1. Food: smoked meat was delicious - each piece was fresh, juicy, and flavorful. Marbled, but not fatty. Smoked turkey, on the other hand, was quite dry and tough. Not the best. Matzoh ball soup was quite tasty too. The regular poutine was good too - thick gravy, soft cheese curds.

2. Atmosphere: sat in the sidewalk patio area. Very relaxed. Street traffic was steady but not overbearing.... plus

Only in Montreal would I rate 2 restaurants with 5 stars in one week. Main deli is excellent! My inlaws owned a corned beef deli for 30 years and I ate there at least a thousand times...so I know corned beef. I was told to go to Schwartz but upon arrival I was not waiting 1-2 hours to get in. Yelp rated Main very well so we decided to try-what a great decision that was. First of all they have a... plus

We tried poutine at several places. This was by far the best we had. Schwartz across gets all the attention, but this site place to be. The outdoor setting is fantastic and prices are very reasonable.

The smoked meat melted in my mouth! The poutine was the best we've ever had! Service was great and fast. Sitting outside was a big plus. We will be back. It's not fancy, it's not upscale, it's just damn good.

The smoked meats were AMAZING - and great to get away from the long line of Schwartz across the street. The interior was very relaxing and made for a great meal. Did I mention the smoked meats were AMAZING? Very tender and flavorful, one of my favorite meals when visiting Montreal.

When you come to Montreal, you have to try their Smoked Meat sandwich. I've previously been to The Main's competition on a number of occasions. I decided to try The Main (regarded as the #2 in Montreal). First of all, the big difference I noticed, was the wait time for a table. There was no wait. As soon as we entered, the employee who greeted us said we can sit anywhere. We went around 11:30... plus

Heard about this place on 'You Gotta Eat Here' and was curious. Tried the special and the main burger. Both were really good. Smoky and flavourfu. Great portion sizes too!

After a night of drinking and chilling all you want is something greasy and comforting. Sadly that was not what I got at Main Deli. I ordered the smoked meat and to my disappointment the smoked meat comes in big slices instead of chopped up. When eating a poutine, you want something simple, good and fast that you can get the perfect cheesy, stringy bite on your fork. And added toppings on the... plus

I was recommended this place over Schwartz - which happens to be right across the street. I have been to Schwartz on my previous visit to Montreal so had to try this. This place did not disappoint. The smoked meat lived up to the hype. It's not as busy as Schwartz may be at times but definitely right up there with the best smoked meat I've had in Montreal. Definitely recommend this!!

The owner contacted me from my last revue and invited me to the shop to try it again.

I must say I was impressed with the apology and the gesture.

He has changed the focus of the business away from smoked meat and toward grass fed organic burgers. His goal is to refocus the business and expand/franchise it.

He was welcoming and kind. The meat was much better, though is still not house made.
... plus

Late supper with the BF. Got the fatty smoke meat combo with fries, coleslaw and a pickle. Very enjoyable. We came here cause we originally went to Schwartz and it smelled really bad inside. Plus the price here was way more affordable. I enjoyed the smoked meat better then Dunns :) if I'm craving smoked meat I'd com back ! Losing a star because the environment is old not original

This is what you come to Montreal for.

Several Vancouver places have tried to claim best smoked meat outside of Montreal or even claiming they fly it fresh from Montreal, but nothing comes close to the real deal.

My buddy Nachiket P referred me to this place. Better than Schwartz and no line. Sure enough as I arrive I see the line at Schwartz and no line here.

Chef smiles and greets me in... plus

I once wrote a glowing review of The Main, which was my favourite spot in Montreal. But man, have times changed. Unfortunately, the original owner of The Main passed away a few years ago, and it was purchased by a new group. They've made a lot of changes since then, and not necessarily for the best.

What was once a chill environment with a classic Jewish deli vibe, is now a brightly-coloured... plus

4.5 stars. The long continued debate goes on and the final result is truly what you enjoy. On my latest mission, I sacrificed my stomach to rest out the bigger names on the Montreal smoked meat arena. They are all very similar but I found I enjoyed the flavor profile of The Main than the other 3. Table service was a little lost but Mike's work more than made up for that little stumble. The... plus

Main is the Schwartz's *main* competitor (sorry). They're across the street from each other, and both serve Montreal smoked meat sandwiches, among other meats. The *main* difference (sorry again) is that Main is open late. Swung by at 3am and was able to get a sandwich and some fries. I wasn't a big fan of the fries (they were soggy and really sweet), but the sandwich was a great late night... plus

Go enjoy a nice, juicy smoked meat sandwich at the Main, right across from the over-hyped Schwartz's. For the life of me, I can't figure out why the Main is always empty and Schwartz's always has a line, when the Main's meat is light years better.

Smoked meat, fries. pickle, cole slaw, black cherry. Enjoy.

Located on the other side of the street from the famous smoke meat joint, Schwartz. I was quite surprised that the smoked meat is just as good. I liked their coleslaw, which was particularly a good complement to the greasy fries and smoke meat.

What I find sad however, is the fact that the smoke meat sandwich is not edible without the help from the pickle. coleslaw, and heavy mustard.

Despite... plus

Passing by Le Main on a hot summer Sunday, we marveled at the block-long lineup across the street at Schwartz's. Meanwhile, Le Main's streetside patio still had a couple of empty tables.

We ordered smoked meat sandwiches (medium fat). They arrived in minutes. We scarfed them down with glee. This is definitely a quality sandwich with very moist, well spiced, above-average meat. (Note: must be... plus

Delicious smoked meat!!! You should also try the roast beef which is actually so freaking good!! I'd come here over schwartz - just as good, sans lineup.

The boss lady or server was really rude for whatever reason to our table, but super friendly just to the people next to us. I dont know I hate playing the racist card but... We were a table of asians hahahaha so.... plus

Main's Got the Meat

Schwartz's is not the only game in town when it comes to smoked meat. Having dined there in the past, we set out for another lunch of delish smoked meat and crunchy cole slaw. We arrived long after lunchtime one August afternoon fully expecting to walk right in. Needless to say we were surprised by the crazy long line waiting... plus

Best ever. No joke

The best smoked meat sandwich I've ever had. No need to wait in that ridiculous line at Schwartz's. A local gave us that tip... Glad we followed it!

Superb burger

Stopped here to eat with a friend in the outside seating area.
We got menus quickly, but it then took a good 15 minutes for the server to remember we had not actually ordered anything.
Once ordered, the burger arrived promptly and was delicious.
In terms of getting the bill, we ended up just heading inside and asking for it,... plus

Best smoked meat on St Laurent blvd

Let's share a local secret that Montrealers have realized this year; the Main restaurant across the street from a more well-known competitor, Schwartz's deli, has better smoked meat, tasty, well-seasoned and with far more comfortable environment. So for a better platter, smoked meat experience for either sit-down (summer time allows outdoor patio in front as well as indoor) or take-out,... plus

great montreal smoked meat

first time here instead of the touristy "Swartz's" (where staff have an attitude, and their place is a pig pen especially the tiny washroom, ..time for Rene and Celine to make drastic changes at Swartz's).
The Main was very good and I found the meat juicier than Swartzs, piled high and very tasty. and no line ups. Folks give this... plus

The best Poutine in Montreal

We had already tried poutine on our trip when a chef from another restaurant told us what we had eaten must have been awful. He proceeded to tell us about Main (and Schwartz's right across the street) as well as some other spots we needed to try. He was right about Main - it was excellent. We had poutine and... plus

Better than the "touristy" one which shall remain nameless

Ate here and were very pleased. Smoked meat sandwiches great, crowded, but not with tourists, just locals who know a good thing.

Delicious

Without a doubt the best Montreal smoked meat this side of the 49th parallel. Sandwiches are made on very fresh light rye bread, served with fries, coleslaw and deli dills and are simply to die for. You choose the selection of meat you prefer, that being extra lean, lean, medium etc. Ok, so the interior is a bit worn out,... plus

An excellent alternative to Schwartz's

After dealing with the long lines and crowded conditions at Schwartz's across the street a few days earlier, I decided to try the Main Deli because I had heard it was just as good. As it turns out, there was a street festival on and I ended up being the first ever customer to sit on their brand new (very... plus

First time having real Montreal smoked meat

Wow! We went to Main's, located across the street from Schwartz's and there was no line up. I went with my BF who lived in Montreal and has been to both many times. He said they were fairly even food wise but Main's had no line up, because the tourists all know Schwartz's and that was fine for me as... plus

Forget Schwartz's -For Us Locals it's the famous old 'The Main Deli' >hands down

Lived in this neighbourhood for the past 40 years & can swear that us locals /all the artists we know in the neighbourhood ONLY frequent The Main and look in disbelief at the folks waiting in long lineups (like 'blind sheep'< oops sorry , but it's the truth) across the street at Schwartz's. The food at The Main is certainly... plus

Great place

I prefer Schwartz's but Main is great. They have great sandwiches and I'm always torn between the two places. To me the two restaurants are neck and neck.

Better than "S", and 24 hours

Grew up on deli... Come from a deli family.
Schwartz's can still dazzle on occasion, but usually it underwhelms (dry cuts) and you're jammed next to mouth breathers and screamed at.
The Main is always good. Love their beef ribs (garlic and spices instead of their sauce), and their smoked meat and steaks are yummy. Love the fact you can... plus

Service

Our server, I didn't catch her name but I think she had just started, was fantastic. Friendly and knowledgable about the area as we were just in Montreal for a few days. My husband really enjoyed his smoked meat sandwich and poutine.

Sad News

I wish I had a buck for every person I have brought or sent to the Main Deli over the last 20 years. Imagine my disappointment when I found out the place has changed. Really. The staff are gone, the food has changed, the portions are smaller, the service is completely disorganised and worst of all, the changed the interior... plus

What Shwartz's used to be 10 years ago. Don't go crazy though, what you order is smoked meat combo with extra cherry peppers and a cherry coke. Hey.

Love the place and the atmosphere, though less good than Schwartz's

When the queue is too long at Schwartz's, I sometimes cross the Main to get my smoked meat here. It is not as good as their more famour counterpart, but I am in love with the "vintage" Montreal atmosphere, and I feel at home. It's great to observe local life in this simple and typical place and I like their... plus

I tried the competition

I still like the smoked meat sandwich better at Schwartz's but The Main isn't owned by Céline Dion, so I'll suck it up.
The smoked meat sandwich was perfectly fine though. I had the platter and had trouble finishing it. The fries were also quite good, but a little soggy.
The decor is kitchy and "diner classic" - cheezy cartoons... plus

Montreal Deli Wars Part 2

Having visited Schwartz's Deli last year - including standing in line in the cold & being crammed into a small table - this year my colleagues & I decided to give the Main a try. We went for lunch & we all ordered the Montreal smoked meat platter. So . . . whose is better? Main Deli hands down. The... plus

Bachelor Lunch

Had a nice lunch with the cousins. Highly recommended and amazing food.
The service was amazing and quick. Food cam out within minutes of order.
Will def go again if in Montreal.

The smoked meat sandwich and homemade fries are amazing.

Good food, Quick service, not crowded

The food was good, good portion size, good smoked meat. Service was fast. Not very crowded at lunch time, seating readily available.

It IS dark now... and not great

I just ate there today and the reviewer below is quite right: they've changed the lighting and it is rather darkish, now. They've also added flat screen TVs.
As for the food, today I wanted to try a steak, as Schwartz no longer uses charcoal. I had the 14 ounce rib. It was not great. Fries were soggy and greasy... plus

Great smoke meat

Smoke meat is very good and price is great as well. Pickle is so-so. Charge $3 to share. It is not crowded.

Choose the Main, skip the tourists, stay warm

How can we not compare The Main with Swartz accross the street, where all the sheepish wait in line in freezing cold temperature just to be seated crammed between annoying smelly loud tourists on tables reminiscent of prison cafeterias? To eat their overhyped dry sandwich, then trying to clean your hands in their crudy wc...
The Main has an actual... plus

Check this place out

Skip Schwartz's across the street, and come to the Main. It's better, no long lines , and you will be sooo happy. Not sure why everyone goes to Schwartzs but trust me, go to the Main and you will see why. Order their smoked meat sandwich and you will be in heaven...better than hot pastrami. Smoked meat heaven.

Better than Schwartz's

A very different experience than Schwarz's deli. More comfortable seating, although the dining area we were in was quite dark. My friend ordered smoked meat sandwich (lean and flavorful) and poutine (very gravy laden, you're better off ordering latkes or going to Patati Patata nearby for better poutine). We both had a soda. I ordered a smoked veal sandwich (ordered... plus

Good food, good value. What more do you want from a deli

I'm not going to compare the neighbours, I haven't been over the road. Having read a few reviews here and elsewhere I opted for The Main.
1pm Friday and the place was buzzing but not full. I was seated straight away and served within minutes. Staff were attentive and polite, and indulged my horrid French with a smile. Menu in... plus

Best Smoked Meat

Despite the fact that their Competitor across the street has all the hype, (Schwartzes) the main has the best smoked meat. It is definitely not as salty, and the wait staff do not harass you. Besides the smoked meat they have all the usual food., chicken, steak, liver, etc. I usually order the platter bread on the side. This comes... plus

3 of 4 stars (good, casual dining

(see explanation of ratings below)
This is virtually right across the street from the more famous tourist destination, Schwartz's. When we arrived, there was a line of would-be customers streaming out the door at Schwartz's, but no line and no waiting at Main.
About $10 per person, no dessert, gratuity not included.
Could use another server as just one finds... plus

Rough times for the Main

First of all..the place is never dark.For over 30 yrs it is too bright.and it does not have a funky smell..I have been there tons of times...If service is in the c@!%!*r it is probably cause the staff is not feeling too happy lately..It's founder and much loved boss "Peter Varvaro " died on August 24 2013 and most of... plus

Your kidding

Ok so the place is dark inside and short on help it also has a funky smell that is not the food. Anyway we were in a hurry and the line across the street was long. We went in and sat down and waited for about 5 minutes and nobody took our order so we left.

Service has gone utterly to Hell

While I didn't notice any drop in food quality at The Main on my last trip back to Montreal, the service has gone straight down the c@!%!*r. We ordered completely routine take-out, in French, which the waitress managed to totally mess up. Wasn't very busy at the time. A few days later, I tried to order lunch (again at an... plus

Maybe an off day

I will start by saying there were two waiters, one bus boy and two guys in the kitchen for a packed restaurant. So they might have an excuse. Nonetheless they brought our French fries out ten minutes before my son got his hamburger, then another five minutes for my son to get his hot dog...then another ten minutes for my... plus

Ribs

This place is overshadowed by Schwarz across the street. We met some people who live in Montreal and they showed us around. Apparently this place is much better than Schwarz so if you can give it a try. They all ate the smoked meat sandwich and I ate the ribs. Ribs were amazing! My only complaint is the pickles were... plus

A good option for Smoked Meat and Poutine

Another solo trip to Montreal for me, and after sampling Schwartz's, Dunn's, and Le Roi du Smoked Meat on previous visits to town, this time I wanted to give The Main a try. I was not disappointed. As others have stated, you can brave the line-up across the street at Schwartz's, or you can come in here and sit comfortably... plus

NY Deli in Montreal

I don't know anything about the competition between the Main and the place across the street, I was just a hunger tourist who just peered inside and thought it looked authentic. Onion soup and the basic smoked meat sandwich for $11. Might have been cheaper than a McDonald's, but you can't get French onion soup in McD's. The soup was... plus

Smoked meat was good, but not incredible-there's ton of fat that doesn't get rendered out... but maybe that's how it's "supposed" to be. Bread is alright as well, but nothing above and beyond. Poutine sauce has an interesting sweet undertone (what's their secret? Cola?), but it wasn't a demi-glace like real poutine sauce should be, it was a gravy, the fries were all soggy, and the cheese was... plus

If Schwartz is too busy

If Schwartz is too busy, The Main, which is located right across the street, might partially fulfil your smoked meat craving. But nowhere near the taste of Schwartz!

Laughable experience

Guess we should've just tried the smoked beef because the meal we got was horrid. Ribs that were dry and had a horrible terriaki sauce on them and my husband had the beef ribs with the same horrid terriaki sauce. And the piece of liver and weiner that came with his meal - - We got a good laugh anyway... plus

The best

The Montreal smoked meat debate ends here. Please go to the Main. I know Schwartz's has been on every television show and the marketing machine is bigger than the Main but the food is not. The Main has better meat and makes bigger sandwiches. Please do not waste your time waiting in line at Schwartz's for drier, smaller sandwiches. Walk... plus

Decent sandwiches served with a ton of smoked meat in diner type setting. Service was alright, though a little annoying that a couple of plates were dropped off with dried mustard on them. A lot less crowded than the Schwartz's located across the street.

The new king of montreal beef

Main deli or Schwartz’s.. Simple follow my lead and buy one sandwich at each location.. Then sit down and do a taste test. If you have been eating at Schwartz’s for 40 years like I have you will have noticed Schwartz is living of it’s reputation. Once the king of all smoked meat and now the bottom of the pile..... plus

Better than the place across the street

When I want smoked meat or a good rib steak I go to The Main. The seating is comfy-you are not cheek by jowl to your neighbour, the food is very good value and more important delicious, and the service is fine. I love their rib steaks which come with a liver and frank appetizer, fries, pickles and cole slaw.And... plus

Best poutine in Montreal

There are a lot of places in Montreal that claim to have the best poutine, but the Main is the real thing. It's a rather unassuming place, despite the location in the heart of the Plateau. The fries are delicious, the gravy is well spiced and the curds fresh. It's worth the visit, and I'm sure it won't be your... plus

Great diner

Amazing food. Great poutine and amazing smoked meat sandwiches. You gotta eat here. You will not be disappointed!

A great Montreal smoked meat experience

Others have said it and I concur. If you are headed for Schwartz's for a smoked meat sandwich, cross the street to The Main, whether the other has a line-up or not. You can enjoy your meal without the stress and the crowd in a place that is equally authentic. Menus are in English and French and the staff speaks... plus

Don't go to Schwartz's! Go to The Main

The Main is the place to go for the best smoked meat in Montreal. I don't know why people bother to line up across the street. Not to mention that Celine Dion's husband has bought Schwartz and turned it into a franchise and you can buy their smoked meat in grocery stores and they don't even cure or smoke their... plus

Terrific old style Montreal smoked meat without the touristy lineup

Before the precipitous decline in quality at Schwartz's , I often used to go to The Main when the crowds were too long next door.
Now when I have my occasional craving for delicatessen food I go to The Main. My one regular choice is the smoke meat platter although I've also had their grilled liver & onions which was... plus

Why wait in line at Schwartz's

While there's always a line out the door across the street at Schwatrz's, locals know to go to The Main. The smoked meat sandwich is just as good and there's never a wait. Food and value is great. The atmosphere hasn't changed in decades. The staff is generally disgruntled and unfriendly, but here it seems to add to the experience.

I wanted to eat at The Main, because I had friends who had been there and loved it. I wanted to eat at The Main, because I saw it on TV and it looked delicious. I wanted to eat at The Main, but the server brought me no food, after 45 minutes, along with not cleaning my table or the many other dirty tables in the restaurant. I waited for a drink, I waited for cutlery, I waited to be... plus

Diners, Drive Ins and Dives- Best smoked meat in Montreal

Typical deli/ dinner atmosphere...but the best smoked meat and french fries around. Staff was supper helpful, recommending the best deals. With a cold Molson, the smoked meat and fries were fantastic. Ended it with excellent deli desserts, carrot cake.

Child portion

The smoke meat is one of the best in Montreal, really home made with distinctive taste, the french fries are excellent but portion is minimalistic, the coleslaw is top class but my fork dive 2 times and it was game over. Please be more generous on portion. Price are average for this area. Good experience. The waiter was pleasant to... plus

After-hours dining fix

This restaurant is definitely catered to the people looking to get their grease fill at 4am. So it's not really the place you would go for dinner, rather you would go at 2am for smoked meat poutine. It's not expensive, the service is not so great but what can you expect for a place that caters to the 4am demographic.... plus

Smoked meat poutine

the smoked meat poutine at Restaurant de la Main is out of this world.. the best way to finish off a night of drinking. open till 3 am! which is a plus.

Yeah, The Main only exists as an alternative to Schwartz's across the street for those who don't have the patience to wait in line. But for MY money, the smoked meat at The Main is SUPERIOR to Schwartz's. I know, I know; I blaspheme by saying that but that's the way I see it (or taste it, I should say). I ONLY order my smoked meat medium-fat...hey, fat is what gives the thing flavour, and... plus

Decent food but what a rude waitress. I'm up paying and it came to a the exact amount in notes, I'm getting change out of my pocket for tips, and the rude old Nelly behind the counter starts telling me the price don't include the tip, which I know and is clearly why I'm still standing there getting coins out. I should have left the grill man with the tip as he did all the work anyway. Small... plus

Excellent smoked-meat, on par if not better than Schwartz. Service is O.K. but not exceptional. Go there for the smoked-meat and you won't be deceived. For me the best in town.

If you want real plate of good smoked meat just go to the other side of the street to grab Swchartz smoked meat. But if you are looking for a kind of good smoked meat between Swchartz and Reubens and you would like it served with something else, you can go there. The service was pretty bad (if you are thirsty don't go there. The waitress tend to forget that customers need to drink while... plus

honest opinon

LISTEN UP PEOPLE!!!! THIS IS THE STRAIGHT DOPE!! and i didn't say that cause I am the coolest teenager ever, I'm the lamest adut to ever speak the truth.I live beside Schwartz's deli and Main deli and i know that the neighborhood smoked meat rivaly is more intense than a habs leafs playoff game. Some locals even claim that both delis are owned by the same family and they set out to cause the... plus

"""almost as good as schwartz's-decor better, food not quite"""

"""Next to Schwartz's,very good food.Avoid all lions-ups at Scvhwartz's and east at there main. Superb coleslaw and pickles. No fun waitresses."""

Very good smoked meat and dill pickles.

KOsher steakhouse at its best

not too bad if you can't get into Schwart' and need a smoke meat fix.

Excellent steak dinner - good value

"""Always a second place contender, Boring smoked meat. Good rib steak, but you can do better across the street at Jano's. Drab Decor and dim lighting makes you feel like they are closing for the day."""

Under-appreciated smoked meat and fries. Great deals! Excellent food.

Greasy doesnt begin to explain it. Only go if frightfully un-sober and trying to line your stomach with protein and grease. The waitresses have seen many like you and will dish attitude faster than you can scream peanut.

Best on the block

The first time I went into the Main, I needed some smoked meat and did not have the time to wait in line at Schwartz. Was I pleasantly surprised when I found the smoked meat better (not dry) and they even have poutine. I've been back many times since and have never been disappointed. I've been to Schwartz twice and don't understand why anyone would wait in line for a dry and less tasty smoked... plus

Skip Schwartz's - Here's THE MAIN for Smoked Meat

What a thrill to discover this wonderful smoked meat emporium just across the street from the now-anemic Schwartz! I dreamed of a GREAT smoked meat sandwich during my 20+ year absence from la belle Montreal, and was seriously disappointed in the unremarkable plate I got at Schwartz's. The fragrance wafted into the doorway at The Main, just across the street. I went there the next door, and was... plus

amazing smoked meat

my first visit there this past Friday evening, jan 2,2009, and the experience was the best... we were serves by Anna [ Annastsia?] she was remarkable and the smoked meat was juicy tasty fabulous we ordered medium we like a little fat for that true flavour and the veronicas were to die for... and the price... well what can i say a real treat thanks I will definitely be back real soon.... plus

No. 1

Main's smoked meat is more seasoned than Schwartz's and offer more variety. Also, there's hardly a wait and the fries are just as good. Seems like a no brainer to me... Wait in line of have better smoked meat across the street?

Delicious!!!

Truly satisfying if u want good wholesome food at a very cheap affordable price! Steak is tender and JUICY for 13$ with all the side orders, truly a BARGAIN! "The Main Burger" is also highly recommended! Just typing about the place makes me want to head there now..hehe...u can't go wrong with Main, u have my word. CHEAP DELICIOUS BIG portion FOOD, place to be! I must admit, it's better than its... plus

The Best!

This place is a classic mom and pop style deli, everything is top quality. Service is so good; fast, friendly and unpretentious. Food is very tasty and satisfying.

I travel 3 hours for Main meat!

I used to live around the corner from The Main, and it was a wonderful comfort to a man living alone around there. Now I live in a remote area in the forest, beyond Sherbrooke, Quebec. But once in a while, it is just irrisistable to drive hundreds of kilometres - some on vile, rutted dirt roads - to have a Main smoked-meat sandwich on rye, a sour dill pickle, some coleslaw, and a drink.... plus

Great food & great price.

Everything from smoked meat to latkas graces the The Main's menu. This is by far the best Montreal-style deli on the main. Dishes are mostly European-deli variety alongside Montreal favorites. The plentiful line-up and excellent quality of its meals constrast well with its humble atmosphere. The decor and plastic sheathed menus are functional and plain at best but all in a true deli-style... plus

A good second choice for times when Schwartz's is closed

Ugh!!

Get ready to eat like a king and not have to pay the big dollar prices. You can get a 16oz steak for 20$ and they even have an awesome matza ball soup.

hidden gem

much better smoked meat and steaks than its better-known neighbour across the street (Schwartz's) this is a hidden gem. i should know, i live in mtl and love mtl smoked meat. Schwartz's is good also but on the smoked-meat is on the dry-side and is usually very crowded by tourists.

When the line is too long at Schwartz's, or the aforementioned is closed because its' 3am - jaywalk to THE MAIN. The smoked meat is still better than anywhere outside of Montreal. This is because there are only 3 tiers in the smoked meat grading system: Schwartz's, not Schwartz's but still really good, and then all them rest. The Main falls into #2. They also have giant latkes, fried... plus