Reviews describe Smoke Meat Pete as a legendary Montreal staple with generous portions of tender, flavorful smoked meat, a standout poutine and fries, and a lively bluesy atmosphere powered by live bands that draw crowds of locals and visitors alike. The experience is often praised for friendly staff, efficient service, and a welcoming vibe, though several comments note rising prices and, in some cases, reduced portion sizes or inconsistent meat quality, especially for lean cuts or fattier options. Dining in can be crowded and ordering at the counter is common, with takeout and to go serving as popular alternatives, and the overall value debated as prices climb, while many reviewers insist the meat, smoke and authentic ambience make Smoke Meat Pete worth the trip, especially when a show is on.
The atmosphere would have been great if I could hear my partner speak. It was a Tuesday lunch time. Twice we asked to have the music turned down. Twice the waitresses indicated that their boss did not allow them to do so. One of the girls turned it down a little anyway & the boss came back in & turned it up. This is a message for the boss'read the crowd'. There were maybe 15 people having lunch, most were over 60 & were there to have lunch & discuss. No one wants to yell at their partner while having lunch. I would also note that we were NOT the only table that complained. There were 3 of us & another table of 4 wanted the music turned down. That's almost 50% of patrons….. get the drift?
The good: I tried their Smoked Meat/Brisket & it was great. It melted in your mouth. The atmosphere was also great with live music. Staff friendly & helpful. The bad: Their appetizer/starter pork ribs seemed dry. Although I ordered this to go, I ate it right away, & the pork ribs were room temperature & fries were not hot or crispy.
Very nice place! Always very nice staff! Clean for an old style resto. Great atmosphere, music, band, nice people. & the food, the most important, it's realy good 👍 😋. If i could remove half a star, it would be for the price. It is a bit more expensive that it should be in my opinion. I do go there sometimes & will go again, but i would go more often if i had more than 2 kidneys to sell. But it's always full, so...i recommended
I'm a BIG food lover, & I have to say, I have driven from Brockville Ontario to Smoke meat Pete's many times for the best, juicy & flavourful sandwich around! My favourite for sure & the atmosphere makes my foot tap to the blues music while diving into my smoked meat platter!!!!
👍😉
Mar 17, 2026
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Always a good time going to Pete's & seeing live music. Food is awesome just a little pricy now for what it is. That's the only thing I could eat out at a fancy restaurant for the same price as Pete's. I suggest buying the family combo meal that way you can make the sandwiches at home for a bit of a better price.
You have to love the atmosphere here especially if you love live music. There are times for them but very cool if you like that. Menu is limited as it should be. It's made for a small niche & it caters to that very well. You can't miss it next to the highway & any time you're in the mood for smoke meat, it's worth the trip.
First time here, from out of country. Recommended by a local friend, & I truly loved it. It was described as the best smoked meat, & it lived up to the expectation. Amazing smoked meat; good flavor, good texture, moist & tasty. Incredible ambience. Only down was I did not come on a night of live music which I saw the stage for. I really must come back to enjoy that, & especially get more smoked meat. I also enjoyed the poutine.
Nov 18, 2025
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Si vous voulez bien manger & avoir une ambiance plus que festive pour avoir du gros fun & avoir la bedaine pleine…& bien go va la.La nourriture est vraiment bonne,le service est rapide & le personnel est sympathique & souriant.
Vous avez une scènes avec des musiciens & ils invitent les clients qui font de la musique à venir les rejoindre.Vraiment sympa!
We arrived & it was the Sunday Jam!
This place exceeded my expectations. Large portions of food, either smoke meat, ribs or brisket with plenty of coleslaw & pickles.
We were so lucky there was live music! Even Pete himself was there & played the guitar ! Excellent ambiance also children friendly.
Really good tunes, great music & the waitresses were very nice & friendly.
Super special bundle is everything you need to feed 4 at home. Good deal, tasty food, good service. Live music a little loud while placing an order but'I was in the right place.....but it must have been the wrong time'. (No Dr. John)
