Montreal Pool Room is described as a legendary, old-school Montreal institution with a divey but charming vibe where simple staples like steamed hot dogs, poutine, and fries are served quickly and at great value. The core appeal centers on the steamed buns and dogs, rich gravy and onions in the poutine, and classic toppings, with many calling the hot dogs among the best in town and the poutine consistently tasty, though opinions on fries and authenticity vary. The venue is cash only, sometimes with an ATM inside, which fits its no-frills character, and the place is often praised as a must-visit, especially after a night out, backed by fast friendly service and a nostalgic atmosphere. While some notes about cleanliness or ambiance exist, the overall sentiment is a dependable, nostalgic stop that delivers traditional Montreal comfort food at affordable prices.
Classic Montréal eatery with Steamés, poutine, burgers. Great vibes, great aesthetic. A real piece of history. Stick with the all dressed, you won't regret it.
Tried the poutine at Montréal Pool Room & we were blown away by how packed with flavor the gravy was rich, savory, & loaded with sweet onion notes. Simple food done extremely well. The atmosphere is divey but full of charm & character. Cash only, but there's an ATM inside, which makes it easy. A classic spot that's absolutely worth a stop.
Jan 19, 2026
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Growing up in the Rosemont-La-Petite-Patrie neighborhood, there was a little restaurant that made the best steamed hot dog I've ever had. It was a taste that stayed with me long after I moved out west. On a few return visits to Montreal, I've driven by the old neighborhood, but that spot is gone now. The sign is still up, though I'm not convinced it's the same restaurant of my youth.
A couple of years ago, while visiting with my brother, I finally made it to the Montreal Pool Room-& this place has absolutely nailed that classic steamed hot dog. Both the bun & the dog are steamed to perfection. The hot dog itself isn't big or overly flavorful, but that's exactly the point-it's the steaming, the simple mustard & relish, & what I once thought was shredded onion & lettuce (after years of trying to recreate it myself). Turns out, it's coleslaw-& they don't skimp on it.
Prices are still fair, & it's cash only. The fries & poutine are okay here, but today it was all about the hot dogs-one for me & one for my daughter. She agreed it was one of the best she's ever had. We'd already eaten earlier in Chinatown, but didn't even finish that meal because I knew this was the one I really wanted.
A true Montreal institution. If you're in town, you've got to try it.
SEPTEMBER 2023
What can I say other than it is a must visit when in the area, & there are so many great stops to eat at in Montreal.
This greasy spoon does delight, I had the steamed dog w/onions, poutine & a pop.
The dog was good but my brothers looked better (toasted), it was my brother who insisted we come. I chose steamed because that's how I grew up ordering, from the old La Scala on Papineau (circa 1976).
I also had the standard poutine & it did not disappoint. I inhaled it & to my surprise, I was not clutching my chest for the next four hours! Good ingredients.
If you do not go to Schwartz's, come here, there is no pool table, eat standing & you can then truly say that you visited a Montreal institution.
This charming old restaurant has kept the nostalgic vibe of the past. The hot dogs were tasty & the fries were delicious. If you're looking for a place to enjoy hot dogs with that classic, old-school flavor, this spot is highly recommended!
I was walking along Boulevard Saint-Laurent when I spotted Montreal Pool Room. As a fan of old-school restaurants, the place immediately drew me in. I ordered the trio: two classic hot dogs, fries, & a canned drink. The quality was solid-nothing fancy-with tasty fries in particular. The atmosphere was quiet & pleasant. Note: they're cash-only.
No pool tables, but damn good hot dogs!
Cash only - they'll take U.S. dollars at a 1:1 exchange rate, so you're better off paying in Canadian.
The menu is simple & classic: choose between cucumber relish, mustard, or sauerkraut. Ketchup? It's self-serve on the counter once you get your order.
But the real surprise? The buns - soft, chewy, & perfectly steamed - they might be even better than the dogs themselves. A no-frills gem that delivers exactly what it promises.
A Montreal classic.
Love the steamed hot dogs! Fries were crispy.
Amazing for some drunken food. Excellent service.
This place has been around for years!
Nice to see all the old pictures on the wall.
May 4, 2025
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Decent classic style of poutine, made just how it should be with lots of gravy & cheese curds. Ordered their steamed hot dogs which were just okay. Good place to get quick poutine if you have a craving.
Perfect spot for late night eats. Love to support a historical business that's been in business for 100+ years. No fuss interior slinging classic steamies & fries. Delicious dogs & fries. Cash only so make sure to have some handy.
