Hamilton’s east end is a dynamic mix of residential neighbourhoods, innovative eateries, unique shopping and lakefront attractions.
While its historic roots run deep, the area is also experiencing an exciting revival with new spots to venture out and explore, from Barton Street to the beachfront.
EAT
Restaurants
Ottawa Street
Known as Hamilton's historic fabric district, this street has recently undergone a revival bringing along with it plenty of unique restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.
Hammerheads is a favourite among locals for its tasty, fresh, and gluten free fish and chips.
Dave’s Hotspot offers delicious comfort food with a Southern and Caribbean twist.
Caro Restaurant & Bar puts a modern spin on traditional Italian cooking with pizzas, pasta, and side dishes.
Hambrgr is famous for its mouthwatering burgers and out-of-this-world milkshakes.
Merk Snack Bar is popular for its vibrant atmosphere and tapas-inspired small plate menu.
Hearty Hooligan serves up delicious vegan eats from burritos to pizza pockets.
Power Pizza specializes in super pizzas on hand-made dough and packed with flavour.
Ellis Kitchen serves up authentic Caribbean dishes like beef patties and jerk chicken.
For more food destinations, visit Ottawa Street BIA.
Barton Street
With everything from Detroit-style pizza to champagne pancakes, this eclectic street is filled with hidden gems.
Hotties Smashburgers is your go-to for delicious handcrafted smash burgers packed full of flavour.
Maipai Tiki Bar serves up award-winning Detroit-style pizza and Hawaiian-inspired cocktails.
Wildcat is where you’ll find great craft beers, house cocktails and snacks with a side of nostalgia.
Barton Salumeria & Charcuterie offers the perfect pairing of meat, cheese, wine, and craft beer.
Motel with its pink walls and neon signs, the perfect gram-worthy brunch spot.
O Cantinho Churrasqueira & Cafe is the place to stop for authentic Portuguese-style roast chicken.
For more food destinations, visit Barton Village BIA
More East Hamilton
Keep the adventure rolling and explore the east end to discover more delicious local favourites.
Bernie’s Tavern is all about burgers and brews at this laid-back beer hall.
Shorty’s Pizza is famous for its New York-style pizza – just make sure to save room for the garlic knots.
Hutch’s on the Beach is as retro as it comes, serving up hot dogs, hamburgers, fish ‘n chips, and old-fashioned milkshakes.
Baranga’s on the Beach is the best place in the city to enjoy dinner with the waterfront view.
Coffeeshops & Treats
Coffee Shops
Tim Hortons is a must-stop to grab a classic brew or sweet treat from the first-ever location.
The Cannon is dreamy coffee shop serving up freshly brewed coffee and savoury or sweet waffles.
The Inclusion Coffeehouse focuses on good coffee, delicious treats, and creating a space where everyone belongs.
Treats
Cafe Baffico offers a rotating menu of sourdough breads, donuts, cinnamon buns and other baked treats.
Simply Italian Bakery is where you can enjoy everything from wood oven pizzas to Italian baked goods.
Mike’s Cream Pie serves up all the classics from coconut cream to banana split pie.
DSRT Company creates handmade stuffed chocolate bars that are almost too pretty to eat.
Breweries & Bars
Mosaic offers a great selection of local craft beer, cocktails and classic bar snacks.
The Argyle serves up one-of-a-kind cocktails with a side of golf simulators for an experience you won’t forget.
Clifford Brewing is the spot to visit for award-winning craft beer, live music, and laid-back vibes.
The Capital Bar is effortlessly cool with its carefully crafted cocktails, extensive spirit list, craft beers, and homemade dishes.
For more east-end food and drink options, visit Ottawa Street BIA and Barton Street BIA
See & Do
Attractions
Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology is located in a 150-year-old pumphouse. The National Historic Site has some of Canada’s oldest steam-powered pumping engines.
Crown & Press Gallery is the perfect mix of art gallery and cafe in a beautiful space.
Playhouse Cinema will bring you back to the golden ages of movies in this historic theatre.
Trail Mix Museum is an outdoor exhibit featuring multi-disciplinary installations of contemporary and historic visual art and dub poetry.
Tim Hortons Field is where you can cheer on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats or Forge FC or catch a live concert in an iconic stadium venue.
Outdoor
Confederation Beach Sports Park is fun for the whole family with 12 pickleball courts, cricket field, and children’s playground.
Confederation Park is the perfect place to catch the sunset, have a waterfront picnic, and walk or cycle down the trail.
Adventure Village is fun for the whole family with a mini-course, batting cages, bumper cars, rocking climbing, and an arcade.
Wild Waterworks is the place to be in the summer with a massive wave pool, the lazy river, and waterslides.
Street Art
This creative corner of the city is home to some bold, vibrant, and large street art murals. Here are a few of the street art highlights you can find in the neighbourhood.
Visit the East Hamilton Section of our Street Art Guide for full details on the murals, artists, and locations to explore.
Shop
Hamilton's historic fabric district has grown over the years to include fabric, antiques, vintage, homeware, and unique fashion outlets making it a must-stop shopping destination.
Dawson’s Hot Sauce has all of your spicy and flavourful needs.
Filter is where you’ll find some of the best mid-century modern furniture in the city.
The Millionaire’s Daughter, Hamilton Antique Mall and Antique Avenue have you covered when it comes to unique pieces and antiques.
Out of the Past Clothing is the perfect place to pick up a vintage tee.
European Textiles is where it all began on Ottawa Street.
Bra-Making Supply bring people to the city from near and far for their custom bra-making workshops.
Cabinet of Curiosities is a one-of-a-kind shop filled with oddities and curiosities.
Earls Court Gallery showcases contemporary and significant fine art pieces.
For a full list of places to shop in East Hamilton visit Ottawa Street BIA and Barton Village BIA.