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.
Cramped, to me, from baltimore, nyc, it is not worth wait in line, parking busy street to me. If you ate first timer then it might. Food is good & price is Reasonable. Service is good as well. Good coleslaw.
We arrived at this place seeing a long line up of people but don't fret! There's another side to this establishment that serves customers who only wish for food to go. This was incredibly convenient for us since we were just aiming for the sandwiches. The takout line moved like a conveyor belt thanks to the speed & accuracy of the cooks! They pile your sandwich with a ridiculous amount of meat (in terms of meat to bread ratio) so make sure you hold on to this vessel of juicy flavor. Meat that falls apart at the first bite & a nice mustard to cut into the richness. Would come back again to Montreal just for this place. Loved it!
Nov 12, 2024
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I came here because a friend recommended Schwartz's Deli & their famous smoked meat sandwich. I was lucky to get a seat at the „bar" with a good view on the meat. The guy behind the counter was really friendly, taking the time to introduce all the options they have, & what the famous specialities are. I went for the smoked meat sandwich, with a portion of fries. My meal came really quickly, & I must say: it was sensational! The sandwich was so packed with meat, that it was impossible to eat it with my hands. I went for fork & knife. The delicious meat with mustard & some bread was the perfect combination. Not dry, not super moist, but exactly at the right point. The fries were crispy, & really the cherry on the top. I took a Canada Dry out of the glas bottle with it - perfect really. A glas-bottled Canada Dry. As simple as that. Prices are relatively high if you order all that, but it's worth every penny in my opinion. Outstanding experience, great vibe, sensational food!
Endroit surfait nourriture bonne mais sans plus ne mérite pas cette renommée accueil pas sympa du tout c'est une cantine plutôt qu'un resto Très déçu 😞
Far be it from me to bad mouth an institution but here goes: I'm sorry to say it but the Smoked Meat sandwich is too dry. There is the lightest schmear of mustard on it, but the bread absorbs it entirely. The meat IS tender, credit where credit is due. It falls apart in your mouth but it is not what I would call juicy. But the sandwich was small but sufficient. Additionally, I personally, didn't particularly like the pickles, & found them rubbery. Also, the macaroni salad is the pretty standard fare from any deli anywhere (meaning, if you were expecting any novelty on that front, I'm sorry to be the one to break it to you, but prepare to be disappointed). Unfortunately, the overall the experience was lackluster. If there were fixins I could have added to the sandwich ameliorate the dryness, I was unaware. All that said, the service is good & the employees were pleasant. Oh yeah, & the cherry soda is really pretty good. The last thing I'll say (particularly for any New Yorkers reading): comparisons to a certain deli are overstated. Definitely enjoy (or not) this Montreal fixture on its own merits.
Came here around 12 PM & waiting 10 mins to be seated. Place inside was crowded, very little space to move around after being seated. Service was quick & attentive. We ordered the smoked sandwich (most famous item) & the meat was good though it lacked some flavor. We also ordered the steak (too salty) & chicken (too bland) combo. The poutine was good.
It had been a while since I had been to Schwartz's. With friends visiting from Nova Scotia & British Columbia, it was a real treat & a real Montreal experience. The food & the service was great & was as I remembered it.
Smoked meat is great. Just like you would expect. Do yourself a favor & don't wait in the stupid line. Go to the next door over & order it carryout. It's super fast, & you can eat in one of the many parks in Montréal. There are a few close enough
Oct 21, 2024
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I hesitate to write this review, especially given the restaurant's iconic status, but I owe it to the locals & visitors alike. After giving it a second try to make sure, it's clear this place isn't what it used to be. Once renowned for its craftsmanship, today the sandwiches feel rushed, with inconsistently sliced meat-sometimes too thick, & often too dry. The once-perfect balance of flavor has been replaced by a lean, lackluster bite that disappoints. To add to the frustration, the wait times are long, & the prices are steep. It's hard not to feel that the focus has shifted, prioritizing tourists over loyal locals, leaving the food & experience a shadow of its former self. For those seeking an authentic & satisfying deli experience, I recommend giving Lester's Deli a try-you'll taste the difference.
Go by flow....my relatives said this is the famous deli serving the best smoked meat sandwich in Montreal. Yes, it's looks famous after acknowledged by so many old newspapers & posters pasted on the walls. It has two shoplots; one for dine-in & another for takeout or quick-bite at the counter. After 11 am is impossible for us to get a table. An old shop condition, ambient isn't pleasant, very squeezy with crowded of people queuing. Washroom beside the counter is busy too. Omg! first-time to see so much smoked meats piling up with two thinly bread. Really need to praise for their freshie pinky smoked meat. But the price for this sandwich isn't cheap, so as everything here. Anyway, already tourist spot. We also ordered poutine.....it tastes so good & quite filling ( in my opinion, poutine better than smoked meat sandwich. Lots of smoked meat given too ).
Avevo paura delle lunghe attese fuori dal locale ma in realtà ho aspettato solo 5 minuti per cenare. Il servizio è veloce e la carne pazzesca, da provare sicuramente! C'è la possibilità di fare asporto degli stessi prodotti nel locale di fianco al ristorante.
