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 June.
Launched & opening soon
Burgers n’ Fries Forever (738 Burloak Dr., Burlington)
This Ontario franchise has recently expanded to Burlington with its Halal Triple A Canadian beef smash burgers, chicken sandwiches, handcut fries, poutine, onion rings, homemade dips, and milkshakes.
IG: @burgersnfriesforever
Burnt Tongue (491 Appleby Line, Burlington)
Hamilton’s beloved soup restaurant has expanded beyond its four Hamilton locations and into Burlington for the first time. You can expect the same rotating menu of unique house-made soups, a variety of grilled cheese options, cold sandwiches and salads, plus its famous made-from-scratch ice cream sandwiches.
IG: @theburnttongue
Chillax Social (5515 North Service Rd., Unit 107, Burlington)
Think Asian fusion meets brunch. Currently open weekdays until 4 p.m. and housed in an office tower, this slick new eatery caters to the office crowd. The menu offers unique flavours with items like teriyaki tempura portobello eggs Benny, steak donburi, and mirin chashu sliders.
IG: @chillaxsocial_burlington
Cumbrae’s (26 King St. W., Dundas)
After a two-year renovation of a 100-year-old theatre in Dundas (more recently the Horn of Plenty for many years), Cumbrae’s has made the move from small-town butcher to full on gourmet grocery store and restaurant. The stunning shop carries house-made prepared foods, wine, breads, produce, and features a small restaurant where you can order at a deli-style counter; options include a dry-aged prime ribeye dinner to conchigliette shrimp pasta to a rotisserie chicken sandwich.
IG: @cumbraes
Just Crepe n Around Café (Hamilton Farmers’ Market, 35 York Blvd., Hamilton)
The former Parkdale creperie has been born again as a Hamilton Farmers’ Market stall. After closing in March, crepe fans were delighted to hear they could again savour the many varieties of both savoury and sweet crepes made to order. Large orders for events are available too, with your choice of stuffed, rolled crepes.
IG: @just_crepe_n_around_cafe
Mai CàPhê (353 Brant St., Burlington)
Serving Vietnamese specialty coffee, bánh mì and desserts like banh flan and Vietnamese coffee tiramisu. The drink menu is extensive with cold drink options, including Vietnamese iced egg brulée coffee, a variety of lattes, and green and milk teas. A gorgeous rooftop patio has just been completed along with a full renovation of the space that once housed the owner’s parents’ pizza business.
IG: @maicaphe_
Spanish Sauce (1040 Garner Rd. W., Ancaster)
The menu here centres around a build-your-own board, starting with your protein. Choose steak, chicken, shrimp, salmon, or halloumi, then a signature oro sauce, your side of bravas fries or Spanish mashed potatoes. Every board also includes a fresh crisp salad and mixed pickles. The presentation of the protein sizzling away in a skillet on the large board is impressive as it makes its way to your table.
IG: @spanish.sauce
Closed
Apothecary Kitchen (Hamilton Farmers’ Market and City Hall)
Plant-based fans are mourning the loss of another vegan eatery this past month with the closure of the two physical locations of Apothecary Kitchen. Owner Kristy Van Beek took to social media to explain the decision in a video post, calling it “the beginning of a new chapter” and reassuring fans that the brand will resume its popular Cell Reset delivery program of soups and salads this fall.
Joey Turks Island Grill (Locke Street South, Hamilton)
Closed permanently after posting a notice on the door to inform staff of closure. The small franchise is now left with just one location in Scarborough, but the parent company owns a variety of successful brands including HEAL, Rosie’s, and Lettuce Love.
Maverick’s Donuts (Highway 8, Stoney Creek)
The Stoney Creek location of this Canadian franchise known for its lavish donuts closed recently, the owners posting on Instagram that “the past 2 years has been beyond incredible with seeing our daily customers – to making a connection with everyone who walks through our doors. To our amazing staff who were here till the end, thank you for showing up everyday and creating many memories with us.”
Mystic Ramen (King William Street, Hamilton)
In 2019, a ramen shop opened at the Hamilton Farmers’ Market and blew Hamilton away with its depths of flavours. The pandemic delayed a brick and mortar for a couple of years, but in 2022, a full service restaurant was opened on King William. After being plagued with building issues and slow sales during summer months, closure was the only choice. Fans can get in one last bowl before the doors close for good at the end of July (possibly sooner).
– 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.
