Fastest service ever! 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. read more

More than for the food, this place is worth a visit for the experience. You feel like you're stepping 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. read more

See all

We stopped here as part of a food tour. Lots of history here as it's been around since the 30s. We had the Wilensky special which was a grilled bologna, salami and cheese on a Kaiser roll with mandatory mustard. Pretty good for what it is but I wouldn't have gone out of my way for it as I prefer sandwiches with some vegetables in it. read more

Wilensky's Light Lunch is a kosher-style lunch counter that has been open in Montreal since 1932! And it hasn't changed that much in all that time (from what I learned on my Mile End walking tour)! The exterior, the interior, the menu - it's all still so classic. The menu is still limited - tiny, really - the Wilensky Special, hot dog, chopped egg sandwiches, cheese sandwiches, egg creams, old-fashioned sodas, and pickles. But you're probably there for is the Wilensky Special (beef salami and beef bologna with mustard grilled on a roll)! You can add cheese (Swiss or cheddar); I didn't. But you can't change the Special! Don't like mustard, don't order the Special. Want it cut in half, do it yourself. And it's still about $4.50. It's a classic and it was delicious. Maybe my favorite bite of food in Mile End. Visiting Wilensky's was like taking a step into Montreal's past. And that Special? Still delicious. You can see why they've been open for more than 90 years! read more

See all

Super fast and efficient! The sandwich was placed in front of me so fast I wasn't sure if I had even finished speaking! They have homemade soda and I tried a combo of their cream and orange soda. This was the perfect light lunch! It was also very affordable and I'd come back again for this classic Montreal spot. read more

Wilensky - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

Absolutely love Wilensky's Light Lunch! Delightful throwback that reminds me of my local luncheonette on Northern Boulevard in Jackson Heights, Queens, when I was extremely little that has since disappeared, where my treat was always Chocolate Egg Creams. Make it a point to go to Wilensky's whenever my visit coincides with their opening hours! Order always the Special (all beef salami and bologna with mustard on a roll) with Swiss and a classic Chocolate Egg Cream (of course), although they had a variety of flavors to choose from. [For those of you unfamiliar with Egg Creams, they are only seltzer, milk, and flavored syrup, and do not include egg or cream.] Boy, do they hit the spot! The small storefront has a lot of memorabilia to look at, plus a small selection of books and CDs to purchase. Keep in mind, Wilensky's hours are only extended lunch hours, plus they're open only 5 days a week... so make sure you're in town when they're open, because it's totally worth it! read more

See all

I missed this spot last visit so this time we made it over here on a Tuesday around 12:30. No queue when we arrived but that quickly changed after we placed our order at the counter. Throwback vibe given Barstool seating. We ordered the Special-Beef Bologna and Salami with Swiss and another with Cheddar. It comes with Mustard and as the sign says don't try to change this sandwich that has been around since 1932. Sandwich was tasty and just the right size. I preferred it with Swiss. They also serve Hot dogs, Chopped Egg sandwiches and Fountain Sodas. Simple and nothing complicated. Cash and local Debit Cards only. Service was quick and friendly. A Montreal favorite and local flavor not to be missed. read more

See all

if you appreciate places that refuse to change with the trends, you will love this iconic spot. the counter service is fast and friendly. it is a tiny, no-frills setup that gets packed with locals quickly. it is definitely built for a fast bite rather than a long lounge session, but the charm and value are undeniable read more

A tiny sandwich that screams POW! Bologna, salami, on a small piece of bread, for $4, with a super nice owner and a friendly staff, yeah, I am going to give you plenty of bonuses here. The sandwich is perfect for that light lunch. I felt great after eating it, and could have had another but felt I had to back off. There is just too much good food to try in this city. I also loved them singing Oasis as I was eating. That made me giggle as I love Oasis. This review is also making me smile as I conclude it with a giggle as well. read more

Wilensky - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

I'm a tourist from New England in th US and researched this is a must try. So glad I came! The whole staff was so friendly and had a old-school, home feel. I got the Wilensky special with Swiss cheese. Around $5. Everything was on point. The meat was super flavorful and stuffed more than I expected. The bun they use is incredible. I wish I had this place near my home. read more

See all

Unique en son genre on y va pour le sandwich bologne et salami de boeuf ou le hot dog. Apres 90 ans en affaires ne leur demander pas de modifier le sandwich :-). . Un sandwich unique qui vaut le detour. Un mix parfait avec ou sans fromage. La ligueur en fontaine fait sur mesure c'est sympa. Ne chercher pas autres choses sur le menu cest pas mal ca mais on adore le concept. Verifier l'horaire avant de vous y rendre et argent ccomptant. read more

See all

Bologna sandwiches. Sounds odd at a restaurant, but that's what they do here. Heated with cheese. Side of pickles and various soda flavors. Cheap like $10 and decent tasting. Probably need two to be filling though. Bit of an awkward setup because you are at a counter face to face with the servers 100% of the time you are there. Not for an introvert. read more

This place has been on my list for a lonnnng time, and I am glad I finally got to try it out. I tried the 'Special' sandwich with a cherry cola, and this definitely didn't disappoint. The owners and the waitress were super amicable. The place has a cozy retro look. Oh and also friendly note to bring cash or debit card! read more

Wilensky - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

Sometimes, when a menu only has a few items on it, and the menu hasn't changed much in years, you know it'll be good. This place was very quaint and like walking back in time. Not sure on the exact opening year, but think WWII era or possibly even earlier. Only a few items to select, which are variations of the original sandwich (smoked meat on a flattened English muffin like bread). We opted to get one with cheese, a side of pickle and a cherry soda, which they made in house with the cherry syrup and soda water. As a fan of good deli food, this place does not disappoint! Definitely a must if you're in the Mile End neighborhood. read more

Wilensky - Inside seating area - very old school, but cool - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

See all

A foodie spot in Montréal. Salty and kinda missing some garnish or sauce to neutralize the processed meat taste. If you like salty sandwich then this is definitely your spot. read more

Wilensky - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

Stopped by this place as it was on the must try in Montreal. It was nothing special. Maybe a poor man's version of a smoked meat sandwich. Be warned. They only take cash so I gave up a $5 USD and had a canadian quarter on me. They asked if I wanted cheese so I said yes, then the price jumped to $5.50 which I didn't have so I opted out on the cheese. They didn't seem very friendly so I got them impression they were tired of tourists showing up for a sandwich. They have a few spots for counter seating but it seems locals sit there and chat. Don't bother going. Just go get a real smoked sandwich! read more

Wilensky - The Wilensky Special - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

Very cool classic place! The sandwich was everything I hoped for!! We got and shared two different sandwiches, one with mustard and Swiss and one with cheddar both were really good!! I guess I forgot to get pics of the sandwiches! read more

Wilensky - Inside - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

See all

An absolute must stop in the heart of Montreal, delicious salami & bologna sandwiches, hot, cheesy,with side pickle and refreshing cream soda to top it off. Staff is an absolute delight, friendly and welcoming. Wilensky is a time capsule, go in take a break and enjoy the charm. read more

Simple bologna sandwich, sounds ridiculous at first but it is that delicious. I got their special with cheddar and paired it with their full sour pickle and voila, delicious lunch. read more

Wilensky - The MVP - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

See all

Wilensky is a simple, locally-loved deli with a unique history. I had their diced egg sandwich, which was simple but tasty. Nothing to write home about, but I understand that Wilensky is an establishment in the area. read more

i LOVE this place and sandwich. there are foods that hit at the core of us as people. some people might not be impressed with a bologna sandwich. one might ask how is this different from a bologna sandwich you might make at home for yourself. trust me, it is. i don't even normally like bologna sandwiches. i got two wilensky specials. one with cheddar and one with swiss. both were good, but i think i stuck with the more understated swiss when i went back to order another two sandwiches after tasting my first. i regret not making it back here to take some on the flight back with me. it may sound kinda gross, but in the cold fall of montreal, i left these unrefrigerated outside of the fridge, wrapped up, a day or two and they were still delicious upon microwaving them at my new hotel in quebec city. they keep well. still DELICIOUS. (try at your own risk). the in store made pop added a little charm to the sandwiches as well. the pickles were also delicious. i'm grateful netflix randomly turned me onto this place through "mind of a chef." it's actually a really good episode with aziz ansari and dave chang. FYI, in the winter, they do take a break. the first time i came to montreal, i was sadly denied the magic of their sandwiches. the mom and pop owners and workers were friendly and low key as well. i will come here and load up on bologna sandwiches every time i come to MTL now. candaian treasure. read more

See all

What a gem! I'm so happy to experience this historic establishment. When you walk in, it's like walking into a time machine. The place opened in 1932. I tried the wilensky special with cheddar and had a bite of the Swiss. The Swiss was my favorite but they were both really good. Extra mustard pairs well. The bread was really special too. Don't miss this spot read more

Simple, enduring combination at enduring modest cost. Not fancy but not to be missed.

We are forgoing our usual rating system, simply because...Wilensky's is unique. A Montreal staple since 1932, this family operated deli has been featured in books, magazines, television and movies. The renowned "Wilensky special" and home-made cherry cola are incomparable. The savoury, grilled, all-beef salami and all-beef bologna with mustard on a kaiser roll and excellent side options are a perfect, satisfying light lunch. A must try for any true Montrealer. read more

See all

I don't think I'm going to add more to this places legacy with my review, but I will share that I loved my experience here. I wanted to sit down at the counter, but due to COVID regulations, I was not able to due to the 2 meters distancing tule. I ordered the Walinsky special (served as is), with a sour pickle, and a cream soda that they make from scratch. There is something so comforting in something so simple and delicious. I understand this places' legacy and I'll come back here every time I'm in Montreal. read more

Wilensky - The special - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

See all

Wow-weeee! What a sandwich! When you go to Wilensky Light Lunch in the Mile End section of Montreal, you'll be stepping back in time. Opened in 1932 originally as a cigar store, this spot began serving ultra-affordable sandwiches when the Depression hit. Now-a-days, a Wilensky Special costs $4.99 and is very, very delicious. The nice people who run this beautifully vintage restaurant are all descended from Moe Wilensky and make their sandwiches the same way Moe did in the 30s. Fried all beef balogna and fried all beef salami with a slice of cheese (Swiss or cheddar) with a schmear of yellow mustard on a grilled roll pressed into mind-boggling deliciousness. Bet you can't eat just one! read more

It is truly a crime that I've never been here until now. They are ALWAYS closed when I want to go. Adam and I take lots of late night walks and this place closes at 4pm and isn't open on Sunday AND it's cash only! A recipe for me never being able to go basically. But one day I was like enough! Go to the bank, get the money, eat there!!! And I did. And I loved it! It's simple, delicious food. I got the kernatzel, the chocolate milkshake, the special with cheese, AND the hot dog and yuuuuummm. I think it's the meat that gets me. It's so tasty and salty and then they add a light dab of mustard with some cheddar cheese and boom = happiness. It may be cash only but it's also ridiculously cheap. read more

See all

I've passed by Wilensky's more times than I can count but have never stepped in for a sandwich. They've been doing their thing since 1932. We dropped in on a Tuesday afternoon (around 3:00pm). The inside is the definition of old school. 10 wiggling counter stools and some well used, vintage panini presses to cook the sandwiches. The menu is up behind the counter; Wilensky special, hot dogs, cold sandwiches, egg cream soda, soft drinks, milkshakes and other drinks. - Wilensky special with Swiss cheese ($4.53) - sandwich made with beef salami and bologna with mustard and grilled on a roll. It's a perfect snack. Bun is nicely grilled. Worth a try. Cash only and no tipping necessary. 3.5 stars. read more

See all

Had to check out this place after seeing a video about it right before leaving for Montreal. It surpassed my lofty expectations. It is genuine, in the way McSorley's Ale House in NYC is; run the same way for years doing pretty much one thing right. The sandwich is delicious, not too big, with high quality meat. We had them with Swiss, accompanied by chocolate egg creams and a pickle. Just perfect. Run by some nice folks. read more

Wilensky - The pros behind the grill. - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

See all

I'm giving this place 5 stars because Anthony Bourdain is a genius and told me to come here. Not because it's the best breakfast sandwich ever made. But because this place is a time capsule stuck in history. As soon as you walk in, you've instantly warped back to 1928. The woman behind the counter didn't say hi or hello. She said, how many? Lol I loved it. My first ever chocolate egg cream soda brought me back to my Jewish roots. And yes the sandwich was most definitely perfect with a squirt of mustard. Less than 7 bucks spent, I was more than satisfied. In fact if I lived here, I'd probably have a sandwich everyday. read more

See all

High quality novelty deli in the middle of a bustling neighborhood. The menu is simple yet the focus on high quality fair is existent in every item, as evidenced by the 87 years of existence as well as the crowds that it draws. What drew me was the chopped egg sammich with egg cream soda (made from scratch as you pick out the flavor). This is a must when in these neighborhoods. read more

I can't believe this place has only 65 reviews! As far as I'm concerned, Wilensky's hype is on the same level as Schwartz's - except that the former stayed humble, and the later built a whole empire that boasts worldwide renown and Celine Dion. The Wilensky Special is just a grilled bologna sandwich, plain and simple. It can only be praised so much for its culinary achievements, but can be adored endlessly if you happen to be fond of the diner's cultural significance and nostalgic vibe. Wilensky is frozen in time, with its funny wall color, cheap prices and casual chit chat. There's no huge lineup out the door, obnoxious service or sense of urgency - althought the hype whipped up by Anthony Bourdain and others has given the place a strange sacred aura. The first time I stepped into the place, I thought it was surprisingly old, like a museum that refuses to modernize. They didn't really ride any wave of the publicity, and you'll never find their bologna sandwich sold anywhere outside of their shop - and I think I like them for that. It seems that Wilensky is still a well kept secret - one of many hidden around the Plateau and Mile-End. It earned its place by staying consistently delicious, close to its community and true to its origins and family values. Note: I usually don't like soda, but I actually really enjoyed theirs! read more

Wilensky - Wilensky Special - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

You really can't go wrong here. The food is great, the service is quick, and it's a Montreal classic. There's not much else to say that hasn't already been said in the other reviews. The all beef sandwich is amazing. Served pressed and hot, with a sliver of mustard. Although it is quite easy to make at home, it is cheap enough to go here and enjoy their sandwiches. My only 1 negative comment would be that some of the staff could be nicer. I came around 3:40pm and it was my first time here so I wanted to take a moment to read their full "menu". One staff immediately said "you better choose quickly, we close at 4" in a not so pleasant voice. Apart from this, everything was perfect. I would highly recommend this restaurant for a really quick, tasty and cheap bite to eat. read more

Wilensky - Homemade cherry soda, sour pickle and a Wilensky special. - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

I came to Montreal from Philadelphia specifically for this place along with a smoked meat sandwich shop and poutine and a bagel. Everyone in there was so nice. The charm outside and inside of the building was terrific. Look up at the beautiful pressed tin ceiling. Perfect example of it not being broke, don't fix it. I also had this meat link which was also great. I didn't have the bagels yet but this was a place I'd love to visit on a regular basis. Montrealers are lucky to have this place. read more

Wilensky - FULL sour pickle, THE sandwich and chocolate egg cream - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

My father introduced my sister and I to Wilensky's 60+ years ago. My dad passed in 2016 and my mom, sister, her kids and I continue to enjoy the consistent charm, simplicity and tasty food and atmosphere. Sharon Wilensky and her crew have maintained this iconic landmark in a manner that would make her forebears proud! read more

Wow. This came as a recommendation from a yelp collection I looked at, and i highly highly recommend this place as well. Walked over for a quick bite. This place is very charming. From what I can tell, it's been under the same family ownership since it's opening WAY back in the day. I got their special, which is basically a sandwich with cheese and salami. The salami is delicious, the cheese perfectly melty, and the pickles a nice touch. They also do home made sodas. Price point is unbeatable as well. *cash only. read more

Wilensky - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

Their special sandwich is simplest sandwich ever and SO good: a roll with bologna, salami, cheese (swiss or cheddar) with mustard on a flat, grilled roll. I never even loved mustard until I tried it on this sandwich. It really adds so much to the sandwich. Line moved quick, sandwiches were cheap, AND I was pretty full. The sandwich will make you feel nostalgic, and so will the décor. Full of old school CDs and books. read more

Wilensky - Delis Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

Fast bologna sandwich done right. The Kaiser Roll was perfectly soft and warm after being hot pressed for a brief moment. The bologna was moist and delicious, although I wish there was more of it. Go mid week to avoid the lines and know what you want to order before getting to the counter. read more

See all

Wilensky's is definitely worth visiting for the nostalgic factor. Opens since 1932 and still family own and run by the Wilensky's! And of course we need to order their famous SPECIAL ($3.90)! which is a grilled beef salami and beef bologna sandwich with mustard on a kaiser roll, pressed flat from the grill! As the sign in the restaurant announces: "When ordering a Special, you should know a thing or two. It is always served with mustard; it is never cut in two. Don't ask us why; just understand that this is nothing new. This is the way that it's been done since 1932." So we ended up having our own SPECIAL since it is the way it has to be and luckily I love mustard!! The Special is great for a snack and it is so hot!! So be careful when you bite into it! The made to order fountain drinks with quite a few different flavours: even a chocolate one!! definitely worth ordering and believe me would go well with your sandwich! No tips necessary but if you do, it will be put into donation box for the Heart and Stroke Foundation! So do leave whatever change you want to on the counter! . read more

See all

Outstanding, time did not change this eatery. Just as tasty as when Moe z"l and Ruth z"l were behind the counter. Returning to my home city of Montreal, It's been 21 years since I enjoyed a special. read more