King James Vol. 1
James Street North is, without a doubt, the heart of downtown Hamilton. Its dining scene is constantly evolving but rooted in the success of some mainstays and the neighbourhood’s ethnic diversity.
James North runs from King Street East to the bay, bringing you to lovely (and ongoing) upgrades at Pier 7. Originally Lake Road, it was renamed after a son of Hamilton founder Nathaniel Hughson. Much could be said about its history, filled with ups and downs. Reportedly a booming district for decades before World War II, the post-war ushered in periods of empty storefronts. Slowly but surely this neighbourhood of heritage buildings has recaptured its historical vitality. Businesses have come and gone, but these days empty spaces are soon occupied by a diverse group of new tenants passionate about community-building.
If you have a half hour to stroll the entire length of James North, your start/end points can be Gore Park or Pier 7. Speaking of strolling, on the second Friday of the month from May to October, James North (York Boulevard to Murray Street) becomes a temporary pedestrian mall for Art Crawl. This opportunity to experience the city's visual and media arts, galleries, studios, crafts, music and, of course, food scenes is popular, capturing the street’s energy.
The James North dining district is so rich in its offerings that we had to divide the street into two sections. First up is King Street to Robert Street and then King James: Vol. 2 in our next issue will showcase Robert Street to the waterfront.
The Standard
10 James St. N.
thestandardhamilton.com
IG: thestandardhamilton
Since February 2024, the Cipollo team behind Hambrgr have added to the street scene with this eatery driven by seasonal, local inspiration and what they refer to as a forward-thinking approach to dining. Lunch offers salads, sandwiches and mains. Dinner offers even more choices. A seven-course chef’s tasting menu entices. Brunch on weekends is popular, with special brunches for celebrations such as Mother’s Day. Their website shares news about events like the Belgian Beer Dinner pairing Trappist brewing with a tasting menu. They offer a private room for intimate events and meetings and also full restaurant buyouts. What about the restaurant name? They explain “… every service is a new opportunity to create something unforgettable. That’s the standard we set, and the reason we carry the name.”
Photos: The Standard
Electric Diner
Lister Block: 28 James St. N.
electricdinerhamilton.com
IG: electricdinerhamont
Electric Diner has a James North address and entrance, but given it is on the corner of James and King William, it was included in our King William Dining District article in spring 2024. One update is that the Hess Village location is now closed, so head to James North to enjoy the playful menu and décor created by owners Erika Puckering and Jamie Ewing who celebrate the 1980s. Be it breakfast, brunch, dinner or dessert, my list of favourites would be long – and I haven’t even mentioned the excellent beverage program. Often quirky, everything tastes great. The family-friendly eatery has a kid’s menu.
Merit Brewing
107 James St. N.
meritbrewing.ca
IG: meritbrewing
Brewmaster and GM Aaron Spinney co-founded Merit in 2017 and loves to chat about his craft. The beers rotate, currently featuring fresh patio sippers. There's something for everyone, including wine hybrids, lagers, IPAs, fruited sours and wheat beers, along with non-alcohol offerings and homemade carbonated beverages.
In a brewery the food may come second, but at Merit it’s not second-class. Local ingredients are featured as well as collaborations such as Niagara sensation Fat Rabbit’s contributions to the sharing board. Signature food includes homemade sausages, fries and pickles, which share the menu with snacks, share boards, plates and bowls. The new Steel Town Brisket Sando is a bestseller. Watch for weekly promotions, events and live music. Enjoy your visit in the inviting indoor space or comfy patio out back and you’ll see why Merit’s brand is “creativity, quality and consistency.”
Gong Cha Bubble Tea
109 James St. N.
gong-cha.ca
IG: hamontbubbletea
Since 2021, three sisters – Kim Phan, Thi Phan-Tran and Phuong Phan-Tran – born, raised and still living in Hamilton have run this shop, which has indoor seating. It’s a favourite with bubble tea fans and or novices with more on offer than the iconic beverage with tapioca pearls. Bubble waffles with or without ice cream are delicious. Their offerings include milk teas, smoothies, coffees, croffles (croissant waffles), bubble waffles and soft serve ice cream (flavours change weekly.) Try the fun toppings such as brûlée foams and popping boba. Dairy free and vegan modifications are available.
You can now buy bubble tea merch, such as keychains, tumblers, reusable straw kits, and plushies. Watch for collaborations, most recently with Line Friends toys and plushies (very popular in Asia). Gong Cha does catering for weddings and private events. Sounds like fun.
OKO Bagels
118 James St .N.
okobagels.com
IG: okobagels
If in the great bagel debate you fall on the side of Montreal-style wood-fired bagels, then OKO Bagels is the place for you. If you miss bagels with that chewy, dense texture, you won’t be disappointed. It offers more than a dozen flavours, all the favourite fillings, classy sandwiches and tubs of take-home cream cheese. The catering menu offers several platters – hard cheese, cream cheese, and smoked fish and meat.
Cowabunga+
30 Vine St. (and James North)
cowabungapizzeria.ca
IG: cowabungaplus
Open every day, Cowabunga offers classic and creative pizzas. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Cowabunga, loaded with mozzarella, pineapple, popcorn chicken, Cowabunga sauce, peanuts, sesame and scallions. The original takeout location on Upper Wellington continues to thrive, but Cowabunga Plus on James North offers indoor and patio seating. Mondays and Tuesdays bring specials such as Margarita Monday. The restaurant is an active participant in Art Crawl, featuring a booth where employees can showcase their maker talents.
The Cowabunga team are celebrities in the pizza world, winning countless pizza competitions locally and at global events in Las Vegas. They recently were guests on Pie 2 Pie, a pizza-maker’s podcast and YouTube channel. Cowabunga is an informal term for delight, satisfaction, or enthusiasm – the sentiments of their patrons.
Chocolat on James
123 James St. N.
chocolatonjames.com
IG: chocolatonjames
Chocolat has become a favourite of many. In addition to offering lovely truffles, it also focuses on chocolate snacks and candies, including fudge, bars and dipped Oreos to mention only a few. Special treats appear with every celebratory event and gift baskets and boxes are available. Drop by for coffee and soft serve!
Burnt Tongue
10 Cannon St. E. (and James North)
theburnttongue.com
IG: theburnttongue
Approaching its 12th anniversary this fall, Burnt Tongue now serves neighbourhoods in four locations, specializing in small-batch soups – with a new menu every day drawn from a huge soup repertoire. If soup brings to mind sandwiches, don’t worry because Burnt Tongue offers an impressive variety along with salads, burgers and fries. The team focuses on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and meets a range of dietary preferences – dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan and celiac-friendly. Burnt Tongue recently expanded its catering menu and capacity to cater events of all sizes. Feeling soup inspired? Try the cooking classes at its Commissary Kitchen in Westdale.
Saint James Espresso Bar & Eatery
170 James St. N.
saint-james.ca
IG: stjameseatery
David Ricottone (aka Rocky), chef and founding partner of Saint James, points out that its 10-year anniversary will be this fall. Even after a decade, there is no end to the creativity. Open early for breakfast, the “brunchy” menu continues until 3 p.m. Ricottone describes the menu as curated, settling on dishes that he and patrons love, and admits it can be challenging to make changes. The Drive Thru and The Malibu are favourites. Enjoy your visit indoors or on the patio. Watch for news about a possible once per month supper club embracing an evening vibe.
Says Ricottone: “We love the people who come and give them the best hospitality we’ve got … (It’s heartwarming) just being a part of the story of the city,” and notes that it’s no longer necessary to leave the city to have a good time out.
Rapscallion & Co.
178 James St. N.
rapandco.ca
IG: rapscallionrest
Erin Dunham and chef Matt Kershaw, the principals of the award-winning hospitality group The Other Bird seem to have the dining equivalent of the Midas touch. They create quirky but welcoming spaces (credited to Dunham) where you can enjoy marvelous food from the talented chef. Kershaw says he “wants the menu to add exciting, fun, even weird touches to classic dishes.” Their signature dish, for example, is chicken liver brulée – a superb liver pâté with the unexpected touch of being topped with hardened caramelized sugar. It works beyond expectations.
Note that their sun-kissed patio behind the restaurant is a blissful escape, where relaxation and indulgence go hand-in-hand. Summer cocktails and delicious shareable bites await. Check out the daily “Rappy Appy Hour” and menu for lunch, dinner, late night and themed brunches.
Claudio’s
191 James St. N.
claudios.ca
IG: claudiosristorante_
James North became the new location for Claudio’s – previously on Jackson – in 2022. The menu offers traditional Italian cuisine that has been recognized internationally for its quality. Appetizers, pizza and pasta share the menu with enticing entrées. Desserts are especially impressive.
Mulberry Coffeehouse
193 James St. N.
mulberrycoffeehouse.com
IG: mulberrycoffee
Fifteen years ago, Mulberry Coffeehouse opened in a beautiful heritage building. The space remains welcoming with coffee and made-in-house food that is organic, seasonal and local – with some ingredients sourced from the nearby Hamilton Farmers’ Market. Mulberry works with sustainable coffee, and has options for vegan and gluten-free daily pastries. “We love delighting our customers with exceptional food experiences that taste amazing and look beautiful.” The large patio on Mulberry is inviting for individuals and small groups. Note that it caters and hosts events.
Born & Raised
224 James St. N.
bornandraisedrestaurant.com
IG: bornraisedyhm
Chef/owner Vittorio Colacitti has Hamilton connections dating back to the 1800s. He was part of the first wave of chefs migrating from Toronto to Hamilton, bringing his expertise in Italian, Thai and French cuisine. There are hints of all these cuisines on the menu with burrata di Puglia appearing as an appetizer next to shaolin bao. He conveys “his love for old-world cooking techniques … alongside his fond and evolving passion for global flavours. With over a decade of experience and a philosophy of respecting food and community, his menus honour family, culture, and creativity.” Colacitti has a passion for cooking delicious food and creating memories for people. P.S. Be sure to have affogato for dessert.
Fibs Café
224 James St. N.
IG: fibscafe
Tali and Richie Yeates (both chefs) are the team behind Fibs, channeling their hospitality experience into this passion project. Having worked for years in the eateries of Vittorio Colacitti, they are using Born & Raised space to create a weekend café from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. With a rotating menu, they focus on products not seen in the average coffee shop. Examples? French onion soup bun, Guyanese beef patty (perfectly seasoned), bone broth hot chocolate, caramelized banana crème brûlée tart and tiramisu choux pastry, which is light, with the perfect hint of coffee. Everything is made in house. This family-friendly café believes food is their way of communicating love.
Still to come…
James North has long-established eateries and regularly welcomes new enterprises. Diners are awaiting the opening of Niku Niku – the Japanese BBQ opening in the space that was Afrolicious. Rumours abound about what might open in the spaces left by Bardo and Wild Orchid.
Rumours aside, it’s a fact that James North offers a diversity of cuisines and dining experiences. David Ricottone of Saint James feels that “for the first time, maybe in a generation, you don’t need to leave the city to have a great time out.” Look forward to more James North stories in the next issue.
