World famous Schwartz's, serving the best smoked meat from the original recipe of spices since 1928. Imagine walking through the door and taking a step back 75 years into "Main Street" history in Montreal. A "true" Montreal landmark that has welcomed celebrities and visitors from all over the world.
Schwartz's Deli is described as a Montreal icon with a legendary smoked meat sandwich that is tender, generously stacked on rye and often paired with pickles and a cherry soda. The atmosphere is old school, bustling, and communal, with long lines that move quickly and shared tables that add to the nostalgic vibe. The sandwich is repeatedly praised as top tier or the best many have tasted, with meat that is flavorful and juicy and options to choose lean, medium, or fatty cuts, though a few reviews note occasional dryness or uneven fat distribution. Poutine and fries are common accompaniments, sometimes great but occasionally criticized for being soggy or underseasoned; service is described as fast and friendly or brisk and crowded, depending on peak times. The experience is widely called a must visit for meat lovers and a defining Montreal experience, with many commendations of the history and atmosphere that make lines feel worth it. Some comments surface about price and crowding, but the overall sentiment remains strongly positive, framing Schwartz's Deli as a legendary staple that delivers a memorable smoked meat experience worth waiting for.
Old school, crowded, absolutely worth going. Meat is excellent. Fries & pickles are good too. Really glad we stopped in for a bite while we were exploring.
Nov 11, 2025
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SO good & worth the wait. If there's a line, it'll likely be quick. They seat people at tables with others in order to get everyone in & served. You'll probably make friends at your table!
Waited in line for 10 minutes for lunchtime. Sat at the counter, quick efficient service. Great meat sandwiches & perfect fries! Fun experience & loved the history on the walls!
Montreal smoked meat was divine. Fries were pretty underseasoned & a bit overcooked but the sandwich made up for it. Pickle was meh. The line moves fast but it is an endeavor...
The vibe was super unique, & the food was awesome. We got poutine with smoked meat as well as a smoked meat sandwich, & both were great.
Staff were friendly & we were served really quick.
Aug 27, 2025
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Great place for a sandwich…. These are soo big you'll be lucky to finish. tried the pastrami & the Turkey…. Pastrami was by far the better choice..
great service … friendly & helpful considering the pressure they were under with the diner absolutely packed!
I was going to just grab a sandwich to go instead of dining in in the OG diner, but I'm so glad that I waited! I made a new friend at the counter & had a wonderful conversation with them. The service was also amazing & I loved the staff's banter!
The smoked meat sandwich is obviously amazing - considering the big pile of smoked meat sandwiched between the rye, the saltiness of the smoked meat was beautifully adjusted & wasn't overpowering the umami of the meat itself. Would come again in August if I had the time!!
The meat is absolutely great. But I wonder what's with Montreal's obsession with oily blackened french fries? Doesn't everybody understand that 1) The best fries are the golden yellow colored fries & 2) the reason they are soaked black with oil is because the oil is overused & fries taste worse because of that?
The worst smoked meat sandwich I've ever had in Montreal. Dry, crumbly overly salty meat, soggy pickle, weird cole slaw, greasy fries . Just horrible. Three servings cost over $80. Not what it used to be. Go to the Platesu.
Schwartz's Deli is a true Montreal institution & an essential stop for anyone visiting the city. Nestled in the heart of the Plateau, the deli is surrounded by eclectic shops & fashionable boutiques, making it a vibrant part of the neighborhood. Its laid-back, communal vibe has long been a favorite for both locals & visitors, no matter the season, offering a one-of-a-kind experience every time.
The smoked meat sandwich, paired with a pickle & a black cherry soda, is an absolute must-try-it's easily one of the best in town. During our visit, we were lucky to have an excellent server, she was extremely attentive & friendly. Though the place was bustling, there's a welcoming atmosphere where you can easily share a table & strike up conversations with fellow diners.
Doesn't really need my review, but on the other hand, the sandwich today was delicious, melt in your mouth. Generous pickle order & great fries. We went during the off hours, & weren't rushed.
This was hands down one of the best Montreal-style sandwiches & poutines I've ever had! The flavours were incredible, with the sandwich perfectly stacked with tender, flavourful meat, & the poutine had just the right balance of crispy fries, rich gravy, & gooey cheese curds. The place was worth the wait in line, as the vibrant, bustling atmosphere added to the experience. While the prices were slightly higher, the quality & taste made it worth it. It's a spot I'd gladly return to for a memorable meal.
Excellent Smoked Meat. However unseasoned fries & Questionable Poutine. Remember the Deli has 2 lines one for dine in & another for take out. Be sure which line you are standing in.
