What's good in Hamilton?

Discussion in 'Canada' started by beernuts, Oct 11, 2015.

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  1. beernuts

    beernuts Initiate (0) Jan 23, 2014 Virginia

    I'll be in Hamilton for work from October 18th - 23rd, what's good in the beer world up there? Bars, restaurants, bottle shops, I'm interested in everything. I'm not sure if I'll be able to bring anything home though, I don't usually check a bag, but its possible. Thanks!
     
  2. Coronaeus

    Coronaeus Grand Pooh-Bah (3,708) Apr 21, 2014 Canada (ON)
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    I haven't lived there for some time now, but I've heard good things about Brux House. The Casbah seems to have a craft beer focus now. The Ship and the Winking Judge on Augusta street are good. All are easily accessible from downtown.

    http://bruxhouse.com/

    http://casbahlounge.ca/

    http://www.theship.ca/

    http://www.winkingjudge.com/

    the Winking Judge was always my favourite place to go when I lived there. They always had a cask on too. I'm sure others can chime in with other options. I think I remember hearing of a place above the Ceilidh House in Hess Village?

    The only brewery with a shop I believe is the new Nickle Brook/Collective Arts shared brewery down on Burlington Street. Probably worth a visit. Both make good beer.

    http://collectiveartsbrewing.com/welcome-to-our-new-digs/

    There are no private bottle shops in Ontario. Your choice is between either the LCBO (government monopoly) or The Beer Store (stores co-owned by AB-Inbev, Molson-Coors and Sapporo). LCBOs are usually the better option for craft selection.

    Take a look at the list of breweries at the Ontario Beer Directory. If you have access to a car, there may be a couple worth visiting not too far from Hamilton.

    http://www.momandhops.ca/brewery-listing/

    If you are willing to make the trek up to Toronto your beer world expands exponentially.
     
  3. beernuts

    beernuts Initiate (0) Jan 23, 2014 Virginia

    Thanks for the info! I will be renting a car, and I may have some free time on Wednesday to go to Toronto. What is Hamilton like in general? i.e. Suburban, small town, quiet or lots to do, etc.
     
  4. Coronaeus

    Coronaeus Grand Pooh-Bah (3,708) Apr 21, 2014 Canada (ON)
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Apologies for the delay in responding to you on the subsequent questions.

    A car is helpful for hamilton; it is a not a city conducive to walking and the few interesting areas are not all that close to one another. What hotel are you planning to stay at?

    Hamilton is a medium sized city. It is a steel town, and very much a blue collar town. Over the years, with a decline in the steel industry there, the city has suffered. You'll still find a lot of boarded up buildings in the downtown core. There are nice areas though. James street north, Locke street, Hess village (drunk college kids here at night though, so be forewarned), Westdale. There is some good hiking on the Niagara escarpment and Cootes Paradise is a nice spot.

    If you think you are going to come into Toronto, let me know, and I can give you further advice, and even buy you a beer if our schedules mesh.

    I can probably offer more specific advice if you send me a PM. Cheers!
     
  5. boney77

    boney77 Initiate (0) Nov 5, 2008 Canada (ON)

    Welcome to Hammertown!

    Hamilton isn't a great beer city yet, but there are a few gems. Coronaeus mentioned most already, but there are a few more.....

    On Hess, the only real place for anything other than macro is Tavern On Hess. Usually a pretty good tap list and really good pub fare.

    On James St. North, The Brain is a must. Good tap list, usually, and the best bottle selection in Hamilton.

    If you're near the University, the Phoenix has an acceptable tap list of generally pretty gateway craft, but they occasionally suprise and have cask on Tuesdays.

    You mentioned renting a car, so Toronto (Great Lakes, Bellwoods, Indie Ale House, Amsterdam, Burdock, Rainhard, Folly, Volo, Bar Hop, C'est What), Niagara on the Lake (Oast House, Silversmith) and the wonders of Buffalo are all about a 45-60 min drive.

    The Art Gallery of Hamilton BMO World Film Festival is also happening right now if your liver needs a break. Lots of good live music venues such as Baltimore House, Casbah, This Aint Hollywood too.

    Have fun. Cheers!
     
  6. beernuts

    beernuts Initiate (0) Jan 23, 2014 Virginia

    Thanks again for the replies! I'm staying at the Visitor's Inn on the west side of the city. So far I have been to The Ship and the Snooty Fox. Both decent enough, I'm here for work so all I need is a place to get some drinkable beers. Its been pretty cool seeing menus completely full of beers that I don't recognize, I had the same experience in a LCBO too. It reminds me of my early days as a craft beer drinker, when everything was so new and full of promise! Unfortunately, I'm not going to have time to make it to Toronto, I might try to hit the Winking Judge before we go though, I saw it right next door when we went to The Ship.
     
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