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

AlBash Shawarma (197 Locke St. S., Hamilton)

Locke Street is the lucky recipient of a new quick lunch spot that will tempt your tastebuds with mouthwatering shawarma and authentic falafel.
IG: @albashrestaurant

The Bloom Coffee Restaurant & Lounge (533 Concession St., Hamilton)

Originating in Mississauga, then Oakville, The Bloom Coffee has opened its third location in Hamilton in the former Stone Roads spot on Concession. The restaurant is serving diverse flavours from Mandi to Kabsa and Yemani Saudi cuisine, as well as authentic Arabic hot and cold beverages. 
IG: @thebloomcoffee.hamilton

Craig's Cookies (501 Brant St., Burlington)

The quickly expanding franchise began just over 10 years ago by Craig Pike with the recipes he used to bake as a child with his mom in their Newfoundland kitchen. The unusual flavours and the dozens upon dozens of cookie varieties has launched this company to huge success across Ontario, and Burlington is the latest city to have been granted a shop. 
IG: @craigscookiesburlington

Handsome Dave’s Neighbourhood Bar (61 Young St., Hamilton)

The restaurant formerly known as Bon Temps has transformed into a casual neighbourhood bar, focusing on cocktails, beer, wine, snacks, sports, and music. Familiar faces are back behind the bar so you’ll feel instantly at home.  
IG: @handsomedaves

Hungry Dude (1831 Main St. W., Hamilton)

Dudes with rumbling stomachs, rejoice! Hungry Dude is now open, serving up burgers in both single, double and triple form, along with shawarma and salads. The takeout spot is bright, clean and cheerful, and open daily from 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. with delivery available.
IG: @hungrydude.ca  

Kakka Hakka (352 Main St. W., Hamilton)

Kaka Hakka opened Sept. 1 in the newly renovated and former Dosa Place location, serving authentic Hakka and Thai cuisine. The lunch deal is only $11.99 and includes any curry plus a pop or soup, one vegetable spring roll and rice or noodle.

Kohinoor Bistro (1443 Main St. E., Hamilton)

This dine-in eatery describes itself as “a celebration of India's diverse regional cuisine, from the streets of Delhi to the coast of Goa." Enjoy the rich, comforting flavours of kulcha chana Amritsar wala or kohinoor gravy momos. For a unique culinary adventure, try the Dragon Chicken or the delicate balance of flavours in the lasooni dhania paneer. 
IG: @thekohinoorbistro

Trails Café (286 Wilson St. E., Ancaster)

Ancaster Village has gained a much needed café that is open daily, with coffee, tea, lattes, baked goods, plus sandwiches, paninis and salads, with vegan and gluten-free options. The menu features cheeses from sister business Ancaster Cheese Shop. There’s a spacious dog rest area, patio and cozy indoor seating, making it a perfect spot to visit after hiking the nearby waterfall trails.  
IG: @trailscafe_ancaster

Rebranding & evolving

Black Forest Inn (255 King St. E., Hamilton)

After announcing a temporary closure, then a permanent closure announcement in September, Black Forest Inn has announced its triumphant return in time for a busy month of Oktoberfest celebrations. Dine in to resume on Oct. 9 with a new lounge menu and new specials.
IG: @blackforestinn_

Bring Your Dog Cafe (9 Richwill Rd., Hamilton)

Hamilton’s dog café is now under new ownership and has closed until Oct. 15 when it will hold a grand reopening. Chef Nina’s Creative Kitchen is taking over the reins, and you’ll still be able to bring your dog, but there will be some exciting new menu changes. Chef Nina's focuses on creating meals from delicious whole-food ingredients, so we expect to see that philosophy carried over to this new venture.
IG: @bringyourdogcafe

Namu Restaurant & Tea House (186 King St. W., Dundas)

The tea house part of Namu’s name was introduced this month along with the announcement that they would be fulfilling a lifelong dream of opening a tea house. Afternoon tea will be served on Thursday and Friday afternoons, with the restaurant continuing its regular dinner service from Tuesday to Saturday evenings. Afternoon tea will include a daily savoury sandwich, scone with clotted cream and jam, assorted petit four, and a selection of loose leaf tea.
IG: @namu_restaurants

Closed & closing

Bardo James (James Street North, Hamilton)

After five years, most of these years under the previous Bread Bar brand, Bardo on James St. North has announced its closure, while reassuring fans that the locations on Locke Street and Guelph will continue serving the local chain’s famous pizzas. The Instagram announcement also hints that future locations are planned.