Getting out: Music & menus
If live tunes help your food taste better, here’s a list of places where the grub is as good as the setlist!
With this issue being HAMILTON CITY Magazine’s music issue, it seemed fitting to round-up a bundle of local restaurants where you can see and enjoy some live music. Hamilton is rife with talented local musicians, performing almost nightly across the city. Though there are many music venues locally, these are some spots where you can enjoy both some tunes and a bite to eat.
Henry’s on James
From the folks who brought us restaurants like The Mule and Rapscallion, The Other Bird Hospitality Group has now brought us the latest and greatest restaurant in their lineup: Henry's on James. Calling themselves part restaurant, part live music venue, Henry’s offers nightly music leaning towards jazz-style. Each seated guest also pays a music appreciation fee in place of a cover. On the menu, you will find their ever-popular tableside prime rib, crab & gruyere dip, wedge salad, and much more.
303 James St. N., Hamilton
henrysonjames.com
IG: henry.onjames
FB: Henrys-On-James
The Corktown Pub
Most Hamiltonians know about The Corktown Pub since it's one of Hamilton's oldest restaurants and live music venues – opened in 1931. Though the theme is very much classic Irish pub, there is a wide variety of music offerings, from ’80s nights, Irish music jam sessions, jazz nights, East Coast kitchen parties, rock, blues and more. Try the spicy Caesar chicken wings, or perhaps one of the Irish offerings, such as the Irish stew bowl or the Irish nachos.
175 Young St., Hamilton
corktownpub.ca
IG: corktownpub
FB: TheCorktown
The Powerhouse Restaurant
The Powerhouse in Stoney Creek is among the eight B Social Hospitality restaurants in Hamilton and Burlington, which together have more than 600 live musical performances each year. The historic building of The Powerhouse serves up live music every Friday and Saturday, alongside its casual dining offerings. The menu includes lemon pepper calamari, pesto brie sliders, homemade chicken tenders, roast beef Yorkie, and much more. You can find the full list of musical performers on the website, with details about what to expect. Go ahead – check out something new!
21 Jones St., Stoney Creek
thepowerhouse.ca
IG: powerhouse_restaurant
FB: thepowerhouserestaurant
Tracie’s Place Restaurant and Karaoke
Though it's a slightly different style of live music, there's something special about the experience of karaoke, and Tracie's Place offers it seven days a week! This eatery on the Mountain has warm service, and great deals, served with a side of entertainment. There is an extensive menu of nostalgic favourites: jalapeno poppers, wings, quesadillas, clubhouse sandwiches, hot roast beef, and more. If karaoke isn't your thing, they also host some live music days, including a Sunday matinee.
592 Upper James St., Hamilton
traciesplace.ca
IG: traciesplacehamilton
FB: TraciesKaraoke
The Capitol Bar
A neighbourhood spot with a penchant for craft beer, cocktails, and a plethora of whisky options, The Capitol Bar offers live music every Friday and Saturday night, with an up-to-date listing of performers posted regularly to its Instagram page. In addition to an awesome music lineup, this cozy King Street spot offers shareable food items like beef croquettes and charcuterie boards, and standalone entrées like pastas, BLTs and veggie burgers … plus Sunday roast beef!
973 King St E, Hamilton
thecapitolbar.com
IG: capitolbarhamilton
FB: The-Capitol-Bar
Coach & Lantern
The Coach & Lantern is the third-oldest building in Ancaster and one of its most popular pubs. And it's said to be haunted, too! The cozy pub offers all the classic English pub dishes: fish and chips, bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, and much more. During the summer months, the patio opens up in the courtyard to add lots of additional seating. At this time of year, you can find musical performances inside with an open mic every Thursday night and set performers on Fridays and Saturdays. Check out the website for the full musical schedule!
384 Wilson St. E., Ancaster
coachandlantern.ca
IG: coachandlantern
FB: coachandlantern
Doors Pub: Taco Joint & Metal Bar
For the metal heads out there, Doors Pub is the place to be for live music. This spot on the edge of Hess Village posts all its upcoming metal shows on its Instagram page. For food, pickled eggs seem to be a hit; but as the name suggests, they also offer some simple tasty tacos.
56 Hess St. S., Hamilton
IG: doorspubhamilton
Uptown Social House
Uptown Social House in Burlington takes the live music concept, but switches it up with duelling pianos! The pianists work together to create an entertaining performance, complete with requests from the audience. If that isn't your thing, there are other musical evenings and weekend days, served with menu items and daily specials including salads, flatbread, wings, sandwiches, tacos, and pastas.
1900 Walkers Line, Burlington
uptownsocialhouse.ca
IG: uptownsocialhouse
FB: uptownsocialhouse.ca
The Forge Bar-BQ
One of the newest restaurants on the scene, the space that was Pub Fiction has become The Forge Bar-BQ. Specializing in Southern BBQ platters and eats, the restaurant leans into the theme with country music nights alongside daily menu specials. Be sure to try the delicious brisket!
1242 Garner Rd. W., Hamilton
theforgebar-bq.ca
IG: theforgebarbq
FB: theforgebarbq
East End Social Bar& Grill
Another spot that has been revamped and renewed from its former glory, East End Social takes the spirit of the former Rankin's Bar & Grill and turns it into something new. But this spot is exactly what you would imagine with a neighbourhood bar and grill: euchre and trivia nights, good pricing on classic menu items, and, of course, live music featuring acoustic, blues, R&B, soul, and more. Visit the website for the full event listing.
1342 Main St. E., Hamilton
eastendsocialhamilton.ca
IG: eastendsocialhamilton
FB: eastendsocialhamilton
