Ottawa Street: Fabricating fun with food

Crown Point street has long been a thriving economic hub in Hamilton. Known for textiles, furniture and antiques, the corridor is now home to eateries that combine food with fun and friendship. 

Once upon a time, the eastern boundary of Hamilton was Sherman Avenue. In 1909, Barton Township was annexed, making Ottawa Street part of the city. Today, it marks the halfway boundary between east and west Crown Point. 

Like most urban districts, Crown Point has had its ups and downs. In the last century, it became a hub for ready-made clothing and textiles and the home decorating, furniture and antique stores earned it the moniker “furniture row.” National retailers such as Zellers, Reitman’s, Woolworths, Laura Secord, and Tip Top Tailors once had branches on the thriving street.

Today, the roughly 100 shops on the north end of the street are more eclectic and include creative-themed businesses. The Ottawa BIA proudly notes that the vibrant community “continually strives to re-invent itself.” The preponderance of hospitality enterprises are arguably also eclectic and have a “doing” undercurrent. The food scene offers spaces for fun and friendship, for socializing with food and drink while playing, learning, creating, exploring, and shopping. Strolling south from Barton, here’s some of what awaits your visit.

Crown & Press 

303 Ottawa St. N.
crownandpress.com
IG: crownandpressgallery

The artful café (once the site of Woolworth’s) is a family affair with artist Julia Veenstra playing a key role. She jokes that the café is a trick — a way of enticing people to look at (and buy) Canadian art. Their Coffee Club Card tracks your art purchases for coffee rewards. While food is not the primary focus, the menu has evolved. Snacks include (mother-in-law) Dini’s Boterkoek (Dutch butter cake) and cookies from Pleasant Co. to wraps and family soups (in winter). Light savoury meals such as the trio dip tray are popular. There are vegan and gluten-free options, and the café is licensed, serving wine, cocktails and specialty coffees. Crown & Press celebrates many arts. Check the website for art, music events, classes, fashion and comedy shows — or book the space for your own event.

DSRT CO. 

295 Ottawa St. N.
thedsrtcompany.com 
IG: thedsrtcompany

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Summer Badawi is the owner and creative genius behind DSRT CO. but attributes their success to a team of talented chocolatiers and pastry chefs transforming quality ingredients into edible art. Their creations are inspired by dessert concepts such as Key lime pie and bananas Foster. The whimsical bars and confections are sold online or in the shop. The in-store experience includes house-baked goods and a seasonal drink menu. The (nostalgic, for me) chocolate-dipped red licorice was devoured in no time. If the DSRT CO bars trigger sticker shock, start with the DSRT bar sampler and the exceptional experience will have you running back for more!

The Argyle – Bar & Golf 

304 Ottawa St. N.
theargyle.ca 
IG: theargylehamilton

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Bar and golf? Yes, The Argyle’s golf simulators make it an ideal destination for avid and novice golfers. Even non-enthusiasts will find the vintage British clubhouse atmosphere, with wood accents and comfortable leather seating, something to behold. The space sets the mood for enjoying handcrafted cocktails, as well as local craft beers and other spirits. Since it has no kitchen, The Argyle welcomes guests to bring in outside food to enjoy with their drinks, making it a versatile and accommodating venue for socializing, practising golf swings, or hosting a private event.

Malarkey 

298 Ottawa St. N.
IG: malarkeyhamilton

Malarkey is The Argyle’s sister establishment. With the same high standards, a gorgeous space sets the stage for a vibrant and engaging social experience. Malarkey offers a moody yet playful atmosphere where guests can enjoy classic cocktails and craft beers on tap while engaging in friendly competition on the 22-foot shuffleboard tables. Like The Argyle, Malarkey allows outside food to be brought in. Malarkey is a great destination for casual social gatherings and competitive fun — a must-see and must-play space!

The Hearty Hooligan

292 Ottawa St. N.
theheartyhooligan.com
IG: theheartyhooligan

Hearty Hooligan, describing itself as "a woman-owned, LGBTQ2SIA+ positive, all-vegan restaurant committed to local sourcing and from-scratch food," almost closed at the end of October after opening on Ottawa Street in 2017. The good news is that it will continue under new ownership. They serve no meat, no eggs, no dairy, no honey, but they do serve plant-based foods that are delicious despite their website proclaiming that it is "vegan junk food." Their desserts and custom cakes are award-winning. The vibe is creative and joyful.

Ottawa Street Local: Pub and Venue 

226 Ottawa St. N.
ottawastreetlocal.ca 
IG: ottawastreetlocal

Ottawa Street’s lemon-coloured landmark (Café Limoncello occupied the space for close to two decades) is now a sophisticated grey. It signals a renovation that brings patrons a pub with classy décor matched with a warm, casual vibe. The classic pub menu offers comfort food entrées such as roast chicken, pasta and meatloaf. A separate venue space is available for private events. The space regularly features live music, and the team says they’ve been grateful for the great reviews from the community. 

Dav’s Hot Spot Restaurant & Lounge 

224 Ottawa St. N.
davshotspotinc.com 
IG: davshotspot

Dav’s “hot spot” home-based cooking evolved into two brick-and-mortar eateries. The wide-ranging menu includes mac and cheese, pastas, wings, a seafood fry, jerk chicken and cornbread. Gluten-free options are being added to the menu. Students get a discount on regular-priced items and specials are announced on Instagram. Watch for the introduction of authentic Jamaican foods such as curried goat, stewed chicken, rice and peas, and coleslaw.

Dora’s Delicatessen & Catering 

218 Ottawa St. N.
dorascatering.com 
IG: dorascatering

Mary-Lee George is executive chef and owner of Dora’s — a family-owned eatery. Family includes her parents, who began the enterprise that continues today, and her husband Sean and daughter Belladora are also on the team. While there is no dine-in, it’s worth a “drop-in” to enjoy their takeout menu that includes deli sandwiches, lasagna, cabbage rolls, and lemonade. Add to that, a wide variety of local, artisan products, including breads, pies, strudels, Italian cookies, arancini, sausage rolls, meat pies, and salads. But as Mary-Lee says, “The star of the show is our catering!” 

Simply Italian Bakery 

212 Ottawa St. N.
simplyitalianbakery.com 
IG: simplyitalianbakery

This bright cheery café is also a source for bread, pastries, sandwiches, hot entrées, pizza, coffee, and even gelato — all things Italian! That includes canned tomatoes, sauces, pasta, olive oil, and more. Their custom cakes are like eye candy and, for special events, flowers and sweet treats can be combined into gift baskets.

Hambrgr 

207 Ottawa St. N.
hambrgr.ca 
IG: eathambrgr

Since 2015, the Cipollo family/team have satisfied Hamilton cravings for great burgers in more than one location. While competing burger eateries have come and gone, Hambrgr has dependably been Ottawa Street’s go-to burger joint. The imaginative burgers and build-your-own-burger options are popular, as well as weekly specials such as the Brgr Lunch Box. The “chckn” and snacks menu tantalize with other options, and be sure to save room for funky desserts.

East Hamilton Cheese Company 

205 Ottawa St. N.
IG: easthamiltoncheeseco

This cheese shop champions local artisan cheesemakers, such as Monforte Dairy and Stonetown Cheese. It carries affordably priced Ontario cheeses, including cow, sheep, goat, and water buffalo milk, and vegan and organic cheeses. Knowledgeable staff offer guidance about lactose intolerance or certain digestive restrictions. Cheese adventures are available in the form of a monthly cheese box program, offering portions of cheeses not sold in the shop. Charcuterie board trimmings are from across Canada.

Down the Street Food Co. 

201 Ottawa St. N.
downthestreetfoodco.ca 
IG: downthestreetfoodco

Michael Carruth, founder and co-owner, applies decades of chef experience to deliver classic family diner foods. This full-service eatery opened in April 2024, evolving from a takeout sandwich shop, and now serves breakfast and lunch with everything made fresh in-house. Down the Street offers catering for home or office events. Frozen soups are also available and a Friday night meal plan is featured each week for pre order. Says Carruth: “We pride ourselves with creating a comfortable, welcoming family diner and with the open kitchen there is always conversation to be had.”

Ottawa Market 

204 Ottawa St. N.
mrktbox.com
IG: mrktbox

Imagine a local mini-grocer combined with a café and you get Ottawa Market, part of the MRKTBOX family that includes Dundurn and Strathcona locations. Tempting breakfast and lunch items include breakfast burritos, smoothies, sweets, signature sandwiches, and salads. Indoor and outdoor seating options are available to enjoy café drinks. A licensed establishment, Ottawa Market offers a range of craft beer. All that in a charming setting where basic groceries are available, including sourdough bread, bagels, local seasonal produce and flowers! Online Market Box orders can be delivered. Ask about their catering.

Ottawa Street Farmers Market

Located in Municipal Lot 2C
ottawastreetfarmers.com
IG: ottawastfarmers

On Saturdays from April to December, drop by for local foods and products.  

MacTini Bar 

189 Ottawa St. N.
mactinibar.com 
IG: mactinibar

Yes, that’s mactini, not martini. Joe Johnson, with 16 years’ experience in hospitality, nudged a gluten-free mac and cheese catering business into a bricks-and-mortar enterprise (in the space that was previously Merk). Signature drinks such as the espresso or lychee or lavender martini are on offer, along with beer and wine. The minimalist menu offers lamb rack, stuffed chicken, salmon, and — of course — various versions of mac and cheese. 

Murray’s Farm Butcher Shoppe 

182 Ottawa St. N.
murraysfarm.com 
IG: murraysfarmbutchershoppe

While this is not a restaurant, there really is a farm where Murray Thunberg raises heritage breeds of pigs and poultry. All meat products are superior and local. Add to your basket eggs from pasture-raised heritage chickens, fresh bread, local produce, cheese and oh-so-many condiments. Plan your visit long enough to study all that’s on offer. Murray’s has die-hard fans who shop his wares in farmers’ markets such as Cabbagetown and the Evergreen Brickworks. You, too, will become a fan!

The Cannon 

180 Ottawa St. N.
thecannon.coffee 
IG: cannoncoffee

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A couple of years ago, The Cannon moved across the street to a lovely and larger setting on the southeast corner of Cannon and Ottawa. Owner Chris Poirier’s coffee roots date back to 2004 and given his expertise, the café roasts its own coffee for drip/espresso and sells it along with feature roasters. The Cannon coffee subscription delivers weekly coffee selections to your door. Brunch dishes, waffle sandwiches and sweet treats make it a great setting for light dining with family and friends. Everything is prepared in-house. Central to the brand is that: “The magic behind coffee is… the family and friendships that unfold because it brings us together.”

Poke Co 

179 Ottawa St. N.
pokeco.ca 
IG: pokecohamilton

Judith Sloan and Peter Campagna have operated Poke Co for close to six years. The healthy and delicious meal option is inspired by Hawaiian poke — combinations of seasoned sushi rice, fresh cold salmon or tuna, and choices of dozens of toppings and homemade sauces, all 100 per cent gluten- and dairy-free.  Cooked and vegan toppings are on offer for those who don't eat raw fish, including chicken, tofu and crab salad. Watch for daily specials and build-your-own-bowl days. Takeout is quick or enjoy the attractive dining room and hospitality. Says the couple: “We absolutely love our neighbourhood and community and can't think of anywhere we'd rather be.”

Ellis Kitchen 

148 Ottawa St. N.
elliskitchen.wixsite.com/ellis-kitchen
IG: elliskitchenca

Ellis Kitchen’s motto is: “Where Jamaican flavours come to life!” They describe themselves as a Black-owned restaurant specializing in traditional Jamaican-Caribbean cuisine. Fasten your seatbelt because this is not just “some” of the cuisine. Practically every dish you can wish for is offered, including oxtails, jerk or stewed chicken, curry goat, a range of handheld patties, roti, and plantains. 

Boardwalk Cheesesteaks  

131 Ottawa St. N.
boardwalkcheesesteaks.ca 
IG: boardwalkcheesesteaks

Boardwalk Cheesesteaks is the dream of Bohdan Potichny, owner and cook, supported by Angela Mayer. Together, they share front-of-house and kitchen duties, turning out an inventive array of cheesesteaks. Order an original Philly cheesesteak or one of their creations, which include mac and cheese, pierogi, chili or the Boardwalk Extravaganza. Everything is made-in-house with quality local ingredients. Boardwalk has some seating and regular takeout patrons. For dessert, Hamilton’s iconic Grandad’s Donuts are offered on Thursday and Friday. 

Power Pizza 

134 Ottawa St. N.
powerpizza.ca 
IG: powerpizza.ca

Lisa and Ryan Stewart fought the pandemic blues by launching a joyful comic-book-themed eatery that does takeout and has dine-in seating. They describe their pizzas as outrageously creative with bold toppings and fearless flavour combos. Try pizza classics or leap into a new experience with Pickle Tickle, Bruschetta‑ta‑ta, Shawarma-ma and more. Wings and salads include options for gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets. For fun, try their DoughKnots — pizza dough tied into knots, deep fried, sugared and enhanced with sweet toppings. Dough Dogs wrap an all-beef wiener in pizza dough, which is then baked to perfection. If that is not enough, they have a nostalgic ice cream scoop bar featuring 12 flavours. 

Mike’s Subs 

122 Ottawa St. N.

“You’re not the kid who used to work here like about 30 years ago, are you?” The answer from John Geronstzos is yes. His parents bought the nine-year old takeout-only eatery, ran it for 20 years and he has carried the torch for 26 — and still loves it. The love is returned from a strong fan base who treasure the great and reasonably priced cold and hot subs made with Springer’s Meats and Genuine Bakery buns. They offer many sauces, but Mike’s sauce is a secret recipe that some patrons buy as a salad dressing. Many have enjoyed Mike’s Subs on Ottawa North or their Upper Ottawa location. (Other sub shops with similar names are not affiliated.)

Paulie’s Wings & Donairs 

80 Ottawa St. N.
IG: paulieswingsdonairs

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The Donair is Halifax’s official food — a “sandwich” with centuries-old roots. East coast patrons tell owner Sumit Gandhi that his donairs perfectly replicate their down-home memories. Paulie’s donairs are made from lamb and beef, wrapped in naan with spices that deliver gentle mouth warmth. Gandhi’s secret sauce carefully balances the classic components of milk, garlic, sugar and vinegar. Unlike the Rymal Road location, Paulie’s is joining the Ottawa Street scene with only donairs and wings. A welcome addition is Cha Cha Boba, Gandhi’s bubble tea brand that comes in milk and fruit tea flavours, with flavourful and fun toppings. 

(If you miss Paulie’s Pizza, note that Ottawa Street offers pizza in several locations — Pizzaiolo (191 Ottawa St. N.), Cherry Ghost, 303 Ottawa St. N., Original and Simply Italian Bakery, 445 Ottawa St. N.)

Tim Hortons 

65 Ottawa St. N.
IG: timhortons

Ottawa St. is home to the first Tim Horton’s store, opened in 1964. Coffee was 25 cents and a dozen donuts less than a dollar. The second floor of this location has a mini-museum that will take you down memory lane. 

Fairly Frosted Bakery 

78 Ottawa St. N.
fairlyfrosted.com 
IG: fairlyfrosted

Opening on Ottawa Street marks a milestone in Lise-Anne Gregoire’s dream. A long-time vegan unimpressed with existing bakery options, she decided to do it herself. But better. Her repertoire has grown to an array of baked goods (butter tarts, cakes, cookies, pies), creative flavours of vegan hard-scooped ice cream (served in hand-rolled waffle cones), soft serve, shakes, and more. Everything is 100 per cent vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free. Gregoire stresses that: “We work really hard to make amazing desserts that will make you say 'I can't believe this is gluten free!’”

Hammerheads Seafood Kitchen & Market 

74 Ottawa St. N.
eathammerheads.ca
IG: eathammerheads

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Scott Forbes’ love of cooking and seafood dates back to the childhood influence of cooking shows and East Coast summers. His food journey had him cooking French cuisine around the world before returning to the food scene in his hometown. In Hammerhead’s first location, he’d beam with unbridled enthusiasm while preparing fish — always fresh, traceable and sustainable. But Forbes’ dream was to create a dine-in space combined with the takeout menu and various fresh/frozen fish and chowders. Since June, a few doors next to his original location, a charming space welcomes patrons to enjoy the (still evolving) dine-in menu that reflects Forbes’ extensive experience. Everything is gluten-free. Watch for the exciting specials from this Ottawa Street treasure.

The Beacon 

4 Ottawa St. N. 
IG: thebeaconcrownpoint

My list of Top 10 meals includes one prepared by chef Sam Girgis who has worked in various kitchens, including his own at Souvlocke. His latest project brings life back to the Caro space (at Main Street) with his own restaurant — The Beacon — described in brief as “your favourites reimagined.” The menu (which does not focus on any specific cultural cuisine) includes everyday classics and comfort foods appealing to various budgets. The project is two-pronged, with a takeout window offering Sammy’s Sandos, soups, salads and souvlaki. This could become your go-to place for lunch or dinner.

Sakumi Sushi

209 Ottawa St. N.

Fans of the recently closed Sushi Azuki, are pleased to welcome Sakumi Sushi into the Crown Point community. Classic and creative sushi (imagine sushi pizza) dominate the menu along with donburi, soup, salad, combos and party trays. Vegan options are also available.

Ottawa Street BIA

shopottawastreet.com
IG: ottawastbia

This business association runs several events a year – such as the ever-popular Sew Hungry Food Truck rally and a fall sidewalk sale. Check out the website and Instagram for updates.