Smoke Meat Pete is widely praised as a standout for smoked meat in Montreal and a landmark in the city’s tradition. The atmosphere is repeatedly described as lively and old school, with live blues, a friendly staff, and a vibe that makes the wait part of the experience. The meat is tender and richly flavored, with standout fries and coleslaw and ribs and poutine also receiving praise. Several reviews discuss value, noting portions or prices have shifted over time and that some days feel pricey for the size. Crowds and noise are common, especially when live music is on, but the energy is part of the appeal. Service is often described as fast and friendly, with the ordering system at the counter and options for takeout or bundles. Overall the reviews converge on a memorable Montreal experience where the food, music, and atmosphere combine to justify a trip.
I was disappointed with the lunch we had. The smoke meat was good on its own, but the rye bread was soggy, & the fries were greasy. When the fries come out brown instead of yellow, you know that the oil needs to be changed. Not so much here. I heard so much hype about this place, & it didn't blow us away. I think they try to serve customers too fast, so the quality gets affected.
Mar 26, 2025
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Thank goodness Pete is back & we can enjoy our sandwiches & ribs again. Always enjoy a great sandwich but the four stars are for really tight to get a seat have more tables than usual but he probably did that for get more of us in again. Please take one or two tables away we had to have people enjoying their food stop eating to get to the middle part. My second is for the sandwiches being too lean. We don't ask for lean but it's what I & my friends keep getting. Maybe we need a code word. lol. Oh & for the review of the meal, check the pictures, worth two thousand words. Thanks for reading & HAPPY BIRTHDAY to a great man. Yes went back today & the sandwich was delicious medium with just enough fat. Amazing change to 5 stars
Very good & consistent in my experience... but in order for restaurants to stay afloat this day & age they need to charge above my paygrade beyond a once a year visit.
I love their ribs. My stomach can't take smoked meat anymore. I'm sure their smoke meat is very good, but I order their half rack of ribs, for $29. See pics, I've done it multiple times. It's a bar type atmosphere, playing blues music. You order at the counter, & go sit down, & a few minutes later, the waitress will bring you your order. I go at 2pm, so there is no crowd.
The ribs are fall off the bone, the sauce is sweet, but not crazy sweet. The portion is very generous (I gave up on Baton Rouge, I like these better). I have to admit, I don't understand all their sides. French fries are good, lafleur style, coleslaw is good (vinegar, not creamy). But then they give you a small piece of liver & a thin hot dog (I thought kernautzel, but it wasn't). If you notice only one of the pics has it, I give it back now. Then some rye bread? & some dill pickles..I feel I need some smoke meat, then that would make sense. Some needs to explain that to me.
Anyway the ribs are good, French fries are good, & coleslaw is good. I ignore the rest.
They have live music, I think Thursday to Sunday night, but call their number to confirm.
One of the best smoked meat spots. No reservations needed, however it's almost always full. Service is great, whether you speak French or English. Live band performances sometimes. I recommend the ribs, just get the entire rack, it's really good.
À mon avis, les meilleures côtes levées de Montréal, vous ne pouvez pas repartir sans les essayer. un endroit très sympa, de la bonne bière, & j'étais très curieux de voir leurs soirées avec musique live, c'est quelque chose à répéte
