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Chino Locos
Categories: Restaurants Mexican Restaurants Asian Fusion Mexican, Asian Fusion [Edit]
459 Church St2nd Flr
Toronto, ON M4Y 2C5
Neighbourhoods: Church-Wellesley Village, Downtown Core
(416) 551-7007
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 12 pm - 9 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
23 reviews for Chino Locos
Review Highlights
"Da Finest was juicy, crunchy and full of punchy flavours."
(in 5 reviews)
"Huge burritos = very filling."
(in 16 reviews)
"Bonus points for edamame beans."
(in 5 reviews)
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23 reviews in English
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Review from Alex x.
NORTH YORK, ON
12/2/2011
Surprisingly, I had a really great experience here last night.
Mr. Boyfriend and I decided to try this place out, after reading some good reviews here on Yelp, and as we both liked Chinese food and Mexican food. Chowmein in a burrito? Yes please!
But what we imagined to be a greasy fair turned out to be something far better.
I ordered the Biggie Bean vegetarian burrito with noodles, and Mr. Boyfriend the Da Finest! fish burrito. Now, it took about 7-10 minutes for our food to come to our table, and when it did, it was a huge surprise.
My vegetarian burrito was a generous serving of guacamole, tomatoes, edamame beans, red onions, black beans, green peppers, cilantro, cheese, sour cream, and chipotle sauce (as per described on their website), and chowmein noodles wrapped in a crisp, toasted whole-wheat tortilla wrap.
It was so great! It was so grand! I was not disappointed, but rather, impressed! Impressed with the variety of different (and fresh) veggies and sauces, all working together to make happy a diet-conscious, meat-weary vegetarian-in-training. My burrito was humongous, had a great mix of flavours, and boasted a considerable variety of textures, making my devouring of it not boring, sad, or let-down, but enjoyable and hearty.
The restaurant itself was clean, neat, with a nice view, as Mr. Boyfriend and I enjoyed the night lights of Church Street, and the Christmas lights. It was pretty romantic, in a casual sense. The staff here, too, are very nice; made recommendations when we just stood there like penguins waiting for their parents to come back with some fresh shrimp.
We'll be frequenting this place for sure. -
Review from Michelle G.
Toronto, ON
3/3/2011
I guess I'm not excited about this place because for me, it not only has limited options, it doesn't actually have a good option. The "Juicy Vegan" is one of the most expensive items on their menu, and when I ordered it, the woman at the counter asked me if I want sour cream or cheese. And I ask... well is it vegan sour cream or cheese? to which she replies "no it's not included" (???)
Dear restaurants, if you have something labelled "vegan" on the menu, could you let your staff know what "vegan" actually means? Thank you.
We waited about 20 minutes to get our orders. After I picked out the big tasteless spears of tofu out of my not so juicy "Juicy Vegan" it wasn't so bad. I liked the diversity of vegetables, it was an ok size, but I'd probably opt for Big Fat Burrito or Burrito Boyz instead of going to this place again.
My friend ordered the special of the day which was a Korean BBQ burrito and his reaction was equally meh.
I wanted to like them, because I love burritos and I'm nearly always in the village, but it just didn't happen. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
2/21/2011 6 photos
The Chino Locos at this location does lacks the charm compare to the Greenwood location but I can tell you that their Fish Burrito with Chow Mein is equally awesome!!
The fish was pan fried when I placed the order and the burrito was stuffed with tomato, beans, chow mein and of course spicy spicy sauce...
Tons of seatings, great for eating in... especially during the cold winter season.
BTW, the spicy sauce bought tears to my friend's eyes...Listed in: Mexician Food in Toronto!
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Review from Angela L.
3/7/2011
This is quite silly of me, but I have to be honest with you. While my favourite burrito on the list is the Juicy Vegan (Hell-o pressed tofu, eggplant, shitake mushrooms, glass noodles, guacamole, tomatoes, edamame beans, red onions, black beans, green peppers, cilantro and all that other good stuff that goes into the other ones too!), I'm often dissuaded to get it because it's a dollar more expensive than all the rest of them ($7.99 v.s. $6.99). I know it's just a buck, but that's a lot when you're nickel and dining. Besides, why should I pay more for about the same amount (which I'm unlikely to actually be able to finish anyway)? If the ingredients are more expensive, they should really just put less in and charge the same price.
In any case, I'm usually happy enough to save a dollar to go towards a tasty Jarrito ("natural" Mexican pop in tasty fruit flavours like mandarin and mango) and go for the fish burrito or the always tempting (because it's fleeting and zany) weekly special. On my latest visit, it was sweet Korean style beef. While the signage touts that the slow roasted pork is the best, I'm not entirely sold. It can at times be a bit dry for my liking.
The toujours friendly staff at Chino Locos sometimes makes me wonder whether there's something in the burritos. It's too dark up there and business seems to be a lot slower in the winter (maybe everyone is just taking them home), but they're always extremely nice and chatty.
The sparse decor and dim lighting admittedly leave quite a bit to be desired if you're going to eat in this easily missed second floor location of Chino Locos. However, if you're lucky enough to grab the table by the window, the prime overhead Church Street people watching (a.k.a. voyeuring) viewpoint will most definitely change all that. I actually really like the vintage prints of painted movie posters that are hanging on the walls. They have just been hung in rather strange spots. Perhaps it would help if there were more of them.
I can hardly wait until the weather gets warmer and we can take these tasty bundles al fresco again! -
Review from Julia L.
Toronto, ON
11/27/2010
I came here alone on an impromptu trip after investigating the burrito scene in Toronto, reading others' Yelp reviews and deciding that a burrito filled with noodles instead of rice was a MUST-TRY. I can't remember exactly what time I went (it was on a Sunday), but the place was empty save for the employees. I awkwardly ordered the "Biggie Bean" (probably making some lame gangster gesture while doing so) and opted for medium spice, as I was still recovering from an incident at Burrito Boyz where I foolishly told my burrito barista to make my burrito as spicy as possible and consequently lay on my bed writhing in gastrointestinal agony for hours.
I sat down at a window table and peered down onto the street as I eagerly awaited the arrival of my beloved burrito. Service was prompt and friendly - as I would have hoped, for I was the only customer - and my burrito was delicious, although for some reason I expected the use of noodles in lieu of rice to have a more profound effect than I ultimately realized. A surly-looking Mexican man brought me some water in a foam cup halfway throughout my annihilation of my burrito, which I thought was nice.
Overall, a nice change of pace and a good place to take (and impress) a burrito connoisseur! -
Review from Kristy P.
Toronto, ON
12/7/2010
Went there on a Friday night and the place was empty.
Not a good first impression because I thought they served great burritos.
Anyway, the customer service was great. The guy who took our order was very friendly and accommodating to my "special" preferences.
The price wasn't so bad either because the burrito was HUGE (bigger than Burrito Boys/Bandidos). But it's just too big for me. I stopped enjoying my dinner half-way through the burrito. I got the pulled pork and it was OK. I like the pulled pork from Burrito Boys better. My boyfriend got the fish. He couldn't finish it either.
Overall, good experience but I wouldn't go back. Worth a try, though! :) -
Review from Lindsey S.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 2/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
I keep trying and they keep getting better.....from now on I will only get my burritos with the chow mein.....there is just something about it.
They are getting busier, but they need to get the word out on Church Street More....they are in a hard location - drunken ppl can't get up the stairs.....
Bonus on the interact and CC machine now....a must in that area.
I hope it gets better in the summer for them....they need to add more sour cream and guach to their items thought - it's a little lacking.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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11/20/2009
So I went back last night.....
Unfortunatly the place was DEAD...so get out there ppl and try this… Read more »
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Review from Steph L.
11/16/2010
One of my favorite neighborhood spots, I get take out here once a week!
There are several reasons why I keep going back.
1) BURRITO AWESOMENESS
Delicious whole wheat burritos stuffed with chow mein, edamame beans, guacamole...
My two favorite fillings are the slow roast pork and the basa fish (both $6.99). The Korean beef is tasty too, but not quite as tender as the pork and a bit fattier. The sweet and sour rib special was super tasty, but I've only had it at their other location by Greenwood.
2) GREAT SERVICE
Min is awesome! He makes my burrito perfect every time!
And they've hosted a Yelp event here before...
Woo hoo Yelp supporters!
3) MEXICAN WRESTLER MASKS are awesome.
This place has been a bit quiet the past few times I've been here.
It could be the cold weather...it could be the location.
It's located upstairs, so it can be hard to miss.
I want this place to be around forever, everyone should eat here!
Because I don't know what I would do without my burrito fix! -
Review from Danielle F.
Toronto, ON
2/1/2010 ROTD 9/12/2010
I ate my burrito in fifteen minutes. Not because I was rushed. Not because I had nothing better to do. I simply could not slow down. It was that good.
If you know my full name, you know I had to order the Da Finest, a sautéed white fish burrito with all the fresh fixings. I chose rice, but I'll def be back for the chow mein noodles with another burrito another time.
"How spicy do you want that, Danielle?" I wondered why the burrito barista asked my name but enjoyed that he used it frequently. Pretty fast service too. The medium was a perfect heat for me, not wimpy but not making me gag and beg for water. Come to think of it, I didn't drink anything with my burrito. I guess that's my bad for not asking. Anyways, it would have interrupted my eating process. Da Finest was juicy, crunchy and full of punchy flavours. Maybe I'll be a champ and get it spicy next time.
Not the best décor I've ever seen and the place was empty when I came in but all and all, for those prices, a cute and bright place. Watch the step while going to sit at the window. I tripped on the way there AND back. But if you want something you can savour, or in my case devour, hit this place up!Listed in: ROTD'ed, Wrap It Up!
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Review from Tammy Y.
Toronto, ON
11/8/2009
Now, while the UYE certainly earned at least 4 stars, this little burrito joint on Church Street still has a waaaays to go before living up to the raving reviews of it's predecessor at Greenwood. The owners have done well in filling a burrito void in the Village and despite it's downsides, will likely succeed in giving folks their burrito fix.
As before, let me say that I'm guilty of reviewing the establishment as a whole, which in turns affects my enjoyment of the food. As well, also note that the place still had a couple of days before it's grand reveal, so maybe (just maybe) there was some magic to be worked over the weekend. Though, I doubt it.
The fact that the entire place seemed a little blahze when it came to running with their "Crazy Asian" theme rubbed me the wrong way. It's a great theme, but the posters seemed a bit too small, the props a tad too sparse, and the bearer of the Mexican wrestling mask entirely too uncomfortable. All the fluorescent lighting did was further convince me that this place had the same vibe as a defunct Johnny Rockets.
The burritos, on the other hand, did help improve the situation. Chow-mein in a burrito? Bizarre and boggling, but somehow, it works. Main attractions such as beef, pork and chicken are typical and the veggie option is decked out with thin slices of tofu and edamame. Yet despite the fusion of two typically flavour-heavy cultures, the burritos did seem to be lacking the kind of kick one might hope for. Perhaps that's what the addition of their incredibly spicy Green Sauce (as I have since dubbed it) is for. Or maybe just more spices and sauces would have helped, too.
If you find yourself in the area and are curious for something undoubtedly unique, sure, it's worth trying. But when everything about the restaurant's concept screams "Crazy! Exciting! Nutso!" and just ends up as "Okay. Mmm... pretty decent. Interesting.", the letdown is such that it won't have me returning anytime soon. -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
11/23/2009
I have to agree with the others; the promo was well organized, but I'm not quite sure if I'd make the trek back.
The staff? Incredible. Amazing. Good humoured. Energetic. Loved 'em.
But the environment was way too bright for an evening event, making me feel like I was in a Subway franchise. Furthermore, and most importantly, the burritos were overflowing with rice and starchiness, shrouding any possible taste I could have experienced from the actual meat.
Alas, if you still plan on a trip to CL, go with the fish burrito and don't look back. -
Review from Madison A.
Toronto, ON
8/22/2010
I went to San Francisco earlier this summer as a non-burrito fan, and was completely converted after eating burritos on Mission street. Now that I'm back in Toronto, burritos have generally been disappointing so I was skeptical about Chino Locos, especially after some of the reviews I've read.
WOW. I was wrong. I had the pollo loco and my boyfriend had the steak, both with rice, to go, on white tortillas. These burritos were glorious. Nice and toasted, full of good stuff (black beans, not refried! lots of guacamole, moist and flavourful meat). Medium spiciness was the perfect amount of heat. So glad my boyfriend convinced me to go. The prices were also what I think a burrito should cost. Will definitely be back. Give this place a try!Listed in: Downtown Burritos
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Review from Jennifer M.
Toronto, ON
9/14/2010
If you have read my reviews you know how much i *usually* hate anything fusion. I still do. But for some bizarre reason, mixing two cuisines that sound impossible has actually worked in this case, and well. I certainly see why you could think they were loco.
This is Chino Loco's second restaurant, the first being the hugely popular Leslieville location. This location is much larger, and it is lacking a little bit of the cozy charm that Greenwood has, but there is plenty of room to sit down and eat your lunch.
My choice is the Da Finest, the white fish burrito, with rice instead of noodle and made spicy. It is HUMONGOUS and good value for $7 or so. Bonus points for edamame beans. Really nice guys, really helpful, enjoy the customer service. This is definitely the kind of pace that you can tell that these guys are really passionate about their business, their customers and their food.
If they made the hot sauce spicier, I would give them 5 stars.
**UPDATE! After writing this review I inevitably wanted a burrito. Literally thought about this for 3 minutes staring at the screen and then ran. Spicy was much spicier! Coworker that I bribed to come there with me and I split two. One Black bean with Rice (good!) One White Fish with Chow Mein (EPIC!) Since this took place within an hour of first writing, I thought it was ok to just update this post. Chow Mein & Fish burrito pushes this to 4.5. Jones Soda is a disappointing $3.50 before tax, which is my new "not quite a five" prohibiter.
4.5 stars. -
Review from Rj P.
11/6/2009
Chino Locos provides an interesting take on the burrito!
Pork, chicken, beef and vegi burritos with the option for rice or chow-mein noodles plus the typical burrito toppings. The scallion addition ads for great flavor and the verde hot sauce is HOT!
My favorite was the chicken with chow-mein followed by the pork carne with rice.
Overall a wonderful addition to the Church & Wellesley strip. I will definitely go back whenever I am in the area.
Huge burritos = very filling. YUM!!! -
Review from Jay F.
North York, ON
12/11/2010
Aside from not being open late-night, I've now found my go-to food joint in the village.
The burritos are killer and the staff are great. Anyone who's complaining about the ambiance resembling a Subway franchise needs to remember: you're in a burrito joint.
I haven't tried the fish, but luckily my girlfriend has the appetite of one, so I got to try the pulled pork burrito, as well as the korean beef. The pulled pork was alright, I've had better pulled pork a ton of times; but it definitely got a huuuuge helping hand with the green onion and ginger relish. The korean beef didn't really taste like any korean beef I've had before, but more importantly, it still was super tasty and spicy.
So aside from not really being authentic (what do you expect from a Chinese Burrito place offering Korean beef?) it's definitely a whole lot of awesome. -
Review from Mark S.
Toronto, ON
1/19/2010
Wow. It's hard to believe this place has been open since November and I didn't know about it until now.
I like it enough to go back when I need a quick food fix. All the prices are $7 and the menu is simple - makes it easy to order.
The "spicy" option could be a little spicier -I'll ask for that next time and see how it goes. All in all the burritos are great quality and tasty, for being "fast food". The chicken is my favourite so far with the pork being a close second.
-1 boo-urns to the decor. It's so, so vacuously bland. And far too big of a space for what it needs to be. I'd rather see a small ground-level, or even sub-level space with stools at the window to eat, than the second-floor emptiness as it stands now. I have never eaten-in here - mostly because I'm always on the go - but the inside just isn't welcoming and cozy enough for the personal touch that the workers bring to it.
+1 to the worker I spoke to for being a "reasonable" and sensible Leafs fan :) -
Review from Chris P.
Updated - 1/2/2010 4 Check-ins Here
I just finished downing a fantastic Pollo Loco burrito with chow mein and (of course) no cilantro. YUM!
This is my first trip back since the Elite event. They've turned off the eye searing fluorescents and added a rope light to the miscellaneous step near the front of the restaurant. The burrito was great as always and Chino's continues to be easy on the wallet, and now easy on the eyes.Listed in: Burritos: the good, the bad,…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/8/2009
Watch your step!!! This is what you see when entering but they seriously forgot to warn you about… Read more »
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Review from Warren L.
10/5/2010
Very good burritos. A complex mix of flavors and if you ask for spicy it's actually pretty spicy. I've only tried "Da Finest' which is fish and the daily limited special which was Korean Beef. I wish I'd been in the neighborhood longer to try more.
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Review from vivian v.
Aurora, ON
11/9/2009
I'm not a big burrito fan, despite the fact that everyone in my life is telling me how badly i need to eat burritos more often. Not going to happen. Well at least not until the chicken chow mein showed up in my life. Unfortunately, we didn't really get to have a real feel of the place will be run, so I'm hoping if I want to order a burrito, I don't have to take the beans in the burrito (despite not tasting them this time, i wouldn't take my chances).
Good prices for the size of the burritos, that's for sure.
Few issues, that will probably be brought up by another I'm sure, but the decor was less than pleasant. It was asked if they were done decorating and was answered with a yes, which is quite disappointing for someone who lives in the village. If you really want to stand out, you're going to need a little more flamboyancy in this neighbourhood to be a real smash. But then again, us breeders are taking over so a calm place such as this might be what we're looking for. (Well, not me. I love the gay pride that shouts out of this neighbourhood. makes it more fun)
Also, Victor? Not to be a douche, but the way you called out one of your employees to clean up a small spill was quite disappointing and cost you a star. It was quite rude and in front of customers doesn't bode well for ya. But still... thanks for letting us try out before you opened. I guess that evens out the 'tude, but still a point that needs to be made.
I'd go again, in fact, I'm sure I'm being dragged there in their opening week, so if you see me Victor, please don't spit in my food. It's my duty as a yelper to bring the truth! -
Review from Melissa F.
Toronto, ON
11/13/2009
Interesting concept but the room is stale and the lights much too flourescent to have ANY type of good ambience.
The burritos are LARGE but it is mostly filler- with LOADS of rice or noodles.
I have to say that the rice is fairly bland, but the noodles are quity tasty.
All meat options taste pretty much the same- but the FISH is pretty darn good.
I say two stars just cuz.. I really have experienced a better burrito. -
Review from Marie M.
9/13/2010
Last week I met up with a highschool friend for the first time after highschool graduation for burritos at Chino Locos: Dos Locos, the Church street venue. I'd never been to this Mexican fast food joint before, but I heard great things about their burritos, which is the only thing they make and serve. I was glad to find a spotless and nicely lit dining area and knowledgeable and friendly burrito cooks/ cashiers (they're the same person).
Their menu is rather limited, but that's not necessarily a bad thing because what they offer is actually quite good and there's something for everyone, particularly for me, the vegan: they have 1 vegetarian burrito with cheese and sour cream, but they also have 1 vegan burrito that is sans dairy and meat - "the juicy vegan." The vegan burrito was so good... priced at $7.99 before taxes, it's actually the most expensive burrito on their menu!!! The burrito consists of pressed tofu, eggplant, shitake mushrooms, glass noodles, guacamole, tomatoes, edamame beans, red onions, black beans, green peppers, cilantro, chipotle sauce, rustic rice... all wrapped in a whole wheat wrap. (You have the option between white and whole wheat). The cooks told me that they made their own guacamole at the restaurant, and to me, anything made from scratch is a big bonus! One set back to my burrito experience was the hot sauce... it wasn't hot enough, even though I'd asked for extra hot -I LOVE spicy food.
You should check this place out if you like Asian food and Mexican food... the Asian-Mexican influence on my burrito made it a crazy dining experience for my taste buds... those Chino Locos fo'sho! (Translation, Chino Locos = "crazy Asians" in Spanish). -
Review from Lisa P.
North York, ON
6/28/2011
Yum. Sure, this is not a place you actually want to spend time in - ambiance of a fast food place at best. But with huge portions and fast service we just called ahead, picked up our food and were home in 10 minutes eating yummy Korean beef burritos that could easily feed two. Recommend!
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Review from Daniel S.
Toronto, ON
4/15/2010 3 Check-ins Here
The whole Chinese food in a burrito thing is really weird but like many have already stated it works. Aorta far ive only done the rice but sounds like I need to try the noodles. So far I've had the cicken and the pork both of which have been pretty tastey with a nice bit of spice. Really the best thing it has going for is that there aren't really any other burrito joints around here. Its not bad but I wouldent mind a real burrito.
