SYNONYM — Restaurant in Hamilton

My recent visit to SYNONYM, where I've been a regular, took an unexpected turn. Despite no prior notice or signage indicating a one-hour limit, I was pressured into making another purchase after just an hour. This felt like a forceful sale and an indirect way of kicking customers out to have more sales on Christmas. During my frequent visits, I hadn't encountered that situation before, presumably because the place was less busy.

What made this ordeal more puzzling was observing other patrons comfortably staying for more extended periods without any hint of being asked to reorder. This inconsistency in enforcing a time limit, particularly for regulars, left a sour taste.

In the past, during quieter times, I've appreciated the friendly approach of the staff when the café is empty, but this time, that courtesy was absent. It's disheartening to witness the shift in approach, seemingly driven by a desire for more profits during the holiday season.

Times are tough for many, and assuming everyone can afford a second order within an hour is presumptuous. Many of us choose local businesses over larger chains to support our community, but if the business fails to reciprocate by fostering a welcoming environment for all, it raises concerns.

My hope is for the café to establish clear and fair rules for all customers, either through signage or consistent communication, rather than selectively enforcing policies. It's essential to support local businesses, but it's equally vital for these businesses to give back to their community in a meaningful and considerate manner.

N.B. : My orders are usually around $10. Halwa or Croissant plus a drink. The stuff forcibly wanted more this time. That’s...

This place is cozy and the ambiance is really lovely. It is a busy cafe, so don’t be put off by the busy-ness at the front at times. The cafe has plenty of seating at the back.

The food never disappoints. The Shakshuka is incredible, however, like another reviewer, I would prefer a choice of dips.

The menu has an option for “Tea for two”. I ordered that because I typically like to have more than one or at minimum, my tea topped up and prefer not to wait as most establishments tend to forget about us tea drinkers for top ups. Fun fact: if you ask for milk or sweetener/honey, it may be mixed in with your tea already when served at the table. The teapot is solid, so I unknowingly asked the Owner for more milk and honey thinking I had none. FYI, the Owner does not permit top ups of hot water in your teapot, but made an exception for me during a visit. I find the policy strange, as I was still eating my meal, and other coffee shops willingly oblige the ask, so would love it if he could revisit that policy. Or an “Ask us about some of our service policies” sign somewhere would go a long way. The washrooms could also use a refresh very soon.

Staff are super - Great people, helpful, service oriented.

Overall, a gem of a spot in Hamilton that I’ve made a...

This place ruined my Mother's day brunch. Waiting 75 mins for brunch is unacceptable - our experience at this restaurant fell short of expectations, leaving a bitter taste in our mouths. Despite making a reservation in advance, our excitement turned to frustration upon arrival. Seated promptly, we eagerly awaited menus, only to be left to resort to our phones which really isn't a big deal. Deciding on our orders quickly, we informed the staff, hoping to expedite the process. However, what followed was an excruciating wait of a full hour without any sign of our meals.

In a state of disappointment, we reluctantly decided to opt for take-out, only to be met with further delays, adding insult to injury. The lack of communication or acknowledgment from the staff until we voiced our dissatisfaction exacerbated the situation. Even the basic courtesy of delivering my husband's coffee was overlooked amidst the chaos.

While the gesture of compensating for the meal was appreciated, it scarcely made amends for the subpar experience endured on such a special occasion. A wait time of 75 minutes for a brunch service, particularly on Mother's Day, is simply unacceptable. It's disheartening to have such high hopes dashed by a lack of attentiveness...