Imagine this, it’s Sunday morning, you just came from the farmer’s market and all of those walking around makes you hungry. You then decided to go out for brunch with your friends. And there’s this little coffee shop you’ve been wanting to go but don’t have the time to. St. James Espresso Bar is just the right coffee shop for you
| Address | 170 James St N, Hamilton ON |
| Website | St. James Espresso Bar and Eatery |
| @stjameseatery | |
| Phone | 289 389-6565 |
| Cost | $20 – $30 |
First Impressions
This is what exactly happened to us, besides the farmer’s market not open on Sunday. We entered this coffee shop early in the morning around (8:30am), the shop wasn’t busy around that time but as time went on, they started to take a waitlist. One thing that stood out to me the most was the menu on their walls. You can also order at a counter instead of having a waiter come to you.
Dishes on the Menu
Featured Shortstack
Presentation: The feature short stack depends on whatever the kitchen has. I had blueberry pancakes topped with walnut grains and honey on the side. It looks amazing. Fluffy pancakes big blueberries and the granola bites are everything. It made me excited to taste it just looks good. I also was able to spread honey on top of the pancakes.
Taste and Texture: It’s a little sweet but the pancakes balance it out. The blueberries were big and sweet and the granola bits added to the flavor. The pancake is fluffy which perfect for a brunch meal. Just make sure you don’t pour the whole honey into it as it would taste sweet too much.
Worth It: Yes. I would order it again for breakfast as the amount of pancakes is enough to make me full.
Bacon and Eggs
Presentation: It wasn’t visually appealing. I feel like because it was just one toast that made it not exciting to eat. But I feel like presenting a toast, in general, would be hard as you can only do so much with a toast and some extra food in it.
Taste and Texture: The scrambled eggs is perfect combo with the toasted bread. Perfect mixture of rough and smooth.
Worth It: I feel like with the cost, it could have added more stuff compared with the featured short. Felt like it was too little for the price, but the toast with bacon and egg definitely does its justice. Wouldn’t order it again but the overall taste is great.
The Gatsby
Presentation: It does look visually appealing, the croissant is filled with cheddar omelette, strip bacon, arugula and pickled onions.
Taste and Texture: I feel like it’s just a balance of flavours. It’s not too strong or too bland. The pickled onions balance the bacon and the arugula. I consider it healthy and very taste-fulfilling
Worth It: Yes, it entirely depends on your taste buds. But I would order it again as it was a combination of my favourite foods.
Service and Atmosphere
The staff were very welcoming and very attentive. They also checked in with us regularly. They were also very understanding since there’s been a miscommunication on our part. They gave us a free pastry as well.
Final Thoughts: Dished or Missed?
Overall, I would probably say that this place is a dish. We would definitely return to this place. They have good food for the prices. People who like going out for breakfast and brunch would enjoy this place.
Quick Bites
- Must-Try: Falafel Salad and Featured Shortstack
- Great For: Breakfast, Brunch, Family Gathering
- Pro-Tip: Arrive early as this place tends to have a waiting list. No reservations. Just walk-ins. The maximum a table can sit here is 6 people
Craving for more bites like this? Browse my latest food reviews here