Last Updated: January 23, 2026
If you’re searching for a true pool hall in Ottawa (not just a single table in a bar), you’ll find a small but solid lineup—ranging from coin‑op quick games on Bank Street to massive, league-heavy venues on Merivale and Gladwin.
Ottawa’s cue-sports scene is a mix of neighbourhood hangouts, classic sports-bar energy, and a few places that clearly cater to serious players—especially if you care about table maintenance, consistent lighting, and the kind of space where you can actually take a full stroke without bumping into another table. This guide walks through the most talked-about pool halls and billiards venues in Ottawa, what each one is best for, what to expect when you walk in on a weekend, and where snooker players can still find proper tables.
Key Highlights
A quick snapshot of Ottawa’s cue-sports scene: casual coin-op games, serious hourly tables, and a couple of true snooker options.
TL;DR: Midway Pool Hall brings a proper neighbourhood pool hall to Bank Street with coin‑op bar boxes and hourly Black Crown tables. For the “big venue” experience, TailGators and Dooly’s are the league-heavy standouts. If you specifically want snooker, Orange Monkey and Ottawa Snooker Club are the clearest options to start with.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Top Pick | TailGators (big pool hall vibe) |
| 📍 Best Downtown Snooker | Orange Monkey Bar & Billiards |
| 💰 Budget Quick Game | Midway coin‑op ($2/game) |
| 📍 Most Tables | TailGators (43 pool tables) |
| 📍 New Neighbourhood Spot | Midway Pool Hall (Old Ottawa South) |
| ⏰ Late Night | Many venues run until 2 AM on weekends |
What “Pool Hall” Means in Ottawa (and why it matters)
In Ottawa, the difference between a “pool hall” and “a bar with a table” is usually lighting, spacing, and whether you’re there to actually play.
This guide focuses on dedicated pool halls and billiards venues—but Ottawa has plenty of places with a single table or two. One example that comes up in casual recommendations is The Prescott Tavern & Grill on Preston Street. Address (needs confirmation): 385 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4N5.
When locals say “pool hall,” they usually mean one of two things:
- A dedicated space with lots of tables, where playing pool is the main reason people show up (even if there’s a full bar and food).
- A bar with a serious billiards setup, where the tables are well-maintained and there’s room to play—rather than a single, wobbly table wedged beside the washrooms.
That distinction matters because it changes your whole night. A true pool hall tends to have better lighting, more consistent table conditions, and a crowd that understands etiquette. A bar-with-a-table can still be fun, but you may be waiting longer, dealing with tighter space, or playing on cloth that’s seen a rough week.
If you want more late-night ideas that pair well with a pool night, check our Ottawa nightlife guide or plan a pre-game drink using this Ottawa happy hour guide.
If you’re in the mood to build a full “games night” itinerary, our guides to karaoke in Ottawa and arcades in Ottawa are easy add-ons for groups that don’t want the night to revolve around one activity.
Midway Pool Hall (Old Ottawa South): The new-school neighbourhood pool hall
A neighbourhood-style pool hall setup with room to play.
Midway Pool Hall feels like the kind of place Ottawa has been missing: a relaxed, unpretentious pool hall that’s easy to drop into for a quick game, but also set up for longer sessions if you want a proper match. The vibe leans nostalgic—Midway describes itself as inspired by “classic Canadian taverns” and the camaraderie of old-school legion halls—so it’s less about bottle service and more about showing up with friends and getting a table.
Address: 1159 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON, Canada Phone: (343) 887-3848
Tables and setup at Midway
Midway’s setup is surprisingly well thought out for different types of nights:
- Two classic Legacy bar box coin-operated tables for casual drop-in games.
- Six brand new 4x8 Black Crown tables for hourly rental.
- A private room with a brand new 3x7 Black Crown table when you want a quieter date-night feel or you’re trying to actually focus.
Midway pricing (what you’ll actually pay)
If you’re trying to keep it simple, Midway is refreshingly straightforward:
- Coin-op bar box: $2 per game (coin operated)
- 4x8 Black Crown tables: $18/hr
- Friday (11:30am–5pm) unlimited play: $10/person
If you want the exact fine print for hourly vs unlimited play (and how it changes by day/time), Midway publishes a full breakdown on their Pool page—so it’s worth skimming before you show up for a longer session.
Hourly details (as listed, worth double-checking): Midway’s published breakdown also describes the $18/hr rate as applying Mon–Fri from 5pm–close and Sat–Sun all day, with Friday daytime also offering the unlimited-play option.
The private room rate varies, so it’s worth calling if that’s your plan.
First-come, first-served (and why that’s good and bad)
Midway notes: “Now open >>> First come first served >>> Contact us for large parties >>>” and also says: “Tournaments coming soon!”
That’s great if you like spontaneous weeknight drop-ins, but on peak nights it also means you should be ready to wait—or show up earlier than you think. One reviewer even joked: “Kind of didn’t want to write a review so I can keep getting a table…” which tells you a lot about how quickly it can fill up.
Local opinions:
“Best Pool hall in Ottawa hands down. Super clean, good vibes and the food is really good!”
“Kind of didn’t want to write a review so I can keep getting a table but… everything a real pool hall should be - cheap, unpretentious, great staff.”
If you’re building a full night around Bank Street, this also pairs well with other indoor options—see our indoor activities in Ottawa guide.
TailGators: Ottawa’s big pool hall experience (Merivale Road)
A big-room billiards setup designed for groups and league nights.
TailGators is the venue a lot of people mean when they say “go to a pool hall in Ottawa.” It’s large, loud in a fun way, and designed for evenings where pool is the main event—but not the only thing happening.
Address: 1642 Merivale Rd, Ottawa, ON, K2G 4A1
The numbers at TailGators
TailGators is upfront about scale:
- 43 pool tables
- 6 foosball tables
- “Over 35 LCD screens” and “2 giant 22ft HDTVs”
If your group is trying to avoid the “one-table problem,” this is usually the safest bet.
Hours at TailGators
- Sun–Thurs: Noon–1 AM
- Fri–Sat: Noon–2 AM
Leagues at TailGators
TailGators markets itself as running Ottawa’s Largest Pool Leagues, and their league page explains how the seasons work:
- June to September
- September to February
- February to June
They also note: “TG Pool Leagues use Chalksta for real-time score tracking,” and that players enter scores on their phones.
If you’re curious about joining, the stated contact is leagues@tailgators.ca.
Local opinion:
“Tailgaters… they have a league nights too… my go to halls in preferred order”
“mclaren’s and tailgators probably has the best maintained pool/snooker tables.”
If you want another “big indoor entertainment” alternative in the west end, our arcade Ottawa guide is a good add-on for groups that want variety.
Dooly’s Ottawa (Gladwin Crescent): Pool-first, bar-second (with serious league energy)
A large-format billiards room: lots of tables, lots of energy.
Dooly’s is one of the most referenced Ottawa pool venues online, and the local commentary about it is interesting because it highlights a real split: some people go for leagues and tables, others have strong opinions about event packages and food.
Address: 2279 Gladwin Cres., Ottawa
Hours at Dooly’s
- Sun–Thu: noon–midnight
- Fri–Sat: noon–2:00 AM
Pricing at Dooly’s
Dooly’s states: “Table Rates Start at just $14.25 per hour.”
If you’re planning a longer session, it’s still worth calling ahead to confirm whether they price per table or per person for your time window.
Leagues and tournaments at Dooly’s
Dooly’s leans hard into leagues (“Ottawa’s Best Leagues”), and their leagues page notes an afternoon league that includes 8-ball, 9-ball, and 10-ball. If you’re looking for a structured way to get better—and meet regulars—this is one of the more obvious entry points.
If you’re deciding between “join a league” options, it’s also worth knowing the Gatineau-Ottawa CPA Leagues, which serve Ottawa-Carleton and run formats including 8-ball open and 9-ball.
Local opinions (mixed, and worth taking seriously):
“Dooly’s on Gladwin Crescent is definitely a pool-first, bar-second place. They have a lot of tables.”
“Dooly’s has a lively ambiance! The atmosphere is fantastic on Fridays, but it’s wise to reserve a table a day or two in advance.”
“I was at Dooly’s on the 19th for a Christmas party. We went for the 25$ ‘buffet’ as well. It was absolutely disgusting. I didn’t expect much from a pool hall, but it was bad. Soggy Ceasar salad, bland rice and vegetables, no name tortellini with canned sauce, and ‘roast beef’, ‘The House Favourite!’… that was submersed in some kind of liquid.”
That second quote is a reminder: if you’re going for pool, you’ll probably have a good time. If you’re booking a big buffet package, it’s worth asking detailed questions about what’s included.
Minnesota’s Billiards Pub (Kanata): the west-end “play all night” hangout
A west-end style billiards pub setup: casual, table-focused, and easy for groups.
Minnesota’s Billiards Pub is a Kanata option that comes up in local recommendations specifically for one reason: volume. If you hate rolling up to a busy spot and immediately dealing with a waitlist, this is the kind of venue that can feel like a relief.
Address: 442 Hazeldean Rd, Kanata, ON K2L 1V2
Minnesota’s is commonly described as having over 25 tables (a “lots of tables” venue), and local chatter suggests you’ll find a mix that’s better suited to casual play and group nights than a quiet practice session.
Hours (needs confirmation): Research notes 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM daily, but always double-check before you go.
What locals say (verbatim):
“In the West End Minnesota’s on Hazeldean has lots of tables, coin op and pay by the hour. They have a Snooker table as well. They also have darts boards.”
“Pool table waitlists are the worst, but Minnesota’s Billiards Pub has the cure. With over 25 tables… zero pretension.”
If you’re driving, Minnesota’s is also generally described as having plenty of parking (typical for this stretch of Hazeldean).
Orange Monkey Bar & Billiards (City Centre): Best downtown option for snooker
A snooker-and-pool bar setup (downtown-adjacent) for long sessions.
If your main goal is snooker (not just pool), Orange Monkey is the name that comes up again and again. It’s also one of the easier places to reach if you’re already planning a downtown night.
Address: 250 City Centre Ave., Ottawa, ON Phone: (613) 230-2850
Alternate address seen in research (needs confirmation): 100 Gloucester St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0A4
Hours and specials at Orange Monkey
Orange Monkey lists long hours:
- Monday–Friday: 9:30am–2:00am
- Saturday: 10:00am–2:00am
- Sunday: 10:00am–2:00am
They also publish a couple of details that are genuinely useful when you’re deciding where to go:
- Domestic beers are $5.00 (taxes included) every Tuesday
- Sunday “all you can play” pool or snooker: $14.99 per person (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Snooker leagues (the key differentiator)
Orange Monkey says: “We have leagues on Monday and Tuesday nights as well as a Seniors’ (55+) snooker league on weekday mornings.”
They also mention 6 deluxe Dufferin snooker tables covered with Hainsworth cloth.
Local opinions (again, mixed):
“Orange Monkey has more snooker tables”
“Thanks all, likely going to check out Orange Monkey as it seems to be the consensus around here.”
“Not sure about billiards but the Orange Monkey at City Centre has a solid selection of tables and decent beer prices.”
“I find the tables a bit rough. I’ve noticed weird rolls implying warped slate, and there are rips/heavily worm cloth on most tables.”
If you’re serious about table conditions, it may be worth checking it out on a quieter weekday and seeing if the tables you care about are in good shape that night.
MacLaren’s on Elgin: Great downtown energy, but expect crowds
Sports-bar energy with a dedicated billiards floor is a common downtown combo.
MacLaren’s is often the “easy yes” for people who want downtown pool with a lively atmosphere. It’s central, it’s social, and it’s a place you can roll into with a group and make a night of it.
Address: 44 MacLaren St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0K5
Hours (needs confirmation): not publicly listed here.
Tables and pricing at MacLaren’s
MacLaren’s is noted for having 25 billiard tables, and research notes a price point of $12 per hour per table.
Local opinions:
“MacLaren’s on Elgin is the place to be.”
“MacLarens is great but it is pretty busy given its the best known billiards bar in the downtown area, really.”
“McLaren’s is good but always busy.”
If you’re going on a Friday or Saturday, treat it like a popular restaurant: show up earlier, or be okay with a wait.
Ottawa snooker in one paragraph (because it’s rarer than pool)
Snooker is still playable in Ottawa, but you’ll want to plan around the few venues that clearly advertise full-size tables and leagues.
Ottawa has fewer true snooker options than pool, so if snooker is your priority, plan around the venues that clearly advertise it. Orange Monkey lists leagues on Monday and Tuesday nights plus a seniors’ (55+) league, and they describe their snooker setup as six deluxe Dufferin snooker tables covered with Hainsworth cloth.
Ottawa Snooker Club is another option to know about: it’s described as a technology-driven, staffless club with 24/7 access for members/guests, four snooker tables, hourly pricing listed as $6–$8.50 CAD, and a $20 CAD refundable deposit for a key fob. (Because the snooker club site doesn’t always load cleanly in every tool, it’s smart to double-check the latest details before you go.)
Address (needs confirmation): 4043 Carling Avenue, Suite LL7, Ottawa, ON K2K 2A4
Comparison: Ottawa pool halls at a glance
If you’re deciding between venues, table count and “how busy it feels” usually matter more than the neighbourhood name on the map.
| Venue | Neighbourhood | Tables (known) | Pricing highlight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midway Pool Hall | Old Ottawa South | 2 coin-op + 6 (4x8) + private (3x7) | $2/game or $18/hr; Fri daytime $10/person unlimited | Neighbourhood vibes, quick games, date night private room |
| TailGators | Merivale / Nepean | 43 pool tables | Not listed on homepage | Big groups, leagues, classic pool-hall night |
| Dooly’s Ottawa | Industrial Park | Not stated on homepage | From $14.25/hr | Leagues, big-table venue, organized play |
| Orange Monkey | City Centre | 6 snooker tables; 14 pool tables (needs confirmation) | Sunday $14.99/person all-you-can-play (10am–5pm) | Snooker leagues + downtown night |
| MacLaren’s | Centretown | 25 billiard tables | $12/hr per table (needs confirmation) | Social downtown pool |
Tips for your first pool hall night in Ottawa
A few small choices—timing, expectations, and etiquette—make a pool night smoother, especially at busy venues.
If you haven’t played in a proper pool hall in a while, a few small choices can make the whole night smoother.
Pick your timing
Weeknights are where you’ll actually get space to play and practice. Weekends are better for energy and people-watching, but expect waits—especially at downtown venues.
If you’re only in it for a couple of quick racks, your best “low-stress” move is picking a venue that either has a lot of tables (TailGators, Minnesota’s) or a clear quick‑game option (Midway’s coin-op bar boxes). If you want uninterrupted practice, aim for a quieter time window and call ahead when you’re unsure about peak league nights.
Leagues: the shortcut to playing regularly (and getting better)
If you want to stop playing “whenever you can get a table” and start playing consistently, Ottawa’s league scene is usually the easiest on-ramp. TailGators and Dooly’s both promote in-house leagues, and the Gatineau-Ottawa CPA Leagues are another structured option that serves Ottawa-Carleton, including formats like 8-ball open and 9-ball.
Parking and transit (general guidance)
Ottawa pool nights are usually easier if you plan your arrival as much as your first rack:
- Midway (Bank Street / Old Ottawa South): Bank Street is transit-friendly and walkable for nearby neighbourhoods. Parking is typically street-based and can fill up on busy evenings.
- TailGators (Merivale Road): Merivale is a car-first commercial strip. Most groups drive and park on-site/nearby.
- Dooly’s (Gladwin Crescent / Industrial Park): This part of town is usually easiest by car, with typical commercial/industrial-area parking.
- MacLaren’s (Centretown / Elgin-ish): Downtown-style parking (street or garages) and a strong case for OC Transpo/LRT connections, depending on where you’re coming from.
- Orange Monkey (City Centre): Also works well as part of a downtown night—transit and parking garages are the usual approach.
- Minnesota’s (Hazeldean / Kanata): Commonly described as having plenty of parking.
Decide what kind of night you want
- If you want serious practice, prioritize table condition and lighting over “fun vibes.”
- If you want a social night out, pick the venue that’s easiest for your group (and accept that the table won’t be perfect).
- If you want snooker, go where snooker is clearly advertised.
For other group-friendly indoor ideas, you can also compare with karaoke nights (see our karaoke Ottawa guide) or higher-energy options like our trampoline park Ottawa guide.
FAQ
Quick answers to the questions locals and visitors usually ask before planning a pool or snooker night.
Q: What’s the best pool hall in Ottawa for a big group?
For large groups, TailGators is usually the easiest option because it advertises 43 pool tables and stays open late. If you want a more relaxed neighbourhood feel, Midway Pool Hall on Bank Street can work well for smaller groups, but it’s first come, first served unless you’re booking a large party.
Q: Where can I play snooker in Ottawa?
Orange Monkey Bar & Billiards at City Centre advertises six snooker tables and runs snooker leagues on Monday and Tuesday nights, plus a seniors’ (55+) league on weekday mornings. Ottawa Snooker Club is another option referenced as a members/guests club with four snooker tables and 24/7 app access.
Q: Do any Ottawa pool halls offer unlimited play deals?
Yes. Midway Pool Hall offers an “Unlimited Play” option on Fridays (11:30am–5pm) for $10 per person on their 4x8 tables. Orange Monkey also advertises an all-you-can-play pool or snooker offer on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for $14.99 per person.
Q: How much does it cost to play pool in Ottawa?
Costs vary by venue and whether you’re paying coin-op per game or renting tables by the hour. Midway Pool Hall lists $2 per game on coin-op bar boxes and $18 per hour for 4x8 tables. Dooly’s says table rates start at $14.25 per hour, while other venues may have different pricing depending on time and demand.
Q: Are Ottawa pool halls good for date night?
They can be, especially if you pick the right space. Midway Pool Hall has a private room with a 3x7 table, which is a strong date-night setup if you want more privacy. Downtown venues like MacLaren’s tend to be louder and busier, which can be fun, but less “date night quiet.”
Q: Do I need to reserve a table at Ottawa pool halls?
It depends on the venue and the night. Some venues operate mostly walk-in, while others recommend calling for large parties or booking events. If you’re going on a Friday or Saturday, it’s smart to call ahead or arrive earlier, especially downtown.
Q: Which Ottawa venue is most focused on leagues?
TailGators and Dooly’s both market themselves heavily around leagues. TailGators describes recreational and competitive leagues across multiple seasons and uses Chalksta for score tracking. Dooly’s promotes “Ottawa’s Best Leagues” and lists multiple league formats.
Q: What should beginners know about pool hall etiquette?
The biggest etiquette rule is respecting the table and the next players. If someone is waiting, avoid long breaks between racks, and don’t treat the table like a leaning post. If you’re unsure about rules, ask politely—most regulars are happy to clarify, especially on quieter nights.
Q: Are there pool halls in Ottawa’s east or south ends?
Based on available research, dedicated pool halls are more limited in Ottawa’s east and south ends compared with central and west Ottawa. Some east-end spots may have pool tables (for example, Orléans Bowling Centre is mentioned as having tables), but detailed, verified information is harder to find than for the major venues.
Final Thoughts
The “best” pool hall depends on your night: practice, party, or snooker-specific plans.
Ottawa doesn’t have dozens of classic pool halls—but the ones it does have cover a wide range of vibes. Midway Pool Hall brings a fresh, neighbourhood-first option to Bank Street with both coin‑op and hourly tables. TailGators and Dooly’s are the go-to spots when you want lots of tables, lots of people, and leagues that keep the scene active. And if snooker is your priority, Orange Monkey is one of the clearest downtown choices thanks to published snooker leagues and long hours.
The best move is to match the venue to your night: practice vs party, pool vs snooker, quick game vs a few hours. Once you find your rhythm, Ottawa’s cue-sports community is welcoming—especially if you show up with good etiquette and a bit of patience on busy nights.
Sources: Midway Pool Hall, Midway Pool Hall — Pool, TailGators, TailGators — Pool Leagues, Dooly’s Ottawa, Dooly’s Ottawa — Leagues, Orange Monkey Billiards, MacLaren’s on Elgin (Ottawa Tourism), MacLaren’s on Elgin, MacLaren’s on Elgin (TripAdvisor), Ottawa Snooker Club (WPBSA), Ottawa Snooker Club, Ottawa Snooker Club — Leagues, Snooker Canada — Places to Play (Ontario), Gatineau-Ottawa CPA Leagues, r/ottawa: pool halls/bars in Centretown, r/ottawa: best spot for billiards/pool, r/ottawa: Dooly’s party thread, r/ottawa: fun places, r/ottawa: pool tables but isn’t a pool hall, Das Lokal Ottawa — Bars with pool tables.
Notes: Minnesota’s and The Prescott Tavern & Grill are included here based on research and local mentions; if you’re planning a night around them, confirm the latest hours, table setup, and policies directly before you go.
