I loved the service and quality of the smoked salmon. I was super impressed that the owner offered to open the store on a day that it was scheduled to be closed. I was in Ann Arbor for a short visit, and would have otherwise missed the opportunity to shop there. Additionally, the owner packaged the smoked fish to keep it cold for my upcoming flight home. The owner could not have done more. read more

Tracklements is an absolute gem. I've walked by it since I've moved to Michigan but it was my first time trying it. I was hosting a brunch and wanted some good lox for a lox board! Tracklements has an incredible assortment of cold smoked & hot smoked salmon. I opted for: *NORTHCOUNTRY GRAVLAX-CURED - We make a traditional Scandinavian style cure with allspice, coriander, juniper berries, and lots of chopped fresh dill. Less traditionally, ours is cold-smoked over our hardwood blend for a firmer texture, with full salmon flavor and longer shelf-life. *PASTRAMI-CURED - A blend of many spices, paprika, coriander and pepper come to the fore-a perfect combination with the salmon. Both were SO good. But what surprised me the most was the SMOKED CASTELVETRANO OLIVES. Even my friend, who dislikes olives greatly, said it tasted more like bacon to her. Ha. 1lb of cold smoked and then olives ran me $50. Pricey but good value and really delicious food! read more

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I have had the smoked fish from this store whenever visiting Ann Arbor. My host always has a variety available when we visit. There is nothing like these products at home in Boulder. I did get to see a bit of the store from a view on the sidewalk when we stopped to pick up an advance order. The items were packed and ready, the staff member knows our host and they had a friendly greeting. But the store is technically closed most days because it is a small family operation and the sound most of their time preparing the fish for sale. We indeed enjoyed both product that we picked up for our visit. We had the cold smoked salmon as well as the hot smoked. Both were excellent and some of the very best I have ever had, and I've had a lot, from coast to coast. On a future visit , I would love to see the inside of the store and the other varieties of fish they smoke. read more

I LOVE TRACKLEMENTS! Hands down my go-to place for the best smoked salmon around! They are truly second to none. When I was a student on campus, I loved going here just for the AROMAS. You can fully guarantee that after you spend one minute in this tiny shop in Kerrytown, you will have that delicious smokey aroma on your clothes for the rest of the day :) It's like campfire smell, but BETTER! Nowadays, during COVID, we sadly can't go in & I miss it dearly, but Tracklements is still operating & that makes me beyond glad. You call and/or text them to place an order & then come on Saturday to the shop to pick it up. They are often times flexible as well if you need to pick up on an alternate day & that's what makes me love them even more. They are so accommodating, all the time, and are just a legendary institution in Ann Arbor. If you're a lover of smoked fish & looking for additional bits to fill your charcuterie boards, do yourself the biggest favor and check out Tracklements. You will not regret it! read more

Tracklements Smokery - Tracklements storefront - Seafood Markets Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

If you love smoked salmon, make it a mission in life, before you die, to visit Tracklements Smokery in Ann Arbor, Michigan to have some of the best smoked salmon that you'll ever have melt in your mouth. Ever. While on a road trip with a friend, after a tour of the University of Michigan, we made it our mission to stop at Tracklements to see for ourselves. Looking for the storefront, to say it's minimal, is almost an understatement (see pics). Walking in, I'm wondering if we have the right place. However, after chatting with owner and then having a few samples, we were hooked. A lot of business is conducted online however while we were there, several customers came in and did their part in clearing out the inventory. Words can't describe, can't even come close to capturing how the salmon just melted like butter once it hit my tongue. Both of us preferred the heat smoked over the cold and ended up leaving with several fillets along with ice packs and instructions for the salmon to keep while continuing on our journey. It's that good. Believe the hype! read more

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Salmon is my all time favorite fish so when I found, Durhams Tracklements & Smokery, a highly rated smoked salmon shop I immediately added it to my Midwest Roadtrip list. The days of operation were limited (only open three days!) so I didn't know if I'd be able to check them out, but lord and behold the route dates were set so that I'd be in Ann Arbor on a day they'd be open!! Woo! On the outside there were two large rainbow fish flags that flew in the wind against the dusty red and white brick and mortar. While the location was in Kerrytown, a prominent neighborhood in Ann Arbor, the storefront was very discrete and had I not intentionally added this as a destination to the GPS I would have easily missed out on this hidden gem. When you enter inside the interior resembled the back of a warehouse than an actual store. There was an open kitchen with various appliances, and an exposed fridge with fish and cheese products. But if you looked on the left side of the room, one wall was plastered with various accolades and publication mentions. I had a feeling it was going to be good, but I wasn't prepared for what was in store for me. The owner came greeted us at the front and gave us an overview on his products. He informed us that the Atlantic salmon was sustainably farmed and flown directly to Tracklements from Norway. They are then smoked by hand in small batches and packed in hand-trimmed pieces in vacuum sealed packages. Afterwards he asked if we'd like to sample a few and we happily obliged. I found the hot smoked salmon tasty, but once I put the cold smoked salmon slice in my mouth I felt like time stopped. The fish just melted in my mouth. It was so creamy and velvety. What was going on?! It was so indulgent without feeling heavy. My friend and I looked at each other and without words we knew that we needed to buy at least several packets. A few minutes later a (what looked like a regular customer) came by and dropped $200 (!!!) for 4 packets of his Solstice (a seasonal variety) and some smoked meats. He commented on how the Solstice (aka "The Peat") was only prepared during certain times of year, so my friend and I decided to pick up one (afraid that had we not the next customer would buy all of them!). We also selected the original cold smoked salmon (The Highland), the Ras el Hanout, and a Smoked Duck (yes, random, but why not?!). It's not a wonder why Tracklement's was recognized as a top mail ordered item from the New York Times "Best Holiday Foods By Mail" 1995, 1997, 2002 etc. Another customer commented that she often shipped this to her children when they were in college and after trying the samples, I would be ecstatic if my family sent me this! This was easily my favorite food/meal on the trip and would praise hallelujah if I received a package from Tracklemsents. read more

Small shop with a huge heart. A type of gem (Ellen should give master lessons on responsive unparalleled positive service!!) that makes Ann Arbor sparkle. And the smoked salmon is simple the best. I have eaten smoked fish multiple times on the west coast at San Diego, Monterey, San Francisco, and Seattle and many other places including Luddington, Manistee, Frankfort, Leland and Charlevoix and can tell you Durham's Tracklements in Ann Arbor is tops. If you enjoy smoked fish and other smoked products (cheese, duck, tofu etc) do yourself a favor and make time to visit/order on line. read more

Few things rock my world more than a bagel with lox so I've always been on the look out to stop into Tracklements. Unfortunately they do have limited hours and I've never been there when they're open but the other day I managed to catch them on a Saturday afternoon so I popped in. Smokey goodness! They have a number of different smoked salmon varieties (from hot to cold smoked with a few different rubs) plus a few other smoked fishes and also rotating specials like pulled pork and I believe a smoked duck breast while I was there. Not on their website because those rotate. I decided to go with their most traditional, the Highland smoked salmon. It's dry rubbed with salt with a bit of brown sugar and smoked. I bought half a pound for $14. That may sound like a lot but if you think about the sliced salmon you buy at the grocery store it's about 4oz for around $7 too so that's fairly on point pricewise for a MUCH better and fresher product. Then I went to Zingerman's and stocked up on bagels and cream cheese (and also discovered they sell their salmon there too! Good to know for future when I need a fix and they're closed) for breakfast the next morning. The salmon was smooth with a mellow, not fishy flavor. It was just the right amount of oily. I really really loved it. My fella had never done the bagels and salmon thing and he also ended up a huge fan. We sliced up some red onion and cucumbers to also stack on there and it was heaven. The shop owners were very nice and answered all my questions (of which there were many since it was my first time). The shop is small but comfortable and clean. Located on the outside of Kerrytown which means it's surrounded by a lot of other delicious food options but be sure not to miss this one if you catch them open! read more

Tracklements Smokery - Seafood Markets Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Absolutely wonderful service--have spoken mainly with Ellen and she's a sweetheart. Tried them and thought they were so good I had to get my folks hooked, especially since Father's Day is tomorrow. The traditional Highland smoked salmon is a popular choice, and one I thought was good (better than most smoked salmon I've had), but the gravlax is a wonder beyond wonders. I think once there's another special occasion (or if I have the funds) I'm getting a pound just for me! read more

This is the best smoked fish you will ever have. Tracklements is super small, think side door, one room, maybe you wait outside. They have very limited hours. Somehow, this all adds to the experience and allure of the fish itself. Their hours coincide with the farmers market, so in the summer you can get your fish and walk to get ripe accoutrements, then pop over to Zingerman's for fresh, crusty bread. The best way to buy is to order ahead, especially for holidays. They sell what they've smoked for a given day until it's gone, so it's he best way to get what you came for. The smoked salmon is a special treat. It's so buttery and soft. The secret star of their offerings (in my humble opinion) is the smoked trout. It's a different style from the salmon-- it reminds me more of smoked whitefish you might have from the UP, but theirs is NEVER fishy. JR is a true craftsman. He's been smoking for a long time (and he literally wrote the book on it). He takes an incredible amount of pride in his craft, and it shows in the final product. One Christmas, I was picking up salmon and talking to him about how I got my dad a smoker, and he just handed me a bag of wood chips from behind the counter. I was so touched, and I've never forgotten it. You pay a little more here, but you're paying it directly to a small business, and you're paying for a premium product. read more

Want to make for happy holidays (or anytime)? Swing by here and treat friends and relations to top notched smoked fish (and other) products. What a treat! The salmon, both hot and (happy sigh) cold smoked are a.maz.ing. Textures are perfect. Flavors spot on. The varieties are vast: from the buttery highland to the firm classic pecan wood smoked, the tantilizing Thai smoke, the sea salt cured, the smokilicious "kippered" hot varietal, the salty sweet (peppered optional) Japanese inspired and my personal fave, the dilled gravlax. You really cannot go too wrong, its all in what you want to use it for. Ask them if you have any questions, they are super helpful and knowledgable about their products. As an aside: I recommend the gravlax for a stellar bagel combo (sesame please) with a bit of chopped hard boiled egg, capers (a must!), red onion, tomato and schmear of full fat cream cheese. Heaven on a freaking plate. Don't limit yourself though, dive into the trout or bluefish and you also will be quite pleased indeed. These two and other varietals are available periodically. I would call ahead to see if you have your heart set on anything other than salmon. For the holidays they are offering sable, pâté de campagne, shrimp and smoked salmon terrine, rainbow trout fillets, arista (Tuscan herb-cured pork loin), smoked duck breast, smoked lamb sirloin medallions, salmon and beef jerky and hot-smoked salmon salad. Needless to say I have had to stock up! Try it and you will be hooked! read more

Oh My! Cold Smoked Thai salmon is my addiction for the moment. It's Wednesday, Market day. Kerrytown is buzzing. Something reminded me of Durnham's Tacklements and thankfully they were open. (I did check the website to make sure before trekking over there.) Tiny store front. No room for more then three customers, but super friendly lady was happy to answer any questions and explain flavor and offer samples. She picked me out a recommended belly section, half pound piece, which was about $14-$15. I was in an out in under 5 mins. They have great selections of smoked meats too, not just fish. I will have to try the Mackeral before it's off the menu. With Salmon in bag, I popped over to Sparrow for avocado, pear, Paesano roll, and herb valfrais - voila! Excellent lunch for two days. The salmon was incredibly tender and the perfect amount of flavor. Just a hint and not too detract from the salmon itself. I have never had smoked salmon this good. I can't wait to have it on my next cheeseboard. read more

First of all, this place has the best smoked salmon I've ever had. Good friends of mine and I have been hooked on the stuff like a drug ever since someone recommended the place to us. It's to a point where I am excited to introduce it to people who haven't had it before, and there's often skeptics of great seafood away from the coasts. When I bring some of their smoked salmon to a skeptic, every time they agreed that it's the best they've had. Second of all, the people who work here are some of the kindest people you will meet. Buying great product from good people just makes the experience all the better. I don't know what more to say, try it. read more

I ADORE THIS PLACE. The open kitchen, the small business aspect, the specialization. Whatever question you have about their product, they have you covered. Ellen is the sweetest person ever. She is there every time I go and she remembers what I like and what I've tried. The tender, melt-in-your-mouth, salty-savory-umami salmon is a real dream. It is now my replacement for restaurant sashimi. My favorites are the Thai and the Highland. Waiting to try to pecan and their pickles. A piece is around $20 and I spread the portions throughout the week, making 4-5 gloriously healthy meals. Goes well with kale and pickled vegetables. Honorable mentions: braised duck breast, duck paté, honey mustard. If you haven't had their product yet, you're missing out! read more

Extremely short hours (three short days per week) --- but easily the best smoked fish in Ann Arbor. Definitely worth planning your shopping trip around their open days. Outstanding salmon (the "original" is my favorite), solid trout, and some more unusual by-the-week offerings. On top of the savory, subtly-flavored fish, the service is excellent and down-to-earth --- none of the Zingermann's pretension. Just a small counter with high-quality food. Check the hours, then definitely stop by. read more

Been meaning to come here literally for years, but somehow seemed to forget that when actually in the neighborhood. Was walking down Kingsley yesterday when I saw the name stenciled on the brick storefront and literally stopped in my tracks. Truly a happy accident. There was one other customer in the shop when I entered, which made things a little tight. It's a tiny space, though I don't think people come here to linger. Not that you couldn't. After the woman behind the counter greeted me warmly, I just stood for a moment pondering the list of offerings. Smoked salmon, duck, pork, cheeses...where to start on this was a dilemma. I told the woman waiting on me that it was my first time here , and she gave me a cheerful rundown of the operation and what they make. Salmon is always in the forefront, hot smoked cold smoked, plain and flavored. A rotation of pork items complements the fish--pulled pork was on offer yesterday, but I could have gotten shanks a week ago. Not much pork would be available through the holidays, I was told, but I could get smoked sable and scallops then if I ordered ahead. The old-world style duck pastrami looked tempting, but I decided to start with the basics and took a 1/2 lb. of plain cold smoked salmon. Since it was my first time they gave me a discount. And the product? Wow. I think I look at smoked salmon in a new light. Soft, slightly gelid but with body, light smoke flavor, just a trace of oiliness. The comparison another Yelper made to high-grade sushi tuna is right on. Tracklements' stuff isn't cheap, so it will probably be a source of special occasion treats rather than a stop on my usual shopping rounds. But, the number of "special occasions" I observe just might start growing. read more

What's not to like about a smokery? The tiny little shop, which seems to be always filled with friends, puts out some of the best fish I've ever had and tonight we will be trying their marinated duck legs. I appreciate that the owner is doing his own thing and nothing else. The hours may be a bit strange, but it's worth it to make it down there. I recommend it to anyone who likes meat, fish or the sweet smell of a smokery. read more

This place has amazing smoked fish. I picked up a pound of the Highland smoked salmon as a gift for the holidays. My parents really loved it, and thankfully, were willing to share with me (I did buy it, after all!) It honestly was the best smoked salmon I ever had. They carry quite a few different varieties of smoked fish. Really limited hours, but this place is definitely worth seeking out in Kerrytown. A bit pricey, but nothing too crazy. read more

The best smoked salmon I've ever had. Stumbled in to this tiny shop and was able to sample some of their both hot and cold smoked salmon (let them explain to you the difference). They sold me on the first bite! Very friendly and knowledgeable service. They also make sandwiches for $7. Very reasonable prices (the day I went they had cheaper prices than the smoked salmon at Zingerman's) and they are a specialist. I hope to come back here again or do mail-order from them! read more

This is the kind of place that gives a town its character. Incredibly friendly staff and they will let you try almost anything you want before you buy. Got some hot and cold smoked salmon and also some smoked scallops that will just melt in your mouth. Told the owner I was returning many years after moving out of state and he gave me a "welcome home" discount. This place will fill up your bucket, both figuratively and literally. read more

This place is a gem. Their hot smoked salmon is a balance of soft and luscious texture with refined and complex flavors. The use the minimum amount of salt and smoke needed to create a balanced sophisticated flavor that I have never before encountered. This could be the best thing I have ever eaten read more

I grew up in Ann Arbor (though haven't lived here for 8 years) and always remember seeing the sign for this place. I always assumed it was somehow related to Monahagns which is a fish place in the same building. Well finally yesterday I stopped in since I saw a big sign for smoked salmon next to the door, and I had been looking for just that but didn't feel like braving the line at Zingerman's. What a discovery! The place smells heavenly, and the staff were all more than willing to answer my questions and give me samples. They were out of almost everything when I went in (seems like most customers call/order ahead) but I did get some peat smoked salmon (cold smoked) that knocked my socks off. I also wanted kippered salmon which is one of my favorites, but alas they were out. The owner suggested I try their kippered rainbow trout which I had never heard of, and it was excellent! He even gave me a discount for being a first time customer. Good thing I don't live in town, or else I would be spending way too much money at this place!! read more

honestly was not impressed with the place. They have weird hours, but judging that it is ann arbor, I expected that. Prices are ridiculous and honestly the smoked salmon that we got, was kind of on the dry side. The owner is nice and knowledgeable, but this did not make up for the exorbitant prices read more

I'm surprised. It really is as good as they say. Many things don't live up to the hype, but Tracklements succeeds wildly. I quickly bought up several varieties and walked over to Zingermans and bought some bagels and cream cheese. When they discovered my plans they happily sliced up my purchase to more easily place on a bagel. Great people. Fantastic store. Out of this world fish. How do more people not know of this place? read more

I wasn't sure where to start with the smoked salmon with so many options but they took the time to explain the taste and smoking process to help narrow things down. They even generously gave us a delicious sample to take with. I ended up with a double smoked, a fully cooked and 2 others I can't remember. They were all scrumptious but the double smoked stole the show. We were shopping at the farmers market so to preserve the fish, they even wrapped it with ice bags so it wouldn't go bad while we shopped. How great is that?! Put in your order early for the holidays, your guests will be begging for more! read more

This is absolutely the best of the best if you like smoked fish as much as I do. It's worth sending your kid to UMich just to be able to visit. Try the miso glazed variety, but it's all freshly cured and as good if not better than the East and West coast versions. read more

You're not likely to stumble across this gem hidden on the back side of Kerrytown (i.e the north side of the building which doesn't have any other storefronts). T.R. has successfully created a business doing what he's passionate about; smoking fish and creating a limited selection of other wonderful food, mostly also smoked. The cold smoked salmon is among the best I've ever had (and I grew up with Zabar's as the default but also going to Russ & Daughters on NYC's Lower East Side). They occasionally make it with pastrami spices (mainly black pepper and coriander) which is an excellent combo. Other great dishes I've had there are braised pork cheeks, smoked pork chops, and smoked duck breast. I did consider giving them 4 stars since it would be nice to have more wild-caught salmon being used and more locally-grown, organically-raised meat but I don't know anyone else who does it better so T.R. gets my top ranking. He uses good ingredients and takes care of his products so it's not cheap but the price is what's to be expected given the quality of the product. The best *cheap* smoked salmon I know of is at Trader Joe's and that's fine if it will be used in a way that doesn't stand out. But when you want great, not good, go to Tracklements and you won't be disappointed. read more

Tracklements - how I miss you!!! Nothing and I mean nothing comes close to your smoked salmon and especially your smoked trout!!! Even in NYC - all the trout I try is so subpar that I have stopped trying - All I can do is wait for my trips home for a chance to taste perfection. You are the smoked fish master!! read more

I love smoked fish and have really enjoyed food from here over the years. It's been a while since I visited, but I remember that the staff (owner, perhaps?) was friendly and knowledgeable. Looking forward to a return visit soon. read more

A very special small business where I've met some awesome people (like Jamie) who are clearly caring and generous, creative and passionate about what they do. The result is fantastic and delicious food in a welcoming space -- the Highland (cold-smoked) and miso & mirin (hot-smoked) salmon are both melt-in-your-mouth yummy in totally different ways. It's also been my experience that a small amount can go a long way. They were great about explaining things I had no clue about, and introduced me to sriracha ketchup which I am unreasonably excited about. Many thanks! read more

Really nice smoked fish. There's something to be said for really specializing. It must be a tourist attraction because the last time I was there a really obnoxious woman was pontificating on and on in French to a foreign guest about her views on Ann Arbor and on this place in particular. I bet she didn't know I understood and reviled her. read more

This is one of the best-kept secrets in Kerrytown. It's very expensive for me, so I save buys for special occasions. The hours are very irregular, so call ahead or be prepared to come back when they're open. The door's easy to miss - just look for the fish hanging outside the door. The man who runs the place is very willing to talk to you about the fish he sells. I had no idea that smoking fish was such an art until I ate the fish from here. Now, I hadn't had a lot of smoked fish prior to this, but in my limited experience, this is worth a special trip. read more

Durham's gets my first 5 star rating on Yelp! Hands down the best smoked salmon I have ever had. Over the years I have tried most of the hot and cold smoked salmon flavors they offer...and every single one has been amazing. One of their best is the Thai cold smoked salmon. I have also on occasion had various other kinds of fish and once had a wonderful smoked beef brisket. Service in the store is friendly and you can sample just about anything before buying. Be aware that prices here tend to be high...but rest assured that everything you buy will be top notch. read more

I discovered Durham's on my way to Zingerman's and was lured in by the irresistible and complex aromas of the smoky wood blends and spices. From the humble storefront on East Kingsley Street in Kerrytown, one may not guess that the New York Times had praised Durham's as offering one of the country's best smoked salmon back in 2001. The smoked salmon here is produced by hand in small batches, cured, smoked and packed in center cut pieces without additives. We tried the original Highland Smoked Salmon (in pecan wood style), the Double-Smoked (firmer, finer texture and a smokier finish), and the Scandinavian style Gravlax (marinated with allspice, white pepper, juniper berries and fresh dill). The flavors were fresh and balanced with a pleasing silky texture. The Thai smoke salmon (ginger, coriander, lemon grass and pepper), which was unfortunately not available during my visit, is one of their mail order best sellers. The staff is very friendly and generous with samples. For the out of town travelers, they offer ice packs for transporting the salmon - which fortunately passed airport security screenings in my carry-on luggage! read more

Outstanding product and service! A must try for those visiting Ann Arbor. I love salmon but am not a fan of the texture if typical cold-smoked. I didn't even know there was such a thing a hot-smoked. Absolutely delicious! The lady working there was so warm and friendly. She knew many of her customers by name and for first-timers like me, she was just as nice; really taking her time. She gave samples, explained how the fish was made and answered questions. I had the peppered miso/mirin/tamari/honey hot smoked salmon. Melt in your mouth, literally! Since I do not live in the area, I am glad to know they ship domestically. Many thanks to Tracklemsents for this wonderful experience! read more

Ellen was superb! She went above and beyond to help me deliver Fin & Haddy to my MIL for her birthday. When I called the store (I live out of state) in early fall to find out if they had it, she told me they were going to get it around Thanksgiving. When I told her I wanted to order it for a birthday earlier in November, she made sure it came in time. She asked me to please call back in early November to place the order. I called on the day she suggested in November and indeed they had the Fin and Haddy. She helped me arrange the delivery so it would arrive on MIL's birthday and Ellen was absolutely fantastic through the whole process. Getting that delivery made my MIL's day. This was the best customer service I have ever had. Thanks Ellen! read more

Nobody does smoked salmon better than TR. I've been buying his delicious hot and cold-smoked salmon from the beginning and have never been disappointed! (Ok, when he's out of something I want I might get a little woebegone)... He's branched out into pork, smoked cheese, house-made mustard, etc. etc. Today I'm eating the Ginza salmon salad on a baguette, to be followed by smoked Tllamook and butter. Wow! I love the staff, everyone is fabulously helpful and patient. This is one of my go-to spots when visitors are in town :) read more

While visiting Ann Arbor a few weeks back, I stopped in this place on a whim. I am so glad I did! The woman working was very kind and helpful. After going over each of their selections, I went with the kippered salmon. It was absolutely delicious! I am excited to try their other selections as well. What a great find! read more

great small business -- the people that work there are very knowledgeable about the fish, where the came from and the smoking process. bought the hot smoked - which is flakier, but still has the great smoky flavor. the cold smoked highland was on sale so i took some home with me to chicago.. and have been eating delicious lox and cream cheese bagels every morning since. come and get your omega-3s on!! read more

This is the absolute best smoked salmon I've had. The staff is also very friendly. If Kerrytown were closer to me, I would go every week. The salmon comes in thick solid pieces, rather than thin slices. I like to cut mine thick like sashimi. read more