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.
I loved the poutine w/ smoked meat on top! The atmosphere here is very relaxed, & the staff was understanding that I was new to Quebecois cuisine & very friendly. No regrets eating here!
The poutine & smoked meat sandwich were delicious, the price was pretty good for what we got, & the service was quick; only a few minutes to get everything to us, despite it being relatively busy.
The space is a bit cramped, but that's actually part of the character of this place, & I think it would've felt strange if it weren't like that.
The history about it was pretty interesting, too. It was one of the points of interest on our tour & was really neat to hear about how long they've been open, as well as the celebrity connection that kept it open during hard times.
Amazing roast meat, & don't let them fool you-their poutine is seriously undersold & ended up being the best thing on the menu. This place is just as good as they say it is. I'd definitely come back
Ordered on doordash, we considered going in person but after reading all of these reviews about disrespectful, condecending, & demanding service I am truly glad that we stayed in.
The Sandwich à la viande fumèe was small but delicious, I haven't had pastrami in a long time as I usually follow a pescatarian diet but it was so worth it!
A perfect ratio of fat to meat, genuinely could not have been better except to perhaps have wider slices of bread to not need to stack the meat so high on small slices (makes it difficult to take a bite).
However, the poutine is the first terrible poutine I've ever had in Montreal, the fries were soggy which is to be expected & is understandable when ordering fries for delivery & the cheese curds were pretty decent, but the issue was that they were incredibly burnt & just tasted like char or straight liquid smoke. Don't get me wrong, I love a smokey flavor, I charcoal grill nearly every chance I get in all seasons rain or shine, but these were not just smokey fries they were actually burnt to the point that we just picked out the cheese curds & couldn't stomach the fries at all..
My suggestion is order from a food delivery app like doordash, ABSOLUTELY get the smoked meat sandwich, & avoid the poutine at all costs.
The food was extremely bland. The best way to describe it would be boiled meat served with mustard & bread nothing memorable or special. The fries used for the poutine were burnt, which further affected the overall quality. Combined with the long wait, the experience was disappointing. Overall, the wait is not worth it, & I would not recommend this place.
My first two visits were outstanding. My most recent visit this past weekend was not. My smoked meat poutine was just barely warm on arrival to the table. It was pretty disappointing after having such good visits last year with steaming hot smoked poutines. Atmosphere is hectic & expect a line to wait to get in. You also share tables with other people unless you have a party of 6 or you get seated at the high tops.
Authentic taste of Montreal smoke meat. Take out is right next door. Place is always busy, but luckily it is on a street with lots of other options. Combo comes with coleslaw & fries plus a stack of bread, eat with the classic smoke meat or take home. Poutine is lovely with good amount of meat portion. Classic smoke meat sandwich a must try.
