Snowdon Deli — Restaurant in Montreal

I have very mixed feelings about my experience. On one side, I was really looking forward to something special, possibly within the hidden gem category. Based on all the reviews I read, everyone seems so pleased with their experiences that it was an easy dinner choice to make.

After wrapping up work, I drove down looking forward to a sandwich that was promised to put Schwartz's to shame, not to mention a poutine worth of Montréal. I arrived 40 minutes before they were to close, parked my car, waited 10 minutes, tried to get the cashier's attention and finally was acknowledged by a very sweet lady behind the food counter, who asked me if I wanted to dine in or take out. The idea of dining-in would have been a nice-to-have but certainly not a must. Still, as I was asking for the possibility to dine-in, a rather uncouth employee shouted that they were closing, which in my opinion was very unnecessary making me and my willingness to drive 20 minutes just to try their food feel inconvenient.

I got a sandwich, a poutine and a can of cherry Cola and it cost me $35 and walked out of the store 10 minutes before they closed. I felt ripped off but was hopeful to try the food, even if it meant eating in the car (after all, I had paid for parking).

Veredict

The sandwich: The meat is really good but it was cold! WHY was my meat cold? In comparison to some of the pictures I've seen online, it feels as if I had just gotten half a sandwich. The bread was excellent though. The medium meat was truly balanced in terms of spices and fat and I really enjoyed the mustard. The smell of the sandwich is what some dreams are made of.

The poutine: JESUS. As a visitor, eating poutine in Montreal can be overwhelming and at times disappointing. This one was simply well done. The gravy, the classic Québec curds, the quality of the fries. Simply glorious. Bless you for making such a simple yet classic poutine.

One whole star for the lady who decided to help me from across the restaurant and made me feel seen. One whole star for the food quality.

Poor service and rudeness is not worth anyone's time, money or experience in a city exploding with great food options. I went out of my way to support something special, I'm glad I tried it but I know in my heart this place is not worth my while and anyone else can find many other versions of special in a city...

Stepping into Snowden Deli in Montreal is like entering a time capsule, a gastronomic gateway to a bygone era. The air is heavy with the tantalizing aroma of their famed smoked meat, a sensory sonnet that harkens back to the city’s culinary roots. This place, a stalwart survivor in the ever-changing landscape of Montreal, is one of the last bastions of authentic, traditional smoked meat.

Each bite of their smoked meat sandwich is a revelation, a flavor-filled journey that takes you back to simpler times. The meat, perfectly seasoned and smoked with precision, is a symphony of taste that plays out on your palate. It’s as if each mouthwatering morsel carries with it the love and dedication of the artisans who've faithfully adhered to the age-old smoking techniques. As the rich, smokey flavor of the meat mingles with the tangy mustard and the soft, yielding rye bread, it's akin to tasting a piece of Montreal’s history.

Snowden Deli is more than just a deli; it's a tapestry of memories woven with the threads of nostalgia. The hearty food and the old-world charm of the place bring forth vivid memories of shared meals with beloved grandmothers, of laughter-filled family gatherings, and the heartwarming comfort of childhood. The staff, with their warm smiles and personal service, only enhance the sense of nostalgia, serving up generous portions of not just delicious food but also genuine kindness.

In a world where fast food joints and impersonal chains have become the norm, Snowden Deli stands tall as a testament to Montreal's rich culinary legacy. It's not just about the smoked meat – it’s about an experience that transcends time, a place where each visit feels like...

I need to update my review. My relative made a large order on July 9, 2024 and the potato salad was rotten. My elderly relatives ate it and were sick in the bathroom all night! I tasted it the following day and it was rancid with a horrible taste. How can a restaurant sell one pound of rotten potato salad? I can imagine how long the potato salad must have been sitting in the restaurant. Nice to know that the restaurant doesn’t care about freshness and the wellness of their customers. Just awful.

I have been eating Snowdon Deli party sandwiches since the 1980’s, and I can recall exactly how good they used to be back then. They used to make thick party sandwiches filled up with salmon and tuna. The quality of the party sandwiches has steadily declined over the years. I had them yesterday and they are nothing like how they used to be. Now there was not one sandwich with salmon - none. Most sandwiches were egg because they are the least expensive ingredient. The filling is strategically spread a little thicker on the edges where the sandwiches are cut to give the illusion that the sandwiches are thick and full of filling. This is nothing but an illusion, because there is barely any filling, and the tuna and egg are spread as thin as paper. You are basically buying a box of grocery store bread cut to look nice. They are not good nowadays. You’re lucky if you even get some tuna in there, spread thin like paper. There is nothing in these...