We had to stop here for the legendary smoked meat sandwich, and they did not disappoint. When we arrived, the line appeared to be very intimidating and long however, one line was for those patron wanting to eat in and the other ones were for takeout. The takeout line went fairly fast. We also ordered a black cherry drink, slaw and pickles. The smoked meat sandwich with extremely tender, juicy and tasty. It was a decent serving of meat so my husband and I ordered one sandwich. Make sure you don't miss this spot if you're visiting Canada.. read more

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Jewish deli sammies. Arrive hungry bc it's a good size sammie. +. Ambiance is cramped tourist packed Montreal's Jewish deli like 2nd ave and Katz's. Everything is a bit smaller here ( DR, menu etc). The line snaked around for about 30 minutes depending on the size of your party. ++. Food-wise, theirs' are smoked meats not corned and more limited menu than the American delis. I had the smoked meat with double mustard on light rye with a cherry soda. They don't offer bread choices here. It was warm and came out quickly. It was a tad dry even though I didn't order it "lean" so I added a pickle. You can order it fat if you want it moist. I wouldn't order it lean here. The pickle was very ripe and added some moisture. My sandwich was delicious and hit the spot! ++. Service was fast and easy. The deli service style is very much in line with busy traditional delis with high turns found in NYC and Chicago. Helps if you know what you want when you sit down and order right away. Otherwise, you'll have to flag down the servers or wait 'til they come around again. +. Price was quite reasonable for the sandwich quality and quantity. My sammie, pickle, soda, tax and tips came to $33 CAD. =. Parking is paid street except during this Labor Day weekend, Saint Laurent was closed to vehicles. Walking and public transportation are best options. Overall,Schwartz's is a fine tuned Jewish deli serving select menu at a reasonable price. I would def visit again :) MY RATINGS - -- Inhumane -- Disgusted - Don't bother = Missed the Mark + Good ++ Better +++ EDIBLE...WHERE have you been all my LiFe! read more

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First time in Montreal & my first meal when I landed. The meat was soo tendy and juicy! The small portion and the sandwich with fries and pickles was the perfect amount for two people. Meat: 5/5 so tender Fries: 3/5 needed a bit of salt Pickle: 1/5 wayyy too salty I didn't love the pickle as it was soft and too salty to bear but it was a bit better eating it with the meat. The spot is small but moves quickly, but our disposal table mat was a bit dirty when we sat down. Nonetheless, I would come back for sure :) read more

Schwartz's - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

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I got the smoked meat sandwich to go, and it was honestly the best sandwich I've ever had. The meat was seasoned perfectly, and it just melted in my mouth! The take-out shop is just to the left of the main restaurant. read more

Schwartz's - Sandwich à la viande fumée / Smoked Meat Sandwich - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

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Stopped in for a quick dinner when I was in town, since I'd been told not to miss some smoked meat while in Montreal! Located on a very busy street, there isn't much easy parking, but you might get lucky with nearby street parking. There was a bit of a line to get a table on Saturday night, but it moved super quickly. Staff were friendly, although pretty slammed, with the volume of customers. The interior of the space is fairly typical of a deli, with some tables and a bar top available for small to medium groups. A small and straightforward menu make it easy to pick something. I got the sandwich with fries and pickles. Everything was absolutely delish and I can see what all the hype was about. Tender, flavorful meat stacked on bread with just a little mustard. Perfection! read more

Schwartz's - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

When we arrived on a Wednesday around two, there was a wait out the door. I was a bit shocked but the line went quick. We were seated sharing a table with a few others, but it wasn't too tight of seating. Our waitress was very pushy which is my reason for the four star review. I ordered a turkey sandwich, as I don't like beef - she insisted I try the beef and brought me a sample. I felt obligated to try it and then felt she didn't want me to order the turkey as she kept saying "it's just cold cuts." I ordered the poutine, it was good. At our table, someone sent back a steak and when the waitress brought it back out, she insisted they take a bite before she left the table - meaning she hovered over our table for several minutes waiting for the patron to take a bite of food. Very weird experience. Overall, the food was good and it was an interesting joint. read more

Schwartz's - Poutine - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

Went to Schwartz as a first time tourist to Montreal, was recommended this place by many. After trying the smoked meat sandwich, i was blown away and knew why this place is recommended so much. The smoked meat was so tender and the mustard was tangy which complimented the sandwich. Next time i'm back in Montreal, I will come here to try the smoked meat poutine. read more

Schwartz's - Smoked meat sandwich - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

This place was fantastic, we all understood why the hype when we came here as first-time tourists. It was so good, the service was amazing, and the prices were super affordable. There was a mix of tourists and mostly locals, which was interesting and showed how good the place is. Loved that they kept the place decorated in its mostly original state, which just seemed like a time capsule of sorts. You really can't go wrong with what you choose here, we got a variety of dishes, including the smoked meat loaded poutine and smoked meat sandwiches, as well as a side of coleslaw we all shared. Thankfully, we made it in before the lunch rush, but they flip the tables pretty quickly. This place isn't just hype, definitley check them out if you get the chance. Next time I visit, I'll be 100% coming back here. read more

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Loved it! The smoked meat is fantastic. Served in a very basic fashion - meat, bread, and mustard. The meat is the star of the show - a nice smokiness to it with a good level of fat. The lines can be long, but you can get take out as well. Check it out! read more

Schwartz's - Exterior - lines can get long. - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

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I get the hype for Montreal's smoked meat. Leaner and sliced thinner compared to NYC pastrami, but just as deliciously salty, smoky, and perfect with sharp mustard on rye bread. All for about half the cost. A little touristy and has a long line, but well deserved. Has separate take-out (moves quickly) and dine-in lines. If you have the chance, I recommend dining-in to take in the whole old school deli experience. Service is quick--they're trying to move people in and out to get the line moving. Get a smoked meat sandwich, pickles, and a black cherry soda, and you're off to have a great day. read more

Schwartz's - Smoked Meat Sandwich - 10-day cured, then smoked brisket, served on bread with mustard - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

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Schwartz's Deli was my victory meal for walking 100k steps in a day in Montreal. What better nightcap? We were met with a short line at 11:30pm, when one of the locals came up to us and said "Once you have this, you'll never want to go to Katz's again. Trust me." I was confused how he knew we were from NY, but then I realized my big homie was wearing a Karl Anthony Towns Knicks jersey. We got our hands on the smoked meats sandwiches, and went to eat them on a bench nearby. While this thing was good, and the perfect meal to combat my major calorie deficit, it's just not Katz's. People who say this is better than Katz's have just simply never had Katz's. I honestly would've enjoyed it, and not even thought about the comparison, if bro in line didn't act like this was about to change my life. Comparison truly is a thief of joy. My Pastrami power rankings go Katz's, Langer's in LA, and Schwartz's at my #3. IG @johnny.novo Tiktok @jnov__ Substack @johnnynovo read more

Schwartz's - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

Delicious bare bones deli. We were recommended by several people when visiting Montreal to go here. Known for their smoked meats in this case corned beef. We waited outside 45 minutes to get in,,husband wanted to leave, but I said no we Uber here and we need to see what the fuss was about. They seat you community style if there are only two of you. Everything is ala carte. We had the sandwich which is on soft rye bread, basic ( no pickles or sides) with mustard. The meat is tender and flavorful, a good portion of meat, I did not finish mine. They also had a few other meat options. Our dining partners had the fries thats looked delicious. We were there around 2pm on a Thursday and they were packed. Its different then U.S jewish style deli, but worth the trip if your in Montreal. read more

Schwartz's - Smoked beef - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

Came in right before closing so didn't experience a big line. I had high expectations and the smoked meat sandwich blew me away. If I am ever back in Montreal, Schwartz is at the top of my list. read more

Schwartz's - Sandwich à la viande fumée / Smoked Meat Sandwich - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

Visiting Montreal, this is written in the tour guides and posted online of a must try! I think others saw the same posts as there was a line for ordering. My friend ordered while I was still walking to the restaurant. We sat down in the back of the deli. The place was a bit unkept and narrow and the table we sat at was nearest the bathroom? or a door. I'm not quite sure if the smell was from this or just curing the meat process itself But the most important part of the trip was that the smoked meat sandwich was excellent! After leaving the deli and getting some fresh air, we noticed a long line next to the deli. It was the restaurant side of Schwartze. It had a display of meats in the front window to admire while waiting in line. Will have to come back and try the more comfortable dining experience eating the sandwich in the restaurant. read more

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Waited in the takeout line, which looked long and was to the end of the block. Line moved fast and took about 15 minutes to order. Had the smoked meat sandwich, pickle, and black cherry soda. Sandwich was ok. Felt dry. Pickle was extremely juicy, so ate that with the sandwich. Black cherry soda was great. Now I can say I've been here so no need to come back. Very pricey for what you get. read more

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Our order was a smoked meat sandwich, fries, a pickle, and a black cherry soda. Honestly the perfect order. The smoked meat sandwich was dang good. One of those meals I'll be thinking about and randomly craving, not too salty, decadent and rich but not disgustingly heavy. I don't even enjoy soda but the pairing was so good. I liked having the pickle as a refreshing acidic element to the meal but my boyfriend said "the pickle's aite" The takeout line is long but fast and there's also a few spots in the back to eat indoors. It gets a bit cramped but well worth cutting down on the wait. read more

Schwartz's - Smoked meat sandwich, pickle, fries, and black cherry soda - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

We showed up early and luckily didn't have to wait long for a table...even though we were put at a table for six with four other people, it was fine. Limited menu, and they push you to the smoked meat sandwich. We each had a sandwich, and my wife had fries, and I had the cole slaw and a pickle. Food came out fast, and everything was very good. read more

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This place is everything the reviews promise! We got to the restaurant around 2pm (thinking we'd miss the lunch rush), and there was still a line out the door. Somebody in line then mentioned that there is a "to-go" counter right next to the sit-down restaurant. This line moved pretty fast. I went with the classic hot smoked meat sandwich. It looks deceptively small, but it's a solid serving for lunch for one person. I was pretty hungry and struggled to finish it. If you try to eat your way through all that Montreal has to offer, this stop is worth it! read more

Schwartz's - Smoked sandwiche hot - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

After dining here, I could see why there's usually a line that wraps around the building, and throne of tourists disembark from buses simply to walk through the tight restaurant. The meat definitely justified the wait, as it was easily the best pastrami I've ever had. It's not just a dining experience; it's a life-changing moment when you visit. The owner was more than happy to hop on a chair to take a group picture of you and your lucky friends. The wall was adorned with photos of famous people who ate at the restaurant. read more

Schwartz's - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

When you think of Schwartz, what do you think of? Amazing? Thats what it is. The smoked meat is absolutely amazing, you can never go wrong with what you get there. The sandwiches there were in another world. As well, the poutine was so flavorful that you can get seconds and thirds right away. Although there is a huge line in the front, it indicates how excellent the food really is. On a rainy day, people still wait in line to get the best sandwiches in montreal. Inside the restaurant is still a line with a refrigerators that you can pick up frozen vacuum meats or pickles and water. read more

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Loved the food here! A hit for the whole family! Kiddo and I split a sandwich which was probably just enough for us. Smoked meat on rye bread because that's what a good Jewish deli does! They did not skimp at all! The gentleman serving us behind the bar was very nice and even brought our kid a couple extra slices of leaner meat to try. Highly recommended! read more

Schwartz's - Sandwich à la viande fumée / Smoked Meat Sandwich - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

Schwartz is a small deli with a lot of history, and I love places like this where you can sit right at 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. read more

Schwartz's - Smoked meat sandwich - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

They are one of those three item menu places known for their sandwich. It's literally just meat with some sauce between two buns but somehow it's insanely good. I wish there was a little more seating and maybe a little more friendly but it works. Definitely worth a stop for a very fast bite to eat! read more

Schwartz's - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

Deviously tender smoked meat sandwich. IMO more fat should be cut out as ratio of meat and fat is almost even. Still a wonderful yummy experience. Bread doesn't hold up very well Black cherry soda delicious but pricey at almost $6 Service was okay. Good value for quality of meats. Not Katz's. But very good. read more

Smoked meat galore! We got the Smoked Meat Sandwich and the Poutine a la Schwartz's. Compared to Katz's, the meat was thinner, saltier, and more easily tore apart--we thought that it was worse than Katz's. Regardless, the sandwich was far cheaper than Katz's and both items still tasted delicious: the poutine had crispy fries, savory gravy, and hot cheese curds. It was still extremely busy when we got there at 8:30 PM on a Monday read more

Schwartz's - Menu as of 7/13/26 - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

If you like smoked meat, go here. If you don't, don't go here. The sandwiches look small but are packed with meat. I thought I would be bursting after, but I was pleasantly full and not uncomfortable. Fries are a bit underseasoned and soggy, but you don't go here for the fries. We had to ask for waters, but once we did, we got them pretty quickly - the service is exceptionally fast here. My son said it was the best hotdog dog he's ever had, but later said he was just "in the moment." They do pack you in here - we ended up at a table with 2 people we didn't know (who were lovely and we had a nice chat). So be prepared to chat up your neighbors. It was highly recommended by a lot of people, but we felt it was a bit overrated.... read more

Schwartz's - Sandwich à la viande fumée / Smoked Meat Sandwich with Frites / Fries - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

One of my main reasons to visit Montreal was to have a smoked meat sandwich. The epicenter of smoked meat in Montreal is Schwartz's. Fantastic sandwiches in a very genuine tiny cramped hectic dining room. Iconic experience. Service fits perfectly. You just gotta go!! read more

Schwartz's - Smoked meat sandwich with a glimpse of the table setting - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

On this trip, my food goal was to have a smoked meat sandwich from Schwartz's. My sister and I were strategic. Since the restaurant opens at 10am, we wanted to get there before 11, to beat the lunchtime line-up. I suspected that with the milder, more pleasant weather, more people would be more willing to wait. Consequently, I planned my day to avoid them entirely, even if it meant having lunch slightly earlier. Most of the tables were 6 tops, so we chose one that was empty for now, fully anticipating that the remaining seats would fill up before we finished. I planned to have the smoked meat sandwich and hoped the restaurant would offer poutine. I was in luck. Both a traditional and a smoked meat version of poutine were available. I went with the former. The fries were tender and crispy. The gravy was flavorful, but I would have liked more cheese curds. My sister agreed. The sandwich is served à la carte, fries and pickles are add-ons. The sandwich is smaller than what you would find on an American menu, but it is the perfect size if you do not want leftovers. I thought the sandwich was good, but not fantastic. It was perplexingly dry on one side and moist on the other. The service was fine - about what you'd find at a deli. Note, we were still in the area at 1pm and saw the lineup we managed to avoid. read more

Schwartz's - Traditional poutine with a deli staple, cherry soda. - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

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Worth the wait in the rain! Good to know that they have a TO GO LINE and line for if you wanna dine in. So if you don't wanna wait in a long line and the weather is great- I say take it to go and enjoy the outdoors. The service is great and friendly funny staff. If you are dining in and only a party of 2 be prepared to be sitting with other people with parties of 2. It was no issue for us because we love people :) it's a smaller space inside for dining in. Now THE SMOKED MEAT SANDWICH-- AMAZING! The bread was soft and beef was delicious. SOOOO much better than overpriced Katz in NY. It's a definitely a place to eat at when in Montreal. read more

Schwartz's - 5/5 would recommend The smoked meat sandwich - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

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Amazing food, service , and ambiance. A visit to Montreal isn't complete without a stop at Schwartz's Deli. The smoked meat sandwich absolutely lived up to the hype. The meat was incredibly tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, piled high between fresh rye bread with just the right amount of mustard. The atmosphere is classic, authentic, and full of history. Even with the line outside, the service was efficient and friendly, and the food was worth every minute of the wait. The pickle and fries were the perfect sides to complement the rich smoked meat. You can tell why this place has become a Montreal institution. Simple menu, legendary food, and an experience that feels uniquely local. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in Montreal. read more

Schwartz's - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

Schwartz's Deli is one of those Montreal spots that hits you immediately with how tight and chaotic it feels inside. We walked into a space that is small, constantly packed, and built around fast turnover rather than comfort, with people lining up at the counter while orders get called out across a loud, crowded room. The energy hit us right away, and it felt more like stepping into a system that has been running the same way for decades rather than a modern restaurant experience. The smoked meat sandwich is the main reason to come here, and it delivers in a very direct, no-frills way. We ordered one and found the meat thick, heavily seasoned, and with a deep smoky flavor that came through right away. The texture stood out most, tender but still structured enough to hold its bite, especially when stacked on rye bread with mustard. It is simple in concept but feels complete in execution, with nothing on the plate trying to distract from the main item. The sides like pickles, coleslaw, and fries felt more supportive than essential. We tried the poutine and found it solid and filling, but it clearly sat in the background compared to the smoked meat sandwich. Everything on the menu seemed centered around that one item, and the rest of the food reinforced that focus rather than expanding it into a wider dining experience. Seating is communal and tightly packed, which added to the overall intensity of the place. It was common to share tables with strangers, and there was very little personal space once we sat down. The noise level stayed high the entire time, but the service was quick, so the pace of the meal kept things moving even when it felt crowded. Schwartz's Deli feels like a Montreal institution defined by its simplicity and consistency. It is not a comfortable sit-down meal, but the smoked meat sandwich is strong enough to make the entire experience worth it, especially if you are there for what it is known for rather than the setting around it. read more

Schwartz's - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

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Just Go. Seriously. Go. I've been hearing about Schwartz's deli and their smoked meat for decades and have never had it. I finally went with my fiancé and let me tell you Sunny boy it was amazing. The Deli itself was not what I expected. It is small. Super small. Tiny. Old school. Authentic. Everything I live for. The people behind the counter were wonderful. Sweethearts. Kind. Welcoming. Patient. Funny. The opposite of what I expected. The smoked meat itself was absolutely delicious and I wish I had a sandwich right now. I simply cannot get it out of my head. read more

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The historic Schwart's is a MUST GO-TO spot when visiting Montreal. Their smoked meat sandwich is absolutely delicious. Instead of waiting for a table, my wife and I took it back to our airbnb and it still tasted great! We got the sandwich very quickly, probably only had to wait 5 minutes after placing the order. Highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Montreal for the first time and is a foodie! read more

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Lined up at the take out side, which was long but goes by quickly. When in MTL you must get smoked meat so that I did! I got both the sandwich and poutine, the meat was sooo tender and flavorful. Some of the best I've ever had! The poutine didn't have as many cheese curds as I would've liked but the smoked meat was the star so that's probably why there weren't heavy handed either the curds. Both dishes came out to upwards of $34, not bad at all! read more

Schwartz's - Sandwich à la viande fumée / Smoked Meat Sandwich - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

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Popular easy eats sandwich spot with epic smoked meats. Went for a quick lunch and saw the sit-down line was very long. Decided to grab food for takeaway. Ordered some smoked meat sandwich and fries. Found a little nook in the takeaway area where we could sit. Was a good, filling lunch. Would come back! read more

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For locals and tourists alike, Schwartz's is a must try. Open since 1928, it's famous for its Montréal smoked meat. The interior has a classic deli look, and offers both counter and table seating. Lines often form outside, but the staff keeps things moving efficiently. My family and I went on a Thursday, and arrived around 9:30am. We were the first ones there, but 15-20 others joined us prior to opening. Once we were seated, we ordered a smoked meat sandwich, turkey sandwich, French fries, and a couple dill pickles. The fries and pickles were both above average, but the highlight was the quality of the meats. The turkey was incredibly fresh, neither dry nor slimy. Although I enjoyed the turkey sandwich, the smoked meat is what Schwartz's is known for. The brisket is cured for 10-12 days, smoked, and then steamed the day it's served. Steaming moisturizes, reheats, and tenderizes the meat. The smoked meat sandwich was so good, I ended up ordering the poutine à la Schwartz's. This is the ultimate Canadian dish: poutine topped with Montréal smoked meat. Despite being pretty full from the sandwich, I didn't leave a crumb. Some might call Schwartz's a tourist trap, but the quality of its meats is undeniable. Food aside, the overall experience and history make it one of a kind. Personally, I ate at over 10 establishments while in Montréal, and this was my favorite of the bunch. read more

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Great smoked meat sandwich! 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. read more

The ambiance and history of Schwartz's is legendary. They have been doing smoked meat for forever. When going there, make sure to have the smoked meat sandwich. A great tip is to order extra rye bread. The meat is enough to make a second sandwich. Try the different types of mustard - definitely adds to the experience. The pickles are awesome - and since they've added fries and poutine, you are now getting the full package. Service is quick, and the staff are professional and very eager to assist. It's a right of passage to come here. Spend some time looking at all of the famous people's photos on the wall. Be prepared to be sitting at a table with a bunch of other people. Take home some spices for later. You may see someone famous while you are there. And be prepared to wait a bit for the service, especially if you come right at prime hours. read more

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I've always compared Schwartz to Katz and feel Schwartz has better meat. Dropped by the other day right after they opened, so the line was not much. The ambiance is obviously chaotic. The service, they are pretty busy. The guy next to me just got handed a sandwich without ordering. However I noticed it was smaller than the rest. I wanted fatty, they had tougher pieces with one slice of fatty meat in the middle of the sandwich. Mine was not as moist or tender. Thought about going back on the same trip but thought heck, I think pastrami queen or Katz could fill the void without much stress to Montreal. Summary of my Montreal trip, things change. read more

The smoked meat sandwich did NOT disappoint! We got there pretty early and received our sandwich right away. It was quick. The meat is stacked and seriously so good. Don't sleep on this one. Ambiance felt like a deli but I wasn't expecting anything different. The seats were in the back and we were able to order, get our sandwich, and sit right away. The only thing is that it came out to be smaller than I expected. I wish there was more or I wish we ordered more. read more

Schwartz's - Smoke Sandwich à la viande fumée / Smoked Meat Sandwich - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec