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Real People. Real Reviews.®
Categories: Mexican, Asian Fusion [Edit]
4 Greenwood AveMon-Fri 11 am - 9 pm
Sat 12 pm - 9 pm
Sun 12 pm - 8 pm
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".
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
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!!!
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.
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!
It's about time that Asian/Mexican fusion joints started popping up north of the border. This is a great newcomer to Toronto's overly saturated burrito scene: the Asian influence coupled with solid ingredients and prep make it well worth a visit.
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.
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.
I work around the corner--Averaging two Chino Locos per week.
Eat Here.
Great Food, Great Staff, Great Masks.
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.
Chino Locos is an interesting concept, good burritos are rare in the east end, and the staff (and possibly owners) are very friendly. They offer chow mein as a option instead of rice, which I find interesting and tasty. They're not afraid of a reasonable kick if you ask for hot, which I appreciate.
I find that they throw in so many things that no one flavor really stands out. This also means that their signature flavors don't really stand out from one another. This is too bad, because they make the options sound interesting and exciting, but then I order one, take it home, and it's good, but it doesn't really taste that different from previous orders.
That said, I enjoy them, I'll be happy to eat there again. The guys are friendly, chatty. The service is good. The place is pretty small, but if you don't need a seat, or you're ok with a very cozy seat, that's not a real problem.
Basically a solid place to go for a good burrito.
Would it be hyperbole to say their burritos beckon you mere minutes after finishing them?
If you're iffy on the chow mein hybrid go with the tri-rice combo. It's a rare burrito that makes you feel healthy after eating it. Stuffed with edamame beans and black turtle beans as well as avocado and tomato and cilantro and everything else that's amazing... these guys have created a fantastic product that is seriously filling but also freakin' delicious. If anyone doubts me, put it side by side with the kensington Big Fat Burrito as a comparison and Chino Locos will come out on top. Just aproach with an open mind and call your order ahead 10 minutes and you'll be fine!
Also, try the fish burrito with extra chipotle! Awesome!
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.
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!
My first visit was pretty lame. The burrito sucked. This time, it was Jerk-Chicken night and the burrito was very good. I'd def hit this place up again, the boycott is over! Nice one Locos!
The cooks (don't think these two are chefs) are really nice, amiable guys. I had a beef burrito with… Read more »
After hearing RAVE reviews for Chino Locos and checking out the website to realize they really are Loco, I ordered up a fish burrito from my friend who was getting take-out.
What showed up was the Vegan special with glass noodles??? and tofu in a burrito? Turns out, they were out of fish and out of steak this particular night.
The vegan burrito weighed something close the weight of a small child. It has cute little grill marks like it was flame-broiled!
Taste is where I have to disagree with all the 5 star reviews. The tofu was fairly bland, all the other vegetables were OK, but every third bite was an explosion of hot salsa that didn't seem to go with the rest of the ingredients.
If I have a rolled up tortilla, I expect some basic flavour profiles that were intentionally not there from Chino Locos. I just don't think throwing glass noodles, edemame and eggplant (?) in a tortilla is a burrito. I would happily go back to taste the fish burrito. I've heard it's 5 star worthy.
OK Kat - you nailed it again. That was the best damn Burrito I've ever tasted!!!!
This is a great spot - you get inventive burritos made with fresh ingredients for a really good price. And, they are quite large, one is definitely enough.
My latest fave is the The Finest fish burrito with chopotle black bean sauce, fantastic flavour. I hope this place survives, and expands, it is really a worthwhile enterprise.
They are trying something new here and it works well: tasty, cheap and healthy too! It probably won't ever become a destination spot for west enders, but the neighbourhood is very lucky to have it.
Ah the stuff of art. Picasso once said, "Mmmmm, that's tasty." or more likely it was "Mmmmmm, eso es sabroso." Well my friends, Chino Locos is so locos he's making burritos and tacos with asian staples such as chow mein, edamame beans, slow roast bbq pork and his own green onion ginger sauce. Theyve also filled them with many healthier and tastier choices like a brown, red and black rice combo instead of a fried rice, black turtle beans versus refried, and great veggies like watercress, cilantro, eggplant and others. I could list the whole menu probably because if my eyes governed my stomach id have had one of each kind and then have made my own kind. that's right folks! the days of make your own pizza, make your own salad, make your own halloween costume have been blown out of the water because now, at chino locos you can make your own burrito or taco. pick one or make one for 5.99. now is that locos or is that locos?
I cant stop talking...so get this: when was the last time you tried a dessert burrito? anyone? what say you close your eyes and imagine a tangy, gooey bite of a PUMPKIN & BLUEBERRY BURRITO!!!!!!!!!!!! I didnt actually witness this but i did witness Minh (the co-owner with his partner Victor) hypnotize an already hypnotized locos groupie (some great kid who lives upstairs and feels completely at ease hanging around wearing a token sombrero) with an apple pie burrito. All homemade. (Like his chipotle, of which, unabashedly, I had second helpings.)
Look for new menu items to come as the owners, like any artists worth their weight in jalapenos, are sculpting that menu until its perfect. But i personally think that thats not possible.
Because its already perfect.
ole, as it were and watch out because this restaurant will be the first of many.
Neighborhood: Leslieville
Neighborhood: Leslieville
Neighborhood: Kensington Market
Toronto, ON
Neighborhood: Entertainment District
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