Monsieur Smoked Meat (Lerster's Deli or Mr Smoked Meat) is situated in the beautiful Outremont, on the north side of Mount Royal, in the heart of Montreal. Lesters Deli has maintained a reputation for serving some of the finest hot smoked meat sandwich in Montreal since 1951! Mr Smoked Meat also offers you delicious Montreal Smoked Meat, freshly cut, vacuum-sealed and ready to be heated whenever and wherever the craving arises.
Overall, Lester's Deli blends an old fashioned, nostalgic Montreal deli atmosphere with consistently tender smoked meat and generous sides like dill pickles, coleslaw, and fries, often accompanied by fast, friendly service and a warm, local vibe. Many reviews praise the meat as rich, juicy, and flavorful, with some calling it among the best in town and a standout option for those looking for an authentic Montreal smoke meat experience. The experience is described as approachable and affordable for the portion size, though a few readers note price increases and portions that feel smaller or meat that is leaner than before. Takeout and dine in both attract loyal fans, and the counter style with retro memorabilia adds to a sense of community and tradition. Some comments mention occasional service hiccups or long lines during peak times, while others highlight exceptionally friendly staff and hospitable gestures that feel like a visit to a friend. Sides such as house made pickles, coleslaw, and poutine are frequently praised for freshness, though fries or bread may be noted as too salty or some meat not as brisket like as expected. Overall the deli is considered a Montreal classic and a must visit for smoked meat lovers seeking a nostalgic, flavorful bite and a taste of local deli history.
Visiting Montreal from Thunder Bay with my wife for the second time. I was looking forward to trying the smoked meats around the city. I hunt & prepare my own meats, so I like to see what locals eat when it comes to meats. I made a point to stop by Lester's because I only managed to hit Schwartz last time & I heard the consensus is split between which is better.
As a meat lover, I found the smoked meat here to be slightly better than Schwartz (I even made a trip back to Schwartz to compare because I needed another taste after 2 years). The moisture of the meat is well balanced, flavorful & not overly chewy or stringy. It has that classic smoked flavor that you only get in the high-quality product.
Experience with the three staff members was memorable & more personal than Schwartz. It was clearly a close-knit family dynamic with the staff which made the atmosphere very welcoming.
The young American lady at the counter greeted us & answered my questions about the menu as well as some friendly small talk with my wife. She was knowledgeable about the shop's history & showed great positive attention to my wife who likes to talk a lot (fortunately the store was empty so she didnt keep anyone from their job). The American woman recommended a hotdogs for my wife, which she loved & ordered a second. The young lady recommended a carrot cake. I dont usually eat desserts for my health, but I tried a bite of my wife's & had to take a few more. The cake was excellent as was the hotdog according to my wife.
Meanwhile, I chatted with the gentleman who prepared the meat, Louie, who told me a bit about the process. I could see he is a master of the craft.
Overall, the atmosphere, service, & flavor exceeded Schwartz, & I believe it was largely due to the care & attention paid by the workers. As a small business owner, seeing these types of people who are knowledgeable & passionate show that the business isn't hiring just anybody to do the most important work, preparing the high-quality smoked meat which Lesters is known for.
Best experience ever! The vibe was local & warm. The smoke meat & roast beef is tender & off the chart. What really sealed it was the hospitality. We forgot our stuff & the waiter actually ran out to us in -20C weather in plain clothes to return it to us! A new go-to for smoked meat for us!
Jan 24, 2026
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Stepping inside feels like walking into a slice of local history-the walls adorned with photos, the friendly chatter of regulars, & that unmistakable aroma of freshly smoked meat drifting from the counter.
The service was warm & welcoming, the kind that makes you feel less like a customer & more like a guest in someone's home. I ordered their classic smoked meat sandwich, & it was everything I'd hoped for: tender, perfectly seasoned meat piled high on fresh rye bread, with just enough mustard to tie it all together. The portion was generous, the flavors bold, & every bite felt like a celebration of Montreal's deli tradition.
What I especially enjoyed was how authentic & unpretentious the whole experience was. It's a place where locals & tourists mingle easily, united by a shared love for great food. If you're exploring Montreal, Lester's Deli is not just a meal stop-it's a delicious piece of the city's cultural fabric that you shouldn't miss.
Este local me fois recomendado por um morador como um dos dois locais mais tradicionais para comer o famoso sanduíche de viande à fumée. Caminhei um adicional de 3km para ir e valeu muito à pena.
O ambiente é charmoso, com aquela cara de relíquia. A comida é maravilhosa e chega rápido. Por fim, os atendentes sao atentos.
Terminei de comer sem fome alguma e já queria pedir mais. Incrivelmente bom.
Came here for smoked meat sandwiches & definitely glad it was recommended. Great food, counter service for takeout was attentive, cordial. The meat stood out, we both liked it better than other well known local competitors.
One of the more well-known smoked meat spots in town. The smoked meat was pretty good - tasty & satisfying - & the fries were decent too. Overall, the food hit the spot. That said, the service wasn't great when we went. It felt like we didn't get much attention, which was a bit disappointing.
Still, it's definitely worth checking out, especially if you're visiting & want to try a local favorite. Everyone has different tastes, & while I personally think there are a few places with better flavor, this place has its own charm. Give it a shot & see what you think!
Compared to some smoked meat spots in the city, their smoked meat was not bad. It didn't have as much flavour especially since it's apparently comparable to another famous spot. I do like that the portions are still massive & the smoked meat poutine was so good. The staff are friendly & it's nice to see so many locals that come here.
Dec 10, 2024
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Channeling my inner Outremont local since 1951 - devouring a large smoked meat sandwich, fries, dill pickles, & washing it down with a black cherry Coke. This legendary spot has been fueling generations, one massive bite at a time! 😊
Another MUST when visiting Montreal! The Smoked Meat Sandwich, tremendous! Very simple but nothing quite like it. The tourists go to Schwartz's Deli but the locals know the deal, Lester's Deli is the ONE!
