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.
While I appreciate the historical significance behind this eatery & their variety of sodas & even to a certain extent their sandwiches, I felt unwelcome as a new customer the two times I went. This restaurant caters well mostly for regulars, who know exactly what they want to order, but visitors like us need a moment to understand the choices & I feel like I didn't get that chance.
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.
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.
Stopped by here as part of a food tour. We each got a sandwich as part of the tour with either Swiss or cheddar cheese. The sandwiches were phenomenal, from the bread to the meat. Must stop for a quick bite to eat.
Jul 18, 2024
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I learned about this place after watching No Reservations. Great sandwich. Very cool to see them make cola the old fashioned way. It's a quick 10 minute stop.
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.
Jul 3, 2024
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Je n'avais jamais visité cette institution montréalaise & c'est hier que j'ai fait le saut. Partie de la Rive-Sud pour me rendre à cette endroit. J'ai pris une chance car nous connaissons tous le bordel qu'est la ville pour les automobilistes. Première impression en entrant, c'est que tu retournes dans le temps. Quelques places assises seulement. La personne qui a pris ma commande était super gentille. J'ai pris un spécial avec fromage suisse & un crème soda. 7$. Probablement la seule place de nos jours avec un prix raisonnable. Le sandwich était vraiment bon. Si je restait dans ce quartier, je serais client régulier.
One of the classic Mile End institutions- a real gem on Fairmount street. The service is always friendly & accommodating, the restaurant is adorable- a total throwback in time. "Light lunch" is definetely the key words here though- classic cold cut sandwich- no substitutions!! But do expect to be hungry within an hour especially if you are touring this gorgeous neighborhood. Will always come back for a quick bite, thank you guys!
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.
