Hamilton and Ancaster are bursting with vibrant experiences, from delicious food and drink to cultural attractions and no lack of natural landscapes. Use our insider knowledge to plan a great day out or a weekend trip to the city we love so much.
Hamilton, Ontario, is a town with industrial roots that’s blossomed into a city with a vibrant culture, delicious foodie delights, natural beauty, and plenty of entertainment.
Whether you’re a local looking to explore more of our hidden gems or planning your next trip to our hub, this guide can help you find the best places to eat, sip, and play in Hamilton, Ancaster, and beyond.
From our vantage point in Ancaster at The Barracks Inn, our boutique hotel and event space, we’d love to share which Ancaster, Ontario, restaurants and experiences you should explore next.
Where to Eat in Ancaster & Hamilton
From classic Italian fare to Asian fusion or rich French flavours, our city has some of the best culinary fare to enjoy. Go casual with a delicious pie, or try a fine dining experience to remember. There are far too many great places to list them all, but we’ll do our best to share some of our tried-and-tested Hamilton and Ancaster favourites.
Places to Eat Hamilton: Downtown Core
- The French. Step into a Parisian-style bistro where outstanding service and classic French cuisine are the bedrock of the business. Their award-winning seasonal menu, including their famous steak frites, is prepared using as many fresh and locally sourced ingredients as possible.
- Berkeley North. If you want a good place to eat in Hamilton, this casual-fine restaurant is known for its small-plate delights and ever-evolving menu. Expert chefs craft with local ingredients and an inventive cocktail and wine list, which makes it a delight to discover new pairings.
- Plank Restobar Augusta. Enjoy a warm, relaxing atmosphere at one of the best restaurants in Hamilton, a gastropub serving elevated comfort food and an array of signature cocktails. Their local beer selection is a Hamilton restaurant’s best standout menu, and their pizza is pretty delicious, too.
- Cowabunga. This award-winning pizza spot and one of the best Hamilton restaurants offer a casual sit-down experience or slices when you’re on the go. Try their outside-the-box pizza flavours or stick with the classics – with some homemade dipping sauce to boot!
- MaiPai. Another pizza place to dine in Hamilton? It wouldn’t be Hamilton without a few. MaiPai’s tiki bar transports you to the tropics, and their Detroit-style pizza is the perfect blend of airy, crispy, and cheesy. If you want to dine it, you must book in advance – they fill up quickly and typically don’t have available bookings 1-2 weeks out.
Ancaster
- Ancaster Mill. This farm-to-table restaurant is set beside a waterfall for a magical dining experience. Enjoy the restaurants in Ancaster, Ontario, for a famous Sunday Brunch or a celebratory dinner with high-quality food, drink, and top-tier service.
- Cavallo Nero. With a convenient and central location, enjoy an Italian trattoria with a warm, inviting atmosphere at one of the best Ancaster restaurants. The wood-fired pizzas are excellent, and the handmade pasta is even better.
- The Coach & Lantern. This pub is a beloved local institution and one of the great restaurants Ancaster offers, with a classic English menu and a modern twist. Enjoy fresh fish and chips, a lively dinner, or a casual lunch out.
What to Sip in Hamilton & Ancaster
The microbrew and craft beverage scene is alive and running wild in Hamilton and Ancaster, with various breweries, distilleries and elevated cocktail bars cropping up all over the city. While you can’t go wrong with any of them, here are a few of our favourites.
Beer
- Collective Arts Brewing. This small brewery has grown into a big distributor, but nothing beats enjoying fresh beer from taps at their beer garden on a warm, sunny day. If you love IPAs, sours, and everything in between, you must try this taproom.
- MERIT Brewing. MERIT is centrally located on James St., making it easy to access as you discover downtown Hamilton. It’s a bustling hub for beer enthusiasts, and their food is absolutely delicious—the Butter Chicken Sausage is a must-have!
- Fairweather Brewing Co. This family-friendly brewery has a dog-friendly patio, plenty of outdoor space, and handcrafted brews available on tap or via their walk-thru takeout window.
- Steeltown Cider. If you love a dry cider, Steeltown should be your next stop. They have mainstay flavours and plenty of experimental, seasonal ciders to sip.
- The Brewer’s Blackbird Kitchen & Brewery. Right in the heart of Ancaster, this craft brewery serves elevated pub meals and exceptional beer. Enjoy a sip after an afternoon hike, or settle in and have a hearty dinner with a brew.
Cocktails & Spirits
- Bar Sazerac. This speakeasy-style bar serves some of the best cocktails in town, dreamt up by experienced mixologists who are experts in their craft. The dark and intimate ambiance will keep you around as you enjoy their unique options.
- The Argyle. The Argyle hosts a golf simulator, but its biggest draw is its incredible cocktail and local spirit offerings. Relax beside a fireplace in its cozy, gothic-academia-inspired lounge.
Coffee Culture
- Detour Coffee Roasters. Detour is a local favourite, with expertly-roasted beans and no shortage of great brews available daily. Enjoy a cup in-house, or take some sampler packs to go.
- Vintage Coffee Roasters. These single-origin coffees and tempting pastries will lure you, and the warm atmosphere and kind staff will keep you. Enjoy a quick pick-me-up or sit down for a ready with a hot mug.
- Mulberry Coffeehouse. Another James Street mainstay, Mulberry Coffeehouse, serves up great coffee, food, and a small selection of local beer and wine. Hop down as you enjoy a walk along James and window shop with a delicious cup in hand.
Where to Play in Hamilton & Ancaster
Whether you like art and culture or outdoor adventures, Hamilton has a unique blend of it all. Though there’s no shortage of ways to play in the city, there are a few tried-and-tested fan favourites to share.
- Art Gallery of Hamilton. The Art Gallery of Hamilton houses a vast collection of national and international beauties, from historical paintings to contemporary art installations. Take a day to enjoy the many permanent installations decorating the gallery, or check out the gallery’s website to see the current exhibitions and special events.
- Theatre Aquarius. The magic of live theatre is still a powerful draw, and Theatre Aquarius offers some of the best talent and shows in town. Enjoy a diverse range of productions, from comedies to Broadway smashes and everything in between.
- Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre. Ancaster’s own AMAC is one of the best things to do in Ancaster. The site offers everything from rotating art exhibitions to theatre performances, Hamilton concerts, jazz ensembles, and more.
- Dundas Peak & Webster’s Falls. Take in some natural beauty on one of our favourite things do in Hamilton – a scenic trek to these iconic waterfalls. The views from Dundas Peak are unparalleled, and Webster’s Falls is incredible to see – especially during the spring when nature’s power is in full swing.
- Bayfront Park. Bayfront Park has paved pathways for easy accessibility and waterfront trails that will relax and refresh you. Enjoy a picnic, one of the many Hamilton events hosted at the park, or bring a bike for a more active adventure.
- Royal Botanical Gardens. The RBG is the perfect nature escape in the middle of the city, with over 1,100 acres of gardens, trails, and conservation areas. Enjoy the rock garden, walk through the arboretum, and learn more about our local plant life.
- Dundurn Castle. This 19th-century estate serves as a symbol of Canadian history and Hamilton’s own heritage. The landscaped grounds are well maintained for a nice stroll about the grounds or a tour of the 40-room estate.
The Barracks Inn—Boutique Inn Ancaster
After a day of exploring all that Ancaster and Hamilton have to offer, make The Barracks Inn your home base. Our boutique hotel is located in the heart of Ancaster and serves as a tranquil space to relax and recharge for another day of fun.
Book your stay today to start planning your next getaway and enjoy all Ancaster and Hamilton have to offer!