Mexitaco is a family-run Mexican joint serving all kinds of tacos, burritos, antojitos and of course margaritas. They have a fabulous corner patio and a bumping late night crowd, open til one Thursday through Saturday. It’s across the street from more early-morning diner fave Gingerman.

This place used to be on Bloor for sixteen years, where locals touted it as something of an unknown, humble gem, but they’ve since brought it back to their own neighbourhood of Scarborough, setting up shop on Victoria Park.

If you’re looking for a totally Mexican-themed night out, you’ll find it here. Illuminated Corona signs, technicolour luchador masks, pinatas and flags adorn the space.

Chairs were made out of barrels by owner Alex Copto Sr., who arrived here in Canada from Mexico in 1992. Alex Copto Jr. has a huge hand in running the place, as his father proudly tells me, along with Alex Sr.’s wife Gabriela.

They specialize in tostadas, and the shrimp ceviche ($5.99) is especially popular. An acidic, punchy little snack that has to be eaten quickly or else the fried tortilla underneath will get soggy from the shrimp and lime juices. Shrimp is marinated in lemon and lime and served with guac, cilantro, onion, avocado and tomato.

Tacos de carne asada come in an order of two for $5.99, and despite the excellent tostadas, tacos are clearly a go-to here if it’s in the name, and there are more options for these.

Marinated grilled beef is meaty and hearty, brightened by onion and cilantro as well as the full wedge of lime and two salsas it’s served with.

A burrito de tinga ($10.99), i.e. a pulled chicken chipotle burrito, packs a little heat and is substantial enough to seriously bust hunger. The chicken is stewed with tomato and onion, which gives the rice and beans in the burrito a little extra flavour and moisture.

House churros ($6.99) are appropriately sugary and crunchy but firm enough so that they don’t break apart and hold house chocolate and cajeta (AKA caramel) dips.

A mangonada ($8.99) takes your typical margarita and amps it up with mango puree, chamoy (a popular spicy Mexican fruit sauce) and a chili-salt rim.

Horchata ($2.99) is also available here, a traditional rice, cinnamon and sugar drink that kinda tastes like drinking rice pudding.

In addition, there are all the Mexican beers you could ever want.

Barrels provide not only chairs but tables too, just that perfect amount of shlock added with corks creating decorative surfaces. Plumbing and unique Mexican sinks in the bathrooms are installed by Alex Sr. too. Everything here is a true family, community effort.