I haven't reviewed Gustafson's? Giving credit where credit is due, this was another Jane & Michael Stern find from the 2005 update of their classic book Roadfood. Man, do your remember travel books? If you find one in a used book store, pick it up. The classics stay classic. And speaking of the classics, Gustafson's is the real deal. Roadside gas station with a handful of smokers to transform the bounty of the great lakes into delicious succulent morsels of delight. If you don't know, I have what I affectionately call a fat-tooth. And the fish that swim in those frigid fresh water lakes develop such beautiful and silky fat. The lake trout especially! Gustafson's isn't fancy. Walking in the door you may ask yourself, "This is it?". But when you tear open your pouch of smoked lake trout, and pull the meat off the bones with your fingers, with a little of that fat dripping down your arm and chin, you'll say to yourself, "Yeah, this is it." This is a required stop anytime I'm up in the UP. Last visit they were out of the whitefish, but so it goes. And looking back on the listing in Roadfood, the Sterns mentioned seeing smoked menominee in the case, but I've never noticed it before. I'll have to ask next time I'm up. Sure, you can get the salmon. I imagine it's delicious. The Gustafson's crew are great at smoking and salmon takes smoke well. But I say go for the local stuff. Get out of your comfort zone and buy a whole whitefish. Don't fret about heads and bones. Don't worry that you won't finish it (there is a bunch of negative space inside, they aren't as big as they look). You've got this. I believe in you! read more

Great small store, excellent selection of smoked fish, Jerky, cheese etc. reasonably priced and very friendly knowledgeable staff. Will definitely be back. read more

Arguably the best spot in the U.P. To get smoked fish and meats! The service is friendly, and the meat and fish is smoked to perfection! The salmon is delicious! We also like the Slim Jim's. There was plenty of parking. There is a lot of local made goods here and there is always something new to look at. Casual spot for snacks! read more

See all

They have the best smoked fish in the UP, and their canned goods are top notch. The candied jalapeños are addictive.

Cute little store on the side of the road. Great selections of meat sticks and smoked fish. The lady at the front was nice and helpful.

Very, very friendly and patient service and some exceptionally good smoked fish. Highly recommend!!

My best friend lives in Michigan and goes here at least once a year. I've always been jealous of the photos. Welp, this year, I finally got to go and man, it was everything I hoped it would be. Jerky good. Smoked whitefish dip good. Whole smoked whitefish very very good. But the highlight, and what I came for, was the salmon. OMG. This is what I have always wanted smoked salmon to be. I could just eat chunks of it on its own, but even better, I put it on a bagel with fresh whipped cream cheese and also used it in a rice bowl with avocado, cucumber, carrot, soy sauce, and sesame seeds. Crazy delicious. I cannot even express how happy this made me. I could, I would, eat this every day if it were available to me. I am actually motivated to make my own at home, best I can, to try to capture this amazingness. If you don't stop here on your way in and out of the UP you are missing out. Can't wait to go back next year! read more

See all

Driving around in the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan, you'll see lots of places with signs about smoked fish/jerky/pasties etc. Gustafson's is one of those places! My friends and I stopped in to Gustafson's on our way to Camp Seven Lake to pick up some smoked whitefish dip and ice. We also got some Upper Hand beer and a bottle of pure maple syrup. You know, all the UP essentials. The prices seemed pretty normal for smoked fish, around $8 or $9 per pound. They also sell lots of souvenir type items like shot glasses, postcards, t-shirts, hats, etc. You can get some grocery items if you forgot anything and of course booze. There are porta potties available and quite a bit of parking. The smoked whitefish dip was a little too strong for my taste - it was extra smoky and a little too fishy for me, and I usually love whitefish dip. Overall this is a great stop to pick up some supplies and get a photo sitting in the big Adirondack chair! read more

See all

Stopped here for lunch items while driving through Moran to Grand Marais, and I'm so glad we did. The smoked whitefish was exceptional. The friendly cashier helped us choose some locally made items. The store also had an indoor bathroom and two portable potties outside. This small convenience store was a delightful surprise. read more

See all

We bought the smoked whitefish - beautiful in appearance, but dry with NO flavor, like none. There was no smokiness, no nothing. We were disappointed. read more

This place is a treasure!!! We've been looking for a magnet for the Upper Peninsula and they had many cute ones. They had so many wonderful souvenirs, smoked fish, pasties, and you name it. So many little places are closed along the route so we were really happy to find this adorable store open. And the people were incredibly nice read more

See all

There are a lot of tourists trap smoked fish and jerky places. This isn't that. Does it have the typical trinkets and crap you don't need...sure but it also has the best smoked whitefish that I've ever had. Not sure about the other fish they have. Although I'm sure it's great. The whitefish is just so good I can't not get it. I've been getting fish from here for 20+ years. Just brought my 2 year old here for the first time. Making memories. Anytime I go across the bridge I'm going here for sure no doubts. It's so good I usually take fish back to my uncles etc. Get the whole whitefish some spicy slim Jim's and a faygo. You will not be disappointed. Simply the best in my opinion. read more

See all

My husband grew up going here and getting beef sticks, smoked fish, crackers and cheese curds. Honestly this was one of the main reasons we chose mackinaw to spend our family vacation this year was to relive those memories with our family. Let me just say, it did not disappoint!!! This was the most amazing smoked fish and beef sticks I've ever had. You could tell that everyone that stopped were huge fans because everyone grabbed fish , cheese curds and beef sticks. We spent over $500 the whole tome we were there so we could Could take a bunch of stuff home. We will definitely be returning, can't wait until the next tome we are in mackinaw! read more

See all

WOW! What a find!!! We were just looking for gas and a bathroom but we found SO much more. When the line to buy their own food is 20 deep you KNOW it has to be good. Homemade slim jims, cheese curds, smoked fish, pasties, delicious Michigan beer, booze, sweatshirts, MI gifts. Such a find! We are on our way *out* of the UP now, but you can bet it'll be one of our first stops on our way back in next year!!! read more

Decent smoked fish. We enjoyed the smoked salmon we got here. The pepper flavor was all gone when I got there, I hope to taste that one next time. read more

Been going up there from the Lansing area for years. Best jerky I ever had and their smoked white fish fish delicious love the white fish dip read more

We love Gustafon's! When we got home from the UP, we had friends ask, "please tell me you went to Gustafon's?!" So glad we did. The meat sticks were great and the random specialty items definitely added to our trip. They also had cute mugs and souvenirs. The shop across the street (owned by the same people) was SO CUTE and trendy, too! Had tons of great brands including Rifle Paper Company. read more

Gustafson's Smoked Fish - The shop across the street which is owned by Gustafon's - Convenience Stores Near Me - Moran, Michigan

See all

Gustafsons is a must stop when traveling along us-2 in the upper peninsula!! Beef jerky is always fresh and the smoked whitefish is a great as well ! We always pick up crackers as well they pair well together . read more

Excellent smoked fish but you could tell the women working behind the counter had better things to do then help customers.

Friendly folks run this place. All goods are delicious, fresh and reasonably priced. Clean bathrooms! This will always be a stop over for us when we visit the UP on future trips. read more

Gustafson's Smoked Fish - Smoked fish! - Convenience Stores Near Me - Moran, Michigan

See all

My family has been stopping here for years now every time we go on vacation in the UP. Going to get their smoked fish and jerky is always the pinnacle point of my vacation. I've recommended this place to anyone that tells me they are planning to go up to the UP because in my opinion it's the best store for jerky and smoked fish in Michigan. Absolutely always satisfied with the quality of their products and they have great customer service. Just had my parents go and get me stocked up since they're vacationing up in Mackinaw and I can't wait to enjoy it! read more

Really good jerky. Service was quick and friendly. Will stop again if in the area. Plus the saved us being a gas station too.

Cute gas station and shop a good ways past Mackinac Bridge and St. Ignace. Pretty much a stand alone establishment that is worth the stop - you'll spot the big yellow letters. Very friendly and helpful service. They have an array of smoked fish; we settled on one whole smoked whitefish that weighed in a little over 1 pound and a good hunk of smoked trout. As I was advised that the cheese curds are mild, a woman behind the counter brought out and suggested an extra sharp Wisconsin cheddar. The smoked fish are very interesting - good. The white fish is saltier and the trout is fattier, both go well with the cheese and buttery Ritz crackers. Add some apples and baby carrots and you've got yourself a great picnic spread! read more

Gustafson's Smoked Fish - Convenience Stores Near Me - Moran, Michigan

See all

The salmon and jerky are fantastic!!! Had to stop on our way back to try the trout and whitefish and pick up more jerky! read more

Gustafson's Smoked Fish - Convenience Stores Near Me - Moran, Michigan

We drive 20 hours from South Carolina each year and look forward to picking up a couple smoked whitefish on the way. However this year was extremely disappointing. I called at 5:50, knowing they close at 6:00, and asked if the could stay open FOUR minutes past 6:00 to buy two whole smoked white fish and was told, "no, they close at 6:00." We showed up at 6:03. This wouldn't happen in the south y'all. read more

See all

Really enjoyed the smoked fish dip, has a little kick. Haven't tried the smoked white fish yet, but I was told that it's the best for miles around. read more

This place is great! It has a wide selection of smoked fish and pickled goodies. The zesty pickled asparagus is awesome!! read more

Gustafson's Smoked Fish - Convenience Stores Near Me - Moran, Michigan

We happened upon the place on the verge of running out of fuel, they didn't sell diesel but gave good directions. My wife said I should have gone in but I was more interested in not becoming a U.P. Deliverance victim with a novel written after me. A couple days later we went back and I grabbed some smoked salmon and house made slim Jim's. Actually tried a little bit of fish right away and though bagel and cream cheese. Next morning delivered a wonderful breakfast. I ding them on selling farm raised fish of any sort. Plan on enjoying the remaining salmon with Gouda and crackers. You should stop in but try wild caught trout or whitefish along with the salmon. I will go back in hopes of catching the smoker boiling again and getting fresh warm fish. read more

This place is AWESOME! WONDERFUL! MAGNIFICENT! It's not a trip to the u.p. with out stopping here. Once we were lucky enough to get warm fish right out of the smoker... omg... I'm reluctant to write this review because I want it all for myself, but this folks have earned my recommendation!!!! Love it love it love it! read more

Heard good things about this place. Stopped there over the weekend. Best smoked salmon we have ever ate.

Gustafson's Smoked Fish is a mandatory stop every trip up, but especially on the way to deer camp! The smoked salmon is the best, period. Smoked fish & cheese on saltines is the tradition for dinner after having gotten everything settled into camp: no need to cook when you've got something that tastes this good! This year I picked up the 4yr white cheddar, and let me tell you, that was a great combo. If you are passing by, stop at Gustafson's Smoked Fish! It is the best! read more

Man this is some good smoked fish and fair pricing. I should've bought more. Whatever they're using to smoke it - they're doing it right.

Best place for jerky in the UP. My husband visited as a kid with his family. To go back today was exciting for him. Especially to see all the improvements and the fact that they are doing well. The fish jerky and cheese curds are a must! Great little stop with lots to offer. read more

Gustafson's Smoked Fish - Convenience Stores Near Me - Moran, Michigan

I can't even begin to express how much I love this place! Only visit once every year or two, but no matter who is working, whether the owner or staff members, they are friendly, fast, and full of good humor! Every time we return to the UP, this is our mandatory stop on our way back to Missouri. They have everything we need to take a bit of "home" back south with us, from delectable jams from the Keweenaw to Hiawatha Pasties to the smoked treasures of the Great Lakes. Travel a few more miles east, closer to the Bridge, and you can buy similar items for twice the price (though the smoked fish and jerky will NEVER be as good as what you'll get at Gustafson's). Why would anyone want to do that? Next time you visit the last frontier and you want to bring a little of the U.P. home with you, go to Gustafson's. This is a genuine local specialty store, not a tourist trap. It's lots of fun, it's well-stocked, the prices are reasonable, and the staff are warm and friendly people who seem to like their jobs. This is a rare gem along Highway 2. Don't miss it! read more

Nice folks. Got some smoked whitefish and menominee here which was good. Prices reasonable. I see the rave reviews about the jerky, I had some bbq and some Cajun and it just ... Tastes kinda weird. Didn't love it. I also wish you could buy less than a pound at a time (which is $20 if you buy one flavor and $24 a pound if you mix and match) But can't go wrong with the smoked fish. It was a slower day so maybe that's why they weren't actively smoking the fish but it's always nicer to see that since it points to the rate of turnover (i.e. How long your smoked fish has been sitting in the display case) read more

My husband and I stopped here twice on vacation, once for gas and once for gas and soda. The first time was early in the morning and they were running the smoker located on premises. My husband doesn't like fish (I know don't get me started) so we didn't purchase any but the smell rising from the smoker was delicious. Our little doggie stopped in midstride on the way to the dog run to get a big whiff of the smoker. On our second gas stop, we went in to this establishment and got to see the large selection of smoked fish with the various flavors. People were readily purchasing the smoked fish over various other items in the store. While my husband and I still did not buy the fish, we have been to other smoked fish facilities that did not have the variability, large selection and cleanliness that this facility offered. Speaking of cleanliness, the bathroom was frequented by a lots of people and it was shared between men and women, this also was amazingly clean. The other favored thing about this facility was the dog run, when traveling with your furry family that is always a huge plus! I recommend this stop if you're in the area! read more

Gustafson's Smoked Fish - Convenience Stores Near Me - Moran, Michigan

See all

The best smoked fish in da UP! Always fresh, with plenty of options including harder to find local fish species. The friendly folks of Gustafson's have mastered the craft of smoking! I just wish they had more varieties for the chili heads and spice lovers. read more

I love smoked fish and this is the place to get some of the best I have ever had. They are really experts at this and very professional. Always label with the end dates. Now when I go that way, I get orders from friends who love it as well. read more

This place us a gem! They have fabulous locally caught smokes fish. Their cheese curds, beef sticks, and turkey jerky are outstanding. Carrying Stormy Kromers and Keewenaw jam, it is a one-stop U.P. must. read more

Great little roadside shop for smoked fish spread, jerky, and cheese curds. Taste great. They also offer neat gift items: t-shirts, hats, and travel mugs with their logo, as well as Michigan and UP shaped wood cutting boards, maple syrup and jams. Friendly and helpful staff. Always a stop to which we look forward as we travel North. read more