Schwartz's Deli serves the iconic Montreal smoked meat sandwich prepared using a traditional curing process that spans ten days. Each serving features brisket rubbed with a signature blend of spices and slow-smoked until tender. This establishment maintains a straightforward menu centered on the core product alongside essential sides like fresh coleslaw and yellow mustard. The interior environment reflects a functional, high-traffic aesthetic defined by tight seating arrangements and utilitarian decor meant for efficient service. Patrons receive portions of cured beef hand-sliced to order to ensure the specific texture and temperature required by local standards. The culinary experience relies on this consistent method of preparation that has defined the establishment for decades while focusing entirely on the quality of the primary protein. Every element serves the specific purpose of highlighting the distinct, savory profile of the seasoned meat.
Schwartz's Deli is widely considered a legendary culinary institution in Montreal, best known for its world-famous, tender, and flavorful smoked meat sandwiches. While many patrons find the experience of dining in the historic, bustling, and cramped atmosphere to be an essential part of the charm, others note that the long lineups and rapid-fire service can feel rushed or overwhelming. The staff are frequently described as efficient and professional, though experiences with service can vary from warm and engaging to dismissive. Guests often recommend pairing the meat with the signature cherry soda, coleslaw, and pickles to complete the meal. Despite some mixed reviews regarding portions, pricing, or occasional inconsistency in meat quality, most visitors view it as a must-visit landmark that defines the Montreal food scene, with many suggesting the takeout counter as a reliable alternative for those looking to avoid the wait.
The serving portion was perfect!! The smoked brisket was tender & juicy. The brisket covered poutine was outstanding!! If you sit at the bar you may be seated quicker than waiting for a table during the busier times.
I was worried this place wouldn't live up to the hype, but I was wrong. Ordered both the sandwich & poutine & both were amazing. I'll be dreaming about this place for a long time. It was busy but the lineup moved fast & we were happy to be seated at the counter where they were busy serving to hungry diners. Highly recommended.
If you want Montreal smoked meat, this is the place to get it. In addition to the classic sandwich, you can also forgo the silly bread & just opt for a plate of smoked meat. Yes, smoked meat poutine is also a thing here. This place does get pretty busy, so if there's a long line, consider grabbing something to go from their take-out location (literally right next door to the main restaurant).
Jul 7, 2026
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Visited this restaurant for the 1st time & the food was very delicious. We ordered a smoked meat poutine & a smoked meat sandwich. It was very filling, but worth the price. Will definitely recommend visiting this place if you're visiting Montreal. It is a place you won't want to miss. Shoutout to all the staff who work here, they did an amazing job 👏 👏👏👏👌👌👌🙌🙌🙌
This place absolutely lived up to the hype. The smoked meat was tender, flavorful, & piled high on every sandwich. Every bite was packed with flavor, & the portions were huge.
The poutine was also excellent & paired perfectly with the sandwiches. Despite how busy it was, the service moved quickly & the overall experience felt like a must-do Montreal food stop.
If you're visiting Montreal & want to try an iconic smoked meat sandwich, this is the place. Great food, generous portions, & a memorable experience from start to finish.
You can't visit Montreal & not go to Schwartz's Deli. Waiting in line to get inside is well worth the wait. In line outside, we were approached by what I can assume was the owner - doing a headcount & gladhandling the patrons. Once inside we sat down & ordered the smoked meat sandwich, with side coleslaw & pickle. The coleslaw was excellent & the pickles are half the reason people visit. The poutine is a must. A staple of the community, go hungry, leave full.
Visited Schwartz Deli on a Sunday afternoon at 3 PM. There were 3 of us & we waited for 30 minutes outside with only a few groups ahead. The place was crowded. We were seated at a shared table with 6 seats.
We ordered two smoked meat sandwiches & one poutine. The smoked meat was tender, the bread was thin & dry, & portions were small. The poutine was disappointing. Fries were overcooked & tasted burnt.
The bill came to about $50 (tax included, before tip), which felt overpriced for the quality & small portion size. Service was mediocre & rushed. The restaurant seemed more focused on turnover than experience.
While Schwartz Deli has a long-standing reputation & history, in my opinion, it was underwhelming & didn't live up to the hype. There are many other great restaurants worth exploring. This was a one-time visit, & unfortunately, not somewhere I'd return to.
After an 8-hour flight, I was desperate for comfort food. Having only seen poutine in YouTube videos, I felt lucky to stumble upon this place-full of authenticity & history.
The staff were very welcoming, & as a solo diner I quickly got a seat at the counter. I ordered the Schwartz poutine, which arrived almost instantly & completely delivered. The combination of cheese, fries, gravy, & smoked meat came together in rich, satisfying bites. My only complaint is that I wished the portion were twice the size.
Prices are slightly on the higher side, but considering the portion & sheer indulgence, it's easy to justify. Definitely worth it.
Visited Mar 6'26 for lunch after our sight seeing from Basilica Montreal. Ordered Sand Viande Fumee, Schwartz's poutine & the pickles (cornichon). Love all of them!!!! Even I packed one more Viande Fumee for our flight to Rome. Be sure to arrive before lunch or you find yourself waiting for table.
