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.
Couldn't chew the Meat. Need a steak knife to cut smoked meat: something wrong happened. Like if it stayed 12 hours on the counter. Please avoid. Im sorry. I wish i could write anything good. We just lost 55$. Try in order: Ben's or Lesters' or Dunn's or Snowden' even P'tit Québec. I will still buy mustard & spices at the pick up stand & hope for the other customers that it was just a mistake.
Mar 2, 2026
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This is a popular Montreal restaurant for tours. I went for tried the smoked meat sandwich & poutine. The sandwich was ok, the meat was tender, but too much fat for me, it wasn't anything special or wasn't out of the world, will not go again!.
Bof … Très déçu ….
Un endroit surpeuplé, pas de place pour manger, c'est sale (salle & cuisine), exiguë, des cartons stockés partout…
Enfin parlons de la viande qui certes est plutôt bonne mais très grasse (des bouchées entières de gras), personnel ignorant…. Ne mérite pas sa réputation …désolé :(
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!
Visiting Schwartz's Deli in Montreal was an incredible culinary experience that lived up to all the hype! The world-famous smoked meat sandwich is an absolute masterpiece-tender, perfectly spiced, & piled impressively high on fresh rye bread. I highly recommend ordering it'medium' for the perfect balance of flavour & juiciness, & don't forget to pair it with a classic black cherry soda & a large pickle. Despite the nearly constant queue out the door, the service is remarkably fast & the old-school atmosphere adds so much character to the meal. It is a legendary landmark for a reason, & easily some of the best comfort food I have ever tasted!
Endroit incontournable de Montréal , viande fumée de qualité , de passage ,résidents ou quelque soit la raison , il faut essayé , restaurant appartenant à Céline Dion .
Feb 24, 2026
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Ordered the combo. Both the smoked meat & the chicken were super dry, especially the smoked meat, almost crunchy. There was no flavor. I am disappointed! You will get your money's worth at Diablo,s BBQ nearby. Service was good.
