Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
Bar - The Standard, Hamilton, ON

The Standard

4.7 (304)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Contemporary Canadian
12 James St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 2J9

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
7:00 PM
Booked 16 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Good for groups
THE STANDARD:
[the stan-dard] Noun

1. a high level of quality or attainment, established by general consent as the model or example by which all should be measured.
2. set up or established as a rule for the measure of quality of which is upheld.

The Standard. One of Hamilton's most revered restaurants, has laid down its roots on James St N. With our everchanging menu, seasonal & local inspiration and forward approach to dining, our commitment to excellence shows in everything we do. We strive to provide a memorable experience each day, it is just what we love to do.

From our in house butchery or cooking over charcoal, to working with local suppliers in our community We challenge the way we all think about Food & Drink.

If its a night out with friends, an intimate dinner for two, or just something extraordinary like sitting at our chefs table, We take each day as a new challenge to provide something amazing. It’s a bold statement and that’s why we make it with The Standard.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    CAN$31 to CAN$50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary Canadian, Cocktail Bar, Wine Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–12:00 am Sat 4:30 pm–12:00 am Sun 4:30 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (289) 619-0955
  • Website
    http://www.thestandardhamilton.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Michael Cipollo
  • Catering
    Let The Standard take care of all the details and bring the Standard to your next offsite event. Our event planner will work with our team to provide a seamless experience where you may need.
  • Private party facilities
    With a gorgeous and chic space, Our dedicated event team ensures every detail is covered, making your occasion unforgettable so you can enjoy the moment. Let us turn your vision into a reality. Whether a intimate dinner for a small group, a wedding or a corporate event. We set the standard
  • Private party contact
    Kate Persyn: (289) 619-0955
  • Location
    12 James St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 2J9
  • Neighborhood
    Hamilton
  • Cross street
    James St. N. & King William Str.
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • 7-Course Chefs Table Menu

    CA$135.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    The Chef's table is a 7-course, exclusive blind Tasting Menu, composed of the best of the season. These are ring side seats right in front of the Kitchen where you will get to see and experience the stress, pressure and rapid fire execution of how a fast-paced restaurant engine runs. This is not for the faint-hearted, your experience will give you a front row seat to how it all goes down. Strap in, it's going to be a hell of a ride. Elevate your experience with pairings from our reserve wine list or a mixology pairing form our bar team. Please note that we are unable to accommodate vegetarian, dairy/egg allergies, seafood allergies or aversions to raw meat/seafood. If there are any concerns, please reach out before booking a reservation.
    7-Course Chefs Table Menu Photo

  • Mothers Day 2025

    May 10, 2025 - May 11, 2025
    Celebrate Mom this Mothers Day with friends and family while indulging in our Chefs Mothers Day special la carte brunch menu. The Standard is known for its everchanging offering of creative and innovative dishes as well as classics reimagined. This Mothers Day allow us to show you how we set the standard when it comes to doing brunch. - Menu offered is a la carte - Mothers Days Macaroons Boxes are Limited
    Mothers Day 2025 Photo

  • Exclusive 5-Course Belgian Beer Dinner

    CA$85.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Jul 8, 2025 only
    Join us for an exclusive, one night only event celebrating Belgian Trappist brewing & a refined 5 course chefs tasting menu unlike anything you have seen before. Hosted as a collaboration between The Standard & Brasserie de Chimay, Located at the Scourmont Abbey, a Trappist monastery in Chimay, Hainaut, Belgium, one of the thirteen breweries worldwide that produce Trappist beer. Enjoy an evening hosted by not only our Chef de Cuisine but also joining us will be Pierre Hensenne who is making a special visit from the abbey in Belgium for the event. Mingle with your hosts at our welcome reception and enjoy passed hors d'oeuvres, a welcome Trappist ale, and meet your hosts for the evening. Then be seated for a inspirational 5-course tasting menu with a modern approach to highlighting the unique gastronomy of Belgium, Perfectly paired to the rare and illustrious beers from Chimay which re included. Menu will be available on our website at www.thestandardhamilton.com - Santé!
    Exclusive 5-Course Belgian Beer Dinner Photo

Private dining

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 304 people are saying

The Standard reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Southern Ontario

    Contemporary Canadian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Standard in Hamilton offers a "wonderful experience" with "amazing food," "fantastic service," and a "vibrant atmosphere." Popular dishes include calamari, duck dumplings, and the Chef's Table menu. The "attentive" staff and "inventive menu" ensure "exceptional" dining. Reservations are recommended for this "must-visit" spot.
304 Reviews

  1. Courtney

    Toronto17 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We went to The Standard for our anniversary and had a lovely meal. We were given exceptional service by Abigail and Alex. Abigail was attentive but not overbearing, the time between courses was perfectly timed and the drinks came quickly. Loved the music and the decor/vibe. We will definitely be returning!!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Ryan

    Toronto1 review

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The open kitchen concept makes for a very unique environment. I would recommend hearing the specials and listening to the server for recommendations based on what they have that is popular at that time. Great atmosphere paired with delicious well plated food.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Charlene VIP

    Toronto16 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food and service the Waldorf salad was incredible, and our server Vincent was such an amazing kind human. We will be back !

    Is this helpful?

  4. Peter

    Toronto14 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Standard is a really good restaurant for dinner with friends or as a couple. The menu is small, the service is outstanding and the prices for most of the menu items are pretty reasonable. Well worth a second visit!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Maria

    Toronto2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable, the food was decadent and the atmosphere was pleasant. Would definitely recommend to anyone and can’t wait to go back.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Yosie

    Toronto12 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing experience, great ambience and well decorated. The hanger steak plus egg was so flavourful and cooked exactly how I asked for it, customer service beautiful. Anthony was professional, friendly, nice to talk to and knows his cocktails! I highly recommend this restaurant for brunch. Will have to come back and try dinner there. Love the place!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Nikki

    Toronto2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We loved our brunch visit… the biscuits were good, so was the smoked montreal meat and dessert. My bf didn’t really enjoy the cocktails but everything else was nice. Plus our server Leah/Liv (forgot what it was, sorry!) was attentive and cool.. loved the ambiance, the other servers were also very nice. It was a nice brunch date in Hamilton ☺️

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto1 review

    3.0

    Dined on April 26, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Our appetizer (beats and goat cheese) was excellent! It - along with two delicious glasses of wine - were the best parts of our meal. Both my wife's meal (grilled cauliflower) and mine (short rib) were charred. Neither of us understand why there's a trend to burn food. The inside of my short rib and the sauce and potatoes were delicious but unfortunately the flavour was tarnished by the burnt pieces. Charcoal doesn't taste good. The service and atmosphere was very nice.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Heather VIP

    Toronto8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was delicious and service was even better than normal.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Steven

    Toronto2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Enjoyed the ambiance. We went before a show at Hamilton Place (that's what I still call it). Short walk over after a great meal. Attentive and friendly servers. The Beet appetizer was delicious and 3 of us shared it. Everything ordered was delicious and the presentation was top notch. Roasted Cauliflower, Hanger Steak and the Short Ribs were our orders. Passed on dessert, sipped on some coffee with Baileys. Definitely will be returning and hear from others that Brunch on the weekends is a can't miss.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Standard is rated 4.7 stars by 304 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. Canada
  3. Toronto / Ontario
  4. Southern Ontario
  5. Hamilton

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
7:00 PM
Booked 16 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for The Standard

12 James St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 2J9

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    James St. N. & King William Str.
  • Neighborhood
    Hamilton
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–12:00 am Sat 4:30 pm–12:00 am Sun 4:30 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    CAN$31 to CAN$50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary Canadian, Cocktail Bar, Wine Bar
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Michael Cipollo
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.thestandardhamilton.com/
  • Phone number
    (289) 619-0955
  • Catering
    Let The Standard take care of all the details and bring the Standard to your next offsite event. Our event planner will work with our team to provide a seamless experience where you may need.
  • Private party facilities
    With a gorgeous and chic space, Our dedicated event team ensures every detail is covered, making your occasion unforgettable so you can enjoy the moment. Let us turn your vision into a reality. Whether a intimate dinner for a small group, a wedding or a corporate event. We set the standard
  • Private party contact
    Kate Persyn: (289) 619-0955
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo