When you walk into one of the best delis in Montreal, you expect a certain level of respect for tradition. You expect the smell of pickling spices and the sound of knives hitting cutting boards. But while most visitors gravitate toward a standard stack of beef, the locals and the seasoned regulars know there is a heavier hitter on the menu. We are talking about the Dunn’s Club Roll, a sandwich that takes the concept of a club and elevates it to a level of carnivory that most menus are afraid to touch.
Dunn’s Club Roll offers a much more diverse flavor profile for those who want a variety of proteins in a single meal. This is a substantial sandwich that brings together three different types of meat to create a filling and memorable lunch.
The Power of the Protein Trifecta
The heart of the Dunn’s Club Roll is the perfect trifecta. This isn’t your standard grocery store deli meat. First, you have the grilled smoked meat. By grilling the meat, the fats render down and the edges crisp up, intensifying that signature Montreal spice profile. Then comes the all-beef salami. The salami adds a necessary chew and a different dimension of salt and garlic that cuts through the richness of the beef.
The final component of the trifecta is the stuffed chicken. While the smoked meat and salami bring the salt and the smoke, the chicken provides a savory, smooth texture that rounds out the bite. When these three meats are stacked together, they create a flavor profile that is dense, complex, and incredibly satisfying. This is exactly what has made Dunn’s Famous sandwiches a staple of the city for nearly a century.
Why the Onion Roll Matters
You cannot put this much meat on standard sliced bread. A typical club sandwich usually relies on three slices of toasted white bread, but that structure would collapse under the weight of this trifecta. Instead, this Montreal deli sandwich utilizes a robust onion roll.
The onion roll club sandwich is a superior format for several reasons. The roll provides a soft but resilient exterior that can soak up the juices from the grilled meats without becoming soggy. More importantly, the baked-in onion pieces in the crust provide an aromatic sweetness that complements the savory nature of the grilled smoked meat. Every bite is a balance of soft bread, charred meat, and sweet onion.
The Non-Negotiable Sides
No experience at Dunn’s is complete without the supporting cast. The Dunn’s Club Roll is served with fresh-cut fries, potatoes that have been sliced and fried to a deep golden brown, maintaining a fluffy interior and a crisp shell.
To manage the intensity of the three meats, you need acidity. That is where the coleslaw and the dill pickle come in. The coleslaw provides a cool, creamy crunch, while the dill pickle offers a sharp, vinegary snap that cleanses the palate between bites of the rich, grilled meats. It is a calculated arrangement of flavors and textures that has been perfected over decades.
A Legacy on a Plate
Dunn’s Famous sandwiches are part of the cultural fabric of the city. Choosing the club roll is a statement that you appreciate the history of the deli but aren’t afraid to try a more modern, high-protein evolution of the classic. It is a meal that challenges the appetite and rewards the diner with a depth of flavor that a standard sandwich simply cannot match.
The next time you find yourself looking for an authentic Montreal deli sandwich, look past the standard options and go straight for the trifecta. The combination of grilled smoked meat, beef salami, and stuffed chicken on an onion roll is a testament to why this remains one of the premier food destinations in Canada.
Conclusion
Consistency is the hallmark of any great deli, and Dunn’s has spent nearly a century perfecting the art of the smoked meat experience. Whether you are a local or just passing through the city, the Club Roll is a must-try for anyone who appreciates a lunch that is as hearty as it is historic.
Ready to experience a Montreal icon? Visit Dunn’s Famous today to explore our full menu of traditional favorites or order online to bring the taste of our legendary kitchen straight to your door.
