Who makes the best sandwiches in town?

[bigfellow]

On my last business trip I discovered a great sandwich in Boston that originally came from Chile called the Chacarero (Photo attached).
So who makes a genuine kick ass sandwich in Montreal? It can be different or wild. Or it can be an old standby that is just always done right.
I've been back in the city 11 months now and thanks to chowhound and exploring I'm discovering new and wonderful things everyday! So I hope to hear from many of you, from the uber foodies (thank G_d for them) to people who know their neighbourhoods or just what they like.

[bigfellow]

Chacarero is a Chilean sandwich made with steak or chicken on a round roll with tomatoes, green beans, cheese, avocado and hot sauce. (Thanks to wiklpedia for that.)

http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/A...

By the way, Colin my puppy seems to like sandwiches. When I made a chacarero at home he stold half. No ill effects. But he did have bad breath! lol

[humbert]

I like the paninis at Galleria in Laval but since I like mine so crispy I like making mine at home with unlimited toppings like cheese, spicy mustards and marinated eggplant...mmm...another place I like is cafe Paradiso on decarie but it wont compare to my homemade sandwich!

[C70]

he's adorable! Bring him to Girouard doggy park!

I recommend an old standby done right and priced right too- the ham & cheese or turkey & cheese on fresh, perfect baguette at Maitre Boucher on Monkland. Generous, fresh, a little lettuce & mayo, and 4.99 tax IN! A GREAT deal for the quality and size, especially in that neighborhood. I laugh that there's a subway next door selling pure crap for $8.

[bigfellow]

Side note: We do go to Girouard doggy park, Westmount Park and the Canal.

I'll have to try Maitre Boucher this week.

[mak2k]

i really liked titanic's sandwiches. Granted, they are not cheap (about 10 bucks?) but the size is pretty decent, and considering the fact that it's in the old port (seriously, IS there a place where you can get lunch for under 8 bucks which isn't mc do fastfood or greasy spoon?), it's normal price i guess.

[Arktik]

Titanic is really good, but the sandwiches are HUGE! (and pricey) -and some seem made in advance (the best sellers?) - so, for example, the bacon is sort of cold in the BLT -bleurk

My fave fave fave are from McKiernan....they are all so great and original. YUM!

[chefjeannine]

I think my vote is for Foumagerie on Sherbrooke. Faves include the Mexican or the Mediterranean.
But being an italian girl, find me a good ol' classic sausage and pepper sandwich and i'm a happy camper!

[kpzoo]

I've heard amazing things about the sandwiches at Olive et Gourmando on St-Paul, particularly the chicken-avocado-mango.

[Werzoth]

I love the chicken-avocado-mango at Olive et Gourmando! Thumbs up from me!

[kgrub]

I co-sign Olive et Gourmando. Quality food. A must try.

[The Chemist]

Because I know it will come up sooner or later in a post like this, I'll give an un-recommendation to Santropol. I went here based upon someone else's rec and was bitterly disappointed. I was warned to ask them to go easy on the cream cheese, which I did, but still received was basically amounts to cream cheese with bits of other stuff in between boring bread. Couple this with poorly made soup and predictably rude service... and yeah.

[fraisefatale]

Just as I was about to shout "Santropol!" I love this place, and I can't get enough of the veggie chili!

[The Chemist]

Maybe I ordered the wrong thing? I don't know. I can see why it's popular.... it comes off as a hang out for college age kids (which includes me), offers many vegetarian and vegan choices, and is obviously something very different. But really, the food just doesn't seem worth it and the service was almost purposefully rude. As it turns out, I could be describing Au Vivre at the same time. Why people seem to like being treated badly by servers is something I will never understand.

[Scrumdidiliumptious]

Santropol used to be good. These days it's pretty much crap.

[SnackHappy]

I don't know about chacarero, but you can get Chilean sandwiches from Barros Luco and La Chilenita. Barros Luco's namesake sandwich is really quite good. Barros Luco is at hte corner of Fairmount and St-Urbain.

On the higher end of things, I love the sandwiches at Europea Espace Boutique on Notre-Dame in Old Montreal.

Grilfriend is a big fan of the chicken tikka sandwich at the Indian place in the Faubourg. I've never had it but I've had the seekh kabab sandwich at Malhi on Jarry and it was awesome. I recommend trying the rolls at any good Indian or Pakistani places.

Not quite a sandwich, but it's wrapped in bread and you eat it with your hands, the rotis at Momoï on Beaumont in Park-Ex are dirt cheap, very filling and very delicious.

That's all I've got for now.

[C70]

I heartily second the Tikka sandwich at the faubourg. Fresh naan there.

[berbatov]

This thread made me crave the tikka sandwhich at the Faubourg. I had in today; I forgot what a good deal it is. You get the sandwhich, soup and a pakura type thin for 7 bucks.

[mainsqueeze]

Is the soup good? I've only ever ordered the sandwich by itself, which I think comes out to around $5.

[berbatov]

I must say, it isn't bad. OK, it's not chi-chi gourmet, but for a food court its pretty tasty. And for an extra few dollars it's worth it if you're especially hungry

[blond_america]

Last time i had the soup which was about a year ago i found it salty and that's saying a lot as i tend to like salt and have been accused of oversalting my food on many occasions.

[SnackHappy]

I was just reminded about the sandwiches at Aux Vivres. I'm not a big fan of the food or the service there, but they do make some great sandwiches. Their Vietnamese inspired sandwich (sorry can't remember the name) is particularly good.

Anything from Boustan is good. Their Creation is one the tastiest sandwiches in town. Ask for hot sauce. Anything at Abu Elias, especially the lamb and the liver. The gyro at Nostos. Falafel Freiha in Laval. The Israeli falafel at Chez Benny. The pork sandwich at Maison du Nord. If you're into alfalfa sprouts and fluffy cream cheese you might like Santropol. Casa del Popolo makes some nice vegetarian sandwiches. Titanic has been mentioned and I second that. Banh Mi xiu mai at Thai-Son near JTM. Banh Mi at Hoang Oanh or Cafe Banh Mi Linh...

[celfie]

albeit simple, the chicken sandwich at the rotissery place on st viateur is very tasty

[SnackHappy]

It's not exactly cheap or something you could eat on the run, but the lobster roll at APDC is technically a sandwich. It's also insanely good. Although if I had it again I would ask them to leave out the cheese.

[thelonious777]

Cheese in a lobster roll? Yellow card.

[celfie]

i consider tikka in the faubourg the #1 sandwich in town. Chicken on fresh nan bread with all their salads - you can have their mint or garlic sauce but i opt forj ust a spoonful of their spicy sauce. without question the tops!

[minisma]

Momesso on Upper Lachine makes very good sandwiches (subs). Good fries too. I like the sausage loaded and the spencer cheese steak. Hubby likes the chicken. Crowded at lunch and cash only. Good stuff!

[C70]

the "special" at Beauty's, as overpriced as it is, can be heavenly. Lox, copious amounts of superb cream cheese, tomato, & red onion on a St. Viateur bagel.

[kpzoo]

If you're willing to venture out to LaSalle and consider submarines in the sandwich category, the subs with homemade bread at Manzo PIzzeria are delish.

http://www.manzopizza.com/

1033, 90e Avenue, LaSalle,
[phone]
[phone]

[Chocolatine]

I second the mention of Europea Espace Boutique, where they have a killer lunch special of your choice of sandwich, Europea quality dessert (about 25 options!) and drink for 9.99$. Some sandwiches can be a tad dry sometimes (like the fish croquette or lamb ones), but all made with quality ingredients and quite good and filling.

Another place would be Provisions on St-Laurent close to the metro; I especially like the lamb sandwich on flatbread. All breads are made on site.

[UnConundrum]

I'd second Provisions. Been a year since we were in Montreal, but we really enjoyed our sandwiches there, and found them to be something different.

[eat2much]

Also worth mention are the manakish or Lebanese "pizza" style sandwiches at Andalos in Ville St-Laurent.

[bigfellow]

Personally I consider all manakish more of a pizza thing and not really a sandwich. It would be like calling calzones a sandwich.
Thanks though.

[foodinspace]

The wrap at Vasco de Gama on Peel is one of the best wraps I've ever had. Although at $12 it's not something I can eat regularly.

[westaust]

I agree that Vasco da Gama makes some of the best, albeit priciest sandwich in Montreal.

The duck and figs sandwich, the tuna burger or the club ferreira are all good bets over there.

[NickMontreal]

Bocadillo 3677 St. Laurent. A small Venezuelan place. Beautiful grilled breads. Amazing fillings. Not your average ham and cheese or tuna mayo. Pulled pork, grilled chicken with camembert. Fantastic. The arepas are good too. Steer clear of the poutine. Sauce is very watery. Result? Soggy fries.

[cherylmtl]

The Antep Kebab sandwich at (where else?) Antep Kebab.

[berbatov]

The sandwiches at Art Java (I've only been to the one on Kennedy and University) are really excellent. They have the ones you'd expect like prosciutto bocconcini and turkey pesto but also some more interesting ones. My favourite is the Louisiana....cajun chicken with a spicy mayo....delicious.
Also, Caffe Italia makes a nice, simple sandwich with nice oily vegetables. And the best part is you get to have their coffee once you're there!

[afoodyear]

Art Java also makes a (pretty!) delicious cappucino. It's not just nice to look at!

[berbatov]

Thanks for reminding me! Yes, their coffee is excellent

[V for Vanessa]

If you head over to Boucherie Marchigianni on 1715 Thierry st. in LaSalle, just off of Newman blvd. The sandwiches are excellent. Authentic Italian sandwiches on beautifully cooked and crisp ciabatta bread. They make incredible homemade italian sausages, the best in the city. As well as delicious porchetta. You can get these as a sandwich along with a myriad of delicious italian toppings. They have a full selection of cold cuts as well as homemade cutlets, steak and peppers, or whatever the special of the day is. DELICIOUS and worth the trip. Imported cheeses, pastas, olive oils and beverages to name a few.

oh yeah, and they deliver for free, if the order is large enough

Marchigianni Aliments Inc
1715, Rue Thierry,
Lasalle, QC H8N 1H6

[meninthekitchendotca]

My favourite sandwiches around the city:

Club Sandwich from L'Avenue - The benchmark for all club sandwiches I'll ever eat

Creation Sandwich from Cosmo's - A breakfast classic

Falafel from Chez Benny/Pizza Pita - Less greasy than the chains around town

Chicken Shish Taouk from Boustan - Loaded up with the works...if you're feeling brave, get the Boustan Creation.

Pretty much any sandwich from Sur Bleury - Only open for lunch

Bon Apetit; I'm off to Burger de Ville for the 3rd time in the last 10 days...not techincally a sandwich though...but full review to come soon!

[ScoobySnacks20]

Just had one today actually,
the old stand by,
the classic of classics....
Still the best
Schwartz Smoke Meat!

[db050870]

Schwartz is *SO* over-rated and fetishized in this city, its kinda sad. Real New York pastrami kicks it's ass anyday. Hell, even Main restaurant across the street makes better smoked meat!

[Werzoth]

db050870 : that's your opinion and you're entitled to it, but most will differ. It all comes down to the style of smoked meat you enjoy. There are differences between each.

[Shattered]

Wrong. Very wrong. So wrong you couldn't be any wronger.

Sincerely, Shattered
Ph. D., University of Smoked Meat

[thelonious777]

I actually really like Lina's in PVM despite the fact that it is a chain (and located in PVM). Poached salmon with ricotta, dill and lemon zest and ham with avocado and artichoke hearts are regulars for me. Much better sandwiches IMHO than Surbleury or Vasco de Gama.

[KSC02]

I haven't noticed 'Soup-Soup' mentioned (McGill & Wellington in Old Montreal). A great place for a soup & sandwich, IMO. Sandwiches are quite often very original with the freshest of ingredients. I've yet to not swoon over their soups, made fresh every day. Well run, good atmosphere and realistic prices. I couldn't recommend this place more and eat there quite often. Healthy food that tastes awesome.

[afoodyear]

I've only been to the one on Duluth (there are 3 soupe soups now? Maybe more!) but their coffee is good and I think their sandwiches usually outshine their soups. I wouldn't put them in the category of best in the city, but I wouldn't complain if someone took me there for lunch :)

[alixium]

there are 4 locations I am aware of: on Duluth, on Wellington street(Old Montreal), on Masson street (Rosemont), and on Casgrain street (Jean-Talon market).
The one in Old Montreal is bigger than all the others, and the decor is very nice and airy.
The one on Masson is open late and serves suppers (stews and comforting dishes).

[superbossmom]

Soupesoup recently opened on Crescent, between Sherbrooke and de Maisonneuve, east side of the street;
haven't tried it yet, it was closed when I walked by.
This will be a great addition to the area.

[alixium]

that is great news! I enjoy Soupesoup, but as a university student, their far-from-downtown locations were annoying me. I hope to try this new location soon.
thanks, superbossmom.

[MeV]

Wow I had no idea there were so many! I go to the one on St-Viateur (Mile-End). I find their soups and sandwiches delicious. It's my favourite lunch place!

[thehotplate]

depends what you're looking for in a sandwich...

Best Big Bites sandwich = Santropol
Best Nostalgic Bites = Schwartz
Best Chicken Confit Sandwich = Provisions
Best Tikka Chicken Sandwich = McKeirnan's (a must must must try!!)
Best Pub Sandwich = Burgundy Lion
Best Make Your Own = Eden Organic Grocery Store
Delicious Roasted Veggie Sandwich = Cafe Vasco de Gama

Those are some of my favorites and always serve as the perfect mid day pick me up to get me through the afternoon! hope you enjoy

[Shattered]

Santropol is big-bite cause it's mostly bread. Mind you, the rest is raisin or wheat germ or sprouts or organic vegan dirt, so you're not missing much.

[hala]

If you don't like the sandwiches at santropol or any other place, please feel free to say so. But calling food "organic vegan dirt" is way out of line.

[mainsqueeze]

Santropol isn't vegan. They have sandwiches with meat in them.

[stak]

...and a looooooot of cream cheese

[mainsqueeze]

I do like the "Special" al Wilenky's, even though it is essentially a fried bologna sandwich.

[mainsqueeze]

Who makes the best grilled cheese sandwich in Montreal?

[thehotplate]

McKernian's makes their own version of Wilensky's nostalgic classic. Good, but still the tikka chicken sandwich is the show stopper. Plus they have a special, not always of the menu, which almost left me sans boyfriend we were fighting over every morsel. usually we get two sandwiches and go halvies. This was our first time trying their pulled pork fajitas! Not fair that it doesn't come with a warning, get your own!

[cherylmtl]

Not necessarily the best, but a decent grilled cheese can be had at Indigo Cafe, believe it or not. They give you a choice of breads, but the multigrain is my favourite - and it's really inexpensive, too (around $2.00).