Cheap eats
These Hamilton restaurants and takeout joints – most of them longtime institutions – prove that in the lower city and the Mountain, paying less can be super satisfying.
Keeping our bellies full feels like a rich man’s game these days. Grocery prices are through the roof, and take-out delivery fees are simply eye-watering.
But there are some long-standing Hamilton eateries where you can still get delicious food at a budget-friendly price. If you’re looking for a meal or snack for $10 or less (before tax) from a local Hamilton institution, then we’ve got your cravings covered.
McQueen's Bánh Mì Viet
Hands down, McQueen’s has the best bánh mì in the city. Located at Queen Street and York Boulevard, they’ve been serving their classic Vietnamese sandwiches to hungry Hamiltonians since 2019. Generous portions, a perfectly crispy baguette and a fresh filling of savoury meat and pickled veggies make McQueen’s sandos so beloved. And the price will make you do a double-take. Grab a classic bánh mì for $5.50 or a deluxe with extra filling for $6.50. Their Saigon, which is filled with pork, is a popular choice, but the lemongrass chicken and country paté are also not to be missed.
IG: banhmiviet
103 Queen St. N., Hamilton
Noodle & Dumpling
This cozy, no-frills dumpling restaurant in the heart of Hamilton’s International Village boasts some of the city’s tastiest little savoury parcels. Serving Hamilton since 2017, Noodle & Dumpling sells a serving of crispy fried pork dumplings made to order for just $9.99. If you’re in the mood for something that will warm your soul, try the beef noodle soup with house-made noodles for the same price. There’s not a ton of seating, so get there early or take it to go.
Noodle & Dumpling
220 King St. E., Hamilton
La Luna
A Lebanese staple in Hamilton, La Luna has been serving up tasty Middle Eastern fare since 1998. With two restaurants and a third take-out location in Hamilton, La Luna has a strong presence and loyal following in the city. Their falafel wrap is stuffed with house-made falafel, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, parsley and tahini sauce. At just $9.73, it’s a real bargain, and the generous portions are guaranteed to fill you up.
lalunarestaurants.ca
306 King St. W., Hamilton
650 Concession St., Hamilton
281 Barton St. E., Hamilton
Pane Del Sol
Family owned and operated for more than 50 years, Pane Del Sol is a staple of Italian food in Hamilton. The bakery is known for classic Italian cakes and desserts like Sicilian cannoli and tiramisu. If you’re hankering for a hearty lunch, pick up a classic chicken parm featuring crispy breaded chicken breast, tomato sauce and parmesan cheese for just $9.99. Or try the classic penne pasta and tomato sauce for just $6.29. Don’t forget to check out the made-to-order sandwich bar, too. Plus, Pane Del Sol makes fantastic made-to-order custom cakes for any celebration.
IG: panedelsole
175 John St. N., Hamilton
Lyn's Linstead Market
If you’re looking for the best Jamaican patty in the hammer, Lyn’s Linstead Market is where it’s at. Located on Hamilton Mountain, the market has been selling Caribbean, Asian, and African hot food, groceries and beauty supplies since 1999. For a grab-and-go meal, get a Jamaican patty with beef (mild or spicy), veggie or chicken filling encased in flaky golden pastry for just $2.50. Try it with a traditional small Mannish water goat head soup for just $6 (Fridays only) and keep your whole meal under $10.
lynslinsteadmarket.com
1000 Upper Gage Ave. #1, Hamilton
Ola Bakery & Pastry
Ola’s is a fan favourite in Hamilton’s little Portugal community on James Street North. It’s always full of regulars and gives off a local European café vibe with classic décor to match. Originally opened in 2006, new owners took over the location three years ago and have maintained the authentic Portuguese atmosphere. Treat yourself to a handmade pastry, like the pastel de nata, a traditional Portuguese egg custard tart, for just $2.50. Pair it with a cappuccino or espresso for another $2, or enjoy one of their delicious misto sanduíches (mixed deli meat sandwich) for just $9.
olabakeryhamilton.ca
230 James St. N., Hamilton
Mike’s Submarine
The submarine sandwich game in Hamilton is fierce. But the original Mike’s Submarine on Upper Gage has probably been in the game the longest. Opening its doors in the 1960s, Mike’s Submarine is known for generous portions, fresh bread and prices that reflect what a sub used to cost back in the day. For under $9, you can get yourself a 12-inch meatball, veggie, assorted meat, roast beef or corned beef sub made to order with your choice of fresh veggies and sauces on a soft bun.
mikessubmarine.com
1050 Upper Gage Ave. Unit #6, Hamilton
Original’s Pizza
Pizza: the original cheap eats. And where better to get yours than Original’s Pizza, serving hungry Hamiltonians for over 20 years. Original’s is home to the famous 20” Notorious P.I.E. Slices, a giant piece of pizza roughly the size of a small child. But if you’re looking for something more moderately sized, they’ve got a walk-in, large 1-topping pizza for just $9.99. Now, that’s some OG pricing. And make sure to check out their second location, at 445 Ottawa Street North, slated to open in March.
IG: theoriginalpizza
1388 Main St. E., Hamilton
445 Ottawa St. N., Hamilton
