Schwartz's Deli
Schwartz's Deli 3895 Boul. Saint-Laurent, Montréal
4.3
653 evaluations
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Review summary

What guests say about Schwartz's Deli

Schwartz's Deli is often described as a true Montreal institution, with very tender, flavorful smoked meat and generous portions. Many customers also like the fries, pickles, and poutine, as well as the fast and efficient service when everything goes well. On the downside, the place is often crowded and very cramped, and some people find the prices high or the service inconsistent, sometimes even brusque. It’s a good choice if you want the classic smoked meat experience in Montreal, but less ideal if you’re looking for calm or good value for money.

Summary based on 516 reviews.

Reviews / Ratings for Schwartz's Deli

Photo of Oliver Schultz C.
2 May 2026
Source: Google
2.3

Most overrated place i have ever been, I normally do not express honestly so low rates, but it's only my opinion. Any other smokes meat and Barbecue place I have been (different countries) are way better than this Deli meat sandwiches. Salty meat in a Sandwich bread 1/8 the size compared to the amount of meat put in, and cheap US mustard (like Heinz or Frenche's). Any way folks ay the counter do a good job servicing. Must add that place is not clean, I had to clean my table which was sticky with food remains. Other thing, they charge pickles and coleslaw salad separately...

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Photo of Claude Lefebvre
2 May 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Every time I come to Montreal…. A staple in my honest opinion.

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Photo of Alvin D
2 May 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Really good quick service. Got takeout and it was pretty easy, use the left door. Food was ready quickly and it was delicious.

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Photo of Vincent M.
1 May 2026
Source: Google
5.0

After an 8-hour flight, I was desperate for comfort food. Having only seen poutine in YouTube videos, I felt lucky to stumble upon this place—full of authenticity and history. The staff were very welcoming, and as a solo diner I quickly got a seat at the counter. I ordered the Schwartz poutine, which arrived almost instantly and completely delivered. The combination of cheese, fries, gravy, and smoked meat came together in rich, satisfying bites. My only complaint is that I wished the portion were twice the size. Prices are slightly on the higher side, but considering the portion and sheer indulgence, it’s easy to justify. Definitely worth it.

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Photo of Evan Dahlke
1 May 2026
Source: Google
3.7

Dining area a bit cramped and the smoked meat sandwich is a little small and pretty average (for 18 bucks). Gents behind the counter were very friendly

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Photo of Maria Keigma
1 May 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Best smoked meat!

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Photo of C.M. RICHARD
1 May 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Must go when in Montréal. Fast service: order, eat, pay and leave. Always crowded. But that's part of the experience when dine in at Schwartz's. Our waiter Tino, amazing and friendly.

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Photo of Andreanne Vezina
1 May 2026
Source: Google
1.0

So overrated. If I wanted to eat straight fat I’d eat bacon. Seriously don’t bother with this place.

Photo of Oscar Rodriguez
30 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Great place for sandwich!

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Photo of Mishel Anisimob
30 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Toni is the best! And the food is delicious:)

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Photo of Tom Cat
30 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Showed up early on a Sunday morning with my camera hoping to beat the crowd, and the line outside Schwartz's was already wrapping around the corner, which honestly made for a great shot. Once inside, I ordered the smoked meat sandwich medium-fat and it was everything people claim it to be, tender, smoky, and stacked generously on rye. The staff kept things moving at a quick but friendly pace, and the old-school diner energy of the place felt completely authentic rather than staged for tourists. If you're a photographer, the morning light coming through the front window hits the counter just right, so bring your camera and grab a seat near the front.

Photo of Jim Young
30 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

This is THE place for smoked meat

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Photo of L F
30 Apr 2026
Source: Google
4.0

Sometimes it’s perfect, other times it’s so salty that you want to die

Photo of kaspersky AntiVirus
29 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

best smoked meat in Canada!

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Photo of Grahame Wealleans
28 Apr 2026
Source: Google
2.3

There's much better places to blow $45 on a couple of sandwiches, a pickle and 2 waters. Don't believe the hype, this place is grotty and unsanitary, you will be sat surrounded by boxes of condiments and such. It's busy, I get it and don't expect it to be polished, but there are levels of dirt and this place has some areas that haven't seen a broom in a long long time. The sandwich is mediocre, not the worst in the world by a long stretch but nowhere near the hype that surrounds this place. All in all a disappointment.

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Photo of Francisco Arizmendi
28 Apr 2026
Source: Google
4.7

A Montreal staple, this place is as good as it was 20 years ago when I first tried it. Service is rough but it’s part of the charm. It’s always busy but I don’t mind. Worth it!

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Photo of john theriault
28 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

My wife and I were in Montreal for daughters graduation. We were there 6 days and ate at schwartz deli 4x. It's the best montreal sandwich ever. Old fashion medium. Fries and cott black cherry pop. 10 out 10.... Chubby butcher

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Photo of Ebony Lyons
28 Apr 2026
Source: Google
4.7

This place was worth the wait! The line out front was almost to the corner which only excited me more! After about 20 minutes we were seated at the counter. The waiter said: everyone is having the meat sandwich. After asking for 4 other things and being told they don’t have it- I realized everyone was eating the meat sandwich because that’s all they had- despite being given a menu. This was a blessing in disguise because the meat sandwich was phenomenal. For any New Yorkers it’s not quite Katz Deli but way better than Carnegie Deli.

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Photo of roj
27 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Aside from the amazing food and culture in this place,what really blows my mind is the people serving you here,the most welcoming and kind people who make jokes and chat with you and make sure youre having a good time ,THANK YOU GIOVANNI

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Photo of S M
27 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Delicious, fast, and friendly service.

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Photo of Marky Marc
27 Apr 2026
Source: Google
4.3

Friendly service. I enjoyed my medium sandwich but it was leaner than I thought it would be. My friend's fries were okay. Typical diner decor, good for a bite when there's no lineup

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Photo of Alexandre
26 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Schwartz's is THE smoked meat sandwich place. Yeah, you have to line up most times but some things in life are worth lining up for, a smoked meat at Schwartz's is top of the list. Consistently great year to year, decade to decade. I feel lucky to live within walking distance.

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Photo of Mike Cat
26 Apr 2026
Source: Google
1.0

Rude service. Our server literally threw the menu at our table and sighed….they then have the audacity to DEMAND tips (not ask, DEMAND). The food is mediocre at best. This is 100% an overhyped tourist trap.

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Photo of Thibaud boone
26 Apr 2026
Source: Google
2.0

Was exited to try these sandwiches as they appeared on several food blogs and recommendations. The meat sandwich was ok but the turkey sandwich was honestly the worst sandwich we've tasted in our life. 2 slices of Bimbo like toast bread with a couple of processed chewy turkey hams squished together. We all agreed on the same. Neither was it cheap. The staff was not friendly and it was cramped inside to sit. I was suprised to see so many newspaper articles hanhing on the walls inside praising this place.

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Photo of Karl Mangaliman
26 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

It was our first time in Montreal and we wanted to try the de facto place for smoked meat sandwiches. The place was busy but the staff were friendly and helpful. And the food is very tasty as well. Do not skip this place.

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Opening hours

Dining room
  • Sunday 10:00 - 23:00
  • Monday 10:00 - 23:00
  • Tuesday 10:00 - 23:00
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 23:00
  • Thursday 10:00 - 23:00
  • Friday 10:00 - 00:00
  • Saturday 10:00 - 00:00

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