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.
If you're visiting Montreal, this place is a must!
I tried the famous smoked beef sandwich with a pickle on the side. It's such a traditional experience, & I can definitely see why people line up for it. There was a long queue, but it was absolutely worth the wait.
The dine-in area was very busy, & everyone was seated quite close together, which added to the classic, old-school atmosphere.
What impressed me the most was the staff. They were incredibly polite, attentive, & organized. Even with such a packed restaurant, they paid attention to everyone & made sure everything was running smoothly.
As for the food-it was amazing. I genuinely loved the flavor, & I'm not even joking when I say I could have eaten five sandwiches! We each ordered one, & by the time we finished, we wished we had ordered another.
I also really liked that they separated the takeout & dine-in lines. It made everything much more organized & efficient.
Whenever I'm back in Montreal, I definitely won't miss this place.
The last time I visited this place was in 2016, & I'm happy to say the atmosphere hasn't changed. It still has the same warm, nostalgic charm that makes it a memorable spot.
Unfortunately, I felt the food wasn't quite as good as I remembered. The portions seemed smaller, & some of the meat was a little dry. Despite that, it's still a classic place with a unique atmosphere, & I'd recommend it to anyone visiting Montreal for the experience.
Visited this restaurant for the 1st time & the food was very delicious. We ordered a smoked meat poutine & a smoked meat sandwich. It was very filling, but worth the price. Will definitely recommend visiting this place if you're visiting Montreal. It is a place you won't want to miss. Shoutout to all the staff who work here, they did an amazing job 👏 👏👏👏👌👌👌🙌🙌🙌
Jul 1, 2026
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This deli is a national treasure, & it's reputation is very well earned. You have to get here. We didn't have much of a line, but it's worth waiting in one!
I visited Schwartz on a Thursday evening with my partner & ordered two smoked meat sandwiches. The food itself lived up to its reputation, but unfortunately the customer service was among the worst I have experienced.
The employee taking our order was unnecessarily rude, & the cashier was equally dismissive & unwelcoming. As visitors to Montreal, we were made to feel uncomfortable & judged for not being locals & not speaking fluent French. There is no place for that kind of behavior in any customer-facing business, let alone one with the international reputation that Schwartz has built over the years.
It's disappointing that such poor customer service overshadows what is otherwise an iconic dining experience. Employees represent the brand, & in this case, they did a disservice to the legacy & heritage of Schwartz.
I do have a photo of the employee preparing the sandwiches, but I have chosen not to post it out of basic respect & decency - qualities that were unfortunately absent in the way we were treated.
I sincerely hope management takes this feedback seriously. A legendary establishment should be remembered for its food & hospitality, not for making customers feel unwelcome. Based on this experience, I cannot recommend Schwartz to friends or family visiting Montreal until meaningful improvements are made to the customer experience.
I did follow the line of take out, I did not take a table because line was too long. Sandwich was not hot, nothing special & fries not really good & even colder.I had superior pastrami (here viande fumee) in NY for example.
They are in hurry to clear the line & that's all.
Wouldn't go back. Hope at table they serve much better food
