Sad Songs Cantina is breaking down the barriers for what a Mexican restaurant is to the city.

When you think of Mexican restaurants, particularly Toronto ones, it's not uncommon to picture booming music and vibrant neon signs paired with heavy, greasy food.

And that's not to say that's not a side of Mexican culture — at least it isn't according to Miguel Arguello, business partner to Sad Songs owner Christine Pountney.

But that's certainly not the only aspect of Mexican culture — and it's not the only one that deserves to be showcased and appreciated. 

Miguel had already been working in the Bloordale space's previous operation, alongside friends from the Dam Sandwiches team, when things shifted around and the opportunity to refocus the space arose naturally.

The inspiration for Sad Songs Cantina came out of Miguel's respect and love for his San Miguel heritage.

"Sad Songs is an attempt to talk about the range of Mexico — it's fiesta and sunny beaches, but there's also tragedy," says Christine, who bonded with friend Miguel thanks to her well-loved trips to Mexico.

“The songs, the beauty, the food, the weather, the crime; the paradox of Mexico is what Sad Songs is about.”

There's an emphasis on the notion of a cantina at Sad Songs, which Christine shares is a particular style of eatery in Mexico.

While some nights you might be looking for that boisterous party scene and overflowing orders of tacos, there's night where the simple beauty of a sombre tune can be enjoyed alongside a light botana (or appetizer).

"The neighbourhood has a pub, has a brewery, has it's Mexican spots … We want to be the cantina of the neighbourhood,” says Miguel, "Nothing fancy, nothing's 'elevated' — it's just true quality, and simple."

Simple starts at the door, with the charming and unfussy interior of Sad Songs Cantina.

Designed by Christine, the walls are decorated with pictures of figures from historical Mexican revolutions. Velvet curtains are half-drawn across the windows, setting a moody and sophisticated tone.

"Part of what we both enjoyed was creating the theatre of this place … you come in and it's like a theatre, it's a whole experience — there's sound, taste, lighting, temperature," says Christine. 

And the taste element easily lives up to being the star of the show.

Start your night off with a stiff, vibrant drink like the La Mestiza ($16), made with chile-infused tequila, Banhzel mezcal, Triple Sec and fresh lime juice. It's a welcomed strong and spicy punch to the palette. 

"If it's done a certain way in Mexico, then that's how we’re doing it here," says Christine, touching on drinks in particular; served with a slice of citrus fruit and cricket salt, as they're intended to be.

For something on the sweeter side, opt for the floral and slightly acidic Rubi Red ($16), with hibiscus-infused tequila, St. Germaine and Kahlua.

Keep up with the in-house infused tequilas with the Sandy Watermelon ($16), consisting of lemon grass and mint-infused tequila, chile-infused tequila, Banhez mezcal, Aperol, and guava Jarritos.

It's a great example of how the abrasive spirits have been simultaneously tamed down and enhanced thanks to their infusions. 

The innovative spins on classic drinks showcases Miguel's love for the creativity of working in the restaurant industry.

From "working with the team in the back hot kitchen, to coming out and putting a smile on for the customers", it's that endless opportunity for highs and lows that fuel Miguel's creation process.

It's a beautiful coincidence that both Miguel's love for the industry and the inspiration behind Sad Songs comes from the range of something being fun and energetic at times, but having an extreme intensity and big emotions as well.

Following the cantina inspiration, you'll find the food menu has simpler, smaller dishes as well as home-style platters.

Right off the bat, the Seabass Ceviche ($16) is an exceptional mouthful of flavours. 

Served with house-made tortilla chips, the white fish sits in a bath of fresh lime juice, topped with radish, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeno. It's a highly memorable and refreshing bite.

"Mexican food is so easy, but it's about the small details … [For example] Salsa in Mexico has like four ingredients so if you make one mistake, the salsa is wrong," says Miguel.Those addictive tortilla chips are on full display with the Happy Hour special Nachos ($16).

Covered in cheese, guacamole, shredded lettuce, re-fried chipotle beans, and a roasted jalapeno and tomato salsa, they're undoubtedly the easiest crowd-pleaser.

Another Happy Hour-menu item — available Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 2-6pm, and weekends from 3-6pm — is the Holy Taco of the Month (two for $18).

If the current roasted duck offering is an example of what's to come in the next months, it's a guarantee you'll always be in for a decadent feast. 

Corn tortillas are topped with juicy duck breast, salsa macha, and shredded dikon, cucumber and carrot.

Though your hands will be full — and dripping — it's a surprisingly fresh and light taco thanks to the slaw-like toppings and has a subtle, warm finishing spice.Available on their regular menu, the Lamb Platter ($23) — also known as the Barbacoa de Borrego Plato Fuerte — showcases the cantina-rendition of a taco serving, where the diner is encouraged to build their own unique creations.

Pulled braised lamb leg — a recipe from Miguel's family back in San Miguel — is served alongside beans and crema, nopales salad, salsa roja, a cheese-stuffed blistered poblano pepper and a warm stack of corn tortillas.  

Not only is it a playful meal, but it's one where the opportunities for flavours are endless.

From the creamy and earthy beans to the spicy char of the pepper, you're not limited to one repetitive bite but an evolving range at your disposal.

Though it's a small team in a small space, what's happening at Sad Songs Cantina feels mighty. 

It could be the vibrant flavours, it could certainly be the boozy cocktails — or it could be the looming eyes of the war-torn figures on the wall watching over that bring a sense that you're not at the average taco spot. 

Our bets are, that just like with Mexico, it's the dichotomy of it all at once — the big and the small, the gentle and the powerful — that are to thank for a great night out. 

Sad Songs Cantina is located at 1211 Bloor Street West.