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 September.

Launched & opening soon

Bagel N’ Brew Crew (318 James St. N., Hamilton)

This Sault Ste. Marie bagel bakery opened a location on James North in time for Supercrawl weekend. Social media posts leading up to its opening called for artists to fill its walls and shelves including pottery, cards, and locally made packaged food products. The shop offers its handmade Montreal-style bagels, which are boiled before they’re baked, giving that signature chew. They also create their own cream cheese-based spreads.
IG: @bagelnbrewcrewhamilton

Deli Master (1045 King St. W., Hamilton)

This bright eatery is the third for the owner of Westale’s Northmark Coffee and Hot & Juicy. This restaurant fills the gap for students specifically seeking sandwiches made with Halal meats. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner hours, serving high-quality sandwiches like roast beef au jus, Razzy Turkey, and grilled veggie, plus specialty coffees. 
IG: @delimaster.ca/

Dirty Soda Girls (854 King St. W., Hamilton and 11-399 Elizabeth Dr., Burlington)

The third and fourth locations for the Dirty Soda Girls opened in September. One is nestled in Westdale across from Food Basics, making it a quick convenient stop for thirsty students, grocery-getting parents, and strolling seniors, while the other stakes out a spot in busy downtown Burlington. Dirty soda starts with pop, and then adds flavour shots, cream or fruit. The business started as a mobile trailer chasing the dirty soda trend, and has quickly expanded to four locations in Ontario.
IG: @dirtysodagirls_westdale and @dirtysodagirls_burlington

Locke Cycle and Social House (202 Locke St. S., Hamilton)

Taking over the location formerly known as Democracy, brand new owners have launched a unique business offering both bike repairs and a full café experience. The menu features all-day breakfast, with many different vegan options, along with a lunch menu, and a weekend brunch. The roll-up garage door and patio seating has made it an immediately popular spot for warm fall days. 
IG: @lockecyclesocial

The Mule To Go (1050 King St. W., Hamilton)

The Mule’s latest edition is a take-away format in Westdale, with a slimmed down menu, sans alcohol, focusing on quick to-go deals. The menu focuses on the tacos and sides you’ll recognize from the other Mule dine-in restaurants around the GTA, and is The Other Bird’s first foray into the quick service restaurant category. There are a few seats inside, and it’s open daily from 11 a.m.– 2 a.m.
IG: @themuletogo

Mystic Kitchen (2 King St. W., Hamilton)

After announcing its closure this summer on King William, Mystic Ramen has been back in business this fall, popping up at Hamilton Farmers’ Market, BE Cafe & Barkery, and with its legendary broth available at Coven Marketplace. The restaurant has also announced that it will be back in full form very soon inside Jackson Square, at the former Crack Me Up location near the food court. 
IG: @mystickitchen.ca

Slow Fire Smokehouse (586 Concession St., Hamilton)

This meat-forward eatery has been a long time in the making, finally opening to the public on Sept. 25 on Concession as a takeout shop. The menu is all about applewood-smoked meats like beef, pork, chicken, and fish. 
IG: @slowfiresmokehouseh

Son of Jerk - Irie Kitchen (814 Brant St., Burlington)

This former food truck has been searching for a brick and mortar to continue its legacy, and has announced it will be opening on Brant & Fairview in Burlington, targeting Nov. 1 as its opening date. In the meantime, you can head to the website to get a buy one, get one free jerk chicken sandwich voucher emailed to you to use when the restaurant opens. 
IG: @sonofajerk

Closing

Burrito Bandidos (King Street West, Hamilton)

A beloved burrito joint in Westdale for over a decade closed quickly and quietly with a notice posted on the door for non-payment of rent. Neighbourhood students and residents alike took to Reddit to express dismay, mostly in agreement about the great value this restaurant offered.

IOS Estiatorio & Wine Bar (Upper James, Hamilton)

The family-run business took to social media to announce: “After 7 amazing years of owning and operating IOS Estiatorio & Wine Bar, we have collectively decided as a family that it is time to close the doors to our restaurant and move on to the next chapter.” The restaurant closed on Sept. 25, but those with gift cards can still redeem them at the sister bakery location in Ancaster, which remains in operation.

– 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.