You’ll never be thirsty in Hamilton, thanks to our stellar lineup of beers, ciders and wines – keeping pace with the city’s booming culinary scene.
Here’s a thirst quenching list of where you should go to raise a glass around town.
Make sure to check ahead for the most current retail, taproom and patio openings. And don't forget to ask about shipping options.
DESTINATION BREWERIES
Merit Brewing
170 James St N
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Located in the heart of Downtown, you'll enjoy sipping and tasting your way through Merit's unique beer list and delicious food menu. Count on Merit's team to push the boundaries of flavours, whether it's creative brewing ingredients or crafting the perfect sausage.
Collective Arts Brewing
207 Burlington St E
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This craft brewery in Hamilton's industrial north pours plenty of creativity into every can, including the can itself, featuring label designs by artists from around the world. With a range of craft beer, cocktails, and zero proof options, there's something for everyone to pour and enjoy.
Grain & Grit Beer Co.
11 Ewen Rd
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This family-run brewery is equal parts quality-obsessed and fun. Sip through their balanced brew list, snack on some kettle chips, or enjoy a tasty food truck pop-up. Their large patio is also a must-visit in the spring and summer.
Fairweather Brewing Co.
5 Ofield Rd, Unit 1
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Whether you're looking for a hoppy IPA or a fruit and oak-aged brew, you'll have a tough time deciding what to order on Fairweather's creative and rotating menu. A favourite spot among locals, this redesigned warehouse is the perfect spot to spend the afternoon.
Shawn & Ed Brewing Co.
66 Hatt St, Dundas
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Located in an old ice-rink, this unique brewery focuses on pouring the perfect craftsmanship into every pint. From refreshing lagers to darker flavours, you can enjoy it all here. Don't miss out on their delicious pizzas and fun monthly events.
Clifford Brewing
398 Nash Rd N
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Recognized as Canada's Best Brewery in 2019, Clifford continues to pour delicious craft beer from porters to their East Hamilton Lager. This east-end brewery also serves up delicious seasonal brews and monthly live music events.
Barrel Heart Brewing
104 King St W Dundas
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Inspired by the traditional saison style of farmhouse beer, the newest craft brewery to set up shop in Hamilton is also one of its most unique. Specializing in oak-aged beer, with locally sourced fruits, every brew is served in a green 750L bottle and full of complex flavours. Visit their bottle shop and tap room for a special experience you won't get anywhere else.
Brewers Blackbird
375 Wilson St. E., Ancaster
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Blackbird Brewers offers a one of a kind experience with its location inside a stone house dating back to the 1830s right in the heart of historic downtown Ancaster. Think upscale bar menu items such as crispy eggplant or brisket nachos in addition to their own porters, IPAs and lagers.
Aquanova Brewing Co.
67 Frid St Unit 13, Hamilton, ON
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This small-batch brewery serves up refreshing pints, with quality ingredients, in an inviting space. With brews like Das Treffen blonde ale and Malena Italian pilsner, their menu is full of creative flavours to keep any beer lover happy.
SATISFYING CIDERS
Tall Post Cider Craft
1170 Hendershot Rd., Hannon
Get a taste of the country at this cidery nestled in Hamilton’s east mountain farmland. Focused on small-batch craft experience, ingredients for ciders here are sourced on-site or very nearby. Cheers to local!
West Avenue Cider
84 Concession 8 E, Freelton
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Located in a charming farmhouse, this award-winning, small-batch cidery believes in starting with superior quality fruit. The result is crisp clean flavours that benefit from barrel aging and careful craftsmanship. Sip your way through a flight, enjoy a wood oven pizza, and enjoy the views.
Steel Town Cider
150 Chatham Street, Unit 14
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This made-in-Hamilton cidery is the brainchild of three friends looking to expand local options for ‘interesting dry rustic ciders’ to keep pace with the wave of quality breweries and natural wine emerging across the city. Enter Steel Town Cider Co. in Dundas which now turns out very popular ciders like their first release "Session Cider" and more experimental new favourites like "Guav AF" and "Vay Kay".
Carlisle Cider Co.
1453 Milburough Town Line, Carlisle ON
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Cheers to farm fresh cider! Take a drive out to the country to enjoy refreshing cider made from apples grown on this family farm. You won't be disappointed by the views or the cider.
WINERIES
Leaning Post
1491 Hwy 8, Stoney Creek
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Winemaker Ilya Senchuk learned his craft in wineries across Niagara and New Zealand. He now applies his skills to make satisfying Rieslings, chardonnays and pinot noirs. Excellent terroir paired with a passion for small-batch vintages has helped this family-run winery become a stand out.
Puddicombe Farms & Winery
1468 Hwy 8, Stoney Creek
This is a one-stop shop offering good things to eat and drink. It’s a winery (with more than 25 varietals available) and a cidery that produces Sir Isaac’s Premium Pear Cider. There’s also a country market selling baked goods, preserves and more, plus a cafe to enjoy light fare like sandwiches and salads.
Ridge Road Estate Winery
1205 Ridge Rd, Stoney Creek
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Half the fun of visiting is the drive to get there along a winding road. Enjoy the views of Niagara Escarpment and Toronto skyline in the distance. When you arrive, you’ll find a charming tasting room with staff who offer complimentary tastings and happily share their knowledge with guests.
BOTTLE SHOPS
Hamilton has recently welcomed a slew of stellar bottle shops at local restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and stores. Check out this list of in-the-know wine lovers selling bottles you're not likely to find at the LCBO.
- MERIT: This popular downtown brewery has recently branched out with a stellar list of natural wines by local wineries like Hawk & Hammer and Leaning Post as well as exciting international picks, only available through private importers. Free delivery in Hamilton with minimum purchase.
- Endless: This friendly east end neighbourhood bar and bottle shop serves up quality suds and wines, just steps away from Ottawa Street. Pair your well curated drink with the perfect elevated bar snack or take-home item.
- Synonym: This beautiful James Street North spot is part cafe, part bookshop and now big parts wine bar and bottle shop. They've got a large natural wine & craft beer list and have put some serious thought into pairings with locally sourced food from their from-scratch kitchen.
Other local bottles shops worth adding to your shopping cart include Dundurn Market and Red Church Cafe & Gallery.
TASTING EXPERIENCES
Craft beer fans can explore Hamilton's exciting brewery scene with the Beer Tour Company. The experience includes tasting flights at four breweries, a behind-the-scenes tour at one location, and transportation.
- Hamilton Halton Brant True Brew Path highlights many of the region's notable breweries and cideries.
Michele Sponagle is a prolific journalist born and raised in Hamilton. Her work has appeared in top media outlets across Canada. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Michele’s blog takes a fresh look at some Hamilton classics, from iconic eateries to the quirky stories behind its most beloved and well-known attractions.