NeahKahNie Smoke House — Restaurant in Wheeler

THIS PLACE. This is smoked fish in its highest form of divine expression as is humanly plausible tendered by a lovely crew, smoked in house, sourced responsibly with care and support for other local establishments. Their products are not cheap, but neither is their quality. The experience entirely concords with - and exceeds! - the financial outlay. Resulting luxurious hues, naturally derived via their smoking process - not artifically added for ocular trickery - satisfying texture, its pleasingly stiffer exterior, delicious aroma that smells how such a product ought to, that criminally sumptuous flavor… yeah, it’s fantastic.

Additionally, they offer sweet goodies locally baked fresh which is normally rather more plentiful in the warmer months, as well as house-made salmon lox spread utilizing their heavenly fish, salmon pies again crafted in-house, an occasional sushi item invented and created by their own hands, extra sourced gems like jellies, cheeses, and the paragon of local eggs - Sunbeam Farm. While multiple segments of Coho & King salmon is the Smoke House’s bread-and-butter, they present smoked tuna loins conveniently vacuum-sealed at various sizes and price points, and sablefish, its own aquatically divine experience smoked to dreamy perfection. Artwork in fish form. Seriously.

The building’s interior is “coastal modern”, very handsomely appointed, airy, and welcoming with its pseudo-industrial raiment and bright skylights, dark woods, modern countertops, ample glass display coolers which are deftly maintained. A cute bar area occupies one end of the great main room featuring tranquil views of Nehalem bay and mountains. Theresa, Lori & crew at NKN are a bit hidden from 101 in little Wheeler center unless you know where to fix your gaze upon their signage or among the enterprises adjacent to Wheeler’s marina, like the Salmonberry restaurant. True, their business hours are limited but I highly recommend carving out availability in your schedule to stop by, if such things appeal to you. Alternatively, you can locate these seafood mavens at the Friday Manzanita farmers’ market later in spring/summer. A grand slam, in baseball parlance. Establishments like this one really further augment the coastal Oregon experience, and that I myself get to dwell among such riches full...

Update June 2024: Finally got back and it was still amazing. The hand pies weren’t ready until 1pm, so maybe call ahead. They are also $10 each now. I’m not surprised though, they sell them so fast! And it’s still worth it!

Update 12.2.23: Took a half hour detour to swing by (following another car with the same idea), but they were closed despite Google saying they were open. In the 5 minutes we were there around 1pm, at least 6 other cars drove up with hungry but disappointed customers — not too disappointed because the memory of the food still tasted good… I guess they have enough customers that they don’t have to stress (and I know it was Thanksgiving weekend), but consistently updated hours would be great!

Original review: Fresh salmon hand pies were amazing and just the right price. The smoked salmon was so good too. And they...

Very impressed by the smoked fish selection and the QUALITY of everything we've tried. Compared to the usual vacuum sealed smoked fish from a grocery store, THIS smoked fish is FABULOUS!! Fresh, never dried out, and really enhances the flavor of the fish instead of hiding it under all kinds of additives and spices. You with be absolutely delighted by anything you buy here, but come early, as they sell out quite often! The people behind the counter are friendly and very willing to talk about the selections and to...