The COVID-19 pandemic has been nothing short of unforgiving to many small businesses over the last year and a half but perhaps none have suffered more than Hamilton’s local restaurant industry. Fortunately for business owner Ian Carr, that statement does not apply to his Island Hi Eatery. Through multiple lockdowns and imposed lifestyle restrictions,… Keep Reading
When it comes to the most extensive kitchenware selections in Hamilton and an all-inclusive local foods market, the spotlight shines no brighter than it does on The Casual Gourmet and its owner, Ilona Santa. After taking over the reins in 2016, Ilona and her team have transformed and reinvented her small business from a local… Keep Reading
Let’s Eat! Industria Pizzeria + Bar! Hamilton Rising kicked off our year in 2020 with a visit to Industria Pizzeria + Bar at 69 John St S, and wow what a space! This spot checks a ton of boxes for any age. Make sure that you put this place on your must visit list! Enjoy the… Keep Reading
Dundurn Market is all about local. They feature over 120 local vendors like Dear Grain, and La Dee Da Gourmet Sauces. With their roots in Bikeables, they offer zero emission delivery service throughout the city. Their cafe is full of amazing options from baked goods to full meals. Discover why people are excited about Dundurn Organic Market by stopping… Keep Reading
For the last few weeks, we’ve been hunkered down and hard at work in collaboration with the City of Hamilton’s Economic Development Office in order to build and bring to you our new initiative, Hometown Hub. Hometown Hub has been built and implemented in response to the current COVID-19 health crisis in order to set… Keep Reading
Celebrating Food Trucks in Hamilton! Hamilton festivals, events and farmers markets always include a celebration of great food with amazing Hamilton food trucks! Creative fresh cuisine from schnitzel to tacos, smoothies and desserts keeps us happy year round–and especially in summer! Making Summer Weekdays Special! Check out “Holy Food Trucks” in Ancaster every Tuesday night for dinner!… Keep Reading
Summer in Stoney Creek! Mark your calendars for Thursdays this summer to shop at the Market in the Creek! Open 4pm to 7pm in Downtown Stoney Creek! When and Where! Market in the Creek is open every Thursday starting June 20 to October 24, 2019! The Market is located at King St E and Mountain… Keep Reading
Hamilton Patio Season Kicks Off! What’s better in May than a drink and a meal on a beautiful patio in Hamilton? Warm weather is here, let the celebrating begin! Are You Up For A 2019 Patio Tour Challenge? How many patios can you visit this summer? Here are just a few of the many amazing… Keep Reading
Hamilton Rising Inside Scoop! We recently visited Hammerhead’s March 12 to give you our inside scoop: Hamilton GoTo for Fish and Chips! Hammerhead’s celebrated their one year anniversary on March 6, 2019! Fish and Chip lovers discover so much more to try here—with scallops, shrimp curry, asian coleslaw, oysters, calamari, and in-house saucy, tangy, spicy,… Keep Reading
2019 Food Trends! Food forecasters predict 2019 will bring more vegan and vegetarian cuisine, more food delivery options that ever before, and more people eating insects! Wait! what? Insects? It turns out we already eat insects in processed foods like peanut butter. Guesstimates claim from 30% up to 80% of the world population enthusiastically eats… Keep Reading
The month of December is a time for holiday celebration, family gatherings, and reconnecting with friends. Regardless of what your plans are this holiday season, cocktails are always a good idea! Looking to make some of those crazy drinks you see all over social media? Hamilton Rising has you covered on how to make sure… Keep Reading
We love tacos—authentic Mexican flavors, peppers, salsas with fresh, local veggies, and a Hamilton creative touch! Mezcal TNT Chef/Owner Manny Ferreira puts his creative twist on tacos, burritos and apps to share! Mezcal’s signature tequila drinks are a house specialty! 150 James St S! Open Sunday-Thursday 11:30am to 11pm, Friday & Saturday 11:30am to 2am! http://mezcaltnt.com… Keep Reading
Patio Hopping! It is not too late to check out Hamilton’s great patios this summer/fall! Try a new spot in town! Whatever you’re looking for-Hamilton has it! People watching, waterfront views, intimate settings, loungey rooftops, garden terraces, lively parties! Gown & Gavel/24 Hess St! Gown & Gavel has the biggest Hamilton patio and a lively… Keep Reading
Gardening for our Neighbors! More than 350 Hamilton Victory Gardens Volunteers grow food every summer for our community! The 18 urban garden sites are located throughout the city, giving easy assess for helpers to stop by. The season begins in February in the greenhouse, moves to planting in May and harvesting through November! All urban… Keep Reading
St Catharines Food Cart on a Mission! Rescue Dogs is a unique business! While creating delicious, healthy vegan food, they are also contributing to local animal rescue. Rescue Dogs takes their plant-based Street Fare on the road spreading the healthy food and “feel good about what you eat” message. All hot dogs are hand rolled… Keep Reading
Mediterranean Restaurant Juice Bar and Grill! Edens Café at 1548 Main St W specializes in healthy Mediterranean food! You can snack on fresh pita pieces with creamy dips and Greek spanakopita for an entree. Thursdays are pasta nights with classic creamy pesto, Jambalaya pasta, lasagna and bacon mac/cheese. If you’re in a hurry, get a… Keep Reading
Roasting in Hamilton! Hard to believe it’s been almost 10 years that Relay has been roasting coffee in Hamilton! Jason and Rachel Hofing moved to Hamilton to built their successful community-oriented business! Today Relay has 2 coffee bars (Hamilton Farmers Market and 590 Concession St), a coffee Fuel Station at Mohawk College, an office/lab and… Keep Reading
Heirloom Bread! The Dundas Detour Cafe features a popular brunch as well as amazing breakfast, lunch and dinner. Chef/owner Crystal Asher has created a celebrated kitchen & bakery where everything is made from scratch, sourcing local ingredients! The Cafe was closed in February for the addition of the new Heirloom Bread Bakery! Freshly brewed Detour… Keep Reading
Busy Beekeepers! Humble Bee partners Luc Peters and Dan Douma are busy year round! During these winter months they host beekeeping workshops at the Cotton Factory. Between December and June they have 10 workshops scheduled with several already sold out. Workshop topics cover equipment choices, learning all about bees and honey, queen rearing, working the… Keep Reading
Celebrations at Radius! Join the enthusiastic Radius regulars who love the stunning historic space, the happening night life in the lounge, the creative menu and friendly service! Customers come here to celebrate special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays, or just to make today special! Radius embraces local history in the historic home of Isaac Buchanan.… Keep Reading
Cider House Culture! Amy Robson and Chris Haworth enjoyed the cider house culture in England! Now, they’re bringing it to Ontario, for us all to share! Chris and Amy literally started from the ground up, planting thousands of heritage cider apple trees at their farm in Freelton in 2012. An apple tree grows for 5… Keep Reading
Hamilton’s Community Grocery Market! Everyone is invited to shop at the Mustard Seed! Hamilton’s Co-op is committed to being a welcoming, community grocery market—open to all. Stop in to buy local fresh fruit and vegetables in season, and organic imports during winter. Mustard Seed is a full service grocery stocking food from over 230 producers.… Keep Reading
Democracy* Every Day! Democracy is a popular Locke St gathering spot to meet up with friends and hang out with family! High ceilings, bright open space, and friendly staff creates a warm welcome for regulars and newcomers! Who doesn’t like to write on the wall? Kids (and adults) create art and post daily words of… Keep Reading
Buttons Buttons! 541 Eatery & Exchange is a welcoming cafe in a beautiful space! You’ll find wooden harvest tables, chalkboard menus, historic charm, yummy bakery treats and healthy, affordable comfort food. 541 is in a former Bank of Montreal space, but the currency in this cafe is buttons. You’ll see a “Button Bank” Jar containing… Keep Reading
100 Years of Tradition in Dundas! It’s a rare treat to visit a market that first opened in 1915! This 3rd gen Picone family shop at 34 King St W is the address of Joseph Picone’s original shop. Today, Picone Fine Food is a modern market that also features an expresso bar, hot lunch takeout, catering… Keep Reading
Poke Bowl Cravings! Once we tried Pokeh, we were hooked! True fans daydream about our next poke bowl lunch! Ordering your first bowl is easy with the super friendly help from the staff. Your bowl has a base of freshly cooked white rice, brown rice or cucumber noodles. Add your choice of protein, then amazing… Keep Reading
Authentic Italian Neapolitan! Customers are over the moon about the Neapolitan Pizza and the fresh pasta at CIMA! Lucky locals who have traveled in Italy tell us CIMA is the real deal, right here in Hamilton! The stunning wood-fired Stephano Ferrara pizza oven comes from Naples. Rules for creating the perfect Neapolitan Pizza require patience… Keep Reading
Bring your Friends! They will thank you! Toast is a friendly, relaxing place to meet up for drinks, food, frequent live music and fun events! Toast features a curated local and international wine menu, delicious food to share, a full lineup of cocktails, and craft beers on tap. Enjoy Toast’s cafe comfort, glittery accents and… Keep Reading
Hamilton’s Culinary Co-op! The Kitchen Collective is a local success story! Hamilton food entrepreneurs are sharing this modern commercial kitchen! Collective member Ramped Up Catering prepares the food for weddings and events. The Winged Bean cooks and delivers healthy vegan meals to customer homes. Co-op member, The Mindfull Kitchen sells their grab and go snacks, granola mixes… Keep Reading
Sushi Nachos! Five isn’t enough stars for Nique’s Sushi Nachos! Sharing may not be an option after your first bite! Nique’s Sushi Nachos are an original, cross-cultural eating celebration! Chef Harrison Hennick creates an adventurous menu offering delicious comfort food like fried chicken combined with unique fusions of fresh ingredients for surprising taste experiences. Nique… Keep Reading
Miami Cool on Barton St! Motel is a recent arrival on Barton St E! Motel decor is pink with palm trees and turquoise floors creating a Miami vibe! You can get brunch every day starting at 10am! If brunch isn’t your thing, you can order lunch! There are no reservations for brunch or lunch, but… Keep Reading
The Urban Vine in Dundas! Step into this welcoming space for a unique shopping experience! You’ll discover masterblend premium olive oils and unique aged balsamic vinegars! And you’re supporting a local family business! The Vine “tasting boutique” offers an opportunity to explore new flavors and learn how and where the products are made. The Vine… Keep Reading
Dogs Welcome! Local dog owners are celebrating this special Cafe at 229 Locke St S! Out of town visitors have heard the news and stopped by, too! This friendly Cafe encourages you to bring your dog with you for coffee, lunch, and treats! If you don’t have a dog, you are invited to stop in… Keep Reading
Great Food in the Arts District! “Great” just begins to describe the Saint James experience! You’ll enjoy special coffees, creative food, friendly service and the pleasure of being in this beautiful space! If you haven’t discovered breakfast and lunch at Saint James, you are missing out! For the first time, Saint James is serving Friday… Keep Reading
Five Star Delivery! Local customers love Bikeables friendly service, prices, convenience and products! Word is spreading about the “buy local, have it delivered” Bikeables motto! Bikeables started bicycle delivery in August 2016, and officially launched in downtown Hamilton, select Mountain areas, Ancaster and Dundas in June 2017. Bikeables is a grocery and food delivery service… Keep Reading
Putting Hamilton Craft Beer on the Map! Ontario based Collective Arts Brewing embraces a grass roots tradition at their local brewery in Hamilton. This “made in Hamilton” Collective Arts craft beer continues to grow in popularity, as they pour and sell at events and stores in Canada, New England and New York State. Lucky beer… Keep Reading
Hamilton’s “Go To” Spot! Merit Brewing’s grand opening in May immediately drew the curious “out and about” crowd to check out the beautiful, renovated space with an industrial vibe. Once at Merit, fans keep coming back for their favorite brew, awesome food and the friendly atmosphere. You may be surprised by the “no chairs” setting,… Keep Reading
Chocolate Dipped Caramel Apples! Beanermunky celebrates autumn by creating this special seasonal treat with glorious local apples, wrapped in sweet caramel and chocolate! Celebrate every occasion and holiday with chocolate at Beanermunky. At Christmastime, candy-cane bark and beautiful gift baskets are a must. Just being in Beanermunky Chocolate Shop is a treat for all your… Keep Reading
Chef Inspired Hamburgers! Hamburger fans didn’t know it at the time, but they were in for an unexpected treat! Hamilton’s renaissance and the flourishing innovative local food scene was attracting famous chefs from Toronto and beyond to our city. Nationally celebrated Canadian chef Michael Cipollo and his family relocated to Hamilton in 2015 to open… Keep Reading
More Chocolate? Yes, Please! Some of us believe chocolate is essential nutrition for a healthy, happy life! If you agree, Ka’Kau is the place for you! The beautiful truffles, fudge, milk and dark chocolate in every shape surrounds you. Stop into 184 Locke St S for a treat! A Gift for Every Occasion and Every… Keep Reading
Yes to Daily Gelato! A new Hamilton tradition began in June 2016 when Amo Gelato Caffe opened its doors! Neighbors and visitors return again and again to this cozy, adorable Caffe at 171 Locke St S. The staff gets 5 stars for their friendly service. Customers love the rich creamy Gelato and creative Amo flavors!… Keep Reading
Feel the Glow! Have you ever had something new to eat or drink that made you feel great, and wondered “why didn’t I try this before”? Fans of Glow Juicery know that healthy glow feeling. Fans love the Glow fresh cold-pressed juices, smoothies and raw vegan snacks that nourish their bodies with nutrient-rich food. In our… Keep Reading
Take a Break at Brown Dog! Next time you’re walking down Locke Street, stop into Brown Dog for an in-house brewed coffee and their signature apple fritters. Relax in the friendly, inviting space with the soaring, wood ceilings. If the Brown Dog building looks like a converted church, it is. Today 211 Locke Street is… Keep Reading
A Seriously Local Favorite! Stopping into Bread Bar Restautant and Pizzeria, you’ll likely see neighbors already there, enjoying Bread Bar’s creative, “seasonally inspired” food! Customer reviewers love the food and applaud the service! You can find Bread Bar at two locations, one at 258 Locke Street S in Hamilton and the second in Guelph at 10… Keep Reading
It’s Here! September 8-10 Supercrawl is here! 2017 is predicted to be even bigger than 2016! Crowd estimates for last year say 200,000 people attended, and more are expected this year! A voluntary poll among last years “Supercrawlers” (that’s a thing now) found that almost 70% who answered the poll had been to one… Keep Reading
Your Neighborhood Butcher. If you haven’t been to The Honest Meat Company yet, you are in for a treat! Honest Meat opened at 182 Ottawa St N in July and has been winning customers with their personal service and locally sourced meats. Honest’s head butcher, Dave, can tell you which area farm your meat comes… Keep Reading
Supercrawl and The Burnt Tongue The Burnt Tongue on 10 Cannon Street had its grand opening during Supercrawl September 13, 2014! Since then, it’s grown a huge following of loyal regulars and expanded into a second location at 182 Locke St S. This year The Burnt Tongue has done renovations to both spots and is… Keep Reading
Opening in Hamilton on November 1st! If you’re already a fan of Boon Burger Cafe, you’ll be happy to hear their new cafe is opening on Ottawa Street North! Boon’s popular and successful cafes have been serving their 100% plant based menu for 7 years! Boon Burger’s creative menu shows that vegan cuisine is delicious for… Keep Reading
Time To Play! Serve Ping Pong Lounge offers up great tasting food to share, a full bar and cocktail menu, ping pong tables, and a fun social scene with friendly competition! Stop by Serve any day after 4 pm right downtown in their spacious 2nd floor lounge at 105-115 King Street East. Fall Ping Pong… Keep Reading
Snacks, You Say? Tell Me More! Did you know that the Black Sheep Snack Bar serves craft cocktails and chef-created bar snacks you won’t find anywhere else? The Black Sheep snacks are creative tapas cuisine featuring tempting pierogis, one of a kind nachos, mini fish cakes, and more…to share with friends. Brunch. Yes, Please! Black Sheep… Keep Reading
Rust City Brewery (rustcitybrewery.com) Whether you love coffee, beer or both you’ll find Rust City, at 27 King William St, a unique combination of urban coffee house, creative restaurant, and craft beer brew pub. Plans are in the works for an onsite brewery. Sunday Jazz Brunch at Rust City is a popular place to be… Keep Reading
Eat Lunch in Ancaster! You’ll be happily surprised to discover the variety of local and international cuisine lunch options in Ancaster! A few “only in Ancaster” eateries give you a local experience found no where else. Several excellent franchise restaurants are featured in Ancaster, too. Most eateries also serve dinner. “Only in Ancaster” Local Eateries.… Keep Reading
Hamilton Heat! If you crave tacos and burritos head to downtown Hamilton or Westdale Village! At least 6 downtown eateries serve creative tacos with unique combinations of fresh local ingredients. Diners have all the “heat” options from way too hot to mild mannered salsa! Mezcal Tacos & Tequila Award winning Mezcal Tacos has an enthusiastic,… Keep Reading
We Support our Local Farmers! Hamilton celebrates local farmers with weekly community farmers markets and a year round market downtown. Hamilton chefs source local food for their farm-fresh to table menu. Talking with the people who grow our food at the farmers market is a wonderful conversation with neighbors! Open All Year Downtown Hamilton Farmers… Keep Reading
Hamilton Craft Brewers Collective Arts Brewing (collectiveartsbrewing.com) Locals and tourists are excited about Hamilton Craft Beer! Beer lovers seek out Collective Arts Brewing on Burlington St East, near the Waterfront. Collective Arts features a large onsite brewery, store, tasting room and gallery. Daily tours and a full schedule of events make Collective Arts a popular… Keep Reading
Discover King Street West! King Street West features an amazing variety of multi-cultural restaurants and lounges. This lively neighborhood, just west of the downtown core, spans the King Street West blocks between Caroline Street South and Queen Street South. Visitors often walk over from the nearby Sheraton or Hamilton Convention Centre. King Street West business… Keep Reading
Locke Street Welcomes You! Charming Locke Street shops and eateries value their customers, neighbors and community. You’ll find a warm welcome at shops, eateries and events on Locke Street South between Aberdeen Avenue and King Street West. Locke Street business and property owners joined together and working with the City of Hamilton received the official designation… Keep Reading
A Day Trip to Stoney Creek! Plan a visit soon to Stoney Creek Olde Downtown where you’ll enjoy the historic setting, calming green spaces, a charming fountain in the park, and the unique shopping, dining, and special celebrations. You’ll find Stoney Creek Olde Downtown on King Street E. between Lake Avenue and Applewood Avenue. Local… Keep Reading
The Waterdown Village Experience! In Waterdown Village you’ll enjoy big variety in shopping, food, and events with a small town friendly feel! Unique shops, many choices for delicious eating, and family friendly events, make Waterdown Village a great place to live and visit! You’ll find Waterdown Village atop the Niagara Escarpment (“on the hill”) north… Keep Reading
Have You Been on a Farmcrawl? What is a farmcrawl? Hamilton Farm families invite you to tour and learn about their farms! 2017 marks the 6th year FarmCrawl Hamilton has organized a summer of tour events at local farms! The calendar of summer tours includes animals, flowers, garden plants, food, honey, weaving, wine. Check the… Keep Reading
Visit Westdale Village in the West End of Hamilton! Have you been to Westdale Village recently? Visitors enjoy the friendly vibe on King Street West in the Village. Did you know that Westdale began as a planned community in 1920 and today features green space, historic architecture and a walkable neighborhood? Being close to McMaster… Keep Reading
Welcome to Downtown Dundas Shopping! Downtown Dundas offers visitors a charming, historic streetscape, and a memorable shopping and dining experience. Shoppers walk along tree-lined sidewalks and marvel at the diversity of choices. More than 100 shops offer an amazing selection of today’s latest fashion clothing and accessories, shoes, kitchenware, unique gifts, flowers, art, crafts, jewelry,… Keep Reading
It’s Happening Now! The Downtown Hamilton Revitalization! Work, Eat, Live Downtown People living and working downtown are energized about the ongoing progress happening in the city centre. The downtown core is an officially designated City of Hamilton “Business Improvement Area”. Downtown business owners joined together forming a non profit organization with more than 600 members… Keep Reading
Ancaster Heritage Village…a special pleasure to visit! Come and see for yourself this charming local shopping area set amidst unique historic architecture and rich cultural heritage. Ancaster residents and visitors alike appreciate the pedestrian friendly vibe with green spaces and welcoming local shops. Heritage and History is Here! You can take a walking tour highlighting… Keep Reading
