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 really wanted to try the smoked meat sandwich here so that is what I have ordered. The bread was soft but thin & to be honest the smoke meat was not so tasteful that I need to add ketchup to enhance the taste but meat was really very juicy & generous portion. Sandwich size is just enough for one person. However, I was expecting to taste a special & unique flavor of the meat but again good thing it's really juicy & almost melts in your mouth. The fries has crispy burnt taste. The price is like around 30$ per person if you will have fries & a drink with it. The ambiance is like 80's or 90's era & I like it.
The staffs are pleasant & they serve fast. Overall, good to try for tourist as it has its history.
The food is good, pretty decent. However, staff were really rude especially to my mom. When we walked in the place we kept on being pushed off the door (where we were told to stand) rudely by the manager.
When we sat at the counter, we were practically neglected for the first 10 minutes, the staff (dude, asian as well) explained the menu in detail to the other customers at the counter but not us. We had to get his attention multiple times just to order.
The staff bitterly & in a low voice asked our order & if we want lean, medium, or medium fat meat. My mom is not fluent in English, so she misheard it as the meal sizing (small, medium, large). He intentionally exhaled loudly at us & just repeated it rudely without explaining (which is his job).
I ordered a cherry soda & the staff placed it in front of my mom. She held the can attempting to move it to me, but the staff immediately snatched it out of her hand for no reason. He placed it in front of my brother & when he was about to pass the can to me, the staff did the same thing.
We were utterly disappointed & offended with the service treatment so we decided to not tip. The cashier forcefully shoved the tipping jar towards my mom, & she had to flee from being harassed.
All in all, the food is not THAT good to get mistreated. Definitely NOT tourist & foreigner friendly, will not recommend to my friends & anyone who's visiting Montreal.
Jan 1, 2026
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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.
