Bottoms Up! My Top 5 Favourite Spots For Drinks In Hamilton

As summer comes to an end, I’m trying to soak up whatever nice weather we have left on my favourite patios with a refreshing drink in hand. A lot of us Hamiltonians are very opinionated about our favourite local coffee spots, but I haven’t heard too much about our bar scene. So here are some ideas! 

1. The Mule

41 King William St

If you’re someone who often says “I want a drink but I could eat” The Mule is definitely for you. Always busy and with a menu full of delicious ‘shareables’, The Mule is probably my most frequented stop for a drink with friends. The drink menu is mostly tequila and bourbon focused cocktails with a selection of beers on tap. My favourite things to order (on their entirely gluten-free food menu) would be the guac and chips, calamari and their pork belly taco. Yum!

2. Bar Sazerac

278 James St N

For the cocktail lover, Bar Sazerac on James Street North is an amazing little gem with informative bartenders and an exceptional drink menu. With a later closing time (2 am), I usually stop here for the great service and atmosphere.

3. The Brain 

199 James St N

While The Brain may be hard to spot at first (I used to walk by this bar every day on my way to work and never even knew it was there) once inside you’ll enjoy a relaxed vibe with a menu of cocktails, craft beer and wine. There are limited food options but there are board games and pie! 

4. Merit Brewery

107 James St N

Merit Brewery, like the Mule, is one of my favourite spots to bring a friend to catch up over a drink. The inside is spacious with picnic tables and mood-setting lights dangling from the ceiling. They also have a nice patio and beer garden outback. I love experimenting with the beers I try each time I go and the staff is always super friendly and helpful when I’m trying to make a decision (I am the most indecisive person ever and sometimes even make them pick for me).

5. Electric Diner

96 George St

So I hadn’t been to Electric Diner until recently but I had always been meaning to go because of their brightly coloured cocktails and 80’s diner theme that caught my attention on Instagram; I was not disappointed. They have a lovely patio and I was even visited by a friendly neighbourhood cat named Cooper! (Cuteness overload).  If you’re wanting to grab a bite, Electric diner serves burgers and breakfast. I can’t give you a verdict on their food yet, but I can tell you that I have a feeling this will be one of my new favourite spots.

And that concludes my list! There are so many other incredible places that I would love to try so if you have any recommendations for me leave them in the comments. Cheers!

– Emma