Hamilton is a city that knows its coffee—and its donuts! From classic favourites to creative new flavours, this city offers the perfect blend of sweet treats and expertly brewed coffee. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic bite from a historic shop or a handcrafted espresso from a local roaster, Hamilton has a café for every taste.
Here are six must-try spots for coffee and donuts in Hamilton:
#1 Detour Cafe Hamilton
Where: 175 John St S, Hamilton, ON (View map)
At Detour Café, coffee is all about the journey. Since 2009, Detour has been sourcing and roasting beans with one simple goal: to make coffee fun. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just starting your exploration, their welcoming approach makes every cup an experience worth savouring.
Detour’s Clever Happy Hour (daily from 2–4 PM) is a must-try, offering a Clever Dripper brew for just $5.50 —an easy way to enjoy the purest flavours of their single-origin coffees. Or, for the ultimate tasting experience, go for the Coffee Flight ($6.85), where a single-origin coffee is prepared three ways: as an espresso, cortado, and americano—each revealing new layers of taste and texture.
With a passion for ethical sourcing, quality roasting, and creative brewing, Detour Café is a must-visit for those looking to appreciate coffee in a whole new way.
#2 Grandad’s Donuts
Where: 574 James St N, Hamilton, ON (View map)
A family-owned and operated shop, Grandad’s Donuts has been handcrafting traditional, old-fashioned donuts for nearly 20 years. Originally rebranded in the early 2000s to meet modern tastes, this local favorite has built a reputation for quality, winning numerous awards. Their motto, “Quality Matters,” is evident in every bite, with donuts made from only the finest ingredients using time-honored methods.
Grandad’s specializes in vintage-style donuts that bring back nostalgic memories—just like the ones your grandad might have enjoyed! Customer favorites include the Vanilla Marble, Ghostbuster, and Chocolate Cake Peanut, all best paired with a classic cup of joe.
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#3 Donut Monster
Where: 246 Locke St S, Hamilton, ON (View map)
Donut Monster has been serving up creative, from-scratch donuts since 2015, first supplying local coffee shops and grocery stores before opening its own storefront on Locke Street in 2018. Known for its soft, yeast-risen dough and innovative flavours, this spot offers an ever-evolving menu of seasonal glazes and toppings—plus vegan-friendly options.
Beyond donuts, Donut Monster also serves expertly crafted espresso drinks and drip coffee from high-quality roasters, as well as teas from Monarch Tea Co. If you’re in the mood for something extra indulgent, try one of their house-made milkshakes, available in classic and seasonal flavours, made with Hewitt’s Dairy or Fairly Frosted’s coconut-based vegan ice cream.
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#4 Momoco Donuts
Where: 2 Catherine St N, Hamilton, ON (View map)
Hamilton’s only mochi donut shop, Momoco Donuts, brings a Japanese-inspired twist to the city’s donut scene. Founded by Jia and Peter Tian, the shop was born from their love of mochi donuts—treats that combine a light, fluffy interior with a satisfyingly chewy texture. These unique donuts, often coated in rich chocolate or other seasonal glazes, offer the perfect balance of sweetness and flavour.
What sets Momoco apart is its commitment to real ingredients and rotating seasonal flavours, ensuring each visit brings something new to try. If you’re looking for a donut experience unlike any other in Hamilton, this is a must-stop spot!
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#5 Cafe Baffico
Where: 1375 King St E, Hamilton, ON (View map)
Located in Hamilton’s east end, Cafe Baffico is a haven for sourdough lovers. Specializing in naturally leavened creations, this cozy spot is known for its unique sourdough doughnuts, offering flavours like Nutella Raspberry (dipped in Nutella glaze with a raspberry drizzle) and Strawberry Cheesecake Filled (coated in plain glaze, rimmed with graham cracker crumble, and filled with strawberry cream cheese pastry cream).
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Pair your treat with a perfectly crafted latte, or plan a return visit—Cafe Baffico also serves up delicious sourdough pizza for lunch and dinner. A must-try is the Funghi Supreme, topped with herb cream, mozzarella, garlic-roasted mushrooms, smoked mozzarella, whipped ricotta, fried breadcrumbs, and gremolata.
#6 Relay Coffee Roasters
Where: 27 King William St, Hamilton, ON (View map)
One of Hamilton’s most beloved coffee roasters, Relay Coffee is dedicated to fair trade, organic beans and expertly crafted small-batch coffee. Their commitment to sustainable sourcing means every cup supports coffee cooperatives that prioritize ethical farming and strong communities.
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With a focus on skill, care, and craftsmanship, Relay’s roasting process ensures that every brew—whether a smooth pour-over, bold espresso, or rich latte—achieves its full flavour potential. Their café menu goes beyond just coffee, offering local beer, cocktails (like the Cold Brew Martini!), and delicious waffle sandwiches to round out the experience.
Final Bonus Sip
Hamilton’s coffee scene is steeped in history—it’s home to the first-ever Tim Hortons, which opened on Ottawa Street North in 1964! But beyond its iconic past, the city continues to thrive with innovative cafés and donut shops offering some of the best flavours around. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic treat or something adventurous, these six spots are sure to satisfy your cravings.
