Hamilton’s Mystic Ramen to reopen in Jackson Square as Mystic Kitchen
One of Hamilton’s favourite restaurants specializing in handmade Japanese-style ramen and more is reopening with a slightly new name in a brand-new location.
“We live here in the downtown core. Have done for over a decade,”
Local ramen lovers were devastated when Mystic Ramen – formerly located at 51 King William Street along Restaurant Row – shared the news that, due to many mounting challenges in their present location, they were left with no choice but to close up shop.
In the weeks leading up to their closure, Hamiltonians showed up in droves for their last slurps of Mystic’s comforting ramen and other Japanese dishes like donburi and curries. The restaurant was packed to the gills daily and overwhelmed with community support.
When Mystic Ramen closed their King William restaurant in August, there was already the promise of a next chapter being hinted by owners Heather Elson and Chef Noah Woods; but further details have been kept under wraps for weeks.
Now, the news has broken: Mystic Ramen will reopen as Mystic Kitchen in their own restaurant space within Jackson Square, taking over the former home of breakfast diner Crack Me Up next to the mall’s food court.
It’s a move that’s literally closer to their roots. Original fans of Mystic Ramen fondly remember the ramen spot’s original iteration as a stall in the lower level of the Hamilton Farmers’ Market mere steps away from this forthcoming new home.
Woods and Elson acknowledge that a move to Jackson Square may elicit some negative reactions from the community given the mall’s reputation, but they’re quick to stand by their decision.
“We live here in the downtown core. Have done for over a decade,” they say in a post on Instagram.
“We started our business here seven years ago. We are raising our kids here. We believe in a vibrant, thriving core, and we’re committed to being a part of it. We’re here to shine our light in dark corners, and we hope you’ll join us.”
An opening date and menu announcement is still to come, but locals can follow Mystic Kitchen on social media to be first to know.
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