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.
A classic. An icon. You can't come to Montreal without trying one of the most iconic places. The sandwich is the classic, great size. The plates are for hungrier people. The meat is amazing, tender, flavorful. You can choose from three levels of fat in the meat. The wait in line is totally worth it & if you go in alternative times, maybe you don't have to wait in line.
A classic!! The line goes quickly because the servers are very attentive & food is quick. It's definitely worth the wait, the smoked meat is delicious.
As good if not better than a NYC deli. There is a wait to get in but be patient its goes fast & you will be rewarded with one of the best smoked meat sandwiches 🥪 you'll ever have. & was it down with a cherry 🍒 cola. You can thank me later.
Aug 28, 2025
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Montreal smoked meat was divine. Fries were pretty underseasoned & a bit overcooked but the sandwich made up for it. Pickle was meh. The line moves fast but it is an endeavor...
The vibe was super unique, & the food was awesome. We got poutine with smoked meat as well as a smoked meat sandwich, & both were great.
Staff were friendly & we were served really quick.
Le mot qui me vient à l'esprit c'est'overrated'. Oui le smoked meat est bon, mais une file d'attente de 20 minutes, pour ensuite être empilé à une table à 6 assis avec des étrangers (si vous êtes 2 ou 4 ou x, ils vont trouver d'autres gens pour remplir la table), ensuite tu es pressé de commander, c'est cher (16$ juste le sandwich avec rien d'autre), tu reçois ton assiette & tu es pressé de manger pour ensuite t'en aller de là pour que la prochaine horde de gens puisse prendre ta table.
Aug 13, 2025
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