Hamilton

Augusta's Winking Judge

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. This bar does not sell popular, mass-produced beers like Molson, Labatt, or Sleeman. This was original location of the Winking Judge, which later moved to Hess Village.

Casbah Lounge

Best mid-sized live music venue in the city. A large selection of craft beers are available in both rooms. Friendly atmosphere everynight.

Collins Brewhouse

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.

Hess Village

A "bar" in the classic sense, Hess is a couple blocks of pubs and eateries. Highlights include the Gown and Gavel, Che Burrito Bar, Sizzle/Koi, and The Lazy Flamingo. Located roughly between King and Main Street, on Hess Street. Typically pub-type bars and night clubs, but it runs the gamut. Hess Village is where the patio action is in Hamilton on warm summer nights. Dance clubs have opened in neighbourhood, adding to the entertainment mix. This is the summer place to be in Hamilton. One of the best bar and nightclubs in Hess Village with the best music fantastic accommodations is Sizzle's Ultra Lounge.

Pheasant Plucker

Pub, also serving pub food - salads, sandwiches, chicken wings, hamburgers, fish and chips and the like.

Phoenix Bar & Grill

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.

11:30AM - 2AM

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.