Good not great.

Decent breakfast but not a lot of seating. Do I enjoy being sweated while I am eating.

Not so much.

Good to try but meh -- so many other choices where people aren't standing on me for my table.

The food was really really good. However we wait for more than one hour to eat, the conditioned air was not working properly and the place was too hot inside. Also, the waiter brought the bill before we ask and before offering the desserts. It was not the best experience, unfortunately.

I loved the macaroni & cheese with lobster. Great cozy atmosphere and lovely people to talk with all around me.

Quaint and very wholesome place. The friendliest service I have every received. These people really care about your experience in their establishment.. The food is average at best, nothing special, the décor is average and sometimes that's what makes it so great. You expect a nonchalant attitude when you walk in and they role out the red carpet.

Service is fantastic, food is hit or....MISS, at best. Latest experience was a complete let down. Crab cake eggs Benedict: cold basically uncooked crab cakes, cold hollandaise with approximately 7-8 cups of dill per tablespoon, served layered with cold avocado and roasted red peppers. This made for a lovely ensemble of cold mush on cold mulch, that all tasted of a cold dill milkshake, atop a... more

My car was in the shop and the mechanic recommended we try the Harbour Diner for breakfast while we were waiting. Excellent idea! What a cozy place! Kinda hipster. Food was delish! I had the eggs benny and my hubby had the blueberry pancakes. The portions were massive (I couldn't finish mine). The server was very friendly and food came promptly. We will be back!

This restaurant was an excellent find. Came here for Sunday brunch. And was quite surprised at the quality of the food. My girlfriend got the special of the day - Mexican skillet. Massive amount of food. Potatoes, peppers, mushrooms, sausage, onions, avocado, salsa, sour cream, black beans, eggs, etc. Etc. Really good.

I got their standard eggs Benny. Was ok. Not that memorable.

Was a cozy... more

Went on Oct 15....Self seated and approached by server almost immediately after entering...Mildly surprised at the absence of customers as it was just after noon....Ordered The Midship with a coffee and water.... My partner in crime ordered the same but omitted the coffee....Sausages were a little under cooked but not to the point of being inedible....Server was friendly and checked on us a... more

a great place to eat

My first time at this restaurant. I ordered a turkey dinner sandwich. The sandwich was stuffed with mashed potatoes on a bun, and came with turkey gravy and cole slaw, it was delicious. My husband had the ultimate steak sandwich. It came with cole slaw and potato wedges. Very good as well.The service was good. They had a wide variety... more

Ammonia

Sorry to give a poor review, but when I tasted the coleslaw I nearly spit it out due to the overpowering smell of ammonia. We obviously didn't eat it and when we advised the waitress of this she said "Oh yeah, we had someone else comment on the coleslaw"..How do you keep serving something that has gone so bad?
They... more

Mediocre at best

Service was terrible having to wait for over 10 minutes after seating ourselves for the table to be cleaned and then a server dealt with another table that came in after us before even seeing us...it is a small enough place to not go unnoticed. The pricing is good, but the food is honestly terrible. Half the food is cold... more

The Harbour Diner: Hamilton's Go-To Diner

Went to the diner this past weekend, and was pleasantly pleased with the fun eclectic vide of diner, with a mixture of colours, chairs, & tables. Nothing matches but works together. Someone has a good eye for design.
We were greeted with a friendly "sit where you like", and a quick "what can I get you to drink". The menu... more

Breakfast nightmare

What can I say? Eggs so cooked I need a steak knife to cut them, potatoes petrified by heat lamp, Black-burned, deep fried bacon, 90min to get in and out for breakfast when we are the ONLY table there?
I politely sent back the bacon because it was inedible, and it was replaced... With raw bacon. Thanks guys, won't be... more

Very good

We visited Harbour Diner after seeing it's review on 'You Gotta Eat Here' ..Cute little place that smelled absolutely wonderful! The waitress was wonderful and the portion sizes ..more than one person could eat! Husband ordered the meatloaf and was not disappointed. I had turkey sandwich and thought it was bland. Alright, but bland. Not to my liking.
We will... more

Food poisoning

My family and I are there and we began to feel sick about an hour afterward. My mother and I had the same meal and we have both been suffering from a slew of gastrointestinal problems, as well as chills and headache. My husband ate something different (dairy included in his meal) and only has diarrhea. We are certain that... more

Tasty Lunch

This was our first visit to The Harbour Diner. We both ordered one of the specials offered for lunch - bacon, tomato, and avocado grilled cheese. It came with a cup of Potato, Leak and Ham Soup and a side of coleslaw. We both enjoyed our meal - very filling. For dessert, I had the Cherry Pie with whipped cream.... more

I don't normally write reviews, but I saw the average rating of Harbour Diner and felt like I had to give my two cents and off-set a few of the mediocre reviews.

Disclaimer: I've only been here for dinner, so I can't say anything about brunch.

Every time I've eaten here it's been a fantastic experience. The lobster Mac and Cheese is amazing, as is the service. Only trouble is getting a table... more

Harbour Diner a Pleasant Surprise

Located on James St. North the Harbour Diner is not for those looking for fancy tables and seating arrangements. It is cosy with an eclectic following - food choices are outstanding, portion sizes are good, service is great and prices are reasonable. Suggest reservations as the Diner is popular with both locals and out of town visitors. We've been there... more

Leave room for some homemade pie

Limited regular menu with great comfort food options. Specials of the day offer interesting alternative dishes. Fish or seafood always an option. Always a treat to come back

Like this place

We have eaten at the Harbour several times and have never been disappointed. The meat loaf and mac and cheese are really good. The decor is unique and homey and the staff efficient. It is not a fine dining place, it is a diner. But the food is good and very reasonably priced. Getting a table can be tough so... more

Gone Downhill

Had dinner there on Nov 22nd, six people. Sides, sweet potatoes fries & brusselspouts, were too cold to eat, main dish was good, blueberry pie tough. They use to make their pies but now get it from Village bakery in Dundas. This bakery is very good, so may be the pie sat around too long. I've been told that since... more

The Nastiest Food We Have Ever Ate

After seeing this place on "You've Gotta Eat Here" we decided that we should visit. On a Saturday afternoon at 3:00 we stopped in. My husband and I ordered The ridiculous cheese bread, crab and lobster mac n cheese, and meatloaf. The garlic butter on the cheese bread wasn't even melted and the bread wasn't warm. My meatloaf was DISGUSTING!... more

Very Good Home-Style Food

Stopped in for a late lunch/early dinner on Saturday of the Thanksgiving weekend and had a very enjoyable meal. The Cobb Salad was really good with balsamic vinegar as the dressing and the pecan/pumpkin pie was excellent. I expect the meatloaf would be a great selection here. The service was very good although some of the items on the menu... more

Perfection

What can I say that hasn't already been said here? Amazingly good food, funky diner décor (my son said the wallpaper reminded him of the haunted mansion at Disneyworld). My daughter who in my memory has always found at least one thing to criticise had nothing. She was reluctant to order the mac n' cheese because she said she's had... more

Great Food & Friendly Staff

This was my first visit to the Harbour Diner, my wife and son had been previously. They originally went after seeing it on "You Gotta Eat Here" and fell in love with the place. I'd heard nothing but raves for weeks until my wife, daughter and I went on Saturday. We made a same-day reservation for 8:30 p.m. (earliest available)... more

This place is a GREAT breakie place. Prices are great, and it's a fan favourite so you can expect a line up on any given Saturday or Sunday morning. Enjoyed my experience there very much.

Splendiferous local find

We were introduced to this hidden gem in North Hamilton by friends. It is a cute little space where the wait staff helps to make your dinning experience pleasurable. There was an interesting selection of features for the evening ranging from a sandwich to special soups and entrées. We share 2 apps a special cheese bread and nachos both nice... more

Dinner at The Harbour fell short. The Turkey dinner ($14), seemed like microwaved leftovers smothered in coagulated (yes) gravy. Definitely not fresh (maybe the peas?). My husband who has a hearty appetite couldn't eat 2/3.

I had the Killer Seafood Soup @ $9. It was tomato broth-like, very light on the vegetables, light on the seafood (small piece of whitefish, 1 scallop and 1 prawn with 4... more

Good food with no attitude

This is an old style Diner with mismatched chairs etc. Food is excellent. They serve breakfast all day. When you walk in you aren't quite sure what to think but once you have your meal you know you found a treasure.

Good eats

After a trip to the waterfront, we grabbed a bit at the diner on Saturday evening, and were able to get a table without a reservation, we were there earlier on, around 5pm. My partner and I both has the specials and they were both a wonderful, in quality and price. The Saturday prime rib special is served up medium-rare... more

Delicious

I have tried to make a dinner reservation on numerous occasions without luck, but was thrilled to receive a mid day reservation! The portions are huge and the food is home cooked with tons of flavour. We were pleasantly surprised with our bill at the end of the meal. I had the meatloaf which was phenomenal and my friend had... more

Everyone loves Raymond" Decor

Have eaten there a few times. The food was great. The meatloaf ...............mmmmm! Had the pulled pork poutine as an app and it was so big ,I had to stop so I had room for the Meatloaf :)
You do have to make a reservation.

Impressive little diner

The place is always full (mostly locals!), that should be the first clue as to how good the diner is.
Not very impressive looking from the outside but plenty of space at each table inside. 1950's table chairs, and art deco. Very quaint. Parking on side streets. Make reservations, lots of persons turned away on the Tuesday evening we were... more

Food good, service slow

The food itself is good, had the lobster mac and cheese and thats good. Meatloaf is ok, pulled pork poutine is massively portioned.
It took a while to get our food and we had to ask for the bill 3x which i guess is nice in the sense they werent rushing us out but it was still an inordinately long... more

Amazing food and cool place

Amazing food and a pretty cool atmosphere but reservations are important because it gets busy. I had a special pasta with seafood and my husband had meatloaf which he said was amazing

Loved the food

I ordered the lobster mac and cheese and my hubby had the meatloaf with mashed potatoes. Both were amazing. I sampled his meatloaf and it was the best I have ever had. The mac and cheese was full of lobster and crab, every bite had some in it. It was also very cheesy and just overall perfect comfort food. The... more

Perhaps a bad day

My wife and I had heard nothing but great things about the Harbour Diner in Hamilton, therefore, we just had to go "check it out". OK, first impressions, the exterior is old, but nostalgic. Sort of makes you want to go in and see more. The interior seems to be purposely decorated with old tables and chairs that don't match... more

I was iffy about writing a review of this place, because I haven't eaten here. So this review will not be about the food because I never got a chance to try it. The reason I didn't get to eat the food was because of the less than desirable service.

I arrived to the Harbour Diner around 7pm with my son (9 years old) eager to try this place because it came recommended from a close friend. The... more

A Step Back In Time

An excellent little restaurant. It is like stepping back in time, with the retro wallpaper and decor inside. Very prompt service and great food. Healthy portions served. Would dine here again. The Pie looked so delicious.

Very good food

Service was excellent, the food was abundant and very tasty, with a wide variety of excellent choices. We went on a Friday lunch and got a seat right away although being as small as it is that may not always be the case. Will go again!

Could potentially be great - a good find despite a few flaws

It is always nice when you stumble across a cute little place with home made style food that actually tastes good. We visited this place for breakfast on a Sunday morning. I think it was around 11am. We waited about half an hour to get in - they place was busy and only has a few tables. The restaurant decor... more

Can't believe everything on television

What a letdown, I saw a tv show about having to eat at this place. All I can say is "I don't have to go back".
The food prep is as average as it gets. Nothing stood out as spectacular. The decor is in need of a makeover and parking around the area plain sucks.
The server was plesant enough... more

You don't have to eat here

With great anticipation we decided to eat at Harbour Diner after seeing it on TV. For those who are condidering eating here I would suggest going elsewhere as this is not one of the best restaurants in Hamilton - not even close. It seems they have lost their way after being on TV. The service was mediocre at best as... more

Very Disappointed

I was so looking forward to my lunch at the Harbour Diner. After seeing the episode on "Gotta Eat Here" which featured the Harbour Diner I have been wanting to check it out for myself. Finally got the opportunity. I knew ahead of time that I wanted to order the Mac and Cheese with lobster and crab. What a disappointment.... more

Disappointed

We arrived late morning sat advised staff that we needed a table for 4 the other two were on there way we were told we couldn't have a table until the other two people arrived!!
The reason we were given was that if larger groups turn up they would be seated as our two guests were not there yet
Mean... more

Outstanding Ham in Hamilton

I heard about it, so I tried it, and I wasn’t disappointed. The restaurant is a family style diner with mismatching kitchenette chairs and tables. The breakfast menu had all the usual suspects and I ordered the ‘All Aboard’ which is like a Hungry Man or Lumber Jack plate.
The food tasted good. But the spuds were overdone, a stand... more

Great food, good price great service

took my two girls to the Harbour Diner for dinner. Just like eating great homemade food. Real turkey in a huge turkey dinner, burgers was great.. service excellent. Have gone back several times and still love the place.

Could be good, but wasn't - disappointing first visit

After seeing Harbour Diner restaurant on "You Gotta Eat Here" on foodtv, I was certain that I would have been satisfied - sadly, we were let down.
We went for breakfast. The decor is very old school - mix matched retro kitchen chairs and tables - reminded me of my grandmothers dining set. It was a weekend morning, a bit... more

Enjoyable meal

Firstly, if your the kind of person who requires starched tablecloths, masses of cutlery, excessive glasswear, a huge wine list and waiters hovering at your shoulder calling you 'sir" before you consider it a good meal then don't bother with this place, you will be dissapointed.
However if you just need a table, a chair, some odd background music, a... more

Decent and Different

Here is a place that is eclectic. It is decorated with 60s vinyl and outdated wallpaper on purpose. From reading some of the reviews below my opinion is this ..if you don't care for retro or vintage then stay away! As a kid born in the 60s...I liked it. It may not suit everyone..just sayin. I ordered the Fish nchips... more

Not as good as it was

The Harbour Diner has a certain cachet since it was hyped on “Ya Gotta Eat Here”, the series on Food Network Canada. I ’m a bit reluctant panning the diner but on the last occasion I ate there, the meal was not up to standard.

I ordered the turkey potpie thinking it would probably be topped with pastry. The topping was mashed potato and in great quantity. I should have asked about the topping... more

Not always "Gotta Eat Here

After the TV show featuring this restaurant we absolutely had to go to have the macaroni and cheese with lobster and crab flakes. We booked. We knew the restaurant was tired with even mixed wooden chairs. We expected better service. Two staff on serving. Our waiter seemed a little dazed, he was slow to respond and certainly not going to... more

garbage for $60 bux

60 dollars for 4 raw and cold hamburgers what seemed to be day old fries, hr wait.... accusing me of giving the wrong phone number.... read back my phone number to me after the accusation..... no managers on saturday nights... fire harzard as door was blocked for almost 30 minutes by people just standing around waiting to be served while... more

Whats the hype

After seeing it on tv and reading reviews i had to check it out for myself. All i can say is....not sure what the hype is all about. I had a turkey club.. The bacon was cold..bread was toasted but cold and the turkey was bland. I dosed the sandwhich in pepper to give it some flavour. The homemade slaw... more

Hometown Hamilton

Chris and Erin have hit a home run with this place, they also own Chuck's Burger Bar on Locke.
The Harbour is on James North and is as much a diner as it is a great fine food restaurant. The decor is, at best, eclectic. I'm sure you will recognize a chair or table pattern in the from your youth,... more

This is a fail safe restaurant for me. Good food, wonderful service. I had no complaints.

Broken old kitchen tables does not create "Atmosphere

Let's begin by saying the service is down right awful for such a small place. Servers could not care less about you unless you are one of their friends.
Breakfasts are okay but are not worth the price or hassle.
Ribs were tough and obviously not cooked for hours as advertised.
Lobster mac and cheese tasted just awful.
It's obvious... more

I have to say this is the best place in town to get breakfast and be prepared to wait in line, but they do provide coffee and a heat lamp to stand under in cold weather. Don't forget to check out Chef Chris's other restaurant called Chucks on lock street. Everything burgers and poutine

Excellent Comfort Food, Great Ambiance

A twist on the classics, fab home cooking. This restaurant is great for so many reasons including their food, ambiance, ecclectic & unique decor, people watching and excellent friendly service. It's a very small place, and it fills up fast . It is also in Where To Dine In Canada - and after dining there I can see why. Remember... more

You Gotta Eat Here

My husband and I saw this restaurant featured on the Food Network's 'You Gotta Eat Here' and we're glad we did! We had their lobster and crab mac and cheese - oh my! SO GOOD! The portions are HUGE and the two of us split the mac and cheese and the meatloaf. We took the rest of the mac and... more

Come hungry

Took a friend there for lunch last week to cheer him up after surgery. The restaurant did the trick. He order a Reuben sandwich that was so huge he stared at it almost afraid to start. But start he did and finish he did. Best sandwich he ever tasted, he said.

Great

I love this place! It's a hidden gem in Hamilton. Delicious, home-cooked food! Small place, and a cozy atmosphere!

Good breakfast with Great Service

This small restaurant was recommended to me on a recent visit to Hamilton. It is a small spot located downtown. When we arrived there was no seating available so we helped ourselves to free coffee outside while waiting. There were two other groups in front of us but the wait was not long and well worth it!
I had a... more

Rustic home cooking

Finally given in to the numerous recommendations to try this place.
Warned to ignore the random and dated interior, I think it just adds further character to the home style food served.
Great prices, and non of the taste is sacrificed. Home made burgers are delicious and juicy, vegetable and bean soup was full of vegetables and not over seasoned.... more

I go out of my way to visit the Harbour Diner

Yesterday we went to the Harbour Diner for the second time (the first time was after seeing it on You Gotta Eat Here). The food is delicious, creative and very reasonably priced. The atmosphere is cozy and the staff are very friendly (although they could use one more person on Sunday mornings so they can refill our cups with their... more

AWESOME place with VERY TASTEY food!! I had the meatloaf and my husband had the seafood mac'n'cheese. Both dishes were amazing, freshly prepared, and yes it took a bit for the food to come to the table because it wasn't pre-made!! I definately appreciate the fact that my meal was made from scratch when I ordered it.
Portions were large enough that we didn't need to order a plate for our... more

The Harbour Diner is awesome! I went here with some co-workers for dinner and the food is great (I had the marinated roma tomato and mozzarella sandwich, my 4 co-workers all opted for the crab and lobster macaroni), the service is good and the atmosphere is friendly.

If you plan on going to The Harbour Diner, you'll definitely need to book a reservation. The place is quite small, but cozy. And... more

For the price you pay for, it's a really good and hearty meal. Great family diner atmosphere or with friends who likes to meet up. This is a place I will return again. The only reason why it's 4/5 is because I wasn't wow by it. It's close though, real close.

RIBBIT's Restaurant Score Card (from -4 to +10)
Taste:
Ok 0

Service:
Server prompt and friendly and food arrived on time 1

Ambiance:
Noise or background sound or music 1

Price:
Ok 0

Access:

TOTAL: 2

Found out about this place from Google Review...12 people gave five stars so had to try. We had Cajun eggs Benedict, Hawaiian French toast, and Seafood soup. Think the main taste theme here is... more

The Harbour Diner looks like a quirky little neighbourhood eatery - and in some ways it is; cosy, family owned/operated, mix & match furniture from the 60's...
It is also the best home-cooked meal in Hamilton! Chef Chris, his wife Erin and their friendly staff work hard to keep things moving (without rushing anyone). All the food is fresh & freshly prepared (and most locally sourced when... more

Unbelievable eatery. My wife and I were driving from Philly to Toronto and wanted to stop for lunch. We like getting off the beaten path so picked the Harbor Diner in Hamilton out of an ad in a travel mag we got from the Canada visitor center.

Anyway I have a gluten allergy and was pleasant surprised at the waitress's knowledge of the ingredients. One of the items was a fish and chips. I used... more

tiny tiny place, tables in each others way, i sat on end near washroom and spent my entire time being bumped and pushed. the food is hit and miss, mine was overcooked eggs and sides. i noticed my dining companions didnt eat much either, thier portions are huge, in fact too much. im sure locals like it. im sure in a different space it might be more palpable, as it is, the location is suited for... more