At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe is one of Duluth’s most loved neighborhood restaurants. Located on East 8th Street, it brings together the comfort of a local cafe with the care of a farm fresh kitchen.
The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, baked goods, coffee, cocktails, beer, wine, and seasonal specials. That range makes it useful at almost any time of day. You can go for a slower breakfast, a casual lunch, a cozy dinner, or a drink at the bar.
The feeling is warm, local, and relaxed. It is not trying to be flashy. Instead, it focuses on real food, good sourcing, and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.
Review of Northern Waters Smokehaus Duluth – Details
- Best For: Smoked fish, smoked meats, sandwiches, deli items, lunch, takeout, Canal Park stops, food gifts
- Location: DeWitt Seitz Marketplace, 394 Lake Avenue South, Suite LL1, Duluth, MN 55802
- Area: Canal Park, Duluth
- Type: Smokehouse, deli, sandwich shop, specialty market
- Known For: Smoked salmon, smoked meats, salumi, creative sandwiches, local food culture
- Hours: Sunday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Wednesday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Thursday to Saturday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Website: northernwaterssmokehaus.com
- Sandwich Menu: Northern Waters Smokehaus Sandwich Menu
- Local Pickup: Northern Waters Smokehaus Pickup
- Instagram: @nwsmokehaus
Northern Waters Smokehaus Duluth Review – Highlights
- A True Duluth Food Stop: Northern Waters feels rooted in the city. The smoked fish, deli case, and Canal Park setting all connect naturally to Duluth and Lake Superior.
- Excellent Smoked Fish: Smoked salmon is one of the main reasons to visit. It works in sandwiches, on bagels, in salads, or as something to take home.
- Creative Sandwich Menu: The sandwiches are the star for many visitors. The menu includes options like the Cajun Finn, Sitka Sushi, Slammin Gordon, Pastrami Mommy, Club Mariner, and Northern Bagel.
- More Than a Lunch Spot: You can buy smoked fish, meats, salumi, sausages, sides, and deli items, which makes it useful beyond one meal.
- Great Takeout Option: Northern Waters is ideal if you want something high quality without committing to a formal restaurant.
- Strong Local Reputation: It has the feel of a place locals recommend and visitors remember.
Review of Northern Waters Smokehaus Duluth – Things to Note
- It Can Get Busy: This is a well known Duluth stop, so lunch rushes and peak visitor seasons can mean lines.
- Casual Setup: Do not expect a quiet full service restaurant. It is more of a counter service smokehouse and sandwich shop.
- Menu Is Rich: Smoked fish, cured meats, sauces, and cream cheese based spreads can be filling. Come hungry.
- Hours Vary by Day: The shop has shorter hours earlier in the week and longer hours from Thursday to Saturday, so check before going.
- Online Ordering Has Limits: The official site notes that deli products are no longer offered for online ordering, so visit in person to see the full deli selection.
Review of Northern Waters Smokehaus Duluth – Tips
- Order Ahead During Busy Times: Pickup can save time if you already know what sandwich you want.
- Try a Smoked Fish Sandwich First: That is the best way to understand what makes the place different.
- Check the Deli Case: Do not only focus on sandwiches. The smoked fish and meats are worth taking home.
- Share If You Want Variety: The menu has enough interesting choices that splitting sandwiches can be a good move.
- Pair It With a Canal Park Walk: The location makes it easy to grab food and walk around the lakefront area.
- Ask Staff for Recommendations: The menu has unusual combinations, so it helps to ask what is popular that day.

