I've had Schwartz's (tasty burnt ends, but overhyped) and Dunn's (good overall) on my previous visits to Montreal, and on this visit I planned to try The Main's offering, but while I was out walking/exploring the Petite Italie / Petite Patrie neighborhoods, a friendly local and I struck up a conversation and he strongly recommended the nearby Le Roi du Smoked Meat, so with lunchtime at hand I decided to give it a try. No line-up to get in (in contrast to Schwartz's), a full menu of good-looking food in addition to the signature meat, and it did not disappoint. I ordered it Medium as I tend to do upon first sampling of any Montreal smoked meat, and while it didn't have as many of those yummy "burnt ends" that Schwartz's usually provides, I found it overall to be a superior product. Sliced thick and properly, it was tasty and flavorful, and of course plentiful. My new local friend also strongly recommended their Smoked Meat Pizza...and for sure on my next visit I will have to return and try that.
Take a trip off the beaten tourist path to this interesting neighborhood (Beaubien station on the Orange line) and discover this hidden gem, and then walk off your meal along Rue St. Hubert, a shopping strip where it extends for blocks and blocks and blocks covered by glass awnings. And/or: Visit Marche Jean-Talon, the huge outdoor/covered market, which is nearby.