Schwartz's

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Schwartz's ensigna

Schwartz's smoked meat

Schwartz's Hebrew Delicatessen, established in 1928 by Reuben Schwartz, a Jewish immigrant from Romania, ^[1] is a landmark at 3895 Saint-Laurent Boulevard. It is the most famous smoked meat restaurant in Montreal,^[2] and kosher style rather than strictly kosher.^[3] Schwartz's often has a line extending out of the store, whether it is the middle of the day or late at night.

Several restaurateurs have offered to build Schwartz's as franchise operations in cities across North America. The owners have always refused.^[4] However, you can buy smoked meat from Schwartz's and have it delivered mail-order.

The Montreal Gazette has voted Schwartz's to have the best smoked meat in town.^[5]

Other notable smoked meat restaurants in Montreal include Ben's Delicatessen & Restaurant (closed down in late 2006), Dunn's, Snowdon Deli, Reuben's and The Main (located across the street from Schwartz's). The Main used to be located next to Schwartz's, benefitting from the proximity. When it moved across the street in the 1970s to a larger location, its traffic dropped off.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] In the media

In 2006, Montreal Gazette columnist Bill Brownstein wrote a book about Schwartz's, Schwartz's Hebrew Delicatessen: The Story, published by Véhicule Press. [1] That same year, the restaurant was the subject of a documentary film, Chez Schwartz, by filmmaker Garry Beitel.[2] Schwartz's has also been the subject of numerous articles and features in Canadian and international publications.