The Rebels Rock
Located on king and emerald, this irish pub may be the only truly authentic irish pub in the city. if you want to stay away from the bars and have a pint in a friendly living room setting, this is the place. live irish music every wednesday, with some of the city's best celtic and east coast musicians, and great home style food at a good price. founded by toronto cop.
Chester's Beers of the World
A gem in the heart of downtown, chester's offers over 250 bottled beers from all over the world. not the place to party - this place is quiet and often empty, but the staff is friendly and courteous and the selection is unparalleled outside of toronto.
The Whistling Walrus
Fabulous Pub. Great Food and very friendly prompt service.
Slainte Irish Pub
Located at bowen and main streets, this authentic irish pub serves the best pint of guinness in the city. the very old building is a heritage site, and all the beautiful woodwork and stained glass in the bar were built and shipped over from dublin, ireland. the front doors of the pub are the original doors from the movie "michael collins." be sure to check out their live music wednesday through sunday and sports on their huge plasma tvs.
The Coach and Lantern
Dating from 1823, the former "Union Hotel" has survived various incarnations and even a 1878 fire in its stables. During the war of 1812, it was purportedly the site of the Bloody Assize, and the spot where four traitors were condemned to hang outside Dundurn Castle. It's rumoured to be haunted, and not just by the Ancaster set. Has a good selection of draft beers and single malt scotches, typical pub grub, and nightly entertainment of the karaoke/trivia/open mic sort. Atmosphere is as you'd expect: exposed stone walls, beams, dark, cluttered and windowless, but it has a cobbled courtyard the claustrophobic may enjoy in the summer.
The Embassy Nightclub
52 king st. east, downtown hamilton is the largest gay nightclub in the city and is an institution with the locals. it plays a mix of house and hip-hop, has drag shows on thursday and sunday, and is busiest on fridays and saturdays.
Augusta's Winking Judge
Located on augusta street right behind the go transit station, this is the best place in hamilton to get a tasty pint. with over 20 taps dedicated to microbreweries, they're sure to have something you like. it's worth noting that this bar does not sell popular beers like molson, labatt, or sleeman products. this was original location of the winking judge, which later moved to hess village.
Collins Brewhouse
33 king st. west, dundas. serving locals since 1841, this "food and beverage warehouse" has 12 beers on draft, including its own brewhouse red and lager. specializes in cajun fare. unique decor includes plank flooring, galvanized steel, 6-seater booths, garage doors opening to a patio and a concrete bar top. live bands, poker tournament and other shenanigans make this a popular spot for all ages. attracts a younger crowd, particularly mac students. this is the oldest tavern in ontario.
The Phoenix
This is McMaster University's graduate student run pub. It is an excellent place to meet local students and to enjoy microbrewed beers. They also have an excellent selection of pub food at reasonable prices. In the spring and summer their huge outdoor patio is very popular for students and faculty at lunch and the end of the day.
Bar on Locke
178 locke street s, hamilton. offers a cozy atmosphere in the locke antique district with a creative menu and about 7 beers on draft.