El Rey Mezcal Bar

El Rey Mezcal Bar – Kensington Market, Toronto Sunny Sunday in Kensington Market, and we found ourselves on the patio at El Rey. We had our pup with us, and the staff were on top of it—water was brought out right away without us even asking. That kind of attention goes a long way. A fast two margaritas, guac and chips, and we were happy, happy, happy. Then came the ceviche—bright, with just the right amount of heat. Great flavours. This is some of the best Mexican food I’ve had in a long, long, long time. Five stars is five stars. Thank you, Neil.

My girlfriend and I had dinner here, and we absolutely loved it! The atmosphere and vibe of the place are fantastic, perfect for a relaxed night with great food and drinks. We tried several dishes and fell in love with their guacamole and tacos al pastor, both absolutely delicious! The birria tacos were also very good, slightly saltier than what we’re used to, but perfectly balanced with a yuzu pale ale: refreshing sourness after every bite. Another big plus? Great prices for the quality of food and drinks! It’s rare to find such amazing flavors at such reasonable prices. Great gluten-free options, even for dessert! A special shout-out to our server, who was incredibly kind and attentive, making sure everything was perfect. Can’t wait to come back when the weather is nicer to enjoy the outdoor patio with one of their signature drinks!

Great vibes, but food not so much. I've seen this place packed and finally got to try it on a Thursday evening. I was able to book a reso 2 at 7:30pm and upon arrival it wasn't busy at all. I liked their guac and chips, but I found the tuna tostada to be overly salty and their tacos were kind of plain. I always look forward to fish tacos and it tasted like a like a well battered fish stick with mayo on top. Thankfully it wasn't overly priced. I'd recommend for the vibes and probably return only for drinks.

Cozy bar, loved the decor. It’s a small place so getting a good table would require a reservation- we just walked in and got seated by the window on bar stools which wasn’t the most comfy. Everything we ordered was yummy, portions are not huge but that’s typical for a trendy place in a trendy area. Overall cute place

Really disappointed in the quality of customer service at this bar. The host, and one particular server Neil was incredible rude, projecting their stress, and lack of accommodation. Friday afternoon sitting in the patio when it was relatively empty, understanding that it may get busy. From the moment we arrived they were rude with request to share a table facing one direction. When it got busier we were asked to move rudely, not kindly, and we did. We moved and still had enough space between us and other customers. And they continued to harass us to move. Unimpressed by the lack of kindness and the projection of stress. If you can handle working at a restaurant, then don’t. We are paying customers and spending money and we were there less than an hour and spent over 100 dollars. Tacky treatment!

Stumbled upon this gem of a bar while trying to thrift, but unfortunately all the thrift shops closed so my girl and I walked by this spot and it was giving us Bushwick NY meets Toronto vibes so we decided to walk-in. We were pleasantly surprised with the vibes of this joint. Very moody, dark, sexy and lively. We had already eaten so we didn't try the food, however our bartender Pete greeted us with a smile and a contagious personality. We couldn't help but reciprocate and we enjoyed ourselves a great drink or two...maybe three haha. We're visiting Toronto so Pete gave us some Great recs in the area and he did not disappoint. The interior decor is warm and the lighting fills the room with a sexy amber hue. The textures on all of the walls were given elevated latin cantina and overall the space was very intimate, attractive and very Latin. Loved it Very much recommend to anyone in the area and say what's up to Pete and ask him about how to become an honorary Newfoundland-er haha.

Good vibes, good food and good mezcal! Love the ambiance of this resto. My favourite dish was the Shishido peppers.

Came here on a whim, and I was impressed! The food was amazing (and not too expensive). Their menu is limited which means they really have perfected the dishes they carry. I loved everything I ate, the ceviche, the tacos, and the dessert. The service was great too! Our server was really friendly, and took the time to explain the dishes (as one of my friends has an allergy). I also had my dog with me (their patio is dog friendly) and they brought him a cup of water. I will definitely be back here, this place has been added to my favourites list.

A bit of a wait on a Friday but that's to be expected for Toronto. Loved that they have outdoor heaters to extend patio season. Inside was really cozy and they had a great selection of drinks and snacks. Important that drinks weren't watered down because you want to get what you pay for! It's a great place in Kensington and better than the conventional bars further east in financial district!

Great drinks. Fun atmosphere. Def a place to stop. Fish tacos. Yum yum. Good music. Come hingry. And with one or many friends.

Oh El Rey how I love you!! Never a time that I don't feel like tacos and you guys do it so right. My go to is sharing some chips and gauc, a lime margarita, and one fish taco and one chicken. So cute in here. My favourite place to stop when in Kensington. I tell everyone to come here, everything from the service to the decor is off the charts. I come here as often as I can and am dreaming of my next visit. Thank you for fuelling my taco addiction!!

Food was really good , really good service , great with allergies and a very chill spot for a day of walking around the market

I enjoyed my dinner here, but it's not the best taco place in the city and it's a bit overpriced. As others have mentioned, the Crispy Squid taco was the absolute highlight. I could have eaten 10 of those. However the other tacos were a bit lacklustre. In particular, the Cauliflower taco was disappointing. The Chicken Pipian Molotes tasted like something I might have reheated from my freezer. Not great. I also had some cocktails - very overpriced. Don't bother with the Old Fashioned.

I had some rum and cokes and in it they gave me 3 giant ice cubes filling entire glass literally (silly) and the booze was virtually non-existant (could not even taste it) They are serving lowest end drinks that might even be watered down. I might as well have been drinking coke zero only. The bartender spoke to same girl forever at bar and finally asked me if I needed a drink. I tried one last time to see if it was me or them. (I was done trying to get an actual alcoholic drink after 3rd one) paid bill and left

Staff was very friendly and the food and cocktail were delicious. I loved the birria taco with the consome. I wanted to drink the whole consome up because it was so delicious.

First time here and saw good reviews. In kensington , so pretty busy area. Very limited inside seating , however they do have a patio that is not covered (have an umbrella above some benches). Although there was no line up it took awhile before someone came to sit us down... looked like they were understaffed and that was a little annoying. However otherwise my friend and i came for drinks and their cocktails are delicious and unique. Their ig page also shows what specials they have during the day. The inside decor is nice as well. Overall cool vibes. Didnt get a chance to try their food/snacks but if i do come by this place again i may give it another shot!

Great drinks, but not thrilled with the Mexican food. Food more like hipster-Mex fusion. If you want true Mexican tacos this is not your place. But if you drink several of their alcoholic beverages first, you'll think you are eating true Mexican street tacos (I suppose). Also, portions are small. You don't get what you pay for or maybe you do if you've had quite a bit to drink Over all I give this place a 5 for atmosphere and drinks and a 2.5 for their food. Oh, forgot service. Out waitress was ok but there was a guy with a Shania Twain t-shirt, that came by to check on us and he was super fun!

Look guys... the confidence is there but the heart is stuck in a abyss of blandness. Food is outright... bad. This is not authentic Mexican food. The Aztec gods are cringing in their graves at the thought of your "birria quesadillas". Drinks 8/10 Food 3/10 - Daniel from Los Angeles

This is one of my go-to spots when I visit Kensington in the summer, so with the last few waning warm days upon us I had to get in some tacos last night. El Rey is a vibey place with a cozy interior, bustling patio, excellent taste in music (heavy Daniel Caesar, R&B and old school hip hop) as well as one of the best mezcal selections in Toronto and plenty of delicious cocktails. Here's a rundown of the meal: - Drinks: hard to go wrong with any of their signature cocktails, but be bold and try one of the mezcal ones, you won't regret it - Guac and Chips: always solid, they do theirs with a cashew pesto (except for this time as they graciously handled our table's cashew allergy) and some pico de gallo. I love their homemade chips, they're thicc and pack a good crunch - Al Pastor: a solid but unspectacular taco in my eyes, they do it well enough but it doesn't quite blow me away - Crispy Squid Tacos: the combo of tamarind + coconut I was skeptical about at first, but they played it really well and it turned out great - Birria Burritos: these are pretty hefty, packed with meat and served with sour cream and a spicy consomme flavoured (?) aioli. These are delicious and I loved the sauces, just take notice that these are not served with consomme on the side. The birria meat itself was very delicious too. - Birria Quesadillas: the more traditional birria style, these ones have cheese, plenty of meat and a side of consomme and their spicy aioli. The combo of birria quesadilla + spicy aioli + consomme definitely packed a punch and was a heck of a bite. My only qualm here was it would be nice if the quesadillas were crispier and if the consomme was a bit less salty Overall would say this is one of my fave mexican spots in the city. They do their meats really well, everything is fresh, and their cocktails are great which makes this perfect for anything from a lunch with friends to a date night.

Unexpected find! Got to Kensington on a Monday night kinda late, 7:30pm. As the taco places we wanted to go to was closed or closing. So found this spot and grabbed takeout (lockdown 2.0)! Their tacos were amazing! So we're the drinks!! Can't wait to come back and sit on their patio and try out all the rest of their items!!

Came here on a whim with a friend as we were just strolling through kensington market looking for a quick bite to eat! It's a smaller restaurant but the interior design is beautiful and super cozy! Lucky for us we came during happy hour and they had $4 off margaritas. We each had a marg and it was supperrrrr boozy and also quite delicious. I was a bit shocked by their food prices (example: $12 for 2 tacos), which seemed a bit drastic. There are other Mexican restaurants in Kensington, so you want somewhere a bit more affordable then I suggest going elsewhere.

Situated on the edge of Kensington Market, you'll find Grant van Gameren's mezcal bar, El Ray. In addition to incredible cocktails, they serve a mean takeout menu of Mexican-influenced street fare including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and molotes. For tacos, try the Al Pastor (grilled pork with pineapple relish), cauliflower or crispy squid and tamarind. If you're looking for something a bit different, opt for one of the molotes, a crispy corn-based pastry pocket stuffed with a variety of braised proteins and veggies. El Ray's guac is also a must -- laced with just the right amount of cilantro for a refreshing bite. If you're hungry, consider ordering extra because each dish comes with two pieces.

I come to this place quite a bit, and always spend $100 PLUS. Last night I took a friend and spent about $260 after tip. I love going out and splurging here. It saddens me that last night I had never been treated so badly by a member of service staff in my life.. I almost wanted to ask "hi I'm sorry did I do something to offend you" but felt it would be somewhat inappropriate. At this point we wanted to order Mezcal and the server hadn't been to our table in a while and we kept trying to get his attention... FINALLY, he is walking by our table, I perk up and ask "excuse me".... I kid you not this man child stopped dead in his tracks, ROLLED HIS EYES, turned to us and went "yes" in such a demeaning tone... I'm sorry to bug sir is it literally not YOUR JOB to be here and serve your tables... we asked for the shots and he never came with them... we had to ask the kind other server that was clearly picking up his slack the whole night.. she was an angel.. we had our shots in minutes. I will be back, but I will never let some man ever treat me like that again while I'm paying good money to enjoy myself.. so I'll come prepared next time and will match what ever energy he throws at me.. Love this place for the Mezcal, ambience, and the food is great! Just learn how to hire people that treat others with the BARE MINIMUM of respect...

This little hole in the wall spot is super cozy, cute and perfectly tucked away in between the shops. Britt B. located this place on Yelp when researching the neighboring vintage shops. She wanted to give it a try due to her affinity for mezcal. We were greeted by our bartender and server Mark(c) immediately upon entry. We opted to take seats at the bar given our sole purpose was to enjoy adult beverages. Two of us ordered margaritas with sugar rims and the other two opted for the Open Windows cocktail featuring mezcal. The margarita was great and the other cocktail was enjoyed by the gals who appreciate the smoky flavor of mezcal. In fact, they enjoyed two each. I would've loved to try the tacos; however, we enjoyed a large lunch at the CN Tower earlier in the day so I lacked the appetite. We did order the guacamole and chips as well as the marinated cucumbers. I loathe cucumbers so I can't attest to whether or not these were enjoyable. Albeit, the girls appeared to enjoy them. The guacamole was quite different than what I'm accustomed to ordering as it featured garbanzillo, crispy chickpeas and pickled cucumbers. It's definitely an interesting twist on good ole faithful guacamole with a hint of lime and fresh cilantro! The chips were nice and crisp and somewhat mimicked a pita chip. Mark(c) did an excellent job taking care of our needs and was super friendly. Additionally, he provided some worthwhile advice when asked about particular venues. The drinks were superb, the food was fresh, the restaurant and restrooms were clean. I would definitely return here, but with an appetite!

Mezcal is in their name, and El Rey wins at that game! I'm a huge fan of mezcal so naturally was excited to try to this cute little bar in the Kensington Market neighborhood, and to say this place exceed my nonexistent expectations would be an understatement. Came here my first night in Toronto, and after a long day of traveling, I couldn't think of anything I wanted more than a taco and a mezcal, and El Rey fulfilled that hankering (and then some). El Rey is pretty small, and on a Friday night, the place was popping! Upon arrival we were greeted by the host (who doubled as a bartender) and let us know he'd get us a table, and less than five minutes later, we were escorted to the next room and sat at an adorable two top. Our waitress came over quickly and took our drink order. I had the Open Window (tequila, mezcal, chilis) and wow did it hit the spot. Smoky, spicy, and very drinkable; it was absolutely delicious. I took the al pastor tacos, with a pineapple relish, and this smoky hot sauce that was out of this world. The perfect hint of spicy while still retaining flavor yet not taking away for the tender meaty flavor of the al pastor. El Rey definitely leans more on the side of a bar that happens to serve food, over the other way around, but that is fine with me! El Rey is one of those places that specializes in one or two things and absolutely murders it. My friend had the Walker Choice cocktail, which was very floral, effervescent, and very refreshing. Overall, amazing food, beverages, services, and vibe!! Def a place I could see myself coming back to just hang out and grab drinks with friends, especially in the summer months because it looks like they have an adorable patio outside.

To be fair I didn't try the food but I'm giving the Hibiscus Financier the 5 stars because it was a fun dessert to look at and eat. Loved the flavor & texture. The staff were also friendly and the overall vibe is sweeet!

Yup, it's that good. The molotes (crispy pouches with goodness inside), the tacos, the guac, the pozole (traditional soupy stew), the cocktails! I always loved the cocktails here, and even in winter, they were serving up a to-go hot boozy cocktail that was seriously one of the best hot cocktails I've had. Everything here is top notch. Can't wait to enjoy their cozy interior again one day in the future. But for now, takeout (and hopefully the patio in the near future) will have to do. It's definitely one of Kensington's most sought-after patio spots. And now you know why! :) xo

First time trying El Rey. Limited taco options on the menu and not much seating inside. The food was decent. Ordered nachos with guacamole dip, Birria burritos, and cauliflower tacos.

El Ray never disappoints. Whether it's cocktails, ceviche, or Mezcal they always hit the spot. The ambiance inside is so warm no matter where you're sitting. The patio is a patio. They have such friendly staff always willing to recommend food n' drinks. Yes they have good tacos, guac, and margaritas... but the name of the place is MEZCAL BAR! So if you Don't know what that is ask their staff and step into the world of Mezcal. Perfect date spot. Prices are what you would expect anywhere decent in Toronto.

The costumer service ladies outside, really wanna sell me a dish that we don't want to have, she kept repeating it 3 times the moments we wanted only chips with guacamole , then asked her is she can put guacamole on the side she said no I can't put in the side. We end up having only drinks! It's owners lost we could spend more money on food, but her attitude made us going somewhere else;-(

Gord and I had supper this evening at El Rey Mezcal Bar (they opened in May). It's a cute spot. They had a great rum selection (which I appreciated) and an interesting beer selection (which Gord appreciated). Gord had the Anticuchos ... "Peruvian meat skewers" is beef heart (Gord is adventurous at times). He said it was really good and he'd get it again. I had the Skirt Steak Tostada. It too was delicious. It had a bit of a bite. I'd get it again. Nick was our server and he took good care of us. He was very knowledgeable about the food and their rum. We'll be back!

I like the ambiance - there's a lot of detail in the interior. However, it's pricey. Especially for Kensington, in my opinion. Considering that this place was opened by the same owners as Bar Raval, which is one of my all time favourites, I'm fairly disappointed. We came on a Tuesday night around 9pm. Only one guy was serving - it didn't take long for the orders but he didn't seem to really want to be there, which is fair if you're serving the joint solo. More or less: I was hungry and I felt bad for ordering food. It was margarita night which meant $3 off, but it was still $10 for a margarita - didn't feel quite like a deal to me, but much expected from a place like this. The margarita wasn't special either - tasted like a frat party premix. The food was okay but for its size and price, it's $$. I tried all three tacos (beef brisket, pork and squid), I was only impressed by the pork. The guac and chips were okay - the chips are hella salty, so beware! I liked the touch of cranberries in the guac. I wouldn't go again on a weekday night. From the other reviews, I feel like it might be better on a busy weekend... however, that sounds like a nightmare to me.

Came here on a sunny day after work to get drinks on a patio. The patio was full, so we sat by the windows, which was still pleasant. I ordered the La Niña Fresa (light & sweet) and my boyfriend had the Paloma (alcohol tasted pretty strong). We also ordered fries/chorizo to share, which was kind of a poutine. It had Tocino mayo, cheese, jalapeño peppers, bean sauce, and crumbled chorizo! The atmosphere inside is really fun and it's in a good location.

Had a dinner on their patio and was extremely disappointed with their service. At first I was forgiving of the mistakes because restaurants are understaffed due to covid, however our server was actually condescending and rude - I was shocked. The food was ok but nothing special and was pretty over priced. There are definitely better Mexican spots in this city.

This is my first post-COVID-outbreak restaurant review, so I might be being more generous than my usual self. With that being said, I still think that El Rey is excellent and deserving of your attention next time you're in the Kensington Market area. First and foremost, the staff was VERY attentive to 2020-appropriate health and safety protocols. That means: wait staff wearing masks the entire time, digital menus, hand sanitizer bottles on the table, the whole 9 yards. The patio tables (which had great ambience with the dim lighting later on in the evening) were well spaced apart and I felt comfortable the entire time. After my safety-related concerns were all addressed, I dug into the tacos and the Guac & Chips - all of which were spectacular. The Al Pastor was the perfect combination of sweet and savoury, but the Crispy Squid tacos is really what won me over. I know some people may have reservations with having squid on tacos, but I'd definitely give it a try. The guac could have used a little more seasoning, but after 4 months staying at home, I was just happy to eat guac. All in all, I had a great experience at El Rey. Make sure to get there early so that you can secure a seat on their patio!

Strolled in here while in Kensington market area. It was our last day here, and I wish I stumbled into this place sooner. Like the area it's in, this bar had the chill hipster vibe. The bartender was attentive and chilled and the drink he made was delicious. I would visit this spot again if I visit Toronto again. I would visit Kensington market as a whole if I go back. That's my favorite area.

Cute little restaurant inside of kensington market with a bigger patio outside. I went there at around 6pm on a Saturday and was able to get a seat inside in about 10 minutes. The interior feels very western with dark woods and knick knacks around, doesn't feel like you're in the city. I just got a few snacks. Got the empanada, cripsy outside hot savory filling inside with a tangy a bit spicy dipping sauce on the side. The octopus tostada was beautiful to look at, bright green from the avocado with red chilis on top. But for $15 it was very small. The octopus itself was nicely grilled and taste good but it was a snack for the price of an entree. With an extensive drink menu this is a great place to grab a snack and drinks but I wouldn't come hungry or else i'd have to spend a good amount to be full

Cute spot. Went here for an early brunch and sat on the patio. We waited about 20 mins for someone to come to us to ask if someone had helped us already. Anyways, I got a quick bite to eat -- the bean and cheese tostada -- which I really enjoyed. It was super tasty but extremely smallllll (so I'd say to get three if you're starving). Overall it was a cute patio but I won't be coming back because of how limited the menu is.

Decent food -- like snacks though, at least for me. Are tostadas bite-sized? Maybe I'm just a big eater. But tasty tasty tasty! Good atmosphere and friendly staff. They're willing to banter with you and make custom drinks if you'd like. That being said... expensive drinks. Everything is kinda expensive in Kensington though. They're decent tasting drinks but I'd rather go to a proper cocktail bar instead of a Mexican place for that price. The patio looks cool though, I wish I had tried that out. Also they had this freaky mirror thing going on on the walls or ceiling? I forgot but it was pretty rad when I first noticed it. Overall, not bad for what it is.

Went here on a whim on a cold Monday night for a drink and a bite. It was pretty quiet in the place, we were the only people in the bar area. We decided to try the special cocktail because it was mainly bourbon and lemon (marmalade, something they make themselves) and some other things. We tend to go for beer because Canadian cocktails are so high-priced for so little booze, but we liked the description. It was a really tasty drink. Onto the food. We had the anticuchos, which is beef heart, with chimmichurri. It was delicious. There are usual 3 skewers per order, but our server suggested we add another one onto the other for easier sharing. An excellent suggestion. We also got the bean quesadilla. There were two different kinds on the plate, one blue corn and one yellow corn (it was dark). These were simple and delicious. Tasted really fresh. Tortillas were a bit on the rustic side, so a bit grainier in texture than some, but they held together. (And stale tortillas are the worst, so I appreciate the effort here.) We ate these with some squirts of the two house salsas, which were both hot and delicious. While these were not inexpensive bites, they also didn't break the bank. Most importantly, they delivered a huge flavour bang for the buck. The service was friendly, casual, thoughtful and skilled. I would definitely come back. Looking forward to sitting on their patio come summer.

Came here for the drinks and was very pleased, since I don't drink, they were able to make one of their cocktails virgin, also very friendly staff!

I have been to this spot a few times and never have anything to complain about. Bartenders are top notch and exceptionally skilled. Food is never a disappointment, I've had nearly everything on the menu and it's always mouth watering. Best guacamole I've ever had. Atmosphere is very cozy sun or snow, the patio in the summertime is one of my favourite places to be. Sometimes there is even a live mariachi band! Definitely would recommend to everyone I know.

Excellent if you like tequilla, mezcal or cocktails in general. This place is basically dangerous if that's what you like. Compared Repesado on Ossington, the prices here are much better and the ambiance is much more relaxed.

Really 3.5 stars. I came here a few times two years ago and loved it! They had unusual snacks (there was a crispy fried wafer like chip with a hot sauce on top) and more options for mains outside of the current tostadas and tacos. It also tasted amazing. Since then then the menu has changed significantly and I find the food is just OK in flavor. The drinks and ceviche are still great. The service is still friendly and attentive. And I love the cozy decor and vibe. (plus a patio!) Unfortunately the menu and the food hasnt been as good as it used to be. It's also pretty expensive for what you're getting.

A really cool Mexican spot in Kensington. I REALLY liked the chicken tostada I got as well as the chorizo fries. The guac was good, but not amazing and I wasn't the biggest fan of the empanadas.

I came here for cocktails on a Friday night. It was full but we were seated promptly. Very cute space - dimly lit - perfect for date night. What I can't get over was the service. I can't remember the last time I was treated so well at a bar. We were promptly greeted upon arrival with a smile and conversation. The bartender was witty and eager to help us select the right cocktail for our tastes. All the staff were an absolute dream!

Overall experience: 8.5/10 Food: 8.5/10 Atmosphere: 8/10 Service: 8.5/10 Looking at photos, you would think that El Rey is a small joint with select bar seating and a few tables near the window behind the bar. My friend and I were ended up being seated in a little seating area, just to the left and up a couple of stairs as you enter. It is a physically transportive experience. You no longer are in Kensington or Toronto, but rather a wonderfully local Mexican joint. The lighting is dim (but not in an obnoxious way) and the decor authentic. But to the food. We shared the hamburguresa and the empanadas. To top off the night, we each enjoyed a grilled octopus tostada. All in all, I would say what you will enjoy at El Rey is small but mighty. Dishes have been well thought out and each possess their own zest and flavour. An easy add to the list of ones to come back to. THE BOTTOM LINE: A great little spot if you are looking for something fairly quick, not too fancy, but delicious.

Clean and safe patio. Felt very CovidFriendly if you can call it that but lots of sanitizer and precautions. Everything we ate was perfection. Portions were great tacos filled just right and the hot sauce is on point. Highly highly recommend!

Came here for late night cocktails on a Saturday night in January. Brought friends visiting from out of country. While paying for the bill, my friend's coat (including his sunglasses and leather gloves) was lifted from the coat hook by another guest! We later watched the surveillance video from the robbery. The thief put the stolen coat on and then added his over top and left. When we called the owner the next day to report the theft, he could not have cared less about keeping us as customers or making things right for us despite our $1,500 loss at his establishment. When you charge $135 for a bottle of wine, you may want to offer your guests a safe place to put their coats. Duh. On principle alone, I am boycotting El Rey and their sister spot, Bar Raval. Watch your bags at this place. After all, it's still Kensington market.

Came here for dinner with my man and my oldest and dearest friend. We were all well lit up before we arrived and excited to have some Mezcal. But for $38 per person for three tastes (.75 of an oz.) we decided against it. I know and like mezcal, but I simply won't pay $15 a shot for it. Food ranged from ok to fab. The peanuts and crickets were a little overpriced considering that peanuts are free at a lot of bars. The small amount of cricket protein didn't satisfy me as paid for snack. The crunchy things with Valentina's sauce were also not very satisfying and definitely not worth $6. Empanadas were some of the best I've had. Excellent pastry and delicious filling! Octopus and Skirt steak tostadas were both wonderful. Mushroom quesedilla was great, too. By far, the winner in the race? The Beef Heart Antihuchos. Delicious tender nuggets of beef heart in a skewer. Service was fantastic. Friendly and on the ball. If we dropped a fork, it was immediately replaced. If the waiter overheard that we wanted hot sauce, he brought two. He was also great about describing everything the menu to us. Overall I really enjoyed this place, but I felt that we spent almost $100 on just snacks. Most of which was very fun and delicious but not satisfying. And the price of the mezcal was a huge turn off. I might come back if all I'm after is a snack, but if I'm going to go to a mezcal bar, I'd like to drink mezcal and not have 3 flights of .75 oz. It's a steep price for a liquor that people are still discovering. I'm also not cheap. I believe you get what you pay for. But if three of us had the mescal tasting, our bill would have started at $125 after tax and tip. That's a little pricy. Although I think the value could be better, it was a fun night and we definitely enjoyed ourselves.

Ok ok ok ok beggars can't be choose this shit ain't chipotle (at all). Ok Daddies and Mommies rule number one of your Mexican spot is have the best possible tortilla. This place has the finest tortilla in Upper Canada. Perfect texture and crunch, not over cooked or overly greasy (I'm looking at all ya'll other tortilla spots in Toronto). I'm only talking about the Tortilla it belies all triumphantly. They could put Kensington market raccoon and black squirrel meat and it would be delicious; because of the elegant tortilla. Perfect atmosphere Kensington is a self-sustaining ecosystem, if were of sovereign nation it would be a heavenly place. Bless the market. This review is massively biased by the fact that I adore every pebble on this street.

Excellent customer service. Very accommodating. Amazing drinks. Strong and delicious.

Have been here a few times already, and each experience has been pretty good. Highlights would be the summer-ready patio and quick, attentive service. My favorite food items are the shishito peppers, ceviche, and anticucho skewers. The portions aren't massive, but all the more reason to order a bunch of dishes and share them with your posse. On the alcohol front, I can't say I'm a Mezcal convert just yet, but their "What Is Mezcal" introductory item comprising of three different types of Mezcals is definitely worth a try. I'm more of a fan of their cocktails, especially the smooth and breezy Open Windows. Out of Grant van Gameren's three main posts, this one feels the most casual and perhaps the most modest in its ambitions, but the end result makes for no less of an enjoyable experience.

Toronto is a city blessed with great cocktails and El Rey is certainly one of the many great spots in the city. The setup and decor, as well as the bar selection is very much on point as with other Grant van Gameren joints. The lighting, atmosphere, and even the general clientele all make for a rather unique place to visit within Kensington. The prices are reasonable and the cocktails are pretty decent as well. My one big issue with this spot is the music volume, which makes it not only difficult to hear friends but to even order drinks at the bar. We mentioned it to the staff (who had difficulty hearing our orders and agreed about the noise) but nothing changed. Overall, this is a great spot in Kensington for an inspired cocktail, but I personally prefer my cocktail bars quieter than King St. clubs.

Nice spot for a lively catchup with friends and tasty nibbles. Nice patio feels. As much as everyone loves the owners' other spots, Bar Isabel and Bar Raval, El Rey was more my speed this past summer. A relaxed, but still buzzy atmosphere to suit the Kensington vibe.

Just speaking from a drinks perspective, this place is top for mezcals. I don't know of another place that has the vast selection as El Rey. Amazing place to hang out in the summer.

Opened by the same folks behind Bar Raval, El Rey really really misses the mark in all things that make Bar Raval-or any bar in that case; successful. I came here on Saturday night to a bustling El Rey. Was very excited to try the food and drinks but I left so dissapointed and disatified. First there was no hostess but 2 wait staff told us a table of two would probably be a 2 hour wait. We were invited to hang out at the bar area which was crowded, a young group of 4 women monopolized 7 stools and a hefty portion of the bar while we stood around (they should have not let this happen at least with the stools). Another staff asked us if we wanted to order and food or drinks we said we were waiting for a table for 2 and he said there was one available (what happened to the 2 hour wait?) While he was seating us there was another wait staff that was about to usher another couple to the same table (where is the organization/communication?). Food: There are many items off the menu with MP (Market Price) including the quesadilla and Mexican sandwhich. I understand MP for seafood but for bar snacks? Really?. Not to mention the 3 staff we spoke to didn't even know the prices for the MP items. We were told the quesadilla sold out. So we tried the sandwich and the beef open face quesadilla thingy (sorry forgot what they called it). Not impressed at all. The sandwich was halibut which was great but for $15 it should not be a sandwich on its own. You can probably bring your $15 and get a full meal with it not just a half sized sandwich or equal or better quality. The flavours were not exciting, some guacamole and red cabbage to dress it up was unimpressive. The beef thing was horrible. It was steak pieces with what seemed to be an Italian marinara sauce and cheese on a tortilla. Drinks: You know how it feels a when you order an iced tea from Starbucks and realize after 3 sips that you just waisted your money on ice? Well you will feel the same equal disappointment with El Reys cocktails. The cups are filled with crushed ice to the brim, two sips and your drink is done, you are left staring at a glass full of ice (literally!). I understand crushed ice for some types of cocktails like something more heavily liquor based but for a refreshing summery drink like the Mexploitation which is their version of a Mai Tai (iced tea based Cocktail) you'd expect to get a fair amount of drink. I really am never THIS disatisfied with a restaurant. The staff was really friendly but so disorganized. The food and drinks are crazy overpriced for the portions and quality. If I could get my money back I would in a heart beat.