Smoked Meat Sandwiches
 

Where is the best place to get smoked meat sandwiches in Montreal? I hear they are good over there.

All good:<BR><BR>Ruben's: 1204 McGill College (downstairs).<BR>Dunn's: Phillips Square<BR>Schwartz: 3895 St-Laurent

I've never had this. Can I ask what is so great about it?

By far, the best smoked meat is at Schwartz's on St Laurent. Reubens and Dunns are good but they really can't compare. Its kind of like Pastrami/Corned beef but better.

Much, much better. I generally avoid red meat completely but whenever I'm in Montreal I make it a point to have one great smoked meat sandwich. The way they make it in Montreal it literally melts in your mouth. Your arteries will forgive you - so long as you don't make a habit of it.

Montreal-style smoked meat is one of the great gifts to the city from East European Jewish immigrants many years ago. Try it, because you won't find it this good anywhere else. The other "great gift" is the Montreal-style bagel, also a must during your visit, because they are infinitely better than the ubiquitous New York-style bagels you find everywhere else. Smoked meat sandwiches are made of brisket, sort of like pastrami served hot, but with a combination of spices on the outside which gives that unique, wonderful taste. Order "old-fashioned" to get more spices. I also like Moe's deli on rue de la Montagne.

Has Ben's closed?<BR>It has been 25 years since I lived there, but it had been open a lot of years. I remember those Saturday or Sunday lunches of smoked meat sandwiches ( on rye I think ) with a quarter pickle ( extra salty ) and a handful of ripple chips.<BR>I think the meat was steamed to soften and blend the meat and fat.<BR>hmmmmmmmm

Nope Ben's is still around, but if you are looking for the best smoked meat, you must go to Schwartz's.

It is nice to hear that Ben's is still in business.<BR><BR>Maybe quality has slipped a bit in the last 25 years.<BR><BR>I wonder if it is still in the family.<BR><BR>They used to be voted best in newspaper polls.<BR>

Yes to Schwartz's and the Main across the street (Main has very good latkes). They will ask you if you want fat medium or lean - choose medium! Don't forget to order pickle!

Had lunch on Saturday at Reuben's -- had an enormous smoked meat sandwich with swiss cheese. Every plate that I saw, whether it was a smoked meat sandwich or something else, was absolutely enormous. Didn't have room for dessert -- but the apple pie and cheesecake with strawberries looked luscious.<BR><BR>By the way, had wonderful meals at Chez Cherrier at the corner of Rue Cherrier and Rue Denis (order the broiled salmon with goat cheese) and Ristorante Lombardie at the corner of Duluth and Rue Denis (BYOB here). For breakfast try Chez Cora on St. Laurent, near Sherbrooke. Each of the restaurants was reasonably priced.

Schwartz's for sure but be warned. The place looks like an absolute dump. And it is always packed. The Main across the street is quieter but Schwartz's smoked meat is better.