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 April.
Launched
Coffee Bunny (1216 Upper Wentworth, Hamilton)
Hamilton Mountain has been graced by another indie coffee shop, focused on a large menu of coffee and signature coffee drinks. Alongside craft beverages, you’ll also find beautifully crocheted toys, handmade by one of the co-owners, so you can enjoy a unique drink and pick up a thoughtful gift all in one visit.
IG: @coffeebunny.ca
Diner on Concession (612 Concession St., Hamilton)
A new neighbourhood meetup spot for the Concession community opened just in time for the Easter long weekend, with plenty of seating, all-day breakfast, plus a lunch and dinner menu. Diner on Concession has taken over the home of former Concession Street fixture Opie’s Meats.
IG: @dineronconcession
The Hub Coffee Roaster (191 King St. E., Hamilton)
A new family owned coffee roastery and café has opened in Hamilton’s International Village, using new roasting technology to dial in roast profiles, one origin at a time – so you get a cup full of character and flavour. This café is for the serious coffee connoisseur. Open daily 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
IG: @thehubcoffee.ca
Luk’s Diner (621 Barton St., Stoney Creek)
Once a Burlington favourite, Luk’s has now re-opened in Stoney Creek featuring its all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner with a relaxing, family atmosphere.
IG: @luks.diner
Score Pizza (180 Locke St. S., Hamilton)
This Ontario franchise has snapped up a spot on Locke Street for its latest stone-fired pizza location. The build-your-own pizza concept sets this pizza restaurant apart, along with the idea of unlimited toppings all for one price. The menu also features fresh salads, sandwiches, and dessert.
IG: @scorepizza
Opening soon
Antalya (Burlington)
The second location for this Turkish restaurant from Kitchener will be opening this spring in Burlington. The menu is 100 per cent halal and focuses on charcoal grilled kebab and traditional Turkish dishes.
IG: @antalyakebabgrill
Henry’s (303 James St. N., Hamilton)
The folks behind The Other Bird restaurant group are opening a jazz club that will feature slow-roasted prime rib carved tableside, 1920s-inspired appetizers and cocktails, a late-night bar menu and a Sunday brunch. Open Thursday to Sunday, with two live-music performances each day. Doors open Friday, May 2.
IG: @henrys.onjames
Juicy Birds (638 Concession St., Hamilton)
This small GTA franchise is growing quickly and Hamilton is the next location for the popular Halal Nashville hot chicken spot. The location, most recently Broken Barrel Bistro, has been transformed and the opening date is set for May 4.
IG: @juicybirds.ca
That Place off Barton (353 Barton St. E., Hamilton)
The Instagram account that used to be Merk Snack Bar has recently changed its name and has begun hinting at an alleyway spot “where snacks are shared and good company gathers.” Sign up for the newsletter to stay up to date on opening news.
IG: @thatplaceoffbarton
Rebranding & evolving
Bardō (421 Brant St., Burlington)
The newly reimagined Bardō (previously Bread Bar) in downtown Burlington has officially opened. The new 7,000-square-foot restaurant boasts a spacious indoor dining space, an outdoor patio, and a new Bardō to Go express counter. Known for its fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, the menu features Bardō Burlington-exclusive items along with its popular mouth-watering pizzas, shareable apps, and vibrant salads.
IG: @bardo.burlington
Charred (244 James St. N., Hamilton)
Reopened on April 4, just over a year after a devastating fire ravaged the beloved chicken restaurant. Its return is heralded by what has been its simple success: locally sourced, free-run Halal chicken cooked fresh over real hardwood charcoal.
IG: @charredrotisserie
Donut Monster (246 Locke St., Hamilton)
In the 11th hour after announcing its permanent closure, Hamilton’s beloved donut brand has been rescued and assisted in continuing its sweet journey through a partnership of individuals with a wealth of experience in the coffee and café industry. The shop is open daily and serving its unique flavours of scratch-made donuts and specialty beverages.
IG: @donutmonsterhamilton
Willard’s Ice Cream: The Second Scoop (10 Mulberry St., Hamilton)
Fans of Willard’s house-made ice cream are rejoicing to hear there will now be a second location to grab a cone on a hot summer’s day. The business scoops unique creamy nut-free flavours, and always stocks a variety of vegan ice cream flavours as well.
IG: @willardsicecream
Closed & closing
Eggsmart (Brant Strett, Burlington)
Social media posts abruptly stopped in March and signage has now been pulled and there are now for lease signs in the windows.
Everest Tandoori Kitchen (King Street West, Hamilton)
“Due to local business conditions and sustainability,” Everest Tandoori Kitchen announced the closure of its Jackson Square location. It will continue to serve customers at its St. Catharines and Welland locations.
– 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.
