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RESTAURANT REVIEWS


Featured Restaurant for June 2025:
OTTAWA STREET LOCAL

     One hobby of mine that I seldom bring up is sewing. I’ve made plenty of plushies, a few cosplays, and exactly one (1) functional garment. I mention this because it means that I spend way too much time (and money) on Ottawa Street.  Lucky for me, a new restaurant recently popped up exactly opposite my beloved Fabricland:  Ottawa Street Local.

    Ottawa St. Local serves mostly pub-food, but the vibe is more chic and bright then your traditional tavern. For my first soiree there (which also served as a birthday-eve meal for my best friend) our party of three got a cajun chicken sandwich, a cheese and bacon burger, a Korean beef rice bowl, and a big ol’ bloomin onion to split.


    Now, normally I won’t touch onions with a 10 foot pole, but this awe-striking allium was in full bloom and I simply had to try it. The batter was so crunchy you could hear it each time someone ripped off a petal. This beautiful hedonistic beast of a dish is more than just a gimmick, it is the natural evolution of the plebeian onion ring. Served with a spicy Chipotle ranch, this gargantuan blossom is a great way to celebrate the peak of spring.  The cajun chicken sandwich was incredible.  It was so juicy I had to wash my hands to take my notes for the review.  Perfectly cooked, juicy, cajun chicken, complimented by the slight tang of mayo and the crunchy salt of bacon.  A cajun chicken sandwich is by far my favorite option at most pubs, and Ottawa Street Local knocked it out of the park.



     I stole a bite of my friend's burger and a few of his fries, and both were delightful. The burger was exactly what you want from a burger. Juicy meat, crispy bacon, a lovely smokey flavour and a rich, buttery bun. My father regrettably got too caught up in his enjoyment of the Korean Beef Bowl to remember to share, but I can extrapolate from the sheer amount of awed mumbling that it must have been really quite delicious. *Editor's note: he missed his chance.

     Whether you’re on Ottawa Street to ponder paintings at Crown & Press, scrutinize swords at Dragon’s Lair, or accumulate appliques at Sussman’s, Ottawa Street Local is the perfect place to grab a delicious meal while out and about on Ottawa.

- FW

226 Ottawa St. North
Hamilton, ON
L8H 3Z6
905-312-1734
(map)