Al Pastor Tacos
Pineapple, chilli, char. The order to judge the kitchen on.
Mexican · The Junction
Playa Cabana Cantina
Mezcal, margaritas and tacos in a room that has never once been quiet
MexicanThe Junction, Toronto$$Details being confirmed
The review
Playa Cabana Cantina is loud, dark, covered in colour, and entirely honest about what it is: a bar that serves very good tacos. The mezcal and tequila list is deeper than the room's decor prepares you for, and the margaritas are made with fresh lime and no mix, which in this city still counts as a position.
Al pastor is the taco to judge it on and it holds up — proper char, real pineapple, chilli that registers. Guacamole is made to order and large enough to justify itself. Everything else is fine to good, and none of it is why anyone is here.
Honest notes: the tacos are small and the bill climbs quickly once a table starts ordering rounds. It is loud from the moment it opens. There is no lunch. Go with people you want to drink with rather than people you need to talk to.
What to order
Guacamole & Chips
Made to order, and the portion justifies the price.
Margarita
Fresh lime, no mix, properly cold. This is what the room is for.
What works
- Mezcal and tequila list is deeper than the room suggests
- Genuinely fun for a group
- Kitchen runs late for the Junction
What doesn’t
- Loud — conversation is not really on the menu
- Tacos are small; the bill climbs faster than expected
- Dinner only
Verdict
Al pastor, a margarita, and a table of people who came to enjoy themselves.