The Egg & I is one of those places that only Hamiltonians know, but we sure do know it well.
Though the Egg & I is most popular for their breakfasts, they also serve lunch 7 days a week and dinner Tuesdays to Saturdays, and are fully licensed.
The Egg & I Family of Restaurants has been around in Hamilton since 1987 and was originally founded by Terry and Alexandra Plessas. Currently, there are two Egg and I locations around the area (Upper James and Ancaster), and the diner-esque restaurant has won several awards for their enormous breakfast dishes over the years.
Each of the Greater Hamilton locations has their own specific vibe, each very much the Egg and I family, but each with their own flair. As soon as you walk in both locations, the scent of frying bacon and buttery pancakes hits you. On a weekend morning, you can expect to find a line up, but it will be a short wait. The customer service is on point, and table turnaround is a quick thing at the Egg and I. During the wait you can always read your horoscope and some cheesy jokes in the latest Coffee News (my personal favourite).
In the Ancaster location, there are four separate seating areas along with an outdoor space and patio for the warmer weather. The first: classic bar stools overlooking the kitchen window – the classic diner experience. The second: smaller booths flanking each side of a large hall area. The third: a main dining room with enough space to host groups of any number, with bright orange booth seating around the exterior of the room. The final seating room: for the overflow; large tables with bright windows alongside.
On each wall, you’ll see giant hand-painted pictures with a mod-style to them, each featuring a scene with an egg. Pretty funny!
If you’re going for the all-day breakfast options on your visit, you have the choice of Omelettes (over 16 omelettes to choose from), Egg Platters, Pancakes, Waffles, French Toasts, Benedicts and “Lighter Fare” – which includes yogurts, parfaits and oatmeals. In regular diner breakfast fashion, the coffee is All You Can Drink, and they come around to your table often.
For lunch and dinner, they offer features on the menu board, along with choices like Hot Sandwiches, Pastas, Seafood, Burgers and more. Check out their Photo Gallery on the website for more tasty inspiration.
You may already have a favourite dish at the Egg and I, but if it’s your first time dining there for breakfast – make sure to try their home fries!
The Egg and I
1760 Upper James, Hamilton, ON
1242 Garner Road, Ancaster, ON
HOURS
Sunday & Monday: 6:00am – 4:00pm
Tuesday to Saturday: 6:00am – 8:00pm
