Main (The), Montreal

LISTEN UP PEOPLE!!!! THIS IS THE STRAIGHT DOPE!! and i didn't say that cause I am the coolest teenager ever, I'm the lamest adut to ever speak the truth.I live beside Schwartz's deli and Main deli and i know that the neighborhood smoked meat rivaly is more intense than a habs leafs playoff game. Some locals even claim that both delis are owned by the same family and they set out to cause the commotion to generate business. They claim to have seen delivery trucks from the same meat provider delivering the same meat to each deli.................. This is all Bull! - Lony! The truth is Schwartz's deli invented Montreal smoked meat just for the fact that they were smoking meat in Montreal before anyone else had the idea to call it "" Montreal "". smoked meat rather than just plain "smoked meat". For those a little slower, L.A could have smoked meat and called L.A Smoked meat but they didn't think of it first. This is not to degrade what is known as Montreal smoked meat, because I have yet to find such deliciousness anywhere in my travels. Anyway............... Schwartz's deli has the best " Montreal " smoked meat in the world because they invented it! It just so happens to be the tastiest smoked meat in the world. Even if it tasted like crap, it would still be { by default } the best standard to measure the greatness of "Montreal " smoked meat. So with all that in mind you, like I do, everyday, you should get your sandwich from Schwartz's deli, provided there is not a gigantic line of tourists waiting to get their well deserved " Best Montreal smoked meat sandwich in the world" ....I will get what they all came for another day cause i live around the corner. But even if the enthusiastic beef connoisseurs from around the world are not in my way, then i will take my heavenly sandwich, eat it, and then cross the street to the "Main Deli" and have the best cole slaw, dill pickles, cheese burgers, steaks {rib steak dinner}, ribs { a gigantic beef rib molasses heaven that Barney Rubble could not duplicate}, a fantatsic variety of poutines, salads, and fries { with the mandatory " secret" heinz 57 sauce {not Ketchup} all available 24-7. In conclusion I would recommend Schwartz's deli for smoked meat sandwich but for anything other than that, The Main is your spot for 24 hour supremacy on ALL DELI, DINER MEALS, ENOUGH SAID MAIN KICKS DINER ASS!!

The first time I went into the Main, I needed some smoked meat and did not have the time to wait in line at Schwartz. Was I pleasantly surprised when I found the smoked meat better (not dry) and they even have poutine. I've been back many times since and have never been disappointed. I've been to Schwartz twice and don't understand why anyone would wait in line for a dry and less tasty smoked meat sandwich.

What a thrill to discover this wonderful smoked meat emporium just across the street from the now-anemic Schwartz! I dreamed of a GREAT smoked meat sandwich during my 20+ year absence from la belle Montreal, and was seriously disappointed in the unremarkable plate I got at Schwartz's. The fragrance wafted into the doorway at The Main, just across the street. I went there the next door, and was immediately hooked. Don't know about their other food, but if you crave a highly seasoned viande fumee Montreal style, skip the tourist trap and eat at the sadly easy to get seated place across the street.

my first visit there this past Friday evening, jan 2,2009, and the experience was the best... we were serves by Anna [ Annastsia?] she was remarkable and the smoked meat was juicy tasty fabulous we ordered medium we like a little fat for that true flavour and the veronicas were to die for... and the price... well what can i say a real treat thanks I will definitely be back real soon....

Main's smoked meat is more seasoned than Schwartz's and offer more variety. Also, there's hardly a wait and the fries are just as good. Seems like a no brainer to me... Wait in line of have better smoked meat across the street?

Truly satisfying if u want good wholesome food at a very cheap affordable price! Steak is tender and JUICY for 13$ with all the side orders, truly a BARGAIN! "The Main Burger" is also highly recommended! Just typing about the place makes me want to head there now..hehe...u can't go wrong with Main, u have my word. CHEAP DELICIOUS BIG portion FOOD, place to be! I must admit, it's better than its Shwartz counterpart accross the street. :$

This place is a classic mom and pop style deli, everything is top quality. Service is so good; fast, friendly and unpretentious. Food is very tasty and satisfying.

I used to live around the corner from The Main, and it was a wonderful comfort to a man living alone around there. Now I live in a remote area in the forest, beyond Sherbrooke, Quebec. But once in a while, it is just irrisistable to drive hundreds of kilometres - some on vile, rutted dirt roads - to have a Main smoked-meat sandwich on rye, a sour dill pickle, some coleslaw, and a drink. Sometimes even overwhelming cheesecake. It's all worth the trip every time.

Everything from smoked meat to latkas graces the The Main's menu. This is by far the best Montreal-style deli on the main. Dishes are mostly European-deli variety alongside Montreal favorites. The plentiful line-up and excellent quality of its meals constrast well with its humble atmosphere. The decor and plastic sheathed menus are functional and plain at best but all in a true deli-style tradition. The Main's simple charm gives it a genuine ambiance that make dining here satisfying and comfortable.