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.
Amazing food! Fast friendly service. There's a reason they have been open almost 100 years. They just know what they are going with a simple menu, no need to change what clearly works. Get the wilensky special with cheddar chesses with extra mustard & the sour pickles. Top that off with any flavor of soda & your set up for an unforgettable lunch.
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.
Ooooook. So. This is nuts. Wilensky's hits different as the kids like to say. You step into a place that really hasn't changed in forever. You confidently sit down at a stool & order a special. If you're me, you rock up with an order of 2. After all, we're not here to play games. You think you did it right but then they hit you with "with cheese?", ruh roh, uhhhh, yes please! "What kind? Swiss or Cheddar?", RUH ROH! One of each I say confidently! You look around for a few seconds & your first special lands in front of you. I'VE NEVER BEEN SERVED THAT FAST. It's like, better than Amazon. You say you want a thing, & then it appears, instantly, in front of you. Hot, melty, tasty, mess of a frickin' sandwich. The Swiss is good but hooooly is the frickin' cheddar way better. Like waaaaaay better. & the Swiss is already way better than other stuff. I had a side of pickles, which are the Moishes kind (salt & vinegar, not garlicky). & a CREAM SODA. A cream soda that took me back to when I would roll up to the Perrette's with my buddy. I finished all that, & ordered a THIRD special. I want a fourth, but I shouldn't, but I want it. Everything was so so good. Everyone was so so friendly & attentive. I'm going to be here all the time. I'm embarrassed it took me so long.
Absolutely amazing!! We saw videos on YouTube & put this on our list of places to go. Definitely didn't disappoint & was worth the 45 minute walk to get there. I got 2 of the originals with cheddar, my wife had one. Delicious!!! I don't know what it is about the pickles but, they were the best one ever had. My wife isn't a fan of pop but she loved the homemade soda. Will definitely be back on our next trip to Montréal.
Great old school diner feel. Friendly staff. Lady at the bar gave me a key ring since my Air bnb was falling apart ha! Great food! Pickles, chocolate soda & the special.
Un petit restaurant qui vaut le détour. Le personnel est très sympathique. Service rapide. Ouvert depuis 1932.....on se retrouve dans le temps. Le sandwich, un classique! Simple & délicieux! On a accompagné des pickles sur & demi-sur! Leurs boissons gazeuses sont faites a l'ancienne avec plusieurs choix de sirop! Je recommande!
Nov 18, 2023
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best sandwich I've ever had. when I'm missing Montreal, I dream of a wedged pickle on parchment with ham & cheese & lots of mustard. this is the standard
