From cool vibes to tasty libations, these watering holes have it all. Here are some of our favourite bars to hit up when you’re in town.
The Argyle
104 Ottawa Street North
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You don't have to be a golfer to love this golf-inspired cocktail bar. With a cool laid-back vibe, you can expect classic cocktails, a substantial menu of spirits, and local craft beer. Get your friends together and book some time to hone your golf swing at the pub's indoor golf simulators.
Must-Try: A menu item since day one, the Bramble is still a top seller made with gin, chambord, rosemary syrup, lemon juice, blackberries.
Secco
150 James Street South
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Cheers to the first prosecco bar in Hamilton! With a vibrant cocktail menu, extensive prosecco list, and delicious dishes, you can sip away and enjoy a great time with friends. If you're looking for a moody and intimate atmosphere, head downstairs to 11:11 Cocktail & Raw Bar for the beautifully crafted cocktails and raw bites.
Must-Try: Venture off the prosecco list to try a fan favourite, The Archibald. A twist on an Old Fashioned with basil hayden bourbon, agave, angostura bitters, orange bitters surrounded by smoked hickory.
My Father Was Famous
229 James Street North
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With a secret passcode, you can push past what looks like your average bookcase and open the door to this hip and dimly lit speakeasy. Located below Caro Restaurant on James Street North, you'll feel like you walked right into the Prohibition-era as soon as you step into the bar.
Must-Try: Stick with the theme of the evening and order one of their hand-crafted cocktails.
Coach & Lantern
384 Wilson Street East
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Built in the 1700s this historic British pub has a storied past that includes a few ghostly encounters. With friendly staff, great brews, live music, and authentic pub-style food, you’ll feel right at home the moment you walk through the door.
Must-Try: For the complete British pub experience, grab yourself a fresh pint of your favourite brew.
Corktown Pub
175 Young Street East
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Hamilton’s oldest licensed establishment earns itself a top spot. This legendary Irish pub has hosted tens of thousands of musicians from Blue Rodeo to Tom Wilson and features a lively live music schedule with a focus on East Coast and Irish music.
Must-try: Visit for a few pints and a hearty, classic meal like bangers and mash or chicken pot pie.
Odds Bar
164 James Street South
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Odds are you’ll love this laid-back sports bar co-owned by members of Hamilton’s beloved Arkells band. Located just steps from the downtown Hunter Street GO Bus terminal, this bar boasts craft beer on tap, creative cocktails, and a unique bar menu featuring Pizza Pocket Baos, popular breakfast sandwiches, and some epic nacho plates.
Must-Try: Order their “Just a Friend” if you like the sound of house-made blackberry sorbet blended with gin, lemon, and sparkling wine.
Gown and Gavel
24 Hess Street South
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Located in historic Hess Village, Gown and Gavel has Hamilton’s largest outdoor patio between its two adjoining Victorian buildings. The bar features domestic and imported beers on tap, DJ dance parties, and a menu of burgers, apps and bottle service.
Must-try: Try the Creemore Springs paired with the house-made popcorn. In the summer, the refreshing sangria pitchers can’t be beat.
The Brain
199 James Street North
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Look for the bright yellow facade and picture of a brain on James Street North and you’ve landed at the right spot. Colourful, cool and comfortable, The Brain is open until 2 a.m, seven days a week! Pop by for a chalkboard full of beer options, cocktails, board games, and snacks.
Must-try: Try a local beer from Collective Arts or Fairweather Brewing or a house-made cocktail. There’s also whiskey, wine, coffee, paninis and sweet pies!
West Town Bar & Grill
214 Locke Street South
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This iconic bar has been described as “Locke Street’s living room” and has been a local fixture for over three decades. It’s part sports bar, part retro diner and long-time local favourite. They’ve also recently expanded their patio, making it an even more popular draw.
Must-Try: A huge selection of beer and ciders on tap and bottles go well with West Town’s classic pub grub featuring favourite comfort foods like nachos, burgers, and baskets of fries.
The Capitol Bar
973 King Street East
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This cozy east-end bar has over 100 whiskeys to choose from, live music every Friday and Saturday, plus a popular roast beef dinner every Sunday with all the trimmings. They also offer craft beers, fine wines, cocktails and a carefully curated food menu.
Must-try: Sip on a Bourbon Sour flavoured with lemon, simple syrup, egg white, and bitters.
Bar Sazerac
278 James Street North
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This downtown New Orleans-style cocktail and oyster bar is something unique. The space is long and narrow – putting patrons in close proximity to the self-proclaimed cocktail nerds behind the bar.
Must-try: In keeping with the New Orleans theme, The Old Quarter is a mix of Canadian Club Rye, Gautier Cognac, Cinzano Sweet Vermouth, Benedictine, Peychaud’s Aperativo, and Angostura Bitters, aged for 14 days.
Lobby
151 James St. S.
This downtown hotel-lobby inspired bar and restaurant is a great destination for celebrating late into the night. Visitors will love its glamorous interior, picture-perfect hand-crafted cocktails, and elevated bar snacks.
Must Try: Keep it classy with the Lobby Old Fashioned served with Four Roses Bourbon, vanilla, demerara, and tobacco.
Collins Brewhouse
33 King Street West, Dundas
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Raise a glass to history at this Dundas pub with roots going back almost 200 years when the Irish Collins family first settled in Dundas and eventually established a saloon and hotel. Today it’s a popular meeting spot.
Must-Try: The bar is known for its great patio with garage doors opening up to a sprawling outdoor seating area, decked out with twinkling lights and new outdoor dining domes.