Refried Beans A Winner at Mexitaco

828 Bloor Street West Website
Phone: 416.537.6693

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Posted by Tim
June 13, 2007

Currently 3.00/5
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Rating: 3.0/5 (12 votes cast)

This is part 1 in a series where I attempt to discover Toronto's best burritos.

Mexitaco occupies an awkward spot in Toronto's burrito landscape. The taqueria, located on a corner lot at Shaw and Bloor, is oozing Mexicana. It's one of the few joints in the city that reminds me of my visits to dusty Mexican towns. There is a TV in one corner playing a Mexican version of the country music channel, basic wooden tables, sombreros on the walls and red, white and green sprinkled throughout. Warm days offer a pleasant patio.

But for all of its authentic, no-frills taqueria vibe, filling your stomach with one of their three varieties of burritos (chicken, beef and veggie) costs upwards of $8.99 plus tax which is definitely at the more expensive end of Toronto's options.

The problem is that Mexitaco only offers a burrito plate (see top photo) which means a small-ish burrito is teamed with a side salad, refried beans and a helping of yellow rice. For a little extra punch, there are a couple of salsa options, some marinated onion and freshly cut lime wedges. The restaurant definitely needs to offer a cheaper version (without the sides) to go.

On my most recent visit I order the veggie burrito. A moist lime-scented flour tortilla is filled with rice, beans, mushrooms, peas, corn and probably a few other vegetables that escaped my attention. Plated, this is definitely a knife and fork situation which works just fine but takes a bit of the romance out of the experience.

Overall, the taste was pretty good with the refried beans definitely among the best I've ever had. The burrito should have come with guacamole. I had to put in a special request to layer some in, and it would be nice if there were soy or dairy-free substitutes for the cheese and sour creme.

Also on the menu are a huge range of other Mexican dishes, all of which have photos plastered on Mexitaco's front window (and on their web site).

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"authentic, no-frills taqueria vibe"

"soy or dairy-free substitutes for the cheese and sour creme"

I'm reminded of a bitchy and self-indulgent NOW recap of the absolute horrors of trying to get a vegan meal at La Palette. You're at an authentic Mexican restaurant, not at a restaurant that specializes in its vegan/vegetarian menu.

Don't hold it against a (totally awesome) establishment.

Posted by: jordan at June 13, 2007 11:59 PM

Hi Jordan,

The authentic, no-frill taqueria vibe is meant as high praise. That's one of the best things about Mexitaco. I wish there were more places in Toronto like this.

However, I do think that even the most traditional taqueria should be "progressive" and offer soy/dairy-free alternatives. There are certainly other burrito places in the city that do, and if you go to mission-style authentic taqueria joints in San Franciso you'll find some of these options.

Posted by: Tim at June 14, 2007 2:05 AM

Ever since my trip to San Francisco I too have been questing for the best burritos in Toronto. So far, nothing compares to anything I ate in San Francisco.

Posted by: MattAlexander at June 14, 2007 3:28 PM

When I lived down the street, we went here all the time. In fact, thats where the wife and I had dinner on the day I proposed! However, the quality of food had been slipping in the past few months before we moved in April. Still great, just not amazing, like it used to be.

Posted by: brokenengine at June 14, 2007 5:37 PM

Real taquerias do not offer burritos. There you go.

Posted by: Maria at June 14, 2007 5:43 PM

I agree that in Mexico you might not find burritos. But instead they offer killer fish tacos. If only taquerias in Toronto did the same. That said, taquerias in the Mission district in San Franciso are definitely the real deal AND they have great burritos.

Ultimately, if you're going to put burritos on the menu, you better be prepared to have them judged.

Posted by: Tim at June 15, 2007 1:09 AM

Even if they do offer soy substitutes for dairy products... anybody think to ask if the beans are cooked with lard or the rice with chicken stock?

Posted by: cdnbe at June 15, 2007 5:45 PM

Good point.

Posted by: Tim at June 15, 2007 8:06 PM

They sell burritos, most authentic mexican restaurants don't, but they have many authentic dishes that looked amazing tasty. I think they sell burrito and quesadillas because there are people that don't know much about authentic mexican food is, so they tend to order that, or maybe younger kids might like that too? but u could tell right away this isnt a Tex-mex place, good food though!

Posted by: Mike at November 4, 2007 1:13 AM

I ate here recently and I have to say, it was the most disgusting thing I've ever eaten! My husband and I thought it would be good since they're always so busy...maybe they're meat stuff it good, but if you're looking for veggie food - stay away from Mexi-taco! Everything we ordered tasted and looked like they poured it right out of a can. We both had bad stomach aches shortly after barely eating our meals.

Posted by: wonderwoman at August 9, 2008 4:30 PM

best Mexican in Toronto. Hands down.

Posted by: Mike at September 9, 2008 4:08 PM