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Sandwich Shop Top Pick

Wilensky

The legendary Wilensky Special remains the ultimate Montréal culinary rite of passage.

Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
4.7$
CLOSEDOpens Today at 10 am
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Photo of Wilensky, Le Plateau-Mont-Royal - Montreal
SandwichesGrilled Cheese
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About

Wilensky serves the iconic Special, a grilled bologna sandwich featuring beef salami pressed on a griddle until perfectly crisp. This culinary institution relies on a precise, time-tested preparation method where the meat receives a distinct sear before meeting mustard on a soft roll. Every sandwich emerges from the hot metal surface with a specific, caramelized texture that defines its signature profile. The menu remains focused, emphasizing consistency through a limited selection of handheld items that showcase the savory nature of processed meats. Patrons witness the preparation process firsthand as each item arrives promptly from the classic flattop grill. The utilitarian atmosphere mirrors the simplicity of the food, prioritizing speed and essential flavor over complex preparations or decorative plating. This destination maintains its established culinary identity by refusing to alter the core composition of its primary offerings.
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5★
84%
4★
9%
3★
3%
2★
3%
1★
1%

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Reviews for Wilensky

Food
Service
on Google4.7 (1400+)
*as of 2026-08-01
5★
84%
4★
9%
3★
3%
2★
3%
1★
1%

Review Summary

Wilensky's Light Lunch is widely celebrated as a historic Montreal institution that offers a unique, nostalgic experience for locals and tourists alike. Most visitors praise the simple yet delicious signature grilled bologna and salami sandwich, often paired with their famous house-made sodas and pickles. While the atmosphere is frequently described as a charming step back in time, experiences with customer service can vary; some diners appreciate the friendly, community-focused environment, while others encounter a more rigid or reserved attitude from staff. Despite these occasional inconsistencies in service, the establishment remains a beloved, budget-friendly destination that provides an authentic, traditional dining experience that has been cherished for generations.
Page 1 of 2 - 13 Reviews

The food is really great & the atmosphere is very cozy - until you have to deal with one of the employees.

God forbid you ask for more hot dogs than they are willing or able to provide. They look at you like you're crazy for ordering six hot dogs, instead of simply treating it like a normal customer request.

What is most disappointing is the attitude toward returning customers. It feels like they are more focused on pleasing new customers than valuing the people who actually come back & support the business.

It is also evident that the current owners did not have to build this institution from the ground up the way their parents or grandparents likely did. They inherited a place with history, reputation, & loyal customers already attached to it. That should come with a responsibility to maintain the same level of hospitality & respect that made the place successful in the first place.

Great food, cozy place - but the service & attitude need serious work - if you don't like serving customers - shut your doors & close shop.

Jul 4, 2026
on Google

The special is decent but necessarily not cheap for what you get. Id say it's a perfectly mid spot. Not bad, but not great. Just ok. It tastes similar to a Costco hot dog ngl.

Oct 4, 2025
on Google

Like getting into a time machine (in a good way).

Try everything.

The egg cream was great. Their 🍍 flavored soda was also great.

I only had the Special & not the hot dog. It's a great & simple sandwich.

Jul 28, 2025
on Google

Try the hot dogs, onion top, Swiss cheese, with a pickle & a cherry cola. It's heaven!

May 27, 2025
on Google

Petit resto rétro des années 30 ou on peut manger leurs fameux spécial wilensky ballonné pains kaisert fromage suisse moutarde & aussi hot dog saucisses pur boeuf pain a l'oignon fromage moutarde & des cola a l'ancienne service courtois & rapide une dizaine de places a l'intérieur je recommande il faut l'essayer au moins une fois

Sep 17, 2024
on Google

Willenskys just tastes like a hot dog, a flat hot dog.

Aug 29, 2024
on Google

Montreal institution. As a person who can't eat pork, it's just nice to go in & be able to order everything. Got the Wilensky special & a hot dog with cheddar on an onion bun. Perfection.

Aug 3, 2024
on Google

If you're looking for a cheap meal, I guess this is an ok place to stop. For about $5 you can get a sandwich. If I were to describe the sandwich I would say it tastes like a hot dog.

Jun 15, 2024
on Google
5.0

Visiting from Melbourne, Australia (on a very cold, snowy March day) - Wilensky's was a must visit destination in Montreal with a timeless experience that you just don't get back home. It's a simple concept - pop yourself onto a counter seat, get lost in time & let the super friendly (& in close proximity, this is a great thing!) staff know what you feel like eating out of their hot or cold sandwiches, or a hot dog if that's your craving, & what you would like to wash it down with & it will be in front of you before you know it. For me, I went with the Wilensky Special, an all-beef & all-bologna hot sandwich with mustard & swiss cheese. I meant to say, I had two because I had to quickly re-live the first experience immediately & crunched on a sour pickle to tickle the palette on the side. The sandwich hit the spot as a tasty pre-lunch filler & was matched by the tastiest cherry cola that is made in-house that i've ever had in my life. As I pulled out my wallet, I was shocked to learn how little I was to actually spend on all of that tastiness - the lovely server even helped me understand how to make sense of the toonies, loonies & other coins that I had put onto the counter. Of all of the fond memories that I went on to make in Quebec, making the trek out to a beloved institute that my culinary & cultural heroes were once in & getting to experience the same sensation of time travel is one that I will cherish forever.

Mar 3, 2024
on Google

Great lunch! This place was recommended to us by a very friendly waiter at Schwartz's & it did not disappoint. The moment you walk in, it's like the place has frozen in time, so the atmosphere is really special. We ordered both a hot dog, & a Wilensky special, & boy what a great treat that was! Definitely coming back for more :D

Jan 9, 2024
on Google