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07.9.2020

13 Best Patios Now Open in Hamilton

In The Community

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 N905-869-9159
Hamilton, ON L8H 3Z4Visit 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 Rd905-544-7122
Hamilton, ON L8E 3L8Visit 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 Blvd905-577-0808
Hamilton, ON L8R 2X9Visit 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 E289-396-2384
Hamilton, ON L8L 2X8Visit 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 S905-393-1658
Hamilton, ON L8P 2Z5Visit 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 N905-312-4545
Hamilton, ON L8H 3Y7Visit 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 W905-628-9995
Dundas, ON L9H 1T5Visit 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 East905-662-1811
Stoney Creek, ON L8G 1J9Visit 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 N905-689-5952
Waterdown, ONVisit 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 Ave905-523-7707
Hamilton, ON L8P 2S4Visit 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 St289-639-7078
Hamilton, ON L8V 5C2Visit 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.

05.28.2020

Editor’s note:
These interviews were recorded during the 2020 lockdowns, when many local services were temporarily closed. We’re keeping them here because the tips our guests shared are still helpful, and we love spotlighting great local businesses we’ve worked with over the years.

Heather of Envy Grooms is a local groomer who sat down with us during the 2020 lockdowns to share practical tips for caring for dogs at home when professional grooming wasn’t immediately available.

In case your dog is running out of patience ahead of his grooming appointment, or you would just like to know what to do when life gets too busy and you need to take care of things at home temporarily – Heather kindly offered a few pointers that will tide you over while you wait.

(We also had a guest appearance by Tyson’s very own fur-baby, Harvey. He really is the cutest.)

You can reach Heather at Envy Grooms at 905-519-3689.

Lococo Wellness Clinic

We had the pleasure of speaking with two wonderful practitioners from Lococo Wellness Clinic and Still Dynamics, who shared thoughtful insights on supporting overall health and immune function.

In this short conversation, Dr. Jennifer Lococo and Shannon Gregory discuss immune stress, cortisol, and Lyme disease, and how these factors can intersect during periods of prolonged physical or emotional strain.

Website   Facebook   Instagram  YouTube

Farmer Jack’s

We had the chance to sit down with Terry, owner of Farmer Jack’s Market, for a conversation that left us both inspired and hungry.

If you haven’t heard of Farmer Jack’s, you’re in for a treat. Terry is one of the hardest-working people we’ve met, with a genuine commitment to making healthy food options accessible to the community. In this short video, he talks about the ways he supports families and individuals, and the values that guide how he runs his business.

Fair warning: you may want snacks before this video is over.

These interviews are part of a small collection we created to highlight local businesses and the people behind them. Our communities in Hamilton and Burlington are full of hardworking, generous, and creative individuals, and we’ve always believed those stories deserve to be shared.

We’re keeping these conversations here as a snapshot of local resilience and community spirit, and as a reminder of the small businesses that help make this area such a great place to live.

05.27.2020

Buying or Selling a Home With an In-Law Suite? – Be Careful!

Buyer Basics

In-Law Suites – Yes or No?

Property values in Hamilton have risen over time, but the experience of buying through different market cycles has not been the same for everyone. Some people bought earlier, others stepped back during the most competitive years, and many are reassessing opportunities now under very different conditions.

As housing costs and rents have shifted, both homeowners and buyers have looked more closely at secondary living spaces as a way to offset household expenses or support multi-generational living. On paper, adding or renting out an in-law suite can appear to be a practical solution.

That’s often where the question starts for homeowners: does it make sense to use extra space to help carry the costs of the home? The idea of having part of a property contribute to its own expenses can feel both reasonable and responsible.

There’s also the resale angle. Buyers are frequently willing to pay more for homes that offer a separate, self-contained living space, particularly when flexibility or potential income is part of their longer-term plan.

So, if a property has the physical space for an in-law suite, does adding one automatically make sense from a financial standpoint?

The answer is… maybe.

Things to Consider About In Law Suites as a Seller:

The first and most important consideration is legality. Provincial and municipal by-laws governing secondary suites are enforceable at any time, often as the result of a complaint from a neighbour or tenant, or a report made to the City. In some cases, even listing a property that appears to contain a second unit can prompt closer scrutiny.

If a municipality investigates an in-law suite and determines that it does not comply with local by-laws, the owner may be required to bring the space into compliance or remove it altogether. Beyond the cost of construction or remediation, fines may also be imposed.

Liability is another critical factor. Building codes and property standards exist to protect the safety of the people living in the home. If a non-compliant suite contributes to a fire, flood, structural failure, or other incident resulting in injury or loss, a homeowner could face serious legal and financial consequences. Insurance coverage may also be at risk if the insurer was not properly informed about the secondary unit or if it is not accurately documented in the policy.

Most landlords would never want to live with the knowledge that someone was harmed due to a preventable issue. That risk alone is reason enough to take compliance seriously.

If you already have a second living space in a single-family home and are preparing to sell, transparency is essential. Never suggest that a unit is legal unless the appropriate permits and approvals are in place. Provide any documentation you have, answer questions directly, and allow buyers to assess the situation with clear and accurate information.

Things to Consider About In Law Suites as a Buyer:

If you’re considering a property with a secondary suite, or one with in-law potential, it’s still important to do your homework. In Hamilton, Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) are now formally permitted on many residential properties, including single detached, semi-detached, and street townhouse lots, provided zoning requirements are met and the proper approvals are in place through the City of Hamilton.

That means a home with a basement apartment or even a backyard suite can be legal, but only if it was created or converted with the appropriate permits and inspections. Ownership alone does not make a unit legal. Buyers should confirm both that the use is permitted on the property and that the work was properly approved.

When reviewing a property with an existing or potential secondary unit, there are two key questions to answer:

  • Does the property’s zoning allow for the type of additional dwelling unit being proposed or advertised?

  • Were the required permits, inspections, and approvals obtained?

Speaking directly with the City’s planning or building department, or reviewing official zoning and permit records, is the most reliable way to confirm this. Factors such as zoning designation, lot size, parking availability, access, ceiling height, fire separation, and safe exits all influence whether an ADU is permitted and approvable.

We’ve seen this play out in real situations. In one case, clients purchased a bungalow as an income property and completed a full basement conversion with proper permits and inspections. When they later listed the unit for rent, nearby neighbours assumed it was an illegal apartment and attempted to report it to the City.

Because everything had been done properly, there was no issue. Had that not been the case, the outcome could have been very different, including fines or an order to remove the work altogether. Doing things by the book mattered, even when the concern itself turned out to be unfounded.

If rental income is critical to your financial plan, these checks matter even more. Verifying compliance upfront helps avoid costly surprises and reduces long-term legal and liability risk.

I Want a Legal Accessory Unit – Where Do I Begin?

Zoning and site-specific requirements are the starting point. While Hamilton has expanded where ADUs are permitted, not every property will qualify automatically. Eligibility depends on meeting a combination of zoning rules, building code standards, and property-specific criteria.

Common considerations include adequate parking, appropriate setbacks from property lines, minimum unit size and ceiling height, and compliance with fire and safety standards. If one or more of these requirements cannot be met, a minor variance may be required. In some cases, approval may not be possible at all.

Because the rules involve multiple layers of regulation, many homeowners choose to work with an experienced builder, designer, or architect who is familiar with local requirements and approval processes. Their guidance can help identify potential issues early and avoid costly missteps.

Even then, interpretation can be challenging. Municipal by-laws occasionally overlap or conflict, and the City’s own Property Standards By-Law acknowledges this reality:

“Where a provision of this By-law conflicts with the provision of another by-law, Act or regulation in force within the City, the provision that establishes the higher standard to protect the health and safety of persons prevails.” — City of Hamilton Property Standards By-law No. 23-162

Where conflicts arise, the higher standard intended to protect health and safety prevails.

For many homeowners, the additional effort required to create a legal in-law suite or duplex is worthwhile. When done properly, a compliant unit offers peace of mind, improved safety, and more reliable long-term value.

If you’re considering a property with an existing unit or exploring the possibility of adding one, careful research upfront can make the difference between a smart investment and an expensive problem.

Updated December 2025

12.23.2019

12 Fun Winter Activities for Hamilton

In The Community

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2019. While some details may be outdated, it reflects local winter activities at the time and is kept here for reference.

If you’re anything like us, you’re finding it hard to believe that 2019 is winding down and we are gearing up for another year.  Where does the time go?

After a solid 12 months of hard work, we think that this last week of the decade should be used to refresh and recharge, to bond with the kids and each other, and to enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Here are some fun (mostly inexpensive) ideas in and around Hamilton for the whole family to enjoy:

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

SKATING ON PIER 8

Ice skating is a rite of passage for all Canadians – whether they just learned to walk or they are adults who are spending their very first winter here in the land of ice and snow!  Pier 8, on Lake Ontario, is a beautiful setting for newbies and experienced skaters alike to enjoy this winter activity in Hamilton.   Skate and helmet rentals are available.  (No hockey is permitted.)

HIKE TO A FROZEN WATERFALL

If you appreciate the beauty of a true “winter wonderland,” don’t miss a chance to bundle up and enjoy the natural majesty of Hamilton’s famed waterfalls in their frozen glory. We recommend Tiffany Falls and Devil’s Punchbowl….and then a very large mug of hot chocolate indoors while you look at the pictures you will undoubtedly be inspired to take!

SKIING, SNOWBOARDING, TUBING

Just under 40 minutes from Hamilton, you will find Kelso Conservation Area. Inside the park, head to Glen Eden , a popular spot for skiers and snowboarders looking to enjoy some fresh powder. If there is enough snow, they will open the Snow Tube park for any non-skiers in the family. Classic winter activity for Hamilton-area snow-lovers!

SNOWSHOEING

At least once in your life, while you spend a winter in Hamilton, make sure you try this surprisingly challenging activity.  Snowshoes were invented to make trekking over the white stuff a little easier, but don’t kid yourself; it’s a real workout!  Chances that you own your own snowshoes are probably slim, so head to Crawford Lake, an absolutely beautiful conservation area just a short 30-minute drive from Hamilton. You can rent shoes for your group, enjoy the trails, and then warm up at the Visitor Centre.

TOBOGGANING

Here’s one activity that requires little to no skill, and is guaranteed to have everyone ready for a nap or a good night’s sleep by the end of the adventure. Vehicles for the sport are limited only by your imagination – and you don’t have to leave Hamilton this winter to enjoy the thrill of racing downhill like an olympian on a bobsled.   Safety first, though – be sure to use only the hills that have been approved for tobogganing to be sure no one takes unnecessary risks.

HORSEBACK RIDING

Here’s one you may not have thought of.  For a different type of activity that is sure to create some fond memories, Horseplay Niagara operates through the winter and has options for both new and experienced riders. Located approximately one hour south of Hamilton, this is a day trip that is available to families with children ages 6 and up.

INDOOR ACTIVITIES

Maybe you prefer indoor activities. There is no shame in that! Some of us here prefer the view of the ice and flakes from the other side of the window, too. Here are some options in and around Hamilton that you can enjoy this winter:

MUSEUMS

We are recommending the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology this year for its free drop in activity (December 27-31): The Science of Music. Kids get to explore and create – even making their own instrument to take home.

While you’re there, you may choose to take a tour of the old pumphouse, too.

Of course, there are other local museums in Hamilton, and here’s a great tip for residents of the City:  Access is free of charge with a municipal library card!

TRAMPOLINE PARK

If the kids start feeling some cabin fever, but outdoor activities aren’t the right option, the Flying Squirrel is a favourite local spot for parents trying to help them burn off some steam. Located on Upper James in Hamilton, they offer “Toddler Time” to keep the little ones separated from the more acrobatic jumpers.

WINE TOURS & TASTING

We would be remiss if we didn’t include one or two activities for the grown-ups.  Hamilton is situated ideally for wine lovers. The Niagara Region is a short drive from the city and is renowned for its wine route.  We also have local wineries, like Ridge Road Estate Winery in Stoney Creek, which offers a stunning view of Lake Ontario, clear across to Toronto.  Adults only, please.

ART GALLERY OF HAMILTON

Hamilton’s art culture is well known and constantly evolving. The Art Gallery of Hamilton, located at 123 King St West, is open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday, with private tours only on Mondays and Tuesdays. (Two weeks’ notice is required for a private tour and, of course, the gallery is closed December 25 & 26, and January 1.)

There are several special exhibitions on through the holiday period, including THIS IS SERIOUS: Canadian Indie Comics, running till January 5, 2020.

ANNE FRANK HOUSE VIRTUAL REALITY

For an educational and somewhat sombre experience that will leave an unforgettable impression, this display at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is running through the holidays with closures on December 25 & 26, and January 1st.   Using virtual reality to enhance the history preserved through Anne Frank’s own writings, visitors can experience some of the dark histories of World War II in a unique way.

Located at the site of the Hamilton International Airport in Mount Hope.

PART OF THE MACHINE: ROCK & PINBALL

Finally, for the music buffs of all ages in the family, this display at the Joseph Brant Museum in Burlington has an off-the-charts cool factor.

Running till January 12, 2020, this exhibit includes:

  • 10 playable pinball machines featuring KISS, The Beatles, The Who, and more
  • KISS drumkit
  • Alice Cooper’s electric chair stage prop

We hope that, whatever you choose to do to close out 2019, you enjoy some downtime with loved ones and that you are able to start 2020 feeling refreshed and ready for whatever the next decade holds!

11.5.2018

5 Clues That You Are A City Slicker At Heart

Buyer Basics

Are you a city slicker?

Does a big city excite you? Energize you? Make you want to move into the penthouse of a skyscraper?

Whether you own your home or rent a space to live, you very likely have some opinions about where you choose to hang your hat. There are advantages to an urban lifestyle that city-dwellers cannot imagine doing without, while die-hard country folk may not comprehend compromising on having space to breathe for such perceived ‘conveniences.’

You may be surprised to know that, according to The Canadian Encyclopedia, 80% of Canadians live in urban areas. Of course, a large number of that population lives outside the downtown core of their city, preferring suburban sub-division style accommodation, or even small town living (which, statistically, qualifies them as “urban-ites.”)

Where do you prefer to live, given the choice? Here are 5 indicators that you are a city-slicker at heart:

 

1. You would rather take the bus or walk than drive.

The closer one lives to a true urban centre, a downtown, the more likely they are not to need or own a car. Everything is designed to be at their fingertips, possibly including their workplace. The one and only draw for some city-dwellers is the short commute to work on foot, by bike, or via public transportation. The thought of extending the work day by sitting in traffic morning and night seems absurd to them.

 

2. Your love of ALL of the different type of cuisines.

Foodies of all stripes are drawn to cities that offer them endless dining options. The bigger the city, and the more diverse its population, the more varied the menu options will be. Immigrants tend to settle in urban areas and eventually ethnic restaurants grow into the communities to offer authentic comfort foods that become beloved to everyone who lives there.

Take the time to eavesdrop on a conversation sometime between people comparing cities in different provinces (or states), and you will eventually hear them rate the restaurant scene. “You’ve never been to Montreal? You have to go – the FOOD is amazing!”

 

3. You appreciate the beauty of city architecture

Many cities, not just in Canada, but around the world, take deep pride in their own distinctive skylines, and in the character of their buildings.

Here in Southern Ontario, the CN Tower cuts a figure that is admired from all along the shores of Lake Ontario, and the skyscrapers that are staggered around it create a unique silhouette that is widely recognized by travellers to the area

The choice to live in a small apartment downtown is often influenced by the view of the city out strategically placed floor-to-ceiling windows. The price to purchase a condo in a tall building often has a premium added for the upper floors for this reason, and the penthouse is typically considered the “best” unit, like the cherry on top.

Every city in the region has its own history, and there is undeniable beauty in restored century homes and heritage buildings with their exquisite detail and stately elegance.

 

4. You feel safe having people close by

In purely practical terms, living in the city provides access to other people for many reasons.

Hospitals, clinics, and other medical services are easily accessible: For anyone with a chronic health issue, it can be very stressful not to have easy access to specialists and services they require. Some seniors, who managed large country homes and raised families far from urban centres, make a decision later in life to move closer to the medical offices and centres where they find themselves spending time.

Airports, train stations, bus terminals close to home: Regular travellers appreciate being a short distance to these centres. Young people who live far from home for school or work love knowing that, when loved ones come to visit, they will be close from the moment they arrive!

Neighbours can easily check on each other: Quirky neighbours have been the stuff of sitcoms ever since who-knows-when, and bad ones are definitely a challenge! But most city-folk appreciate having a neighbour close by who looks out for them, notices if they aren’t around, and can quickly come over if a need arises.

Interestingly, despite the physical closeness of neighbours in city communities, a lack of privacy is very seldom a concern, and it seems that most people respect their city neigbours’ boundaries.

 

5. You thrive on energy and diversity

Without a doubt, the bigger the city, the more intense the buzz. Entertainment and recreation options are limitless. Sports fans often have home teams to cheer on, art lovers may spend time in museums, party-goers club hop and dance the weekends away.

The people in most cities in Canada are also diverse, speaking languages from all over the world, bringing a variety of cultures and customs together in one place. Those who are in awe at the beauty of such diversity miss it when they are away from their home city.

There are lots of other reasons why people choose to live in cities, and we would love to hear your thoughts. What is your favourite city? Would you live there, or is it a place you just love to visit?

Stay tuned for the argument on the flip side: Next time, our country-mouse cousins are going to chime in on this conversation and tell us why they prefer to live closer to nature

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