Sebastopol’s Must-Stop for Smoked Salmon: A Roadside Gem on the Way to Bodega Bay
If you are driving west on Highway 12 toward the coast, your day probably includes redwoods, ocean air, and the anticipation of fresh seafood once you reach the water. But before you make it to the beach, there is one essential Sonoma County stop that belongs on your list.
Just outside Sebastopol, Samnzar Smoke Shack has quietly become a local legend. This small roadside trailer may not look like much from the road, but it serves some of the best smoked salmon in Northern California. It is a place that regulars rave about, travelers stumble upon, and locals are proud to call their own.
Artisan Smoked Salmon Handcrafted in Sebastopol
Samnzar is the creation of Greg Brummett, who has been crafting small batch smoked fish right here in Sebastopol since 1973. Every Friday, Greg prepares wild-caught Pacific salmon (when in season or available) by hand, brining each cut in a custom 13-spice blend before slow smoking it over seasoned applewood. The result is a deeply flavorful, balanced smoked salmon with just the right touch of sweetness and smoke.
The menu features hot smoked and cold smoked salmon, salmon lox, jerky, trout, and other seasonal specialties. Everything is vacuum sealed for freshness and made in small quantities to preserve quality. It is perfect for road trips, beach picnics, wine country charcuterie boards, or simply a protein-packed snack on the go.
A True Sonoma County Food Experience
When you stop at Samnzar, you are getting more than just smoked fish. You are stepping into a place that feels like old Sonoma. Greg is usually there to greet you himself, often with his friendly dog Archie at his side. The sign out front features a fish with a pipe and hand-painted lettering. There is no big storefront. No pushy sales pitch. Just real food, made by hand, and served with pride.
It is the kind of roadside experience that reminds you why small businesses still matter. The kind of place where you chat for a few minutes, get a recommendation for a beach trail, and leave with a snack you will remember.
Why Samnzar Is a Must-Stop on Your North Bay Drive
- Wild-caught (when in season or available), small batch smoked salmon and trout
- Made fresh every week and sealed for travel
- Conveniently located on Bodega Highway
- Open Saturdays and Sundays from 9 AM to 4 PM
- Friendly, family-owned, and rooted in Sonoma tradition
And yes, it pairs perfectly with local cheese, crackers, or a glass of nearby Russian River Pinot.
“Absolutely phenomenal. Perfectly cooked, tender, and packed with rich, smoky flavor — you can taste the quality and craftsmanship in every bite.”
Visit Samnzar Smoke Shack This Weekend
Samnzar is located on Bodega Highway just outside Sebastopol, minutes from downtown and a short drive from Bodega Bay. It is open Saturdays and Sundays from 9 AM to 4 PM. There is no online ordering, no delivery, and no middlemen. Just real smoked fish made the same way for over 40 years.
Whether you are a foodie, a road tripper, or just hungry for something local and unforgettable, Samnzar Smoke Shack is a stop you will not regret.
