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 January.

Launched 

Afro Fusion Resto (337 James St. N., Hamilton)
Dine in or take out from the newly opened Afro Fusion Resto, which showcases rich natural flavours of West Africa. Serving traditional dishes like jollof, beef suya, waakye, alongside fusion dishes like southern fried mac ’n’ cheese and suya beef street tacos.
IG: @afrofusionresto

Coffee Run Co. (148 James St. S., Hamilton)
This area of downtown sorely needed a coffee shop, indicated by the bustling pace of the cozy space with historic features like the exposed stone wall. The café serves The Angry Roaster, a roastery local to Toronto, and its baked goods are baked in-house by Cinny’s Sweet Treats. 
IG: @coffeerunco.hamilton

Edenoel’s Panini and Ice Cream (291 Main St. W., Hamilton)
This is the second location for the restaurant that has been serving up savoury and sweet in east Hamilton for over a decade. Central Hamilton will now get a taste of the towering Hewitt’s Dairy confections with the new downtown shop, serving up the hot and cold treats year round.
IG: @edenoels_paniniandicecream

Eggsmart (1200 Brant St., Burlington)
Serving up substantial breakfast plates in a bright, modern spot with cozy booths. Try French toast benedict, smash burger & home fries, or arrive before 9 a.m. to order from the $9 breakfast menu that includes coffee.
IG: @eggsmart_burlington

Ooey Gooey’s (107 George St., Hamilton)
Billing itself as “affordable food and beers every day,” it appears that the owners of the former Moody’s restaurant in the same Hess Village location have pivoted to a new concept based on an uncertain economic climate. Burgers and beer are on offer at 5 bucks and change, with 99-cent wing nights.
IG: @therealooeygooeys

TriniCanJam Cuisine (355 Main St.E, Hamilton)
Grand Opening day was January 31st, bringing to Hamilton the vibrant flavours of Trinidad, Canada, and Jamaica together in a symphony of taste. Menu includes favourites like roti, jerk chicken, oxtail and curry goat.
IG: @trinicanjamcuisine

Opening soon

Easy Tiger (10 John St. N., Hamilton)
Brought to you by the team behind Farside, Easy Tiger is described as: “A convivial snack bar for those who crave comfort.” Expected to open in February in the Treble Hall building on John Street North, the Downtown Hamilton BIA says Easy Tiger will feature “table service, top-tier cocktails, and a snack menu that goes way beyond hotdogs, all while keeping the same good energy Farside is known for.”
IG: @easytigersnackbar 

Ottawa Street Local (226 Ottawa St. N., Hamilton)
Taking over the former Café Limoncello's location, a sneak peek of Ottawa Street Local shows plush booths, cozy seating and a beautiful bar in a contemporary setting. No news on menu offerings yet.
IG: @ottawastreetlocal

Flavours of Kolkata (54 James St. N., Hamilton)
Bringing you the best of Bengal’s culinary traditions in a lively, cozy atmosphere.
IG: @fok_flavorsofkolkata

Armando’s Pizza Patties (158 Highway 8, Stoney Creek)
Armando's will be bringing crispy, cheesy pizza patties to Stoney Creek soon! What are pizza patties, you ask? Can't wait to find out!
IG: @armandospizzapatties

Rebranding & evolving

August 8 (1066 Upper James St., Hamilton)
Reopened after a lengthy closure due to renovations following a devastating fire in November 2022. Fans of the all-you-can-eat Cantonese-style dim sum and traditional Japanese cuisine rejoiced in the comments section of the recent opening announcement post on Facebook.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/August8Restaurant

The Dirty South (581 Concession St., Hamilton)
This southern comfort food favourite is closing its current Concession Street location, but will be moving across the street into the space of sister business, Townhall Social Eatery. The move doubles their seats and kitchen size, as well as giving them a better chance to “crawl, claw & fight our way out of this recession,” as they recently posted on their Instagram page.
IG: @dirtysouthtruck

Joshy’s Good Eats (1111 Cannon St. E., Hamilton)
Joshy’s has made a name for themselves with their house-made bagels at the Hamilton Farmers’ Market, and after much searching has found the perfect spot to expand. The market stall has now been closed in anticipation of the move in February to Cannon Street East, the current home of Ranko’s Meat and Delicatessen.
IG: @joshysgoodeats

Closed & closing

Broken Barrel Bistro (Concession Street, Hamilton)
This bistro known for its smoked meats and comfort foods follows a rash of similar closures on Concession with signs posted on the front doors by the landlord. The owners have not posted on their social media since before Christmas.

Burger Barn (4th Line, Ohsweken)
Temporarily closed due to a devastating fire that has destroyed the structural integrity of its red barn building. It’s too early for reports on rebuilding or renovating, but our hearts go out to this beloved burger establishment as they work through this setback.

Cinnaholic (King Street West, Hamilton)
The Westdale bakery that focused on gourmet cinnamon buns closed quietly with no announcement, and social media accounts deleted. The business was part of a larger Canadian franchise. The closure of this vegan spot is one of a recent trend of plant-based restaurants closing in Hamilton.

Electric Diner (George Street, Hamilton)
The original Hess Village location of Electric Diner closed as of Jan. 26, after five years in business, much of it during the rough pandemic years. The larger location of Electric Diner on James Street North better suits their needs and will continue serving up the retro vibe they’ve become known for.

Dragon Place (Rymal Road East, Hannon)
Due to “multiple determining factors,” Dragon Place closed as of Jan. 3. They noted on a social media post that “we will be pivoting and opening a completely new business that we specialize in. We will be undergoing a complete renovation so please stay tuned for our big announcement in the very near future.”

Merk Snack Bar (Ottawa Street North, Hamilton)
Chef Mark Baker called the decision to close Merk Snack Bar “the hardest decision I’ve had to make so far in my life” in a heartfelt Instagram post. The restaurant became a neighbourhood hub, a homey spot where you could count on delicious food made with love. Fans can take hope from the chef’s words: “Everybody knows the community guy never leaves for real.”

Steeltown Garage (Barton Street East, Hamilton)
This gathering spot for motorcycle enthusiasts closed as of Jan. 18 this year, with the owners citing the “economic climate rendering it impossible to continue” in a social media post. It was also revealed that new ownership has taken over the associated lifestyle brand of clothing and accessories, which will live on.

– 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. And be sure to check out the March/April edition of HAMILTON CITY Magazine – it’s our food issue!