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.
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
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
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.
Great, comforting establishment. Super affordable food, great for late nights. Poutine here is perfectly done with the cheese at the right melting point with the gravy.
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🍁
Jun 1, 2024
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
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.
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.
The poutine is worth it all!! It's a hole in the wall in a colorful (seedyish, former red light area) part of Montreal, but the poutine is all that! Perfect fries, melty cheese curds, great gravy. The hotdogs are just plain dogs, but the steamed buns were delicious & the slaw on top rounded it all out. Yes, I was sober as a church mouse. (This place is a popular late night spot. ) It is cash only. They've been in business for over a hundred years & I'm sure it's because of the poutine. It's a dive, & there are no pool tables. It's just a great experience!
