Hospitality entrepreneurs served hungry drivers for decades before the QEW, 403, and the Skyway Bridge changed traffic patterns forever. No matter, there are plenty of veteran and newcomer restaurants serving a diversity of cuisines along the Aldershot corridor. 

This issue’s dining district encompasses Plains Road from where York Boulevard ends to the Niagara-bound highway, where the road jogs. It’s a section that is technically part of King’s Highway 2, which continues eastward along the Lakeshore. Plains Road was once a busy part of this dominant route across southern Ontario, beginning in Windsor and, to this day, ending in Halifax, Nova Scotia!

Historically, as part of the main access to Toronto, Plains Road saw considerable traffic, which inspired hospitality entrepreneurs. Things began to change when the QEW opened in 1937 (with upgrades in the 1950s). The expanding Hwy 403 and the opening of the Skyway Bridge (1958) drew even more “commuter” traffic away from Plains Road. The good news is that today it offers a bounty of dining experiences with some hospitality roots that make for great stories.

Easterbrook’s

694 Spring Gardens Rd.
easterbrooks.ca
IG: easterbrooks_hotdogs

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Spring Gardens Road was once part of Hwy 2 and here began the story of Mabel Easterbrook, whose family roots date back to the 1800s. The determined businesswoman responded to the traffic flow of potential customers by opening a tea house in 1926, which by 1930 had evolved into a hot dog eatery. The history of the Easterbrook family, who owned farms along Plains Road, could fill a book. Mabel’s great-grandson Blake is the current “top dog” at the iconic Easterbrook’s Foot-Long Hotdogs, taking hold of the reins after his father Ray retired. Mabel ran the business for 17 years, through the Great Depression and two world wars. Blake’s grandmother Irene took over for 30 years and Blake’s father had the longest run so far of 42 years. In Burlington Historical Society videos, Ray stands in front of the original building, describing indoor counters and seating dating back to around 1929. Business cards plaster the ceiling – some from the days when there were no postal codes or telephone area codes.

Easterbrook’s menu offers more than a dozen playfully named 12-inch hot dogs, as well as burgers. Their newest hot dog – the BBQ Banger – was the top dog of the year. Veggie dogs and sausages are on offer and for kiddies, there are pogos and chicken nuggets. Homemade gravy tops fries or enjoy the chili fries or onion rings. But save room for dessert – scooped ice cream (regular, sugar, or waffle cones), milkshakes, floats, and sundaes.

Greenhouse Café: Royal Botanical Gardens 

680 Plains Rd. W.
rbg.ca/dining/greenhouse-cafe
IG: rbgcanada

The Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) Centre opened in the 1950s with additions and upgrades in successive decades. This location offers indoor gardens, gift shops, teaching spaces/resources, and special events, including performing arts and floral showcases, such as the recent Bloomland in Oz. Visitors who have paid garden admission can access the Greenhouse Café for a snack, lunch, or a sweet treat – a delicious way to top off a visit. RBG members save 10 per cent on dining.

Turner Pavilion Tea House: RBG

680 Plains Rd. W.
rbg.ca/dining/turner-pavilion-teahouse/

Located in Hendrie Park, the Rose Garden and sculpture collection are enhancements to the tranquil, charming dining experience in the newly renovated Turner Pavilion. While light fare and à la carte treats are on the menu, the main attraction is the afternoon tea, featuring a variety of savoury selections, scones, and petits fours, including vegetarian and vegan options. General admission and reservations are required. Park at the RBG Centre, pay general admission and access Hendrie Park and the Turner Pavilion via the underground tunnel.

Rock Garden Bistro: RBG

1185 York Blvd.
rbg.ca/dining/rock-garden-bistro

Just before York Boulevard becomes Plains Road is the RBG Rock Garden, which dates back to the 1930s. Inspired by classic French bistros, the Rock Garden Bistro’s rotating menu includes vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free choices. Sunday brunch and a new happy hour are popular. Guests can dine indoors or on the seasonal patio. This is delicious dining with a glorious view.  

Rose Garden Family Restaurant

1124 Plains Rd. W.
rosegardenfamily.com
IG: rose_garden_burlington

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There has been a restaurant on this site since the 1940s. The Rendezvous and then Louie’s West Side Grill preceded the current Rose Garden, opened in 2010 by the talented chef John Choi. The unpretentious space is in keeping with a comfort food menu that is ambitious and delicious, and includes breakfast. The lunch/dinner menu offers a wide range of starters including dumplings, wings, spring rolls, soups, salads, sandwiches, and burgers. Comfort food entrées include meatloaf, hot turkey sandwich, shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, schnitzel, lasagna, and liver and onions. Choi’s Korean specialties, such as bibimbap and chicken teriyaki rice bowl, are not to be missed. Come once and you’ll return often.

Russell Williams Family Restaurant

20 Plains Rd. E.
russellwilliamsrestaurant.com 
IG: russellwilliamsrest

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In 1932, not long after Easterbrook’s began rolling out hot dogs, Russell Williams opened a family eatery in Hamilton – the first in his Bright Spot restaurant chain. The Plains Road location is believed to have opened sometime in the 1950s and is the only one still open. Williams passed the baton to his daughter Mona in 1976 and the business was sold in the early 1980s. Owners Chris and Mary Plessas offer the same home-cooked food and warm welcome today that brought in the first customers more than 90 years ago.

Although the menu features soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, classic entrées, and desserts, a main attraction is the all-day breakfast. Russell Williams is the place you visit to rekindle fond memories of a mom-and-pop restaurant – a fact attested to by the occasional lineup at the door. Their slogan? The kind of place where the pancakes are stacked high, the fries are plentiful, and the coffee flows freely.

West Plains Bistro

133 Plains Rd. E.
westplainsbistro.com
IG: westplainsbistro

West Plains Bistro accumulated a devoted fan club over the decades it was run by founder Irene Burns until her retirement in 2023. An exciting new chapter with owners Sarah and Ed Catley is building on the eatery’s reputation for hospitality and exceptional dining in a totally renovated space. Some signature dishes remain, and the chef-inspired menu offers made-in-house entrées, prepared à la minute. Appetizers, soups, and salads appear along with such items as salmon and pasta at lunch. At dinner, schnitzel, coq au vin, and beef tenderloin are additional tantalizing options. The ambiance, service, and food continue to satisfy old and new fans.

The Platter Company Gourmet Food Market

175 Plains Rd. E.
theplattercompany.ca
IG: theplattercompany

Whether it’s a party or special dinner, the Platter Gourmet Food Market provides top-notch food that is impressive eye candy and satisfyingly delicious. Their grab & go freezers offer irresistible fresh, frozen, and pantry goodies. Check out the platters, breads and dips, salad bowls, soups, pasta sauces, and sides – and, of course, desserts – all with gluten-free options. Catering is available as well as pre-ordered meals for special holidays. 

Peach Coffee Co. 

175 Plains Rd. E.
peachcoffeeco.com
IG: peach_coffee_co

What does peach bring to mind? Warm, fuzzy? Peachy keen? All that can describe the welcoming environment Peach Coffee aims to offer. As a gathering place, the interiors combine cozy furnishings, soothing colours, and inviting lighting to create a relaxing environment. Local, high-quality ingredients are used in baked goods, which include classic and innovative creations. With meticulous attention to all aspects of coffee brewing, one could say Peach Coffee has mastered the perfect brew. Ask about custom-made treats. The Peach Coffee brand includes supporting artisans and the community. 

District Kitchen + Bar

335 Plains Rd. E.
districtkitchenandbar.com 
IG: districtkitchenandbar

Once upon a time, it was Chaps. Then it was Pluckers Wing and Crab Shop. In 2021, this space was renewed and rebranded as District Kitchen, aiming to be a casual space where the community can come together. The menu focuses on pub fare with vegetarian and gluten-friendly options. With dishes that include wings, burgers, pizza, bowls, and more, the menu almost seems like a well-researched list of “what pub diners want.” Ask about the daily features and brunch menu – often tailored to celebrations such as Mother’s Day. Recent entertainment includes trivia nights, a drag brunch, and breakfast with Princess Peach.

Caked Coffee 

364 Plains Rd. E.
cakedcoffee.ca
IG: cakedcoffee.cafe

This family-owned bakery creates hand-crafted vegan desserts from scratch and in small batches every day. Its products contain no artificial colours or flavours and some gluten-free options are also available. And, of course, there’s coffee. Ask about the catering service.

Unbound Coffee + Gelato

516 Plains Rd. E. Unit 6
unbound.coffee
IG: unbound.coffee

Anna Safronova and her husband Yev Safronov opened Unbound Coffee with the idea of creating an inviting space where people can stop in for a well-made espresso, enjoy a slower moment, or take a gelato and iced latte on a walk through the neighbourhood. Actually, forget the “or.” Coffee pairs really well with gelato and Unbound offers award-winning gelato from Death in Venice, known for its creative flavour combos. Think ricotta rosemary lemon, Boozy Tiramisu, strawberry basil lemon, Nutella & Cookies, and vanilla bean & honey. There is some indoor seating and an activity wall for kids. Their goal is to become your “go to” place for excellent espresso, memorable gelato flavours, and a calm, friendly coffee shop experience.

Turtledoves Bakery

645 Plains Rd. E.
turtledoves.ca
IG: turtledovesbakery

Since 2010, this bakery has brought handcrafted gluten-free baked goods to the Plains Road scene, meeting individual dietary preferences and providing options for people with celiac disease. Try anything made here and join the chorus of “I can’t believe it’s gluten-free.” Choose from breads, cakes, cheesecakes, cookies, donuts, croissants, Danishes, and turnovers. Turtledoves also offers fruit and meat pies, and savoury options including soups, Jamaican patties, mac & cheese, and lasagna. Where possible and reasonable, the team uses locally-sourced ingredients. In their words, “Turtledoves is where gluten-free and great taste meet.”

Sakis Mediterranean & Greek Restaurant

645 Plains Rd. E.
sakisgreekrestaurant.com
IG: sakis.restaurant

Yet another family restaurant is Sakis, serving quality home-style food daily since 2016. Greek and Mediterranean food await, even at lunch time, with tantalizing specials. The various platters make it easy to enjoy a range of menu items. Of course, there’s hummus, falafels, pitas, gyros, souvlaki dinners, and salads – and everyone’s favourite dessert – baklava.

Thai Senses

645 Plains Rd. E.
thaisenses.ca
IG: thaisenses

Here’s where you go for authentic Thai cuisine made from time-honoured recipes and fresh ingredients. The chef specials are khao soi and pad kaprao moo sub. Khao soi is a northern Thai dish of chicken drumsticks and egg noodles in a curry broth. Kaprao moo sub dishes up crispy pork belly and minced pork with fried egg and jasmine rice. The menu offers all the classics – spring rolls, shrimp rolls, and cold rolls, satays, wontons, mango salad, soups, and curries, including massaman curry beef. BBQ, stir fry, noodle, and rice dishes can be topped off with appetizing drinks and desserts, such as fried banana with honey and Pandan cake. Thai Senses offers dine-in, pickup, catering, and delivery.

Lord Nelson Steak House

650 Plains Rd. E.
thelordnelson.com
IG: lordnelsonrestaurant

Opened in 1974, the Lord Nelson Steak House has mastered the combination of warm ambiance with sophisticated service for an unforgettable fine-dining experience. Iconic steak house dishes are the core of the menu, attracting steak house fans. Yes, they offer Caesar salad, jumbo shrimp cocktail, oysters Rockefeller, and even cherries jubilee. Steak may be the draw card, but it shares the menu with beef tenderloin, veal, and an appetizing assortment of seafood and pasta dishes. Lord Nelson prides itself on serving top-quality meats and fresh seafood with an extensive drinks list. A bonus not often associated with steak houses is that most days it is open for lunch, which makes Lord Nelson a great place for ladies or gents lunching, midday dates, or business lunches.

Royal Cumin Indian & Hakka

650 Plains Rd. E.
royalcumin.com
IG: royal_cumin

Joining the array of diverse cuisines on Plains Road is Royal Cumin, offering classic Indian dishes and Hakka (Indo-Chinese) cuisine, which, in the simplest of terms, combines Indian spices with Chinese cooking styles. Frequently ordered dishes are tandoori chicken, butter chicken, and parathas. The classics are all there – samosas, pakoras, masala, spring rolls, momos and, as to be expected, both protein and vegetable dishes, rice and biryani choices. Royal Cumin’s stated goal is to blend culinary excellence with warm hospitality with their takeaway, delivery, and catering.

Culinary diversity

My routines have taken me along Plains Road for several decades and it has been astonishing to see continuous development aimed at improving quality of life for the surrounding community.  Culinary diversity abounds with most cuisines on a typical diner’s checklist available – Chinese, Indian, Mediterranean, Japanese, pub grub, pizzas, donuts, a diner, a premier butcher, and a fish monger – AND one of the oldest seasonal walk-up Dairy Queens in Ontario.

The community that developed on the band of land to the north and south of Plains Road, nestled along the shores of Hamilton Harbour/Burlington Bay was, for a time, an unincorporated village called Aldershot. Annexed by Burlington in 1958, Aldershot Village continues to nurture community bonds. 

Andrea Dodd, executive director of the Aldershot Business Improvement Area (BIA), stresses that “Aldershot’s food scene is full of flavour! From cozy dine-in spots to quick takeout, sunny patios to breakfast gems that start your day right. We’ve got it all waiting for you. Come explore the east end of Burlington and discover your new favourite!”

Aldershot Village BIA

195 Plains Rd. E.
aldershotbia.com
IG: aldershotvillagebia

Aroma Kitchen (Chinese)

566 Plains Rd. E.
aromakitchenburlington.com

Dave’s Fish Market

685 Plains Rd. E.
davesfishmarket.com
IG: davesfishmarket

J & G Quality Meats Ltd

175 Plains Rd. E.
IG: jngmeats

Momo Sushi

366 Plains Rd. E.
momosushiburlington.ca
IG: momosushiburlington

Oakville Hakka

516 Plains Rd. E.
oakvillehakkahouse.com
IG: oakville_hakka_house

Panda Chopsticks Chinese Restaurant 

650 Plains Rd. E.
pandachopsticks.com

Sana Grill

1015 Cedarwood Pl.
sanagrillburlington.ca
IG: sanagrill_burlington

Skyway Diner

645 Plains Rd. E.
theskywaydiner.ca
IG: skywaydiner

Ye Olde Squire

127 Plains Rd. W.
yeoldesquire.ca
IG: yeoldesquire