Montreal is a city defined by its endurance, and few things have endured as long or as successfully as the local obsession with a perfectly cured slab of beef. While most people walking through the doors are looking for a quick fix of tradition, the true veterans of the scene know that the real magic lies in the variety found across the expansive Dunn’s Famous sandwich menu.
This is not just a place where meat meets bread; it is a culinary institution that has spent nearly a century perfecting the art of the deli.
To understand why this spot is consistently ranked as one of the best smoked meat restaurants in Montreal, you have to look at how they have pushed the boundaries of the traditional deli experience.
The Perfect Combo: The Smoked Meat Bagel
This sandwich swaps the traditional rye bread for a Montreal-style bagel, which is boiled in honey water before baking. The change in the base significantly alters the eating experience.
The bagel provides a dense, chewy texture that holds up better against the moisture of the meat than sliced bread, preventing the bottom half from becoming soggy under the weight of the juices. When topped with melted Swiss cheese and grilled brisket, the sandwich becomes a mix of salty cured beef and the slight sweetness of the bagel.
The addition of a sharp yellow mustard cuts through the richness of the rendered brisket fat, while the sesame seeds on the crust add a toasted, nutty finish that rounds out the savory profile.
The Soul of Quebec: Le Hot Chicken
For those seeking pure comfort, Le Hot Chicken represents a deep-seated tradition in Quebecois deli culture. This is a sandwich that demands a fork and knife, as the weight of its ingredients defies hand-held consumption.
Built with succulent white meat and nestled between slices of soft, pillowy white bread, it is smothered in a thick, house-famous savory gravy that softens the bread until it almost melts. The addition of bright, sweet peas provides a pop of color and a fresh, snap-like finish that has defined this dish for generations. It is a reminder that while the smoked meat sandwich often steals the spotlight, the deli tradition is also built on these rich, gravy-soaked comfort meals that feel like home, a humble, steam-shrouded classic found in corner diners.
Club Sandwiches: Chicken and Beyond
The club sandwich is a staple of North American dining, but the best deli sandwiches in Montreal are defined by how they elevate the standard. Dunn’s offers two distinct takes on the chicken club that cater to different palates.
The Classic Chicken Club utilizes pulled chicken breast paired with the essential crunch of crisp bacon, lettuce, and tomato. It is the gold standard for those who appreciate the triple-decker format.
However, for those looking for a more contemporary or gourmet flair, the Grilled Chicken Club steps up the game. This version introduces creamy avocado, sharp red onions, and Swiss cheese into the mix, creating a profile that is fresh, modern, and incredibly satisfying.
The Powerhouse: The Smoked Meat Club
If you are looking for the absolute peak of the Dunn’s Famous sandwich menu, the Smoked Meat Club is the undisputed heavyweight champion.
This sandwich takes the legendary brisket that made the restaurant famous and integrates it into a massive club format. By layering the famous smoked meat with Swiss cheese and crisp bacon, the kitchen creates a flavor profile that is salty, smoky, and rich all at once. It is a testament to why this location remains one of the best smoked meat restaurants in Montreal, as they aren’t afraid to take their core product and reimagine it for the modern appetite.
The Complete Experience: Sides and Atmosphere
A sandwich at our restaurant is never a lonely affair. Every selection is served as a complete meal, flanked by a generous portion of fresh-cut fries, a side of tangy coleslaw, and the essential deli dill pickle. The fries are golden and crisp, providing the perfect salty sidekick to the main event, while the coleslaw offers a vinegar-based brightness that cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese.
The atmosphere of the deli itself is one of bustling warmth, where the steam from the kitchen and the clinking of heavy stoneware plates create a backdrop of timeless comfort. While the classic fries are a staple, we believe in the power of choice. If you are looking to elevate your meal or try something different, there is a wealth of options to replace your fries. You might opt for a decadent poutine to truly lean into Quebecois tradition, a crisp garden salad for a lighter touch, or even a side of our hearty, slow-simmered baked beans.
Conclusion
Whether you are a lifelong resident or a traveler searching for the most authentic Montreal deli sandwiches, exploring the full depth of the menu is a requirement. From the fusion of the bagel to the towering heights of the smoked meat club, these dishes represent the evolution of a culinary legacy.
Next time you find yourself at one of the best smoked meat restaurants in Montreal, look beyond the traditional and discover a new favorite within the storied pages of the Dunn’s Famous sandwich menu.
FAQs
1. What comes standard with every sandwich order?
Every sandwich is served as a complete platter, which includes a generous portion of our signature fresh-cut fries, a side of tangy vinegar-based coleslaw, and a crisp deli dill pickle.
2. Can I substitute the fries for a different side?
Absolutely! While our hand-chipped fries are a classic choice, we offer a variety of substitutions for those looking for something different. You can upgrade your meal with options like decadent poutine, a fresh garden salad, or our hearty slow-simmered baked beans.
3. Is your coleslaw creamy or vinegar-based?
Our coleslaw is vinegar-based. We specifically prepare it this way to provide a bright, acidic crunch that perfectly balances the richness of our premium meats and melted cheeses.
4. Do you offer vegetarian-friendly side options?
Yes. Both our garden salads and our traditional coleslaw are vegetarian-friendly. If you have specific dietary concerns regarding the preparation of our fries or beans, please feel free to ask your server for details.
5. What is the dining atmosphere like?
We pride ourselves on a warm, bustling deli environment. It’s a space filled with the comforting aromas of the kitchen and the lively energy of a classic neighborhood eatery, making it perfect for both quick lunches and relaxed dinners.
