Sometimes all you need in life is a great taco and a cold margarita. Whether it’s fried Haddock, braised chicken, or marinated beef, the best things in life are consumed in a fresh corn taco shell. Add a little tequila to the mix, and you’re in Mexican paradise! It's the perfect way to spice up the cold, damp spring we're having.
If this sounds like your kind of fun fare, head over to Playa Cabana Cantina in The Junction, and you will not be disappointed! Located at 2883 Dundas Street West, just west of Keele Street, Cantina is the younger sister of Playa Cabana on Dupont Street, just east of Davenport. On a Friday night, Cantina is packed to the brim, so play it safe and make a reservation. For us, the seat at the bar is the best seat in the house. Not only are we one polite 'eye contact and a smile’ away from a top up of perfectly crispy tortilla chips and a margarita refill, but we also have a chance to observe the bartender mix up a storm of unique bevvies. I picked up a few mixology pointers that are sure to come in handy at summer BBQs – just a few weeks away!
The atmosphere at Cantina is young, fun and relaxed, and the decor definitely reflects that, from the reclaimed wood table tops and booths to the highway signage that gives this place a Southern, Route 66-style vibe. I particularly love the hot pink neon letters that spell out “Liquor” and the antique American licence plate demanding prohibition that is a nod to the history of the Junction neighbourhood.
Where drinks are concerned, the offerings are quite impressive, boasting a lineup of creative tequila-based concoctions as well as the outstanding staple that brought us there in the first place – the margarita! We ordered the Jimador, which was not too sour and just sweet enough. If you’re not a cocktail kind of gal or guy, not to worry – there is also a great selection of beer and wine. But how can you possibly resist this:
Here at urbaneer we like to keep it classy, so where there is alcohol there needs to be sustenance. Enter the guacamole and tortilla chips! The dip was very fresh with just the right amount of zing, and the chips were super crunch and not overly salty. Frankly, if it wasn’t for the tacos that began arriving on perfect, little round trays, one after the other, we’d be hitting 'repeat' on the guac n’ chips until closing time! But a word to the wise: don’t fill up on chips, because the tacos are not to be missed. We ordered a few classics like the fish taco with fried Haddock and chipotle-tomatillo salsa, the delicious beef short rib on a crispy tortilla with gauc and crema, as well as the braised chipotle chicken breast with a bit of heat on a crispy tortilla, guac and crema. All three were delicious morsels of Mexican goodness.
Playa Cabana Cantina is a great neighbourhood spot, whether you're looking for an impromptu dinner with a friend, a birthday celebration, or maybe even a date! It’s a great destination for dinner, lunch or cocktail hour! Whatever brings you here, Cantina will keep you coming back.
Along with our other faves like Cool Hand of a Girl and Cut the Cheese, Playa Cabana Cantina is yet another great spot to discover in The Junction neighbourhood. Can you imagine having this fun spot just steps away from your home? Check out this one bedroom sky vista perch currently offered for sale with parking and locker for $309,900 —> A Fresh Starter in The Junction. It’s the ultimate urban space in a cool neighbourhood.
What to know more? Contact us!
~ Monika
Guest Writer: Monika MacMillan, Sales Representative
Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage – (416) 530-1100
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