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 July.
Launched & opening soon
Ghost Kitchens (4515 Dundas St. Burlington, inside Walmart)
This fast growing, innovative concept restaurant has come to Burlington. The restaurant presents multiple brands, with one kitchen preparing multiple menus, including Smoke’s Poutinerie, Beast Burgers, Cheesecake Factory, Crepe Delicious, Niko’s Greek Grill, The Breakfast Basket, Pepe’s Perogies and Leaf Life.
The Gully Cafe (29 Barton St. E., Hamilton)
American and Indian fusion café in the spot that recently housed Sookham. It’s a dessert destination with innovative treats like fettuccine crepes, red velvet cookies, and mini pancakes drizzled with white and milk chocolate.
Los Mayas Mexican Restaurant (180 James St. S., Hamilton)
Fusion of Mayan and modern Mexican food in the spacious location that was once La Piazza Allegra. The menu ranges from traditional Mexican dishes like birria to tacos, enchiladas, tamales and fajitas, plus a pre-Hispanic menu that includes mole and other ancient foods. There’s a kids’ menu with many options.
IG: @losmayas.mx
Raw Roots Café (38 King St. E., Stoney Creek)
Grand opening is Aug. 3 for this café that began as a food truck, focused on sustainable, organic and vegan-friendly options including smoothies, juices and plant-based raw food like smoothie bowls, granola, chocolate chia bars and energy bites.
IG: @rawroots.cafe
Rebranding & evolving
Olive Board (376 Winston Rd., Grimsby)
The Grimsby location of Olive Board has taken up new larger digs across the street from its original location. The new space has more seating, a larger patio and features a new menu including a brunch experience.
IG: @theoliveboard_kitchen_winebar
Squires Gastro Pub (3537 Fairview St., Burlington)
The pub formerly known as Squires Public House closed in April and relaunched after renovations and rebranding with a grand opening on July 12. The menu features elevated pub favourites like beef Wellington with a red wine glaze, New Delhi butter chicken, plus a kids menu.
IG: @squirespub
Closed & closing
Bon Temps (Young Street, Hamilton)
Last service will be Aug. 11 at this popular French bistro, with the owner citing that they “would like to simplify life and start a new chapter which puts my family and me first." There are plans to reopen as a casual bar in the same location.
The Dirty South (Barton Street, Hamilton)
Announced the closure of its first brick and mortar as of July 22, noting that it originally opened three days before the first lockdown and “it’s been a ride ever since”. Its Concession Street location will continue to operate, as well as the food truck that launched the brand.
Rustic Reuben (James Street South, Hamilton)
The sandwich shop was a beloved favourite for five years before quietly closing earlier this summer. An Instagram post thanking customers gave some hope to fans, saying they needed “to take some much needed and well deserved rest before what comes next.”
– 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.
