Original Smith Bros. Fish Sandwich Takes an Old School Feel

After much anticipation, I was finally able to indulge in the "Original" Smith Bros. Fish Sandwich — now being served at Smith Brothers Coffee House thanks to the takeover by Duluth Trading Company.

For the past two years of sitting in that coffee shop, Patching away, I had heard a number of visitors stumble in and beg the question, "Where'd the fish go?" 

Alas, the coffee shop had focused on serving coffee and baked goods for years to that point, but people still wanted their seafood and were being sent elsewhere — until now.

Duluth Trading Company has actually added a menu that includes several sandwich and salad options at the coffee shop.

At the top of the list is where you'll see it — the menu exclaims: "The Original is Back!"

So, I had to try it.

Though I had never experienced the "original," I will say that the newly added menu item does take on a "throw-back," nostalgic appeal. It's served in a white bag all folded up, and closed shut with a standard Smith Bros. sticker. I'd imagine all their sandwiches are served this way, but the simplistic style just screamed "original."

What impressed me most about the sandwich is that it focuses on local: the fish fillets come from Ewig Bros, and the bun is from newly-opened Sweet Buns Bakery. And the tartar sauce was to die for.

It was a good lunch, and I'd recommend heading in and giving it a shot for your own dose of nostalgia. I did want to note that I do think the price tag — at $8.95 a sandwich — is a little steep ... I'd take a bag of chips or something with it for that price.

Have you tried the original since it came back?

Tell us your thoughts in the comments.