This smoked meat sandwich after a stroll of the Sunday market hits the spot! Amazing meat to bread ratio. A bit of mustard to cut through the richness. I'd come back! read more

Buzzy's Luncheonette - Sandwiches Near Me - Salt Spring Island, British Columbia

See all

Sandwiches that are worth the wait, loved their smoked meat sandwiches nothing like it in the city of Vancouver!

One of the Best smoked meat places outside Of montreal. Ran by Buzz and his wife...so always like supporting local. Buzz is one funny man. Met him couple times and we hit it off with good convo all over. He insults and mocks you in a funny way while waiting in line, and that simply adds to the experience. Small restaurant with a few tables and outside seating, but brimming with good food and good laughs all day. I visited 2x in 1 day. It was that good. Also tried the potato fritters, very good! Meat was tender and juicy and smoked to perfection. Sliced as you ordered. Perfection in such a simple dish. Also tried the hotdog and it was the bomb! I would repeat each and every time im in salt spring. You can tell coz the lines are always long and people actually take the time to savour their food. Cheers! Happy eating! read more

Really enjoyed our lunch at Buzzy's. We ordered The Hungry Jew, bagel and lox & a couple of rugelach. The sandwich was delicious as was the bagel and lox, and the rugelach was truly the best I've ever eaten. We loved Buzzy's and for sure will be back next time we're on the Island. (Initially I reviewed the wrong spot which I realized as soon as I posted it and unfortunately wasn't able to delete and start over, so this edited version is the correct one) read more

Buzzy's Luncheonette - The Hungry Jew - Sandwiches Near Me - Salt Spring Island, British Columbia

Absolutely amazing as always. Hands-down the best Montreal smoked meat in Canada. Great portions, great prices and super friendly people.

I was looking for something that wasn't oily so I had a turkey sandwich, which came with cranberry sauce and mustard (I didn't want the coleslaw). It was good. The turkey was lean and the right level of saltiness. I was able to order it without any sides. My friend ordered the smoked meat grilled cheese and LOVED it. It just took much longer; I was done eating well before she finally got her sandwich. read more

Buzzy's Luncheonette - Turkey sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Salt Spring Island, British Columbia

It lives up to the hype. Very good and the meat was very tender. Very flavorful. We will definitely stop in again next time we are there

One of the hands down best Jewish deli experiences I've ever had and a top tier over all food experience in general. Simply amazing. Service was fantastic, fun, and friendly as well. A must visit on the island. read more

Yummy!!! Full of flavor. I was afraid that the portions were going to be too big, but they were good sized. We had The Hungry Jew and the Rabinowitz sandwiches with a side of coleslaw. Yum, yum and yum!!! The latkes are my favorite. The only thing I'd complain about is the seating. All seating is outdoor so it's hard if it's raining, but don't let that discourage you from coming. It's really good. read more

Buzzy's Luncheonette - The Rabinowitz - Sandwiches Near Me - Salt Spring Island, British Columbia

See all

BUZZYS IS TRULY BUZZIN! What an awesome little gem tucked away on Salt Spring in Ganges. Thank goodness I found this spot while doing my research of places to eat on the island. This joint is no joke. Half my family is from/lives in Montreal so I've gone back and forth a lot and know what great smoked meat tastes like and Buzzys has got it down! As I took a few steps closer to Buzzys, a wall of deliciousness smoked meat smell hit my nose so hard I nearly passed out of pure joy. I had called in my order which was the Old School - smoked meat on marble rye with mustard and a latke side. The order was ready and waiting for me. The staff and kitchen crew were so Incredibly lovely too. One of the men in the kitchen yelled over and said "hey thanks so much for the support" which really added a family feel to the experience. They packed up my order and I just couldn't stop staring at the beautiful jar of pickles they had in brine. I knew a pickle wedge came with my sandwich so I refrained from buying a whole one but next time I am for sure crunchin into a big one. So I take my order back to the car as it was my ferry grub and notice then that they actually doubled my order and gave me a brioche smoked meat Sammy as well as my old school sandwich. I was thrilled, but also felt bad as I had only paid for one sandwich. I think whoever was at the front by accidentally added someone else's order into my bag. The marble rye was some of the freshest bread I've had in a long time, the mustard distribution was perfection and the meat was stacked. What I like about this meat too is that they have a great cut of fat/lean pieces so you get excellent flavour throughout. I think I finished the sando in like 30 seconds it's was so good and fresh. I saved the other sandwich for the next day which was also good but I'm all about the old school rye and preferred it over the brioche bun. The latke was really darn flavourful too, my only criticism which is totally subjective is I like my latkes a touch thinner than how Buzzys does them. Still delicious tho. It's clear to me based on how many people were sitting outside this restaurant, the deliciousness of the food and the friendliness of the staff that this place is an island fave and would do well opening up shop in Vancouver. We honestly need a Jewish style deli/smoked meat joint like this. If they do open up in Van, I'll be there daily. You've already got yourself a loyal regular! Ontop of that, the prices are totally reasoned too! This is a must if you're on salt spring! My favourite meal I had all weeekend! read more

See all

A simple hole in the wall mom & pop shop with a few outdoor tables and chairs. Quick friendly services, and amazing smoked meat sandwiches. Mountain high of great quality smoked deli meat, paired with sauerkraut, cheese, pickles.... I'm salivating just by typing this! Their braised beef chilli is very well seasoned and flavoured, and super hearty. How I wish they have a joint in Lower Mainland! If I'm back to Salt Spring, that would definitely be my go to. read more

If you only eat at one place on the island, make it Buzzy's! Owner Howard is a GD mensch & and a total character straight outta central casting. When he came by our table to check to see how we liked everything and I responded with "it was the best thing we'd eaten on the island" he took it as an insult. "Just on the island?!" he exclaimed. Quality & pride ooze from their being as much as it does from their meats. The Montreal smoked meat is melt-in-your-mouth unbelievable AND comes with a latke smooshed into it for added texture...genius! Top off your meal with a frosty Boylan's Black Cherry & homemade rugelach and you can skip Temple that week. We loved it so much we came 2 days in a row...trust me, you'll be beyond satiated & entertained. read more

Best smoked meat sandwich served with a slice of humour. Try the Hungry Jew! And sit in Barbara Streisand's reserved seat. read more

Nothing to say but, "The Best!" Great sandwiches and great service! Everyone is super nice and Buzzy's sandwiches are amazing. Have to share with my wife cause I cannot eat a whole one. read more

Who would have thought you'd find the best Montreal smoked meat in a little sandwich shop on Salt Spring Island? So good we went two days in a row during our stay on the island. Get the Rabinowitz, and add some latkes on the side. read more

Pretty good it's good and good king good I like how good it is it's good it's good and good

Nice people who have a sense of humor and make great food. Order the deli sandwich's.

Well deserving of the 5 star rating. Friendly folk and amazing, original, freshly prepared food bursting with flavor. read more

Buzzy's Luncheonette - The Hungry Jew - Sandwiches Near Me - Salt Spring Island, British Columbia

Deee-licious! We returned to Salt Spring Island and were just traipsing along the shopping area when we spied the luncheonette. We remembered it from pre-COVID days and thought we'd try it. Had the Rueben, wonderfully tasty and delicious. Highly recommend! Wanda read more

You want a Montreal smoked meat sandwich with a side of Judaism? Damn right you do, and this is the place to get it. My personal fave is the Reuben on challah. Judge me if you must, but it is phenomenal. Add a cherry soda side and a rugelach to finish things off and you will be in a happy place. The location is a bit tucked away, but you'll probably be able to spot the outdoor seating. There's also a few tables indoors. There's Jewish and hockey themed decore, so not just the food has a Montreal flavor to it. They get busy, but it's worth it. You order and pay then they yell your name. read more

Best smoked meat sandwich in BC. Period. Great atmosphere, great owners. A favorite spot for sure! read more

Buzzy's Luncheonette - The Traditional with Latkes, or the deconstructed "Hungry Jew" - Sandwiches Near Me - Salt Spring Island, British Columbia

Buzzy has truly elevated iconic Montreal smoked meat to the next level. Super tender with just the perfect balance of smokiness and spice, my mouth is watering as I write this review. As an expat Montrealer visiting beautiful Salt Spring Island B.C. with my family, I was intrigued when my son told me there was a deli on the island that made the best smoked meat he ever tasted. Four of us had the "Rabinowitz", Buzzy's take on the Rueben. It was hands down the most delicious smoked meat sandwich I ever had, with a hunger satisfying portion of succulent meat topped with perfectly balanced sour kraut. Just brilliant! My wife had the Grilled Cheese sandwich which had smoked meat, caramelized onions and tomatoes. She said it "was devine and better than anything she ever had in Montreal". A couple of shared potato knishes with ultra crispy crust and creamy potato filling ensured everyone left fully satisfied. The rugulach, a kind of mini danish with "everything" including chocolate, nuts, and cinnamon, were absolutely delightful and a great finish to our feast. Well worth the ferry ride from Vancouver! read more

Best sandwich on the island! Everything we tried was fantastic, authentic and fresh... The hungry a Jew is my new favorite Howard and Melanie are so hospitable, and truly make you feel at home. Barbra Streisand, if you read this, there's actually a table reserved for you! read more

Good montreal smoke meat sandwiches on salt spring island, if not all of BC. The west coast definitely lacks smoke meat sandwiches and these folks have done a good job bringing it over here. They keep it original with just the meat, bread and mustard. The beef is tender and very flavourful while not being salty. Keep up the good work! read more

Wow... that was a sandwich! A very welcome addition to lunch options on The Island, had a great Montreal smoked meat on Rye, mustard level perfect for my taste. Friend of mine compared it favorably to Schwartz's, don't know myself, but I trust their judgement. read more

O-M-G! Best sandwiches EVER! If you are on Salt Spring, make sure you don't miss this place! Most delicious smoked meat. Staff and vibe are wonderful. Get a Rugelach for a dessert and make sure to add on a Stewart's Black Cherry Soda. I realized I screwed up by not ordering the Hungry Jew as soon as I saw my husband's. May have to go back tomorrow. read more

See all

We were there today for the 1st time. We came over from Vancouver Island just to have lunch there and it WAS worth it. My husband had the smoked meat sandwich and I had the latkes 1/2 order which was fine. We both had a blintz and I had a rugelah. We both liked our blintzes, but I LOVED the rugelah. Best I've had since Montreal and I've tried Siegel's rugelah in Vancouver. Buzzy's is so much better because it's just the right mixture of sugar, chocolate and nuts. We also had to have a cherry coke of course. Very amusing to be in there and we luckeout with getting Barbra Streisand's reserved table next to the window! :-) read more

The Reuben is my all time favorite sandwich, so when I saw The Rabinowitz, I was sold. I've eaten so many reubens at so many different places. And let me tell you: this was one of the best I've ever had! The bread was perfectly toasted, the smoked meat perfectly smoked, it had the perfect amount of mustard and cheese. Not only was the sandwich heavenly, but the service was excellent. It was busy with customers from the Saturday market, but they were still quick and friendly. They even took the time to walk around outside and ask everyone how their food was. Y'all, if you don't stop at Buzzy's when you're on the island then you are BY FAR missing out. read more

Best place ever. Only concern is the size of their sandwiches seem to be getting smaller and smaller over time. read more

Have been to Saltspring twice in the last couple of years and am going again very soon and I have enjoyed and WILL enjoy again the incredible sandwiches here. read more

Seaplane, ferry, boat, parachute, glider, submarine, swim, it doesn't matter how you get to Ganges on Salt Spring Island, you have to try Buzzy's. This is a fun place, the meats are smoked by Howard the owner, the menu is unique and fantastic. This place is a crown jewel of Canada, British Columbia, and the Gulf Islands. The pastrami is to die for, the latkas are incredible, and when you combine the two you get a Hungry Jew. The grilled cheese iscepic, the slaw devine, the owner-operator a world class character. A short trip off the ferry from Long Harbor, it's the spot for Kosher deli food on Salt Spring. read more

See all

THE BEST. Stop reading this and go now!!!!!! Howard is the real deal. So happy they are in salt spring!!! read more

Jewish cuisine can be on the inaccessible side for those who didn't grow up with their bubby force feeding them chopped liver, kugel and gefilte fish. However, luckily for you Buzzy's Luncheonette isn't dealing in anything but the good stuff; Montreal smoked meat, rye bread, latkes and Kosher pickles all lovingly prepared by Buzzy, an ex-Montrealer who came to Salt Spring via a career as a stand up comedian and sitcom writer in LA. The meat is freshly smoked and is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The sandwiches hit the culinary soul spot and to find this oasis of Jewish deli on an island (not called Manhattan) where there are more bears than Jews is truly something to behold. Eat here right now, do not pass go and do not collect $200. read more

We weren't hungry until we walked by and smelled the smoked meat. So we stopped for wonderful Montreal smoked meat sandwiches with coleslaw and tangy mustard, with a great dill pickle wedge. It definitely hit the lunch spot. read more

Quite simply the best-smoked meat sandwich I've ever had... For city-slickers craving smoked meat that rivals Montreal or New York... take the trip to Salt Spring. It's truly remarkable what this family-owned business has accomplished. Quality food matched with a welcoming atmosphere makes Jews and Goys alike very happy campers! We hope they can expand to Victoria and Vancouver soon! read more

Buzzy's is more than just a place to grab a sandwich. It is great food and a cultural, and cult experience. The food is not fast, each sandwich is hand crafted and piled high with melt-in-the-mouth, home cured and smoked meat and slaw or sauerkraut pickles and even latkes, depending on the sandwich. The sandwiches have to be eaten to be believed. Howard (Buzzy) Busgang, a former standup comedian and comedy writer has developed a fan base for his humour as much as his sandwiches but is often outdone by charming wife Melanie Weaver. Howard and Melanie have scoured the island and beyond for the best bakery treats to go with the sandwiches, Melanie herself making the addictive Montafuco cookie. Buzzy's does not just get repeat customers, there are regulars, like me, who eat there several times a week. read more

I'm a deli-lover and this sandwich was incredible. Wow, I wish I lived on Salt Spring! Highly recommended!!

If you could see me, you'd know I love sandwiches. Well, I just ate at Buzzy's Luncheonette and I am declaring this the best darn sandwich place ANYWHERE! Owned by Montreal-born/U.S. TV writer/stand-up comedian Howard Busgang, in addition to the amazing food, Buzzy's offers up Howard and wife Melanie as the consummate hosts, schmoozing with everyone as if they are family. It's a cozy, delicious atmosphere, populated with colorful local characters. Okay, back to the food. Howard smokes his own Montreal smoked meat (in the U.S. known as pastrami) and I'm here to tell you, this is no ordinary smoked meat. My wife and I shared two sandwiches: The Rabinowitz (like a Reuben, only better!) and The Hungry Jew (mounds of smoked meat on marbled rye, horseradish sauce, amazing cole slaw, and topped with TWO delicious homemade latkes (potato pancakes), one inside the sandwich and one on top! Yes, we finished them. Yes, we made lots of noises eating them. Still trying to decide which we loved better. But no trouble deciding these were the best sandwiches we ever had in our lives. So sad we don't live on Salt Spring Island so we can go to Buzzy's every day hang with Howard and Melanie and eat their amazing food, all made with love. Now, that would be heaven. read more