Reuben’s Deli and Steakhouse
When touching down in Montreal, there’s a culinary gem you shouldn’t miss—Reuben’s Deli and Steakhouse. Don’t waste your time queuing at other deli’s. Instead, head straight to Reuben’s to satisfy your cravings with their delectable smoked meat, mouth-watering steaks, and some of the best burgers in Montreal.
Over the last twenty or so years of visiting Montreal, at least twice a year, at least one meal is set at Reuben’s. Even at the tail end of the pandemic, I would order Reuben’s up to the hotel room when visiting! It is one of the few places where you can get an authentic Montreal smoked meat sandwich. The ones in Toronto are poor imitations. The burgers that I have had are juicy and some of the best. And the desserts—OMG! I highly recommend the carrot cake or the red velvet cake. You won’t have to eat for a day or so.
A Slice of History
Reuben’s Deli and Steakhouse has been a staple in Montreal’s dining scene for decades. It opened its doors in 1976 and has been serving up its legendary smoked meat sandwiches and more from the same prime location ever since.
Located near the corners of St Catharine and Peel streets, it is easy to plan your late lunch or early dinner around a meal at Reuben’s. If not a meal, maybe a slice of cake and coffee?
My advice is to avoid peak meal hours as there have been lineups at those times. I suggest you use OpenTable or Trip Advisor which shows the peak hours of restaurants to select your meal-time. Or even better, use a delivery service to have the food brought to your hotel room.
Accessibility and Convenience
Reuben’s is conveniently located on the bustling Sainte-Catherine Street, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists. The restaurant is also considerate of those with mobility issues, providing wheelchair access and ample space for ease of movement. Plus, the surrounding area is packed with shops, theatres, and attractions, perfect for a day out exploring Montreal.
I will throw one caveat in here for folks with mobility issues. While the main floor restaurant is accessible, the washrooms are upstairs on the second floor. After all of my visits there, I have not seen an elevator to get you up there if needed so keep that in mind.
The Atmosphere: Comfort and Ambiance
Walking into Reuben’s, you’re greeted with a welcoming and cozy atmosphere. The tables are well-spaced, giving you enough room to breathe and enjoy your meal without feeling cramped. The lighting strikes a perfect balance—bright enough to read the menu comfortably, yet soft enough to create a warm ambiance. Despite being a popular spot, the noise level remains moderate, so you can enjoy a conversation without having to shout.
The wood panelling brings a homey feel. Tables and booths are depending on your preference. Single eaters can sit at the counter but my caution here is the stools which are attached to the floor are quite close together.
The Menu At Reuben’s
The menu at Reuben’s is extensive and caters to diverse tastes. From hearty smoked meat sandwiches to juicy steaks, there’s something for everyone. They’ve even got an array of side dishes and desserts to make sure you leave with a full belly and a happy heart. For those concerned about spice levels, the dishes are seasoned to perfection—not too spicy but full of flavour. Plus, the menu is printed in a readable font size, making it user-friendly for senior diners.
The true star of Reuben’s is, of course, the food. The smoked meat sandwiches are legendary, bursting with flavour and perfectly balanced with just the right amount of seasoning. Portions are more than generous. The smoked meat is stacked so high that you will need to eat some with a knife and fork to get the stack down to “sandwich” size. The meat also comes in regular or lean fat ratings…but come on, if you are going to indulge in this sandwich you might as well go regular!
Another go to is the Reuben sandwich. It is not as stacked as the smoked meat but the flavours are very European. And let’s not forget the burgers—juicy, well-cooked, and simply some of the best in Montreal.
All this is ensuring you get great value for your money.
Reuben’s Staff Courteous and Knowledgeable
The staff at Reuben’s are nothing short of exemplary. They know the menu inside and out and are always ready to provide recommendations based on your preferences. I have to commend management on ensuring that the staff are well-trained, friendly. And I say this because it has been consistent over the 20 years that I have visited.
You find that many of them are university students who are courteous and efficient. They make sure your dining experience is smooth and enjoyable from start to finish.
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Conclusion
In summary, Reuben’s Deli and Steakhouse is a must-visit when you’re in Montreal. With its rich history, welcoming atmosphere, diverse menu, and top-notch service, it’s no wonder this spot has become a beloved institution.
My overall rating is an A for Reubens
Call to Action
Have you dined at Reuben’s? Share your own Reuben’s story and experiences with us! We’d love to hear from you.
Please note: The opinions expressed in this document should never be construed as advice. The thoughts are based on my experiences after 40-plus years of business and vacation travel. My likes and dislikes may vary drastically from yours. Do your research and find products and experiences that align with your likes and dislikes. One thing when restaurants and hotels are reviewed, personnel constantly change and this can improve or worsen the service or product. Most of all, have happy travels and see you out there on the road!
Al of Al Murray Travel & Photography: From the time in my youth, when I would lay on our garage roof watching planes traverse the skies above me, I knew I wanted to see the world.
My passion grew after spending a semester of my university days in Barcelona. I spent more time on trains and buses than I did in class.
After earning my BA from Carleton University, life got in the way. But I did find time to graduate again from George Brown in Fitness and Lifestyle Management and then work my way through most of a degree in Sports Administration. However I needed to find work and pay for all this education!
It wasn’t until my “middle age” did I start exploring the world again. First, transversing the US and Canada to take part in tennis tournaments. Then later to complete my spectator “grand slam” of tennis.
I accomplished this while earning my certificate in photography from Toronto Metropolitan University. I am now combining the two passions and now sharing with you my many lessons learned.