Montreal Pool Room — Restaurant in Montreal

Montreal Pool Room - NOV 2025 EDITION

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—and this place has absolutely nailed that classic steamed hot dog. Both the bun and 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 and relish, and what I once thought was shredded onion and lettuce (after years of trying to recreate it myself). Turns out, it’s coleslaw—and they don’t skimp on it.

Prices are still fair, and it’s cash only. The fries and poutine are okay here, but today it was all about the hot dogs—one for me and 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, and there are so many great stops to eat at in Montreal.

This greasy spoon does delight, I had the steamed dog w/onions, poutine and 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 and it did not disappoint. I inhaled it and 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 and you can then truly say that you visited a Montreal...

Montreal cuisine is heralded throughout the world. Seldom have I traveled without encountering a fellow gadabout lauding the care, quality, and gastronomical ingenuity on display in the city.

To be clear, I am well versed in the art de cuisine. I've been treated to Micheline rated restaurants across the globe. DiverXO in Madrid, Pujol in Mexico City, Central in Lima, Ai Fiori in Manhattan. I've also been to more Taco Bells than I can remember.

The experience I was treated to at the Montreal Pool Room has catapulted this legendary cathedral of dining to the top of the list.

I have only sampled the pogo, but also made a return visit for more pogo, so I feel qualified to speak with authority on the entire dining experience.

My compatriots and I entered the restaurant at approximately 3:15 am and quickly instructed the maître d' that we wished to order one dozen of their finest pogo, among other regional delicacies. After some confusion and a quick trip to confer with the chef de cuisine, what happened next convinced me that this establishment is not staffed by mere men, but rather angels. The chef returned from the prep room with a container holding our precious pogo which were subsequently fried to perfection. We were delivered our pogo, cooked to the perfect golden brown which invoke the warm feelings of Van Gogh's Café Terrace at Night. Words cannot begin to describe the overwhelming sensory experiences brought on by the complex flavors of the rich corn bread and delicate hot dog encased in its center.

Traveling to Montreal and not dining at the Montreal Pool Room is a crime that should be punishable by not being allowed to leave the city.

Reservations are...

I came to the pool room as a tourist to try toasties, steamies and poutine. I do not speak french and ordered in english. I would like to add, I apologized for not speaking french. The much older man taking my older was offened and shamed me. He asked me in english if I speak chinese. I responded, excuse me, do I look chinese, too which he responded yes, in english. I then said, I am spanish and since you clearly speak english you can take my order. Although, the food was swerved quick and it was okay. I do not recommend the Montreal Pool Room. There are other places to get the same type of food with a side of good service. There is no need to shame a tourist or anyone for that matter for not speaking french and then to proceed to make an ethnic joke or comment was inacceptable and uncalled for. Shame on you, older man thar took my order and shame on you, perskn working the cas register that said nothing. I regret no taking my...