounds of the sweet & Smokey sockeye salmon candy. I didn't think I'd like it but the brown sugar mixed with the Smokey fish was a really great combo! Their sandwiches looked amazing but I would stay away from the Banh Faux Mi.. it was pretty terrible. My husband ordered the Sitka sushi that was really tasty! read more