Doors Pub: Taco Joint & Metal Bar is a Pub located at 56 Hess St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 3N3, Canada. It has received 591 reviews with an average rating of 4.6 stars.
Monday | Closed |
---|---|
Tuesday | 4PM-2AM |
Wednesday | 4PM-2AM |
Thursday | 4PM-2AM |
Friday | 4PM-2AM |
Saturday | 4PM-2AM |
Sunday | 4PM-2AM |
The address of Doors Pub: Taco Joint & Metal Bar: 56 Hess St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 3N3, Canada
Doors Pub: Taco Joint & Metal Bar has 4.6 stars from 591 reviews
Pub
"Bad blood"
"Going to this place resulted in one of the worst nights I've ever experienced in a Hamilton bar (or restaurant, or ANYthing)"
"Came in with my girlfriend"
"Still the best venue in town for live alt/metal and punk shows"
"It was my first time going to the doors the other day and I must say it was a unique experience"
Bad blood. I can't recommend it in good conscience. This place used to be okay. I was a regular once. Then they called the police on me after I threatened to call the police on THEM. At first the staff was fair and the food was good, the prices were good. Then one night, after I was grabbed by the doorman who had acted trollish to me in the past, I went home mad and wrote a comment on my private Facebook page about the way I've witnessed hard drug dealing in the side yard. Oh were they angry. Their friends tore me apart, and the owner, Ty, has made me into a scapegoat, saying that my Facebook reviews were a threat to their business... so they called the cops on me to ban me from the premises. A little over-defensive, are we? All because I mentioned that hard drugs were being dealt there. I was nice enough not to even indict the drug dealers. I'm a threat to your business, Ty? No. Your business practices are your own worst enemy. One day you'll be caught and you'll be sorry. Weed is fine, but hard drugs ruin lives. I've witnessed it. Do you think it's funny to blame a whistleblower who talks about your own seedy underbelly? You just want to write off the junkies who are struggling with a legitimate addiction? That's not very humanitarian. In fact, that makes you a sucky human being. All you had to do was listen to me and speak to me privately. Now I'm disappointed and disgusted at what you allow. It's too bad, because I LOVED this place. Not anymore. Listen to Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood" and you'll get the idea. Cheers!
Going to this place resulted in one of the worst nights I've ever experienced in a Hamilton bar (or restaurant, or ANYthing). This place is foul; there is *NOTHING* to recommend in this dismal little hole. The couple who were "running" the place the night I went were a pair of odious little turds who could barely be bothered to raise their eyes from their phones to address the needs of the few customers who had bothered to come. If these people are employed by the owner, they should be fired ASAP. If these people WERE the owners, well I look forward to seeing your business fail. The food was horrible. I immediately wished I hadn't ordered any food and just stuck to the overpriced beer. My partner was sick for three days straight after eating here, and I very much wish we had taken steps to provide samples and report this place at the time. Note as well - roaches were spotted in the bathroom. I can't stress this enough - this place is utterly horrid and not worth even a moment of your time. THERE ARE OTHER MEXICAN JOINTS ON HESS and also close by on King . There is no need to ever darken the doorway of this disgusting pit, this sorry excuse for a restaurant. I have had some *disappointing* experiences, but this is honestly the first time I have *HATED* an experience at an establishment in Hamilton. They will never see my money again, and I have been doing my best to spread the word to everyone I know. Avoid this infested dump.
Came in with my girlfriend. Really not a fan. Signs say it’s a bar and taco joint but the menu I was given only showed one type of taco and one type of nachos. I don’t know if it was just a limited covid menu or what since it has been a while since we were in. The bartender was very standoffish and he didn’t seem to want us there. There were 2 other people behind the bar he was talking to and anytime I went to the bar to order a drink they looked annoyed I was interrupting their conversation. Signs behind the bar state “No Racism, No Sexism, No homophobia” but didn’t really feel like a friendly space. Bathrooms were horrifying. Broken mirrors and sinks. I understand there’s a certain aesthetic for this place but it still needs to be functional. Also the table next to me definitely looked and sounded underage based on conversations they were having.
Still the best venue in town for live alt/metal and punk shows. Truly the only grunge place left in steel town. It's an old house and the live music space is on the second floor. Stairs up have a rock solid wooden railing and everyone is patient about waiting to use them (onto one set). No homophobia or racism allowed and 99% of the patrons also will stand up against transphobia or sexism which makes for a really centrally located safe space. It's cozy in the winter, cool in the summer (bar is in the basement) and has the best vibes around. Lots of goth, rock, punk and alt folkx milling around. Great selection of beer, would be great to add a white wine to their selection. RIP This Ain't Hollywood
It was my first time going to the doors the other day and I must say it was a unique experience. The music was pretty rad if you like heavy metal this is a good place to go. There was a live band playing upstairs which sounded like a good time but the group I was with didn't care too much to check it out. Beers on tap were all unique as most of them I've never even heard of before the only down side was the wait to get a drink was pretty long when it wasn't even that busy which was a little disappointing but it wasn't "the end of the world" waiting an extra few minutes. Overall, I would recommend this place if you're looking for a casual night out and like live music playing upstairs.
Great music bar specializing in metal and punk mostly. Thee metal/punk bar of Hamilton. Been coming here semi regularly for just over a decade and never disappointed. Could be a bit less tight in terms of space. The "stage"/floor upstairs is modest for live music. Capacity fairly limited to maybe 100 people or less off tye top of my head. If there's 100 people upstairs it'll definitely feel crammed. They could handle social conflicts better as I've witnessed 2 separate scenarios that could have been handled better. Still I have a lot of respect for this place. If you're a metalhead visiting the city definitely check this place out !
Great place for good homemade Tacos and other great eats. Good selection of craft beers and prices are reasonable. It is in a rustic stonewall basement that creates a cozy, friendly and safe atmosphere. If you like punk and metal and friendly people then this is the spot for you. It is near Hess Village but it is not at all like Hess Village, thank God for that! The owners and staff are really nice people and have owned this place for 20+ years. BTW there is a huge treed patio outside. Put it this way, every time i come from Calgary for a visit I make a point of going here! (for 15 yrs now)
Nice venue, very cozy. Though the outside is off-putting especially from the pictures there are online. It looks abandoned and decrepit, BUT it just so happens to have great acoustics for live music. The one downside is there is little room to see the performance. For example, imagine 50-75 people all lined up in front of you, looking over everyone's shoulders at a band that is positioned at the same height as you. What I'm saying is, this place is in desperate need of a stage of some kind.
Located in what send to be a heritage home this is a great place to host a show and an amazing place to drink. The basement where the entrance and bar is located has one of the most authentic vibes i have ever felt at a venue. Serving tacos until closing this is a choice place to drink. On the main floor is a heritage House with original flooring and Crown molding. This is a great place to hold a house party but at a bar. If i ever play a show in Hamilton this is where it's happening.
I went to the doors bar the other day with a couple friends and it was an a absolutely delightful time. The other people at the bar were extremely friendly and helpful. There was a good selection of beers available and the metal bamd playing upstairs was a amazing time. Its always amazing when a band is so passionate that they play as if i front of 1000+ people when it was only 25 or so. I would definitely recommend
Hamilton's premier live music venue! Their vegetarian taco is absolutely delicious, and I'm not even a vegetarian! Great service with friendly staff as well! Where else can you get the experience of drinking in what feels like a dungeon or pub from a fantasy novel. No lie, when I read the Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett, I pictured Doors when reading about The Broken Drum ('it can't be beat!')
Great service, amazing tacos, live shows are always great but… the amount of shark movies they watch really concerns me. They only talk about obscure shark movies and nothing else. Pretty bothersome. Nonetheless 10 stars out of 5.
Price per person
$70–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Burritos, Doors Pub Famous Mac and Cheese
This is a classic Hamilton staple dive bar. The atmosphere is very punk but the bartenders are always super helpful when trying to find a new beer to try. Always get food! They're tacos are amazing every single time. They are consistent with everything they put out. Make sure to check out local bands while your there. Most times only 5 bucks for a live show!
Tyler is legit. The Doors Pub is authentically punk, and...whether it's a Taco Joint or a Pizza Palace or a Mac&Cheese Empire...it's one of the best places to hang out in the City. Some awesome people frequent the place, the events are always memorable, and you've even supported the local arts and independent film community. Thanks for being awesome.
I started going here two weeks ago, probably visited 9 of those days. I think I'm addicted to the tacos now, they know what they're doing to people. The atmosphere is fantastic, love this place. Feels like home. Update: I've been coming here months now and you'll never find a better set of staff. I love everyone here, and the music never stops
Never been but it came up on my phone like so many others. Not even sure I came near it. For whatever reason this place keeps coming up. Maybe if it goes out of business it will stop... I don't know how much they pay Google to show me this 3 times a day but Google if you review these I will double it to stop. Don't make me delete the app.
This place is awesome! If you like heavy music this is one of the best places in town for it. The beer is reasonably priced and they have a solid selection, featuring some good local brews. The tacos are good, nothing fancy but they fill you up and are inexpensive and available late into the night - my go to is the pulled chicken.
This local metal bar has frequent live music acts, good food (but small menu) and very decent taps. The atmosphere fluctuates from low key in the afternoon to lively in the evening with friendly people and a genuine sense of community. A great alternative to the very commercial bar scene of Hess Village across the street.
I've been coming to this place since opening day, fantastic old building which i hope will never become condos. Tyler and staff are easy-going and they have a decent selection of beer and spirits, and some delicious eats. Also a cozy live venue with a good cross-section of metal, alternative and experimental music.
Killer spot for dirty rock shows. Awesome staff. 5 stars My 3 little wishes here are 1) a louder vocal PA and/or additional monitor 2) a cheap pino grigio/dry white wine added to the fridge & 3) more great eats please would love if the menu grew in the future. Then, it'd be everything lol. Cheers
Food: Amazing! Tacos are big and delicious. Had the Antojitos and boy was it huge! Staff: Tai, Matt, Cheyenne and Eric were very attentive to the customers, easy to talk to and just all around awesome to be around. Almost felt like Cheers where everyone knows your name! Would 100% recommend this place
I've been here a few times. Pretty rad little punk bar. Really enjoy the cheap beer and tacos. One of my all time fave bands played there, The Golers, during a heat wave, upstairs. As uncomfortable as that was it was still a rad show. I give it 4/5 cause no place is perfect. Cheers dudes.
Really awsome place to hangout! There's metal beer and tacos!!! The owner is super cool, and they always have new craft beer on tap with interesting flavours! Best part is that the kitchen is open right up to last call so you don't have to moss out on getting your last taco for the night
Terrific heavy metal meets punk bar. Dark inside and amazingly decorated. Punk bar food, simple and easy to sop up the alcohol. Vegan option too. Good collection of candy and munchables at the bar. Sometimes live music. Nice size patio and open late. Staff have always been great.
Great atmosphere. The tacos are huge and taste like your basic white mom would make at home (not a bad thing). The BBQ chicken taco is my favourite and there is also a veggie/soy option. Great value for the price and really hit the spot on a night out. Will definitely be back.
If you love metal, if you wanna see local bands pour their hearts out on a super cozy small setting stage. Come through nearly any weekend for good drinks, great tacos and a killer show from Hamiltons up and coming acts.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Cheap beer and wonderful tacos. Thoughtful and responsible staff as far as covid goes. The patio is so well spaced, there is no thought of being crowded. A PBR and a beef taco will run you $12. Show me somewhere else in the city you'll get a meal and a beer for under $15
Don't come here unless you are a 20 something music nerd and you advertise it. Don't be a single woman getting off work looking to relax either. You wont look cool enough. Your making the metal cells uncomfortable.
Food: 4
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1
Doors is my go-to local. Great staff, great beer selection, great drink specials. The tacos are full-sized tacos - not little hipster tacos. Don't let the metal theme scare you off - this place has a welcoming, friendly atmosphere and a cool music venue upstairs!
I was going to complain about the sound quality but that must have been the band(s) last time. It was great tonight. They have some cheap beer on special and you can read some comics while you take a leak. I like the atmosphere and pretty dope place over all.
Geöff rocked the roof off with their single In A Hurry release party. Friendly helpful staff
Price per person
$30–40
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Wheelchair accessibility
Our good friend was able to attend in her chair with assistance
The bar itself is pretty cool. However, the long haired guy behind the bar was unfriendly and assuming, making it quite uncomfortable to say the least. The taco was OK. It seemed like a place for "regulars" and we definitely were not treated like one.
Awesome place for metal or tacos.... Good environment for both, as a venue its very small and intimate, so if your booking a show expect to be part of your crowd if its busy! I like that they have draught beers that are not your cliché bar drinks.
I really hope this place never changes. DIY concerts upstairs in the living room/dining room, basic but awesome tacos and metal on the soundsystem at the bar, big patio outside. Cheyenne is the best honest, straight no bs, but righteous manager.
Holy hell I miss this place. Amazing music, amazing staff, great tacos. One of a kind place. Rare to find somewhere I can go by myself and not get hassled or made to feel out of place. If they had Guinness on tap again I'd never want to leave.
One of my favourite places to go to! I’ve been here about 3 times since I moved to Hamilton - I moved here last Sunday, 7 days ago. That’s gotta tell you something great about this place! The Taco’s are absolutely worth the $7, trust me!
It's a nice comfortable place to come with your friends and have a few drinks and watch some local bands. I've played here many times and it's always been a good time. The staff is always great and they usually have some good beer on tap.
Excellent friendly atmosphere for an alt environment, came from out of town to hang out late at night. Service was superb and the bartender went out of his way to make sure we were satisfied after a small misunderstanding.
Nice basement pub. Has some good craft beer on tap and cheap tall cans now and again. Seating out in front to smoke while you enjoy your drink, too. If you don't like metal or punk music, it can be quite noisy at times.
When I lived in hamilton it was my go too bar I was just there for the iorn maddin consert and yep this place still has it I still love it. Now on too the food.. This place kills it as a good too . taco metal heaven.
If you like Metal.. thus is the place to go
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Burritos, Doors Pub Famous Mac and Cheese, Corn Chips & Queso
I love this place. It’s a heavy metal bar and you should treat it as such. Filled with friendly people having a good time. The food is good for regular tacos, patio is great in the summer. Beer is reasonably prices.
This place is awesome serves food till close and they're open till 2 or 3 a.m. live shows upstairs great tacos and great admission prices for the pans upstairs they prices for beer do you go there you have a good
Really cool pub in town hear they have pretty amazing beer and a awesome venue it can fit 25-35 people in the restaurant my brothers band played at this venue and the staff were amazing and great fun and polite
Quite busy for a Monday night. Nice atmosphere. Good people. Nice to hear love bands as well, not particularly my taste but overall I would rather hear live or local bands. Planning to come back to have food!
The beloved home of Hamilton's metal scene. Very intimate venue and atmosphere right outside Hess Village. Get the Tacos.
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Excellent large tacos for a small fee. Great heavy metal music and atmosphere with a large outdoor picnic table patio. Live music on the second floor, check out the View magazine for bands and show times.
Basement is very dark. Prices are reasonable. Went with a friend and it definitely wasn't my type of music, but I hear the tocos are really good. Probably go back and try them one afternoon in the future
The male bartender with curly hair was very rude when I asked if I could pay with debit instead of cash and served myself and a friend warm PBR’s. I won’t be coming back again. Who does he think he is?!
Relaxed laid back bar, always feels more like a neighbourhood bar than a Hess Village bar. Their chips and salsa, with some heavy dashes of Tapatio added for kick, is the perfect combo to any drink.
Nice little place with a good casual vibe... bar seats and small tables... metal music loud enough to really enjoy but conversation was easy... beer and tacos available... an event room upstairs.
Good prices, good vibes, but it’s ungodly hot upstairs, to the point where the walls were covered in sweat!!
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Was here catching my cousin's band play. Very metal right when you walk in with the decor and music. Super chill awesome service. The tacos were really good and the beers on tap cold and crisp.
I heard some come for the epic tocos, and others come for the rad live music. But I, I come for the vast variety of obscured shark films..
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
A mess. All ages one day and not the next. Getting the bar staff to acknowledge you shouldn't be that hard when there's only 5 people in the place.
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 2
Local parties in this small venue are great. They have a true metal calling, a place not meant for clouts. People wearing black and leather occupy the space and are open to conversation.
I loved the feel of the bar, and the beer was cheap. Honestly it's nice to find a place where I feel 100% comfortable. I liked the music as well! Will be back to try the tacos soon :)
Super unique spot for a drink and a show. Didn't get a chance to eat, so I won't comment on that. Staff is friendly and I felt like I was right next to the band, literally! More
Cool little spot! Would be nice if there was a bit more ventilation in the room they have bands play in, deff gets a bit hot in the summer and makes it harder to enjoy the show
The tacos here are amazing! Definitely recommend them if you haven't had them while drinking and rocking out to your favorite metal/hard rock songs. Staff are awesome
If your looking for Metal music (sometimes other genres), tacos, and beer, this is the place! Great staff, and full of patrons that call this place a second home!
My lovely experience of this venue included a relaxing stroll past the pub. Did not even notice a place called doors. Google asked me to review it so here we are.
Good Tacos! The drinks were fair, it was cozy, upstairs is their venue and it is one of my favourites because of how homey it feels. I highly recommend visiting!
Sat on the patio. Fast friendly service. Went inside to pay and loved the industrial vibe it had. Looking to check it out once Covid restrictions are lifted.
Come for the noisy bands, stay for the weird & awesome bartenders, return for the obscure shark movies
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Great time at this venue! Amazing tacos; phenomenal selection of beer and the bands we caught were fantastic! Also the social atmosphere is very welcoming
This is the coolest bar in Hamilton. I just love the place. Hope to be back again for another show. Very intimate room with friendly staff. …
By far the best place in the city for drinks and food. Great prices, cool atmosphere, wicked tunes and the staff are beyond amazing. 6/5 stars love Doors!
Truly appreciate the staff and their admiration of shark filmography. I highly suggest the the PBR.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
In spite of some guy who kept trying to instigate a fight with me. The music was fun and the tacos are pretty good most people are pretty nice there too!
The perfect place to go after losing the Grey Cup at home. Craft beer on tap. Heavy metal music. Tasty tacos late night. Honestly what else do you need?
Love this place. Good music, often live bands play upstairs. Downstairs have a good bar, friendly staff and great tacos. Excellent metal bar atmosphere
I love, it's Hess but not Hess. The live bands and music here is quite alternative, I love it. It is small, intimate, and has a great beer selection.
Some of the best staff a bar can have, especially that young guy who might be a private detective as his day job, the dude with the mustache!
One of my favorite places to tuck away and drink the night away. Good selection of beers, bar staff are cool, and the burritos are delicious.
Matt Bartenderham is much proffesional. Dolphin London movies were cool. The bands.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
It's a metal bar with lots of character. They bring in and support local talents often and it's got great atmosphere and drinks aplenty.
Great music. Decent beer selection. Good prices for beer special. Tacos were ok. Parking out back, especially in that area, is great.
I think it'll be super cool once restrictions are lifted. Chillin on the patio was fun. Primus on the stereo inside was a nice touch.
Awesome place to see live music and grab a drink. They have a small patio which offers some interesting views of the neighbourhood :)
Great Tacos, great place to catch local metal and punk bands! Can’t recommend this place enough for fans of those genres of music.
Awesome place to grab a beer and some food. Amazing atmosphere and the staff and owner are amazing people. Also, great live music!
Amazing, cheap food, decent beer selection, and an excellent atmosphere. I left Toronto to come here, and I was not disappointed.
Had a great time, they host a cult movie thing once a month that made the visit worth it.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
I haven’t tried the tacos yet, but the beer is good, the vibe is great and the venue is awesome for catching great local acts!
This place is a really cool Hard Rock Cafe with some amazing bartenders. They also serve the best goddamn tacos in the world.
Cool place for shows. There’s a downstairs and upstairs. Right near/in? Hess village. They have a vegan soy protein option!
Good and cheap as well as lots of live music. Free to enter but if there is a show upstairs there is usually a small cover.
Great place to listen to alternative rock/metal music have a beer and relax. Building is kind of historic with many levels.
One of the coolest places my band got to play on tour!!! Huge thanks for having us and for being so kind, we appreciate it
Tyler and Bruce are good guys. The tacos are great, the beer is cheap and you get top notch punk rock shows upstairs.
This place is epic... its a dive dont get me wrong... but great people good tunes and good times are there to be had.
Great music, food and the regulars are some of the city's best people. I love this venue and you should check it out
Amazing venue to see some of the GTAs greatest bands, with an intimate environment. The food is also pretty good.
I actually fell in love with this bar the very first time I discovered it. I have no complaints about this gem.
If you like heavy metal, good beer and fantastic staff oh, this is the place you want to be. Loved it here.
Huge 7", very delicious tacos!! Great metal music! What more can you ask from a taco and metal bar? Right?
Great little live music venue with DYNAMITE tacos.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
One of the best punk and metal venues in Ontario. Always a great time. And the tacos killer …
It definitely wasn't a place for me. I was only there to support someone who was performing upstairs.