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.
No hagas caso a las críticas regulares o notas bajas. Hay que probarlo. Y pide el sándwich de smoked meat, no hagas como los turistas que no se enteran.
Excelente.
La cola hay que hacerla, pero se pasa antes de lo que crees.
This place is a must go if Montreal
I don't think I had a place more recommended to me on any of my trips I ever been on & it's for good reason.
We got the smoked meat sandwich & a poutine the sandwich was an easily the best one I ever had & the poutine was up there as well.
Despite the lineup being very long for the takeout they are moving different in that kitchen & actually make the food so fast & efficient it's not bad at all & worth the wait.
Historic culinary Institution Double Wow.
Major busy. People waiting outdoors salivating for the one of the best smoked meat in the world. Lean, medium & fatty meat. Let your eyes go wild. It was 25 years since I last step in to Schwartz.
& take is always an option. Which I took back with me & their light rye. Cannot go wrong. Worth the wait.
C'est un incontournable de Montréal depuis 93 ans & cela n'est pas prêt de changer...
C'est tellement couru qu'il y a des gens qui attendent pour y manger à toute heure...
Can't believe I'm giving 5 stars! But that's what they deserve. Last time I was at Schwartz was 20 some years ago when the place was smelly, greasy & not very clean. Boy, it has changed! Clean tables, waiters wore clean aprons, all too needed AC all around. Service & atmosphere was great, the Schwartz way. Food was, as expected, delicious. I had, um... oh, yeah - Smoked meat sandwich 👍 That hasn't changed. Loved it 😋
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!
Jul 13, 2025
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This place screams nostalgia. The Montreal smoked meat was fantastic. We got the large plate & it had a great variety of lean & fatty.
My only critique is that the $3 sharing fee should not apply to the large plate as it's too much food for 1 person.
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!!
Honestly, the place is pretty overrated. $15 for a smoked meat sandwich is kind of overpriced since the quality doesn't really seem exceptional. The service is just okay, nobody smiles or says hi. Overall just an okay place
