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.
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.
Saluts la gang moi ça fait 50 ans environ que je vais la.la 1 er x cetais dans le temps du disco.il avais aussi aux coins doré c'était aussi un stan de hot-dogs tres populaire.je me disais je vais ou...Mon record de hot-dogs est de 14 & 2 pat aux coin doré & de 11 Montréal. Mais moi j'aimais mieux le coin doré a cause du choux & le l entregent....hey que c'était le bon temps...jamais je vais ravoir la même sensation jamais.
Merci. Aux 2 commerces spécialement aux coins doré
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.
Nov 2, 2025
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Un incontournable. Une institution. Un plaisir estival. Ou à la sortie d'un 5 à 7. Deux hot-dogs, une frite & un coke. Il fallait absolument que je fasse connaître à mes enfants... On est loin de la grande gastronomie mais demeure un lieu à voir à Montréal. Un lieu d'une autre époque. :-)
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.
classique des classiques ! Steamé ou rotteux, vous serez heureux. C'est laid, le monde est laid, c'est une place de frites & hot-dogs, calme toi le review
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!
