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DeliMile End
Wilensky's is a nine-stool Mile End counter open since 1932, serving the fried bologna-and-salami Special exactly as it did in Mordecai Richler's novels.
OrderThe Wilensky Special with mustard, no substitutions allowed.
TipThey never cut the sandwich and never hold the mustard; order it their way or not at all.
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DeliOutremont
Lester's is the Outremont deli locals send you to when the Schwartz's line is too long, smoking its own brisket on Avenue Bernard since 1951.
OrderA smoked meat sandwich, medium, with fries and a side of coleslaw.
TipIt is calmer and roomier than the Plateau delis; a good sit-down option with kids in tow.
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Street foodPlateau
La Banquise is Montreal's round-the-clock poutine institution on Rue Rachel, slinging more than thirty gravy-soaked variations to a 24-hour crowd.
OrderLa Taquise poutine with guacamole, or the classic with extra cheese curds.
TipWeekend nights bring a long post-bar line; go on a weekday afternoon for a seat straight away.
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PortuguesePlateau
Ma Poule Mouillee is the tiny Plateau counter grilling charcoal Portuguese chicken over Rue Rachel, its piri-piri birds and francesinha drawing daily lines.
OrderA half charcoal chicken with piri-piri and a poutine topped with chicken.
TipSeating is minimal and cash speeds things up; get it to go and eat in nearby Parc Lafontaine.
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PortuguesePlateau
Romados is a Portuguese rotisserie and bakery on Rue Rachel in Montreal, drawing daily lines for its charcoal piri-piri chicken and custard tarts.
OrderA charcoal chicken with spicy sauce, plus a pastel de nata for dessert.
TipOrder the chicken and a couple of natas together; the queue at noon is worth beating early.
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RotisserieNdg
Chalet BBQ has roasted hardwood-charcoal chicken in NDG since 1944, an unchanged Montreal rotisserie whose quarter-chicken and gravy fries define the genre.
OrderA quarter chicken with fries and the house barbecue dipping sauce.
TipThe room looks frozen in the 1960s on purpose; dine in for the full retro rotisserie experience.