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 described as a Montreal institution with a timeless neighborhood vibe and a deliberately simple menu that has stayed true for decades. The Wilensky's special, a grilled salami and bologna sandwich with mustard and cheese on a Kaiser roll, is praised for its straightforward, satisfying flavor, often paired with house made sodas such as a cherry cola made at the counter. The experience feels nostalgic and unpretentious, with seating at the bar, quick service, and a sense of community as regulars and newcomers alike mingle. The atmosphere is punctuated by old photos on the walls and a kitchen that embraces tradition, attracting both locals and visitors seeking something different in a city known for its food scenes. Practical notes recur in reviews: limited seating, affordable prices, a no tipping policy that benefits charity, and occasional parking challenges, with some calling it a living museum and a must visit for an authentic slice of Montreal deli heritage.
Loved Wilensky's - everything about it! The sandwich & pickles were excellent & the staff & atmoshere were too. We enjoyed walking there from downtown & we look forward to going back the next time we are in Montreal.
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 ✨?.
Feb 3, 2026
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Nestled in the mile-end on the corner of rue Clark & Fairmount West, Wilensky's Light Lunch has been serving grilled sandwiches since it opened in 1932.
As I walked in, I could tell from the friendly banter between the staff & the regulars sitting at the bar that Wilensky's is all about fostering community through food.
I ordered the Wilensky's special, a grilled salami & bologna sandwich with mustard & your choice of cheese (i opted for swiss) served on a kaiser roll. Accompanied by a small bag of house pickles, this really does make for the perfect light lunch.
The Special is just plain delicious! Don't think of the bologna like Oscar Meyer. This is some tasty & substantial stuff. Pickles are great too. Staff is wonderful & if you can manage to go when you can have a seat at the bar, it's too much fun. We'll be back. Highly recommend.
Such a great lunch! Very limited menu but don't let that put you off! We had a special with Swiss, half sour pickle's & two egg cream sodas - one vanilla the second chocolate (both good but preferred the vanilla)
Super friendly folks at a family run historic cafe
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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Great people, good food that always hits the spot we went on a secret food tour & came back the next day. The sandwiches are the best I ever had. It's a baloney, mustard, & cornmeal type bun with great texture. Also comes with a side of pickle spears. Will come back again when we go to Montreal
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.
First timing eating at Wilensky's in many years & the food hasn't changed. Would highly recommend the special with swiss, pickles are very good too. Seating is limid & can get very busy at lunch & bit cramped & hectic, but I guess that's part of the charm.
You can't walk past this place twice without stopping in for a soda & then let the nice people behind the counter convince you that you need to order a sandwich & a pickle. Very simple place with stools & standing room. Super friendly staff. Delicious sandwich & very tasty beverages.
A must try. Old school vibe with great service & great food. Got the special with cheddar, pickles, & pineapple soda - each was just perfect. Planning to come back.
L'un des restaurants incontournables à Montréal. Ne vous attendez pas à ce que vos papilles soient bouleversées mais plutôt à être amplement satisfait, à goûter un morceau d'histoire de la cuisine juive à Montréal. En plus de quoi le service est très rapide, l'ambiance est d'époque & les prix sont imbattables. Évidemment je conseille le Special Wilensky, avec supplément pickles. A faire si vous passer par le Mile End.
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.
When i'm in the neighborhood, i never pass the chance of getting their famous sandwich & their half sour pickles. Lovely run family business they all work behind the counter. I LOVE THIS PLACE!
There's a fine balance between whether you go there for the special or for the atmosphere. Pro tip: Be sure to ask for your sandwich to be cut, & served without mustard. &, if you order the half sour pickles, & they have no stock, the proper response is "Barry can be so unreliable".
