When asking yourself about something to do near me in Ann Arbor with a group of friends or family, consider
Durham's Tracklements and Smokery
Why Durham's Tracklements and Smokery is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Durham's Tracklements and Smokery, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a renowned specialty shop celebrating the art of smoked fish, particularly their world-class smoked salmon. Since the 1990s, this establishment has been a community favorite and destination for friends and food enthusiasts looking to enjoy a unique tasting experience. The place offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere perfect for gathering with friends to savor classic and innovative smoked fish styles, including cold-smoked and hot-smoked selections. Highlights include a variety of specialties such as Rainbow Trout, Finnan Haddie, Gravlax, and Bluefish available seasonally, as well as custom and handsliced orders. Their traditional Scandinavian-style cure and use of select hardwood blends for smoking create flavors that have earned them praise from top food critics and loyal customers alike. Sampling on Saturdays is a great opportunity for visitors to explore the rich, silky, and expert balance of smoke and salt that defines Durham's signature products. It is an ideal meeting place for those who appreciate gourmet flavors, artisanal craftsmanship, and local food culture.
Here's what people think of Durham's Tracklements and Smokery
As of recent, Durham's Tracklements and Smokery holds a 5-star rating based on 33 reviews.
Customers overwhelmingly rate Durham's Tracklements and Smokery with a perfect 5.0, reflecting widespread admiration for the quality and flavor of their smoked fish. Positive reviews praise the exquisite balance of smoke and salt, highlighting the silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the salmon as a standout feature. Many reviewers appreciate the friendly and knowledgeable service, the ability to customize orders, and the option to enjoy tastings which enrich the shopping experience. Several emphasize that the smoked salmon here competes with the best in the country, earning accolades from prestigious food critics and notable mentions in publications such as The New York Times. On the other hand, some critiques mention limited retail hours and the need to plan ahead when placing orders due to the shop's part-time operation schedule. Despite that, the exclusivity and quality are seen as well worth the effort. Overall, the reviews paint a picture of a beloved, artisanal shop with a passionate customer base, consistently delivering top-tier smoked fish that invites repeat visits and enthusiastic recommendations.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Edward Dunne
The best place I have ever known for small batch smoked fish. They have very high standards, only using high grade salmon, trout, arctic char, etc. They also smoke cheeses, olives, and recently added smoked you. Each week there are one or more soups on offer, which are uniformly delicious. And the folks at Tracklements are genuinely nice people.
David J. Kramer
This place is the best in the business for smoked meats and fish. Their pork chops are the best I’ve ever had in my life. They also are extremely kind people who run this place I can’t rate this place high enough.
Peter McHale
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.
Ken Marcy
Hidden Ann Arbor gem that is stones throw from Zingerman’s Deli. Been going here for years and can’t recommend highly enough. If you like smoked salmon this will change your life—well ok at least your definition of what great tastes like when it comes to smoked salmon and everything else will pale in comparison. If you don’t like smoked salmon there is still hope—this will make you a convert and if not you tried the best. Have sent to friends on East Coast and locally, and they concur. Only regret is that I didn’t discover it sooner in their long history. I have no skin in game so to speak, just enjoy sharing about great people making great quality product—all the better that it’s in Ann Arbor! My personal favorites are highland and pecan smoked but can’t go wrong. Stay with cold smoked in my opinion.
Nate Kleinman
Only the best smoked fish you'll find. Go there regularly to get access to their specials (like smoked scallops, finnan haddie, or whiskey-marinated salmon). I don't live in Ann Arbor, but I get the hot-smoked miso-mirin salmon every time I'm in town.
How to reach Durham's Tracklements and Smokery
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Why Durham's Tracklements and Smokery may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Durham’s Tracklements and Smokery with your friends? This cozy and renowned artisanal shop in Ann Arbor offers a uniquely warm and tasty experience perfect for gathering with friends or family. Known especially for its exquisite smoked salmon and a variety of carefully crafted smoked delicacies, Durham’s Tracklements provides much more than just food—it's a destination for creating memorable moments. The intimate setting, friendly staff, and the chance to explore exceptional flavors all encourage a relaxed and engaging social atmosphere, ideal for meetups. Whether you're a food enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy sharing exquisite gourmet treats in a welcoming environment, Durham’s Tracklements stands out as an intimate spot to reconnect, celebrate, or just enjoy a laid-back day with loved ones. Your group can indulge in some of the best-smoked products around while relishing the essence of Ann Arbor’s culinary spirit. This is more than a meal; it’s an experience that invites conversation, laughter, and creating fond memories together.
What activities can you enjoy at Durham’s Tracklements and Smokery? The primary attraction here is the opportunity to taste a dazzling array of smoked goods, including their famous smoked salmon varieties, such as the hot-smoked “kippered” salmon and marinated smoked salmon seasoned with unique blends like miso, mirin, and tamari. These items are not only staples for individual foodies but also fantastic to share in a group setting, making it a delightfully communal experience. Besides tasting, visitors can learn about the traditional and artisanal smoking techniques that create these rich flavors, making each visit educational as well as delicious. The shop provides a relaxed shopping experience where groups can browse, sample, and select from a curated menu of gourmet smoked products, perfect for picnics, informal gatherings, or special celebrations. Seasonal events, occasional tastings, and the shop’s warm atmosphere also encourage leisurely visits where food lovers can connect, share stories, and deepen friendships over quality fare.
Why is Durham’s Tracklements ideal for a group meetup? With its small but dedicated staff providing excellent personal service, the shop fosters a friendly, intimate atmosphere that makes every group feel welcome and well cared for. The manager, Ellen, along with longtime team members such as Margarito, contribute to a sense of consistency and warmth that customers cherish, helping groups feel like part of a close-knit community. The shop’s setup encourages lingering—perfect for groups who want to explore flavors slowly, chat, and savor their time together without rush. Located conveniently in the Kerrytown area of Ann Arbor, it offers easy accessibility and a charming neighborhood vibe, enhancing the overall meetup experience. Additionally, Durham’s Tracklements is unique in that it offers off-hours pickup and can accommodate special requests, making group planning flexible and hassle-free. This customer-focused approach ensures that hosting a meetup here is smooth, personalized, and genuinely enjoyable.
What makes the food at Durham’s Tracklements stand out for sharing with friends? The quality and craftsmanship behind every product shine through in taste and presentation, which sparks conversation and mutual enjoyment within any group. Their smoked salmon is particularly prized—not only traditionally smoked but also innovatively cured with distinct marinades that add depth and variety to the customers’ plates. These products are ideal for communal dining scenarios, as they can be easily paired with cheeses, breads, wines, or whiskies, encouraging a shared tasting adventure among friends. The shop’s commitment to sourcing excellent ingredients and using meticulous smoking techniques ensures that each product delivers a memorable sensory experience. For groups interested in trying something specialty or gourmet, the variety and authentic flavors of Durham’s offerings invite delightful exploration and discovery together.
How accessible and convenient is Durham’s Tracklements for group visits? Open primarily on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the store’s hours are straightforward — designed for planned visits—and the team is always ready to assist with pre-orders, which is especially helpful for coordinating group needs. The location in downtown Ann Arbor makes it easy to pair a trip to Durham’s Tracklements with other local attractions, perhaps leading to a full day of exploring with friends or family. For those planning meetups, the staff’s openness to off-hours pickups, curbside service, and mail orders adds layers of convenience, ensuring groups can plan events around ease and accessibility. Furthermore, the option to pre-arrange orders or get assistance by phone or email means groups can customize their experience ahead of time, avoiding any last-minute hassles. These thoughtful services reflect the business’s dedication to excellent customer care and make gatherings both smooth and enjoyable.
What atmosphere and community vibe does Durham’s Tracklements foster? The shop has cultivated a loyal and passionate customer base, with many patrons continuing since the company’s founding. This strong sense of community reflects the warm, welcoming environment found inside, where conversation flows easily and people feel encouraged to linger and socialize. The small but expert staff are known for their friendliness and deep product knowledge, often sharing stories behind the food, which adds richness to the experience. This human connection, combined with the shop’s artisanal roots and reputation for quality, turns every visit into more than just a shopping trip; it becomes a shared experience celebrating craftsmanship and friendship. The atmosphere is casual yet refined, grounded in authenticity and appreciation for tradition, making it a perfect backdrop for meaningful group meetups.
What does the history of Durham’s Tracklements and Smokery add to the experience of gathering here? Founded in 1993 and brought to Ann Arbor a few years later, Durham’s Tracklements offers guests not just food but a slice of culinary history and evolution. This continuity and expertise mean that customers receive products honed over decades, reflecting careful development and refinement of recipes and techniques. The origin story — with roots in Massachusetts and a deep connection to the local community in Ann Arbor — lends the place a heritage feel that adds depth to what might otherwise be a straightforward food purchase. For groups interested in authenticity, provenance, and artisanal production, this background enriches the experience by linking each bite to a larger narrative. Sharing a marvelous meal here is also about partaking in a tradition, making the act of gathering more meaningful and memorable.
How can groups customize their visit to maximize enjoyment? Groups can tailor their experience by pre-ordering favorite items and requesting off-hours pickups to suit their schedules, ensuring that the food is fresh and ready exactly when needed. Coordinating in advance with the staff allows for personalized recommendations, ideal for crafting a menu that fits the group’s tastes and dietary preferences, which enhances satisfaction and group enjoyment. For groups who enjoy pairing drinks or want to build a full spread, Durham’s offers opportunities to combine smoked fish with complementary local offerings from Ann Arbor’s nearby markets or eateries. The staff’s expert guidance can also help groups better understand the different smoked products, heightening appreciation and sparking engaging conversations. By planning ahead, groups transform their visit into a fully immersive food adventure, making the gathering uniquely special.
What makes Durham’s Tracklements a gem in Ann Arbor’s culinary scene? It stands out for its unwavering commitment to quality and craft, capturing the essence of smoked delicacies in an intimate retail setting. Its reputation, supported by stellar reviews and loyal customers, underscores its place as a beloved local institution. The shop offers a unique complement to Ann Arbor’s rich food culture, combining traditional methods with innovative flavors and personalized service. For groups looking to discover authentic foods crafted with care, Durham’s Tracklements offers an unparalleled experience that blends gourmet enjoyment with community spirit. Its presence enriches the culinary landscape and provides a memorable destination for friends and families seeking exceptional food and convivial company.
Why do reviewers consistently rate Durham’s Tracklements so highly? Customers consistently praise the shop for its outstanding smoked salmon, attentive service, and quality products that exceed expectations. Reviewers highlight the friendly atmosphere and knowledgeable staff who go above and beyond to make visitors feel at home. Many appreciate the shop’s dedication to artisanal methods that produce rich, complex flavors seldom found elsewhere, enhancing the overall value of their visit. The combination of product excellence and customer care makes Durham’s Tracklements a top-rated destination for food lovers and social gatherings alike. This high rating reflects both the quality of the offerings and the positive social experience guests enjoy when they rally friends here.
How does Durham’s Tracklements compare to other food meetup spots in Ann Arbor? Unlike typical eateries or cafes, Durham’s Tracklements offers a more intimate, focused experience centered on artisanal smoked products. While other locations may prioritize volume or variety, Durham’s excels in craft, precision, and personalized attention, making it ideal for groups who value quality and a relaxed, engaging environment. Its unique niche and boutique feel create a different kind of atmosphere—less hustle, more heart—perfect for meaningful conversations and savoring distinctive flavors together. Its proximity to other notable culinary landmarks in Ann Arbor also enables groups to design a broader food-centered outing, blending tastes and experiences seamlessly. This distinctive positioning makes Durham’s Tracklements a unique and compelling choice for hosting memorable meetups in the area.