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.
Great poutine in a great establishment. The gravy is super flavourful & the fries are crispy & delicious. This restaurant has a bunch of history & proudly displays it on the walls, it's not everyday you get poutine from a 100 year old restaurant. Overall, a great poutine for anyone searching for an authentic poutine.
So when I came to visit Montreal from Alberta, this was the place I was told to come & have steamer & poutine. Best experience ever. Yes I know it's a hot dog & french fries with gravy & cheese but holy man do they ever do a great job & the atmosphere hashistory? It's a great little stop for a quick bite to eat. Thank you for my amazing Montreal poutine experience.
Poutine - really good. perfect on the curds & gravy (has a bit of kick which I liked) but fries are bigger than what I would like. Much better than what I've had so def recommend.
Steamies were disappointing - dogs were small & toppings lacked flavour.
Lacks atmosphere - very bland & not clean. Quick in & out.
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!
Sep 28, 2025
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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.
Truly an institution - incredible steamed hot dogs at a great price & even better service. I'm from out of town & I first visited this place a year ago, I was stoked to come back this time around. Zhini served us both times & he's a gem. He's super friendly & he remembered us from last year - his service alone is worth making the visit. Can't wait to be back the next time I'm in the city!
One of the best traditional fast food restaurants in Quebec... always great food & service!
The steamies, french fries, burgers, putine, are simply delicious! Close to Montreal's Festival Place...(Quartier Des Spectacles)....Place Des Arts.
A Legendary & iconic locale since 1959.
Jul 21, 2025
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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.
Great fast service.
Prices were unbeatable.
Food was so dam good.
Full load dogs are delish & the poutine is killer good.
Place was clean & staff was friendly.
Neighborhood was a bit gritty but made for a better wander to the place.
got kicked out of the theater 2 doors down the street in a heavy rain downpour , ducked into the pool room & decided to order, hot dogs mediocre, but fries were awesome, 2 dogs, a fry & a soda 11 bucks, can't go wrong
Awesome counter restaurant for delicious, authentic steamies (hotdogs), poutine, fries, etc., in a historic restaurant, in a historic part of town. Highly recommended for tourists & locals alike.
Nov 3, 2024
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One of the few remaining really authentic places left in Montreal. I like their steamies. I don't often like fries, but I like theirs. I love sitting in that one seat at the front window & watching the world go by on St Laurent. Cash only!
Montreal Pool Room: A Legendary Experience My visit to the Pool Room was an unforgettable one. The poutine was the best I've ever had, the fries were perfectly crispy, the gravy was like nothing I've tasted before - authentic & delicious. Their all-dressed steamy hotdogs were like a hug from within, with perfectly buttered buns & fresh garnishes. Family ran & operated, The restaurant's history is impressive - it's been around for over a hundred years! I can't wait to go back for more poutine🍁
Love the old school vibes in here. My friend said she had to take me here to try a steamed dog. It was a nice snack to have while we walked the streets looking around. I enjoyed the dog! Good flavour. The staff was friendly.
If you like italian poutine...this is the spot, their meat sauce is just perfect. Not a fan of the cash only policy though...but great fries, generous portion of cheese. If you need a late night dirty snack, its going to delive
The poutine was delectable, gravy & cheesy sauce over fresh, thick cuts of just-fried fries. Patient staff, well-managed (especially to the clueless tourists in front of me). Poutines & fries come in small & large sizes: shareable. Popular with locals & us foreigners. Burgers & hot dogs a staple too. Fun, casual, bus your own tray. Nice spot on the epic Saint Laurent Avenue.
