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.
La viande est tendre mais je m'attendais à tellement mieux avec un goût plus original & authentique, un peu sur côté & & cher (55$ pour 1 poutine 1 sandwich & 1 canette)
We waited in line in the rain for 40 minutes & it was worth it. Ordered smoked meat sandwich, poutine & a pickle. Server was fabulous & the food was even better!! They have a take pit window also. They have several tables & a counter to sit at. We sat with 4 other people at a table for 6.
Aug 13, 2024
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Service can be described using only one word. Amazing!! Our waiter was very, very kind & friendly. He tried to get to know us & even was okay being in a picture with us! Moving onto the food, our smoked meat sandwiches were a must have! The bread was very soft & fluffy, while the meat was not dry & perfectly cooked! The smoked meat poutine, as well was also phenomenal! It was above average poutine with Schwartz's above average meat! However, like all other restaurants, Schwartz has its downsides. Some of the forks & cups looked dirty & unwell washed & scrubbed. However, the dirty forks & cups do not, at all make a dent in my 5 star review for this restaurant.
The smoked meat sandwich was fantastic, with meat that melts in your mouth-highly recommend! However, the Schwartz poutine was disappointing. Despite the delicious gravy, it had very little smoked meat, & the fries were burnt & stale. I wouldn't recommend it. The sitting area is so limited that there were about 30 people outside under the scorching sun waiting to be seated, while there's not much merit in sitting in the dining area anyway. The takeout side on the other hand, was well-managed & the line was almost non existent. I would recommend choosing takeout instead.
I really hate to say this...but I think it was just "ok". I know it's a Montreal staple & I don't want to hate on it. I got the smoked meat sandwich & poutine. Poutine is just not my thing, but the sandwich seemed dry & tasteless. What I'd change is getting the meat on a roll & putting more mustard on it...but I don't think it should need mustard. I loved that there was a line out the door & that it clearly has been around longer than I've been alive. Much love, but maybe it's just not for me.
Jul 12, 2024
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A local told me Montreal has the best bagels & smoked meats in the world - now as a snobbish New Yorker, I raised an eyebrow. I have to try this classic deli serving smoked meats in order to corroborate. Even in the ungodly heat of this Monday afternoon the line was long - pro tip: go through the takeout counter & save you some time, they have some seating in the back. I tried the poutine Schwartz style - a classic poutine with a heaping serving of smoked meat. The meat was tender, smoky & not salty at all, but still flavorful. You can get your smoked meat fix here for sure, if you're a NYer craving a pastrami sandwich. It won't disappoint. Now, is it better than the delis back home? I plead the 5th.
Jun 3, 2024
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Classic place in Montreal ! U have to go here if visiting. Sometimes there's a wait but usually doesn't take long. It's an old style diner vibe & very fast paced super fun ! Food is amazing!! Try the smoked meat poutine or smoked meat sandwich with a pickle & an old coke.
Used to be the best place for food in the city IMO. Returned after a few years ready to devour a meal I was looking forward to for a while only to find that they've dramatically reduced their portions (the poutine specifically). The first photo is the before, the second one is the after. They've kept the same price but are now giving much smaller portions & thinner slices of meat. The meat is still great, but now I'd argue it's just far too expensive unless you just have money to blow.
If you are in Montreal, this is one of the places you NEED to visit! The atmosphere is unique & it feels almost like you are travelling back in time. The smoked meat is so juicy & tender & full of flavour. It literally melts in your mouth. Service is really great & pretty quick, the prices are absolutely OK. Really absolutely nothing to complain about here. The whole experience is just awesome. Especially as a European, this is nothing you will find back home, so take the opportunity & visit this place, while you're here! Next time I have to try their Poutine, because it looked absolutely mouthwatering. P.S. In case you are wondering, card payments are accepted, even if this place looks vintage ;)
Don't let the line outside stop you. It moved quick, as was the service once inside. The food was incredible, starting with the famous smoked meat sandwich. The poutine is a worthy side dish, too.
Visited Montreal & friend insisted we go to Schwartz, so we did. We got an order of smoked meat Schwatz poutine & the full plate with rye bread to make your own. Both were amazing!!! The smoked meat is done to perfection 👌🏻 staff is friendly & helpful!!
