ON THE MENU: WHAT’S OPENED AND CLOSED ON THE LOCAL RESTAURANT SCENE

Here's a list of what has come, gone and changed in Hamilton and Burlington in November.

Launched & opening soon

Bohemian Beirut (90 King St. W., Dundas)

Owner Maro Al Chamaa is known for his no-nonsense big personality and big flavours at his first two eateries in Oakville, and he is quickly gaining a big following at the third location in downtown Dundas in a beautifully renovated new space, where “it’s not about the food, we’re building community.”
IG: @bohemianbeirut

Drongkowskis' Farm Market & Deli (312 Dundas St. E., Waterdown)

A good old-fashioned deli from St. George has opened a second location in Waterdown, with its gourmet sandwich menu featuring Montreal smoke, chicken club, smoked turkey, ham & cheese, plus breakfast sandwiches, house-made salads and daily seasonal soup. 
IG: @drongkowskis_farm_market

Firebat Coffee (12-3245 Harvester Rd., Burlington)

This established coffee roastery business has opened its new Roastery & Coffee Lab in Burlington, showcasing a rotating lineup of direct trade and shade-grown coffees straight from some of the best coffee farms in El Salvador. Hands-on brewing workshops and other events are in the works.
IG: @firebatcoffee

The Hungry Donkey (4 Newton Ave., Hamilton)

This traditional Greek street food eatery takes over the spot that was very recently Chaska Indian Street Food in the heart of Westdale Village, serving gyros, souvlaki, rice bowls with skewers, pita, salads, and baklava. Open 11 a.m.-11 p.m. every day.
IG: @thehungrydonkey.ca

NoodzINB (8 Brucedale Ave. W., Hamilton)

This build-your-own noodle bowl eatery bills itself as “Hamilton’s first and only instant noodle bar." Pick your noodle base, veggies, proteins, all displayed on a wall of changing options. Taking advantage of its proximity to Mohawk College, it’s open daily, and open late for those post-party cravings.
IG: @noodzinb

Talad Asian Kitchen (129 Locke St. S., Hamilton)

Sharing the space of Diced Ice as they scale back during the winter season, Talad Asian Kitchen will be offering Asian fusion rice dishes and a signature dip sandwiches combining Asian spices and western flair.
IG: @taladasiankitchen

Vie Tea Cafe (598 Upper James St., Hamilton)

A bright new café close to Mohawk College, offering bubble tea, smoothies, espresso and Vietnamese coffees, matcha, fruit and milk teas. 
IG: @vieteacafe

Rebranding & evolving

BE Cafe and Barkery (7 Richwill Rd., Hamilton)

Formerly Bring Your Dog Café, new owner Nina (of Chef Nina’s Creative Kitchen) has revamped the menu to include her signature nourishing foods, and rebranded to better reflect the change. It’s also still a dog café and all dogs are welcome!
IG: @becafeandbarkery

Cozy Bird (224 James St.N, Hamilton)

The takeout restaurant formerly known as The Pigeon that created legendary fried chicken sandwiches closed during the pandemic, but is rising from the ashes as a new pop-up called Cozy Bird. You can order for takeout on the website for pick up on Mondays and Tuesdays at Born & Raised on James Street North.
IG: @cozybird.hamont

Das Schnitzelhaus (255 King St. E., Hamilton)

The restaurant formerly known as Black Forest Inn is giving it one more shot after many attempts to reopen this fall, this time under new ownership and a new name. A social media post promises they are dedicated to “preserving the authentic German flavours, warm hospitality and cherished traditions that made this location a favourite.”
IG: @dasschnitzelhaus_

Tomah Dough (1119 Fennell Ave. E., Hamilton)

This is the second location for Tomah, with a menu that is similar to the original but with the addition of Syrian pastries. There are flatbread and pita bread sandwiches, mana’eesh stuffed with a variety of savoury or sweet fillings, salads, and entrees like falafel, shawarma and kabob. This location is takeout only.
IG: @tomahrestauranthamilton

Closed & closing

Mikey’s Cream Pies (Barton Street, Hamilton)
After one last plea on social media asking loyal customers to purchase $100 gift cards to stave off being locked out of their space, Mikey’s Cream Pies has called it quits. The little pie shop on Barton had many fans around the city who were sad to see the shop close in November.

Paloma TNT (Augusta Street, Hamilton)
Closed after only a short stint in business, with no announcement, and only a sign posted on the door by the landlord detailing rent arrears.

Shoeless Joe’s (Brant St, Burlington)
Closed without notice, this big box sports bar is now out of business and up for sale.

Wild Orchid (James Street North, Hamilton)
The owners of Wild Orchid are closing the beloved restaurant on Dec. 31 before “taking some much-needed downtime and embarking on new adventures.” The social media post also relayed that plans are already in the works for its replacement.

– List compiled by HAMILTON CITY Magazine contributor Suzanne Zandbergen. If you have a restaurant opening or changing, please let us know at meredith@hamiltoncitymagazine.ca.