If you thought Costco’s food court peaked with poutine and $1.50 hot dogs, think again.
The warehouse giant has quietly reintroduced a cult-favourite menu item — the Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich — and it’s already making waves across Ontario and beyond.
Whether you’re a smoked meat purist or just someone who needs a snack after buying 60 rolls of toilet paper, here’s everything you need to know about Costco’s deli-style comeback.
What’s in the Smoked Meat Sandwich?
Costco’s Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich is exactly what it sounds like. A heaping helping of seasoned, slow-cooked brisket, stacked between rye-style bread and served with a smear of yellow mustard. The sandwich is cold (think traditional deli counter vibes) and comes with a whole sour pickle on the side for that classic bite.
It’s simple, salty, satisfying, and distinctly Canadian.
Fans of Schwartz’s in Montreal might scoff, but for a food court item, it delivers a solid hit of nostalgia and flavour. It’s not fancy, but it is Costco, and that’s kind of the point.
Where Can You Get It?
Costco first teased the return of the Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich on Instagram in early April 2025, sparking excitement among loyal fans. By mid-April, the sandwich had begun to appear in food courts across Toronto, the GTA, Vancouver, and other parts of Canada.
As of July, the sandwich is listed on some Costco food court menus in Ontario for CAD 7.99. A fair deal for what you’re getting, especially with grocery prices on the rise.
Availability varies by location, and not every warehouse has it yet. If you’re making a trip just for the sandwich, it’s worth calling ahead or checking online reviews to see if your local store carries it.
Why Is This a Big Deal?
This isn’t the first time the sandwich has been featured. Costco previously sold a version of it in Canada years ago, but it was quietly pulled from menus. That didn’t stop people from talking about it.
Reddit threads and Facebook groups have long featured calls for its return. One Redditor wrote:
“They are not as good as the best ones in Montreal. But… this is a great and practical compromise… comes with a huge full sour pickle, for a reasonable C$7.99.”
Another said:
“Some years ago, they used to have a smoked meat sandwich. It’s as Canadian as a poutine, and I wish they’d bring it back.”
Well, wish granted.
In a food court landscape filled with pizza slices and chicken strips, the Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich stands out as a nod to local flavour and national identity. It’s ours, and we missed it.

How Does The Costco Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich Taste?
Let’s be clear: you’re not getting Schwartz’s or Snowdon Deli levels of smoked meat here. But for a Costco food court offering? It’s pretty damn good.
Here’s what people are saying:
- Meat: Heavily stacked, salty, and tender enough for a quick lunch.
- Bread: A sturdy rye-style bun that holds up — nothing fancy, but functional.
- Mustard: Just enough to cut the richness of the meat.
- Pickle: A juicy, full-sour that delivers the crunch you want.
And perhaps most importantly, it hits differently after walking 10,000 steps around the warehouse.
How Does It Compare to Other Costco Menu Items?
Here’s a quick comparison:
Item | Price (CAD) | Notable For |
---|---|---|
Montreal Smoked Meat | $7.99 | Bold Canadian flavour, significant portions |
Hot Dog + Drink Combo | $1.50 | Unbeatable value |
Chicken Strips & Fries | $6.99 | Hearty, kid-friendly |
Poutine | $6.99 | Canadian classic, gravy-heavy |
Pepperoni Slice | $2.69 | Quick and greasy |
If you’re tired of pizza slices or looking for something more substantial than a hot dog, the smoked meat sandwich is a worthy upgrade.
Is It Here to Stay?
That’s the million-dollar question.
So far, Costco Canada hasn’t confirmed whether this sandwich is a permanent menu item or a limited-time trial. Given the buzz it’s generating, there’s hope it might stick around, especially if sales stay strong.
For now, if you see it, get it. There’s no telling when it might disappear again.
Final Thoughts
Costco’s Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich is a throwback to classic deli lunches and a win for Canadian food court fans. It might not match the real deal in Montreal, but it delivers on flavour, value, and sheer novelty.
It’s the kind of item that makes you pause mid-shopping spree and think, Yeah, I deserve this.
So next time you’re hauling bulk hummus and 10-pound cheese wheels through the aisles, take a detour to the food court. You may find a slice of Montreal waiting for you.
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