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Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Cheese Shops [Edit]
3895 Saint-Laurent BoulMontreal, QC H2W 1X9
(514) 842-4813
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- None
176 reviews for Schwartz's
Review Highlights
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All Reviews
I will have to agree that this is indeed one of the world's great sandwiches. I tried it for the first time today and I couldn't get enough after just one visit. The meat is succulent, and is not over salted, which in my opinion makes it better than pastrami. I will be stopping by again tomorrow on my way out of town to get another "fix" before I head back to TO.
The fact that they refuse to franchise and expand or open other locations is really to their credit. That way they keep the quality high and authentic. It has become the "must-visit" gastronomic treat for me in Montreal!
My friends and i were on road-trip to Montreal from New York over the 4th of July 2010. I did most of planning for attractions and foods. I researched lots of different travel blogs and pages - they all seem to recommend this as must-try in Montreal. QC, so we decided to take online words.
Inside is nothing special. Just an ordinary deli shop with small tables here and there. I remember reading that 'smoked' sandwich is the way to go and never EVER get the lean version. I decided to roll my dice and try the fat sandwich with fries.
The foods quickly came and I was genuinely pleased with the size and taste of the sandwich. I now see why people come here and recommend this place for must-try in Montreal. However, I didn't think it was all that spectacular. In fact, there are many deli shops just like Schwartz in United States that offer very similar sandwiches if not match the taste. Schwartz may have the history and all the fame in Montreal but it's not the best sandwich I ever had in my lifespan.
The service was adequate. Nothing great but not lazy either. We didn't ask for much, so the server didn't bother us many times. He already knew we were out of staters not knowing what we're eating, so probably just didn't care much for us.
The price wasn't friendly either. I'm sure the management team hiked the price just for the fame part, but I didn't think it was worth the price we paid for. My meal, which was a sandwich, fries, and drinks were well over $10 CAD. I believe a place like this shouldn't go over $10 for a combo meal.
Although my review may sound little harsh, I did enjoy the sandwich. We got there early for lunch. As we were walking out of restaurant, we noticed a line of 30 or some people outside -- thus explains the fame of this restaurant and Canadians must really love this place for lunch. The restaurant is located in heart of Montreal, St. Laurent Blvd so it's nice to walk around and grab a quick bite if you're not in hurry. Nonetheless, I do recommend this place if you're a visitor from out of country.
A smoked meat sandwich (@ schrwartz of course!) is #2 on my list of things that I have to eat on any trip to montreal!
Note: There is usually a decent sized line out the door. Anticipate waiting at least 30 minutes for a seat. Also, for a foreigner like me - it was a little intimidating knowing what to order. Go with the smoked meat sandwich, pickle, & french fries (or combination of these).
Decor: Deli atmosphere through and through. It's all about the food!
Food: I am getting hungry just thinking about it. Smoked meat sandwich is something special. Need I say more?
Future endeavor(s): Yes, is a must on any Montreal journey.
This Montreal institution is the ONLY Pastrami place that I've ever been to that offers an option of "lean" meat, which I greatly appreciate. Lean meat sammie, french fries, a pickle and some fancy-town black cherry cola rocked me, Amadeus. I also can dig on the communal tables and the fact that you can get in and out pretty quickly...which seems to be hard to come by in Montreal...or I'm really just a New Yorker. The duder that served us up was old skool and really helped with the throw-back vibe, as did the seemingly total disregard for portion control. Sandwich is an understatement. They should call it a 'pastrami mountain'. That being said, you got it all over Katz's, Schwartz's. Yeah, I just said that.
Schwartz's Deli is a surprising Montreal institution, as the only thing that's obviously Canadian is their location at the heart of Saint-Laurent. Stepping inside here is like stepping into a timewarp: memorabilia cover the walls, vintage stools stand polished, and piles of meat stare right back at you, as if they're preparing you psychologically for what's to come. Yes, this is a tourist attraction, but it's a delicious one. The queue moves fast thanks to their cash-only communal seating friendly but no-nonsense customer service strategies.
Try their signature smoked meat sandwich (medium cut) and throw in a huge ass dill pickle (hello ladies). The whole shebang is only about C$7! Their meat isn't the most moist - this isn't life-changing stuff - but you'll be in and out of there so fast you won't care.
May the Schwartz be with you!
Eh, I expected more. Maybe it's because I recently went to Katz and I still have fond memories of that sandwich. Maybe it's because the smoked meat platter (read as corned beef) that I put away by myself was overly fatty. Or maybe it's because the slab of beef that you spend so much time making deserves to be garnished with something other than a lame yellow mustard. Call it fancy if you want. But, I'd prefer something with a kick. Or perhaps it's because you have no knishes.
All that griping aside, I did enjoy my lunch here. Packed, just like I expected, even at an off hour. My platter of smoked meat was good and they serve it up with many slices of rye. Good sour pickles too. Wish you had beer for me to wash it down with. Cash only. Settle up with the cashier on your way out.
We always, always, go to this place as many times as possible if we are in Montreal vicinity. Have sent numerous US friends to this place on their visit to Montreal, even the hardcore NYC deli devotees rave about Schwartz's. I can modestly claim that Schwartz's has the best smoked meat, anywhere!
I like mine medium lean. The mustard doesn't do much for me and I can enjoy the meat just the same without, but why fight the tradition so I usually take the default setting which has the mustard auto on. Do get a pickle or pickles.
Hey ay!
So I love corned beef. Don't know why since I am not a huge fanatic about beef in general but if you like it (or even if you don't) go here and try it.
Yes the "restaurant" (more like a hallway) is crowded. Yes it's touristy. Yes, there is a lot of greasy fingerprints on the tables and walls. But if you are here for the food, who really cares? You think they are going to serve a pile of hot smoked meat on porcelain plate?
It was so good, in fact, that we ordered a pound of meat (and the two necessary accompaniments: mustard and rye bread) to go. Not very practical since we were headed to Quebec City in our nifty rental car. There really isn't an easy way to transport smoked meat in car for 3 hours. But it didn't last anyway. We pulled over half way through for a bumper-side picnic. And drove the rest of the way to Quebec City with greasy, mustard-y mugs.
This place doesn't just sell itself as the best (for decades) it is.
The smoked meat at Schwartz's was phenomenal and beats the pastrami I had in New York City. Any time I go to Montreal to catch a Habs game I'll be sure to visit Schwartz's again.
I had heard lots about Schwartz's and made a morning trip over while the rest of this motley crew bachelor party slept off a crazy night out. Smoked meat hungover? Delicious. I llked the presence of peppercorns on the smoked meat but was hoping for either the brininess of corned beef or the complex character and melt-in-your-mouth goodness pastrami. To me, this is Pastrami's poorer cousin. Still delicious, but just not Katz's to me. The price was right although they were a bit stingy with the bread (believe it or not).
Counter service was unspectacular, with my sandwich coming faster than it took the waiter to bring me out my coffee.
But I can cross it off my list, and I'll probably be back next time I'm in Montreal or tonight if we get out of the bars before Schwartz's closes...
I'm going to say 4.5 stars, because I just can't give a perfect review to a place where you have to wait in line outside and then are forced to sit at cramped tables.
If you're a first timer, here's what you need to order: Smoked meat sandwich (medium), a pickle, fries, coleslaw, and a cherry cola. It'll come in around $13, but it's totally worth it.
As has been stated many times before, the seating is chaotic and stressful if you don't like being in lines. The food is fantastic, but I'd personally rather go across the street to the Main where I can have the same sort of grub ( I actually prefer the Main's smoked meat) and I don't have to deal with the cattle call aspect of Schwartz's.
Having said that, everybody should go once.
We'd been directed to Schwartz's by several people as the best place for a meat sandwich in Montreal, but those people have clearly never been to Chicago We got there early for lunch, 11:30, and had no wait for a table. I had the medium smoked meat sandwhich as instructed, and it was good. I wish the bread were just a bit more rye and I wanted the mustard to be brown and not yellow, but that might be an Iowa thing. The brisket was pretty moist and peppery but certainly not the best sandwiches I've ever had. The pickle was good, we bought a jar to bring home and those are even better, smaller and crisper. What I was surpised by was the flavor of the frankfurter that my daughter ordered! It was yummy and smoky on the grill.
Overall, I wouldn't wait for this place for more than 5 minutes. There is better food in Montreal!
This is one of the world's great sandwiches. Yes it's small and crowded, but any good deli should be. Yes, there's often a line - that is because it is so awesome. Yes, tourists come here, but at the same time a ton of locals do as well. To call it a "tourist trap" is ridiculous - for one thing, the prices are incredibly cheap even if though they could probably double them and still pack the place. They could have opened a larger location or franchised it and made a bundle, but they didn't, because this place is authentic. I guess it's not surprising that there is a hipster backlash, since there almost always is to anything good and popular.
One word of advice would be to try to go during off-peak times, especially if you have a group larger than two. I forget how late it's open, but I'd often head in late evenings or so and the place would be half empty.
Inferior to NYC pastrami? Well I guess everyone's entitled to their opinion (even if it's wrong)...
Searched this place up on Chowhound cus m' friend and I needed a cheap place (that provides good food) to eat. Not disappointed. :D
At first, we were kind of confused about the line-up. There was a huuuuge one for take-out. However, once clarifying we wanted to be seated, we were!... within a couple minutes. It was packed.
Hmm... other notes: I saw a bread slicing machine! The bread was good! This was an entirely fantastic experience - one that you should totally go for when in Montreal :D
Best Smoked Meat Sandwich Evar!!
Glad we didn't opt for Reuben's or whatever.
This place is probably at the top of most Montreal tourists' lists. Old school Jewish deli specializing in a Montreal favorite, smoked brisket.
I had the fatty brisket, with a pickle on the side. The meat itself was only lightly smoky, but very tender. I used more of the mustard for an extra kick. The pickle was a heavy style pickling.
And of course, you're to wash it all down with the black cherry cola. A cheap and fast meal at this Montreal institution.
Listed in: Montreal
Always a line, and there's a reason.
Nothing beats it. It tastes like corned beef cuz they use allspice berries, but it's smoked so it's more tender than regular deli-style corned beef. It could benefit from better bread, knowledge that mustard automatically goes on the sandwich unless you ask for it without, and fries that aren't soggy. otherwise, the meat can't be beat, and make sure you get one of those deliiiiicious sour pickles to go along with it. yum!
Listed in: Montreal: America's french…
If my husband were writing this review, he'd give Schwartz's five stars. We live in Atlanta, and finding a decent Jewish deli with a really good smoked meat sandwich is all but an impossibility. Sure, some restaurants try to imitate what Schwartz's serves up so easily, but to get the real deal, make this place a stop on your next trip to Montreal.
But be warned. Schwartz's is not for the claustrophobic. They'll cram you in so close to complete strangers that you can smell their deodorant. (Or lack thereof.) The line is often long, but moves quickly, so even if you want to linger over your meal, the brusque staff will not allow it. Better to get that sandwich - along with a glorious garlicky pickle and a side of their delicious cole slaw - to go, and head to one of Montreal's beautiful parks where you can sit and enjoy your bounty in peace.
Totally overrated. If you've had Pastrami in NYC or SF this place will be a huge let down.
However, the staff were very friendly and NOT rude (Lonely Planet gets it wrong AGAIN).
Busy and a disorganized seating arrangement. One would think "to go" would be faster. But no- really go for the sit down. I promise it will be faster.
The smoked meat IS delish, BUT I don't know if I'd say I was blown away. What I love about it is that you can choose your level of fattiness which is quite lovely. And at almost 10 bucks for a half (staaacked) sandwhich its actually not THAT great of a deal.
good, not great.
had I not been bitter about waiting, I maybe woulda given it 4 stars.
One cannot fully experience the city of Montreal without stepping foot at Schwartz's. Located on rue St. Laurent, a street adjacent to the ever popular Rue St. Catherine, this modest establishment has been in business for over 80 years, serving some of the finest smoked meat you can find around. Everyone recommended this place, from our hotel concierge to my local friends and even random passerbys. Everyone swore by it and warned us that despite the long lines we might face, the experience would be rewarded.
So off we went - all seven of us. We waited in line for a while and finally stepped inside this place. It's tiny, really, especially considering how popular it is. We were welcomed in both French and English and were given menus; not that it mattered, we already knew what we wanted and barely glanced at them. We proceeded to order 7 smoked meat sandwiches, fries and black cherry soda, a local speciality drink. A meal fit for kings, and apparently to the tourists that we are.
The sandwiches weren't as big as the deli ones you get in NYC but just as tasty. The meat was tender, flavorful and absolutely delicious from the first to the last bite. The mustard adds a nice kick to it as well.
The service is prompt and efficient; they were hard to try and turn the tables and minimize the lines; the prices are nothing one should ever complain about, especially considering the quality but keep in mind that they are cash only.
This is definitely a place that I look forward to returning to on my next adventures up in Montreal - it's modest, affordable and best of all, has been around, which adds a nice character and mood.
Listed in: My Little Montreal
I can see why people rave! I went on a Tuesday afternoon and there was a line outside the door. ON A TUESDAY!! The place is crammed. To crammed for my LA taste. You share tables with strangers, bump into people, knock things over... Tiny space.
But whatever the food was good! I ordered a sandwhich plate. Someone should have warned me!! They brought out sooo much food. I had to box up like 2/3rds of my meal!
The sandwhich however was delicious. Chunks of pink pastrami like slabs of meat. A pickle and mustard. Simple. But full of taste.
Meat lovers, check this place out! We went here on the recommendation of some folks we chatted with in our hotel. They warned us that the line would be around the block, but that it moved quickly. In an attempt to avoid this, we went at 10:30 am and we were able to sit right away. Upon sitting down, we were asked, "First time here?" Yes... "Number 3." Ok... Within a minute our sandwiches arrived. There was a heap of deliciously smoked and spiced meat and a little bit of mustard on what appeared to be teeny tiny slices of bread, but that was more because of the comparison to the incredible amount of meat. It was delicious! I am very glad I found this place during my trip.
Listed in: Montreal
Schwartz is unbelievable. I had a sandwich again on my way back to Toronto from Montreal and I was blown away all over again. It was almost as if it was the first time I ever ate it. I finished it and cursed myself that I didn't order another, or at least acquired a pound or two of smoked meat to return home with. I can't get over how good it is, I feel like I should be bending down on one knee and proposing my order.
The meat is spiced and smoked perfectly. The bread is soft and chewy. The perfect amount of mustard is spread. The portion is solid for the price. With a sour pickle and black cherry soda, it could very well be in contention for my last meal.
I do.
Listed in: Top Restaurants
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/14/2009
Schwartz is f*$&%#g incredible. It is definitely the best Smoked Meat sandwich I have ever had.… Read more »
Do you want authentic Montreal smoked meat without having to wait for hours? Don't go to Schwartz's. Go to Snowdon Deli or across the street at The Main (The Main is actually pretty good, and has many more options for non-smoked meat lovers). Schwartz's frankly at this point resembles a tourist trap more than a real restaurant.
When we first moved here, we sat down to a nice big meal at Schwartz's. I was sick all night. I only ate half a sandwich, but the meat, so dry and plentiful between the rye just stuck to my ribs after I ate it. Since that time, the kind of dry smoked thickly cut beef on cheap rye bread with yellow mustard that is ubiquitous in Montreal is simply NOT APPETIZING to me at all. Meat like that is never worth an hour wait, and I cannot fathom why tourists (and even Montrealers) continue to do it.
Also, it's not a Jewish deli at all, and this kind of irks me that it claims to be ("Charcuterie Hebraique" on the sign...). It's not kosher, there's nothing on the menu that every other Jewish deli worth its weight in salt on the east coast has (whitefish, coleslaw, knishes, latkes, GOOD pickles, etc etc etc). There are many establishments that have been open in Montreal for a long time, and I'm just not sure that Schwartz's is all that special.
Born in Montreal and been living in Southern California for practically all my life but whenever I return to Montreal to visit family, I always, and I emphasize this, I always go to Schwartz the first night im there! And I go as much as I can until the end of my trip. It's the one place I can never forget how good the smoked meat is. It's soo good that we have even overnighted 2 slabs of smoked meat all the way to LA.
It's a tiny place that has a lot of history. It's busy and the guys behind the counter are fast paced and know exactly what they are doing with the endless years of experience under their belt.
If you're a tourist from the States or any other place, I highly recommend making this a mandatory stop on places to eat in Montreal!
As I write this... I'm actually craving a smoked meat sandwich from them ... and it's torture...
This will forever be my favorite place in Montreal and it has been for close to 20 years!
Everyone in Montreal knows that you have to visit Schwartz. Everywhere we visited, the locals exclaimed that this is the place to be. Our hotel was in the Latin Quarter portion of Montreal and we were able to comfortably walk to Schwartz. Expect to wait for a table, locals and tourists alike are frequent eaters.
The tables there are long and are co-ed. The service and the customers are super friendly and everyone is so excited to be eating there. We ordered a medium smoked meat and it was a little dry, we ordered a second one and it was much more juicy. Since, they cut the meat there, not all meat is consistent. I would recommend just going fatty, it will be way juicier and flavorful. Heck if you're visiting, its just one meal, make it worth it!
All you need to know is:
Smoked Meat Sandwich (lean, medium and fatty) - the fattier it is, the more delicious it will be
Black Cherry Coke.
Great place, great food, great environment. Don't think I'll be writing a long review since we were only in here for 20 minutes, but overall the place left a very good impression.
The sandwich was great: nothing extraordinary, just good quality meet, some bread and mustard. The cole slaw was also very good (mostly cause they used olive oil and vinegar instead of may) and the pickle was very zesty. The atmosphere was a very traditional Jewish deli and, despite the long line and cramped seating area, the crew did a good job in keeping everyone moving and at the same time not rushing.
While I like the simplicity of the sandwich, I think that's also its one drawback. I think I've been spoiled on the deli front with lots of flavorful and unique sandwiches, which had both high quality meets as wells as blends of condiments and vegies.
If you're in Montreal, definitely go here. I know if I ever come back, Schwartz's will almost certainly be a destination to revisit.
Oh Schwartz's....why can't you come to Philadelphia?
This place is absolutely delicious! Smoked meat is a unique experience in and of itself. It is tender, juicy, and leaves you happy and satisfied.
In a city known for its great food and uniqueness, Schwartz's is a must visit.
If i gives Katz in New York 5 stars, i would give Main Deli (cross street from Schwartz's) 4 stars, and Schwartz's would be 3 stars. we bought one medium smoked meat sandwich from Main and one from Schwartz's. Schwartz's maybe the oldest smoked meat sandwich place in town, but Main Deli's sandwich is better. it's more juicy and tasty. if you don't believe me, you should compare them yourself!
Long lines move quickly at this acclaimed Montreal smoked meats deli/restaurant.
A half hour wait in the pouring rain was worth the delicious tastes of Schwartz's smoked brisket. Orders of fries are small, but cooked well. Pass on the pickles.
Service is quick and if you want to pick up some to go, there is a deli portion next door.
On researching what/where to eat at in Montreal, the one constant place everyone told me to check out was Schwartz's so I knew that was going to be the first place I was going to grab some grub.
We arrived around 1PM and there was a short line outside. We must have beat the rush because no more than 5 minutes had passed when someone came out asking the line for a party of 2. Luckily we were the first party of 2 and we were seated in the very back.
The menu is simple and here's what was ordered:
-small smoked meat ($5.90 CAD): I was a bit disappointed in the sandwich actually. I felt the meat was a bit dry and flavorless...except when you happened to get a bite of fat which then made the sandwich moist and flavorful. I think the meat is corned beef (?) so I guess the dryness is part of the meat property?
-pickles ($1.90 CAD): an order consists of 2 and they were crunchy and a bit too salty for me...but definitely good
-fries ($2.65 CAD): crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and not too oily. I might even have to say they're better than In-n-Out! Sufficient side dish amount.
The place is known for two things: the smoked meat sandwich and their cherry soda (which actually, you can find in NYC). Make sure you get the sandwich with mustard and if you plan on ordering the large sandwich, be warned that you make your own sandwich (they give you slices of bread and meat and you can make about 3 small sandwiches).
Schwartz's is good, but I wouldn't say it's exceptional or the best sandwich I've ever eaten. The price is nice though!
P.S.: you can order your meat to be carved lean, fatty and some other in between option. If you don't mention anything, your sandwich cut defaults to lean.
Listed in: Experiencing the French…
If you're visiting Montreal, a meat eater, this is one of those places you must visit: Schwartz's for their smoked meat. From the outside, there are two lines formed, the line on the left of the entrance is for dine in, the line right of the entrance is for take away. Everyone in your group must already all present to get seated, which will involve sharing a table unless your group is six which is a full table. The portions are huge. Sunday-Thursday 8am-12:30am, Friday 8am-1:30am, Saturday 8am-2:30am, hot meat available after 10am.
This place was great! The meat is not what I expected-- the montreal style smoked meat I'm used to eating from the grocery store always has a salty rind to it, but this was just savory. An interesting combination with the bread, which is very, very chewy. I wish I had a chance to alternate bites between the pickle and the sandwich.
I'd love to come back and try a fatty cut for the sandwich. The meat is rich, and the fat is just so much richer!
I came here on a friend's recommendation. SOLID!
Be prepared to wait in line during lunch hours. If you want to avoid the wait, go in between rush hours. It is not a fancy joint. It does have its own character.
I had the smoked meat sandwich, mmmmmmm, the fat just melts in your mouth. If you get nothing else here, the smoked meat sandwich is it.
The fries is also worth a try.
On my recent first trip to Montreal, a close Quebecois friend of mine INSISTED that we make a stop at Schwartz, noting it to be the best smoked deli place there is. As he is a native of the region, I trusted his instincts, as I am all about trying new places that are local and provide an excellent selection of foods.
Soooo, one day after work...Schwartz it was. From Rue de la Montagne, we even walked approximately 35 minutes to get to Schwartz via Sherbrooke. And if this means anything to you reading this...it was well worth it. I would have walked 8 more miles if I had to, considering the amazing smoked meat on those sandwiches, laid back neighborhood friendly atmosphere, and very reasonable prices.
Upon entering, because this place had no available table, we opted to go sit at the "bar". No, there is no liquor service here, just amazing food. Once seated, the guy behind the counter immediately started asking for our orders, for which we opted for combo smoked sandwiches, orders of fries, and cherry cola for me.
When the sandwiches arrived, we were all focused and quiet, devouring our food. I personally preferred tasting every bite, as this was indeed a very tasty treat. Just enough fat, topped with a tad of mustard, and wrapped in freshly baked bread. Simple, tasty, delicious! Sometimes, keeping things simple is the way to go.
What's next? I must go back next time to try their other smoked treats. now I have an excuse to venture back to visit our neighbors up north!
If you haven't heard of Schwartz, you haven't been asking around. This is the top place people told me to visit. My friend who went to college in Montreal raved about it.
They call it "smoked meat". Its comparable to a corned beef or pastrami like Langers in Los Angeles (not at all like the Hat, etc.)
Its served straight up, tons of slices of meat between rye with a spread of mustard. And thats really it. No frills. Just a lot of meat, smoked and cured and resmoked again. Its ridiculous how much meat they have in their smoker as I sat at the counter and saw them take it out of the smoker and stack em and put it back in, in reverse order i assume, just to get it even maybe.
The "cole slaw" was unlike I've had before. It was most like dilled cabbage, not like the typical mayonaise slaw. Goes nicely with the meal, I recommend it over a side of fries for sure.
Its a little much to charge almost $2 for a pickle tho. Its a hearty pickle, and I love pickles, but I dunno. Just doesnt seem right.
For an institution over 80's years, this place is a must see. I'm even thinking of going back before I leave...
Let me preface this by saying that I don't completely get the smoked meat obsession. Sure, it's a fine thing, but I've had smoked meat at Schwartz's and Dunn's and I'd be hard pressed to tell you the difference. I also don't at all understand the raves about the cherry soda. It's just another fructose-laced soft drink.
That said, this is a very fine place. The sandwich was tasty and generous. The atmosphere just screams "We're an authentic place that's been around for over 80 years. We do one thing really well and we're damn proud of it."
Definitely a must stop on a Montreal stay.
Had the smoked meet sandwich. It was good, but nothing amazing.
I would normally give this place 4 stars, but wow, the people that work here are jerks. Extremely rude and obnoxious. I would never go back.
Schwartz's was my first introduction to Montreal smoked meat and I must warn you - believe the hype, all of it. Internalize it and immerse yourself in the spicy, smoky goodness.
The meat is tender, tasty, and as fatty as you want it. The sandwiches are simple and for those of you who like it naked, I admire your reverence for the meat in it's native form. Otherwise, no whining about auto-mustard. If you are disappointed by the lack of other toppings, you are missing the point. It's all about the meat!!
The fries are a little on the soggy side, but again, you didn't come for the frites. However, be sure to grab a pickle and some peppers. They are super tasty.
The service was very good both times that I went, quick and courteous. There was even a little banter. For this type of place, perfection!
I think I am banned from here. Read on to find out why you should not be forced into the same situation yourself...
I guess first off, I should mention that their food is really as good as other reviews claim it to be. The meat literally melts in your mouth, fries are as good as they get and the pickle is what you would imagine the perfect pickle to be.
All was good in da hood. Service was initially very good. But it all went downhill when my friend finished his can of Coke. We waited until our waiter came around, then he asked "Sir, could I have another can of Coke please?" The waiter replied no problem, right away... then 5 minutes goes by. Then 10. Then 15. 20 minutes, and the dude does not come back with my buddy's Coke. We were pretty sure he forgot by then, so when he came around again, my friend asked him for the Coke again (not rudely, but very politely as before).
Things started to go really sour from there... the guy started giving us the kind of screw face that only the old Eastern European dudes permanently carry around. Then he muttered something in French, which we could kind of tell was an insult because the locals surrounding us started snickering.
Another 5 minuets passes by until the Coke finally arrives... slammed on top of the table. WTF? Why so much attitude buddy?
So by this time, we are pretty much done our meal.. we grab the can of Coke to go, and ask for the cheque. Even though we waited 20 minutes for Coke, we receive this promptly. The awesome part? He followed by two finger taps on the table, with instructions to "leave the tip here."
Hahahaha!! I could not believe this guy! I've seen some guys with big balls, but this guy has the biggest balls of all time! You want me to leave you tip? I have never in my life had anyone ask for tip before.. never mind by someone who gave us kiss my ass service. So after having a chuckle at his face, I grabbed the cheque and paid the cashier.
Then we hit the sidewalks and started walking to our cars... out of no where, we start hearing some angry French speaking dude yelling at us. We turned around, and sure it enough it is Mr. Big Balls himself. When he had caught up with us, he had a copy of the cheque in his hand, and was doing math to figure out how much we should tip him.
My friend and look at each other and started bursting out laughing. We turned around and kept on walking, while LOLing non-stop... and of course, we heard lots of follow up French cursing from the angry man.
Hey if the owners are reading this... control your people. Your establishment is legendary, no argument there. But your staff have that soup Nazi attitude because of your popularity. And how ironic is that?