Quality smoked meat, but slightly overrated and tourist-trappy.
There's no denying this place is one of the culinary institutions of Montreal, and its brisket's hype is fairly well-deserved. But having lived around the corner for years, I never go.
Why?
Well, any smart local scoffs (or laughs) at the massive line of people in front of Schwartz's. There are enough solid smoked meat joints in the city that lining up for more than 5-10 minutes seems absurd. "Oh jeez, poor tourists", you'll hear someone say as they walk past a line of 50+ people standing on the sidewalk during a sweltering summer afternoon. Schwartz's is good, but not THAT good.
Combine the ridiculous line with the fact that both the atmosphere and service sucks, doesn't make for a place I yearn for (if you like blinding fluorescent lighting and being pushed out the door before you've finished eating, you might like it though).
If you do happen to find yourself in a giant line out front of Schwartz's, do yourself a favour...walk directly across the street to the Main Deli. You won't wait, and you'll find smoked meat that's just as good, with a chill atmosphere and good service.