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Chino Locos
Categories: Restaurants Mexican Restaurants Asian Fusion Mexican, Asian Fusion [Edit]
4 Greenwood AveToronto, ON M4L 2P4
Neighbourhood: Leslieville
(647) 345-5626
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 9 pm
Sat 12 pm - 9 pm
Sun 12 pm - 8 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
52 reviews for Chino Locos
Review Highlights
52 reviews in English
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Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
10/20/2011
You know, I thought Burrito Boyz was good....
I was already impressed when I brought it back to my office and picked it up, and it was HEAVY. I mean, like at least 2 lbs.
I was also impressed by how the thing did not fall apart while I was eating it.
Okay, really - CHOW MIEN instead of rice in your burrito?!?! It wasn't crunchy, but definitely a chance of pace. Also TONS of toppings that you don't need to pay extra for, including guac, cheese, sour cream, red onion, green peppers, edemame beans, black beans, cilantro and chipotle sauce.
$6.99 you can get steak, pork, fish (wow looks yummy), chicken with all I mentioned above, rice or noodles.
$7.99 there is a VEGAN option that looks also equally amazing.
Honestly, after stuffing your face, it all tastes the same, except for the texture.
I just finished it in my office, and now time for a nap! -
Review from Golnar F.
Toronto, ON
1/12/2012
Fish Burrito - Yum!
I've been meaning to put up a review since this is my neighbourhood joint but I keep forgetting to do so.
As all the reviews indicate ... chow mien killer of all your traditional rice burritos. Listen for all y'all who are too afraid to venture the rice is still there but if you're trying to be healthy, the owner has vowed that the chow mien is healthier and heck it tastes muy better.
I always get the fish but I've had their chicken and steak and the occasional special, the swimming wonders of the world still taste the best to me.
The owner is fantabulouso and will remember your name and the crazy Mexican wrestling decor makes your short wait entertaining. If you're impatient call ahead and pick up the burrito ... just don't bring your dog like I usually do ... they love burritos as much as you do and that burrito might not make it home in tact. -
Review from Yvonne T.
Chino Locos - translates into Crazy Chinese. Are we crazy? I guess the media would like you to think so with stories of onlookers ignoring an infant that was run over by a van, with some of the things we eat (chicken feet?) etcetera. Well the owners at Chino Locos have taken crazy in a positive direction with their spin on burritos made with chow mein? Yeah - they went there!
I am a loyal fan of Burrito Boyz - but Chino Locos put my loyalty to the test. Without fail, whenever I'm chomping on a burrito you better believe it that I'm gettin' me one of them halibut bad boys! But today, since I would be experimenting with a chow mein burrito I thought, what the heck - a rib eye burrito it shall be! Plus isn't it usually one of the more expensive cuts of steak you can get at a restaurant?
The burrito was properly named as "Off the Hook" - other ideas could've been Om-nom-God, Yummy in my Tummy etcetera. The beef was charred perfectly, and was tender and bursting with pure beef flavour. The chow mein was different, but in a good way. For next time, I will probably take the heat down a notch, as I got spicy and it kind of drowned out any other taste of the ingredients (guac, sour cream, etcetera).
Verdict:
I left Chino Locos completely torn - like Bella Swan from the infamous Twilight books is torn between her love for Jacob and Edward. I think I have to have 2 favourites now for my burrito fix (sorry Burrito Boyz - hope that polygamous relationships work for you!).
My one beef is the food handling. The cashier who handled money, didn't put on gloves before handling food. I was a bit put off by it, but heat kills everything right?! The usual Jumex sodas are available. I got the Guanabana flavour - its absolutely divine! I've tried others (pineapple, guava etcetera) and this is one of the better ones.
This place is more for takeout as there isn't much seating. Their mascot dons a wrestling mask, and the theme is further perpetuated while on location with their television playing wrestling matches.Listed in: Hold on to your sombrero!
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Review from Natalie T.
East York, ON
10/23/2011
I was excited to try Chino Locos because a few friends had raved about it.
My friend and I paid an impromptu visit to the Greenwood and Queen location. There were about three customers on a Sunday afternoon. Whenever I visit a new place, I like to try their classics and Chino's said that their was the pulled pork burrito. So pulled pork it was. They also advised (as per their site of 15 + rules of ordering) to get the works on it. So the works I got. My friend got the Chicken bento box (which really isn't a bento box but the ingredients of the burrito separated in a styrofoam container without the tortilla).
A note: there are about 3 seats in the joint; it's strictly a take-out kind of place and they don't do delivery. We ended up going to the Film Buff down the street to sit on the bench and eat.
Unfortunately, I was really disappointed with the flavour of the pulled pork. There was none! Added to the fact that there were too many ingredients in the burrito that overpowered the pork. The chicken had a mild flavour.
Luckily, I paid 75 cents extra for sour cream to clean my palate. As I started fishing through the burrito I noticed the "guac" was a hard unripe avocado at the bottom. Yuck!
That said, it seems that basta fish is what they're known for and I'm curious to see how the burrito tastes with chow mein noodles instead of rice.
Hopefully, it won't be as disappointing as this visit.Listed in: Mexicana
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Review from Jeff S.
Toronto, ON
2/6/2012
Unquestionably the best burrito in Toronto, and believe me, I've searched.
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Review from Teresa B.
East York, ON
2/7/2012
Honestly the best burrito ever! These guys are amazing and take time to make your order outstanding. The problem is after ive had one i want them for every meal.
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Review from Peeter L.
Toronto, ON
1/13/2012
Had the basa burrito. Great medley of flavours, and I really liked the chipotle component. Noodles better than rice for my pallette. This is a huge Meal. Easily feeds two with one burrito. As burritos go, though I'm no expert on them, I think these are as good as they get. I cut the burrito in half and ate it by hollowing out with a fork, leaving the wrap and paper. Looking forward to a more Asian variant. I would like some good crunch on the tortilla or some other interesting wrap.
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Review from Mimi C.
Toronto, ON
1/12/2012
Novel burrito choices. You have a choice of chow mein or rice for your burrito. I tried the pork and fish one and they were both very good. The price is a bit high but you get pretty big portions. There is particularly little to no seating space available. It is better for take out.
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Review from Roma M.
10/6/2011
There comes a time in a Yelper's life where one wonders, 'Why on earth haven't I reviewed this place yet?' and I have that thought now about Chinos Locos.
These 'Crazy Chinese' owners have stolen my heart through their delicious AZN take on the burrito. Seriously, Chow-freaking-Mein instead of rice and hunger-pang inducing grilled basa fish. I vehemently stand-by ordering 15 minutes in advance, because no one wants to watch them tauntingly grill, sizzle and fry in your presence. It's a cruel tease.
Also, suck it, Chipotle. These guys also offer tortillas in whole wheat and include guacamole. You don't.
My burrito of choice? Da Finest, $6.99. (From website: Sauteed white basa fish, guacamole, tomatoes, edamame beans, red onions, black beans, green peppers, cilantro, cheese, sour cream, chipotle sauce)Listed in: My 30-Day Yelp-athon, Burritos
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Review from Eric W.
Toronto, ON
9/25/2011
So, I am not one of the people out there who has drank the burrito kool aid. i find the outbreak ( yes, outbreak, like a blight or a disease) of burrito joints a bit stupid, as its all the same slop wrapped up and pretty dull. I understand the irony, as i am such a huge burger fan, and really, lets compare the spread of both of these across the city.
but I digress, Chino loco really changes my mind. i think its almost unfair to lump them in with all the others, like comparing my beloved Queen Marg. to pizza pizza really. chino loco does it all right, fresh toppings, and tasty, not overcooked and sloppy meats, and the option for noodles. bless them. the church location is a bit bigger, but, i think i like the Leslieville location just a bit more. the combination of asian and mexican flavors thats so hot in Cali right now, and i am surprised hasn't been imitated by all the other burrito hacks out there. now if only they upped the game, and went a bit wilder with the asian stuff, i would be there weekly.
yum. yum. yum, -
Review from Teresa H.
Greektown, Toronto, ON
6/15/2011 2 Check-ins Here
And I thought that Chexican was a joke from a commercial. Here at Chino Locos it is a truth!
I had the Basa fish with chow mein Burrito. I normally like the chow mein a little crunchier so, I did have to take a star off for that. But what a brilliant invention chow mein in a burrito! The basa fish was delish. I was dreaming of fish tacos, this is the next best thing!
I'm not sure that I can handle all the other inventions, but I would think that the pork is definitely the next one to try. Can't wait to get back to it. -
Review from Daniel O.
8/14/2011
Chino Locos makes a wicked burrito.
Have visited the original location at Greenwood & Queen, its tiny so beware that its much better to take out than eat in. Staff are amazing, very nice and welcoming and were more than happy to answer any questions that we had.
Chino Locos does an interesting spin in the burrito, there is an asian influence in a sense that you can add chow main noodles instead of rice as well as edamane beans.
I have had to two different options at Chino Locos: the Baja Fish Burrito as well as the Chicken Tinga Burrito. The clear winner was the fish burrito, its now my go-to item on their menu.The fish is battered and then stuffed into either a whole wheat or white shell with guacamole, tomatoes, edamane, rice, red onion, black beans, green pepper, cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream & your choice of salsa/sauces. To die for.
Their ingredients are super fresh and made in house, including their delicious array of salsas and sauces. I love spicy food so always go for the hot sauce. -
Review from Sandra M.
Toronto, ON
11/3/2011
"Follow your instincts little sparrow," said the wise old man but being a fool I listened to another scribe and ordered my pork burrito mild. First, I thought perhaps my taste buds had somehow failed me but my companion Likeaphenomena concurred. She ordered her burrito medium and it failed to earn even a ding on the heat registry. Seek the heat, I now say. And remember, if you have a sixth sense, use it.
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Review from Sharky L.
Toronto, ON
5/27/2011
Mmmm this place is really good. Hidden and you have to go upstairs. I tried their house special but had to substitute some things because I'm doing the 4 hour body diet. But it still tasted very good and very fresh!
It actually took a bit of time to make but was well worth it. The joint is clean with a nice layout. Highly recommend.Listed in: Fast Eats
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Review from Alison M.
Toronto, ON
9/20/2011
What a fabulous 'hidden gem', recently discovered! Great 'twists' on burritos, packed full of fresh, flavorful ingredients at very reasonable prices. Super for vegetarians also, and you can get a 'Bento box' version as well. Very tasty for sure...
Seems really busy at peak hrs./dinner time, (at least the night we went), but very friendly and accomodating owners/staff, but be prepared to pack your patience if need be! It's well worth the wait though, or call ahead and take out if poss.
Really glad we stumbled across this place, almost too close to home though, lol. I'm afraid I'll be tempted to go back too much and often!
Live long and prosper Locos :) -
Review from Jennifer M.
Toronto, ON
11/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
I am not really one for Burritos. I know that sounds suspect, but I never really got into them. That being said, the Burritos at Chino Locos are ridiculous. Un real, and have completely turned me into daydreaming about burritos and running down Queen towards Greenwood on a regular basis. There is a location on church as well, which i reviewed here http://www.yelp.ca/biz... but I prefer this location - for some reason it just tastes better.
It in tiny, really only seats 3 and is better for takeout. Sitting at the bar you can chat with the super friendly upbeat staff and watch them prepare everything from fresh ingredients. The best is the daily special which is always changing.
I've tried the Biggie Bean, the Vegan and the White Fish but the Basa White Fish with Chow Mein made spicy is literally off-the-hook - they are right about that. It is unique, tasty and incredible and not at all what you would expect.
by far the best burrito I have ever eaten. soo ooooo good. Get the fish with chow mein, I am serious. -
Review from David M.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 8/14/2011
We've returned here a couple times, and I continued to test myself with the Biggie Bean (guacamole, tomatoes, edamame beans, red onions, black beans, green peppers, cilantro, cheese, sour cream, chipotle sauce). It had A LOT of beans. This time I opted for the "vegan" (Pressed tofu, eggplant, shitake mushrooms, glass noodles, guacamole, tomatoes, edamame beans, red onions, black beans, green peppers, cilantro, chipotle sauce, rustic rice), with added cheese and sour cream (no long vegan) and I found it much better, hence the star upgrade. Less beans = 1 more star!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/28/2010
Do your upper body exercises before coming here...these things are huge.
Pro - nice to have the… Read more »
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Review from E M.
Toronto, ON
2/26/2011
Chow mein in a burrito??!! Brilliant!
On the recommendation of a co-worker, I tried Chino Locos for the first time today. Perhaps the most creative and yummy burrito I have had in a loooooong time.
The pork was very good. The special "chicken adobo" was awesome.
The 3-man crew on duty were personable and helpful with recommendations for a C.L. virgin like me. -
Review from Jay F.
North York, ON
9/28/2011
I've reviewed the Church St. location, but the location on Greenwood deserves it's own review for
A) opening up it's doors for us a full 35 minutes after close, because we thought they were still on summer hours.
B) not being douches about doing so.
C) the jerk chicken burrito that was on as a weekly special
#1 Desert Island Fast Food Joint, with a bullet. -
Review from Bryan R.
Toronto, ON
10/1/2011
Good food with very friendly service. I would recommend!
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Review from Chris H.
Toronto, ON
5/30/2011
This really is as good as it gets.
I am a long-time devotee of the Houses of Banditos / Boyz, but the crown has now been passed to Chino Locos.
Simply put, these are the best burritos in the city. The flavours, ingredients, quantity, and service are all superlative.
You simply must try the Basa White Fish with noodles - it is divine! I'd caution the burrito novice to go easy on the hot sauce - it does tend to concentrate in pockets that can blow your socks off.
With only a few seats, you wouldn't want to count on a place to sit inside, so have a take-away plan B available.
Super friendly staff, and amazing value when stacked up against the Chipotle and the other chain burrito houses.
The only question left is how often I can get over there on a weekly basis... -
Review from Steph L.
9/15/2010
(insert overplayed latin beat)
...Once you've had a taste of it you'll never be the same;
Yeah, it'll make you go insane.
Upside, inside out I'm luvin los Chino Locos!
OMFG.
A burrito stuffed full of delicious toppings and chow mein?!
Now's that what I call creative asian fusion cuisine!
I had "Da Finest "($6.99 +taxes). Sauteed basa fish, guacamole, beans, and noodles with fun burrito fixins in a whole wheat wrap.
With weekly specials posted on their website, you can try something exciting and different each week!
I'm hooked. I want a Chinese burrito every week.
In fact, I want one right now!!!
And you know what else is awesome??? The Mexican wrestler masks they have around the restaurant. You can't help but think of Nacho Libre. I wonder if they hold fights when the restaurant closes. It's a small venue, with limited seating but they do have a parking lot out back.
If they were giving out free burritos to wrestlers, I'd be there. Hands off my Chinos Locos burrito! -
Review from Faye C.
5/27/2011
This place is great! Have been here a few times....I've had the pork which is tasty - but today I had the fish with noodles...YUMMY! A must have!
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Review from Michael J.
7/23/2010
I want to be the very best burrito eater
Like no one ever was
To finish them is my real test
To not make myself sick is my cause
I will travel across the land
Searching far and wide
Each burrito to understand
The power that's inside
Chino Locos (Gotta finish them all)
It's you and me
I know it's my destiny
Chino Locos
Ooh, you have the best burritos
In a world with crappy food
Chino Locos (Gotta finish them all)
Our stomachs so true
Our appetites will pull us through
You teach me and I'll teach you
Chino Locos
Gotta finish them all
Chino Locos -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
9/15/2010 9 photos
Specials Thanks for Roma to take me here! Really I would never know what I have been missing ...and the burritos at Chino Locos still fit right in with the rest of my Asian food spots review!
The staffs here for sure are nice and friendly... and their burritos are one of the best I have... ok not because it is stuffed with chow mein.. personally I don't eat chow mein at a Chinese restaurant ever.. but when it is stuffed inside my burrito.. it is so so so good!
The fish is sauteed when we placed our order...no deep fried batter shit! At least I can pretend I am so healthy with the whole wheat wrap.. and making it extra spicy does make it so good tasting! And having it custom made does make it so personal!
We all finished our burritos recording speed! Now I always have cravings and daydream about this particular Chino Locos!
They accepts Visa and Mastercard! -
Review from Ana W.
5/18/2010
When I first heard about this place from a friend, I was like "What?! Crazy Chinese people cooking up Mexican food?". Let me tell you, it's AWESOME!!!
I'm a fan of all types of cuisines, but if I could, I would put guacamole in EVERYTHING... well maybe with a few exceptions. Boy was I happy somebody came up with guacamole + Chinese food *drool*
It's cheap, portions are huge (I eat a lot by the way)!
I went to the location near Queen St. East, so the only place to sit was at the back, outside by the parking lot. It looks like a whole in the wall (literally), but boy do they have awesome selection of dishes and beverages.
I can't wait to go back!!! -
Review from Dave W.
Toronto, ON
8/9/2011
Add another glowing review to the pile!
I had gone rather lukewarm on burritos as of late, but Chino Locos has reignited my passion for the torpedoes of flavour. My biggest beef with most burrito places has been the weird science that seems to go on once all the components are wrapped within the tortilla. What was once several distinct ingredients come together in a witches brew of mush and blah that I just don't care for.
Chino Locos, however, is delicious and avoids this altogether.
Allow me to break it down for you.
I got the slow roast pork and the meat itself had a very good flavour, like a 5 spice (or so I guess) that definitely over came the blah I usually get from burrito meat -- or worse the gristle, bone, or cartilage that can be so common in burrito meats. Spice-wise, I went medium spice, and it was a decent level that built but never became just ridiculous or relied on mounds of jalapenos that always end up on the ground after I'm crying like a teenage girl at a Beiber concert. The beans were a mix of a few bean types and weren't fried, so it avoided the mush factor I so often associate with refried beans. Finally, I opted for the rice, and I think that may have saved it over the chow mein noddles. I appreciate the innovation of the noodles, but I think the burrito would have ended up in that mush category had I gone that route. I'll give it a shot next though now that I'm confident the place makes a solid burrito.
I wish I could give the place 5 stars, but my pork was a little over done. It was still delicious though. After a couple more visits if the quality is still up there, I'll bump to a 5. -
Review from Ray N.
Toronto, ON
3/15/2010
4 or 5 years ago Burrito Boyz woke us up to the potential of a burrito done well. So powerful was this awakening that I started searching for burrito references in every city I visited, including Burrito Mecca, San Francisco. We held our own thanks to the Boyz back in those days.
Unfortunately, times changed, as did the quality level of the Burritos that the Boyz had to offer. My BPW, (Burritos per Week) average went from 3, to 0.01.
I'm happy to say having visited Chino Locos last week that the BPW is on track for a recovery this year. Since Friday, we are on our way back up to 2, at least within the next month or so. This could get higher over the summer months. I had the fish burrito, with chow mein noodles, spicy. Loved it. The fish was delicate, and took on the flavour of the sauce it was simmered in. Chow mein noodles were a nice change from the usual rice filling. Spiciness was, um, spicy.
I heard while I was there that Chino Locos does a special burrito every week or two. Last week's special was the General Tao's Chicken burrito. If there were any more of those that day, I may well have had two burritos.
Suffice to say, the BPW is on track for a remarkable recovery this year thanks to these guys. Great Job! -
Review from Mohammad G.
10/25/2011
what the hell was that! chow mein in my burrito? yep...it was pretty awesome. had to try it. had the kung pao special...man the meat was done so well. ingreadients were pretty great. i just cant give it 5 stars because im too loyal to all the great burritos in the mission in SF. its just a tad touch down from my favoreite spots. super unique though...i also had to step a star down because when i walked in the owner was kinda talking down to one of his staff, i then asked him a question and got a condescending vibe too...weird. maybe hes just like that. the dude working who took my order was great...chicago bulls guy...very passionate about the place he worked at even though he got chewed out. much respect.
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Review from Leeanne L.
Toronto, ON
7/31/2011
I first became of a fan of Chino Locos when I lived by the Church St. location. Have since moved to Leslieville so Greenwood is my new go-to. This place does not disappoint. They do one thing (well I've seen tacos on the menu) and they do it right. Their burritos are fresh, massive and delicious. I always opt for the rice but its only a matter of time before I sample the chow mein. Incredibly friendly staff - I've even called once from the other end of the city 15 minutes before closing to order some dinner - I was told not to rush and that my food would be waiting for me when I got there! Professional and courteous yet laid back and relaxed. Good value. My only complaint is they close too early! A must-try.
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Review from Kat F.
8/29/2009 6 Check-ins Here
I moved to Leslieville 29 days ago on August 1. I was out of town for 11 of those days, so let's round up and say I've been around for just over two weeks.
I've eaten at Chino Locos seven times.
I can safely say they're the bomb when it comes to cramming my gullet full of tasty burrito, and that's quite a feat considering I was on a burrito moratorium for a few years since May 21, 2006 - A Day That Will Live In Infamy.
Owners Minh and Victor are exceptionally friendly to the point of calling out to me as I walk home from the streetcar stop just to say hello. We've had some wonderful conversations and like others I've definitely been getting the "regular" treatment. They knows people's names when they arrive and what they usually order. The staff is all decked out in soccer shirts and bandanas and seem to vibe together really well, like old high school pals.
Crap, three paragraphs in and I haven't even made note of the food.
Whenever I think of the word burrito I think of the French verb "bourrer" - to stuff, but actually, more than just stuffing. Literally toppling over and filling every pore. That's the kind of satisfaction you get after eating a Chino Locos burrito. These monsters weigh at least a few pounds and are expertly folded, grilled and wrapped. Ask them to cut it in half for you since it can get a bit unwieldy because so much is stuffed inside.
My tried & true order is the basa fish burrito. Basa fish is a catfish native to Vietnam and Thailand, and as you can see from the other reviews of Chino Locos, they dole out Mexican-Asian fusion burritos. The fish portion is substantial and it's poached really nicely and has a deadly texture. The burritos all come with a junkload of standard fillings - no 50 cents extra nonsense for any of these - black bean spread, cilantro, onions, rustic rice (or chow mein), edamame beans, peppers, guacamole, sour cream and cheese. I (obviously) opt for no cilantro or onions in mine.
Burritos are $6.99 ($7.90 after tax) and there is a weekly meat special, such as General Tao, boneless ribs, pulled pork, etc. They also have a vegan burrito and a dessert burrito. Call ahead for pickup to save time. And yeah, like Greg C said, their burritos beckon you mere minutes after finishing them. Whenever I'm hungry and thinking "what should I eat" the craving usually leads me to Chino Locos.
My new favourite burrito in the city. -
Review from Will L.
Toronto, ON
4/2/2010
Although they don't provide for "traditional" or "authentic" burritos.. as Toronto's self appointed Burrito Connoisseur...DAMN these guys make a mean burrito!
I have to say that everything about these guys are so damned cool. Victor, one of the co-founders is an exceptionally rare, client focused businessman. Everything about this dude oozes rock solid belief in the burritos he makes.
From their mould-breaking chow-mein based burritos to their weekly specials.. I always look forward to visiting these guys and what they have in store for their specials.
Drop by and have a try! I think they have two locations now, in addition to their Leslieville one, in "The Village". -
Review from Jeff M.
Etobicoke, ON
7/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Stopped by this place by chance, hoped for something good seeing the reviews, but it was the same old Toronto Mexican. Tasted like cardboard with cheddar cheese on it. Plastic bags of pre-shredded cheese, chicken was mucky and had no flavour.
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Review from Justine K.
Toronto, ON
8/13/2010
Dare I say that I didn't really like this place? I biked from the Danforth just to give this place a shot but was not blown away by any means. I got the bean burrito and my main complaint is that it tasted bland, like it needed a pinch of salt and the taste would have dramatically improved.
Also, I'm pretty sure the burrito was to include cheese and there was none. :(
I cannot say that I won't give this place another shot, but it had better be worth pumping up greenwood in my work clothes. -
Review from Chris P.
Distillery District, Toronto, ON
10/15/2009
I work around the corner--Averaging two Chino Locos per week.
Eat Here.
Great Food, Great Staff, Great Masks. -
Review from Emily T.
Toronto, ON
1/30/2009 8 photos
If you have not yet experienced the incredible tastes of Chino Locos burritos, stop everything and go; go now! A little, unassuming place at the corner of Greenwood and Queen (on Greenwood), stepping inside is like stepping into your oldest friends kitchen...
The open concept kitchen has a no frills approach, but the place is the warmest and most inviting little restaurant I have been in. The owners, Johnnie, Minh, and Victor are quite possibly the funniest and most talkative crew I have met, and with the counter top and grill so close together, you can't escape their conversation, laughter and warm spirit.
They show you exactly how your burrito is made and cooked, and are very happy to share the ingenious recipes and ideas that sprouted into this awesome venture. Chino Locos (Crazy Chinese) opened in November 2008, and they are already very busy and becoming a staple in the Greenwood/Queen community. Business is good and its no wonder: these burritos are fantastic! They aren't your classic, everyday burritos; they are so much more.
Infused with Asian accents, such as chow mein noodles, edamame soy beans and rich, sweet sauces to accent, Chino Locos is truly a unique experience. I almost went to heaven after eating the 'Off da Hook' burrito; rib eye steak with black bean sauce...it was to die for! The burritos all come with a choice of a protein (chicken, pork, beef) and rice or noodles, and you can get them loaded with all the fixings: beans, cilantro, edamame, tomato, etc...They also have a wicked vegan option and dessert burritos...I know, I can't even fathom...
The atmosphere of Chino Locos is so apparently parallel to the fun and friendly personalities of the staff who own it and work there. They sport the soccer jerseys as make shift uniforms, citing that keeping it comfortable and multiculturally sound is super important. The guys want Chino Locos to be a place that welcomes everyone and caters to anyone, and it most certainly does.
They even do catering on the side; business lunches and the like, about $10 a head, you can't beat the price for these incredible eats!
You must check out Chino Locos! -
Review from Randy G.
Toronto, ON
12/31/2009
Damn, that's a good burrito.
I went in about ten minutes before closing on New Year's Eve, and got none of the attitude I most certainly would have given in the same situation. I'm not sure of the gentleman's name, but he was incredibly helpful in taking my order - making very useful suggestions, asking about my spice preferences and what not, and making conversation while making the burrito. Definitely a friendly atmosphere, and I can see why my friends rave about the place.
The burrito itself is amazing - incredibly tasty, though I probably should have reconsidered my request for very spicy. Good god. I've only eaten half so far, and am needing to take a break. I aspire to finish this kind of burrito in one go, but I'll have to work my way up I think. Others please choose wisely, at least on your first trip.
Be forewarned that there's not tons of space in the restaurant itself - a couple of seats, not much more. Definitely a take out sort of place. -
Review from Dale M.
Toronto, ON
4/12/2010
Not having sampled the wares of Chino Locos since November's Elite event, I stopped by for a long-weekend burrito when an old friend mentioned he'd be paying a visit.
I had never been to this location before (the Elite event was at their Church street pad), and got a bit of a surprise when I walked in and just about hit the back wall two steps later. It's small, for sure. Other than the open grill area, there's a small counter and a few stools lined up along it. Other than that, there are four (count 'em, four) walls and two doors that can barely swing open at the same time. It goes without saying that this is basically a take-out stand. Thankfully, Greenwood Park is just up the road and it was a beautiful day.
I'm always on the lookout for something I haven't tried before. The jerk chicken burrito was on special, and realizing I might not be able to get one next time I visited I indulged. I don't think they're home made, but the tortillas at Chino Locos might be the best I've had - they have tremendous elasticity without being at all chewy. This fact went a long way to contain the massive portion I was given; while I could see the soft shell bulging in places, no filling escaped and the wrath of my jaws was delivered to every last morsel. The filling itself was mouthwatering and most of the way through it still had me diving in for another bite before I had swallowed the last. Hints of cilantro and fresh beans complemented the rice nicely, and while I finished full, I didn't feel like I had eaten the usual share of grease and fat one finds in a burrito.
I'll say again what I've said before - burritos are better grilled. There's nothing worse than a burrito that starts falling apart on the first bite because it's lost all structural integrity. Chino Locos uses a ridged grill which avoids charring the shell but still delivers the kind of rigidity that is essential to a slop-free burrito experience.
Overall, I enjoyed my second Chino Locos experience but I note two minor setbacks. Although the place is small, I probably would have felt comfortable dining in but for the newspapers and menu holders that littered every available inch of counter space. These guys need to make better use of what space they have. The other small disappointment was with spice levels. While different schools of thought exist on what "medium" means in reference to heat levels, I think most would agree that a medium-spicy jerk should deliver more than a tickle. Crank up the heat, boys!
I was fence-sitting between three and four stars on this one. At the end of the day, they've got a great concept and the burrito I had was delicious and easy to devour. Four stars. -
Review from Chris P.
6/18/2009
Another great burrito place in Toronto. What sets these guys apart is their non-traditional ingredients. I would never have thought to put chowmein in a burrito but once you taste it you're left asking yourself why you hadn't thought of it. Everything is fresh and made to order.
The only down side about these guys is the time it can take for them to make your burrito. Best-off calling ahead like I do so you don't have to wait.Listed in: Burritos: the good, the bad,…
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Review from Bonnie K.
3/12/2010
YUM! Every bite of my burrito followed a "mmmm". My boyfriend and I came to Toronto to visit from Boston, and having at least 3 favorite burrito spots in our city we had to check this out.
I got chicken, my boyfriend got pork. They were very friendly and patient. They offered us many different choices for our burritos. It looked like they stir fried the meat with the rice and veggies- something I've never had before. They were so amazing and delicious, I seriously don't know what could have made this any better.
