After a late breakfast at Faberge , decided to walk around and discover this pretty street called Fairmont! Saw this spot looked retro,dated! I had to go in! First Thing I noticed was books for sale for a buck! I then saw a counter and people and I realized that I was a restaurant / grab n go spot!

Since I wasn't hungry I opted for a strawberry milkshake! It was only 2.17$ !!!

The place is... plus

Honest food and lots of character

One of the reviewers below said "who could actually want to sit and eat there?".. Err... Me?
I was actually on my way from the Fairmont bagel shop, and this little place in the corner looked rather quirky. After a few moments trying to figure out what it could be, I finally realised it's a little restaurant and decided to... plus

It looks like a bad dream- once you push through the threshold you're stuck

Three ghostly odd folks serving not so good / stale food- come for the story to tell afterwards. Use the washroom. It's a must. Be careful not to stick your foot in the slop bucket.

Family owned & operated. Wonderful people, offering a spectacular sandwich. Crusty bread lathered with mustard, expertly seasoned salami & bologna and oozy Swiss cheese all pressed flat. (Can be ordered with cheddar or without cheese.)

The storefront & interior capture a style and warmth that is hard to find these days. You feel like you've stepped back in time and it feels great.

What a fun place

The place is hilarious! It looks like it has not changed in 100 years!
It is very bare and small. The staff are EXTREMELY attentive because they stand on the other side of the counter facing you. The sandwiches are served on a napkin, which is surreal at first when you don't expect it, but then once you eat the... plus

We Liked It

I have read the other reviews and maybe we just hit Wilensky's on a good day or something. My family of 4 walked in a sat at the counter. The staff was as nice as they could be to us. We had a very fun conversation with them and felt very welcome. I am not saying that it has the... plus

When I told one of my DC friends I was going to Montreal, he said if there was one thing we had to do was to try the "deep-fat fried" bologna sandwich at Wilensky's. After looking it up and seeing good reviews from more than one celebrity chef, we had to go.

We walked in and it still has a 1920s feel to it like the kind of delis you see in the old movies. A funny, old man greeted us and ave us... plus

This place is a (very) bad joke

As much as I love old Montreal institutions (such as Schwartz's) and literature, I must say this place is an absolute nightmare to be avoided.
Yes, I went there because I read "The Apprentiship of Duddy Kratvitz", but what a let down. The rude staff (who looked like weird characters out of some horror movie) behind the counter and their... plus

Back in time

had a special with swiss a dill and a root beer. the special is cold cuts on a bun with mustard. do not ask to cut it in half or not to put mustard into it. That's how the make it, no exceptions.
Simple food in a decor that hasn't change in at least 40 years. As mytical as Schwart's.

If you just came out of JAIL after 35 years...come here

You've lost your hair, your belly is protruding, you don't remember the last time you actually said: "Wow, this is delicious!", your children have all grown up and moved far away from you...
Well, then, THIS IS THE BEST PLACE FOR YOU!
Crudy old resto, that hasn't changed in the last 40 years (probably ever!), their food is what a... plus

What do you mean you've never eaten at Wilensky's

Well, if you're reading this review, it might just be because you've never been and if that's the case then add it to your bucket list.
Wilensky's Light Lunch is located on Fairmount at the corner of Clark. They've been there since 1932 and once you walk in, you can just smell the history in the building. It's always been... plus

Great place to really experience the history of Montreal, the history of Canada, and food that has been made the same for over 70 years.

Special with Kraft was delicious. In front of me within 1 minute of my order.
Not too salty and light on the mustard. I added more mustard and it hit the spot.

Chatted with the owner about the show being on The Mind of A Chef with David Chang. We talked... plus

Like going back in time wow pure fun

Don't over think this place, basic and effective. Family run with a seasoned grill man, all very friendly. Try everything it's so inexpensive. Will go back next time we're in town!

Good old times

It's fast! And the menu is short!But once in a while it's so good with a cherry coke! And don't forget a pickle!!!!
And the people are really nice!!!!

truly special

I have been going to Wilensky's since the mid '70s, truly a special place. I love going when it's not too busy to chat with the folks, have a real cherry cola, a half-sour and a special with swiss. My kids love this treat also, but most times I go alone and don't tell anyone, pretty selfish... plus

A Classic Special

Hadn't been there in 15 years. Still delivers. The Special is awesome, though it's painful to fork out over four bucks for it, when in my memory, it's still 30 cents from 40 years ago.
Forgot to get an egg cream, but the cherry cola still works. Get a "milkshake" too, it's cheap and is what it is called, no... plus

Wilenski's is an important reminder of Montreal heritage. The Wilenski Special is the type of sandwich your parents would make you after school. It's simple and taste great. When I ate here, there were plenty of kids at the counter so popular with the youngsters for sure. While the decor is minimalist, the place is an iconic image of Montreal and the people who have frequented this place since... plus

Small bologna and salami sandwich, toasted with cheese, mustard, and mayo. Very cheap and good. They also have good pickles, and soda made the old fashioned way. Really cool little shop. Check it out.

Fast and friendly

This is the friendliness of Canada, the food uniqueness of Quebec, and the pace of the city I wanted to find. The soda fountain is a huge bonus. We had the special with some chocolate sodas and we headed out. It's not a place to hang out. The counter crowd was polite and chatted about the Hockey and football scores... plus

Why did Bourdain make a big deal out of this place

Lived in Montreal most of y life and had not heard of it until Bourdain's show...Honestly there are much better little place to check out than this place. Really? Bologna sandwiches, gross. at the The food was not good, the drinks alright and the atmosphere:you just sit at the counter and eat your sandwich. I would not waste my tie... plus

Get the special with swiss along with a chocolate egg cream. Very tasty!

Super friendly staff, as well.

Fantastic 80 year old sandwich shop (see Risa D's review for more history) - If a place has been doing the same thing for that long, they're probably doing it right!

Drop by when you're in the neighbourhood, find a seat at the bar (if there's none free, it won't take long for one to free-up), and order a "special with cheese" and some pickles. There're not big - hey, the place is called "Light... plus

Eating is sometimes more about history & fun than gastronomy

Surely the only compromise that this diner has made since 1932 is the dropping of the apostrophe in its name due to Quebec language laws. the reason you go is a) you're a regular who pops in for a bite or b) you're there for the unique experience.
The Special is what they do, producing them at record pace at... plus

the old timers knew what they were doing

This is a lovely trip down memory lane and totally up-to-date at the same time. The great thing about Montreal food is it has so many foods of locality as Lenore Newman calls them--foods hat not only grow there but come from the culture there. The 20th century immigrant experience was especially rich, as shown by Fairmount Bagels down the... plus

Delicious and cheap. They make the soda right in front of you which is kinda neat. Great atmosphere.

Hilarious Place

Previous reviewer hits the nail on the head. You don't come here for the food - it's just about ok. A New Yorker would laugh until he fell off his stool at the size of the Special. It looks like someone sat on it - for quite a while. 80 year old decor is quaint and the staff are hilarious... plus

Nice staff, decent "special" and colas

They make the colas and drinks in front of you, and their bologna/salami "special" is decent with cheese and mustard, but not worth what you pay anymore... Inside decor hasn't changed in decades... worth the "kitsch" factor of visiting once to say you did, but maybe that's all... go down the street to Fairmount for a great bagel (or dozen)... plus

absolutly loved the experience

After seeing a segment about Wilensky's on Anthony Bourdain's show - we decided on our next visit to Montreal we would try it. We were so not disappointed!
Stepping into the shop is like stepping back in time a bit - but in such a great way! Loved the look and feel of the place. We each tried a Wilensky's... plus

Surprisingly Tasty

We swung by this place after seeing Anthony Bourdain visit it.
We ordered a Wilensky Special without cheese, a homemade soda and some pickles.
The sandwich is surprisingly tasty and not salty at all as it is essentially just sandwich meat. The soda was tasty and not too sweet. If you're in the area, definitely check it out. You can... plus

Is this a joke? Just about anyone can make a better salami sandwich at home with ingredients from Provigo

People like this place? I can't even... plus

Local institution definitely worth checking out

Stopped in for lunch while in town for the jazz fest.
The Special was as advertised: cheap and delicious. And they make it super fast--like 10 seconds fast. So good I got one for the road. And the phat Slim Jim beef jerky thing was awesome for 60 cents, too.
Overall, a Montreal institution for 80 years that's well worth... plus

Try grilled sandwich featuring Eng muffin with sliced of salami and bologna

Classic!

The Special

Sit at the counter, order 2 specials with Cherry Coke.
Great fare, has been there all my life. 3 generations have eaten there. Tho old books are still there. Look up the movie "Duddy Kravits".
The best sandwich ever made. If you order without mustard, it will cost you a nickle more.
Others have described the food. I usually ordertake... plus

Historical deli dive serving famous hot bologna and salami sandwiches

Have been many times. Love it. The special is served up instantly and it tastes really good. Service is a bit unfriendly which is part of the show. The place is a total dive and appears unchanged for decades. Equipment looks very old and original. Ask to use the washroom and guy behind the meat counter steps out so you... plus

Wilensky's is definitely worth visiting for the nostalgic factor. Opens since 1932 and still family own and run by the Wilensky's!

And of course we need to order their famous SPECIAL ($3.90)! which is a grilled beef salami and beef bologna sandwich with mustard on a kaiser roll, pressed flat from the grill!

As the sign in the restaurant announces:

"When ordering a Special,
you should know a... plus

As its name suggests, Wilensky's is a lunch counter--one that's only open until 4:00, weekdays and Saturdays. It's now celebrating its 80th anniversary (going on 81), and with few exceptions it looks like its been preserved in amber since the '40s.

One of Montreal's few truly great sandwiches, and a certified original, the Wilensky Special is still priced under $5. So what if it's simply a... plus

Montreal Moment

While the food and drinks are acceptable, the real draw for me to go to Wilensky's is to be able to eat at a place... plus

Mobile review

A really odd place! The whole thing looks like a time warp to the 30s and only contains about ten seats. While the food itself is good (especially the Wilensky's special) the hospitality isn't up to par. The owners act like their annoyed to serve you and will literally stair at you the whole time. Very weird.

Old Time Clients

I was wondering if they were still opened. to my surprise I found these reviews of Wilensky's.The first time my husband took me I couldn't believe the lineups outside on the street. It is not a complicated Menu. It makes it easy to choose. We enjoyed it very much and the Cherry Coke. To die for. Now that I know... plus

Wilensky's. Montréal institution. If it ever shots down, Montréal will mourn its passing. An old cigar shop from the 1920s (I think) that offered some light lunches. Now it's all they do. They serve fried baloney sammiches, old syrup and fountain pop and homemade pickels. The place seats 8, standing room available by they freezer. Deal with it. This place is awesome.

The Special doesn't seem all that special--what, surprise luncheon meat grilled with some mustard and maybe cheese? But damn is it good, and the hand-mixed soda with it. It's small and not very filling, though, true to the name of the restaurant. Munch on one of those little Slim Jim-lookin' things too, while you're at it.

Mustard-haters, don't worry about the strict requirement that the... plus

Good lunch

Nothing changed here. Same good food and sme great service with a smile! The quiet sound of specials being called out by ones , twos and threes. Mouth watering delicious. Cherry Coke mde by hand. The only negative is parking but be patient, it's worth the trip!

Classic

If I went to Wilensky's and they welcomed me with a smile and served me with love like my mom - then I would truly be dissapointed. This place is a classic Montreal landmark - a great place for a snack - and great entertainment. If you don't like it - then you went in expecting the wrong thing -... plus

Follow Me Foodie

Wilensky’s is a place that locals hold dear to their heart and there’s a lot of history behind it – read their story... plus

Authentic pastrami samdwich with mustard

You go for the vibe, you sit down on a stool, order your special, eat it, smile. And watch the wall to learn about Montreal's passing of time. Bliss!

Charming place, set's you way back

I'm giving this place a 5 starts because the experience you get here is worth the detour. This store hasn't changed in the past 50 years, it's a real time capsule that is still run by the Wilensky's.
There aren't any tables here, only a counter with 9 stools and a few people running the luncheonette behind the counter ,... plus

A very narrow menu selection, accompanied by a surreal atmosphere, at a price too high, served by borderline cold-hearted waiters.

Wish There Were More Like This

Not for what we ate there (good in its own right), but for the characters that run it. An old Montreal family who will sit with you and chat about politics, hockey, road repairs, whatever .... This is what makes Wilenski's part of Richler-Montreal lore. I would kill for a lunch place like it where I live.

A walk back in time

I LOVE THIS PLACE!! I know that means I am yelling but this place is fun. A Wilensky's s Special will take you back to the 60's. The lunch counter is straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. The staff are hilarious......just don't ask for a knife to cut the Special!! I always feel like I won the lottery if... plus

One of the things I miss most about Montreal.

Does one thing, and does it well, without any pretense to being anything else.

They also serve a mean egg cream soda (n.b. contains no actual egg or cream).

As you enter Wilensky's you're transported to a bygone era. Fading photos smile at you from the walls. A cash register from the late 1800's, built to last a millenia sits quietly beside the entrance. If it rang more than its $1.95 maximum, I could imagine it still in use.

The staff behind the counter are welcoming, friendly and are happy to discuss the occasional question about the shop and... plus

Grilled cheese... Most excellent and old fashion

WOW, who knew that a Jewish grilled cheese would tickle your taste buds in such a wonderful way!!!
Went there Aug. 31/12 at 1030 AM if you can believe.
An office friend told me about this place and I just had to go. So on our way back to Ottawa, told hubby that would be our breaky. Ended up being... plus

Prices unreasonably high

For sure, it is a piece of history, of course it is a kind of institution, but, sincerely, 5 bucks is now too much for an ounce of baloney, a hint of mustard and a diaphanous slice of said Swiss cheese. A little expensive for a mere quotation.

Nostalgic but

We read about Wilensky's in Nat. Geo. Traveler magazine and were intrigued by the history of the place and the food. During a recent trip to Montreal we decided to go for lunch. Their famous "Special" is not what I had imagined nor what is pictured on the sign. Granted, in 1932, a sandwich would have been more substantial, but... plus

A travel back in time

This place is classic! 80 year old counter stools. $3.80 sandwiches. Nicest people who run it. Homemade soda. A true find.

Mobile review

What makes these sandwiches and hot dogs special is the fresh corn bread they use-very tasty. I took the special with Swiss which is very good but may I suggest the hot dog on fresh onion bread if you have room? This is the unsung hero of Wilensky's in mho...but be warned once you step through the doors of Wilensky's is to be hurled back in time, where people ate side by side on lunch... plus

interesting moment from time

You don't go to Wilensky's to eat a good lunch. You go to experience a time warp. It is a really neat spot to check out some soda fountain drinks and delve into yesteryear.

This place is slowly fading away...don't miss out on an "historical" icon of the old Mile End neighborhood.

Un classique du Mile-End

On se replonge dans le passé chez Wilensky, on prend un spécial + un cherry coke, effectivement, c'est bon et pas cher. Ils ont aussi des hot-dogs.

A must. Get a "special" with cheese, pickles, and a soda, and you are all set.

It's like walking into 1932, classic, lovely, family run, old school soda on tap, great pickles... plus

Now opened on saturday ,,!!!...

Getting to Wilensky's during the week could be challenging, but now it is opened on Saturday I can get my favourite grilled sandwich , a serving of half sour pickles and a fountain drink.... plus

Walk down memory lane

I used to go to WIlensky for lunch when I went to High School down the streets about 20some years ago...
Always, the special and a cherry cola. I had a friend visiting Montreal from Scotland earlier this month and I hadn't been back since graduating from high school. I was expecting or hoping the same craziness that I used... plus

Awesome!!!!

You must go for the "special" with cheese and their old-school sodas... plus

chic little city

Opened in 1932 by Moe Milensky, the luncheonette and soda fountain originally contained a cornerstore, barbershop... plus

This will be the most useless review you'll ever read on Yelp:

Go here. Get the special. Enjoy.

The end.

Founded in the Mile End in 1932, and in the current spot since 1952, Wilensky's Light Lunch is an institution which lots of us Montrealers are deeply fond of. Most read Mordechai Richler's "The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz" in high school and since several scenes take place in Wilensky's, and scenes in the 1974 film version starring Richard Dreyfuss were actually shot there, it looms in our... plus

Nothing fancy, but fricken amazing!

They may have other items, but for years -- it's all about the Wilensky's fried bologna sandwich. Mustard, cheese, on c@!%!y white bread and then pressed together kinda of like a panini. OMG - so dang good!!!

Make sure to order 2 of them...you'll want one for dessert after you've inhaled the first one.

I don't know how or why they are so good...I've tried... plus

A blast from the past

I'd heard about Wilensky's for years but had never been and neither had my friend. He'd cat-sat for me recently so I invited him to lunch. The outside is old-school, and I'm guessing the 1920s/30s/40s. Inside is a fair-sized room, most of which is empty. There is a counter with maybe 10 old-fashioned wooden stools and behind it a narrow... plus

Wonderful Wilensky's

Despite a decade plus of gentrification, the influx of Hipster Scenes of all hues and a prevailing sense of fashion du jour, Montreal's Mile End District has lost NONE of its considerable old world charms. It's all in the melange, however you break it down, and, for me, it always works. This is why it's always a pleasure to sit... plus

"""Wilensky's is a Mtl. icon. Order the """"Special"""" with a cherry coke. Yummers."""

Mobile review

A must in Montreal in the same way that Shwartz's is a must. Obviously go for "the special".

"""Go there for the special, salami on a roll, and be in a Richler movie scene."""

"""Bad service. Sandwiches are OK. Do not make a detour to got there. Nowhere to eat your food on the spot if you want seconds, you must wait in a non-existant line."""

This place is tired and should be retired.

"""Great place for lunch. Arrive before noon, though. Not the most elaborate of menu but very tasty. A place not to miss."""

"""Made famous via Moredecai Richler, this restaurant is not only a great lunch choice but a piece of history in Montreal. Delicious Wilensky special and syrup-and-soda water coke. Nothing beats it."""

Bubble Tea for Dinner

...It’s cholesterol in a warm handheld more-ish piece of Love, it’s totally not healthy and I’m kinda wondering when... plus

"""A classic spot in Jewish Montreal. While its not as popular as Schwartz's or Fairmount bagel, it is still one of the necessary meals that I must have when I am in Montreal."""

Great hidden spot

"""Times are changing and the cost of a special is getting absurd. Although a historic Montreal landmark, the special is getting up in price to a point where I would prefer to pay for less history. To it's credit they are the last soda fountain in Montreal"""

only go for a speical and a cherry coke- why else would you go- and absorb the old style atmosphere

Excellent salami/bologna sandwich, pressed warm with a real egg cream soda. All the soda flavors are unique as they make their own syrups. Excellent value

Excellent sandwich and fountain drinks

There is a reason this Original Montreal landmark has been around since the 1930's. It's excellent. Although hot dogs and an egg sandwich are on the menu, one comes for the "Special". A few slices of salami and bologna with mustand, grilled in a thin roll. The only option (I recommend it) is cheese. As far as I know, this... plus

I almost wasn't going to eat here cause I *just* had a bagel from Fairmount next door but vacationing is not awesome until you've stuffed yourself to exploding capacity.

My sister and I ran in, ordered a special, and ran out. I didn't expect much but I took one bite and HOLY MOLY is baloney or whatever is in that sandwich really THAT GOOD? IT was soft and hot and delicious. I really have no... plus

Gastrolust

On an unassuming corner in the Mile End district of Montreal sits an institution called Wilensky’s Light Lunch ... plus

Mobile review

It's to Die for!!! Très délicieux!!!

One of the last remnants of the Jewish area in Mile End. Wilensky's "light lunch" isnt...its smooshed beef baloney and cheese on a roll. All of it pressed like a Cuban. The place is more of a museum than a Jewish deli.

Great old time place with only a few stools. Make sure to try some of their home-made sodas...fantastic and you can mix flavours!

Also, this place discourages tipping.

I go for the memory rather than the food

I go for the memory rather than the food.

Another dinosaure,open since the 30's and kept original since day one...Menu is simple: hot bologna sandwich with

Another dinosaure,open since the 30's and kept original since day one...Menu is simple: hot bologna sandwich with either kraft cheeze or swiss cheeze and they will not make it without mustard!!! Hot dogs on onion buns and old fashion soft drinks made out with diffrent concentrate flavour and soda water.This is truly a plce everybody should see.Open only for lunch