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 December.

Launched

El Pasorcito Taqueria (272 King St. W., Hamilton)

In the former location of recently shuttered The Coop Wicked Chicken, this latest franchise serves up traditional tacos, burritos, torta, volcanes and horchata. The restaurant has five locations in Toronto and has chosen Hamilton as its first foray out of the city.
IG: @taqueriaelpastorcito__ 

Gourmet Street Eats (214 King St. E., Hamilton)

Mimi of the former Mimi’s Asian Gourmet is back at it again, this time with a dine-in restaurant. Fans of the chef have flocked to the new spot to savour Southeast Asian dishes like Nasi Lemak, Rendang, plus a variety of noodle and rice dishes with many vegan and gluten-free options.

No Bull Burgers (357 Brant St., Burlington)

This is the second location for the Toronto burger eatery which slings smash burgers stacked high with beef patties, cheese, and veggies. There are chicken and vegetarian burgers as well as signature poutines on the menu.
IG: @nobullburgers

Opening soon

The Bar on James Pizzeria (164 James St. N., Hamilton)

Taking over the recently vacated spot where beloved Odds Bar recently operated. A sign has been spotted in the window announcing the new restaurant. 

Piper Arms (1786 Stone Church Rd. E., Stoney Creek)

The Ontario pub franchise offers late night specials like $10 appetizers, weekend brunch, and special dinner nights like British Sundays and Thursday Fajita Night. The franchise’s website states the new location is coming soon.

Rebranding

Martello (298 James St. N., Hamilton)

December was the final month of Martello "as you know it", a social media post announced at the beginning of December. Following a difficult year, owners have decided "the restaurant will become something new." More details still to come.
IG: @martello.restaurant

Pub Fiction (1242 Garner Rd. W., Ancaster)

The pub announced on social media the closure of its current form after 12 years, promising the space would live on under a new brand and partnership. Service was wrapped up December 31st, with the new iteration beginning January 9th.
IG: @pubfictionancaster

Closed & closing

Fionn MacCool's (Stone Church Road East, Hamilton)

Signage has been removed at the franchised pub, with a notice posted about a new restaurant's imminent arrival. The location is still listed on the franchise website but ordering and reserving a table is no longer possible.

Score Pizza (Locke Street South, Hamilton)

The franchise pizza restaurant known for its build your own pies concept has for lease signs in the window with operations having ceased for the past month.

– 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.