Restaurant Wilensky's has been a Montréal tradition since 1932, known for its grilled-meat sandwiches. The food selections are limited to a few sandwiches at very low price: Salami sandwiches, hot-dog sandwiches... This place serves drinks typical of the old-time soda fountain. Talk about tradition
Wilensky's is widely described as a Montreal institution where simple comfort food and a retro soda fountain create a timeless neighborhood vibe; the star is the Wilensky special, a grilled bologna and salami sandwich with mustard and cheese on a Kaiser roll, often paired with house cherry cola and pickles, all offered at affordable prices with fast, friendly service; reviewers emphasize the place's history, the wall of old photos, and the sense of community that makes it feel like a small town deli in the heart of the city, drawing both locals and visitors who return for the experience as much as the food.
The sandwiches are delicious, but the customer service is top-tier. Everyone in there is super personable & asking questions! I would definitely recommend this spot! We got the Wilensky special & the old fashioned cherry cola, it was so good!
J ai commencer a aller chez wilensky en 1963 a ce moment la le spécial ne coutais 0.35 ou 0.40 cents .chaque fois que je passe a montr.al je me rend chez wilensky prendre 2 spécial & un cherry cola un délice . merci a toute la famille wilensky. je suit rendu a 82 ans & je ne peux plus sortir comme je voudrais MERCI..
The best breakfast sandwich ever in Montreal' the special with Swiss or Cheddar cheese' with a sour pickle & the homemade cherry cola. An experience like nothing else ✨?.
This place has a special kind of magic. Often, well-known or iconic spots can feel rushed or unfriendly, but that wasn't the case here at all. Sharon was incredibly kind & welcoming-happy to chat, answer questions, & genuinely interact with guests.
The special sandwich is delicious in its simplicity, letting the flavours speak for themselves, & the cherry cola is a perfect match. If I return to Montreal, I'll definitely come back. This is truly a must-visit in the city.
Muy Rico 🤤
Dec 25, 2025
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Was the special sandwich the best thing I ever ate, or a'if you don't stop here you didn't do Montreal justice', no. It's not that. But it's just downright simple & delicious & unique. Where else do you get something like this? Give it a go & you won't regret trying it. What I'd really love to come back again for are the handmade sodas! I usually hate cherry anything but my wife wanted to try the cherry cola & it was fantastic. I wish all pop was like that.
What an experience. Go in, sit down at an open stool, let them decide! I had cherry coke & their original sandwich - it was absolutely delicious. Don't knock until you try.
Wilensky's is an absolute gem of a joint. Timeless, simple, delicious.
Had the Wilensky Special with pickles & a cherry cola, who knew a bologna sandwich could be so good!
Aug 9, 2025
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Very cool experience with the special sandwich with cheddar, cherry cola, & the pickles. I should have had two sandwiches but was trying to pace myself that day.
This place is a Montréal institution!! Stopped in for a quick bite to eat. The place was full at 3:00pm & was greeted promptly by the friendly staff. Ordered an old-fashioned Cherry Cola & the Wilensky Special. The soda was delicious & the sandwich (so simple, yet perfect) was amazing! Perfect ratio of mustard to bread to salami & baloney. Who knew this little grilled sandwich could be so good!
Apr 3, 2025
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Absolutely worth going. It's a bit like a living museum in there, but I Had to go. My father took me there since I was three years old. It looks exactly the same, except no one is smoking a cigarette in your face. Had the basic sandwich & the cherry cola. Sandwich was good. Soda was outstanding.
Amazing, simply amazing. Went for the first time today, chose the Wilensky special with Swiss cheese, an old fashion cherry cola (& an egg salad sandwich to go).
Excellent service, friendly & very quick. I definitely recommend it.
Saw a tiktok about this place & thought it would be a nice place to try. For the price you are getting an amazing sandwich, if you go get at least 2 to start. Old time sodas that are well worth the price, get an egg cream or a cherry coke & you will be very happy.
it's been 7 years I go there once or twice a month & noticed never left a comment, it is a classic, it is good, it is genuine, every bite is a comforting hmmmmmm in itself, every scent feels like home, every voice you here in that restaurant is reminiscing of the simpler time. I personally take 2 specials + pickles + cherry soda & take 30 minutes to enjoy every bit of it. taking time to take time is very important.
