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 October.

Launched & opening soon

Craig’s Cookies (188 Locke St. S., Hamilton)

The much-anticipated bake shop has finally opened a location on Locke Street, slinging its cookies renowned for being rammed full of treats like Peppermint Patties, Pop Tarts and Toblerones.
IG: @craigscookieshamilton

El Grito Mexicano (236 James St. N., Hamilton)

Opened on Oct. 12, serving authentic Mexican flavours including birria tacos, flautas, taquitos and margaritas, in the heart of the James North district in Green Bar’s former spot.
IG: @el_grito_mexicano08

Jamaican Patty Shack (47 King St. E., Stoney Creek)

The popular food truck is getting its own brick and mortar in downtown Stoney Creek, so you can now get your patty fix any time, from beef and chicken to vegetarian, to ackee 'n' saltfish and callaloo 'n' saltfish.
IG: @jamaicanpattyshack

Sau Bake (Hamilton Farmers Market, 35 York Blvd., Hamilton)

A fully vegan market stall is a welcome addition to the Hamilton Farmers' Market judging from the reception on opening day. The croquettes and kibbeh are must-try Brazilian street food with a crispy outer layer and cheesey savoury filling. The baked goods are out of this world – the jar cakes are next level for any cake lover.
IG: @sau.bake 

Tom’s BBQ (207 Burlington St. E., Hamilton)

A new food partnership pairing Nom Nom Nom Catering & Fine Food Trucks and Collective Arts launched with the arrival of Tom’s BBQ food truck parked inside the beerhall Wednesday to Sunday, serving authentic smoked meats and bbq sides alongside pints of craft beer. Vegan options available.
IG: @getyourowntaters

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Rebranding & evolving

Artisan Pizza (2444 New St., Burlington)

The hand-tossed pizza restaurant had an ownership change this month, with one of its staff members taking over the business. The menu of handmade pizzas, pasta, eggplant parmigiano and veal sandwiches will remain the same.
IG: @artisanpizzaburlington

Eldercamp (340 Barton St. E., Hamilton)

The beloved Hamilton Farmers Market stall is moving on up to a brick and mortar in the old Emerald Coffee location on Barton. Specializing in fermentation, preservation, and comfort food, Eldercamp will be adding freshly brewed drip coffee from local small-batch coffee roaster Thirds Coffee, as well as fermenting classes. Opening this month.
IG: @eldercamp.ca

Closed & closing

Breezy Corners (Main Street East, Hamilton)

The proprietors of the Hamilton location of this traditional breakfast diner have announced on its Facebook page that they will not be looking for a new spot (the building where they are located will be taken down to make way for LRT), opting instead to retire. The last day of service will be Nov. 3, but you can still visit the Freelton location. 

Chaska Indian Street Food (Newton Street, Hamilton)

The Westdale eatery permanently closed this fall after opening in September 2023. The location will soon be opening as The Hungry Donkey, a Greek food restaurant.

Koi (Hess Street, Hamilton)

After 20 years in business, this restaurant and bar is closing as of Oct. 31, citing the lease ending as the reason for the closure. 

Limon (Concession Street, Hamilton)

This night spot opened in June and closed abruptly in October with signage posted on the door that the landlord has terminated the lease due to non-payment of rent. 

Matamak (King Street West, Hamilton)

The subscription-based eatery in Westdale opened last summer to much buzz about its unique model offering inexpensive food. Alas, the restaurant now has its windows papered over and is listed on Google as permanently closed.  

– 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.