January 10th, 2025
Are you sick of shoveling the driveway? Salting the footpath? The game of Tetris you play every time you layer up or layer down to get in and out of the car or the house? You might be in dire need of treating yourself to a Downtown Hamilton Winter Warmer!
It’s no secret with the increased power bill, so many fruits and vegetables being out-of-season, and hockey competing with skiing for the most expensive sport your nieces and nephews want to get into this year, it’s hard to give thought to a menu, a meal, or a drink for yourself. We’re here to help you with that, with a curated list of great Downtown spots for any time of the day!
Breakfast at John Street Diner
John Street Diner is the perfect place to start your day with an extensive menu filled with comforting classics you will all know and love before opening the menu. Situated on the corner of John and King William, you can enjoy all-day breakfast, chicken n waffles, burgers, poutine, and so much more at a great price. John Street Diner is open from 8.00am to 2.00pm Tuesday to Sunday.
What are you waiting for? Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, after all!
📍 29 John Street N.
🌐 https://www.instagram.com/john_street_diner/
Lunch with Sapporo Sushi
Donburi 
Noodle Soup
Sapporo Sushi is a favourite amongst many in Hamilton. With a huge menu, and great prices, this lunchtime spot is sure to bust the hunger of anyone in winter! Some menu items include their amazing Donburi and Noodle Soup that are perfect for a lunchtime pick-me-up. Open 11.00am to 10.00pm seven days a week. We recently did a story on Sapporo Sushi about some of their great lunchtime offers, including their amazing Bento Boxes!
📍 96 Main St E, Hamilton
🌐 https://sapporohamilton.ca/
Caffeine Fix with Daigyo
Daigyo’s matcha latte‘s are some of the best in Hamilton, and did you know that almost every drink on their menu can be made both cold and hot? Whether you’re someone who wants to nourish your body (and energy levels) with a tasty and Mocha Matcha Latte, or whether you’re one of those crazy people who think ice cream is a good idea when the degrees hit the negatives, Daigyo’s got you covered year round. Open 12.00pm to 10.00pm seven days a week, 10.30pm on Friday and Saturday. Daigyo’s afternoon pick-me-up has got you covered.
📍 125 King Street E.
🌐 Daigyo.ca
Dinner at The Standard
Gulf Prawns + Chorizo Paella 
Lobster + Crab Dumplings
The Standard stands out as one of the finest dining experiences Hamilton has to offer. Oh, and they forgot the “Toronto tax!” Every item on the menu at The Standard is brilliant, but some fan favourites that will warm you to the bones are the Gulf Prawns & Chorizo Paella, and the Lobster & Crab Dumplings. We can’t think of a better way of taking your mind away from the ice and snow of Ontario to the warm beaches of Málaga (aside from flying there, of course, but that’s expensive!). The Standard, sets the standard! Open from 11.30am to 10.00pm most weekdays, closing midnight on Friday and Saturday, and opening early at 10.00am on weekends, there’s a timeslot for everyone to book a table today! Keep an eye out for their new menu arriving soon!
📍 10 James Street N.
🌐 thestandardhamilton.com
A Late Night Snack at Easy Tiger
If you’ve made it this far in your day out in the winter weather without something to warm you, you’ve earned yourself a visit to Easy Tiger Snack Bar on John Street. The bar features a range of cocktails including a delicious Heated Reverie, a smooth, comforting, and bright cocktail that features Gin, Honey, Lemon, Cointreau and Juniper Berries . And their snack menu is sure to keep you happy, and your stomach happy, with items such as Guinness braised brisket, fresh focaccia, & chicken wings available to enjoy. Open Thursday to Monday, 6.00pm to midnight, except for Friday and Saturday when the bar is open until 2.00am!
📍 10 John Street N.
🌐 https://www.easytigersnackbar.com/