We’ve had a craving for a “greasy” breakfast for a few weeks now and though I make excellent fresh-cut hash-browns, I just wasn’t in the mood to cook this morning. Years ago when I worked downtown Hamilton as a Database Administrator, the odd morning I would stop by Steve’s Open Kitchen on James Street South and grab a quick bite. What a treat that would be! So we decided to head down there this morning and make it a breakfast date (the girls were in school).
It’s always a good sign when you walk into a place and the locals are packed in there, not to mention there was a table full of our boys in blue (Hamilton’s finest). If the local police were having breakfast here, the food must be good. As I mentioned it was a few years since my last visit and I wasn’t sure if things had changed. I was quite surprised to see Nick still hovering over the flat top cooking up a fresh batch of those wonderful breakfast potatoes they serve.
We were greeted by the waitress on duty this morning and asked if we wanted a booth or of we’d like to sit at the counter. Back in the old days I would sit at the counter since it was just me, plus it gave me a chance to watch Nick cook. Since all the booths were packed we opted to have coffee at the counter until a table cleared. We only had to wait about 5 minutes before we got seated, had menus in hand and coffee was being poured into cups for us. No decaf, so I had no choice but to go for the real deal this morning. Overall it was a pleasant cup of coffee and came with regular top-ups.
There’s a few options as far as breakfast goes (see pic of menu below), but we opted for the “Classic”. Which was Bacon or Ham or Sausage with 2 large eggs, home fries and toast (2 pieces cut in 4) which goes for $3.95. Caron ordered the bacon and I had the sausage. I knew she wouldn’t finish hers so I didn’t get the same meat as her… my plan worked. As I did eat some bacon this day as well.
As I sat there enjoying the company, the coffee and morning newspaper, it also gave me the opportunity to people watch a bit. If you ever want to see the working class of a city, stop by a diner for coffee. What a lovely atmosphere!
Steve’s Open Kitchen is a small spot on James Street South and seats about 15-25 people (they now have an extended side), with booths that can fit 4 people, some doubles, plus you also have the option of sitting at the counter if you’re by yourself. There’s nothing that really stands out about the decor, but that’s expected for small diner like this. What the place lacks in “pretty” interior, it sure do make up with the tasty food they serve. At relatively inexpensive prices. And you get a definite community feel once inside.
After about 5 minutes of so our breakfast arrived and we were starving (the scent in this place is amazing)! The eggs were cooked perfectly, so too the sausage and bacon, which was very meaty and not just a strip of pork fat. SPECIAL mention must be made about the breakfast potatoes. I’m not sure how it’s seasoned (yes it must be seasoned) but quite honestly (and Caron also agrees) this is the best breakfast potatoes we’ve ever had. One word of warning though, ask for your toast without the butter, as it’s piled on there. If you like butter on your toast, ask for it on the side or you can get jam or marmalade packets on the table. I also didn’t really care for the paper thin bread used. I realize that we got a lot for what we paid, but I’m sure patrons would pay the extra to have a sort of Texas style toast. This breakfast deserves a better piece of bread, Nick.
Overall a wonderful way to spend the morning. The service is very nice and fast, so even if you had control of your time like us (we could have spent all morning there )or was on your way to work, you be in and out very fast. And well fed! Our final bill with tip came to $15.00 ($11.75 with taxes was the actual bill) and that was with unlimited coffee. There’s no actual parking on James street itself, but there’s a few parking meters around the corner on the side streets. So for about $1 you’ll have parking for about 1 hour.
Cheers to Nick and staff at Steve’s Open Kitchen. You guys are a true landmark in the area, serving up good food, in a wonderful environment.
Contact/Address:
Steve’s Open Kitchen Hamilton
149 James Street South,
Hamilton, ON L8P 2Z5
905-529-9913
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