DINING DISTRICTS: Making Concessions
Hamilton Mountain’s most northerly street is an important and eclectic city dining destination.
My Hamilton roots centred around the Delta until we joined those moving up to the Mountain. Prior to researching this article, I had not known that, about a century ago, the north side of Concession was the southern city limit. Added to this information from the Concession Business Improvement Area (BIA) was the fact that it took some wrangling to move the southern border to Fennell Avenue in 1929. With that, both sides of Concession, which runs parallel with the lovely Mountain brow, finally became part of Hamilton.
The BIA website shares interesting stories of the street, which in the mid-19th century was home to a Black community, and in time attracted Loyalist soldiers moving north from New York State, as well as European farmers. Anyone reading about the incline railway, the creation of the Jolley Cut, and the first hospital near Sherman (built for WWI veterans) cannot help but feel a fondness for and fascination with the street.
I was part of a generation that was allowed to ride a bicycle from Mohawk Road to Concession, visit the library and spend the afternoon reading in a Mountain brow park. While some eateries do offer indoor seating, the brow, a block away — with benches and sometimes even picnic tables — continues to be an asset, inviting you (weather permitting) to enjoy tantalizing food while enjoying the view of the city.
With a few exceptions, most eateries are located between Sherman and Wentworth. The offerings lean toward takeout and family-forward, but also include a few offering a nightlife vibe. Favourites Papa Leo’s, Jonny Blonde and Opie’s are gone, but exciting new eateries have taken their place.
New Masala Grill
794 Concession St.
newmasalagrill.ca
IG: newmasalagrill.ca
The New Masala Grill offers comforting South Asian food in a warm and relaxed ambiance, perfect for a casual family dinner or a friendly gathering. The menu specializes in authentic North Indian and Pakistani cuisine craved by locals and diners with roots in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka seeking the flavours of home.
Fusion starters offer playful, innovative dishes sharing the menu with classics such as tandoori, butter chicken and naan, chana masala, and fluffy fried bread (bhatura), a quintessential street food experience. The extensive menu can be paired with a variety of beverage options, including beers imported from India. Enjoy a midday meal, late-night bite or the "Midnight Masala" on weekends.
Never Board Games Lounge
784 Concession St.
neverboardgames.ca
IG: neverboardgl
With over 25 years of experience in hospitality, Roger Coughlin launched Never Board, which thrives with the support of his wife Holly. While the focus is on the games, the experience is enhanced with a sizable menu of fresh, made-in-house appetizers and shareables. They offer over 1,000 board, card, retro and role-playing games, attracting patrons of all ages, with some groups visiting weekly. Never Board is family friendly and has spaces for group gatherings and birthday parties.
Beverages include coffees, sodas, local beers (e.g. Clifford’s, and Shawn & Ed Brewing Co.) as well as cocktail and non-alcoholic drinks. If the size of their game collection feels daunting, their team is ready with advice. Reservations are encouraged, though not required. Open at noon every day. Check out their Game of Thrones chair.
Lemon and Ice
780 Concession St.
lemonandice.ca
IG: lemonandiceconcession
Lemon and Ice is a locally owned café and restaurant built around one simple idea: healthy takeout that satisfies. It’s a concept actualized by a busy mom. The brand focuses on fast, fresh, and healthy, specializing in power bowls, each built with a balance of grains, greens, and protein. Sauces are made in-house and combined with quality ingredients, ensuring flavourful and feel-good meals. In addition to bowls, the menu includes tacos, wraps, smoothies, and specialty lattés, offering something for every taste at any time of day. Lemon and Ice also proudly supports the community through catering of all sizes.
La Luna Mountain
650 Concession St.
lalunarestaurants.ca/dining
IG: lalunarestaurants
For over 30 years, La Luna has aimed to provide guests with the best, most authentic Lebanese food. The usual dips, falafels, and kebbeh are among the starters. You can follow these with soups, salads, pita, rice dishes and iconic mains. Platters enable you to enjoy combinations of the fine menu items.
Juicy Birds
638 Concession St.
juicybirds.ca/locations/hamilton
IG: juicybirdsca
Mohammad Sameer and two friends — all with considerable hospitality experience — founded the Juicy Bird enterprise in 2022 and now serve several Ontario locations. Making everything from scratch, their unique blend of spices, along with brining and breading, results in a Nashville hot chicken dining experience that comes in various forms, including sandwiches, tenders, poutine, and as meals. Meals are called “hot boxes,” but in fact there are five spice levels from no heat to burnin’. Sides, including waffle fries, mozzarella sticks, and mac’n cheese, are also available. The Concession location has some indoor seating and is open from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.
Juicy Bird offers Hot Box meal combos for takeout and indoor dining spaces. PHOTO: Juicy Bird
Diner on Concession
612 Concession St.
diner-on-concession
IG: dineronconcession
The space once occupied by the beloved Opie’s now offers the community a welcome setting as the Diner on Concession. With a menu offering appetizers, salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and pasta (and a kids’ menu) a popular feature is their all-day breakfast. The Classic Concession offers two eggs, bacon, ham, or sausage, home fries, and toast, but the menu is even more tempting with omelettes, eggs Benedict, pancakes, French toast, avocado toast, and more. Daily specials are shared on Instagram.
Balaji Ghughra
600 Concession St.
balajighughra
IG: balajighughra_ca
With additional locations in Mississauga and Brampton, Balaji brings diners unique flavours from Kathiyawad, a large peninsula in the state of Gujarat, India, “known for its spicy and fiery cuisine called Kathiyawadi cuisine.” This includes vegetarian snacks, sandwiches and treats such as savoury/sweet ice gola.
Townhall Social Eatery
581 Concession St.
townhallsocial.com
IG: townhallsocialeatery
Over three decades, chef Brett Liersch and wife Kara have built an enterprise that currently revolves around the Townhall Social Eatery. Inspired by projects such as Toronto’s Chef's Hall where various chefs and restaurants share a food hall space, the Townhall includes The Dirty South, The Parlour Dairy Bar, The Taproom and Incline Coffee Co. The Dirty South and The Parlour are both well-known Liersch projects. On the heels of the pandemic, circumstances resulted in The Taproom and Incline Coffee also coming under their purview, which also includes Kreative Katering.
The space is cleverly arranged into partly separate areas that still enable “collective dining.” Says Kara: “(It’s) a restaurant that every friend group can eat at … Trust us, it'll make sense once you experience it.” The flexible arrangement is welcomed by not only “friend groups” but families and the setting is described as super kid-friendly. On a recent visit, the space was comfortably shared by couples enjoying breakfast, a yoga group and a “mom and me” gathering.
Incline Coffee
581 Concession St.
townhallsocial.com/inclinecoffeeco
IG: inclinecoffeeco/
While some of the Townhall food options do not open until 11 a.m., Incline opens at 8 a.m. A full range of coffees and teas can be enjoyed with the all-day breakfast menu that includes toasts, bagels, sandwiches, burritos, and the popular breakfast bowls. A classic eggs, protein and home fries breakfast is also available.
The Taproom
581 Concession St.
townhallsocial.com/the-taproom
IG: thetaproom581
The Taproom has a pub-style menu with creative cocktails, domestic and locally brewed beers as well as zero-proof offerings.
The Dirty South
581 Concession St.
townhallsocial.com/the-dirty-south
IG: dirtysouthtruck
Dirty South satisfies your craving for BBQ’d proteins such as chicken, smoked meats, ribs, wings, and “all things fried, pulled, smoked, and slow-cooked.” Signature menu items are a variety of poutines and mac 'n' cheeses, as well as handhelds, ranging from burgers to tacos. Waffles, burritos, eggs Benny, and avocado smash all make an appearance on the popular brunch menu, which also includes kids’ options.
The Parlour Dairy Bar
581 Concession St.
townhallsocial.com/the-parlour
IG: theparlourhamilton
The Parlour promises to appeal to your inner child, offering a sweet ending to all Townhall dining options, but can also serve as a charming location for a kiddie party. Poutine, grilled cheese, smash burgers, hot dogs, milkshakes, floats, sundaes, and funnel cakes are on the menu. Of course, ice cream is the star attraction available in various types of cones. Enjoy a funnel cake, a specialty sundae or build your own.
Rosie’s Burgers
590 Concession St.
rosiesburgers.ca
IG: rosiesburgers
When my niece tells me there’s a burger joint I must visit, I take her advice. She wasn’t wrong: Rosie’s Burgers delivers a top-notch smash burger. Founded in 2020 by brothers Daniel and Dustin Gelman, who share a passion for good food, it has the goal of becoming a neighbourhood gathering place. “Rosie” is their grandmother, whom they describe as “a woman with an incredible ability for making anyone in her presence feel at home, Rosie’s is a nod to the enduring tradition of genuine hospitality.” In addition to burgers (regular and vegetarian), they offer chicken sandos, terrific crinkle fries, onion rings, poutine, and shakes. Puddings include banana and sometimes there are specials, such as Mom’s Mocha Pudding. All of this can be catered. With several locations in Ontario, Concession is their first step into Hamilton.
Heal Wellness
584 Concession St.
healwellness.ca
IG: healwellness
Owners Jay Zuccato and Jesse Davidson launched this plant-based, quick-serve eatery on Concession Street in 2019 with a goal of expanding their enterprise, and that they have done! With multiple locations in Ontario, they have also expanded to Alberta, B.C. and P.E.I. They are proving that fast food can be healthy, tasty, and fun. Each smoothie and bowl is blended fresh using real fruit and superfoods such as açaí, pitaya, and banana, with boosters such as protein, collagen, or sea moss for that extra kick. The vibe is upbeat, friendly, and always full of good energy. More than just smoothie bowls, it’s about connection and building community with local events and collaborations. Bonus: pups are treated to free puppuccinos!
Fishing Sushi
542 Concession St.
fishingsushi.ca
IG: fishing.sushi
With 12 years’ experience in hospitality, Hung Nguyen captured the attention of Hamilton in 2020 when he launched Dumpling Boy from his parents’ home. Plans were already afoot to enter the sushi market, which became the focus of his enterprise that has now expanded to locations in Burlington and Mississauga. The goal is “to provide exquisite meals, made out of only the finest and freshest ingredients that taste great every single time.” Meal items include, but are not limited to, salads, miso soup, gyoza, spring rolls, and tempura. Sushi is available in dinner specials, combos, and party trays. The expansive menu offers something for everyone.
Bloom Coffee
533 Concession St.
thebloomcoffee.ca
IG: thebloomcoffee.hamilton
It was the pistachio latté that triggered my visit to Bloom Coffee. In addition to an extensive list of hot and cold beverages, the menu features enticing dishes from Middle Eastern cuisines. The décor is inviting and includes an attractive summer patio. Visit the Instagram account for news about frequent and lively entertainment.
2MayTea
518 Concession St.
2maytea.com
IG: 2maytea
There is a May and it is owner Tuan Doan’s mother. The focus at 2Maytea is Vietnamese cuisine and the family team includes Tuan’s wife Dung. If you crave iconic signature Vietnamese coffees, from creamy egg coffee to refreshing avocado blends, and would like to enjoy your beverage with a unique banh mi (sandwich), 2Maytea is waiting to serve you. Seating in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere is an option or you can do takeout.
Concession conclusion
Diversity abounds on this lively street, and the list above only partly covers all that is on offer. There are favourites, such as Red Stone Pizza and Speedy Subs, food truck options (Green Machine), Middle Eastern food and shisha bars (Rannosh Grill, Al-Omara), Caribbean cuisine (Lyn’s), Chinese (Pagoda Chop Suey, and Eng’s), Indian classics (Mr Khaman), burritos (Fat Bastard), along with places to enjoy sports and video games (Joe Dog’s), and karaoke fun (Déjà Vu Bar); The success of the Concession dining district has much to do with the passion and work of their business improvement area (BIA) under the leadership of Doris Sanchez. Seasonal events and Sidewalk Sounds (almost like an uptown art crawl) are energizing community spirit.
Concession Street Business Improvement Area (BIA)
534 Concession St.
concessionstreet.ca
IG: concessionbia
Al-Omara Cafe & Lounge
796 Concession St.
IG: alomaracafe
Déjà Vu Bar and Karaoke
445 Concession St.
dejavukaraoke.ca
Green Machine Kitchen
664 Concession St
greenmachinefoodtruck.com/storefront
IG: greenmachinekitchen/
Eng’s Chinese Restaurant
606 Concession St.
engs-chinese-restaurant.menu-world.com
Fat Bastard Burrito
447 Concession St.
fatbastardburrito.ca
IG: bastardburrito
Joe Dog’s Gasbar Grill
529 Concession St.
joedogs.com/concession
IG: joedogsgasbar
Lyn’s Caribbean Restaurant
568 Concession St.
caribbeancanadianrestaurant.ca
IG: caribbeancanadianrestaurant
Mr Khaman
760 Concession St.
mrkhaman.ca/mrkhaman-hamilton/
IG: mr.khaman_hamilton
Pagoda Chop Suey House
792 Concession St.
pagodamenu.weebly.com
Rannosh Grill and Shisha Cafe
580 Concession St.
IG: rannushgrill
Red Stone Pizza
576 Concession St.
redstonepizza.net
IG: redstonepizzaca
Speedy Subs
562 Concession St.
IG: speedysubshamilton
