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Main Deli Steak House
Categories: Restaurants Delis Restaurants Sandwiches Delis, Sandwiches [Edit]
3864, Boul. Saint-LaurentMontreal, QC H2W 1Y2
(514) 843-8126
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10 am - 4:30 am
Fri-Sat 10 am - 5 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
31 reviews for Main Deli Steak House
Review Highlights
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"Go try a smoked meat sandwich from here." In 21 reviews -
"...others on here, The Main has Schwartz's beat, hands down." In 15 reviews -
"...a much more extensive menu than its rival across the street." In 10 reviews
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31 reviews in English
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Review from Michelle C.
4/30/2012 2 Check-ins Here
After a long night of whiskey gingers and French Canadian hipster watching at Casa Del Popolo, I drag my weary and inebriated travel companion down Saint-Laurent. After intentionally neglecting to remind him that 5 blocks in Montreal does not equal five Philadelphia blocks, we start the trek that involves a few tantrums and constant damage control until I promise to treat if he shut the hell up.
I am in Montreal. I am getting a smoked meat sandwich and poutine at 4 AM if it kills me and it most likely will.
We finally arrive, partially frozen and sobered by the ridiculous wind and order our food. Whines are at an all time high until the beer comes around and our neighboring table gets their food.
His eyes widen as he goes from bitchy to ravenous.
"So, THIS is why you dragged me thirty minutes in 0 degree weather at 4 o'clock in the morning."
After a bit of a wait our food arrives and we consequently lose our minds. He spends the remainder of the evening thanking me profusely.
5 stars for humbling the the unhumble-able. -
Review from Valerie G.
Montréal, QC
2/26/2012
I agree with the other posts about this place being a better bet than you know who, if your looking for a true deli.
The food is excellent and served the way it should be and they prepare the smoked meat the same old fashioned way. They have a much larger menu selection, and while the service is not fine dining it is fast and efficient, the portions are generous, and it's a diner, not a three ring circus. -
Review from Matthew S.
2/19/2012
One of the best smoked meat sandwiches I've ever had is from here.
The decor is out dated and it looks a bit grimy inside but the smoked meat sandwich makes up for it.
Don't forget to order a delicious giant pickle. -
Review from Risa D.
4/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is my long time late night stop on The Main, I go here to feel like I'm hiding outside of time in the simple booth with the smoked meat special medium fatty with mustard, fries with mayo, perfect chunky pickle and slaw. The photos on the walls, the friendly old school staff; all of this is always good and especially at 3am before the long happy walk home up the hill.
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Review from Frank L.
Montréal, QC
3/30/2012
Good food...good customer service, the place is clean and comfortable and I dont have to wait outside for an hour to get a smoked meat sandwich. The menu is a lot more diverse and the food is well-presented..and the waiters do not yell at the customers.
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Review from N. Q.
1/2/2012
Came here back in August. My husband and I were on a quest to raise our cholesterol: him with smoked meat and me with poutine. After eating at Schwartz's. we decided to try this place.
I loved the poutine--but I'm a newbie at this. Salty gravy with the chunks of meat and curds. What's not to love? Very generous portions. My husband got the smoked meat combo. He liked it but didn't like it as much as Schwartz's.
Service was friendly. Ambiance is old school and a bit dark. If you can't tell already, I'd come back for the poutine. -
Review from Marc D.
Vancouver, BC
7/11/2011 3 photos
* "A well known fact" *
I've never understood why Schwartz's (http://www.yelp.ca/biz...) across the street has long lines and the Main doesn't. Walking into the Main this time it was clear as a 20 something blonde haired guy with an American accent was standing inside the door and said to his three friends in his thick midwestern US accent, "It is a well known fact that Schwartz's is better, and you can see this spot isn't crowded. Let's go wait across the street." He said it with such authority that he must have read it on the internet or something!
In any case, we blew right past him and his friends as they were u-turning out of here and parked ourselves in a comfy booth without a 45 minute wait to be crammed together in a cafeteria style setting with a bunch of tourists at Schwartz's across the street.
I ordered the smoked meat lunch special, which included fries, coleslaw, a dill pickle, and your choice of coffee, tea, or sanka. (Yes, they still have sanka on the menu - a flashback to the 80's!) It was priced at the very reasonable $9.95.
The sandwich had the tender smoked meat handsliced thick and piled high with a good fat content and nice spicing on the edges. Check this photo out: http://www.yelp.ca/biz...
The dill pickle was a proper full sour, and the coleslaw was lightly dressed so as to be slightly acidic and nicely complement everything. Photo: http://www.yelp.ca/biz...
The fries were poutine-i-fied with gravy and cheese curds. The fries themselves were nicely cut and fried perfectly. The gravy was standard fare, and the cheese curds were fresh, but not squeeky anymore unfortunately. Still a very respectable poutine and if they would just be squeeky they would have been fabulous. Photo: http://www.yelp.ca/biz...
The friendly waitress didn't rush us out, let us enjoy our meal peacefully, and linger over our drinks to chat instead of pressuring us to free up a little corner of a shared table for the next tourist like what you would experience across the street!
I'll stick with the Main, it is a "well known fact" it is preferable from MY perspective - and now you too have read it on the internet!Listed in: Bon Vivant Montreal Edition
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Review from Aaron M.
8/16/2011
Great! On a mission to try all the smoked meat in Montreal, I came here with a group and hit the viande fume sandwich. Briefly, if I had to do a blind test between here and Schwartz's I would probably be unable to distinguish the two. It's the darker red, crumbly warm pastrami you can really love. But IMHO, Reuben's is where it's really at. :) Alright foodies, go try all of them and start a review flame war!
http://www.yelp.com/bi... -
Review from Jonathan F.
8/22/2011
My friend lives nearby and said that the food at Main is just as good as Schwartz , but without the line of tourists going down the street. So, we tried it. It was my two kids (ages 6 and 8), my wife, and me. We ordered a bunch of stuff to share. First came the poutine with smoked meat, a side of fries, and two bowls of matzo ball soup. The poutine was the best we ever had, and let's not offend any grandmothers and say "the soup was the best we ever had in a restaurant." The fries were pretty good. Coming off a diet for the trip, we half-heartedly agreed that we could have ordered just that and been satisfied. But no, this was vacation, so we also ordered the famous smoked meat sandwich and a side of babyback ribs, which came with a sausage (really, a hot dog). It ordinarily also comes with liver, but this was for the kids, so we ordered it with two hot dogs instead.
My wife said she'd just have a dainty bite to taste the sandwich, just in the name of science. While we waited for this to come, I took the kids to the restroom (somewhat grody, hence four stars). When we returned, my food had arrived, but I found just half the sandwich left, and I received the sheepish but surprisingly unapologetic report that it was "really, really good..."
The kids thought the ribs were the best they'd ever tasted, including Red Bones in Somerville MA (I think not...) and a little barbecue joint we sent to in Mississippi (no way...). They were a little sweet for my taste, but it was for them, so I call them a success.
The smoked meat sandwich is one of the most delicious sandwiches I've ever had. And I'm a New Yorker. If you haven't had it, Montreal smoked meat is very much like pastrami. We had no choice but to polish off a second. (This time, she just had a dainty bite.) They gave us a world-class pickle and side of coleslaw too. All in, this excellent pig-out lunch cost $60--about right.
Schwartz doesn't need to be any better. -
Review from Vivian H.
7/11/2011
Came by to get a smoked meat sandwich to compare to Schwartz's, and the veal smoked meat sounded enticing. Turns out it was yes less saltier than Schwartz's but just as bland otherwise. The fries were soggy. Only redeeming factor was the pickle, yay? And the fact that there's no line.
The server was also an ass -- when we asked if we could have a couple forks, he said NO, because we don't need them for a sandwich. WTF, what if I wanted them for the fries or even to take the sandwich apart or for whatever I damn well please? Are a couple plastic forks going to kill your budget? I am a paying customer you know.
PS a dog at the park ended up eating half the sandwich, and we didn't even care bc the sandwich was SO bland anyway. -
Review from DV A.
Toronto, ON
2/1/2011
The Main just might be my favourite diner in the world. I've eaten there probably more than any other restaurant, and have tried nearly everything on the menu. Yes, I love it that much.
To echo others on here, The Main has Schwartz's beat, hands down. Not only is their menu more substantial, the atmosphere more relaxed, and the staff friendlier, but the smoked meat is on par (or better) than the tourist-laden neighbour across the street.
Starting with the smoked meat, compared to Schwartz's, the meat is a little leaner, smokier and has a spicy kick to it. Whereas Schwartz's is a little more marbled, tender and mellow in flavour. Both are good, just different. For my tastes (and for having no interest in waiting in ridiculous lines), I prefer Main's savory brisket.
Beyond the smoked meat, they have one of best, if not the best poutine in Montreal. I kid not. The fries are large and tasty, the curds are fresh and substantial, and the gravy is rich and flavourful. Add smoked meat on top, and your mind will be blown.
As I was quite the regular for a number of years, I'll run down my fav dishes / top recommendations for this Plateau beacon of goodness:
1. Smoked meat poutine - heaven
2. Beef ribs - the best deal in the restaurant. You get 3 giant, Flintstones-like ribs, slathered in delicious molasses-based sauce, fries, coleslaw and a pickle for $8.95.
3. Smoked meat sandwich - the classic. Spicy, smokey beef brisket on light rye. Definitely get a pickle or coleslaw on the side (this garlicy slaw is fantastic in it's own right)
4. Rib steak - good deal for the price for this well-portioned, tasty cut of beef. Garlic and spice rub on top is a must
5. Matzo ball soup - light, flavourful chicken/vegetable broth with large, delicate matzoballs. Great on a cold winter day or paired with a BLT for lunch.
Honourable mention - Potato latkas (delicious and filling)
I could really go on, but it's making me too hungry. I hope my review has persuaded some to pop into The Main while visiting Montreal (or if you live there, and for some reason have never been). Any of us who have lived in the neighbourhood know which deli is the real deal. -
Review from Ann W.
Kitchener, ON
3/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Awesome!
Great food (personally I like it much better than Schwartz). Their smoked meat is less salty and more flavourful. While we were there, a few others ordered steak, so I assume that item is particularly good, too.
Good price~2 people + beer & coffee around 30 dollars.
Huge portion...
I'm going back. -
Review from Sophia L.
8/4/2010
This review is for the smoked meat sandwich only:
like i said in my review for Schwartz's. Main deli has better smoked meat sandwich. It's more juicy and tasty, and the best part is, there is no ridiculous long wait like Schwartz's! -
Review from Ari S.
Ottawa, ON
9/20/2008
Funny thing. Most Montrealers laugh at the tourists lining up outside of Schwartz's so they can be treated like crap by hostile service just to have a taste of authentic smoked meat. If they want the same food, they'll just head across the street to The Main. And I'll be damned if the smoked meat sandwiches there aren't just as good as Schwartz's. Some friends of mine argue that they are even better but I think they are just being willfully perverse in order to upset conventional wisdom. But I dare anyone to take a blind taste challenge between the two and tell me they can taste the difference. They also have a nice array of Jewish comfort food and are open into the late night.
Perhaps the masochistic experience of waiting in line for so long and being treated like crap makes people feel Schwartz's is more authentic and thus better. I don't know but I don't get it. -
Review from Melanie K.
7/2/2009
When my dad was alive, The Main was his favorite restaurant in the whole, wide world. We'd come here many a night for dinner. He loved the ribsteak, bone-in, seasoned just right.
I'm a smoked meat fan and I can't help but prefer Schwartz's smoked meat. Still, the Main is solid - the pickles are good, the fries are GREAT and the karnatzel is so delicious. I've always loved all the cartoons on the wall and the old skool Jewish deli feel.
Not my fave, but good. -
Review from Melanie C.
Oakville, ON
6/15/2009
Due to the long line-up at Schwartz and time constraints that particular day, we ended up at Main for lunch. It's definitely less crowded on this side of the street, Main is much larger than Schwartz. Nothing special about the décor - typical diner. Relatively clean considering the age of the building and the area.
If the best smoked meat I've ever enjoyed wasn't directly across the street, I might have actually enjoyed my meal. The smoked meat at Main is pretty tasty, but doesn't compare to the competitor. The portion was more than enough for lunch and our meals were reasonably priced.
Our server was either having a bad day or hates his job. Service was terrible this time around. Maybe he could tell we secretly wished we were dining across the street?
It was nice being seated right away and actually having some space around our table (not the case across the street). But if I'm coming all the way to Montreal for smoked meat, Main wouldn't be my first choice. -
Review from Luca M.
Montréal, QC
7/20/2010
People like to divide themselves in camps, and the smoked meat "war" is no different. Some will swear by Main, others by Schwartz's. And let the battles begin.
This is futile. Main is a diner featuring a much more extensive menu than its rival across the street. The seating arrangement is also more conducive to privacy due to the booth seating. Its opening hours enable Main to snag late-night smoked meat hunters when Schwartz's retreats to prepare for next day's fight.
Their food is solidly good. The smoked meat sandwiches are abundant and the meat is great.
So, do you prefer more private seating, a larger menu, a shorter lineup (or none at all) or a snack at 2 am? The Main is your spot.
I am still a fan of Schwartz's, but the Main has its attractive traits. -
Review from Sara S.
7/13/2011
Let me just say this about that: I like delis. I like cheap diners. I like Jew food. The dirtier the place, the better. The cheesier the decor, the better. Although I cannot recall my smoked meat eating experiences (I was a wee child!), I know I preferred it to Schwartz, and I know why I keep coming back here: it's everything I crave when I'm craving diner food. The potato latkas are delicious and probably my favorite thing here. If for some reason or another I am out drinking on St-Laurent instead of my beloved St Denis, you can find a drunk girl here around 4 am, slurping down a cherry coke (and probably spilling it all over myself) and eating a potato latka with a fork and knife. I'll be the one with the goofy ass grin on my face. I love you, Main!
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Review from Herve E.
Montréal, QC
5/18/2009
Fine smoked meat and French fries (not undercooked as is so often the case). Service is quick and efficient. Smiles are hard to come by but it feels like a cultural thing.
Across the road from Schwartz. Credit cards accepted. -
Review from Gu Ming P.
1/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
Better than Schwartz! yes you heard it from me, I am from NY and can say that its actually better than Katz's! Its over 13 bucks in NY, and its only 5 and change in Main (ok also Schwartz too)
I've eaten at Schwartz's a couple of times in different times, all I have to say is for you readers to try it... heck do what I did to convert my fiance... get one from Schwartz and one from Main, then do your own comparison! Let me know about it too!
BTW, fatty in Schwartz is not that fatty, fatty in Main is really fatty! Just be careful how you like your meats! -
Review from Keewi H.
Montréal, QC
1/7/2010
After read the article in New Yorker, I decided to try the "Poutine" again. I shouldn't have my first poutine experience at Costco :P Oh well! I just moved here! I didn't know where to eat the poutine!
Last Saturday, it was snowing like everywhere in the world, but I just moved from SF bay area so snow seems still romantic and fun :)
I was curious about the smoked meat poutine- NYer mentioned about this one specifically- so I ordered it. It was delicious. Salty but better gravy, generous portion and overall it was delicious.
Don't wait at the door, you can just go and sit yourself wherever you want.
I want to try the other stuff on the menu next time. I will let you know whether I like it! -
Review from Jen H.
1/8/2011 2 photos
You've no doubt heard of Schwartz's... well... forget all the hype, bypass all the tourists... and head across the street to where (almost) everyone is a local. They have the same stuff as Schwartz's... but better. Yes... you heard me right... BETTER. Don't believe me? Go try a smoked meat sandwich from here... give it an honest try... and tell me I'm wrong. I dare you.
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Review from Mymy L.
10/6/2010 1 Check-in Here
A day of Bixi riding throughout the city started with a quick lunch at Main Deli. I noticed the long line of people waiting outside Schwartz across the street but opted for Main per my friend's recommendation. The decor is simple and understated, just as the food. But what the food lacks in presentation, it makes up for in taste. I'm generally not a huge fan of smoked meat sandwiches but Main's is delectable and the poutine was superb! And for under $10, you really can't go wrong... especially when you haven't had to stand in line for 20 minutes.
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Review from SaratogaAaron B.
5/10/2009
This is the restaurant across the street from the more famous Schwartz's. I've eaten at both, and I really think the smoked meat is just as good at La Main. Plus you don't have to stand in line and a waitress will come take your order.
It's not as cool as its competitor across the street, but if you're just looking for food, I recommend it. -
Review from Casey W.
2/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
A quick business trip had me looking for Montreal's famous smoked meats that I've lusted for since discovering Ben's 10 years ago on F1 weekend binges. Main get's high marks for authenticity and decor, nice simple and authentic diner/deli feel. I got the smoked meat platter, the meat was good, but not as tender as the beloved Ben's. Coleslaw was nice, fries were good. Didn't blow me a way, but reminded me of yet another thing I like about Montreal.
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Review from Jeff C.
8/7/2010
Having always acknowledge the rivalery (however fictitious) between Schwartz and Main, I stepped out of the Schwartz's long line for a comfy meal at Main. First, the place is not even a third full. I sat down and ordered my smoke meat. The bread is softer than Schwartz's but less flavor. The meat succulent, juicy and melts in your mouth. However, the spice is overpowering the flavor of the meat (or is the flavor of the meat lacking?). It's missing that Schwarts flavor of meat that makes you instantly recognize the smell and the taste. So I believe this is a case of classical (or whatever you call it) conditioning where people remember the taste and smell of Schwartz's meat better than Main. Doesn't mean Schwarts' better, just that I want Schwarts' flavor, and Main's succulent melt-in-your-mouth quality on the meat. I hope Schwarts' can use less line, and Main can use less spice. The pickle at Main is not very impressive either.
Guess I have to return for the long wait in line. -
Review from DJ M.
3/9/2010
It's been almost 2 years since I went here and I still think about their smoked meat platter. Coming here was accidental as we intended to go to Schwartz's but I was too hungry to wait in line. All I have to say is what a fantastic consequence! We almost had the whole place to ourselves which means I can happily stuff my face with poutine and slices of smoked meat in peace.
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Review from Eric E.
2/12/2011
This place kicks ass! I came in late and had the rib special, which stated one rib, pickle, and salad. When the pickle and coleslaw came, I thought this will be exactly that, one rib. The slaw by the way wasn't muddled with mayo so I really liked it. The the waiter brings out four ribs with this semi-sweet worcester sauce that really hit the spot on a cold night. It also came with a couple slices of bread that I dipped into the au jus with. I slept so well that night after touring the city on foot, walking some 15 km that day. Great place, great prices....oh and the waiter isn't Russian but kind of looks like it, so no need to ask like I did! Well it was late!
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Review from Kate H.
Toronto, ON
9/7/2010
We were visiting Montreal for the weekend and wanted a smoked meat sandwich before heading to the train station. The line up at Schwartz's was literally around the corner so as we had not been to either going across the street to Main seemed like the logical choice. We got the medium smoked meat and it was amazing! The sides - coleslaw, pickle and fries were also stellar. I am sure Schwartz's is great but the wait could not possibly make up the difference. Service was fun and incredibly quick.
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Review from Holly T.
12/6/2008 4 photos
I decided to take the local Montrealers' word for it that Schwartz's was a tourist trap, so we headed directly across the street to Schwartz's competitor, Restaurant The Main. Don't get me wrong, the meat at Schwartz's certainly looked tasty in the window, but hello, it was snowing, and the line was at least 50 people long, all the way to the corner - no way we were even going to consider it. I'm glad we went to Le Main, as there were plenty of tables, the meat was tasty, and the service was good. The smoked meat had a delicious crust of whole cloves and other spices, and we had a choice of lean, medium, or fat. Mike and Vince got theirs lean and I got mine medium, but both ways, it was really nice that it wasn't greasy. Mike got the smoked meat sandwich, Vince got a smoked meat platter, and I went with the smoked meat poutine, which was a tasty combination. They had some very reasonably priced specials, and the rest of their menu looked quite good as far as what you'd expect from a Jewish deli. While I can't say for sure, since I didn't try Schwartz's, I really don't feel like we missed out, and in fact I am quite glad that we came here instead.
Listed in: Yelp-inspired Excursions
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Review from tessa c.
8/17/2009
delicious bagel lox and the place is cute in a tacky 70s diner sort of way. they're not trying to impress you with stupid decor (although i don't judge, it's an added plus if your food/service's good and a joke if it's the opposite). they want you to have good food! staff was friendly and patient with us. i kind of want to go back today for round 2...
