Visiting Hamilton to see Blackpink this November and looking for some great spots to eat?
Blinks, we got you!
Check out our guide to local spots to grab a bite or a drink – all within walking distance of the concert venue, FirstOntario Centre.
Note: some local places mentioned are closed on Sundays or Mondays. Please check the hours of operation before you visit!
Morning Fuel: Coffee & Breakfast Spots
For a caffeine pick-me-up to power your visit, check out one of the many independent coffee shops nearby. Smalls Coffee, Redchurch Cafe, and Mulberry Coffeehouse are all delicious and much-loved by locals.
You can fuel up with savory or sweet waffles at RELAY Coffee or enjoy daily breakfast at Electric Diner and Saint James Eatery. On weekends, check out these downtown Hamilton brunch favourites: The French, Rapscallion, Undefined, Caro, Green Bar (100% Vegan), and The Mule (100% Gluten Free).
Quick Bites: Food on the go
You can grab Banh Mi and Vietnamese ready-to-go items from Bahn Mi Hue and McQueen’s Banh Mi. The Burnt Tongue offers a variety of hearty soups perfect for cooler weather. A few other great takeout options nearby are Chicken Plus for Korean fried chicken and rice cakes, Nabil’s for shawarma and falafel, and K.W. BBQ Kitchen for great Chinese BBQ on rice.
Hamilton Farmers’ Market (open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday) is right next door to the venue and packed with counters selling everything from small-batch ramen to authentic Mexican to incredible pastries. Also, steps away are two indoor food courts – perfect for grabbing something yummy to bring back to your spot in line – Nations Fresh Foods and Jackson Square food courts.
Sit-down Meals to savour
Make sure you leave yourself some time to explore and enjoy the city’s headline-making restaurant scene. Downtown strips along James Street North and King William Streets are packed with restaurants. For pizza, Castelli Cucina, Born & Raised, Caro, Martello’s, and Bread Bar are all great options. Share delicious dishes at Rapscallion and Berkley North or enjoy modern French cuisine at The French. Hambrgr specializes in epic and creative burgers and sides while Saltlick and The Dirty South offer finger-licking good BBQ. If you're craving Ramen, Kenzo Ramen is open Monday and if you come in early, Mystic Ramen is open on Saturdays in the Hamilton Farmers' Market. Check out Noodle Me for their hand pulled noodles and noodle soups or Szechuan Noodle Bowl for a wide variety of dishes to share.
SWEET TREATS
Satisfying your sweet tooth is a piece of cake with these perfect nearby treats. Gong Cha is open till late for bubble tea and desserts like Croffles and bubble waffles! Hui Lau Shan is the place to go for mango lovers (like Rosé!). They have everything from mango mochi, mango pudding and drinks. If you’re a chocoholic like Jisoo, Chocolat on James will have something to satisfy your cravings from truffles to fudge.
LATE-NIGHT CRAVINGS
The night doesn't have to end after the concert. Satisfy your late-night cravings with tacos and margaritas at The Mule. The Brain Bar and Farside are casual and friendly neighbourhood bars, perfect for craft beers, cocktails, and small bites. Or watch bartenders work their magic crafting delicious cocktails at Bar Sazerac, served with light bar snacks. They’re all open till 2 a.m. every day!
If you're heading south on foot, enjoy classic pub fare with a twist at The Ship or nachos and wings at Odds Bar.
BONUS: SOUVENIR SHOPPING
Don't leave town without a few souvenirs to help you remember your visit to Hamilton. For Korean and K-pop-inspired merch, anime collectibles, and accessories, stop by Sarah & Tom on King Street East. Pick up some made-in-Hamilton goodies at James North General Store or stop by the Art Gallery of Hamilton's gorgeous gift shop for more beautiful things.
For more on what to see and do in Hamilton during your concert visit, check out our Blackpink Event Page and Downtown Guide.