I'm a Schwartz guy. Even when I was working as a professor in Chicago, I would pay homage to the place via a picture of three Schwartz sandwiches (instead of a picture of myself) on my professor homepage. I still love Schwartz. However, Lester's is fabulous as well. In fact, I may start going there more often for three reasons: (1) the quality is comparable - though I marginally prefer Schwartz, (2) they offer a larger menu of options - which is irrelevant to my tummy but relevant to those of my less rational friends, and (3) the place is more quiet - it truly has felt like a neighborhood haunt when I've gone. To sum up, if I have smoke meat crazed friends in town and I want to maximally impress them, I'll go to Schwartz. Off peak hours and alone? Dido. Any other scenario? I may very well go w/ Lester's! read more

Yum. Yum. Yum. Yum. Yum. Yum. Yum. Yum. Yum. Yum. A great, authentic alternative to waiting in line at the greatest tourist trap of all, Schwartz's! (Don't get me wrong, they make fantastic smoked meat, but I'm not down with the line up and exaggerated hype) Bernard is also one of my favourite streets to stroll on, it just has so much to offer. Start off with a coffee or a bite to eat, then grab an ice cream and people watch. Especially on a beautiful, summer day, you just can't go wrong. The traditional smoked meat came out soft and not-so-fatty. The rye was fresh and fluffy. The fries were AH-MAH-ZING, especially drizzled with some vinegar. And you can never forget the side of a good ol' pickle. I didn't opt for the Cherry Coke, I know... my b. The service was fantastic and so accommodating, our waitress even offered my dog a little bowl of water and tons of love and affection. We sat outside and just enjoyed the wonderful day that it was, while the outstanding service and finger-lickin' good food topped it off marvelously. Heaven in your mouth, go for it. read more

Lester's Deli - Delis Near Me - Outremont, Quebec

What a gem. This place would be 4 star for sure but it's pricey for what you pay for. I arrived here at Lester's Deli around 9am on a Monday morning. So yes... They serve smoked meat sandwiches that early, even on a mother effing weekday. Take that, Schwartz! #CLUTCH. I had to swoop a few up to-go before embarking on a greyhound bus that what would become a well over 9 hour ride back to Boston. The sandwich is delicious, but I must say I prefer the joint on St Laurent. Always go for double mustard. Who could ask for more than a smoked meat sandwich with pickle and cherry cola for lunch on a dang bus while stuck at the border for 3 hours? I spoil myself. -Bean read more

See all

Really really good smoked meat. I took my parents here to avoid lines at you-know-where, and were not disappointed. In fact this might be better smoked meat than any other place on the island. Why only 4 stars and not 5? Well, the service wasn't great. But the food was, which is what mostly matters! We had smoked meat sandwiches (medium lean, not too too fatty, just the way you want them), a smoked meat poutine, and sides of potato salad, pickles, and beers in their most awesome frozen mugs. My dad already wants another sandwich before they leave town. (They also have an airport location, and I know he might get some more there!) read more

See all

WOW! Smoked meat sandwich unlike no other! Staff were amazing and actually helped us find a place to stay due to our early arrival to Montreal...in the middle of an ice storm! Can not say enough about this place other than come here instead of that 'other' sandwich place which, in our opinion has just turned into a tourist trap. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!! read more

My quest for best smoked meat on the planet ends here. What an awesome rendition of an old-school classic, so moist with perfect snap, it's nothing like I've ever had. And the old world feel time transports you back to the 1950's. Indoor and outdoor seat, in a Jewish neighborhood so parking was plentiful, even a few spots right in front. A must try. read more

See all

Terrible customer service. Mean people. It was suggested by one of our friends but we decided to go to "Le Roi" it's much better in everything; prices, quality and least but not less important, people are super kind and nice. read more

Lester's Deli - Terrible service. Mean people, terrible customer service. - Delis Near Me - Outremont, Quebec

The service was terrible, the servers were rude. The food is fine, but I will never eat there again purely based on my bad experience with the waitresses. It is also way too expensive for what it is. Ordering the food to go is much better. read more

Wow!! Best smoked meat sandwich in Quebec (maybe even Canada)! I recommend Lester's Super Deluxe because the left overs taste great too! read more

Lester's Deli - Delis Near Me - Outremont, Quebec

Despite the fact that I wasn't crazy about their "smoked meat" that they're known for, I give them 5 stars anyway. Note: I did end up liking their smoked meat in an omelette that my husband ordered twice and loved. We ate there 3 times during our recent 8 day visit to Montreal. It was worth every Uber dollar it took to get there from "Old Town". I ordered the salad with chopped liver. I've had chopped liver all my life in a long list of NY, LA, Miami and SF Jewish delis. Lester's was my all time favorite and my husband's as well. Interestingly they make it with beef liver. The salad it comes on is a straight forward basic lettuce and tomato and maybe cucumber salad. I was shocked that I liked the dressing as I usually don't like salad dressing with red vinegar (the norm in the U.S.). Turns out they use white vinegar which I like. I also LOVE their French fries. They have Dr. Brown's black cherry soda, a real plus in the Jewish deli hall of fame. I especially like the vibe there. It is family owned. Sybil, the daughter of the Lester (the guy who founded it) owns it now, and her nieces work there. Her daughter's first attempt at making chopped liver was really great. We were honored to have had some! Sybil is welcoming and wonderful ~~~ and the family vibe is great. And besides all that goodness, I found out Leonard Cohen used to be a regular. read more

Fantastic smoked meat sandwiches and awesome poutine to go along with the sammys. The smoked sandwiches are on deli bread and mustard nothing else, accompanied with some pickles on the side. Nothing too fancy but packed with flavor. Their is a very hospitality vibe about this restaurant that makes you feel welcomed. read more

See all

The smoked meat poutine was amazing and the smoked meat sandwich was good as well. We tried Lester's after going to Schwartz earlier in the week and preferred the dining experience here much better. Great service and no wait! read more

Lester's Deli - Smoked meat poutine and sandwich - Delis Near Me - Outremont, Quebec

I'm not even done eating and I can already give Lester's five stars. The smoked meat (corned beef I think) is amazing, and the service and environment make lunch a very pleasant experience. The staff have a great rapport with each other; they obviously take a lot of pride in their work, and it adds to an already great experience. read more

Lester's Deli - Smoked meat platter and a diet ginger ale - Delis Near Me - Outremont, Quebec

This is an amazing deli restaurant wonderfully run by a great family. The service here is great and they make an excellent smoked meat sandwich! read more

Lester's Deli - Delis Near Me - Outremont, Quebec

It's a nice deli. I used to come here a lot before but I still occasionally go. The food is really great,and staff are very friendly. I love getting Hot Dogs and the classic sandwich read more

Lester's is located in a beautiful neighborhood and has been there since 1951. They are known for smoked meat which most deli's have but their brisket sandwich is what I come to montreal for. They've got about 12 seats outside to go along with the inside. The smoked meat is up there in quality and taste with Schwartz's and you'll find less tourists at Lester's as well. read more

Lester's Deli - Brisket sandwich, vinegar coleslaw, and a smoked meat sandwich - Delis Near Me - Outremont, Quebec

I don't understand why dumb tourists line up for hours at Schwartz while you can get smoked meat and brisket that is just as good or better... here at Lester's. I literally got my sandwich in like 2 minutes. This place is in the heart of Outremont. I highly recommend! read more

Local deli serving delicious smoked meat platters. I ordered the Smoked Meat Poutine and the husband ordered the Smoked Meat Special Sandwich. We also ordered a side of pickles and coleslaw. The Poutine was amazing and the hubby seemed to have enjoyed his sandwich. I can't speak for Schwartz's Deli but if you're not looking to wait in line for an hour and you want friendly service and delicious food then look no further! read more

Lester's Deli - Smoked Meat Special - Delis Near Me - Outremont, Quebec

See all

If Schwartz is your standard for smoked meat in Montreal then there is no reason to choose Schwartz over Lester's. No wait whatsoever, you step through the door and the owner immediately greets you and seats you. He's funny and enthusiastic and will get you seated so that the smoked meat can reach your table ASAP. Much roomier than Schwartz, you won't be packed in like farm animals. Decor is also better. But instead of comparing it to others, on it's own, Lester's Deli serves delicious smoked meat. The meat in the sandwich is extremely soft and tastes great. Smoked meat poutine is also very good but personally I'd probably eat two smoked meat sandwiches myself. Also a big plus - takes credit cards! And you can take vacuum sealed meat to go! You won't regret coming here. read more

Super Deluxe and a mug of Racinette with an order of Poutine with smoked meat on the side -- Délicieux! Excellent noms and bevvies, great eclectic ambiance, very friendly and accommodating service, at a reasonable price worth every bite. read more

One of the best delis I have ever been to. I came here for lunch on my second day visiting Montreal and was greeted by the most friendly and entertaining staff I've ever had. I ordered a smoked meat sandwich (as per the internet's recommendation) and was blown away by how good it was. I will definitely be back next time I visit Montreal! read more

Lester's Deli - Delis Near Me - Outremont, Quebec

Would you move to Phoenix??? My boyfriend and I had an early dinner here. We split a smoked meat sandwich and the smoked meat poutine. It was fantastic! If we ever come back to Montréal we will be coming here again! read more

A very good place with awesome sandwiches. The stuffed chicken sandwich with mustard on rye bread was fantastic. This is basically a chicken bologna. Very tasty. The smoked meat sandwich on rye was big and delicious. The smoked turkey club was excellent as well. And the pickles and French fries are lovely side items. The server was friendly and very efficient. Must go here again. Yum O!! read more

The prices here are high in my opinion for the portions that you get. I still think it's worth it though because the smoked meat was amazing. I know schwarts is a tourist trap but if you want to wander just slightly off the beaten path I think that this is better and you can actually sit and enjoy it. read more

Fantastic smoked meat sandwiches. Quick and friendly service. Would definitely come here again. (Note: this review does not consider the French fries, which were not good, but I think I just hate all French fries in Montreal, so maybe ignore my opinion on that). read more

Thank you guys!!!! We were recommended this place by our bike tour guide Darren. We wanted a local and well known place to try smoked meat! oMG!!! This was great. Our first time in Montreal from NYC and I must say thank you Lester's for making it memorable. We had to go take our food to go but while we waited we had 2 ice cold beers and it was the icing on the cake. Thank you for this great meal! read more

Lester's Deli - Smoked meat so yum - Delis Near Me - Outremont, Quebec

See all

Very kid friendly and customer oriented. As soon as we walked in, the waitress helped us get seated with a 2 1/2 year old and brought him a puzzle to play with. She was very attentive to us, brought food quickly. The order was correct and the food was wonderful. My brother and I both had the smoked meat. He said he would eat here every day if he could. The fries tasted a bit sweeter than I am used to. They were also not over salted like many places and not crispy, but very good. read more

See all

The smoked meat is to die for. The coleslaw is vinegar-based and serves as the perfect side. Be sure to try the pickles and the french fries (the best I have ever had). Lester's is a must if you want the best Montreal smoked meat! read more

This is my neighbourhood deli restaurant. Great and cheap breakfast. Excellent smoked meat sandwich that I always recommend ahead of Schwartz's on The Main. It's on Bernard surrounded by neighbourhood cafes, restaurants and shops in Outremont. I love this little deli-diner. If you like deli, you'll like this place. It's authentic...and not such a tourist trap like Schwartz's. Cherry coke....and some hard-to-find guilty pleasures like Big Turk bars and Pep chocolate bars. WARNING. DO NOT GO HERE IF CHOLESTEROL IS A CONCERN. IT'CALLED LESTERS...BUT I CALL IT choLESTERS..with a smile. read more

This joint is for the locales. It is quite a distance from Old Montreal, and there is nothing touristy about the neighborhood its in. The staff are no-nonsense, direct and prompt. The food is delicious, the meat so fatty, as I've asked for. Would recommend this place over Schwartz and Reuben's for those 2 reasons. read more

This was one of our favorite stops in Montreal. The smoked meat was perfect. The fries were great, and the prices were reasonable. We went on a weeknight and there was no wait and the food came out quick. I completely disagree with the people complaining about the service. The server was wonderful and did everything she could to appease our crying baby. In fact, when we hurried out early in our meal, they asked us to stay and finish. As new parents, we appreciated that. Even the man behind the counter came to speak with us. I was a big fan of the throwback deli feel of the place. I'm not a smoked meat expert by any means, but Lester's was an awesome experience. read more

Smoked meat is great but their best kept secret just might be their chicken burger, maybe one of the best sandwich in the city Plus the owners ate very nice read more

A few locals recommended that we try Lester's over Schwartz, which is somehow always packed. While a bit out of the way, Lester's is well worth the trip. It feels like a true neighborhood deli, with little to no tourists and an unpretentious atmosphere. We had the reuben, which was moist and extremely tender. Definitely add some their signature mustard. I wouldn't put the sandwich it in the same category as its counterpart at Katz Deli in NYC, but it's close! They have a bunch of craft sodas as well, the black cherry was our favorite. read more

Best Smoked meat in town and I've tried all the spots. The smoked meat poutine is the best combo of perfectly done fries, fresh cheese curds, brown sauce and amazing smoked meat! My favorite poutine hands down. read more

We wanted to try out something other than Schwartz. It was not a good experience. The smoked meat was mediocre, in my opinion. No taste and flavour. Hard to believe that the meat was. Having tasted Schwartz a couple days ago I can definitely say that Lester's smoked meat hardly comes close to that of Schwartz. I also definitely do not recommend their fries there. read more

Great smoked meat. Great fries. The pickles make you wince. The Cott black cherry is plentiful. There are also many beautiful parks nearby in Outremont to walk it off! read more

How can you not love this place. The food is amazing, hands down the best stuffed chicken in the city. Great friendly service, reasonable pricing and a fantastic location on Bernard. read more

Chose this place instead of Schwartz since I don't like crowds and wanted something comparable while staying Outremont. The smoked meat is what I was seeking out while in Montreal. It was the perfect sandwich and something I could not get in LA. Moist, warm, tender and delectable. A nice alternative to touristy Schwartz with a mom and pop shop feel. A local recommended it to me. I was the only one there in the restaurant and loved every moment just me, my sandwich, and my black cherry soda. read more

Great deli. The coleslaw was one of the best I have ever tasted. Took the regular sandwich - great meat although I think they could give a bit more meat. read more

I used to lunch at Lester's when I worked in the area. Their liver and onions was to die for. Very friendly and professional staff, too.