Aylwin Deli: a BBQ-style deli by Aylwin BBQ

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Map showing location at 45.4794556, -73.5768473

Aylwin Deli is the natural (and long-awaited) next chapter of the Aylwin BBQ story, the beloved summer pop-up that’s been bringing the heat to Atwater Market since 2017. After several seasons of smoking meat outdoors and building a loyal following, the team has finally found a permanent home—still at the market, but this time indoors.

Behind the project are Annie, Antoine, Cédric, and Maxime. To really understand Aylwin Deli, you have to go back to 2016, when Annie and Antoine—then working as private chefs and frequenting Atwater Market almost daily for their ingredients—came across the book Franklin Barbecue. Inside: a simple smoker diagram that would change their lives. Without overthinking it, they decided to build one in the backyard of their Hochelaga apartment on Aylwin Street… and just like that, the name was born.

Barely a year later, they put the idea to the test. Aylwin BBQ landed at Atwater Market in the summer of 2017, and the success was immediate. Season after season, the pop-up became an essential summer ritual. Along the way, Annie and Antoine also launched Aylwin Farm in Montérégie—a small personal project that now allows them to grow vegetables served at their establishments and move toward a certain level of self-sufficiency.

The desire for a permanent space grew naturally, and when a spot opened up inside the market, the opportunity was too good to pass up. Ironically, when they signed the lease, they didn’t even know yet what they were going to do with it! But since their smoked meat was already one of their most in-demand specials, the idea of a BBQ-style deli quickly became obvious.

On the menu, it’s all about pure, no-frills comfort food: smoked meat sandwiches, Reubens, hot dogs, turkey sandwiches, smoked meat poutine, mac ’n’ cheese, classic salads… Our favorites? The poutine and the Reuben sandwich—generous, indulgent, and simply irresistible. In the morning, the spot turns into a breakfast HQ with ultra-fluffy ricotta-blueberry pancakes, a great breakfast sandwich, and a smoked salmon bagel just the way we like it. You’ll also find ready-to-eat options, daily chalkboard specials, and a catering service featuring Aylwin BBQ classics.

As for the vibe, Aylwin Deli channels the spirit of classic American diners: orange stools, hot filter coffee in white mugs, pancakes drenched in maple syrup with a little square of butter—and above all, that almost aphrodisiac aroma of meat smoking away in the impressive smoker out back. Quite simply, it’s the food spot Atwater Market was missing. Stop by early for a simple breakfast before doing your groceries, or linger afterward to unwind over a shared smoked meat poutine. Bon appétit!


Photography by Alison Slattery





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