Metropolitan Billiard Cafe opened in September of 1993 with the efforts of Joseph Caldarella and the Assaly Family of Edmonton – Perry, Blair, Erin, Beverly and most importantly the late Edward Assaly. They believed in a young brash kid from Rhode Island who loved pool and said he would build the best billiard room in Edmonton.

The Metro soon became its moniker; 21 pool tables, TV monitors in every booth, a food and drink menu generally seen only in restaurants and the coolest staff anywhere in the city. Metro quickly became the best billiard room in Edmonton and one of the hottest spots in the downtown core. We officially became the best new foreign billiard room anywhere in the world by the prestigious Billiard Digest Magazine.

That award became a catalyst for everything else we do Exceed the Expectations.

It wasn’t long before Joey found the new love of his life. Michele Ryan – A match made in pool room heaven..lol. They instantly hit it off and started working together building out the brand. Joey dealt with the customers and Michele handled the staff.  It was going so well they married in 1996 and had a 200 person wedding at the Metro. They purchased 100% of Metro in 1998. 

Metro has been voted as YEG’s best Billiard room 30 times and known for serving up some of Edmonton’s Best Nachos. Who would have thought that the Metro Perfection Burger would have become legendary! 

Great food and drink with an activity is our thing, but our secret sauce and what makes Metro so special is twofold.

Firstly, it’s our staff as we always have a few staff with larger-than-life personalities. They make you laugh, they make you smile, and genuinely care about your experience. Thank you to the past ones, the present ones, and the forever ones.

Second is “YOU” the Metro customer. You loved us and keep coming back, and we love you as well. You’re not pretentious or even that demanding. You understand chilling out with friends, having a couple of beers, maybe some nachos, a burger, and a game of pool can really make life a little better. You’re awesome!!

Thank you for 30 years of coming back.

We moved in 2021 from our downtown location to the west end, and it has been great with more parking, easy access from the Henday and hotels galore! So whether you’re a long-time previous downtown Metro customer or you’ve just heard about us, Metro has you covered.  Not sure how many years it takes to become an Edmonton Icon, but thanks to our customers we feel the Metro has earned that title!

MAKE IT MEMORABLE. MAKE IT METRO.