Right around the corner from the venue and the Sheraton, this is a local craft brewery with great vibes, great snacks, and obvs great beer.
If you're around early in the day Saturday swing by the farmer's market for some goodies! Sure, there's fresh produce, but what you'll really want to check out is the amazing food vendors. Some of our favs include: Joshy's Good Eats (bagels & lox), Mexican Kitchen, The Flyin G'Nosh (Indian fusion), Latin Food & Products, and Vinnie's Fresh Pasta Factory (get the Italian flag pasta!).
A Hamilton classic! Exactly what you want from an old school donut shop. Legend has it Tim Horton's (which, for the record, was also started in Hamilton) ripped off Grandad's donut recipes. A scandal!
If you're feeling a walk by the water check out Bayfront! Mind the geese.
A local bar just up the street from the Sheraton with an extensive beer and cocktail list and some of the best vibes in the city.
You may know this as Justin's work, but it's also a great spot to grab a beer either in the outdoor beer garden or the cosy taproom. There's also no shortage of highly-Instagrammable spots around the brewery, which is covered in murals.
If you're up for a bit of a jaunt into west Hamilton, this craft brewery has a great patio, super fun vibes and a wide selection of small-batch beers.
If you're already in the west end checking out Grain & Grit, good news: Fairweather is basically next door! And as luck would have it, they ALSO have a beautiful patio, great vibes and awesome beer.
A cute spot to grab a coffee and sweet treat!
Our favourite greasy spoon. At least one of Justin or Kate has thrown up outside this restaurant while very hungover. Don't worry, the breakfast cured him.
"Hey, Jerry! I didn't know you liked soup!"
Hands down the best shawarma in the city. You'll definitely have leftovers for your hotel mini fridge.
This is a bit of a hike, waaayyy up on the mountain (those of you coming from out west will find what we refer to as "Hamilton Mountain" adorable), but don't worry, they deliver. This family-run pizza joint has great pies and MASSIVE panzerottis all at reasonable prices.
Stop in for some of the best tacos you'll ever have, or just for a cocktail. But if you're smart you'll order the brussels sprout tacos!
Seriously the best pizza we've ever had. Fight us, New York. Full disclosure: Cowabunga is a bit out of the way and pick-up only so we get that it's unlikely you'll have a chance to try it around our wedding. But we just love it so much we HAD to include it on this list. AND rumour - i.e. the owner's Instagram stories - has it they're opening a downtown location! Fingers crossed it's ready to go by September!
The sweetest little shop filled with the cutest clothing and accessories you ever did see.
Another great local boutique with one-of-a-kind trinkets, cards, and gifts.
Tasty treats and great coffee served by the NICEST owners in the world. This is a stone's throw from Justin and Kate's place!
Tucked away on a residential street, Bonanza is a real Hamilton gem! Check it out for classic deli sandwiches on fresh baked bread and some of the best Portuguese tarts (or, "Pasteis de Nata" - impressed, Dave?) you'll find anywhere in Ontario.
Quick, think of the best chocolate covered anything you've ever had. You'll find something similar (dare we say BETTER?!) here.
Our go-to Indian restaurant! Incredible food at ridiculously affordable prices. They're open late and you can find them on UberEats or Skip The Dishes!
The James North neighbourhood is where the bulk of the action will be over our wedding weekend, but don't sleep on James South! The Ship is one of many awesome bars along Augusta St. It's got a cozy patio, a wide selection of craft beer and cocktails, and some tasty food options.