Eat: Grand Electric by Celeste Ramos | Insider's Toronto - Toronto Travel Guide | Canada Travel Services
It’s no secret that I’m a big of sumptuous South American dishes: in recent posts I’ve sampled the Colombian delights of Los Perros Con Sabor Colombiano and nibbled at the authentic Texmex selection at Maizal Quesadilla Café. My appetite for all things south of the border is ravenous and so, unsurprisingly, my culinary adventures this week took me to yet another South American restaurant, this time in the form of Grand Electric.
It was my best friend’s birthday and she wanted to do something special, so we headed for Grand Electric, a hip downtown restaurant that would be my favorite Mexican eatery in Toronto were it not for the mouthwatering delights on offer at Maizal. Still, the ambiance here is fantastic and we knew it would be a fantastic place to celebrate.
As usual with Grand Electric, we had to wait quite a long time (try an hour and a half!) to be seated. If you don’t arrive the first minute it opens, you’ll be fighting for seats all night long as Grand Electric is a favorite for taco-hungry Torontonians. We weren’t too worried about this, as it allowed us to kill time drinking at the many bars lined up beside the Grand Electric and kick off the birthday celebrations. When we returned, we were seated out the back in their new summer patio area.
I love the decor back here – the vintage patio bar and cinema sign gave it such character. The cinema sign featured highlights from the menu and made me all the more eager to order.
Although our thirst was already quenched after visiting the bars around the restaurant, I found myself spoiled for choice with the drinks menu. There were plenty of soft and alcoholic drinks to be had and a special bourbon drinks menu circulated the table. They even had Mexican Coca Cola!
With the beverages out of the way, it was time to get down to the serious business of choosing something to eat. There is plenty on offer at Grand Electric and the price of their tacos are very reasonable, being priced per item rather than as a dish, allowing you to order multiple varieties of taco in one sitting.
Their guacamole and chips starter came with an interesting pork crackling that jutted out of the middle of the place. Not only was this really amazing to look at, it was also a delicious start to a great meal.
The corn supreme was one of the most popular dishes at the table, which was so tasty char grilled with slices of lime and a generous smattering of cheese on top.
We also went with the grilled beef taco, which looked amazing, but I found to be slightly too tough. It went down a treat with the table though, while I was in food heaven with their Baja fish taco: it saved the day as far as I’m concerned!
Grand Electric is a fabulous place to eat, with friendly helpful staff that are more than happy to help you out if you’re stuck for choice with their menu (everything looks so tasty)! The music is brilliant and the vibe is young and trendy, so even if you’re not this is one place will make you feel like one of the crowd.
Where: 1330 Queen Street West
When: 6PM-Late
Cost: Low-mid
Public Transport: 501 Street Car, 39 Bus
Web: Grand Electric Bar
