[geoff's two cents]

I have to admit something, and I'm kinda ashamed. I have lived in Corktown for YEARS and have yet to even step into The Corktown Pub :s I'm still turned off by it's infamous reputation. I know it's owned by the same ppl as Slainte's, but still... Is it even any better now???

We were initially somewhat put off by how dark it was inside, and how empty, but the food and pints turned out to be excellent. I had meatloaf wrapped in bacon with a caesar salad, and my girlfriend had fish and chips. Everything was excellent - the menu, in my opinion, has a slightly better selection than Slainte's, though the quality is comparable. It was actually some of the best and most unique pub fare I've had. We currently live nowhere near Corktown, but hope to get over there again before we leave Hamilton for good in two and a half weeks.

One complaint is that the place definitely needs a patio - another might be that it is possibly hidden too well. Ideally, in my opinion, these little "hidden gems" all over town would be more centralized - along King, Main, James, Ottawa, Locke, Augusta, Hess, Barton, etc. - not squirreled away somewhere. I wouldn't be surprised if its rather out of the way location ultimately sinks this place, but I would be disappointed.

[SteelTown]

That Mcdonalds at Dundurn to me is a bit of a landmark.

[drpgq]

^^ ahahaha LEED drive-thru is kinda contradictory, but I LOVE how they have green bins (well, they're more ultra-mini silohs).

I have to admit something, and I'm kinda ashamed. I have lived in Corktown for YEARS and have yet to even step into The Corktown Pub :s I'm still turned off by it's infamous reputation. I know it's owned by the same ppl as Slainte's, but still... Is it even any better now???

I don't really know of a bar that made more of a transformation than the Corktown. I've been a number of times since the change over, but it is almost too sedate now for my tastes.

[flar]

That Mcdonalds at Dundurn to me is a bit of a landmark.

A small town friend I brought here thought that McDonald's was amazing. She couldn't wait to get home and tell her boyfriend about the "two storey McDonald's."We drove all through the city and that's what she focused on!

[raisethehammer]

the Corktown is amazing!! great interior in the resto side...the stage side is pretty dark and lame.
The burgers are best in town by a long shot IMO. Freshly made with meat from Reardons.
Fries are made in-house. Kettle chips or full sized.
Go check it out...it's awesome.

[geoff's two cents]

Anybody else disappointed that Maxim's Deli in the international village area closed? Anybody know why?

The smoked meat sandwiches there were delicious, and business didn't seem to be too bad either (at least the two times we were there). The downside was that they used processed cheese, but we learned to avoid that pretty quickly.

All in all, a shame. It was a pretty decent little business in that corner of town.

[raisethehammer]

yea, I know.. not sure what happened.

[DC83]

Anybody else disappointed that Maxim's Deli in the international village area closed? Anybody know why?

The smoked meat sandwiches there were delicious, and business didn't seem to be too bad either (at least the two times we were there). The downside was that they used processed cheese, but we learned to avoid that pretty quickly.

All in all, a shame. It was a pretty decent little business in that corner of town.

I'm actually very upset. I was here every couple of weeks. You can't really get a good Montreal Smoked Meat sandwich in this City, and he had the best in this area anyway... nothing to Shwartz's in Mtl tho ;)

I would always see a good group of people in here during the day... it was dead in the evening though.

Food was good. Service was good. Selection sucked. I'm going to say it was a personal issue. I know he was from Montreal... so maybe he had to move back?

[raisethehammer]

apparently this new eco-deli on James South has Montreal smoked meat.
Rent might have been to high to warrant operating a place that had to close at 6pm everyday.

[geoff's two cents]

By way of consolation, DC83, the Pheasant Plucker has an amazing Rueben - not quite the same, I know, but the best and biggest of its kind I've had anywhere. There's also a new deli on Locke that serves smoked meat sandwiches at a decent price - the quality isn't as high, but they're enjoyable all the same.

There's also a For Sale or For Rent sign on the window of Main Desserts. I know there were issues there with water damage, and they had to close temporarily for repairs for a few months, but they were supposed to open up again this fall. Anybody know what happened there? Surely the problem wasn't a lack of business - they could get pretty packed on weekends.

[DC83]

^^ that sign has been in the Main Desserts window for months now. I think it's referring to the residential units above.

Thanks for the heads up... I'll have to check it out.

[harleytexas]

I guess it depends on who you hang out with.
I don't know one person who would ever go near Joe Butts. It's the same dozen guys hanging around out front everytime I walk by. I think this is a gross stereotype of Hamilton. the majority of downtown residents would prefer the Corktown, Acclamation, Bronzies or pretty much any other place in the downtown over this dive.
I'd like to know if anyone on this board has been to Joe Butts, and if so, did you ever go back (besides Goldfinger who is obviously a regular:D )?

I used to dj there a long time ago and went back three times a week. lol
I don't live in Hamilton anymore and when I do come back, I sure won't visit.

[Jon Dalton]

Joe Buttinski's was terrible. I was there once in my life - the lady wouldn't even tell me what beers they had. She made me guess. After a few tries, I said screw it and just got a pitcher of Canadian. Bad times.

[FairHamilton]

Joe Buttinski's was terrible. I was there once in my life - the lady wouldn't even tell me what beers they had. She made me guess. After a few tries, I said screw it and just got a pitcher of Canadian. Bad times.

After a few tries, I would have guessed Warteiner and then gotten up and left for the Black Forest Inn :haha:

[matt602]

Joe Butt's is definitely not a place worth sitting around playing guessing games with the service people. It's a glorified "gangsta" hangout these days. All I see is drug dealers hanging out in front of it. The place needs to be shut down.

[raisethehammer]

last time I was there was YEARS ago. The guy checked our ID's at the door and then showed up at our table and tried to sell us a ton of weed a few minutes later. haha. classy.

[DC83]

I used to dj there a long time ago and went back three times a week. lol
I don't live in Hamilton anymore and when I do come back, I sure won't visit.

Used to DJ there?? There was a scene at this bar???

Joe Butt's is definitely not a place worth sitting around playing guessing games with the service people. It's a glorified "gangsta" hangout these days. All I see is drug dealers hanging out in front of it. The place needs to be shut down.

What's up with it's constant closures? I think I saw the other day that it was temporarily closed again?

I don't understand how the City can shut down a place like Sandbar, yet can't shut Joe Butt's down despite the fact that it's an obvious, in your face drug den?

How did Sandbar close? What steps can we take to begin the PERMANANT closure of Joe Butts?

[thistleclub]

Used to DJ there?? There was a scene at this bar???

Possibly back when it was Grapes & Things (the Grapes logo, all ’70s serif, may still be visible on the alley side). The upstairs was pretty happening in the late 80s/early 90s. Still sketchy, but nightclub sketchy.

I wish someone would buy the building and put Joe Butt's out. Either by legal avenues, squelching the lease or by heritage restoration of the entranceway -- I'm thinking some halogen klieg lights would help the plasterers and stoneworkers. And of course you'd want to revoke the patio space as a public safety measure, slap up some hoarding, maybe install some CCTV for worksite peace of mind. It wouldn't take long for the illicit action to tail it east to Jabronies. I know that this is just moving the problem, but at least you'd be moving it somewhere with no street exposure. (And I think the rippers' building is also up for sale, if this hypothetical mystery philanthropist feels like playing Atlas.)

[drpgq]

Actually I was wondering what is going on with the Sandbar now that it has been seized. Is there any plans for it?

Used to DJ there?? There was a scene at this bar???



What's up with it's constant closures? I think I saw the other day that it was temporarily closed again?

I don't understand how the City can shut down a place like Sandbar, yet can't shut Joe Butt's down despite the fact that it's an obvious, in your face drug den?

How did Sandbar close? What steps can we take to begin the PERMANANT closure of Joe Butts?

[thistleclub]

Actually I was wondering what is going on with the Sandbar now that it has been seized. Is there any plans for it?

I had heard an appealing rumour somewhere that they were going to rebuild a unit in line with the buildings that frame the site -- none of that utility block look that the sandbar had. The thinking being that the streetwall would be more or less uniform for the length of that block. This was secondhand, though so I don't know how much stock to put in it. Would be interested to know, though. Should maybe be its own thread.

[SteelTown]

Actually I was wondering what is going on with the Sandbar now that it has been seized. Is there any plans for it?

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=140916

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/Appster/kingwilliam.jpg
You're looking at it from King William not King St E

[thistleclub]

Today a crew was busily working on the exterior of European Restaurante at Jackson and Catharine.

Stucco, in case you're wondering. Which makes me wince more than the name of the place.

[raisethehammer]

and some sort of fake stone on the bottom...like the staybridges suites.

[DC83]

and some sort of fake stone on the bottom...like the staybridges suites.

I believe it's called Composite Cast Stone or something like that. It's actually good quality and last a LOT longer than stucco. It also looks good, is super light weight and inexpensive. I'd rather see this stone than any other faux-finish.

Actually I was wondering what is going on with the Sandbar now that it has been seized. Is there any plans for it?

I thought they were supposed to put a Community Policing Centre there? They already have similar satelite stations in urban areas like Concession St and just East on King near Emerald (Hmmm, I wonder why).

Everything just moves sooooooooo damnnnnnnnnn slowwwwwwwwwly in this city!

[raisethehammer]

I believe it's called Composite Cast Stone or something like that. It's actually good quality and last a LOT longer than stucco. It also looks good, is super light weight and inexpensive. I'd rather see this stone than any other faux-finish.



I thought they were supposed to put a Community Policing Centre there? They already have similar satelite stations in urban areas like Concession St and just East on King near Emerald (Hmmm, I wonder why).

Everything just moves sooooooooo damnnnnnnnnn slowwwwwwwwwly in this city!

demolitions don't.

[DC83]

^^ according to Vranich they do.
"I didn't build b/c the City made me wait a whole month to tear down that heritage building!"

[thistleclub]

One from the Delta: The successor to Pardon My French (ie. 975 Main St E... can't remember the name... breakfast place) closed as of Oct 16.

[flar]

^^It seems nobody can make a go of it in that spot.

[BrianE]

No marketing campaign from either of those restaurants to the local neighborhoods. I don't live to far from there and I never saw a flyer for a Grand Opening or daily specials, or even just a sign out front advertising what kind of food. Nothing at all.

[harleytexas]

[QUOTE=thistleclub;3846726]Possibly back when it was Grapes & Things (the Grapes logo, all ’70s serif, may still be visible on the alley side). The upstairs was pretty happening in the late 80s/early 90s. Still sketchy, but nightclub sketchy. QUOTE]

When it was Grapes, it was "THE" place to go for quite a while. THey had limo ride giveaways, escargot, and tons of people lined up on weekends. I was a dj there during the mid 90's when it was still Grapes and when it become the Butt-Hole.

[thistleclub]

Kirkendall Food Tour
Saturday, November 15 @ 10am
This walking tour of your communities finest grocers offers a world of food opportunities. After learning about the exotic spices, oils, seafood and locally grown fare just steps from your door, you'll never drive for your groceries again! Chef Liam Trotter of Bar on Locke will join us to share tips on food selection, cooking and answer any questions you might have. Walking tour ends with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Register early with name and contact information, spaces limited. $20 environmenthamilton@gmail.com / 905.549.0900

[markk]

According to my facebook page (a very reliable news source) Lissa's Bistro located at 17 Augusta had their grand opening on Fri Nov 7th. Their website is still under construction, but the pics on facebook look promising.

[raisethehammer]

they also received a rave review last week...I think in VIEW mag.

[drpgq]

I had lunch there last week. Decent. They've done a good job with
the inside.

[BrianE]

I had dinner at La Piazza Allegra on James South this past weekend. Nice atmosphere, good service, good food I would recommend it to anyone looking for a classy night on the town.

[SteelTown]

Yea La Piazza was great. I went there two years ago on New Years. Pricey but well worth it, great service.

[raisethehammer]

Tapestry Bistro opens tomorrow.
And Modern India Buffet is moving to Main and Caroline in the old 'Hypnotiq nite club' space.

[adam]

Great news that the "Hypnotiq" building will no longer be vacant!

[hmagazine]

rumour has it that the former Modern Indian Buffet site will be developed into a hotel (?)

Isn't every site in downtown hamilton being considered as a future hotel site?

[raisethehammer]

rumour has it that the former Modern Indian Buffet site will be developed into a hotel (?)

Isn't every site in downtown hamilton being considered as a future hotel site?

yea, just like the big parking lot at Main/Ferguson was supposed to be developed into a condo.
So far I can count 2 hotels of the 8 that have actually been built. None of the others are even close to starting, and probably never will.
I'm sure someone will knock down the Modern India building and use it for more Main St parking. yippee.

[hammergirl]

Anyone been to Sapporo on Main Street?

[raisethehammer]

Anyone been to Sapporo on Main Street?

yup...absolutely love it.

[markbarbera]

I had a real disappointment over the weekend. A bunch of us walked up to grab Sunday brunch at Brownies and it was all dark and locked up. Apparantly they no longer open on a Sunday. I noticed a couple more empty storefronts in IV. Has it lost its lustre already?

I hate the way this city shuts down on a Sunday. Yet another embarrasing moment with friends visiting from Toronto...

[sofasurfer]

Anyone checked out the Northern Chinese place on King (not sure if it's King + Mary or Catherine... north side anyways).

It caught my eye on Saturday, popped in to take a look at the menu and it looked as if there was more than the usual suspects listed... sadly I couldn't actually stay to eat, and they didn't have a take-out menu (that I could either take with me, or for take-out orders!) but apparently they've only been open a couple of weeks.

Looked promising, though. Wish I could remember the name...

[raisethehammer]

I think it's called Sparkle Chinese.

Mark - yea, that sucks. Downtown is friggin dead on Sundays. Dense residential neighbourhoods right along the main streets are needed.
Locke does well on Sundays.

[emge]

yep, Sparkle.

whenever I've walked by in the evening (8-11 p.m.-ish) its been more than half full - seems like a good sign!

I haven't looked at their menu yet, but it seems like it will be another place serving authentic Chinese instead of just McChicken balls and the like -- that makes me pretty happy as well.

[IronWarrior]

Has anyone tried the food at Harvest Moon Chinese Restaurant on James Street? I was thinking about ordering from there on the weekend...

[raisethehammer]

personally, I like Harvest Moon.

[oldcoote]

Anyone been to Sapporo on Main Street?

Very good, reasonable price and friendly service.

[adam]

I had a smoked meat sandwich at Waxy's at 184 Locke St S last weekend and it was great. The owner said the deli is going to be renovated to include more space soon. Their menu is here (http://www.waxysdeli.com/menu.html).

[LikeHamilton]

The latest Hamilton Magazine (Winter 2008) has 6 pages of very good Hamilton restaurant reviews.

[highwater]

Ah! So that explains why the copy I picked up had a bunch of articles cut out of it.

[raisethehammer]

is that new issue any good?? the past few have been more ads than anything.

[adam]

The most recent one had paged upon pages of jewellery ads, etc..

[matt602]

The most recent one had paged upon pages of jewellery ads, etc..

What time of the year is it? :)

[adam]

time to buy jewellery? :haha:
just like TV, people pay to watch/view commercials... human stupidity at its finest

[hammergirl]

Very good, reasonable price and friendly service.

And after eating at Sapporo last night, I agree. I like the concept too.

[FairHamilton]

I was past the Green Tea/Bubble Tea place on John South last night and it looks to me like it's closed already. That didn't last long.

[FairHamilton]

And after eating at Sapporo last night, I agree. I like the concept too.

I always look at Japanese restaurants being fish/seafood heavy. Is it worth going to for non-fish/seafood eaters?

[thistleclub]

Crowbar update: http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/486485

[sofasurfer]

So I finally managed to check out Sparkle - and can report that it's definitely serving authentic Chinese food and not bland north Americanized fare.

Smoked chicken was tasty - but be aware that a half bird is just that. Literally, cleaved down the middle, lengthways :) Definitely an authentic Chinese experience. I had a great minced pork, chilli and vermicelli thing that was called "ants on rope" or something similarly poetic, really hit the spot for me. The chefs special aubergine dish was also good, perhaps a little oily but the taste more than made up for it.

Dim sum were pretty good, just wish you could order a mixture instead of 10 of a particular kind (maybe we'll ask if we can do this next time...)

We happened to go with the in-laws on Sunday afternoon and it was dead, but still had some great food. Definitely going back, and hope that Hamilton gives this place the trade it deserves so it can become a welcome fixture.

[oldcoote]

I always look at Japanese restaurants being fish/seafood heavy. Is it worth going to for non-fish/seafood eaters?

If you don't like sushi, I'd suggest another restaurant.

[hammergirl]

I always look at Japanese restaurants being fish/seafood heavy. Is it worth going to for non-fish/seafood eaters?

I don't eat sushi or a lot of fish. I had chicken and beef skewers, vegetable tempura, chicken soup and fried rice. Ice cream and fried bananas for dessert.

At Sapporo it's all you can eat. Everyone orders off the menu and they bring enough of each item (except for the sushi or soup or fried rice) for everyone at the table.

[thistleclub]

Modern India Buffet is moving to Main and Caroline in the old 'Hypnotiq nite club' space.

I've heard that this is opening next week. Look forward to seeing it.

[markbarbera]

Last night I noticed that Modern India Buffet has moved out of the Main and Walnut location. Their new location is Main and Caroline.

[highwater]

My friend's Indian parents think that the Modern India Buffet is the the best Indian restaurant in the city.

[FRM]

My friend's Indian parents think that the Modern India Buffet is the the best Indian restaurant in the city.

i find mahal to be better, although neither of the two is as good as some restaurants around the GTA.

[emge]

Where's a good source downtown for gelato? I've seen a couple places on James Street and a bakery that sells it but haven't tried any here yet except some place up the mountain.

[highwater]

Don't know about downtown, but Valentino's in Westdale has good gelato.

[matt602]

Theres some place on John St. North that does gelato. I remember a good review in View mag about it. It's on the west side, North of Wilson I think.

[emge]

Theres some place on John St. North that does gelato. I remember a good review in View mag about it. It's on the west side, North of Wilson I think.

I think that was the bakery that sells it.. thanks for the tip.

[holymoly]

Theres some place on John St. North that does gelato. I remember a good review in View mag about it. It's on the west side, North of Wilson I think.
Pane Del Sole Italian Bakery, 175 John St. North

[holymoly]

Last night I noticed that Modern India Buffet has moved out of the Main and Walnut location. Their new location is Main and Caroline.
Bummed about this. It's my favourite restaurant and was super close to my house before.

[FairHamilton]

Stopped in at Rebel's Rock before and after Sunamabeach at The Pearl Company this past Saturday night, and found it to be a really nice little pub.

After the show, when we returned to Rebel's Rock for a night cap I just had to ask the waitress; "I'll have my usual" and she brought me a Kilkenny, lol. A nice touch, that she remembered from a few hours earlier.

The musician playing commented and appreciated that 2 tables - a dozen people (I wish there were a few more) from the Pearl Company show suddenly appeared, as he was playing to a sparse group before our arrival.

The menu was a litte too fryer food heavy, but the setting was great.

[Duckyboy]

The Rebel's Rock is one of the best places to stretch your dollar, I think. Huge portions.

Great atmoshpere, super-friendly staff (Kate and Monica are great!) and great beer selection; and they have a patio, too.

[emge]

i always think "i should stop in there" but for some reason we always end up at three16 for a pint along king since it's just a few seconds' walk and they used to have guinness draft (now they've closed up indefinitely). i think we'll make a point of going to rebel's rock next time.

[FairHamilton]

i always think "i should stop in there" but for some reason we always end up at three16 for a pint along king since it's just a few seconds' walk and they used to have guinness draft (now they've closed up indefinitely). i think we'll make a point of going to rebel's rock next time.

It's too bad with Three16, I don't know what's up there at all. I stopped and asked the storeowner next door (International Village Antiques) if he knew what was up, but he just shrugged.

[Jon Dalton]

Stopped in at Rebel's Rock before and after Sunamabeach at The Pearl Company this past Saturday night, and found it to be a really nice little pub.

After the show, when we returned to Rebel's Rock for a night cap I just had to ask the waitress; "I'll have my usual" and she brought me a Kilkenny, lol. A nice touch, that she remembered from a few hours earlier.

The musician playing commented and appreciated that 2 tables - a dozen people (I wish there were a few more) from the Pearl Company show suddenly appeared, as he was playing to a sparse group before our arrival.

The menu was a litte too fryer food heavy, but the setting was great.

Glad you discovered it. Rebels has the best fish and chips around as well as hands down best British taps. I have quite fond memories of alcohol-enhanced Neil Young jams with some of the regulars there.

[holymoly]

Glad you discovered it. Rebels has the best fish and chips around as well as hands down best British taps. I have quite fond memories of alcohol-enhanced Neil Young jams with some of the regulars there.
Good to know about the fish and chips! I'll have to check it out.

[omro]

Anyone else had a Hamilton Roll at Sushi Star?

I'd never heard of fried sushi rolls before. Conceptually... kinda scary.

[Millstone]

Anyone else had a Hamilton Roll at Sushi Star?

I'd never heard of fried sushi rolls before. Conceptually... kinda scary.

what's in the hamilton roll

[markk]

I can't quite remember whats in the Hamilton roll... but I recall liking it.

Also, if you like Sushi Star give August 8 a try as well. Its a nice atmosphere, good food, and all you can dim sum along with sushi.

[omro]

what's in the hamilton roll

Not entirely sure.

[omro]

I think....

Tuna or salmon, rice, seaweed, lightly battered, fried and drizzled with teriyaki sauce.

[thistleclub]

I can't quite remember whats in the Hamilton roll... but I recall liking it.

Also, if you like Sushi Star give August 8 a try as well. Its a nice atmosphere, good food, and all you can dim sum along with sushi.

Sushi Star neighbour Pineapple Thai is now Chinese Gourmet (memories of when that address was Melody, or the earlier Red House).

August 8 is also in the process of becoming something else I think.

[hmagazine]

Noticed the Taco Bell at Dundurn and Main crumbling apart. Major work needed on their faux mexican exterior.

[block43]

Sushi Star neighbour Pineapple Thai is now Chinese Gourmet (memories of when that address was Melody, or the earlier Red House).

August 8 is also in the process of becoming something else I think.

WHAT? I LOVE August 8...sooooo good.

[Zaz]

WHAT? I LOVE August 8...sooooo good.

We went there for dinner last Sunday. The food was as good as ever, but service lacked. Not a single smile. The staff was visibly exhausted. We had to get up and go look for someone to serve us twice.

[markk]

So does anyone know what August 8 is becoming? I really like that place too.

[FairHamilton]

Thai Memory - Reportedly closed for the past week. The rumour mill is not saying good things..........

[matt602]

I hope it has nothing to do with the money they lost a year ago, re: Balfour

[thistleclub]

So does anyone know what August 8 is becoming? I really like that place too.

Went past there Friday and it seemed to still be open, so maybe they were just closed for the day so that they could swap out some kitchen equipment.

[thistleclub]

Noticed the Taco Bell at Dundurn and Main crumbling apart. Major work needed on their faux mexican exterior.

Sounds muy authentico to me. Maybe they're trying to evoke some of Mex-I-Can's credible decrepitude. ;)

[FairHamilton]

Looks to be official now. There is a new sign outside Three16;

Three16 Lounge
LETS JUST KISS AND SAY GOODBYE.
Thanking everyone for an amazing run - JULY 2007 - FEB 2009.

[emge]

Looks to be official now. There is a new sign outside Three16;

Three16 Lounge
LETS JUST KISS AND SAY GOODBYE.
Thanking everyone for an amazing run - JULY 2007 - FEB 2009.

That's too bad. A very gracious closing statement though.

[adam]

how can these businesses attract more clientele and stay open?

[markbarbera]

Pepper Jack Cafe wll be closing at the end of the month.

[LikeHamilton]

Pepper Jack Cafe wll be closing at the end of the month.

Why!!!!

[oldcoote]

August 8 is also in the process of becoming something else I think.

Just some minor renovations I think. They moved their entrance to the other door.

I'm going for lunch today, so I'll scout it out. :cool:

[FairHamilton]

Why!!!!

Not making any money, http://www.thespec.com/article/561756

Here's what I heard.

There was never enough profit to support he and his brother. So Ross left a while back and started working at a Canyon Creek, or one of it's ilk, as some sort of shift manager (i.e. kitchen, dining room manager). Thay pay was around $60K - $65K, and now as a GM makes another 50% more than that amount (i.e. north of $90K).

Tough to justify running your own business with all the associated risks, and little profit when you can earn a good money with a steady paycheck elsewhere.

Sad and unfortunate state of affairs. Keep supporting local businesses, it's the least we can do!!!