Schwartz's
For over 80 years people have been lining up along St. Laurent St. for a taste of Schwartz’s legendary smoked meat, a Montreal institution as much as the Canadiens and cold winters. This small deli has not changed its décor in years, subscribing to the formula that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. In its one-room, white tiled space diners sit shoulder to shoulder at long, narrow tables, often beside a stranger who shares the same appetite for an authentic experience. The long-established menu is displayed over the deli counter, behind which generations of men in white uniforms proudly slice up and serve the fragrant meat.
Schwartz’s classic offering is a cut of lean, medium or fatty smoked meat which is piled high, toppling between two pieces of mustard-covered rye bread. In order to round out the true Schwartz’s meal, it is recommended to have a side order of fries, a pickle and a cherry coke. Schwartz’s opened a take out counter next door to the original restaurant in the summer of 2008, selling meals, briskets, pickles and even the famous St.Viateur Bagels, making it a one stop shop for Montreal eats.
Visits
| Total Visits | 121 |
|---|---|
| Total Reviews | 5 |
| Business Avg. | 83% |
|---|---|
| Taste | 100% |
| Creativity | 64% |
| Atmosphere | 72% |
| Value | 96% |
| Service | 84% |
| Montreal Restaurants | 77% |
|---|---|
| Taste | 83% |
| Creativity | 69% |
| Atmosphere | 76% |
| Value | 72% |
| Service | 85% |
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Member Reviews
(Montreal - Restaurants)
You can't call yourself a true Montrealer until you've been to Shwartz's!!!
Schwartz is a Montreal mecca not only for the locals, but I think it’s now actually a “tourist attraction”! Maybe this restaurant should be listed under sites and activities because watching tourists stand in line in the heart of winter just t0 taste the legendary “Schwartz” truly is a sight to be seen and in fact standing in line is truly worth the wait.
Of course the signature dish is smoked meat, but my brother who lived in Texas for over 5 years and knows his steaks, attests that their steaks are the cheapest and just as tasty as his Texas grills!
Don’t forget to pick up a bottle of Schwartz’s steak spice before leaving….once you have a bottle, it won’t be too long before you find yourself obsessively, compulsively seasoning not just your steaks but eventually ALL your cooked food with Montreal Steak Spice!!! A quick fix for bland cooking!!!
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(Montreal - Restaurants)
A great Sandwhich any time and any day
I was first introduced to Schwartz at not very a young age. It was my first year of University about 5 years ago. A friend of mine kept on raving about the Smoke Meat at this restaurant on St Laurent. I didnt believe my taste buds once that pickle, fries and meat his my lips. It was like making out with your favorite celebrity….but better….and no one complained about anything after words!…lol
If you would like to witness Montreal in its element, see what it is to live in one of the best cities in the world go enjoy the food!
You wont regret it!.
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@ Steph - I've never been there either! I'm not a fan of Smoked Meat (no comments plz) but I have to stay loyal to Smoke Meat Pete!
@ Jamie - you're a great sandwhich any time any day. @ Jazz - you can't call yourself a Montrealer if you've never been to Shwartz. May the Shwartz be with you!!!!!
Man, I still haven't been there yet, crazy eh
(Montreal - Restaurants)
mmmmm Smoke Meat
Well what can I say about Schwartz… There is always a line up, they opened a take out section next door. Its a staple of Montreal, its quick and easy. The black cherry drink is a must. If you are a health nut well then I would suggest going in on you cheat day and ordering the “lean cut”.
If you have never tired smoke meat you are missing out.
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(Montreal - Restaurants)
Review Title Not to Be Missed
Your Review
It’s small, crowded and noisy but if you like smoked meat, you’ll love Schwartz’s. In the old days the floor was covered with peanut shells but that’s been cleaned up.There is usually a line up to get in and you pay cash only to get out. The fries are the real thing and steaks are done on charcoal. Be sure to have coleslaw and a dill pickle. It’s quick and tasty, and fun to chat with others at your table who come from who knows where. I have been going there for half of their 80 years and have bought a whole brisket to take out.(A Schwartz Party at home)
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(Montreal - Restaurants)
A Montreal Institution
I love this place! I am lucky enough to live around the corner and I take advantage of it so much that I take every visitor out there for a true taste of Montréal. I love that we sit cramped up at a narrow table, rubbing elbows with random people and trying to eat a massive smoked meat sandwich while the juices run down our hands. Once we’ve filled our bellies, we push past the boisterous staff over the smelly carpet to pay at the tiny cash at the back before stumbling back out onto the main in search of another Montreal adventure.
I have taken a brisket and dill pickles home to relatives in Ontario and they all rave about it. In my opinion, Schwartz’s is the best choice for a genuine smoked meat sandwich.
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