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Creekside Smokehouse
Category: Food Specialty Food Seafood Markets Seafood Markets [Edit]
280 Ave AlhambraEl Granada, CA 94018
(650) 712-8862
Announcement
Come by and sample our award winning smoked salmon. We also smoke salmon jerky, albacore, sturgeon, cheese (6 varieties) and smoked butter!
- Hours:
Tue, Sun 12 pm - 6 pm
Wed-Sat 10 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
51 reviews for Creekside Smokehouse
Review Highlights
"cold-smoked salmon - ballin."
(in 17 reviews)
"Creekside is my new excuse to go down to Half Moon Bay."
(in 6 reviews)
"Nice selection and they offer free samples too."
(in 14 reviews)
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51 reviews in English
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Review from Gordon O.
San Francisco, CA
I was in HMB looking for a place that sells smoked fish and this place was highly recommended by the locals.
Creekside Smokehouse lived up to the claims of everyone, they have the best cold smoked salmon I've ever had! When you enter their quaint shop, you'll automatically get intoxicated by the smell of the smoked wood and you know it only means that they sell the real deal!
On the wall, they proudly display that they were featured on Food & Wine Magazine for their smoked butter. I have yet to try this but I am sure this is an awesome product! -
Review from Julia K.
San Francisco, CA
11/7/2011
Super friendly people, and super delicious smoked fish.
It was a cold and rainy saturday. I'd misread the start of crab season and thought I was going to come home with some insane crab. Instead, we made the trek to Half Moon Bay and were going to turn around despondently, when I stopped and consulted the yelp app. "Creekside Smokehouse looks mighty enticing" we mused. So we mosied across the street from the pier and checked it out. As soon as we stepped in to the little shack, our nostrils were pleasantly assailed by smoky goodness! The lady behind the counter waved some amazing samples in front of us, and we were goners.
We came away with smoked wild salmon, smoked sturgeon (subtle and smooth, SO GOOD), smoked salmon cream cheese, and both types of jerky (normal and lemon pepper). We wish we'd gotten the smoked salmon salad too!
The jerky disappeared on the drive back to Palo Alto, but we resisted opening the rest of the packages till the next morning. We popped down to our local bagel place for some fresh bagels, stopped at the farmer's market for some amazing produce, and then made THE BEST SMOKED SALMON AND STURGEON BAGEL SANDWICHES EVER. (No not mixed, we're not crazy, we just had two bagel sandwiches each for breakfast).
I'm making the trip back up to Half Moon Bay at least twice more this month (1 for the start of crab season, 2 for crab dinner before Thanksgiving), and will definitely stop at the Smokehouse each time to restock! -
Review from Wing Y.
San Carlos, CA
This store looks a bit nondescript from the outside, but once you step inside a deliciously smoky aroma hits you immediately. We tried a few samples and ended up leaving with some cold smoked salmon and smoked gouda.
The cold smoked salmon was a beautiful orange-red piece of fish. It found its way into a baguette with some avocado and early girl tomatoes and onto a cheese plate. It's incredibly good, and we'll be back for more. Now I just need to find an excuse to buy the $90 side of smoked salmon that the owner proudly showed to me. -
Review from Connie L.
9/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
The owner is seriously passionate about his product. The moment we walked in the door, we were bombarded with samples of cold smoked salmon (purchased), smoked sturgeon (purchased), smoked salmon salad with toast points (purchased), and smoked parmesan. Everything was fresh, delicious, and reasonably priced (I paid less than $30 for my purchases).
Can't wait to go back and try the salmon jerky and smoked butter! A must visit after eating at Barbara's Fish Trap down the street. Parking is available out in front. -
Review from Christopher S.
Half Moon Bay, CA
8/27/2011
I give my fair share of 4 stars to certain places I frequent and enjoy, but it is very rare I give the coveted 5 star rating. If there is any place that deserves it, Creekside Smokehouse is above and beyond the requirements!
No joke, THE BEST COLD SMOKED SALMON I've ever eaten, period. I have tried everything they have to offer and while each and every offering tastes delicious, the cold smoked salmon and the salmon jerky are my two favorites, with the albacore and sturgeon bringing up a tie for second. I'm dead serious when I say you literally cannot go wrong with whatever you choose.
I've lived on the coast for over 8 years and am embarrassed I've been missing out on this fantastic smoked fish for the last 7! I only recently stopped by on a whim and realized why the rating is so high on Yelp. It's worth it.
An absolute MUST TRY, and the people who run it are so friendly!! -
Review from Hector G.
5/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
It does not get better than this.
First of all, the people here are the friendliest bunch of folks you will ever meet. If you go their regularly, don't be surprised if they remember your face and name.
Now, if it's your first time, go there hungry. Go there BEFORE you go to Crab Landing for a $75 lobster roll. You can sample everything EVERYTHING they offer, with the exception of the butter, but I guess they would let you try that if you were willing to suck down pure butter.
I am a huge fan of smoked salmon and once in a while I get it at TJ's or even at WF and it's edible. This place has the best smoked salmon I've ever tasted, hands down, not even close. Salmon jerky is literally like crack! You say to yourself "Ya know, I can't wait til I get home, I just want a small bite." That bite turns to three, then next thing you know the pouch is empty and you have salmon grease dripping from your chin.
No joke, the prices are extremely kind. I can stock up on all my favorite for less than $45 and walk out of there with a nice bag full of goodies.
I think I just talked myself into taking a drive over the hill this weekend. -
Review from Rosa A.
Squaw Valley, CA
11/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Love everything in this place!
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Review from Amy B.
4/23/2011
One word: Amazing.
Right down the street from one of the best restaurants in the world (see Cafe Gibraltar) is this teeny, tiny little place that's easy to miss. It's a small, one-room shop that is filled with smoked cheeses, smoked fish, and smoked butter. Yes, smoked butter. In fact, it's supposedly the only place in the country that sells smoked butter. The super friendly owners let us know that the smoked butter is going to be featured on an upcoming episode of Chopped, so this place will undoubtedly explode after that happens.
Check it out. Try some samples. And get your smoke on. This really is as good as it gets. -
Review from monica c.
7/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Holy buckets this place is fantastic.
I almost passed it up 'cause I wasn't sure I'd be able to find enough food here to satiate my ravenous appetite for lunch, but I'm so so so glad I stopped in.
Insanely reasonable prices. Super friendly service - I was greeted with a smile + an "are you hungry?" How could she know my exact thoughts?!
My scrumptious mini-feast included:
- smoked salmon jerky (regular + lemon pepper) - the lemon pepper was divine. a big pack of it is sitting next to me waiting to be devoured in the near future.
- cold-smoked salmon - ballin. this was one of the most delicious (and surprisingly interesting, considering how simple it is) things I've eaten recently.
- hot-smoked salmon - tasty, but fairly similar to other delicious smoked salmon I've had in the bay area + Seattle.
- smoked sturgeon - my second fav of the smoked goodness. a very substantial hunk of protein. it's like the steak of fish.
- salmon salad on cute little toast-shaped crackers - i'm drooling. can't. describe. the. tastiness. in. words. must. go. try. for. yourself. NOW.
- dungeness crab salad on cute little toast-shaped crackers - special for the 4th of july. very creamy (they use cream cheese), but for me it lacked the punch that a lot of their other delectables had - if you're not a crazy fish fan, this might be for you.
My mini-feast exploded in a frenzy of cold-smoked salmon and salmon salad on the beach afterwards.
I can't think of a better way to start a long weekend. Just pick up bread before hand (unless you want to buy their yummy crackers - I'm just not a cracker person). I had to convince the hardware store a few blocks down to sell me some sliced bread ;) -
Review from Han E.
Huntington Beach, CA
12/6/2011
Great smoked fish, salmon amazing and never had sturgeon smoked before but ended buying a half lb of it. Crab dip awesome as well
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Review from Jeanne R.
Antioch, CA
9/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
finding this place was such a wonderful treat after spending the day at the beach. there was samples for most everything & I wanted it all. YES! it is that good! but after a long decision I chose the smoked trout & smoked salmon. I will be returning to the area just to get more of their yummy smoked products
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Review from Dianne M.
San Ramon, CA
8/30/2010
I heard about this place from a friend and had to stop by and give it a try. I am fairly new to salmon. I started with smoked salmon and found out I loved it. The smokehouse is a bit off the beaten path but close to the main road. It's not a big place, one small room with a meat case and graffiti on the walls but boy oh boy was it worth the drive to Half Moon Bay.
The owner was nice, giving us samples to try which was great because it increased his sales. I loved the cold smoked salmon, the smoked albacore but the love of my life is now the salmon salad. I would consider it a dip vs a salad but frankly he can call it what ever he likes as long as he keeps making it. It was to die for on crackers. My only regret was that I split the container with a friend. Next time I'll keep it all to myself. I can't say enough good things about this salad. -
Review from Phil P.
Columbus, OH
8/8/2011 2 photos
Outstanding business with outstanding owners! They make you feel so comfortable and are so incredibly friendly and inviting! I wish these guys the most success I have ever had for a business, but I don't think they need those wishes! their product is fabulous, and their generosity is enormous! I just can't say enough, you absolutely have to stop by and pick up a few things! Try it all! It's fantastic! And listen to their advice to places to see in Half-Moon Bay and ways to enjoy their products!
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Review from Veronica S.
Fremont, CA
5/30/2010
Been here twice, and the second time was even better than the first. The owners here are so friendly and welcoming, and won't be annoyed if you are interested and curious to try any of their smoked salmons or smoked cheeses. On the last visit, they even had salmon jerky which I found very interesting.
The prices are somewhat steep for the salmon, but I find it worth it. Very special place with delicious, smoky goodness!
If you get the pre-sliced wild salmon for about .35 oz, it'll run you about $10-$12 because it's usually about $32/lb..yikes
Their pepper jack smoked cheese is really delicious though..great pairing with their smoked salmon! -
Review from Lisa C.
Sunnyvale, CA
6/21/2010
I love how the owners are so generous in doling out samples. However, I doubt anyone would buy anything just looking through the glass display at the small pieces of fish with above average price tags. You can sample practically everything behind that display.
I like their Cold Smoked Salmon. It has a very strong smoked salmon flavor. However, I am not a smoked fish connoisseur, so I am not crazy about it. The smoked sturgeon is my second favorite. My hubby likes the Salmon Salad and Salmon Jerky. I think the Salmon Salad tastes like tuna salad (with salmon flavor) and the Salmon Jerky tastes like beef jerky (with salmon flavor).
Their Maui Cookies are okay. Tastes like the usual store-bought packaged cookies, but they are crisp rather than soft.
Consider that a sit down dinner costs $60pp, with which you can buy a handsome picnic for a few jolly good fellas here, and get more enjoyment out of eating them at a sheltered part of a beach (rather than a restaurant) during sunset. It doesn't seem that pricey, but I won't be going out of my way to get fish here again. -
Review from Roy M.
San Francisco, CA
5/18/2010 1 Check-in Here
When in El Granada, which is hardly ever, but more recently now that my friends moved out here, we always make a stop here for some of these smoked gooderies. We sometimes even make our friends bring us stuff when they come into the city and want to sleep over.
The salmon spread is out-standing, the staff is kind and generous, and it's really hard to beat a day in the sun, the barbeque crackling, some smoked accoutrements ala glory between a few of your closest friends. Top notch! -
Review from Bradley N.
Missoula, MT
Updated - 12/31/2009
Come here to sample some of the Bay area's finest smoked fish and cheese, courtesy of Dave and Teri Barber at Creekside Smokehouse. This place is so beloved among its customers that they have the stuff shipped to them when they cannot pick it up in person.
But if you do come in person, you get to talk and taste, sampling the fine, fine things on display. This time, we ONLY picked up some smoked butter (wow!), some smoked Parmesan (double wow!) , some trout, some sturgeon, and some wild salmon (triple, quad, and quintuple wows). And then the crab dip, which was excellent. The cold-smoked salmon, however, is in a class by itself.Listed in: Hidden Half Moon Bay, Locavores in Paradise
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/7/2009
Phenomenal. Smoked. Fish. Need we say more? Actually, they now have smoked butter, a neat thing for… Read more »
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Review from Liz S.
7/6/2008 4 photos
Smokin'!
- Liz S.
I know, I know. Corny at best. But that's what I wrote on the wall at Creekside Smokehouse this weekend. That's right...wrote on the wall! They encourage it and will give you markers to do so (see pics).
This tiny store and smokehouse is a wonderful find, like a treasure chest of goodness from the sea. We were greeted warmly and immediately given samples to try of so many things...salmon jerky, jerky with lemon pepper, smoked salmon, salmon salad, smoked albacore, smoked cheese...we were hooked (okay, still being corny, I'll stop).
Everything is smoked on the premises, and it is excellent. They practice both cold smoking and hot smoking and can educate you on the nuances of both. If you have never had cold-smoked salmon jerkey you are in for an otherworldly treat.
The goods found here are wonderful for a picnic, cocktail party, or a treat for yourself. I bought a nice assortment of products, and they offered us an ice pack which was very nice. A small package of smoked fish or jerky will run you around $7-8, but a little goes a long way (try a little jerky on your clam chowder, like bacon bits), and it's worth it for the quality and flavor. The smoked salmon salad is the best I have ever tasted, and crackers are available in the shop in case you need to indulge right away.
Creekside is my new excuse to go down to Half Moon Bay. Not to be missed! -
Review from Kara D.
El Granada, CA
12/25/2007
This is a little shop, just a brief jog off Highway 1. You may want to stop if you are a salmon connoisseur...they have the best cold smoked salmon.
Cold smoked salmon is way better than lox, or any hot smoked method. It has a woodsy smokey flavor and melts in your mouth. Not too salty and the texture is amazing. The owner, who smokes it in small batches on site, slices it so razor thin you can practically see through it!
If you insist on hot smoked, the kipper salmon is good too. He smokes other fishes, like trout, as well.
He even makes salmon jerky...can't decide if I like it, it's chewy and sweet...and intense!Listed in: Half Moon Bay
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Review from Ken K.
12/24/2006
These guys have a website that's more like a graphical businesscard at http://creeksidesmokeh...
I don't go to HMB often, but I try to make this a destination stop whenever possible that I'm in the area. Depending on what is in season and what can be bought off the fishermen from the docks at Pillar Point Harbor, the owner gets the freshest catches and brings em to his shop where he smokes them in house. Not sure what magic he puts in, but the end result is supremely delicious and high quality, but these attributes don't come cheap (though you do get what you pay for).
Salmon of course is a winner, but smoked sturgeon is great too. I'm not sure about the cheese here but if you need it I say go elsewhere for it. .
CALL AHEAD OF TIME BEFORE GOING. I cannot stress this enough. There are certain times of the year where this place is flat out closed. The owner may decide not to do any fish smoking for an extended time and thus close up shop for periods of weeks.
I know I know...you were expecting me to say this place should be called CRACKside Smokehouse right, because their smoked fish are so good they're like crack? Sorry....DOH!.... haha. They're not like crack, but seriously despite the small portions and higher prices, it is very fresh/freshly smoked and tasty. The wild smoked portlock from Costco might be ok for a fix, but if you want to go with a mom and pop quality controlled operation, get it here. -
Review from Aaron S.
San Francisco, CA
4/4/2010 1 Check-in Here
I became mildly obsessed with the Creekside Smokehouse after getting handed a postcard ad for the place at some wine tasting event. Something about it seemed really fishy--in an extremely good way! The Smokehouse did not disappoint. The staff is generous with the samples, and the smoked fish and cheeses are spectacular. I left with some smoked salmon, smoked sturgeon, and smoked cheeses . . . and devoured it all within a couple of days.
Just make sure you bring a cooler if you are stopping by from out of town, so your sea-friend morsels last the ride home! -
Review from Steve N.
Pacifica, CA
2/3/2007
I just stopped in here today to get some snacks for the Superbowl.
Nice selection and they offer free samples too. They also have smoked cheese for the Vegetarians. Next time you're driving down Highway One through Princeton/El Granada stop in and try it. You won't be disappointed. -
Review from Ted P.
San Francisco, CA
9/10/2009
I discovered this place probably about 2 years ago only on a whim. I was actually driving down Highway 1 and saw their signs and just thought I'd give it a shot. I picked up some heat smoked salmon, salmon jerky and the smoked albacore. It only lasted 48 hrs. It was that good!
Fast forward a year later ('08), I found myself once again driving to the Half Moon Bay area this time on a date (I know, romantic isn't it). Anyway, the hot gal I was with picked up similar stuff I got but also some smoked cheese. Yeah, that also lasted less that 24 hrs. as well.
Now it's '09. Hot gal moved away and we're just Facebook friends now...I know, pretty pathetic. Anyway. I had forgotten the name of the place in the Half Moon Bay area (El Granada, I know) and I had posted something on my Facebook status thing. I know, pathetic and sad. But, hot friend sent me a message saying that it was Creekside and off I was and picked up my fix.
Here's where it gets better. I had posted it once again on FB and someone had mentioned that a mutual friend was the owner. HOLY HELL! The times I was there, I had never seen her, but I've always ran into her at our mutual haunts around SF. Now, I'm a fan of the place on FB and also added her as well as a contact.
To Rager and her boyfriend, your place is the best. 5 stars for outstanding smoked fish and cheese. Extra kudos star if it was available because I love supporting businesses of people I know. -
Review from Tina Z.
San Francisco, CA
9/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
What a great find! We stumbled upon this place while heading to dinner nearby. Tasty samples as others have said. And, great variety. I loved the smoked cheese. It's a bit of a haul from the city for smoked fish, but this will be a routine stop when we head down to Half Moon Bay. Cute little place with customer graffiti all over the walls. Love that.
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Review from Marybeth P.
San Jose, CA
4/10/2011
Really great smoked fish and cheeses.
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Review from Genevieve J.
Emeryville, CA
6/16/2008
Two words: SALMON JERKY
Yes, and YES!
It's so tasty. Pricey, but tasty. Stopped here while traveling down 1 for the day. We saw a sign for salmon jerky and being a pescatarian I could not resist. I was not disappointed. We got two small packs and some smoked gouda. It was really great. I plan to stop there whenever I take a trip along the coast.
Yumminess. -
Review from Andrew S.
Palo Alto, CA
3/26/2011
Really fantastic smoked salmon, smoked sturgeon and cheeses ...
very friendly service always. -
Review from Ashley J.
El Granada, CA
2/8/2011 26 Check-ins Here
The best smoked salmon I've ever had!! Teri and Dave run a great community friendly shop and I'm proud to have the smokehouse in my neighborhood. I have tried just about everything in the place and can honestly say everything is pure perfection. My favorites are the smoked Gouda, peppered kipper salmon, and the holiday crab dip.
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Review from Lauren B.
San Francisco, CA
9/15/2010
A tip from a dear friend of mine led me to Creekside Cafe. I'm a huge fan of all things smoked and CS did not disappoint. Loved the smoked butter, sturgeon, wild cold smoked salmon and the jerky candy. My friend told me that they had an awesome cold smoked ahi but I havent seen it. I'd love to try that. A bit on the pricey side, I ended up spending about $75 but the quality is great.
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Review from Leigh S.
San Francisco, CA
12/11/2010
I have been going to Creekside for years. It is always great. the service and friendly atmosphere is terrific. I love the salmon but the eel is really good and makes great sushi.
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Review from bombo b.
San Francisco, CA
3/3/2009
nom nom nom nom nom nom... cold smoked salmon.. nom nom nom
try everything! -
Review from Haily W.
San Jose, CA
7/16/2007 1 Check-in Here
Thank you all for rating this place!! This store is owned and run by my uncle and cousin for the last 3 years. This place was my first job (cashier) so I may have seen some of you if you came in on weekends! And to the poster who said the cheese was made with liquid smoke....it isn't. Our cheese is made in a cold smoker and is kept in for 8 hours, so yes, it is very strong. Our family dinner/parties are never without some salmon salad and cold smoke salmon, but of course it's free to us!
Listed in: My tummy is hungry and it's…, My 5 Star Favorites
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Review from vernice l.
San Francisco, CA
2/17/2009
EXCELLENT!!!! I am so glad they had these signs along the freeway!!!
DH and I ate everything in 2 days! We put the salmon jerky in our clam chower. We ate the smoked salmon with our bagels. The smoked chedder and smoked salmon was sooo good on crackers!! YUMMY!!!! I can't wait to go back! -
Review from Marc K.
6/22/2009
me and my family go a LOTTTTT!! like a LOTTTTTTTT.. ok so we got smoked peppered salmon jerky, smoked gouda, SMOKED BUTTER (yes, yummmmmmmmmmmm), smoked sturgeon, smoked kippered salmon, salmon salad, and some little cookies to go with! :D
ughhhhhh.. small store, but sells big flavored smoked fishes! YUMMMMMM.. ughhhhhhhhhhh... and you can even write on their wall, as i did! :D ... hehhhe.. i would laaave to spend my last dollars in this place..! UGHHHHHHHHHHHH.. -
Review from Alex L.
Santa Clara, CA
12/6/2005 2 photos
Top-notch smoked fishes! The cold smoked salmon and the smoked sturgeon are outstanding!! The salmon jerky is very good as well. The best smoked sturgeon I've had. The cheeses were overrated and sat uneaten after purchase due to too much smoke liquid.
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Review from Jan C.
San Francisco, CA
6/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
What a lovely surprise to follow a tiny sign on the highway advertising smoked albacore and then to come home with a pouch full of delicious delicious cold smoked salmon. This place is tiny; so much so that I was a little dubious even with the glowing yelp reviews, but the cold smoked salmon tastes even better than the samples they handed out.
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Review from The H.
Livermore, CA
6/9/2009
Find this tiny little house / market and get some kippered salmon and some smoked sturgeon. Try the salmon jerky. The smoked cheeses are smoky and powerful. The service is welcoming and they obviously appreciate their customers...they want you back and they are confident in their products, as they should be. The fish it not dry and the smoke flavor is as good as it gets. You need to stop by! We got there at 11:30 on Sunday and we found out the hard way that they don;t open until Noon. We had to get back to meet people, so we missed out this weekend. Total bummer. But, everytime we are in the area, the Creekside Smokehouse must be visited. Excellent.
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Review from Martha K.
Palo Alto, CA
6/19/2010
We came here on our way to the beach and were so glad we did. The person that helped us was incredibly friendly and gave us samples and explained the different types of cheese and fish. It was all so tasty. We got some smoked salmon to take to the beach and enjoyed it with crackers and cheese. Yum!
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Review from Priscilla B.
Mountain View, CA
12/16/2006
I love this place! I have enjoyed the smoked salmon, smoked cheeses, seafood dips and salmon jerky from the Creekside Smokehouse for over 4 years. They have the BEST cold smoked salmon I have ever tasted! You can't leave without picking up some peppered salmon jerky. I have fed Creekside Smokehouse treats to my picky nieces and nephews and they just can't get enough. It's so good they don't even know it's fish and good for them!! It's worth the trip!
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Review from Ryan B.
Morgan Hill, CA
4/23/2007
This place is terrific, the smoked albacore was phenomenal, as was the cold smoked salmon. The smoked cheddar was also great, everything is smoked to perfection , not too overpowering. I'll be planning to stop here every time I'm in HMB.
