3.5 stars...
Like Christopher M., we also made the pilgrimage to Schwartz's after the numerous guidebook references and raves about the place as an institution and *the* best deli in Montreal to get smoked meat.
We waited in line for around 20-30 minutes on a fine May morning. We finally got in and were waved to 2 seats in the back of a flourescent-lit no frills very smokey-cloudy room packed nose-to-elbow with long, narrow tables. You are in essence, sharing a table of 6 with other parties, if you arrive and wish to be seated as a pair. Be prepared to leave smelling of smokey meat.
We timidly ordered a smoked meat sandwich each, along with a side of pickled cabbage salad. The smoked meat was tasty -- tender and juicy with just the right amount of fat... We looked in awe at our table companions, who appeared to have ordered the Schwartz Combo: an artery-clogging platter of entrecote steak, a hunk of smoked meat and sausage, accompanied by fries and cabbage salad. They washed it down with cans of Schweppes club soda. And yes, they did not share -- each of them had 1 Schwartz Combo ($16.95).
Perhaps we'll be more adventerous next time and will opt for such a platter... to share, of course.