People are descending upon the city for the dozens of events and live music performances this week as the Juno Awards are set to take place Sunday at Hamilton’s TD Coliseum.
While they are here, they’ll have to eat and drink (coffee, tea or other), and may want to check out events and spaces unique to Hamilton.
There’s no better group to ask how to spend the day like a local than Hamilton musicians, artists and people connected to the local music scene. In advance of the Junos, we asked a handful of local creative folks to share their favourite cafés, restaurants, bars or social spaces, live music venues and other hidden gems. Here’s what they told us — and where to find them.
Zoom in on the above map to find the names and locations of all recommended spots — and a bit more about the artists who recommended them. The full, personalized list is below.
Garrett Lajoie
Garrett Lajoie is a folk/pop singer-songwriter.
Best cup of coffee: One For All (241 King St. E.) . So. Good. Worth the walk from downtown through the international village!
Restaurant you’d recommend: Mesa (255 James St. N.) for great and reasonably priced Mexican food.
Bar/social space to feel like a local: Ola Bakery (230 James St. N.) has that friendly atmosphere you’re looking for.
Favourite live music venue: I like the Doors (Doors Taco Joint and Metal Bar, 56 Hess St. S.) but I’m a weirdo. It has no stage and no chairs, but it’s got the intimacy and the character. Bring earplugs and rock out.
Hidden gem: Jordan’s Homeside Pub (1521 Main St. E.) in the east end for vegan-friendly pub fare and craft beers.
Where we’ll find you Junos week: Checking out Laila Biali at Henry’s (303 James St. N.) on Friday night with any luck!
For more about you: @garlajoie on Instagram to hear my EP “Scary” (if you’re into acoustic guitars, catchy pop hooks, and bonus points if you have anxiety).
Chris Wheeler
Chris Wheeler is a guitarist and songwriter with Bend It Like Beck. Their second album Take My Heart And Burn is out now.
Best cup of coffee: Tim’s (Tim Hortons, the 1964 original location, 65 Ottawa St. N.). Sorry, not a fancy coffee guy 😉
Restaurant you’d recommend: Henry’s on James (303 James St. N.)
Bar/social space to feel like a local: The Cat and Fiddle (174 John St. S.)
Favourite live music venue: Mills Hardware (95 King St. E.)
Hidden gem: The many waterfalls in the city (Tiffany Falls, 900 Wilson St. E.)
Where we’ll find you Junos week: Looking forward to the actual Juno gala!
For more about you: Bend it like Beck on Instagram.
The Revival Art Store on Cannon Street E., is an arts supplies store, event space and café. Manager Justine Fischer, left, and owner Jerrold Hewson were at the location on Monday. (Eva Salinas/CBC)Olivia Brown
Olivia Brown is a musician and singer-songwriter from the band Junestone. Their latest single, Take It or Leave It, is available on Bandcamp and streaming services everywhere.
Best cup of coffee: Crown & Press (303 Ottawa St. N.)
Restaurant you’d recommend: Pinch Bakery and Plant Shop (183 Sherman Ave. N.)!!! I also love MaiPai (631 Barton St. E.) very much.
Bar/social space to feel like a local: The Capitol Bar (973 King St. E.)
Favourite live music venue: If my favourite place can be outside, I love it the most when Gage Park (1000 Main St. E.) becomes a venue or when they have live bands near the skating rink at the Waterfront. If it’s got to be indoors, I’m going with the FirstOntario Concert Hall (1 Summers Ln).
Hidden gem: Genuine Bakery (1002 Barton St. E.). Always love to get my bread from here. They have excellent chicken parm sandwiches, too. The Revival Art Store (1165 Cannon St. E.) near Cannon and Ottawa Street is also pretty cool. They sell art supplies and have a café where you can get drinks and snacks. It is a very new space, but the vibe there is already awesome.
Where we’ll find you Junos week: In the audience for Songwriters’ Circle.
For more about you: Junestone website.
James Favron
James Favron is a Hamilton based hip-hop Artist and founder of The Better Days Club. His latest single Average released March 20.
Best cup of coffee: Rooney’s latte (724 Main St. E.)
Restaurant you’d recommend: You can’t visit Hamilton without trying the award winning pizza from Cowabunga (30 Vine St.)! (I suggest Hawaiian with the hot honey drizzle and Bunga Bites.)
Bar/social space to feel like a local: If you want to feel like a local, definitely pop into Farside (288 James St. N.) or The Brain (199 James St. N.) for a drink.
Favourite live music venue: My favourite music venue to both perform at and catch a show is Bridgeworks (200 Caroline St. N.).
Hidden gem: Montgomery Park (1570 Main St. E.), best outdoor ball court in the city.
Where we’ll find you Junos week: I’m gonna be at every event I can hit for Juno week, but specifically gotta catch my friend Anna Sofia at Ooey Gooey’s (107 George St.) on Saturday night (and Felix Cartal obvs), the SOCAN/FACTOR Songwriter’s Circle (Sofia Camara is a prodigy) and my boy Cam Kahin at Corktown (175 Young St.) on Friday.
For more about you: Connect with me on instagram @jamesfavron.
From left to right, musicians Garrett Lajoie, Olivia Brown, Chris Wheeler and James Favron recommended coffee from businesses including One for All, Crown & Press, Rooney’s and Tim Hortons. (Submitted by Garrett Lajoie, Don Gleeson, Submitted by Chris Wheeler, James Favron)Tomi Swick
Tomi swick is a Juno and Socan award-winning singer-songwriter from Hamilton, whose new album Rundown Love comes out March 28, 2026.
Best cup of coffee: No coffee for me.
Restaurant you’d recommend: Tony’s corner (314 Queenston Rd.).
Bar/social space to feel like a local: WestTown (WestTown Bar and Grill, 214 Locke St. S.) on Locke.
Favourite live music venue: Music Hall (24 Main St. W.), (formerly Centenary United Church where I sang in the choir as a kid).
Hidden gem: The Lionshead Pub (137 John St. S.).
Where we’ll find you Junos week: Enjoying the Hamilton music showcase on Friday and playing my record release party, March 28, both at Ridiculous (38 King William St.).
For more about you: Tomi Swick on Instagram.
Sarah Bellstedt
Sarah Bellstedt is a singer/songwriter who has released five singles since moving to Hamilton in 2021.
Best cup of coffee in town: Café Baffico (1375 King St. E.), with an apple fritter on the side.
Restaurant you’d recommend: Maipai (631 Barton St. E.), if you stay on the ball and make a reservation in time.
Bar/social space to feel like a local: Bernie’s (1103 Cannon St. E.).
Favourite live music venue: Into the Abyss (181 King St. E.). [The record store has a new location and will now be presenting shows at other locations going forward.]
Hidden gem: The Move Room (164 Ottawa St. N.) and its sister studio, Spring (249 Ottawa St. N.). The most inclusive, chill pilates studio you’ll ever find. Go to Jo’s classes for an amazing playlist!
Where we’ll find you Junos week, if here: Watching Burs and Blunt Chunks at the Corktown Pub (175 Young St.).
For more about you: Sarah’s Bandcamp site.
Customers shop in Into the Abyss, a record store in Hamilton’s International Village neighbourhood. (Diona Macalinga/CBC)Nim Agalawatte
Nim Agalawatte is the bassist for Basement Revolver and promoter of Sounds Gay! Hamilton.
Best cup of coffee: Smalls (8 Cannon St. E.).
Restaurant you’d recommend: PinToh (21 John St. N.).
Bar/social space to feel like a local: The Brain (199 James St. N.).
Favourite live music venue: B-Side (288 James St. N.) DIY venue within Farside. Doesn’t get enough praise. So I’m shouting them out here.
Hidden gem: Pinch Bakery and Plant shop (183 Sherman Ave. N.).
Where we’ll find you Junos week: I will be hosting the Sounds Gay! open mic March 26 at Mosaic (431 Barton St. E.) and performing at the Junos Afterparty March 29 at the Music Hall (24 Main St. W.).
For more about you: @nim.agalawatte on Instagram.
Hannah Sloots
Hannah Sloots is a singer-songwriter in Hamilton and co-founder of songwriting collective, The Shaky Knees Club.
Best cup of coffee: One for All (241 King St. E.).
Restaurant you’d recommend: Victoria’s Steak and Seafood (470 King St. W.).
Bar/social space to feel like a local: Rooney’s (724 Main St. E.).
Favourite live music venue: Mills Hardware (95 King St. E.)
Hidden gem: Himalya (The Himalya Restaurant, 160 Centennial Pkwy. N.).
Where we’ll find you Junos week: You’ll find me scouring for last minute tickets to see Joni Mitchell!
For more about you: Spotify.
From left to right, Nim Agalawatte, Tomi Swick, Sarah Bellstedt and Hannah Sloots are local musicians who recommend venues including The Music Hall, Into the Abyss, B-Side and Mills Hardware. (Mike Highfield, Submitted by Tomi Swick, Nim Agalawatte, Hannah Sloots)Aoife
Aoife is soulful, magnetic indie folk; your local singer-songwriter lass making late-night confession music for people who romanticize everything (just a little), with new single dropping this spring.
Best cup of coffee: Synonym (328 James St. N.) has some of the best espresso in town. I love grabbing a flat white from there!
Restaurant you’d recommend: Mmm OK, I need to say two: Capitol Bar (973 King St. E.) for their Sunday roast, and Rosales (303 Dundurn St. S.) for literally anything, you can’t go wrong there.
Bar/social space to feel like a local: No brainer, The Brain (199 James St. N.) 🙂 moody, cozy, great pints and cocktails. They also have the best samosas for a little bite.
Favourite live music venue: I love the whole atmosphere and shows put on at Ringside (At Architect Hair Design, 324 James St. N.)! I may be playing a show there late April.
Hidden gem: Oh my gosh, has to be the record shop Into the Abyss (181 King St. E.)! Their values and care for the arts scene in Hamilton makes them so loved by the locals here. Definitely a business worth supporting while you’re in town.
Where we’ll find you Junos week: I’ll be playing around town all week at various spots, definitely check out my socials to keep your eye on that! Then I’ll be at the Junos with all you fine folk 🙂
More about you: Linktree.
Duckai
Duckai is a musician and artist from Hamilton, currently working behind the scenes with budding musicians and artists finding their sound.
Best cup of coffee (or tea): Teahut Bubble Tea Café (100 Main St. E.).
Restaurant you’d recommend: Cedar Falafel and Shawarma (1405 Upper Ottawa St.).
Bar/social space to feel like a local: Mulberry Coffeehouse (193 James St. N.).
Favourite live music venue: Andthenyou (145 Main St. E.).
Hidden gem: The Cotton Factory (270 Sherman Ave. N.).
Where we’ll find you Junos week: Working with next year’s potential nominees.
More about you: Duckai on Instagram.
The Cotton Factory is an east Hamilton arts and event space. (Eva Salinas/CBC)Eklipz
Eklipz is a multi-discipline artist.
Best cup of coffee: Mezza Caffe (28 James St. N.).
Restaurant you’d recommend: Lyn’s Caribbean (568 Concession St.).
Bar/social space to feel like a local: The Mule (41 King William St.) on a live DJ night.
Favourite live music venue: Bridgeworks (200 Caroline St. N.).
Hidden gem: Pier 8 for Roller skating (7 Discovery Dr.)
Where we’ll find you Junos week: Black Brunch at AGH (Art Gallery of Hamilton, 123 King St. W.).
More about you: Bandcamp.
Ruth Moon Lopez
Ruth Moon Lopez is the Music Director at McMaster University’s campus radio station, 93.3 CFMU. She is also 5’0 but this doesn’t stop her from reaching new heights.
Best cup of coffee: Even though I don’t drink coffee, I’ve heard great things about Phin (Phin Coffee Bar, 791 King St. W.)
Restaurant you’d recommend: Binh Minh Mai (740 Upper James St.) for the best pho and fresh rolls in Hamilton.
Bar/social space to feel like a local: Ooey Gooey’s (107 George St.).
Favourite live music venue: New Vision United Church (Music Hall, 24 Main St. W.) has the most beautiful architecture. It’s amazing to think a 158-year-old foundation is still holding up the stage for performers today.
Hidden gem: The Revival Art Store (1165 Cannon St. E.).
Where we’ll find you Junos week: Playing all the nominees’ music on air!
More about you: ruthmoonlopez.com
Eklipz, left, Aoife, centre, and Duckai are musicians who recommend social spaces including The Brain, Mulberry Coffeehouse and The Mule. (Submitted by Eklipz, Mike Neal, Nai)Gurpreet Chana
Gurpreet Chana is a musician, engineer, composer, performer, and foremost, a student of the Tabla language; ⅓ of ShaaMaa – ½ of kLoX – 100% creative director and founder of SURmUN.
Best cup of coffee: London Fog at Vintage Coffee Roasters (977 King St. E.).
Restaurant you’d recommend: Born and Raised (224 James St. N.).
Bar/social space to feel like a local: Still looking for one.
Favourite live music venue: The Mule Spinner (11 Landsdowne Ave.).
Hidden gem: The Cotton Factory (270 Sherman Ave. N.) and all the wonderful artists and businesses and tenants located here.
Where we’ll find you Junos week: I’m hoping to attend as many of the JUNO Events as possible; and am particularly interested in: JUNOfest, the Kickoff concert, Stories from the Studio, and comedy show. I will also be hosting our weekly musical gathering called Come As You Are #caya at SURmUN studio on Wednesday March 25, from 12:30-1:30pm. We’ve been hosting this gathering for almost two years now and this will be our special JUNO edition. More details at this IG Post.
More about you: Gurpreet Chana on Instagram.
Queen Cee
Queen Cee is a singer-songwriter and creative artist in Hamilton. Her 2025 single, Written and Designed, is a song for the times and on all streaming platforms.
Best cup of coffee: Mulberry Coffeehouse (193 James St. N.) or Relay Coffee Roaster (27 King William St.).
Restaurant you’d recommend: WASS (Ethiopian food) (207 James St. S.).
Bar/social space to feel like a local: The city is so diverse you have find where and what you are drawn to. So many people are doing diverse things nowadays to check out.
Favourite live music venue: All my favs are now gone BUT there are newer spots. I just go to where the good shows are. Mills Hardware (95 King St. E.) I’ve been to most recently and also Bridgeworks (200 Caroline St. N.).
Hidden gem: Stone and Shadow shop (123 James St. N.), and all the vintage clothing shops on James St. N., as well as Ola’s Cafe (230 James St. N.), the baked goods and turkey sandwiches!
Where we’ll find you Junos week: I’ll be at the Black Music Brunch held at the AGH (Art Gallery of Hamilton, 123 King St. W.) put on by DJ Mel Boogie. I am hoping to get to The Muse Masterclass event that will be at Bambino’s (233 James St. N.).
More about you: @queenceemusic on Instagram.
Synonym is a cafe on James Street N., in downtown Hamilton. ( Diona Macalinga/CBC)Marshall Veroni
Marshall Veroni is a singer-songwriter from Ontario, who combines emotive folk storytelling with an open-book vulnerability and a desire to connect with listeners on themes of: everyday struggle, love’s many facets and late-stage capitalism.
Best cup of coffee: Grandad’s (Grandad’s Donuts, 574 James St. N.).
Restaurant you’d recommend: Bronzie’s Place (201 James St. S.).
Bar/social space to feel like a local: Fisher’s Pub (Fisher’s Pier 4 Pub, 554 James St. N.) on a Friday at 5 p.m. for a pint of Murphy’s.
Favourite live music venue: The Mule Spinner (11 Landsdowne Ave.).
Hidden Gem: Last Supper Books (148 James St. N.) And Sassafras Point.
More about you: Marshallveroni.com
Gurpreet Chana, left, Marshall Veroni, centre, and Queen Cee are musicians who recommend spots including Last Supper Books, Stone & Shadow and The Cotton Factory. (Ariane Laezza, Submitted by Marshall Veroni, Queen Cee)