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.
I hesitated writing a review about their service, but after reading that some customers were ALSO asked by the waiters to reconsider their tip, I felt compelled to add my own experience. I paid for my friend's orders & my own. Personally, it feels a little ridiculous to have paid over 60$ for what you see in the picture. The food was great! But the service wasn't impressive - simply average, yet the waitress had the audacity to ask for more in a condescending tone. We left another 7$ in cash to appease her, but I honestly should have kept it. Asking customers for more tips is classless. I'd consider going to another brunch place.
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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Hands down one of the best breakfast spots in Montreal for classic brunch done right. Their pancakes are incredibly fluffy, & the bagels are absolutely amazing-perfect every single time. This place is truly an institution, & you can feel it in the atmosphere, the consistency, & the quality of the food. I always love coming here for brunch, & it never disappoints. A must-visit for breakfast lovers! 🥞🥯
If you're looking for a place to eat breakfast or brunch.& like the old school diner feel I highly recommend this place, & the staff is extremely friendly.& very quick
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 $10 sandwich felt like a rip-off, & I was extremely disappointed.
The dish itself could easily be improved, but in its current form, it completely took away my desire to return. I didn't recommend the restaurant to my friends because of this experience.
The restaurant should seriously reconsider the portion size & value of this item. It doesn't make sense to charge the same price for a very plain sandwich as for a full, well-garnished brunch plate.
Dec 31, 2025
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The food is bad, worse than bigger franchises brunch/breakfast place, & also overpriced for burnt food.
My sausages were burnt, the potatoes were undercooked. They charge 3$ for coffee btw, & super low quality coffee too. Also can't customize omelet, if we ask just to add mushrooms, they can only remove not add.
Now service was horrible, the servers were extremely condensending & rude, again we're paying customers, so you can atleast too look happy at your job.
Anyways, better to go any other breakfast restaurant, don't waste your money & time.
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.
Brunch de lundi de Pâques en famille, bonne organisation pour l'accès aux tables en fonction du nombre de personnes. Les banquettes sont un peu serrées.
C'était bon & typique de l'Amérique.
L'atmosphère du restaurant est sympa, le brunch est assez "simple", bon sans être incroyable mais le service est clairement à revoir. On essayait déjà de nous faire partir après seulement 30 minutes passées dans le restaurant parce que des clients attendaient, & la serveuse a levé les yeux au ciel quand on lui a demandé des notes séparées... Je n'y reviendrai pas
Fantastic spot for weekend brunch! My friend & I shared the blueberry pancakes, which were absolutely delicious-the perfect balance of fluffy texture & just the right amount of blueberries. We also tried the BLT, & it was an amazing mix of sweet & savory flavors that hit all the right notes. The interior has such a unique charm-it feels like stepping back into the'80s, which I loved. Despite arriving on a busy Saturday around 2 PM, we were seated within just 15 minutes-a pleasant surprise! I can't wait to come back & explore more of their menu, especially their smoothies!
Stopped for brunch on Sunday morning. There was a line, but it moved quickly. The menu is huge & has a great variety. We had the omelet with feta it served with great potatoes in side & also we had the salmon bagel. The service was fast, the food was tasty , & I was impressed by how clean the place was, even though it was full
Malgré un bon service , l'augmentation des tarifs de ces 5 dernières années ( de 11 a 17 CAD en 2024 ) ne justifie plus le prix pour un brunch peu goutu & pauvre en diversité.
I was a dedicated Beauty's regular back in the 90s. Today brunch for my 10 year old son, 6 year old daughter & me was 80 dollars, very very rushed, waiters took plates we weren't finished with & brought us the bill while we were eating, very scabby with coffee refills. Probably not the case for people who can afford to be regulars. Tasty though. Very tasty. Tiny portions, had to feed my kids again at home. Goodbye Beauty's! I loved you but there are far more generous friendlier places for brunch in this city!
