Montreal has a few landmarks and must-see dives and eateries, places which helped put the city on the map, places which defined the city back in the 60's and 70's. Many of them are now long gone (i.e Ben's Deli) but a handful remain, like The Orange Julep, Schwartz's Smoked Meat, and of course The Montreal Pool Room.This is the birthplace of the All-Dressed Steamie. It has changed location, they were at their former digs for almost a hundred years!
Even then, it sits literally in the middle of Montreal's red-light district so if colorful characters are your thing, you've hit the jackpot here. If on the other hand, sketchy-but harmless characters freak you out too much, don't bother and go hang out at your local mall instead.
Former Quebec Premier Robert Bourassa used to come here all the time for his hot dogs (the Premier of Quebec's office is in the Hydro Quebec building) which apparently Pierre Elliott Trudeau used to make fun of him for...until he started going there himself!
People usually come here after a night of clubbing or drinking since it's not too far from the Gay Village and the staff here have always been super laid-back and chill.