Great smoked meat sandwich!…read more Honestly my first thought was to compare this sandwich to the many pastrami sandwiches I've had in NYC but that would be comparing apples to oranges. Even Schwartz will tell you it's not the same product although it is very similar. Both institutions cure, spice, smoke and steam the meat but that's where the similarities end. Although I don't know for sure, I've heard the cut of meat is different. Katz uses a naval cut, which is noticeably fattier and juicy. Schwartz's smoked meat doesn't lack in fattiness but it's far less fatty and juicy. Another fact on the first bite is -the flavor. Katz's flavor profile on the pastrami is a knockout punch while Schwartz delivers a jab. Schwartz's smoked meat delivers a different flavor profile all together. That's not to say Schwartz isn't great because it's half the price on Katz essentially and you don't have to tip your slicer here. That's not to say Schwartz doesn't bring their own brand of chaos. On my way out the slicer shouted he'd serve no one until the line was straightened out to his liking. LOL. It's all good though, that line was a mess and Sometimes tourists need a stern talking to. I'd get in a straight line for sure for this sandwich! I got my sandwich from the takeout next door versus waiting for table service. The line was 20 deep at 3pm and I just didn't have the patience on a drizzling afternoon. I'd revisit for another one of these smoked meat sandwiches.

Schwartz is a small deli with a lot of history, and I love places like this where you can sit right…read moreat the counter. The service there was great, and it had that classic old-school deli atmosphere. I hadn't had a pastrami sandwich in a while, and while this one was very good, I wouldn't personally call it great. I found the meat a little dry, but adding coleslaw and a pickle definitely helped. I also tried their classic black cherry soda, which was excellent. If I'm comparing it to places like Langer's or Katz's, I'd probably rank Schwartz below both of them. I think Katz has better pastrami with more fat and a juicier texture overall, and Langer's #19 is still my favorite deli sandwich because you're getting more ingredients and flavors than just pastrami and mustard. Overall though, Schwartz is definitely worth checking out. You probably won't be blown away, but it's still a really solid experience with a lot of character.

We were in Montreal and looking for a great lunch place and found Ruben's. The smoked beef brisket…read morewas amazing, so I inquired about bringing it home to Florida. Our waiter Gustavo was the best, helpful and attentive! Chad at the front was happy to help me pick out a piece already shrink wrapped for travel. The ambiance and the 2 servers gave us a first class experience at Ruben's, run to this place. I highly recommend it!

Loved the smoked meat! They offer multiple sizes which was perfect for our group. Service was great.read more

If you remember what Schwartz smoke meat tasted like from the 50's up to 2000 you will agree…read moreSchwartz is now a sad version of itself. It now is inconsistent , after George was an employee of the good old days and is now producing a superb smoke meat sandwich in Laval. five stars

Good old Montreal Smoked meat. This is not the big name from downtown but just as good. I had the…read morejumbo sandwich with the works. Large pickle and coleslaw. It was very filling and savoury. I was a little disappointed with the fries. Not traditional ones I got used to. Enjoy

Fastest service ever!…read more I think they were in a hurry to close LOL. I ordered 2 Wilensky specials, one with cheddar and the other with swiss. Literally between the time I handed over my money and the cashier turned around to make change from the register behind her, my order was ready and bagged in front of me before I got my change back. I had nothing else to do but walk out and find a place to eat. I was literally in the store for less than 2 minutes! Now the Wilensky is salami, bologna, and your choice of cheese on a roll (that reminds me of an english muffin) with yellow mustard. Simple but absolutely delicious! I've had bologna sandwiches before but never thought to add salami which adds a little spice. That bun was super pillowy and just eased right on down after taking a bite. I generally hate yellow mustard but this wasn't overbearing smear. Each Wilensky was like $5 each and incredibly satisfying. The first steps through the door, it was as if I time travelled directly to 1930s, old weird looking slender poles with round wooden seats, wood cabinetry, and short countertops. The old school was transferred to payments as the prefer cash and accepts Canadian form of debit cards but not American. There are signs basically to say, your way doesn't count. If you order a Wilensky special, it's their way and I'm ok with that. Because their way works! There's also another sign to say no tipping and any money leftover after settling the bill goes to charity, how wonderfully generous that is. Regarding the promptness of my food, I did show up 10 minutes before closing and the prompt service was expected as everyone has places to be and places to go after work. I totally enjoyed the no nonsense effort.

More than for the food, this place is worth a visit for the experience. You feel like you're…read morestepping back in time when you visit this establishment. The sandwich is still tasty for it being bologna and cheese on an English muffin. There's something nostalgic about its simplicity. Bring cash or debit. They do not let you modify or cut sandwiches in half.

I have been obliged to use Marcello's at Place Bonaventure for years, but NO MORE!!!…read more They are extremely over priced and you can get a better, fresher and less expensive at Presse Cafe just a few steps away. The food is calculated by the weight, so before you know it you will be paying 10$ for nearly nothing in your styrofoam container. Everyone knows that styrofoam is a NO-NO!!! To top things off on Friday, 16th of March, I got food poisoning. As I was in a hurry, I grabbed one of their pre-prepared wraps in the refrigerated area. It was supposed to be roast beef, cheese, salad, tomato and mustard in a wrap. It was not a wrap; it was a pita bread so you would feel more filled up, the date said that it had been packaged that day, but I can assure you that the roast beef or something else was not fresh. I have never been so ill in my life and I have travelled far and wide and even drink water in South America without getting ill. This place is definitely not only a rip-off, but the quality can be day or days old fare being sold off as fresh of the day food.

Location: Well hidden in Place Bonaventure. So well hidden that I can't even give you instructions…read moreon how to find the place. My friend took me and she was quite pleased with herself for introducing me to a spot I'd never been to before! The place: To me, it's part grocery store/convenience store/take-out place. You can't sit down here if you buy food - it's strictly to go. Just FYI. Great place to get your afternoon snacks, though! The goods: Besides the standard drinks and snack food, you'll find two buffet-style stations where you can pick and choose what you'd like to eat. One station is salads while the other is hot stuff. A word of caution - price is determined by weight. I'd say that much of the fare is Middle Eastern-style cuisine but this may depend on the day - I'm not sure. When I went, I was starving so I tried a little of everything, including meatballs (yeah I know - my mostly vegetarian self having so much meat lately, is getting out of hand!), chicken, roasted zucchini, pasta salad, rice - I'm sure I must be forgetting something because my container must have weighed five pounds. Besides the spinach rice leaving me underwhelmed, I loved every single thing I tried. Those meatballs were AMAZING and bursting with flavor. You have to try them. The chicken was equally delicious and tender - cooked to perfection. Honestly, I could give you an itemized breakdown but it would be redundant since everything was great. Definitely a great place to grab lunch if you were in Bonaventure or the surrounding area. Just figure out how to get there and you're set (=-D Service: The clerks at the cash were friendly. Price point: This is where it gets tricky.... While I did try a little of everything, I'm not sure it was worth $18 ($21 with a drink). It was a little steep, in my opinion - I mean, you're serving yourself after all. In any case, since it does go by weight, prices will vary. To be fair, I did get some heavy items (but those meatballs, though!). This is definitely a place worth checking out - the quality and freshness of the food alone, is worth the detour

Snowden deli is pure classic Montreal. Vintage feelings abound when entering and it's clear this is…read morea no nonsense, cut and dried deli that knows their stuff. I've come here for years and I've seen my brothers eat more meat than any two humans should consume regularly when I'm in town. The smoked meat is the way to go and get enough since it delicious for days after. Efficient, tasty and long standing, Snowden will be here for years to come.

+.5 for service My…read moreexperience with smoked meat is limited to Schwartz's, The Main (RIP), and Smoke Meat Pete. I decided to try Snowdon Deli during the holidays on my way to Quebec City, since it's a short detour off A15. Interior is pretty standard, diner style. Service was excellent, everyone treated my family very well. I had the smoked meat sandwich with medium fat, while my parents shared a smoked meat platter, also with medium fat. Now it's been a while since I've had legit smoked meat from Montreal, but man, it was delicious. Portions were very generous as well, and for the platter you can refill the bread for free if you wish. Will definitely return here!

Great ambiance, delicious and fresh food choices , quick service. Great smoked meat and burgers and…read morethe all you can eat rib special on Thursday nights is amazing.

This was a cute place and an easy stop off to grab a quick bite. They also do comedy shows at night…read morein the place, which I thought was a clever way to use the space when closed.

I'm really surprised with myself that I didn't review this place after my previous visits. At this…read morepoint it's a guaranteed stop coming to or even when leaving Montreal. Is the smoked meat better than Schwartz's? That's up for debate, but I'd say in quality it's about tied. From there it is a matter of taste, and if you want more pepper, you'll definitely prefer it here. Everything here is fantastic. I had roasted chicken on my recent visit and we loved it. Again, the pepper crust is almost a stapple here. I love the coleslaw here. They struck a balance between the vinaigrette and creamy approach. The potato salad is great and the fries are fresh cut. But here's what really stands out above all, and at this point I'm comparing to ANY bbq place are their beef ribs. They are possibly my favourite. Aside from being great quality and perfectly smoked, the BBQ sauce they use is unlike any other. It's darker and for a second almost reminds you of Teriyaki, but it's also quite different. It really is it's own thing. You can use that sauce on about any meat, but it really is magic with their ribs. Note: free ice cream cones for kids!

12/25- MINUS -5 if I could. Ordered a smoke meat poutine, 2 reg smoke meat sandwiches and a smoke…read moremeat plater + 2 coffees. $104!! WTH? Disappointed! Sandwich platter was riddled with FAT. When I spoke to a server, the answer was, "I can't do anything. They'll make you order another sandwich" Really? She finally came back w 2 slices of smoke meat on a plate. NOT worth the hype.. small crowded cafeteria style dinning area. Music screeching loudly in the background. Meat full of fat and grease.

I absolutely love Zytynsky's Deli!!!! Being a big fan of Ukrainian food, had to check out…read moreZytynsky's during my visit to Montréal. A little out of the way from everything else had been doing, but wanted to check out this local institution. So glad I did! Did not expect Zytynsky's being in such an unpretentious brick building, but the magic was all inside. The store had an excellent curated selection of Eastern European gourmet items, all clearly presented with pride. Since I was on vacation, my goal was something to eat that day, but did spend some time looking at all the imported goodies. When I arrived, Angel, the extremely friendly woman behind the counter, was dealing with a couple of familiar faces to her. I overheard that she's been at the store for about 40 years, but I didn't realize that she was the owner and the founder was her grandfather. At my turn to order, I asked her for some suggestions. Ending up with a Smoked Meat Sandwich and a Polish Ham, Hungarian Salami and Cheese Sandwich. Also grabbed two cans of Ukrainian Zero Alcohol Beer. We chatted a little while she prepared my food, and she was absolutely charming. Able to enjoy both sandwiches upon return to my hotel. While for years been a big fan of Hungarian Salami (which was fantastic) the star on that sandwich was the amazing Polish Ham... maybe the best I've ever had! The sensational Smoked Meat Sandwich was perfect! Look forward to my next visit and thank you Angel for my memorable eats! Appreciate your support of Ukraine, too. Zytynsky's Deli is a remarkable place and recommend you check it out! Slava Ukraini!

Great deli that offers Ukrainian and Polish food! I tried the special sandwich as well as the…read moresmoked meat sandwich, adding cheese to each one. Both were delicious! I recommend getting the sandwiches warmed up, it just melts in your mouth. The owner is also very friendly!