Southern comfort
Summer is the time for bibs, BBQ and lip-smacking chicken and ribs. So get out to visit these great spots while the sun is warm and patios and picnic tables beckon.
The smell of smokers wafts throughout the air and summer is in full-swing! Is there anything that says summertime more than finger-licking chicken and ribs? From Louisiana-style specialties to classic Texas BBQ and oh-so-crispy, juicy fried chicken – there is just something about a messy meal (that you need a bib and many wet naps for) that brings back that warm weather nostalgia. Find some of the city’s top barbecue spots below.
Cozy Bird
164 James St. S., Hamilton
cozybird.ca
IG: cozybird.hamont
A spin-off from the ever-popular The Pigeon in Mount Hope, the return of Cozy Bird's fried chicken sandwiches was an exciting time for many Hamiltonians. Currently operating as a pop-up restaurant inside of Odds Bar on James Street South, Cozy Bird specializes in its famous, juicy fried chicken sandwiches – available in a variety of flavours The Mack, Korean fried chicken, all dressed and more. Sandwiches aren't your thing? Try the popcorn chicken in a variety of flavours, too.
Memphis Fire Barbeque Company
1091 King's Highway 8, Stoney Creek
memphisfirebbq.com
IG: memphisfirebbq
FB: MemphisFire
With over 15 years of serving Hamiltonians great BBQ under its belt, you can expect Memphis Fire does barbecue well! Best known for signature barbeque meats like smoked chicken, baby back pork ribs, pulled pork and beef brisket, for Memphis Fire Barbeque, it all starts with the dry rub. Starting out as a popular BBQ spice company, Memphis continues to use those tried and true spices today. The team is so popular, they were even featured on the TV show You Gotta Eat Here.
Saltlick Smokehouse
282 James St. N., Hamilton
saltlick.ca
IG: thesaltlicksmokehouse
FB: saltlicksmokehouse
If sharing is your thing, Saltlick Smokehouse is your stop. This James Street North restaurant headed by Kyle and Jennifer, prides itself on a dining experience that you can enjoy with friends and family – platters topped with a plethora of smoked meats and sides. All of the meats are smoked in-house daily, and you can choose from a variety of shared options like pork ribs, smoked pork, and tender brisket. Be sure to try the Southern fried chicken and pork belly nuggets!
Texas Wild BBQ
1200 Rymal Rd. E., Unit 4, Hamilton
texaswildbbq.com
IG: texaswildbbq
Operating on Saturdays out of Nebo Ultrawash on the east Mountain, Texas Wild BBQ is one of the few BBQ spots in the city (if not the only) that is 100 per cent Halal Everyone can enjoy all-beef options such as beef back ribs, short ribs, brisket, and the deli-inspired smoked pastrami – all smoked over oak wood. Looking for something a little bit different? Try one of the weekly specials and expect options like smoked brisket quesadillas!
B-Side Social
17 Augusta St. Unit B, Hamilton
bsidesocial.ca
IG: b_side_social
FB: bsidesoc
This little spot on Augusta street serves up big BBQ flavour, including a whole variety of entrées, sides and smoked meat options. For a little taste of everything, bring a friend or two and try the Pitmaster BBQ Board. B-Side also offers low-country Southern-style seafood boils, if you are a surf fan!
Uncle Sam's BBQ Smoke House
490 Arvin Ave., Stoney Creek
unclesamsbbq.ca
IG: unclesamsbbq
FB: BBQSam
With two locations to serve you, one in Stoney Creek and one out to the west of the city in Brantford, Uncle Sam's is an award-winning BBQ spot that takes part in many Ribfest events locally and beyond. Best known for BBQ smoked pork ribs, which they describe as "juicier than a ripe watermelon,” they also have chicken, pulled pork, brisket and more. Large portions and authentic Southern BBQ are found here!
Mustangs Big Ol’ Grill
301 Fruitland Rd., Stoney Creek
mustangsbigolgrill.com
IG: mustangs_bigolgrill
FB: mustangsbigolgrill
Did you know there is an entire Facebook group called Wings in the Hammer? The group has over 10,000 members, and Mustang's Big Ol' Grill consistently gets great mentions and reviews in this group. Now that's saying something! Not only does it offer excellent wings, this Stoney Creek favourite serves up options including Southern fried riblets, hot honey fried, chicken sliders, BBQ chicken dinners, steak and rib combos, and more. Head on over there on a Thursday for all-you-can-eat Texas-style ribs.
Golden Tenders
1150 King St. E., Hamilton
goldentenders.com
IG: goldentenders.hamont
FB: goldentenders.hamont
For those that love fried chicken in all of its glory, Golden Tenders specializes in just that. Creating what it calls "Hamilton's favourite chicken tenders,” the menu is small but mighty, with farm-to-table ethically farmed ingredients made into crispy and juicy chicken tenders. Choose from either tenders on their own, tenders with sides, as fried chicken sandwiches, or as wraps. There are also battered mushrooms, wedges, and biscuits!
Coop Wicked Chicken & Bar
274 King St W #272, Hamilton
370 Brant St, Burlington
thecoopwickedchicken.com
IG: thecoopwickedchicken
FB: thecoopwickedchicken
With three locations nearby to choose from (Hamilton, Burlington, and Cambridge), the Coop Wicked Chicken has a cool ’90s retro vibe that is quite popular right now. People love nostalgia! The menu has a focus on fried chicken – as you can assume from the name – with a whole menu of Southern fried chicken sandwich options (Korean, Nashville, Buffalo and more). Try the chicken ‘n’ waffles for a true Southern experience!
The Dirty South
581 Concession St., Hamilton
townhallsocial.com/the-dirty-south
IG: dirtysouthtruck
FB: dirtysouthtruck
What started as an ever-popular Southern-themed food truck, The Dirty South has made a name for itself within the city and has expanded to a shared brick and mortar location (inside Townhall) on Concession Street. Enjoy fried chicken poutine, beef brisket mac and cheese, and full BBQ trays with Louisiana fried chicken, pulled pork, brisket and all the sides. Contact them for private food truck events!
Red Rockets
redrockets.ca
IG: redrocketswingsandribs
FB: redrocketswings
A Hamilton staple, Red Rockets has been in the community since 2000. Now with four locations across the city, east Hamilton, east and west Mountain and downtown, you can expect there is a Red Rockets location nearby no matter where you live. Best known for sauce-tossed chicken wings, they also serve up BBQ or honey garlic fall-of-the-bone ribs and sides to go with them. For the best of both worlds, get a chicken and ribs combo!Various locations across Hamilton.
