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 early 2024.
Launched & opening soon
400 Brant (Brant Street, Burlington). Soft opened in January in the historic building that once housed Queen’s Head Pub. Casual upscale dining with many vegan and gluten-free options, and a special made to go menu perfect for a picnic at Spencer Smith Park. IG: @400brant
Ami Meal Café (Hamilton Farmers Market). Delightful Korean market stall that opened just before Christmas, serving up tasty items like tofu pouches and gimbap. IG: @ami_mealcafe
Delight Corner (Concession Street, Hamilton). Vegetarian restaurant offering Indian street food, chaat, breadwiches, puff patties, and potato twisters. Opened at the end of March in the spot HFC once occupied. IG: @delightcornerrestaurant
The Fat Mouse (Brant Street, Burlington). A whimsical cheese shop that originated in Oakville brings curated cheese, meats and accoutrement, plus catering and grab and go boxes on the weekend. IG: @thefatmouseco
Island Queens (Kenilworth Avenue, Hamilton). Caribbean fusion restaurant offering an upscale dining experience, its menu featuring items like oxtail poutine, plantain nachos, jerk chicken, plus creative cocktails. IG: @theislandqueens
Potato Bar (Upper Centennial Parkway, Stoney Creek). Serving comfort food centred around smoked potatoes and hand cut fries. The second location of this Mississauga restaurant. IG: @potatobar.ca
Tondou Ramen (King Street West, Hamilton). The grand opening for the Hamilton location of Toronto’s authentic Okinawan ramen restaurant happened the first weekend of March. Prepare to be greeted by staff with loud cheers, Okinawan style. IG: @tondouhamilton
Uncle Sam’s Smoke House (Arvin Ave, Stoney Creek) This Brantford restaurant boasts “authentic BBQ done right every time” is expanding to the Stoney Creek market. IG: @unclesamsbbq
The Standard (James Street North, Hamilton). Upscale dining experience in the location that was formerly Ray’s Food & Liquor. Featuring a Chef’s Table with a 7-course blind tasting menu. IG: @thestandardhamilton
CHECK OUT OUR PREVIOUS OPEN & CLOSED LIST!
Rebranding & evolving
Bardō (with locations in Hamilton, Burlington and Guelph). The local franchise formerly known as Earth to Table: Bread Bar has rebranded but retained its original menu. IG: @bardo.locke
Barrel Heart Brewing & Blending (King Street West, Dundas). Formerly in Ancaster, the bottle shop and tap room has moved to Dundas’ historic old post office building.
Delirious Burger (Locke Street, Hamilton). Recently relocated their Locke Street location to a larger spot recently vacated by Matty’s Hot Chicken. @delirious_burger_co
DSRT CO. (Ottawa Street, Hamilton). The chocolate shop made famous by its over the top chocolate bar creations has moved from Main Street East to a new home on Ottawa Street just before Valentine’s Day. IG: @thedsrtcompany
East Hamilton Cheese Co. (Ottawa Street, Hamilton). The little east end cheese shop has moved locations, just a few doors down, and has added frozen meals to go from Zarky’s.
Hanma Japanese Foods (King Street West, Dundas). Closed very temporarily while new ownership takes the reigns. IG: @hanma.foods
Rony’s (Upper James, Hamilton). The Stoney Creek staple has branched out to a second location, to serve up their famous fire grilled chicken to the central mountain. @ronysrestaurant
Closed & closing
Crumbuns (Concession Street, Hamilton). The bakery that brought us butter tart ice cream sandwiches closed permanently at the end of January.
Endless Bar + Bottle Shop (Cannon Street, Hamilton). This tiny bar offering “only the finest in fermented beverage enjoyment” closed mid March with promises to return soon to a new location.
HFC (Concession Street, Hamilton). Offered buckets of halal fried chicken and combos. Quietly closed this winter.
Matty’s Hot Chicken (Locke Street). Beloved fried chicken restaurant closed at the end of October 2023, when they posted, “Stay tuned for our reappearance! We will BRB.”
Mosaic (Barton Street, Hamilton). This craft beer bar has been a community hub hosting trivia, comedy, games and vinyl nights. Closing on their fifth anniversary, April 13.
Stoneroads Bar and Grill (Concession Street, Hamilton). Closed after 16 years in business, the owner posted on Google, “It's with a heavy heart I'm closing due to the cost of maintaining the business.”
Studebaker (Appleby Line, Burlington). A social hub that served comfort food, closed on Feb. 29.
– 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!
