Review The Brain - Hamilton

Friends have been talking about this bar for a long time, and I finally ended up going. The venue is chill, with a cool atmosphere. It's dark and feels dingy, but in a good way. The wall art is unique and gives you lots to look at during your visit. They have lots to offer for cocktails and beers and also have small snacks to munch on while you're there. The samosas were tasty. Overall, it was a great experience. I would recommend this place for before dinner drinks.

It's what you'd expect from a little bar - maybe a little less than that... Probably should be 4 stars. There isn't a proper kitchen but the food they put together is quite good. Not a huge beer selection but it's decent. Good bar service but no table service as far as I know. A solid 4, generously a 5. Would go again and could see myself being a regular if I lived in the area.

Simply the best selection of beers we came across in Hamilton. Some brilliant beer from Badlands, Third Moon, Counterpart & even a Chimay beer on draught. Highly recommended if in Hamilton

I'd be a regular if I lived nearby. Large beer selection, nice vibe, no table service but good bar service, very friendly vibe. Washrooms are down a flight of stairs and have that beloved hipster broken down look. Very much reminded me of my early 20's in TO in the 'aughts. Only two washrooms, fully enclosed ungendered.

Felt like a coffee shop but was a bar. Great craft beer selection. Quick service. Chill vibes. Would love to come back the next time I’m in town.

Cute little bar! Nice decor, lots of unique cocktails so you better be feeling a bit adventurous.

The first couple of times I came, I didn’t like the atmosphere, but every time since it has grown exponentially on me. The beer selection is extensive and the atmosphere is right between crowded and cozy. If you can get a seat on the back patio in good weather, you can’t beat it. Reminds me of what I loved about Johnny’s Coffee (RIP).

Cool little spot with a serious craft beer listing and probably one of the only craft beer bars with Portuguese vinho verde so that's kind of neat. Small and dim, quiet atmosphere.

What a good time at the brain. Such a cosey home like feel and they have a patio that is so quaint. Decor aside they sheer variety of beers and mixed drinks immediately let's you know that this isn't a generic dive bar that you're used to. The bar tenders are knowledgeable and will recommend a drink to you based on what you like .. you will definitely be taken care of here. The sandwich in the photo is the prosciutto sandwich and a bellwoods black liquids stout. Both the beer and the sandwich were incredibly delicious and I most certainly will be returning

Fantastic bar! Highly recommend for beer lovers. Great cocktails too

Burst through the door here on a Saturday night like someone owed me money. My old man and I were out tearing it up before he was going away for 2-3. We saddled up at the bar rail and let it fly. We pounded Black Russian after Black Russian until the heavy set woman beside us became unrecistable. Autopilot took over around 1am and I woke up on the floor of a Motel 6. 10/10 would recommend this bar if your father is going to jail.

Always love going to The Brain. Amazing selection of craft beer, cider, cocktails and shots. I haven't eaten here yet, we usually go for a drink but they do serve some food items. We especially love the eclectic decor and vibe.

The Brain Bar is a place for everyone. Undergrad, grad student, 30, 40, 75, your age and occupation doesn't matter. It's a place to meet friends, and a place to run into friends or if you're up for it the back patio is a great place to make new friends. Suit, or scrubs, or steel toes. The Brain is a great place to grab a drink, or pie or samosas. With a great selection of beer, both on tap and in the fridge, there's something for everyone. If cider or sours are more your taste, they've got you covered. They've got cocktails and coffee, and wine. The cozy and eclectic design and decoration is an honest story of the time the bar has been here, and it makes it feel like home. It's dark interior during the day allows it to feel like a comfortable and clean version of a smokey bar the morning after (without the smoke of course) or the front or back patio during the warmer months are either quiet or busy and bright. At night the bar is filled with a quiet livelihood that allows casual conversations without having to yell, but ensures you don't feel lonely while there. Everyone I've met, ordered from, spoken to, or made friends with here has been some of the most respectful people I've run into. This place is filled with love and respect, and it's why I'm at The Brain very regularly.

Came in for the first time and enjoyed myself. Simple menu, mostly sandwiches, and a few other items. Excellent selection of beers. The bartender was extremely polite and courteous.

A cute and eclectic bar on James street. Serves cocktails and craft beers, a great place for a casual outing!

Need a quick pint from a tasty selection or have a friend visiting Hamilton... this is always top of my list. Simple and relaxing. No shortage of drinks to try and tunes to enjoy.

A unique, artsy vibe. Lots of local pours on tap and not too busy (went on a Thursday night). Probably not the best place to eat a big meal but if you're looking for a good craft beer, cider, or cocktail, you can't to wrong.

An understated hole-in-the-wall kind of pub with gobs of character and a selection of craft beers that any pub would be proud of. Friendly staff, friendly patrons and cozy atmosphere. Not much more to ask for than that!

Great place to meet up with friends for a drink! Love the "Dark and Stormy" cocktail!

i luv the selection of beer.... great great staff,,,,luv the vibe,,, gets busy with a cool group of people,,,,,, the best place for a pint in the hammer!!!!!!! well done boys,,,, ill be back soon!

Great place! Loved the craft beer! Loved the tunes as well, very relaxing!!

Great vibe & killer beer selection. I’ll be back up soon

Great atmosphere. It is not your average trendy bar. The pot pies are delicious.

LOVE the atmosphere of this place. You can just relax and BE, without any stress. Just wish the prices weren't so pretentious! $10 for a glass of wine😔

Such a cool atmosphere and great beers. Love going here any night of the week.

Great bar with perfect vibe and delicious beers patio is perfection

Coziest bar, with great music, cocktails, snacks and atmosphere. Ze best!

Friendly staff/owners, cozy establishment reminiscent of places like The Cow back in the day, great food and drinks :)

Great place. Has a "Montreal" vibe.

great food , exceptional service, atmosphere galore

Great Beer Selection