El Catrin Destileria

A really great spot for a chill afternoon to enjoy food and drinks. The waitress was phenomenal and excellent. The food was very well prepared. But I will say the asada might be a touch over priced. Would like to see the drinks served in proper stem wear. A margarita in a 350 ml glass is not great. I am not a snob about many things but drinks in the correct glass wear is a hangup of mine. That bring said awesome place and I would go back

This is the fifth time we have been to this restaurant and when it starts from 10 out of 10 you never think it can go any higher but every time we show up they manage to do something better. Pamela, Aldo and so many other incredible servers are doing a superb job. Even Earl the manager distinctly remembered an interaction from over a year ago, when we commended our server for doing an incredible job. Great job offering the flight of margaritas and adding a vegetarian menu! This place is going in the right direction, keep up the great work!

This is such a beautiful place! Designed so marvelously with such a great vibe! The service was really really great, the waitress was sweet and lovely. The food wasn’t the best, it lacked spices and some flavors. I didn’t try any fish. Overall I had fun

Such a happening vibe here. I am a big fan of mexican cuisine, and I totally loved this place for its tacos and drinks. We tried pollo pibil, roasted coliflour, fried chicken tacos and hongos- every plate had amazing flavours. If you like spicy food, dont miss adding the delicious chilli oil to your plates😋

Wow what a place! The atmosphere is so unique, loved looking around at the walls. The taste of the food was fabulous. Freshest guacamole I've ever had, "La Familia" was perfect for the table and the beef and pork tacos were the best I've ever had. The food service was quick!! The margarita flight offered new tastes to try that were delicious as well. Our server Pamela was such a delight. Her recommendations were exactly what we needed for our table.

Lovely indoor atmosphere with super high ceiling! Waitress is amazing and very attentive! Food is adequate but wish there’s a bit more spice

i’ve been here before and this spot’s been around for quite a few years now. overall, it feels pretty overpriced and not really worth it. it’s fine if you’re at the winter village and need somewhere warm to sit for a bit, but beyond that it doesn’t offer much. drinks were pricier than comparable places, and the food didn’t justify what they’re charging in my opinion. the duck was dry, the tortillas gave off a strong almost chemical smell, etc.

I really enjoyed my time here! The atmosphere was vibrant and beautifully designed، the patio seating was cozy and lively, perfect for enjoying dinner with friends. The sauces were truly unique and full of flavor. The only thing that wasn’t quite to my taste was the meat in the tacos, but overall, it was a lovely and memorable experience.

El Catrin is such a beautiful spot, and the experience overall was memorable. The margarita flight was absolutely the highlight truly some of the best margaritas I've had anywhere. Each flavor was unique, refreshing, and perfectly balanced. The horchata drink was another standout and honestly a must try if you visit. The food itself was okay nothing bad, just regular but the quality of the drinks and the atmosphere definitely made up for it. What really stood out, though, was the service. The manager, who is from Mexico, was incredibly warm, welcoming, and attentive. He made the whole experience feel special and added such a genuine touch of hospitality. Even though the food wasn't extraordinary, I would still come back for the drinks, the ambiance, and the amazing service. El Catrin is definitely worth checking out!

I came here during a weekday afternoon where the restaurant was only half full. I mention this because I came with a large group (14 people) and they refused to split the bills individually, a common practice at many other establishments. Part of the problem seemed to be that the server was inexperienced and came off a bit annoyed at times. I have been here a few times in the past so it really soured my view of the restaurant. Another point I should mention is that one of the bartenders was doing some unhygienic things. He had prepared some cocktails in anticipation of happy hour and to taste his creations, he was taking the straws out of the glass and licking the bottoms. One of my companions spotted him doing this twice. Anyways, the food as usually was solid. I ordered their pulpo and chorizo and it was cooked well with a tasty sauce. Our table shared a few chips and guacamole bowls and there were no issues there. Props to the kitchen for a solid service. Overall, the experience made us regret coming here, especially considering that there are other restaurants in the vicinity and great Mexican restaurants in Toronto.

We called in and were able to be seated which was amazing as it was a busy holiday Monday. We shared tacos and they were very tasty. The decor is stunning and it has a great ambiance. The churros were a treat from the restaurant and were superb.

The ambiance is laid back cantina. A very large and inviting space. We sat at the bar on a NYE afternoon. The restaurant was about half full. Quick service, with very flavorful food. While we only had two small plates they were very filling. The margarita is fairly sweet, which it should not be. The Oaxacan old fashioned was only passable. Considering it's touristy location it is good to try.

The patio is absolutely stunning -- one of the best in the city. If you're coming on a nice day, that's reason enough to go. The guacamole made tableside? Easily my favorite thing on the menu. Fresh, simple, and always hits the spot. They also serve crickets, which is a cool, unexpected touch -- respect for keeping it authentic. That said, everything else I've tried has been underwhelming and overpriced. It's a great place to bring out-of-towners or for the vibe, but if you're here for the food, temper your expectations.

Gord and I had supper last evening at El Caltrin. It was really hot and humid on the patio and the constant mist helped. We started with a Sangria de la Casa (red wine, guerra vermouth, pressed juice, fresh fruit). Gord had Atún Ceviche (ahi tuna, watermelon, guajillo, lime, cilantro, radishes). I had Pollo Quesadillas (adobo chicken, quesillo, pico de gallo). Both were tasty. It was weird, though, because his came out about 15 minutes ahead of mine. So he was finished when I just got started. Josie was our server and she was friendly and helpful.

Visited El Catrin Destileria in the Distillery District with a group of six friends during last Christmas--great for festive occasions. We ordered a few dishes to share & the below 2 are my highlights: Guacamole - Fresh, creamy, and a great starter Fish Tacos - My personal favourite: flavourful, well-balanced, and beautifully presented Mexican food is one of my favourite cuisines for its use of fresh, flavourful ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and herbs--all of which shine through here For the Interior, Seating, Lighting, Pricing: Located in the scenic Distillery District--perfect for exploring before or after your meal. Vibrant atmosphere, unique decor, and attentive service Portions are on the smaller side, but beautifully done *Prices are slightly higher compared to other Mexican spots, but the overall setting justifies it. Large drink menu with plenty of choices for cocktails and more Overall Value and Tips: This isn't your everyday Mexican spot--it's better suited for special occasions or treating yourself. The lively ambiance and festive setting make it popular with both locals and tourists. Tip: Make a reservation in advance, especially during holidays. Pair your visit with a stroll around the Distillery District--it's one of the most special venues in the area. If you've been to El Catrin, what's your favourite dish or drink and will you go again? Thinking of going? Let me know what occasion you're celebrating!

Located inside distillery district by the condo side. This place has an indoor seating and outdoor with heaters on the top and a fireplace area in the middle. We got seated outdoors since the inside was fully booked. Best to book if you want to sit inside. We were greeted kindly by the host and sat us down at a nice corner. We had Jose who was most phenomenal with service. He was personable and you can tell he cared and enjoyed his job. He suggested drinks for us with options depending on our preferences and got what he recommended. The baja tacos were not bad. The fish was cooked very well with a nice crunch. The flour tortilla isn't good at all in my opinion. It was chewy, should've asked for corn tortilla to sub instead. The chicken roll tortilla was mediocre. It's like a spring roll but not much flavour and anything that would want me to order it again. The ceviche was $22 and it was such a small portion. It's for half a person from what it looks like. The service is really what makes this place shine or what made 3 stars of this review. The food that we ordered was meh. The drinks were good though, highly recommend the watermelon one and the mango cocktail for a stronger alcohol taste. Rated: 3.5/5

Great patio and amazing decor inside! Huge tequila selection at the giant bar. The original margarita was really good, perfect lime & salt mix. We had the Tacos Al Pastor and the Birrias. Small but tasty.

I came here with my wife while on vacation in Toronto. We decided to eat here based on the very lively ambiance of the restaurant. The staff was very friendly. All the food was made quickly and was delicious. The prices were a little on the pricier side but definitely worth trying!

The restaurant has a beautiful aesthetic and is in a great location--definitely a nice spot for a night out. The hosts were welcoming and efficient, which set a positive tone right away. While the servers were attentive and offered feedback on the menu, the service felt a bit rushed. The food satisfied my hunger, but unfortunately, it lacked flavor and felt pretty mediocre overall. With such a stunning setting, I was hoping the food would match the vibe.

We had excellent service from the restaurant staff during a recent holiday lunch with our team at the beginning of December. The servers and manager were very friendly and attentive. The food was good and mostly sharable. Most of the team found the portion sizes smaller. It would be preferred to have dishes like the ceviche as individual sizes vs shareable. We thought it was reasonable priced given the location of the restaurant being in the Christmas market itself. I enjoyed the Chicken Tinga Flutes the most, they were moist, and flavourful. The group seating area is semi private and slightly crammed. 1/2 the area can comfortable fit 16 people but you can cram extra people on the ends if necessary. We had booked for 18 people and did not have 18 seats set up upon arrival. For larger group reservations, you have to deal with the event coordinator, it took us over a month to settle the bill as a result of different staff vacations. I found communication difficult because I could never reach the coordinator over the phone and response times were long. I would probably only come back if I was visiting the distillery and in the mood for Mexican.

I've had my best margarita in my life in EL Catrin! I went here with my coworker at 4pm on Friday, the ambiance is great, I like the design of the wall (makes me think of the movie CoCo) and the atmosphere takes you to another level. When we settled down, the waitress introduced day of special cocktails with us, and we ordered the Margarita Flight (Must order it!!!) -$48. You and your friend can share it, as the flight comes with 4 Margarita. Every one of it is SO GOOD! I can't wait to come back just for the Margarita flight.

We sat outside near the fire on a warm September evening for dinner. Great atmosphere outside and we also loved the decor inside. We tried the tacos which were very good. It would be even better if we could select different types of tacos instead of getting three of the same.

I love Mexican Food and I love this place; specially their patio. They have a beautiful decoration both indoor and outdoor and they also have heated patio during the winter months. They accept reservations for indoor dining, but patio is on first come first serve basis. Their staff are friendly and helpful. We ordered "Guacamole En La Mesa" and "Tuna Tostadas" as appetizers. Guacamole is made fresh at your table and the staff make it so fun to watch. It's also delicious. For entrée, I strongly recommend "Baja Fish Taco"; a bit spicy, but the creamy coleslaw makes it very tasty. We also tried their "Octopus", which was okay.

I really wanted to like this place. I think that the ambiance and servers were what saved this restaurant. The food was not good at all. It lacked flavor. I ordered the sopes de raja and somehow it tasted like absolutely nothing... The drinks were okay too. I ordered tacos de nopales, one of my favorite dishes, yet this one did not deliver. It wasn't authentic in my opinion. I think that the lights/decor and the día de los muertos vibe is what I enjoyed the most. Overall, I'm not sure that I'd come back.

It was good but WAY too expensive. I'm not sure how this happened but I spent $50 for three chicken flautas (plus one free because it was Tuesday) and a Mexican soda. Waitresses were great and the restaurant was clean, but noisy though I guess that's the vibe they're going for. Would not come back simply because the price is ridiculous.

Beautiful patio with heaters and a nice indoor area as well. The guac and tacos were delicious. The tacos were a little bit on the smaller side and pricey but they were worth it!

Had chicken tinga flautas & Baja fish tacos. The tacos were unbalanced with too much sourness but the flautas were pretty tasty. At these prices I expected more though. Also we sat outside & there was a huge fire going for a long time, though it was 27 degrees & sunny, so that wasn't pleasant.

Fantastic place in the distillery district. We sat at the bar because there were no tables available indoor, and the bar staff took great care of us. They easily accommodated the vegan in our group and we all ate well. Get the margarita flight and share it with friends. You won't regret it.

I love Mexican food , I heard so much about this place so I went to Catrin in Destileria today, I had Al pastor tacos that were a bit hard the meat no really soft and bit dried, my friend had the Birria-beef ones that were good and tasty , the mojitos drinks are good , Horchata Colada was not good ... kinda weird taste left in your mouth . Overall I rank 3 over 5... The service was good and cool decoration

Really good food and the ambience is lovely (definitely recommend sitting out by the fire pit) but the service was exceptional. Staff were very clear about what I could eat, food came very fast, and every staff recommendation was perfect for me. I was sad not to make it back before the end of my trip.

We were walking through the Distillery District and stumbled upon a super cool alley with funky lights, and as we stopped to look, salsa music allured us down the alley into the coolest restaurant I've been into. The music was 10/10 and the margaritas were 10/10. We didn't have any food, but the atmosphere and the drinks alone were enough to make us want to come back.

My cousin brought me to her go-to spot in The Distillery District, and it was a total win! We had some afternoon Cocktails and Chips & Salsa that hit the spot. Big thanks to Brit, our super sweet server--she made Siena feel extra special and was super friendly the whole time. Great food, drinks, and service--can't wait for round two!

I love El Catrin, for any special occasions. Great food and drinks, beautiful patio with heatings. Indoor is so romantic. The drinks are delicious and unique. My favourite is Mayan, it's lightly sweet, balanced with tamarind sour and mexican spices! Loved it. The esquites are out of the world !!! Warm and smooth yummmm... mouth melting. The love guacamole steals the show plus it is delicous and so authentically chunky. Being vegetarian I am pretty happy with the options available to me. Totally worth it.

Five stars for the patio and the ambiance, but the food and service bring it back down to three. If I had a little more tequila, I would have just gone with five because it's such a fun place. I think because of its location in the Distillery district it is touristy, but who cares? The outdoor patio had it all - great weather, twinkly lights, gorgeous people and party music. Unsurprisingly, the drinks are where they shine. The "mangonados" are dangerous. I took no pictures of the entrees because the food was pretty forgettable. Just go without expectations, grab the tequila (or mocktails) list and enjoy!

Came here on a Friday for lunch - it was a scorcher so say on the patio. The water mist that comes out in the patio area was very refreshing. Staff were great - attentive and efficient. The food was great too - I had virgin margaritas and fish tacos. Yum! We also shared a chips and guacamole which they made at the table. It was sooo good! The layout of the patio area was nice with space between tables and opportunity to people watch along the main path.

I went here on a Tuesday around 6:41pm for dinner since I was in the Distillery District and there was no wait! We sat outside at their outdoor dining area and a lot of people were there too, but the line to be seated had no wait. We ordered the Salsa El Jefe, Ceviche Mazatlan, Baja Tacos, and Birria Tacos. The Salsa El Jefe is salsa that is made at your table in front of you! It was fun watching the waiter make some fresh salsa since I've never had that table-side experience at a restaurant before. They also have other table-side items too, like guacamole, but I only wanted the salsa to go with the nachos. The Ceviche Mazatlan was cool and went well with the nachos it came with. The Baja Tacos were very fresh and was stuffed with seafood and veggies, and the Birria Tacos was also very stuffed with shredded meat too and was fun dipping it in the soup it came with. I'd recommend this place! All of the food was good! Overall, my favorite was the birria tacos because of how stuffed the taco was and tenderness of the meat.

Ambiance: (5 stars) Large ceilings, lots of wood. There is music playing in the background. They got tequilas that are 250$ an ounce. Overall I would come here for a drink, and skip on the food. Service: (5 stars) Very fast, a few minutes after ordering it was already ready. Food: All the meals are around 23. For steak it is closer to 40. Corn is ok. Expensive for what you get Baja tacos (2.5/5 stars)- not a lot of flavour, just deep fried. Enchiladas Verde (2/5 stars) - brunch item. Little flavour, the taste of the tortilla is the only thing that you really have taste. Birria tacos - (2/5 stars) - the tacos come with a liquid gravy on the side, otherwise they would be very dry. Limited flavor. Quesadillas gringa - (4/5 stars). The only thing which has any taste.

The food here is good! We enjoyed the fresh guacamole, quesabirria quesadilla, and baja tacos. The margarita flight was also a nice variety. Sitting outdoors was also fun, inside was nice, the whole place works. Our server was also friendly. It's just a little expensive.

I had the Horchata Colada (coconut tequila, rumchata, horchata, coconut cream, pineapple juice) which was good in flavour, but couldn't really taste the booze. The drink was quite watered down at $17.90 (maybe due to the horchata). For appetizers, we had the Ceviche Reyes (mahi mahi) which was small for what we received, and for the main I had the Baja Tacos (3 for $25.90). They came piled high in slaw and while I admit they were bigger than I thought, the prices were still quite inflated, especially since my friend ordered the same dish and the difference in size/amount of slaw was noticeable. The waitress was friendly and patient, despite half our group being late. The establishment offers a large year-round patio outdoors as well as indoor seating with a beautiful mural inside.

So you are touring the distillery and want a nice ambiance, great outdoor seating. Inside was nice too but just seemed a bit cramped. Waiter seemed nice and tried to be attentive, but really didnt go out of his way to accommodate. Ordered the guacamole which to way too long to get delivered: not sure why all the person did was mash the ingredients already in the bowl. No chips or anything offered while waiting. Had the fish, shrimp and beef tacos. Fish were definitely the best, though battered. Beef nice portion but bland. Shrimp were bland and skimpy compared to others. None had flavorful sauces inside or on the side(!?) So maybe nice place to hang and have some drinks, basic Mex "theme" food...

They have a beautiful restaurant seating both inside and outside. It took us about an hour to get a table when we tried to walk in on Victoria's day holiday on Monday. The food was alright i'd say. We got the chicken flautas as well as chips + salsa to share. Needed more flavoring. The Margarita flight was delicious but costed about 50 bucks. Overall I enjoyed the ambiance and vibe of the place. The servers are also very kind and friendly.

What a fun atmosphere outside on the patio with the mariachi band playing. The house made guacamole is a must and a couple cold margaritas and beers are perfect on a hot day in the city . Service by Andy was very good. Thank you.

Came here with friends for lunch! Everything was very yummy! I got huevos divorciados and added chorizo. It consisted of 3 fried eggs, salsa roja, tortillas, black bean purée, guacamole, cotija. It was very flavorful and tasted very fresh! My one friend got a chicken quesadilla and my other friend got birria tacos. Both enjoyed their lunches. For my drink I had a Caesar...which is like a Bloody Mary . Service was very good as well. I highly recommend if you're in the area.

Food - Mexican food. Table side chips and avocado, salsa, esquites, tuna tostadas, tacos, gorditas, flauta, especiales, drinks, and deserts. We ordered Birria Taco and tableside guac, and churros for desert. Birria taco was good with Birria sauce and hot sauce. Tortilla chips wasn't to my liking as it was too thick for me: my preference is slight thinner and crispier kind. Was still decent but just not the best. Service - was good. Busy place so don't think to get super pampered. Ambiance - it's like having a party with a lively ambiance as people are chatting away amidst the loud background music. Verdict - was good. Slightly pricey but good! Also, they charge coke by per glass and not refillable. I wish each waitstaff lets customers know that these drinks aren't refillable. It's not a bottled coke and it was even flat! For this, i take out one star!!

August 20/2023: Dinner with Keith & Nancy. Place was busy but not crazy for a Sunday evening. We dined alfresco as it was a nice evening. Our server "Angie" was a delightful young person. Very smily & interactive as a good server should be. The foods taste was delicious. As an appetizer we had the Guacamole ($18.00). Which consisted of 1 avocado, some onions/tomatoes & a little extra sauce, a little steep for one avocado! Main was the Baha Fried Fish Tacos (plus a taco). Very expensive again...$32.00/3 for four tacos! $8.00 for the extra taco. Also had the Cauliflower. Again, very tasty & very expensive at $21.00. For this restaurant you're paying for the location in the Distillery District. Ya gotta pay to play. Looking around for my next Mexican restaurant. This isn't a do over due to high price.

The tacos were so tasty! Had Al Pastor o. Corn tortillas and Baja tacos were excellent. Our waitress, Britt, was brilliant and patient with us. If they have the lemon margarita, GET IT! Salted with tahini! The whole staff was considerate. This place has great seating outside, but the inside vibe is amazing. Highly recommend.

This place is gorgeous and such a good option if you want to have a great Mexican dinner at a restaurant with a fantastic aesthetic. Huge patio, tableside guacamole, and so many food options

El Catrin is a symbol of Mexican cuisine's early influence in Toronto, and their patio is a gem. Located in the Distillery District, it's no wonder they have garnered significant popularity. However, I recently visited the place and had a somewhat mixed experience. With the rise of numerous Mexican restaurants in the area, the competition has intensified, which might have affected my expectations. Nevertheless, I must highlight their unbeatable patio area, which creates a delightful ambiance. The food was up to the mark. Guacamole was freshly made at the table. Fish Tacos (Baja) were huge and loaded with coleslaws. Drinks were perfect. But be careful when your server recommends you their four signature tequilas - they are full-sized servings, not samplers. Also, it was interesting how our server literally changed her face so quickly once after we paid the bill, as though we were being rushed to leave. Overall, it's a good place if you are seeking an enjoyable dining experience in a Mexican-inspired setting, though may no longer necessarily be a must-go in Toronto. Food (quality, presentation) - 3.5/5 Drinks (quality, variety) - 4/5 Ambience (interior, cleanness) - 4.5/5 Service - 2/5 Value - 3/5

Quite enjoyed my dinner at El Cantrin. A friend and I made a reservation for Saturday evening and it's a good thing we did because there was a lobby full of folks waiting to grab a table when we left. I ordered the baja tacos and a mango margarita. Both were delicious. The best way I can describe the ambiance and decor is very cool. It's a great vibe for a dinner date, group outing, or just to grab drinks with friends. Hopefully it's warmer the next time I'm in town so we can sit outside on the patio and soak in the Distillery District.

The service and atmosphere was great the food mediocre to say the least. Very overpriced - I would not return. They should work very hard to improve the quality of the food. The drinks came with glass full of ice.

Located in the Distillery District, El Catrin has a fun vibe with high ceilings, latin music playing, and a fun patio seating area. We had a larger group of about 15 and sat at long tables inside. We did more family style sharing. The made to order guacamole was fresh and delicious, as were the chips. I sampled the corn appetizer and the carne asada. The margarita drinks yum yum yum. Our server took great care of us and I recommend this restaurant for a fun and casual dinner.

Just ate there last night. T The. Food was top shbf. He Carlos has the two brands That we drank were readily available ..SERVICE WAS VERY SLOW Ambiannce very nice. Price is fair

Enjoyed lunch on a quiet Wednesday after. I was visiting from out of town but my friends who are regulars said they've never been when it was so quiet. We ordered many appetizers for the table, the guacamole made table-side was delicious and well seasoned. After so many appetizers (see pics), I ordered the ceviche for my lunch since I was almost full! A little tip- I added the guac to my ceviche on top of my chip. It was heavenly! My friend ordered the flight of margaritas- these are NO JOKE! The sizes are what some restaurants serve as regular margaritas! Just be prepared not to go back to work after lunch LOL. Good vibes, good food and great service!!

We had such a great time! The food was amazing and the drinks were even better! Our server Mason was so friendly and kind! The hostess Suhani was great and knowledgeable! I had the best time!

El Catrin came highly recommended so decided to celebrate my bday here (slightly delayed on posting). We booked our reservation through open table to make sure we had a spot. Nothing special for the bday but you can by your own dessert. Food was delicious and love the decor and Ambience. We did the Empanadas (C$14) for an appetizer. It came with two pieces which was perfect as one for each of us. There are described as Quesillo, epazote, crema fresca, iceberg lettuce, cotija, red salsa. I just thought it was a messy bunch of goodness. My partner had the Crispy Flautas De Res (C$22) they came as three rolled, filled and fried with shredded beef costilla, salsa papilla, iceberg lettuce, crema fresca & cotiia. I had the Pastor Tacos (C$22). They were delicious and weee served on flour tortillas with marinated shaved pork, pineapple, red onion dice, cilantro, and salsa verde. Would recommend this. Restrooms were awesome private unisex units. Really nice and private. We did have extremely slow service and there was no public Wi-Fi for guests to use. All in all, good fun and we enjoyed the atmosphere.

I had dinner at El Catrin Destileria at around 7 PM on a Friday night and was seated right away. They have a nice outdoor area with ample seating, as well as several tables and lots of space at the bar inside. I ordered the Birria tacos with a side of rice and chips and salsa. The salsas were delicious, especially the salsa verde. The rice was really flavorful. The Birria tacos are fantastic! I got three and was full after just two. They were loaded with pulled beef and they were so juicy that consommé was *almost* not needed. My server, José, was so personable and took the time to describe each dish and how it was prepared. He was the right amount of attentive and provided great service. I really enjoyed my meal here!

If you're in the Distillery District during the warmer months and are looking for a place to relax, El Catrin is definitely the place for you. It has a beach and a tropical feel. There is a beautiful outdoor patio and spacious, comfortable seating. In the evenings, the entrance chandelier illuminates the entire patio and romance fills the air. The fire pit in the center of the patio adds a touch of coziness. The owners and servers are friendly and helpful, and the food is delicious and beautifully presented!