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Chez Schwartz’s a Cote

Location: 3899 rue St. Laurent, Montreal, QC

f you've ever been to Montreal and haven't been to Schwartz's Hebrew Delicatessan, you haven't really been to Montreal. The landmark deli has been making the best smoked meat sandwiches (nay, sandwiches) in the world for the past 80 years. But eating at Schwartz's is as much about the experience as it is about the actual food itself.

You may want a fantastic medium on rye with fries, but you're going to have to earn it by standing in line on St. Laurent in a snowstorm. Then once you get in, don't expect good service; you'll be rushed in and out as quickly as you can while putting up with surly comments from the typically ancient waiter. It's one of the few places where bad service is actually an upside since it adds to the glorious deli atmosphere. That's why, despite many handsome offers from entrepreneurs all over North America, the owners have always refused to make Schwartz's a franchise.

Imagine our surprise, then a sign where the cheap burger joint Mondo Fritz used to be advertising " Chez Schwartz’s à Côté". Surely it can't be another Schwartz's? Well, thankfully, it's not. Located only a few doors down, this new Shwartz's will actually just serve takeout. It's something that was definitely needed; takeout is a large part of their business, but those who want it have to endure the wait and the "experience". Sometimes you just want some smoked meat without the hassle, y'know, and going to Dunn's just ain't going to cut it. - R.T.