Guides / Spots

A Day Trip to Hamilton: Eating and Drinking Destinations Worth the Drive

Robin Winship

7 months ago

A Day Trip to Hamilton: Eating and Drinking Destinations Worth the Drive

164 James St S

Odds Bar

A trip to a new city wouldn't be complete without checking out a local bar. Head to Odds Bar for a pint, glass of wine or cocktail and pair it with a few dishes like dumplings, bao, fried chicken or a patty melt - the drinks might have you through the door, but its the food that'll have you coming back.

1099 Cannon St E

Shorty's Pizza

With a Hamilton and Winnipeg location, this pizzeria fires out thin NY-style pizzas (albeit with a Shorty's twist) for a devote following. Grab a slice or a whole pie with flavours like NY Cheese, Pepperoni, Hawaiian, Bacon and Mushroom or snag their feature pizza, which now happens to be "Ma's Lasagna." Shorty's alone is worth the trek out to Hamilton; you'll be sorry to miss them!

1101 Cannon St E

1101 Convenience

Located at 1101 Cannon Street East, this no-frills sub and bottle shop is the ideal place to grab lunch on the go or peruse the fridges filled with local beverages, ranging from wine, beer, cider, seltzers and more. Owned by the same team who also oversee Shorty's Pizza and Bernie's Tavern (which conveniently happen to be beside one another), this strip of restaurants on Cannon is revitalizing the area. So, whether you're grabbing a thick stacked hoagie filled with thinly sliced Italian meats for a picnic by one of Hamilton's many waterfalls or are looking for sustenance on the drive home - 1101 Convenience has you covered.

1103 Cannon St E

Bernie's Tavern

The recently transformed Bernie's Tavern (previously Osten Beerhall) welcomes patrons in for a comforting meal of tavern comfort fare like smash burgers, barbecue platters, deep dish pizzas and more! Paired with local beer on tap and a seat on their back patio filled with picnic benches, Bernie's will have you admiring the laid-back atmosphere Hamilton exudes.

178 James St N

Rapscallion and Co.

Whether you're admiring the impressive collection of art, gawking at the grandiose decor and eclectic nuances or savouring the menu of French nose-to-tail delicacies, dining at Rapscallion is an experience. Housed in a historic building, once the home of an old Portuguese restaurant, Rapscallion is brought to you by Other Bird. The hospitality group also owns popular Hamilton taqueria The Mule, The Arlington Hotel, Burro and Hunter and Co. Embodying the meaning of its name, naughtiness is at the forefront of the restaurant's atmosphere; whether it's the tongue-in-cheek signs or the bold dishes, let Rapscallion sweep you away.

175 John St S

Detour Cafe Hamilton

Recharge after the drive into Hamilton with a stop at Detour Cafe. Located on John Street, the sleek cafe is notably the neighbourhood coffee spot. Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Sunday; you'll never go without your morning coffee. Beans are sourced and roasted in-house, with an evident passion behind the entire process. Detour got its start in 2009 with a location in Dundas, Ontario and has since opened two locations in Hamilton and stocked coffee shops across Canada with their beans. Whether it's a double espresso, a selection of baked goods and bread from Dear Grain Bakery or a breakfast sandwich, you'll be taken care of as soon as you walk through the doors.