Schwartz's Delicatessen

Rain or shine you will stand in line but well worth the wait. We arrived at noon and stood in line. Didn't take long to get seated (family of five) or served. Yes, it is a busy place but they do know what they are doing. We don't like rye bread - waiter suggested that we run next door and purchase regular buns - they didn't mind at all. We ordered smoke meat without bread, cole slaw and fries. It was stop we did not regret!

This place makes the only sandwhich I would stand in line for 40 minutes for. I went for take-out, and got the classic smoked meat sandwhich, on sourdough with mustard. I could have stood inside, inhaling the wonderful smells for hours. The meat in my sandwhich was flavourful, juicy, tender and warm. I couldn't have been happier with the sandwhich unless there had been another one. Wonderful! I'd stand in line in January for this sandwhich.

If you want to be treated extremely rudely by fat butchers, then this is the place to be. 3 or 4 years ago, while visiting Montreal, we made a stop at Schwartz's for some take out. We waited in line for over an hour!! When we got near the front of the line, we heard one of the fat butchers say "let them wait, they'll come back anyways". Poor service is one thing, but utter arrogance and disrespect of your customers is another. I will NEVER condone any business to act in such a rude manner and I will make it known to anyone thinking of going. This still angers me even after 3-4 years. The food may be good (not great).. but to be subjected to that kind of rudeness is utter nonsense... be forewarned!

We just got back from our trip to Montreal and stumbled upon Schwartz's deli. There was such a long line during the day and at night was that we decided to check it out. We went around 10pm to avoid the line and were seated immediately. The guy who sat us down seemed rather unpleasant but we heard that they weren't the most pleasant place. They sat us at our own table and a few minutes later we received our smoked meat (or equivalent of pastrami). The food was ok not great. The meat wasn't as tender as I expected and it was wrapped in just a regular piece of bread, and if I had to wait in line I would have given it a worse review. The best thing about the deli was the price since for both of us it was $20 (U.S.). However, towards the end of the night both me and my bf had stomach aches which we attributed to the food eaten at schwartz's deli, since we did not eat anywhere else prior to. Overall, I probably wouldn't return, but to each his own I guess (since everyone's review on here appears to be favorable).

I love the smoked-meat at Schwartz's its unbeatable, the medium-cut meat melts in your mouth. Side it with a some fries, a dill pickle and a black cherry soda and its picture perfect. Even the cole-slaw desrves an applause. The waiters and countermen work hard at trying to keep everything flowing at a steady pace. Thumbs up, people make in and out of there alive and well fed.

I loved everything. The service was awesome and it was an enjoyable place. My family and I vistied and loved every minute of it. The food was so good and we took lots of pictures.

Got there, and waited in a small line. The staff made sure it moved smoothly. Seated at the stools, the waiter was very friendly and explained the lean vs. medium vs. fatty, etc. Ordered a medium smoked meat sandwich and found it to be very chewy/fatty,and lacking of flavour. Upsides were great rye bread (and I dont like rye). I put on a lot of mustard to distract myself from the substandard sandwich. Not sure if I hit it on an off day, or if its over-rated as part the masses trying to appear hip and conforming. Quite disappointed. Would not revisit.

I am a native Montrealer who moved to the states over 20 years ago. In my 20 years in and around the U.S. I have been searching for something that even remotely resembles smoked meat. People in NY always rave about the pastrami sandwiches at their delis. They can't hold a candle to Shwartz's. The atmosphere is just a small part of the great experience. The sandwiches are second to none. I order them "FAT" because I don't eat like this as a norm. My brothers swear by the medium. The french fries are some of the best EVER along with the rib steaks. You also have to try some karnatzel. When I visit Montreal there are 2 places that are a must go to (and several times)in the visit. Arachova on St. Viateur is the other place (great Greek food). If you are expecting fine dining and a "clean" atmosphere don't come here.

You will find the best smoked meat anywhere at this restaurant. Order it medium. The only problem I have with this place is the size and the lineups. But it is worth it.

the best place to get smoked meat in montreal the food is unrivaled,it is on st laurant st just north of downtown.The sandwiches are the main thing on the menu but boy are they well worth the trip.I have eaten there many times when i have gone to montreal.I just cannot explain the mouth watering goodness it is a treat to your taste buds.