Since opening on August 13, 2021, Billy Yanks has redefined the Hamilton Ohio burger scene with bold flavors and bourbon-soaked hospitality. 🍔
This locally-owned burger joint from the Cafeo Hospitality Group brings the same excellence found at their acclaimed Incline Public House and Press on Monmouth concepts to downtown Hamilton.
Named after the famous 17-foot bronze Civil War soldier statue that overlooks downtown Hamilton just blocks away, the restaurant honors local history while serving up handcrafted burgers that keep Butler County coming back for more.
How Billy Yanks won Hamilton’s hearts
Billy Yanks captured Hamilton’s devotion by bringing high-quality dining to a city hungry for revival and proving local businesses could compete with big-name chains. 🎯
The Cafeo Hospitality Group, led by co-owner Tony Cafeo with operating partner and chef Jason Campbell, saw potential in Hamilton when Campbell, a Hamilton-area native, kept urging them to look at the beautiful downtown.
The restaurant’s success stems from its commitment to quality ingredients and bold flavor combinations—burgers take center stage with unique toppings that transform simple patties into memorable Ohio dining experiences. 🌟
What truly won hearts is the restaurant’s dual nature: a family-friendly main dining room perfect for burgers and mac and cheese alongside a more upscale bourbon bar highlighting craft cocktails and elevated appetizers.
Beyond the food, Billy Yanks represents Hamilton’s downtown renaissance—city leaders celebrated the opening as proof that their community was becoming a regional destination, giving Main Street even more momentum.
This combination of locally-sourced pride, exceptional burgers, innovative sides, and genuine belief in Hamilton’s comeback transformed Billy Yanks into the city’s beloved gathering spot where every burger tells a story.
Food Highlights
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The Billy Burger (Original Billy): The signature creation featuring double-stacked patties on a sesame seed bun topped with American cheese, griddled onions, lettuce, and Billy’s sauce. 🍔
- Going Back to Cali Burger: A West Coast favorite topped with avocado, caramelized onion, bacon, Swiss cheese, and arugula.
- Big Tex: A Texas-sized masterpiece with a double-stacked burger, bacon, American cheese, greens, tomato, an onion ring, and house steak sauce. 🤠
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Big Kahuna Burger: A popular Hawaiian-inspired choice combining savory beef with tropical toppings that deliver unexpected sweet-savory combinations.
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The Big Blue Burger: A must-try creation featuring bold blue cheese that adds tangy richness, perfect for those who appreciate strong, assertive flavors.
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Dirty South: A Southern-inspired innovation served with pimento cheese, pepper relish, and fried green tomatoes.
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Burger with Egg: A customer-recommended option described as “very good,” featuring a fried egg that adds richness and a satisfying runny yolk.
Atmosphere
The restaurant creates a welcoming downtown Hamilton destination that balances casual family dining with upscale bourbon bar sophistication.
Billy Yanks’ main dining room seats about 65 with space for 30 on the back patio, offering a family-friendly environment perfect for burgers and comfort food. 🥃
The adjacent bourbon bar, seating roughly 20, provides a more upscale experience with craft cocktails and elevated appetizers, connected by an inside doorway but maintaining separate outside entrances.
The vibe perfectly captures downtown Hamilton’s revival energy—a place where quality meets accessibility, creating an atmosphere that locals proudly share with visitors as proof their city has truly bounced back.
Bottom Line
Visit for double-stacked burgers with innovative toppings you won’t find at chains, fresh-cut fries that are crispy with no wimpy fries, the famous Grippo’s mac and cheese, a bourbon bar featuring craft cocktails, and spot-on service from a team invested in Hamilton’s downtown renaissance. ✨
Address:
205 Main St, Hamilton, OH 45013
📞 (513) 844-0130
🕔 Open Mon-Thu 4 PM–10 PM (kitchen closes at 9 PM), Fri-Sat 11 AM–11 PM (kitchen closes at 10 PM), Sun 10 AM–3 PM (Sunday Brunch)