Le Tambour Tavern — Restaurant in Hamilton

Went to Le Tambour on a Thursday recently. Couldn’t get a reservation online for our preferred time about a week out, so I called and left a voicemail on Monday or Tuesday that week. The manager Kendal called me on Wednesday and got us a table! I knew it was a hot spot so I was very grateful for the reso. Upon arriving I was seated at a great table “in the kitchen”. FYI it’s not quite IN the kitchen, but it’s very close, you can see all the action and it was quite warm next to the grill etc. but a very cool table! Unfortunately the seating at this table is not quite a high top, but not a regular low table either, somewhere in between, and on stools.

So it is very clear that I am very pregnant and the staff noticed that I would likely be pretty uncomfortable on this stool for the duration of our dinner. Immediately the person who sat us offered me some more comfort, a cushion for the stool, I said yes please. Then a female staff member asked if I’d be happy at this table, and suggested if it’s possible that there’s a better option, would I like to move? So thoughtful and amazing of them, and sure enough within 5 minutes of me arriving I had moved to a much more comfortable regular height table on a cushioned chair no less. It was amazing!!

This to say nothing about the service or food - which were both excellent. Our server was efficient, kind, not pushy, never felt rushed or pressured to order right away or order more drinks etc. it was a nice feeling.

Two of us ordered the smash burger and two of us ordered the steak. Zero complaints, the food was delicious. And yes, the fries are as good as all the reviews say.

Highly recommend this place, me and the girls will...

I knew nothing about Chef/Owner Teo Paul until I read an article about him and his new creation in Hamilton, Le Tambour Tavern, in Toronto Life. Clearly I had been missing something special but no longer!

Don't be put off by the "Tavern" moniker. This is very upscale pub food with prices to match but believe me, it's worth every penny.

Upon entering Le Tambour, en anglais Drum, through the original slim doorway complete with a brass embossed mail slot, you are struck immediately by the ambience and vibe- a great buzz. Attractive bared original brick walls greet you with three seating options-bar, tables and kichen. I opted for a table but next time it's the kitchen. I like being near the action.

Immediately greeted by a friendly and helpful host, the service was simply terrific from there on. Kendall our server was very helpful with a wine list that stumped my prodigious knowledge of wines with very unfamiliar entries. The Spanish Gorrondola paired exceptionally well with our starter of fresh oysters.

I followed that with an excellent steak tartare, which my followers know, I always order if it's available. The only thing I would have added are Capers which I think amplifies the flavour.

I followed that with the Nagano sticky ribs with mayo fries and coleslaw. The ribs were superb but I have to say the fries were simply the best I have ever eaten! Beautifully crunchy with a pillowy soft interior and a subtle flavour that I cannot adequately describe.

I was so full I had to forgo a dessert but next time... and next time I want to try the Escargots and Côte de Beouf.

Try it folks, you will love this wonderful addition to Hamilton's ever growing vibrant...

My son took me here for a birthday dinner (70th). I say this as when we arrived for our 7 pm reservation, we were seated at the bar. When my son questioned the hostess, she indicated his Resy reservation indicated he choose a bar reservation. I'm guessing the hostess discussed this issue with Alexia, who came over to us with an apology. My son, was very calm throughout and showed Alexia the email he received indicating "a table for 2". We had discussed leaving, but on a Saturday night at 7 pm, where else might we go. Obviously my son wanted a table and not bar seating for his mother's 70th birthday dinner. Having said all of this, Alexia was very apologetic and even though they were full, she would keep us in mind if something should open up. They then offered a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. It was not more than a few minutes later that Alexia said they could seat us in about 45 minutes at a table, or if we would like, at a high table tucked away from the main bar. We opted not to wait and choose the high table also with stools but still a better option than the main bar. After, ordering, our appetizers and mains came quickly and were delicious. Alexia was very attentive and in my opinion saved what could have been a disappointing experience into one that was quite the opposite. My son and I realize that hiccups happen and sometimes on special occasions. How much of online reservations is the fault of the restaurant I have no idea, but I feel Alexia really tried to make it right. She did in fact offer us the table seating when we were part way through our meal and also treated us to a complimentary...