Reviews describe Beautys Luncheonette as a Montreal institution with an old school diner vibe, beloved for its classic breakfast fare, fluffy pancakes, bagels, the Beauty's Special bagel with lox, and hearty dishes like Mish Mash, while the nostalgic atmosphere and friendly service are highlighted when experiences go smoothly. The place is praised for consistency, lively energy, and the sense of history that shows in the crowds and decor, though wait times on weekends are common. However, opinions on value and portions vary: some argue pricing is high for relatively simple plates or smaller portions, and a few meals arrive with minimal sides or ingredients, making certain dishes feel less worth the cost. Service quality is also mixed, with many reviews noting warm, attentive staff and others recounting unprofessional attitudes or rushed seating as lines form. Despite these differences, Beautys Luncheonette is widely regarded as a must visit for breakfast lovers and a nostalgic Montreal icon, offering iconic items and a memorable, busy dining experience that reflects its long standing presence in the city.
Good spot. It's a cute Jewish diner type vibe & the staff was very friendly. The milkshakes are AMAZING & our burgers were also great. Beauty's is a household name for a reason. Will say it was very expensive (80+ for 2 burgers & 2 milkshakes)
Really disappointed in my first trip to Beauty's. I've heard nothing but good things but maybe this was just a bad day. Server didn't say more than 5 words to us outside of taking our order. Didn't check up on us once. The food was pretty gross & cold; especially the'homefries' that are more or less just re-heated boiled potatoes.
EDIT:
I made this initial review while waiting for our bill. This story gets way crazier. After waiting nearly half an hour to pay at the table, we ended up making our way to the front payment desk asked to take care of our bill there, as we had post-brunch plans.
A member of our party had been displeased by the lack of service we had received, & asked that the 18% auto gratitude be removed from their bill. The waitress quickly printed off the bills we had been waiting for when she saw us make our way to the front counter, & met us there.
This is where the theatrics begin. She began by saying that we are threatening her livelihood, suggesting that we must do this often, & repeatedly accusing us of attempting to scam the restaurant. We had repeatedly reassured her that we were willing to pay for everything we had ordered, but that we'd just like the tip removed. This situation continued to escalate to the point that the waitress began cussing at our group. Her most shocking comment was that we all must live a'Miserable Existence'.
I had intended to pay the 18% added to my personal bill despite the poor service, but the waitresses bizarre accusations & outbursts changed my mind. I can't remember the last time I have not left a tip, so this really stands out to me.
The manager watched this entire interaction. She only once stepped in to'remind' us that this is how waitresses pay their bills. She did also snap her fingers at the waitress in an attempt to calm her down. Overall, this whole experience was humiliating & classless.
Reading through the reviews, I can see that'tip-shaming' seems to be common at this restaurant. Needless to say, I will never return. Definitely the craziest dining experience I've had.
Mar 7, 2026
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I was really surprised with my experience here at beauty's. I was really excited to visit since it's a household name in Montreal however the quality of their food & service was not reflective of their reputation. I'm surprised a basically meal was super expensive with nothing special on it. Second my friend got the gravlax sandwich with one piece of salmon & 3 tomato pieces to make the sandwich appear thicker. When I asked our waitress for my eggs over easy & well done yolks she gave me a face & came back with runny yolks. I will say tho the restaurant it self was well decorated with a nostalgic vibe. But I would look at other breakfast restaurants to try.
I ordered a sandwich called the BML (Beauty's something… if I remember correctly) from the brunch menu. It was a very basic sandwich: one slice of Kraft cheese, an egg, bacon, tomato, & mayo, served on grilled bread. No side dish.
It cost the same price as my colleagues' full brunch plates, which included pancakes, bacon, egg, potatoes , a bagel & more.
I'm not saying the restaurant is bad overall - my friends seemed to really enjoy their meals. However, I strongly discourage ordering this particular dish. Paying $25 (tax, tip in) for what is essentially a $10 sandwich felt like a rip-off, & I was extremely disappointed.
The dish itself could easily be improved, but in its current form, it completely took away my desire to return. I didn't recommend the restaurant to my friends because of this experience.
The restaurant should seriously reconsider the portion size & value of this item. It doesn't make sense to charge the same price for a very plain sandwich as for a full, well-garnished brunch plate.
Beautys is definitely a historic spot in Montreal. The food was a bit underwhelming however, & the portions are a bit small for the price. We were politely asked to leave right after finishing our plates because of the line up, which of course had a bit of an impact of my experience.
Went there for the first time almost 40 years ago & it has changed alot over the years but still great food & although I preferred the old look it does look good. Enjoyed the Beauty's Special & as I am here for a few days will likely go back for another...
Sep 6, 2025
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Beautys Luncheonette on Mont-Royal Street in Montreal is a true classic that has been delighting locals & visitors since 1942. For photographers from Photolator, it's not just a place to eat - it's a slice of Montreal's cultural & culinary history.
The retro diner atmosphere, complete with its famous neon sign & cozy booths, offers fantastic opportunities for capturing timeless urban & lifestyle shots. Inside, the service is warm & friendly, making you feel like a regular even on your first visit. The menu is simple but exceptional, with their legendary Beauty's Special bagel & lox, fluffy pancakes, & perfectly brewed coffee standing out as highlights.
The presentation is clean & appetizing, perfect for food photography without the need for excessive styling. Whether you're looking to fuel up before a photo walk or capture authentic diner vibes, Beautys is a Montreal gem worth visiting again & again.
Went to Beauty's on a recommendation & loved it. Our server was great, the food was phenomenal, & the atmosphere was classic. The Bloody Mary's were a treat & the grilled banana bread was incredible. Worth the wait to get in!
Beauty's is a classic, Jewish restaurant, but definitely no kosher (you can tell from the very tasty bacon!)
The wait is usually 10-20 minutes(can definitely be more!), but it's well worth it & the line moves quickly.
Not the cheapest, however, the food is great & plentiful. The grilled banana bread is amazing, theirs smoothies are fresh & tasty. The salad was huge & very fresh.
Very accommodating & very friendly people & staff. When one family arrived & wanted a kosher experience, they worked very hard to find them somewhere that was - not many places would have gone out of their way to do so.
Family of 4 with 4 meals & 3 drinks came to about $160 (with tax & tip)
Un service de grande qualité qu'importe le moment où vous venez. Une ambiance propre à Beauty's qu'on ne retrouve pas ailleurs. On se sent comme à la maison. & surtout une cuisine excellente. LE meilleur brunch de Montréal à mes yeux.
Jun 24, 2025
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Good food, service is good too. I went to Beauty's on a weekend morning, which is an incredibly busy time for them. The tables are really close together to sit a lot of people at once, which isn't a problem, but I felt rushed. I wasn't even finished eating & was asked if I'd like the bill. The waiters are just doing their job & trying to get the waiting customers to sit down, which is understandable. They were nice about it.
I'll just say this: if you want to eat a breakfast leisurely on a weekend, this is not the place to go. However, the decoration is cute & it's worth a try if you can find the time to go during a less busy time.
Just got back with my husband from Montreal & all I can think about is our experience at Beauty's TWICE! First, let me mention we were able to meet & talk with Elana, the granddaughter of the original owners & then we met her dad, Larry. To say we were charmed would be an understatement. They couldn't have been more gracious, down to earth & charming. We had so much in common, it was fun getting to know them! Oh…the food?? First rate & I'm from the NYC area. Both of us had the lox, eggs & onions aka LEO. I can tell you I've had them at The Rascal House, Nate & Al's & Katz's deli & trust me when I say there is no comparison. The eggs were perfect, the onions perfectly caramelized & the lox plentiful. In addition you get a St Viateur bagel & IYKYK…the bacon & home fries were swoon worthy. I can't recommend Beauty's enough. I'm dreaming of my next visit! Thanks again Elana for the wonderful experience!!
Apr 20, 2025
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Amazing service. I love the owners! They are so friendly & very sweet. They really create a wonderful classic diner experience. The food is incredible, I usually get the beauty's special bagel. & if I'm real hungry the lox omelette which is delectable. This is without a doubt an essential Montréal diner.
Nous allons au Beautys depuis plus de 40 ans des clients de longue date! La nourriture est toujours excellente ainsi que le service!! Par contre… l'augmentation des prix est incroyable & injustifiée. Un petite tasse de cappuccino pour 7.00$….ridicule
Super Beauties dish was very good, food was fresh. Pancakes are super yummy & light, restaurant has interesting pieces from the 50s. Great to see coffee included!
It's a Monday full of Monday stresses & Monday rushes. & here I am sitting in a warm corner of the city listening to Jim Croce over a hefty plate of pancakes drizzled with a little maple. Beautys Diner pours coffee & light into your day... & I highly recommend this to anyone wanting a handshake & a hug from a smiling past, here in the present.
