Montreal Pool Room serves as a definitive destination for authentic Quebecois comfort food characterized by high-calorie, grease-laden staples. The signature menu focuses on steamies featuring hot dogs topped with finely chopped cabbage, mustard, and onions. Patrons frequent this establishment specifically for its iconic poutine, which features squeaky cheese curds smothered in a rich, savory brown gravy over crispy fried potatoes. The kitchen also specializes in classic smash-style burgers cooked on a flat-top grill to ensure a crisp exterior and juicy center. With a layout centered on functional efficiency, the counter-service atmosphere facilitates rapid turnover for those seeking traditional fast-food options. Each plate reflects a commitment to time-honored preparation methods that define the local culinary landscape while providing consistent textures and bold, salt-forward flavors that satisfy cravings for hearty, no-frills, and calorie-dense meals.
Montreal Pool Room is widely regarded as a legendary Montreal institution, celebrated for its nostalgic atmosphere and authentic, no-frills comfort food. Visitors frequently praise the classic steamed hot dogs, often highlighting the perfectly soft buns, as well as the generous portions of fresh-cut fries and rich, flavorful poutine. While some patrons note that the menu is simple and the setting reflects a divey, old-school charm, the quick service and friendly staff consistently enhance the experience. It remains a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike, though guests should remember that the establishment operates on a cash-only basis.
If the walls could speak!? A Montreal staple. Steamed bun & hotdogs. You don't know what your are missing. We left Montreal 34 yrs ago & always make time for a stop at the Montreal Pool house when we come back & to visit.
If ya hafta ask....ya don't know....BUT YOU SHOULD!!!!! This is one of the ULTIMATE MONTREAL ICONS !!! Opened in 1912 in the former'red light district' (although still some entertainment across the street...) & FAMOUS for its STIMMY - FRITES (bien cuire SVP !!) & Orange ...steamed hot dog (order at least two), French fries & Orange Crush.
Open 10:30 a.m. to 4 a.m......if you don't eat here you REALLY have NOT visited Montreal!!!! & by the way....there are NO POOL TABLES.....
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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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!
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.
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.
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.
The poutine was awesome & so were the delish hot dogs. It's a landmark that's been there for close to if not over 100 years, so it's clear that the food has stood the test of time. If you reminisce about the Old Montréal taste of poutine & steamed hotdogs, then that's the place to be.
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!
