What’s better than eating inside a restaurant?
The answer is eating on the patio of the restaurant! Some would argue it’s even better as the summer heat cranks up. With restaurants being limited to curbside pickup and delivery for the past few months, we’re excited that the lockdown is lifting on restaurant patios.
Many restaurants are creating beautiful outdoor spaces dedicated to diners who want to take advantage of the relatively brief summer season. There are now entire streets shut down to allow for more space without interference from cars.
Read on to learn more about the best patios in the city to visit.
Merk Snack Bar
| 189 Ottawa St N | 905-869-9159 |
| Hamilton, ON L8H 3Z4 | Visit Website |
Nestled on Ottawa Street North in the city’s east side shopping district, Merk Snack Bar has recently opened an outdoor patio in an adjacent lane way.
The wide lane allows for evenly spaced out tables in accordance with proper physical distancing rules. Because of the popularity of the newly unveiled patio (that’s open Friday to Sunday), the owner requires a reservation to get a seat at the snack bar.
Barangas on the Beach
| 380 Van Wagners Beach Rd | 905-544-7122 |
| Hamilton, ON L8E 3L8 | Visit Website |
Because of its prime location on Van Wagners Beach, this restaurant has been a favourite of those living in the area for many years. It also has an extensive patio area to allow diners to take in the beautiful lake view and catch some breezes while they eat.
The patio is spacious, but the restaurant is following a first-come, first-serve approach with no reservations. It could mean waiting a bit to get a seat.
Stonewalls
| 339 York Blvd | 905-577-0808 |
| Hamilton, ON L8R 2X9 | Visit Website |
This restaurant in the west end of the city has been a local favourite, known for its live entertainment. It also has a generous patio section (that has doubled in size to handle current demand) with a view of the vehicle/foot traffic to and from the 403.
You can try your luck with a patio walk in from Tuesday to Sunday, but we recommend booking a reservation to avoid disappointment.
Motel
| 359 Barton St E | 289-396-2384 |
| Hamilton, ON L8L 2X8 | Visit Website |
This a newer and trendy spot in the city on Barton Street between Victoria Ave and Wentworth St. You can enjoy the lavish variety of menu items, including Champagne Pancakes, on the patio.
While the patio is welcoming people on a walk-in basis, they still recommend checking on wait times and following several precautions to help reduce risk.
Radius
| 151 James St S | 905-393-1658 |
| Hamilton, ON L8P 2Z5 | Visit Website |
This is a popular downtown spot for brunch, cocktails, live music, and more. The restaurant is allowing its patrons to enjoy the patio on a reservation-only basis.
Those who visit will enjoy a view of the patio garden and enjoy items from a new summer menu.
Caro
| 4 Ottawa St N | 905-312-4545 |
| Hamilton, ON L8H 3Y7 | Visit Website |
Also on Ottawa Street North, Caro opened its patio recently on a first-come, first-served basis. Safe places are available while you wait for a table, with a convenient text message sent to let you know when they are ready to seat you.
This is a popular spot in the evenings, complete with beautiful strings of lights over the corner patio in a prime people-watching location.
Collins Brewhouse
| 33 King St W | 905-628-9995 |
| Dundas, ON L9H 1T5 | Visit Website |
Located in Dundas, a charming town that became part of Hamilton in 2001, has opened its patio to the public on a reservation-only basis.
The Brewhouse has a lot of history attached to it, beginning with the Collins family from Ireland in 1833. It was one of the first buildings in the area and served as a hotel until 1968.
The Village Restaurant
| 35 King St East | 905-662-1811 |
| Stoney Creek, ON L8G 1J9 | Visit Website |
This is a family-owned restaurant in Stoney Creek. It has been serving customers for over 40 years and has now re-opened its patio to accommodate diners. You can also order for curbside pickup.
A few doors away from The Village is Karlee’s Bar & Chippy’s Fish & Chips, which also features a patio and offers live entertainment.
Royal Coachman
| 1 Main St N | 905-689-5952 |
| Waterdown, ON | Visit Website |
The Royal Coachman is in Waterdown (another town that became part of Hamilton in 2001), in the north corner of Hamilton on the Burlington border. It has the distinction of being in a location with a lengthy history dating back to 1868.
Reservations are being taken on a first-come, first-served basis at this British-style pub that was once a popular hotel—no reservations are available. Takeout is also an option.
Aberdeen Tavern
| 432 Aberdeen Ave | 905-523-7707 |
| Hamilton, ON L8P 2S4 | Visit Website |
A popular spot for lunch, dinner, and cocktails. The restaurant is now accepting bookings for its patio with a time limit in place to accommodate more diners.
Built a century ago, the facade of this restaurant has stayed true to its original design as a bank.
With a focus on comfort food and consistently excellent reviews, this is definitely one to try this summer!
Jonny Blonde
| 664 Concession St | 289-639-7078 |
| Hamilton, ON L8V 5C2 | Visit Website |
Known for its food truck and catering, Jonny Blonde also runs a storefront kitchen on the Hamilton Mountain (on the Niagara Escarpment).
The restaurant, whose “Manifesto” declares a commitment to using local Canadian ingredients, has recently opened a quaint patio to enjoy some burgers and to watch the world go by on Concession Street.
The King William Area
| Between James St. N and Hughson St. |
| Hamilton, ON |
After getting the green light from the City, King William Street is now a pedestrian-only area. That’s excellent news for restaurants along the street and patrons who enjoy their food! The block between James St. N and Hughson St. is a giant patio operating from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
There are several restaurants along this beautiful route with newly renovated buildings. The eateries that are taking part in the extended patio include Perogie Bar, Mezza Caffe, Relay Coffee Roasters, Berkeley North, The French, Sagarmatha Curry House, The Mule, The Diplomat, HAMBRGR, Earth to Table Bread Bar, and Uncle Ray’s Food & Liquor.
Shorty’s and Osten Beer Hall
Last but not least is Shorty’s and Osten Beerhall. Located on Cannon St E near Ottawa St, this patio combines what some would argue as the best combination of food and drink. Pizza and Beer. Shorty’s pizza is amazing and Osten has one of the best beer collections around. Be sure to contact them ahead of time to make sure they have room.
Check back often as the list of participating establishments will grow!
Find Great Patios in Hamilton
As restrictions gradually lift in the Hamilton area, now is a grand time to check out some great restaurant patios! No matter where you live in Hamilton, you’ll find patios that are serving up a variety of foods daily.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a property in the Hamilton area, be sure to contact us for help with that too.
