Best Bars in Hamilton
This guide lists the best bars, pubs, and breweries in Hamilton based on Google ratings and reviews as of October 2026. It covers a range of neighbourhoods, including Ainslie Wood, Corktown, and Central Hamilton, with many spots in Ancaster and on the Mountain. Most places are moderately priced, with a few inexpensive options. The ratings are consistently high, with most between 4.4 and 4.9 from hundreds of reviews.
The list includes breweries, pubs, and cocktail bars, each with at least 150 reviews. Ainslie Wood stands out for its highly-rated breweries. The highest ratings belong to The Argyle and Wildcat, both at 4.9. This selection offers variety, from spots with golf simulators to classic pubs known for wings.
| # | Name | Area | Rating | Reviews | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fairweather Brewing Company | Ainslie Wood | ★★★★★ 4.8 | 698 | |
| 2 | Handsome Dave’s Neighbourhood Bar | Corktown | ★★★★★ 4.8 | 457 | |
| 3 | Grain & Grit Beer Co. | Ainslie Wood | ★★★★★ 4.8 | 455 | |
| 4 | The Argyle - Bar & Golf | East Hamilton | ★★★★★ 4.9 | 319 | $$ |
| 5 | Clifford Brewing Company | Nashdale | ★★★★★ 4.8 | 442 | $ |
| 6 | Carrigan Arms | Burlington | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 702 | $$ |
| 7 | Merit Brewing | Central Hamilton | ★★★★★ 4.6 | 1,198 | $$ |
| 8 | The Judge | Corktown | ★★★★★ 4.6 | 621 | $$ |
| 9 | Tracie's Place Restaurant and Karaoke | West/Central Mountain | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 1,698 | $ |
| 10 | Wildcat | Hamilton Centre | ★★★★★ 4.9 | 168 | $ |
| 11 | Brassie Pub | Ancaster | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 1,106 | $$ |
| 12 | Fisher's Pier 4 Pub | North End East | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 922 | $$ |
| 13 | Bernie's Tavern | Hamilton Centre | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 822 | $$ |
| 14 | The Brain | Central Hamilton | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 812 | $$ |
| 15 | Doors Pub: Taco Joint & Metal Bar | Downtown | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 697 | $ |
| 16 | Ale House | Macassa | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 570 | $ |
| 17 | Bar Sazerac | Central Hamilton | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 510 | $$ |
| 18 | Coach & Lantern | Ancaster | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 1,382 | $$ |
| 19 | Firths Celtic Pub | West/Central Mountain | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 1,107 | $$ |
| 20 | The Watermark Taphouse & Grille | Waterdown | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 755 | $$ |
Fairweather Brewing Company
Fairweather Brewing Company is a brewery in Ainslie Wood with a 4.8 rating from 698 reviews. Reviewers often mention its patio, sours, and flavour profiles. It is dog friendly, allows you to bring your own food, and opens daily, starting at 11:00 or 12:00.
Opening hours
- Sun 11:00-20:00
- Mon 12:00-22:00
- Tue 12:00-22:00
- Wed 12:00-22:00
- Thu 12:00-23:00
- Fri 12:00-22:00
- Sat 11:00-22:00
Handsome Dave’s Neighbourhood Bar
Handsome Dave’s Neighbourhood Bar in Corktown has a 4.8 rating from 457 reviews. Reviewers often mention dishes like duck breast, frog legs, and oysters.
Opening hours
- Sun 17:00-01:00
- Mon 17:00-01:00
- Tue 17:00-01:00
- Wed 17:00-01:00
- Thu 17:00-01:00
- Fri 17:00-02:00
- Sat 17:00-02:00
Grain & Grit Beer Co.
Grain & Grit Beer Co. is a women-owned brewery in Ainslie Wood, rated 4.8 from 455 reviews. Reviewers often mention it is dog friendly, offers growler fills, and has unique brews. It opens at 12:00 most days, with hours varying, and is closed on Mondays.
Opening hours
- Sun 12:00-18:00
- Tue 12:00-21:00
- Wed 12:00-21:00
- Thu 12:00-21:00
- Fri 12:00-19:00
- Sat 12:00-19:00
The Argyle - Bar & Golf
The Argyle in East Hamilton is a bar with golf simulators, rated 4.9 from 319 reviews. It has a moderate price level. Reviewers often mention cocktails, the patio, and the beer selection. It opens in the afternoon, from 13:00 or 16:00, and closes late.
Opening hours
- Sun 13:00-00:00
- Mon 16:00-00:00
- Tue 16:00-00:00
- Wed 16:00-00:00
- Thu 16:00-00:00
- Fri 13:00-02:00
- Sat 13:00-02:00
Clifford Brewing Company
Clifford Brewing Company is an inexpensive brewery in Nashdale, rated 4.8 from 442 reviews. Reviewers often mention its porter, pinball, and patio. It opens daily at 12:00, with closing times from 18:00 to 22:00, and has a large room with games.
Opening hours
- Sun 12:00-18:00
- Mon 12:00-19:00
- Tue 12:00-19:00
- Wed 12:00-20:00
- Thu 12:00-21:00
- Fri 12:00-22:00
- Sat 12:00-22:00
Carrigan Arms
Carrigan Arms is a moderate-priced pub in Burlington with a 4.7 rating from 702 reviews. Reviewers often mention live music, poker, karaoke, and trivia.
Opening hours
- Sun 09:00-23:00
- Mon 11:00-23:00
- Tue 11:00-23:00
- Wed 11:00-23:00
- Thu 11:00-01:00
- Fri 11:00-01:00
- Sat 09:00-01:00
Merit Brewing
Merit Brewing in Central Hamilton has a 4.6 rating from 1198 reviews and a moderate price level. Reviewers often mention sausages, the patio, and the bottle shop. It opens at 12:00 most days, is closed on Mondays, and has late hours on weekends.
Opening hours
- Sun 00:00-20:00
- Tue 12:00-22:00
- Wed 12:00-22:00
- Thu 12:00-22:00
- Fri 12:00-00:00
- Sat 12:00-00:00
The Judge
The Judge is a moderate-priced pub in Corktown, rated 4.6 from 621 reviews. Reviewers often mention craft beers, the back patio, and comedy nights.
Opening hours
- Sun 12:00-01:00
- Mon 15:00-01:00
- Tue 12:00-01:00
- Wed 12:00-01:00
- Thu 12:00-02:00
- Fri 12:00-02:00
- Sat 12:00-02:00
Tracie's Place Restaurant and Karaoke
Tracie's Place is a women-owned bar and grill on West/Central Mountain, rated 4.5 from 1698 reviews. It is inexpensive. Reviewers often mention the atmosphere, pool tables, and welcoming staff.
Opening hours
- Sun 11:00-02:00
- Mon 11:00-02:00
- Tue 11:00-02:00
- Wed 11:00-02:00
- Thu 11:00-02:00
- Fri 11:00-02:00
- Sat 11:00-02:00
Wildcat
Wildcat in Hamilton Centre is an inexpensive bar with a 4.9 rating from 168 reviews. Reviewers often mention hot dogs, perogies, and NBA Jam. It is open Tuesday to Thursday from 17:00 to 00:00 and is suitable for watching sports.
Opening hours
- Tue 17:00-00:00
- Wed 17:00-00:00
- Thu 17:00-00:00
Brassie Pub
Brassie Pub in Ancaster is a moderate-priced pub with a 4.5 rating from 1106 reviews. Reviewers often mention nachos, wings, and trivia night.
Opening hours
- Sun 11:00-23:00
- Mon 11:00-00:00
- Tue 11:00-00:00
- Wed 11:00-00:00
- Thu 11:00-00:00
- Fri 11:00-02:00
- Sat 11:00-02:00
Fisher's Pier 4 Pub
Fisher's Pier 4 Pub in North End East is a moderate-priced pub rated 4.5 from 922 reviews. Reviewers often mention fish and chips, the patio, and its cozy feel. It opens at 11:30 from Monday to Saturday and is closed on Sundays.
Opening hours
- Mon 11:30-23:00
- Tue 11:30-23:00
- Wed 11:30-23:00
- Thu 11:30-23:00
- Fri 11:30-00:00
- Sat 11:30-00:00
Bernie's Tavern
Bernie's Tavern in Hamilton Centre is a moderate-priced pub with a 4.5 rating from 822 reviews. Reviewers often mention the patio, perogies, and deep dish pizza. It opens daily at 11:30, closing at 23:00 or 00:00, and has live music.
Opening hours
- Sun 11:30-23:00
- Mon 11:30-23:00
- Tue 11:30-23:00
- Wed 11:30-23:00
- Thu 11:30-00:00
- Fri 11:30-00:00
- Sat 11:30-00:00
The Brain
The Brain is a bar in Central Hamilton, rated 4.5 from 812 reviews with a moderate price level. Reviewers often mention the craft beer selection, friendly staff, and back patio.
Opening hours
- Sun 12:00-02:00
- Mon 12:00-02:00
- Tue 12:00-02:00
- Wed 12:00-02:00
- Thu 12:00-02:00
- Fri 12:00-02:00
- Sat 12:00-02:00
Doors Pub: Taco Joint & Metal Bar
Doors Pub in Downtown is an inexpensive pub rated 4.5 from 697 reviews. Reviewers often mention tacos, live punk and metal music, and the dive bar atmosphere. It opens at 17:00 from Wednesday to Sunday and is closed on Tuesdays.
Opening hours
- Sun 17:00-02:00
- Mon 17:00-02:00
- Wed 17:00-02:00
- Thu 17:00-02:00
- Fri 17:00-02:00
- Sat 17:00-02:00
Ale House
Ale House in Macassa is an inexpensive pub with a 4.5 rating from 570 reviews. Reviewers often mention large portions, wings, and watching sports.
Opening hours
- Sun 11:00-00:00
- Mon 11:00-00:00
- Tue 11:00-00:00
- Wed 11:00-00:00
- Thu 11:00-02:00
- Fri 11:00-02:00
- Sat 11:00-02:00
Bar Sazerac
Bar Sazerac is a moderate-priced cocktail bar in Central Hamilton, rated 4.5 from 510 reviews. Reviewers often mention custom cocktails, the new menu, and the patio.
Opening hours
- Sun 16:00-02:00
- Mon 16:00-02:00
- Tue 16:00-02:00
- Wed 16:00-02:00
- Thu 16:00-02:00
- Fri 16:00-02:00
- Sat 16:00-02:00
Coach & Lantern
Coach & Lantern in Ancaster is a moderate-priced pub rated 4.4 from 1382 reviews. Reviewers often mention the patio, live music, and the historic building. It opens at 11:30 or 12:00 daily, closing between 22:00 and 00:00.
Opening hours
- Sun 12:00-22:00
- Mon 11:30-23:00
- Tue 11:30-23:00
- Wed 11:30-23:00
- Thu 11:30-00:00
- Fri 11:30-00:00
- Sat 11:30-00:00
Firths Celtic Pub
Firths Celtic Pub on West/Central Mountain is a moderate-priced pub with a 4.4 rating from 1107 reviews. Reviewers often mention wings, the patio, and Irish nachos.
Opening hours
- Sun 11:00-23:00
- Mon 11:00-23:00
- Tue 11:00-00:00
- Wed 11:00-00:00
- Thu 11:00-00:00
- Fri 11:00-01:00
- Sat 11:00-01:00
The Watermark Taphouse & Grille
The Watermark Taphouse & Grille in Waterdown is a moderate-priced bar and grill rated 4.4 from 755 reviews. Reviewers often mention the patio, wings, and brisket. It opens Monday to Saturday at 11:30, closing at 22:00 or 23:00, and is closed Sundays.
Opening hours
- Mon 11:30-22:00
- Tue 11:30-22:00
- Wed 11:30-22:00
- Thu 11:30-22:00
- Fri 11:30-23:00
- Sat 11:30-23:00
Tips before you go
- Most listed spots are moderately priced, with inexpensive options like Clifford Brewing, Tracie's Place, Wildcat, Doors Pub, and Ale House.
- Neighbourhoods are spread out; plan for Ainslie Wood breweries, Corktown bars, Ancaster pubs, and spots on the Mountain.
- Many places have patios, including Fairweather Brewing, The Argyle, Clifford Brewing, and Brassie Pub.
- For entertainment, look for spots with live music, karaoke, or trivia, like Carrigan Arms, Handsome Dave’s, and Brassie Pub.
- Takeout is available at many pubs, including Tracie's Place, The Judge, Brassie Pub, and Firths Celtic Pub.
How we made this list
This list was compiled using Google ratings and review counts as of October 22, 2026. A weighted rating was applied so that places with very few reviews did not rank unfairly high. Only establishments with at least 150 Google reviews were considered. The list also includes only places that were open at the time of research.
Questions about bars in Hamilton
Which bars have the highest ratings?
The Argyle and Wildcat both have a 4.9 rating. The Argyle has 319 reviews and features golf simulators. Wildcat has 168 reviews and is a neighbourhood bar. Several breweries, like Fairweather and Grain & Grit, also have 4.8 ratings.
Are there any dog-friendly bars or breweries?
Yes. Fairweather Brewing Company and Grain & Grit Beer Co. are both noted as dog friendly by reviewers. They are breweries in the Ainslie Wood area. Both allow dogs on their premises.
Where can I find live music or entertainment?
Many places offer live music or events. Handsome Dave’s, Carrigan Arms, Tracie's Place, and The Judge have live music. For karaoke, try Carrigan Arms or Brassie Pub. The Argyle has golf simulators and trivia nights.
What are the price levels like?
Most bars and pubs here are moderately priced. There are several inexpensive options, including Clifford Brewing, Tracie's Place, Wildcat, Doors Pub, and Ale House. Price levels are based on Google's designations.
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Ratings, review counts, prices and hours come from Google Maps listings as of 2026-10-22 and change over time. Call ahead or check the venue's own site before you go. Nobody pays to be on these lists.