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.
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.
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.
Oct 10, 2025
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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.
Simple & efficace mais bon,il faut aimer leur sandwich,mais moi je vais chez Wellinski depuis plus de 40 ans, j'aime bien y faire une visite régulièrement
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.
When I first walked into this place, I could not help but feel its history throughout its years in Montreal. The wall of photographs & pre-owned literture for sale would make anyone feel all warm inside. The staff was SUPER friendly & respectful. The place was clean. I placed my order to take-away. Driving back home through traffic to the south shore, I had to help myself to one of the sandwiches I ordered. It was simple, yet delicious & filling.
Parking can be a challenge although I was lucky.
Prices are very reasonable.
Being born & raised in Montreal, I cannot believe that I didn't try this place sooner. I will definately being going back.
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
We stopped by here because it looked interesting but it ended up being our favorite bite of the trip to Montreal. Get the special, it's very unique. Tastes incredibly fresh, a must!
Their special sandwich is addictive ! The Cola is sooo good without being too sweet. The whole place feels like it stuck in time 20 years ago, in a good sense
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!
