Hamilton is a formally bustling port city that hugs the western fringe of Lake Ontario. Recently, it’s become a magnet for entrepreneurs, foodies and artists who have succumbed to the natural beauty of the surroundings and its new-found energy. This week we’re coving some Hamilton restaurant scenes, specifically Locke Street restaurants.
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Locke Street, running roughly north to south through the city’s downtown, is a prime example of how Hamilton has exploded in popularity in the last few decades. What was once simply a ‘street of churches’ is now a vibrant hub of restaurants, bars and shops that offer something a little different. It’s a place where window-gazing and wandering amongst the hubbub of other people is thoroughly enjoyable. Locke Street boasts brilliant holiday and summer festivals, bespoke stores and shops where you can find all sorts. It’s also a short walk to Hamilton’s entertainment district, Hess Village.
So if you’re meandering along and need refuelling, a quick bite to eat, or just a coffee and cake, where to go on Locke Street? Here we select some of our favourite Locke Street restaurants to grab something on one of Hamilton’s most popular destinations.
The Restaurants
Brux House
Or, to give its full title, Brux House Craft Beer and Kitchen. Located almost at the midpoint of Locke Street, Brux House is a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner and a sleek, welcoming gastropub that is one of the top ten eateries in the city. Classy, upscale yet relaxed, the food is great, they match craft beers with your eats, and the atmosphere – even on the outdoor patio – is excellent.
Earth to Table: Bread Bar
Another Certificate of Excellence award winner, Earth to Table: Bread Bar, is not the biggest, but it’s undoubtedly one of the best on the street as its name suggests; as many ingredients as possible are fresh, seasonal and locally produced in Earth to Table’s dishes. This includes a mouth-watering selection of stone-baked pizzas, burgers, shared plates, soups and salads, and a good selection of sandwiches and mains. Cosy, friendly and with great food – there’s not much more you could ask for.
The Burnt Tongue
At The Burnt Tongue, they keep it simple yet bursting with quality, so while their menu is restricted to a handful of choices – burgers, soups, fries, sandwiches – those choices are uniformly superb. Featured on the TV show ‘You Gotta Eat Here!’ and with its soups described as ‘stellar’, The Burnt Tongue is one of those small but perfectly formed eateries that has become a firm favourite as a place to drop by and eat when on Locke Street. They also have two other Hamilton locations and in Burlington at the inside The Pearle Hotel & Spa,
Democracy*
A place of exposed timbers, ink-black slate and raw metal giving it the vibe of an ultra-cool office space or high-end loft, Democracy* – as its moniker suggests – prides itself on open minds, conversation – there is no Wi-Fi – and excellent vegan eats washed down with coffee or craft beer. Tasty shareable appetizers, warming bowls and healthy salads, plus a nice compliment of crowd-pleasing mains, make up the menu at Democracy*. Still, the great food is just a tiny part of the overall atmosphere here – the focus is on coming together and using it as a place to meet and engage, and in that, it succeeds admirably.
…and Finish Your Locke Street Restaurants Tour With Dessert
Donut Monster
A newcomer to Locke Street – it opened its doors in 2018 – Donut Monster’s owners were originally the suppliers of fresh doughnuts to many of Hamilton’s indie coffee shops. The next logical step, of course, was to open their place and sell their product direct – and that’s just what they have done, and very successfully too. Donut Monster is a simple concept executed with love, care and a desire to make, serving their exceptional doughnuts seven days a week, with great coffee, steeped teas, and even milkshakes to wash them down. Their customers are pleased indeed.
Amo Gelato Caffe
When all you want is a couple of gelato scoops to feast on as you pause to watch the world drift by, there’s nothing better than the cones, cups, and even doughnuts served in this Locke Street favourite. Opened in 2016 by Ally Amato and going from strength to strength ever since, Amo Gelato Caffe is a colourful, inviting space where you can eat in or take out and choose from a wide selection of hugely flavourful gelatos, as well as coffees, cakes, waffles and pastries. Amo Gelato Caffe is sure to hit the spot for those of a sweet tooth – and even for those who aren’t.
Next time you are in Hamilton, come and try some of these Locke Street restaurants; you might find a new favourite spot.
