There is no shortage of articles about Wilensky’s online—a true testament to how special this spot is. As a Plateau local, I often find myself strolling past this Mile End restaurant, wondering what’s inside. After reading the raving reviews, I decided to venture in.
Wilensky’s, located at the corner of Fairmont Avenue and Clark Street, has been a Montreal staple, serving simple but delicious sandwiches and snacks since 1932. The restaurant began as a barber shop and variety store with a hot dog counter and soda fountain. Since then, it has evolved and grown, earning itself the reputation of a “national treasure,” according to world-renowned food critic Anthony Bourdain. Upon entering Wilensky’s, one is transported back in time. The restaurant only seats nine people and has a pressed tin ceiling, a Kik Cola clock out of the ’50s, a ring-up cash register, an old-fashioned soda fountain, and septuagenarian griddles.
Wilensky’s is known for their classic salami sandwich, the Wilensky Special. It’s a simple dish, containing beef salami and a dash of mustard in a pressed Kaiser roll. The sandwich is always topped with mustard and is never cut in half. They claim this was originally for efficiency purposes but now serves as a rule, with no exceptions. Customers can either get it with or without cheese—I opted for the cheese. The total price came out to a whopping $5.74! Not too bad.
The sandwiches are absolutely delectable and come out lightning fast. Mine was handed to me on a napkin 30 seconds after I ordered it. There was a hefty amount of salami, complementing the mustard perfectly, and the bun, while just a plain white roll, added some sweetness to the savoury richness of the meat. It could have been a bit larger, but for five dollars, I can’t complain.
Other dishes are offered, such as hot dogs and cold sandwiches, all for less than five bucks. Notably, Wilensky’s makes its own sodas—unusual these days. My McGill peers who’ve eaten here all have good things to say. According to Kyle Sinett, “Wilensky’s is the quintessential institution: great food, true to its Jewish culture, and makes you feel happier walking out of it than you did entering.”
Wilensky’s is a family-run business deeply rooted in Montreal’s Jewish heritage. The story begins with Harry Wilensky, who emigrated from Russia in the late 1800s, eventually settling in Mile End during Montreal’s wave of Jewish immigration. During this period, Jewish families from Eastern Europe brought with them a vibrant Yiddish culture and a community-oriented spirit that shaped the Mile End.
In a neighbourhood brimming with diverse cultures, Wilensky’s continues to uphold their distinct heritage. For the Wilenskys, the restaurant embodies their core values of hard work and family commitment, qualities that have been passed down across generations. Asher Wilensky, a key figure in the restaurant for over 40 years, works alongside his daughter Alisa, while other family members contribute behind the scenes, from merchandise design to day-to-day management.
Rooted in tradition, Wilensky’s exudes a welcoming yet no-frills charm, a testament to its dedication to quality and authenticity. The Jewish community's values are apparent through how the Wilenskys run their business, much like other iconic Jewish establishments, such as United Bakers in Toronto. Both are committed to their families, Jewish heritage, and delicious food. As a Toronto native who grew up around Jewish institutions and salami sandwiches, stepping into Wilensky’s felt exceptionally comforting to me—and I’m sure it will for you, too.
I hope I’ve convinced you to check this place out, and if you enjoyed this review, please follow @aidanthediabeticfoodie for more restaurant recommendations!
Powered by Froala Editor
