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 March.
Launched
Aquanova Brewing Co. (67 Frid St., Hamilton)
After building its brand at various local restaurants, Aquanova is now bringing its high-quality, uniquely crafted beers in a newly opened unique, pet-friendly space in the west end, featuring frequent pop-up collabs with local caterers and food trucks.
IG: @aquanovabeer
Cumulus Cafe (1038 Garner Rd. W., Ancaster)
Now open to make your fluffy Japanese cheesecake dreams come true. Choose your own topping combinations like fresh berries, chocolate drizzle and Oreo crumble, matcha powder and coconut, or go with a recommended combination from the menu. Specialty drinks include Matcha Cloud, Hojicha Cloud, and Mango Yuzu Refresher.
IG: @cumuluscafeofficial
Dear Saigon (2405 Fairview St., Burlington)
Burlington is the fifth location for this local franchise that started just over a decade ago in Toronto. Pho is the focus of this restaurant, showcasing authentic flavours of Vietnam. Other options on the menu include tom yum, pad Thai, satay, and rice plates.
IG: @dearsaigon.official
HEAL / Lettuce Love (1023 King St. W., Hamilton)
HEAL, the Hamilton-based smoothie chain has been rapidly growing across Canada, and with its latest location in Westdale, it has partnered with popular vegan eatery Lettuce Love to share a vibrant space. Grab a power bowl, tacos or a burger, and a smoothie or an acai bowl for a healthy dessert.
IG: @heal.wellness / @lettucelovecafe
MacTini Bar (189 Ottawa St.N, Hamilton)
This Hamilton gluten-free mac & cheese catering company has graduated to its first brick and mortar restaurant. Signature mac & cheese dishes include bacon pickle ranch and buffalo chicken. Opens for dinner service on April 1.
IG: @themactinibar
Mister Maki (990 King St. W., Hamilton)
A new small grab-and-go eatery in Westdale has opened with convenient sushi hand rolls that are pre-made, “so you can enjoy high-quality sushi without the wait.” Find it in the spot that most recently housed Next Door Cafe.
IG: @mistermaki_
Nanny & Bulls (627 Barton St. E., Hamilton)
An instant neighbourhood favourite with homey vibes that throw back to your grandparents’ basement. The transformation of this space is stunning and worth the visit, as well as the $5 happy hour beer between 5 to 7 p.m. Get 10 per cent off when you show your ticket from that night at Playhouse Theatre, just a five-minute walk away.
IG: @nannyandbulls
Ottawa Street Local (226 Ottawa St. N., Hamilton)
All your pub favourites like bloomin’ onion, crab cakes, Philly cheesesteak and cobb salad, with elevated pub food entrées like roasted red pepper meatloaf and grilled tomato and asiago ravioli. The space that once housed Limoncello has been renovated and can accommodate weddings and private parties for sit-down dinners of up to 50 people.
IG: @ottawastreetlocal
Republik (2000 Appleby Line, Burlington)
A southwestern Ontario chain opened its fourth location in Burlington, touting itself as “a groundbreaking concept … merging the best of Asian cuisine, a trendy kitchen bar atmosphere, and the vibrant energy of a weekend club, all under one roof.”
IG: @republikeateryandbar
Opening soon
On its ninth anniversary on March 12, this popular Toronto pizza restaurant chain announced on its Instagram channel that Hamilton would be its next location for expansion. During the pandemic, the innovative business pivoted to create a frozen version of its product to sell in local shops. No hint has been dropped yet as to the location in Hamilton, but watch for the signature graffiti rose garden facade featured at all its restaurants.
IG: @pianopianotherestaurant
Henry’s on James (James Street North at Barton, Hamilton)
Opening in May, Henry’s bills itself as “a hidden gem in the city — part intimate restaurant, part live music venue” where “members enjoy exclusive perks.” This is the latest venture by The Other Bird group, beloved for Rapscallion & Co., The Mule and Burro. Follow on Instagram for updates.
IG: @henrys.onjames
Rebranding & evolving
D Hot Shoppe (4155 Fairview St., Burlington)
Fans of Burlington’s most cherished roti shop can rest assured that D Hot Shoppe will continue on despite the owners deciding to move on after 20 years. Their social media post reassured customers to “please be comforted knowing that our long-term staff will still be there along with the new owners to thrive and serve you just as we always have.”
IG: @dhotshoppe
Donut Monster (Locke Street, Hamilton)
After 10 years on Locke Street, it appeared Donut Monster would be no more after its owners announced economic challenges were forcing them to close the bakery. The city and beyond took to social media to mourn the loss, but on April 3, the owners revealed they have found new owners. "This means we will NOT be closing! Even better, Donut Monster will be put into very capable hands and our amazing staff will continue to be part of the team, keeping the donuts and milkshakes and coffee you love going strong. The new owners are a partnership between the operators of a beloved community focused small cafe brand from Nova Scotia and Hamilton based individuals with a wealth of experience in the coffee and café industry."
Closed & closing
AB Sports Bar (Appleby Line, Burlington)
The owner wrote on Facebook on Feb. 28 that they would be retiring after 11 years, and the popular eatery was promptly closed to the surprise of many in the area.
Ark & Anchor (Main Street West, Hamilton)
This café was a longtime community hub and after nearly 10 years in business, owners announced the permanent closure on Instagram, asking that customers respect staff’s privacy. There’s time to get one last latte before the doors close forever on April 17.
Caro (Ottawa Street North, Hamilton)
Caro’s original location at the corner of Ottawa and Main has announced its closure, explaining in a recent social media post: “like so many small businesses, we’ve faced our share of challenges over the past few years … and while we’ve done everything we can to stay afloat, this chapter has sadly come to an end.” Fans can continue to enjoy Caro at its James North location.
Delirious Burger Co. (King Street West, Hamilton)
The original Westdale location of Delirious has quietly closed its doors permanently. A for rent sign sits in the window and the location is listed as permanently closed on Google. Fans can continue to enjoy one of the city’s first smash burger purveyors at its newer Locke Street location.
Detour (John Street South, Hamilton)
The small café on John Street that bravely opened during the pandemic in 2022 has announced its closure as of March 30. The well-known local coffee roastery will live on in its other locations in Dundas and Paris.
Diced Ice (Locke Street, Hamilton)
After three years on Locke, the business that made rolled ice cream a household name in Hamilton is closing its physical shop, and moving to events and pop-up events only. Talad Asian Kitchen, which had been sharing the shop’s space during the winter months has permanently closed as well, now leaving 129 Locke St. vacant.
Kelly’s Bake Shoppe (Brant Street, Burlington)
A long-in-the-works rental development is finally coming for this downtown undesignated heritage property, and the bakery is closing at the end of April. The mother and daughter team say they have been looking without success for a new location in Burlington. A Oakville location will continue to serve its popular vegan and gluten-free desserts.
Mi Ranchito Cuisine (Concession Street, Hamilton)
The owner of this small taco eatery is taking some time to care for her newborn and shuttering the business. The shop’s sister grocery store down the street on Concession will continue to offer Latino products.
Noodle Me (Wilson Street, Hamilton)
Quietly closing without fanfare, the hand-pulled noodle eatery still has its original Bloor Street location in Toronto.
– 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.
