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Tacos El Asador
Category: Restaurants Latin American Latin American [Edit]
690 Bloor St WToronto, ON M6G 1L2
Neighbourhoods: Koreatown, Palmerston, Bickford Park, Seaton Village
(416) 538-9747
- Hours:
Mon-Tue, Thu-Sat 12 pm - 9 pm
Sun 2 pm - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
52 reviews for Tacos El Asador
Review Highlights
"So come early if you want a shot of the picnic tables."
(in 9 reviews)
"This is a great authentic Mexican joint."
(in 5 reviews)
"Make sure you try the hot sauce, they make it in-house and..."
(in 9 reviews)
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52 reviews in English
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Review from Jonathan C.
Oakville, ON
12/1/2011
El Asador is situated in the middle of Koreatown. I mean, completely surrounded by Korean restaurants on every side, as far as the eye can see. Strange? Who cares, as long as they have good mexican food!
Wow is this place busy. Wednesday night, and there's a constant flow or traffic and the 8 or so picnic tables they have are constantly full!
When you walk into this tiny corner restaurant, it transports you to the mexican dives commonly found in the states. It's the type of place you'd expect to find authentic Mexican fare, and the type of place I typically love. I really don't understand why people go to "upscale" mexican places with fancy decor to get poor quality food. Anyways...
The crispy tacos ($3.25) are good, and the beef was definitely better than the chicken. Double layer, homemade taco shells made this a crunchy delight. But the soft taco ($2.75) was mediocre, and the chicken was very bland.
The pork pupusa ($2.50) wasn't very good, floury and bland, it was basically eating bread. I'd pass on this next time.
The nachos and guacamole were great, though the pricing is strange. $6 for nachos, when a burrito is only $4.50?
the toppings and salsa they give you in bowls were great, good amount of heat (too much for some of my friends).
the prices at this place are pretty good, you can get 3 quality tacos for under $10.
Friendly service as well. -
Review from Goose K.
Toronto, ON
1/14/2012
Walking into this place brings back memories of San Salvador. I only slip in on blazing hot weekday afternoons for the complete experience and to ensure myself a free table.
My favourite snack on this planet consists crispy tacos, of which I eat plenty. Overall the tacos are okay here but I find them a little on the bland side. They come with side dishes of salsa and hot peppers but they just add heat and no flavour. I prefer to the chorizo tacos to remedy this problem.
I've never been a fan of pupusas as I find they taste a little like dirt. They're adequate here and on occasion I will toss a few into my order for some variety.
Taco El Asador doesn't quite match up to other authentic experiences I've had say in California. But I'll still continue to make it a late lunch summer destination. -
Review from jenna m.
11/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Feel like going Baha?! Then Taco El Asador is the cantina for you! Situated in Koreatown, this quant charming little taco bar is a fantastic authentic Spanish eatery. The space is small and seating is limited but the atmosphere is warm, welcoming, friendly and fun! Upbeat classic Spanish music is often playing making you feel like you are truly south of the border. The food is delicious and affordable. The menu offers typical Mexican fare: tacos, tamales, puposas, enchiladas, and guacamole galore. I highly recommend the crispy tacos and the corn tamales. The crispness of the tacos flakes off perfectly when you bite in and the tamale has a lovely melange of starchy sweetness. Delicioso! The staff is extremely congenial and kind.
I highly recommend Taco El Asador! Muy bien! -
Review from Rebecca P.
York, ON
10/19/2011
Reviewing this place makes me feel like the old fart I could so easily become: Tacos El Asador has unquestionably fallen from it's Pre-Yelp-Days status of "completely awesome", to a mediocre-at-best joint that is run by the owners' younger generation....for the younger generation. Kids, your burritos are filled with filler....and the prices are higher for lower quality.
Long ago...even ten years ago...this place was run by the whole family: Mom and Pop did the cooking, Gramma sat on a stool in the back making pupusas, and the brothers minded the counter....and the food was freakin' AWESOME. Chicken burritos were made with -- get this -- CHICKEN. Not a combination of mostly beans & rice + a bit of bird....but actual chicken. Pupusas were made not just with higher quality ingredients, but with the loving touch of an old El Salvadorian grandmother, who would churn out quality pupusas like nobody's business. Everything else on the menu was kick-ass as well. And cheap.
Tacos El Asador was our go-to "gotta eat cheap" place long ago....and the only reason I returned (after hearing about the brothers taking over) was that Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu across the street had a line out the door...
The bottom line is that the owners, as nice as they are, are banking on people who don't know any better, and who thinks they're getting a good deal on good food. Meh. It's your choice. -
Review from Luis M.
Toronto, ON
9/16/2011
So we walk into the this place on a Friday night around 8 pm. The reviews we had read were great and we were hungry!
The place is small and cozy, it was somewhat crowed -but not too much-, was playing loud Latin music, and all the staff were either from Mexico or El Salvador. Not only that, but everyone was super friendly as well.
We ordered guacamole and tacos and had really high expectations. We enjoyed the guacamole but the tacos were just plain blah... We were so disappointed! The double tortilla made the tacos dry and the meat and veggies inside just didn't have any flavour.
We didn't try the pupusas but when you have "Tacos" in your name you'd assume that's their specialty.
This place gets 2 stars for the speedy service and warm staff but unfortunately Toronto just doesn't have a good place for tacos and El Asador is no exception... -
Review from Mumuuu S.
Toronto, ON
11/20/2011
The taco is so dry. Why?
It's so packed. Why?
What a weird world we live in here in Toronto, right?
El Jacal is much, much better. Even Mexitaco is far superior. Go west young tacophile!
My friend says that the soup is good. Which soup? Dunno.
If you like this place and have ever been to any part of the world with decent tacos then I am going to have to seriously reevaluate my whole thing. Honestly, everything will be changed if you read this and say anything other than: "It's true, I love their tacos, but I've never had a taco in any city that had any kind of taco reputation, and the words "taco reputation" also mean nothing to me so I am very surprised that I just used them" then I will have to start back at square one. I'm prepared; are you? -
Review from Debaser S.
Toronto, ON
1/5/2012
Ive heard so much about the place and have been here twice. I really want to like the food but i find it just lacks salt. the service is great and the place is really cute but the food always seems to lack just the basic seasoning. Otherwise, the quality of the meat is good and the tacos and pupusas are cooked very well. Plus, its amazing value for money
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Review from Vikas S.
Toronto, ON
4/11/2011
This place totally rocks.
I went last night for dinner (my second time) and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
The service is very prompt and friendly.
The salsa that comes to the table is hot and tasty.
They also serve up a salad of jalapeno and onion.
I had the squash and cheese pupusa, as well as the black bean pupusa. I preferred the squash, but both were tasty and were served with what looked like a pickled cabbage slaw.
The guacamole was average.
Overall - very good food.
One thing - why does everyone call this place Mexican?
It's Salvadorean.
Next time, I am going to try the tacos.
Oh, they also have good selection of beer!
Dos Equis Amber Ale, Lager and Negra Modelo were available during my visit. -
Review from Brian T.
Toronto, ON
4/22/2011
Although I like the vibe of this place with its tiny size, Spanish language soap operas and picnic benches, I have to say that the food is only so-so.
Tacos - frankly a bit bland, and I partially blame the fact that they double up on the corn tortilla (which I know is authentic), meaning that there is way too high tortilla to meat ratio. The meat was decently flavoured (I tried the tinga and the al pastor) but a bit dry and the hot sauce could have been more boldly flavoured.
Pupusas - much better than the tacos and worth the extra 5 minute wait.
The biggest plus here is the price - as you can get a solid meal and a drink for less than $10.
In short, this place is worth stopping into if you're in the neighbourhood, but if you want more flavourful and authentic tacos you're better off heading down to Kensington and hitting up El Trompo (best in the city in my opinion) or the back of Perola's grocery store (where tacos and pupusas are made over a hot plate). -
Review from Jennifer L.
Toronto, ON
1/21/2011
YES.
I took a streetcar AND a subway to this place the other night, after experiencing intense feelings of disconnectedness from the beloved Tacos El Asador. I often hold my pillow at night, longing for the mighty taco.
There are a few combos available. For $6.95, you can get a nice little combo of a soft taco, enchilada and a POP. They give you utensils, but I was fine with shoveling the food into my mouth with my hands.
There was a bit of a miscommunication on my last visit. My friend had requested a burrito with guacamole, thinking "Oh, a plop of guaco on top, please." They instead served us a delicious bowl of guacamole with nacho chips pleasantly embedded in the dip. Without question, I started chowing down on it, because I'm a huge pig. "Oh, this is complimentary guacamole! How nice!"
Despite it the guacamole being the freshest and most delicious, it was a $7 bowl for which we were charged. We tried to protest but they weren't having any of it. Don't insult them is what I've learned. Eat it and pay up. You will appreciate these minor mistakes.
Tacos El Asador also serves breakfast. -
Review from Lauren M.
10/18/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Not sure what all the hype is over this place. It is certainly always busy so it's obvious some people love it, but I'm not feeling the love. It's A-OK.
Tiny little restaurant packed with mini wooden picnic type tables. Every time I eat here it's always impossible to have decent conversation with my dining companions. Too much elbow bumping and boisterous laughing from someone sitting at the next table 18 inches over.
Food is decent but I feel like it's slightly overpriced for what it is. I'm not huge on Mexican (pardon me, "El Salvadorian") food so I don't have much basis for comparison. But it does look/taste authentic to what I've had in Mexico.
The guys that work here are awesome. Very friendly and quick to help with suggestions if you don't know what to order. Plus, the guy usually working the cash is pretty cute.
I see lots of people getting take out, maybe that is a better option. -
Review from Marilyn R.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 9/25/2011
Still loving it! Love the pupusas, love the beans, love the platanos con crema. I can't wait to try the tacos.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/6/2011
We went there on a mission. A mission to eat black beans, plantains and pupusas. The only thing they… Read more »
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Review from John F.
North York, ON
11/23/2010
We tried this place based on Yelp and liked it even better than El Trompo. The tacos are cheap, great tasting, and come in about six choices of fillings. Great quesadillas too. Looking forward to coming back and perhaps trying the posole or the Salvadorian pupusas. What I really like is that everything is priced a la carte - you don't need to get beans or sour cream if you don't want them but they are reasonable if you do.
Very friendly service - eager to please. Lack of atmosphere creates an atmosphere - order a bunch of tacos, sit down on the picnic type tables and enjoy.Listed in: Eating Places from Special…
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Review from Terri A.
Toronto, ON
3/9/2011
Yes, the place is small, but the pupusas are great! Almost as good as my mom's. Love the mixed pupusas, although they could be a little more generous with the sauce and coleslaw.
The plantain with sour cream is tasty, some re fried beans on the side and I'm set.
I prefer ordering out, rather than eating in, as it does get crowded especially on the weekends.
The staff is great, the cooks are both Mexican and Salvadoran, so you're getting authentic food.
IF you travel to El Salvador, you will find that some Pupusa restaurants actually have picnic tables, so the atmosphere is also authentic, as well as the way the food is served. -
Review from Yo U.
11/14/2011
I enjoy their crispy tacos, but they are not remotely authentic.
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Review from K S.
11/27/2011
Tiny little taco shop with a great casual atmosphere (i.e. Latino soaps playing on TV), great food, and friendly service. Not crazy about the soft tacos - I've never been a corn tortilla fan - but the enchiladas and tamales are excellent.
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Review from Alida S.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 10/14/2010 1 photo
The quality of the food has gone downhill lately. The past few times I've gone to Tacos El Asador, the tacos have been cold, and the salad hasn't been fresh, and the chicken has been way too watery.
I'm still a fan, but I don't think the tacos are as good as I thought they were. Maybe I've outgrown Tacos El Asador. Who knows. Maybe I've just tasted better tacos somewhere else. It happens.
They're still pretty delicious, and I stand by my original review. Tacos El Asador has the best tacos in Toronto.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/14/2009
Simply delicious. After visiting many disappointing "Mexican" restaurants such as Milagro's and… Read more »
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Review from Justin M.
Milton, ON
8/18/2010
Good lord, those are some tasty tacos. The crispy tacos melt in your mouth, and the toppings of onion, cilantro, and peppers are a great compliment the delicious filling.
Admittedly, seating is minimal at best, they only take cash, and it is a claustrophobe's nightmare. I've never tried any of the other items on the menu, but I'm sure they're just as tasty.Listed in: CalTexMexican food
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Review from lucinda k.
Vancouver, BC
9/6/2010
This is a great authentic Mexican joint. I went last night, grabbed a table before going in line, and was very impressed with the friendly service and food. The ambiance is pretty authentic Mexican too.
I only wish they had a smaller (read:cheaper) side of guac to go with my $5 burrito... -
Review from Alexander L.
Toronto, ON
9/10/2010
Decent place.
There's nothing worse than seeing a spotty white kid or an overworked Sri Lankan make your tacos. Won't happen here.
There's nothing more annoying than watching some bandit wank about paying by debit or credit card. Won't happen here.
There's nothing more disappointing than having a craving for a nice taco and getting mild, bland, same as everything-else tasting something that vaguely resembles a taco which fails to satisfy. Won't happen here.
What will happen is that your wallet will remain intact, your tastebuds will be tingled, and you'll be delighted by the honest surroundings of picnic tables and spanish language dramas on the gogglebox.
So why only 3 stars? Well it's not THAT amazing and people on this site seem to hand 5 stars out like their life depended on it. -
Review from Jay G.
Toronto, ON
11/17/2009 ROTD 12/28/2009
The most authentic tacos I've had in Toronto.
This small little shop welcomes you with delicious aromas that are a great introduction to the authentic flavors offered. I came here at 7pm and it was super busy but the wait wasn't too bad. I managed to snag a seat in 10mins.
This place is not the nicest but it definitely has its charm. There are 6 picnic tables crammed in this small space with Spanish MTV playing and wood everywhere.
The service is usually super fast and super friendly. You order at the counter, grab a seat and the food will get brought to you accompanied with some hot sauce, onions, jalepenos, and hot peppers.
The food is amazing and is the closest thing I've had to a real taco since living in California. Absolutely authentic and delicious. Definitely try the chorizo taco.
Overall the prices are great while the food is better. If you're looking for a place to get delicious Mexican food look no further as this is THE place. -
Review from Real B.
Toronto, ON
7/9/2011
Never managed to get a seat here. It's crazy! Luckily there's a park nearby to which you can take the suitably tasty food, made exactly how your El Salvadorean mama would make (if you had one of those of course).
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Review from Kat F.
4/30/2009 2 photos
Ever since I drove by and saw the sign advertising the city's "best" tacos (only the word best was in quotes, pretty much guaranteeing a submission to The Blog Of Unnecessary Quotation Marks), I knew I had to try Tacos El Asador.
Despite Yelp's warnings to NOT go at 7pm, I found myself inside at precisely 7pm along with about thirty other hungry patrons, many of them Hispanic, making me increasingly confident that I'd be getting an 'authentic' experience. I dilly-dallied about my order selection and finally decided on the "strictly vegetarian" black bean soup (soup of the day!) and a bean and squash pupusa.
Luckily for us the folks in the kitchen fire out food at such a mind-numbing pace that it wasn't long before our dinner was ready and brought out to us (in waves, might I add, as we received a few unexpected add-ons like a bowl of onions, avocado slices, some weird salad with jalapenos on it and a brown slurry that may have been hot sauce...or soup.)
The black bean soup was fairly brothy (not a puree as I'd been expecting) and brimming with rice and whole black beans. It was a bit spicy and the portion was enormous so I didn't even get halfway through it before I had to get started on my pupusa.
According to what Wiki tells me, pupusas have been around for nearly 3000 years and were eaten by "the natives" back in the day. They're a thick, hand-rolled maize (corn) tortilla that kind of looks like a pancake or a crepe, but is stuffed with a variety of things like "chicharrón" (fried pork rinds), cheese, beans or ayote squash, which is green and stringy like zucchini.
Unfortunately I wasn't a huge fan of the pupusa - it was too bland for my tastes. It was in dire need of a flavour intervention by way of chilis or hot sauce. Even sour cream would have helped its cause.
The entire meal was made more entertaining by the inclusion of a Mexican Telenovela on the big screen TV. I have NO idea what the name of this soap opera was, but it was hilarious. It was super dramatic, every actress burst into tears at least once per scene, and the entire thing took place in a hospital. At one point there was even a flashback montage of freak accidents like electrocutions, gasoline fires, radioactivity and gas leaks. It was a wild ride! -
Review from Vivek S.
4/19/2009
Wandered into this jam-packed Taco-joint Friday night pre-Clinton's. Standing ass-to-ass we shout-ordered a mega-load of crispy tacos. Seating consists of a few small picnic tables so it's better suited to groups of 4 or fewer.
Amidst the din and 110 db rabble, we waited. Our order took a WHILE to arrive, but it was well worth the wait. The tacos are crispy and have a unique flavour, and there are so many varieties; I can't wait to try their other options.
Obligatory Title Pun: More like TACOS el AWESOME-dor!
Menu Readability: On a board high above the counter. They have a lot of selection, but it was too busy to quiz the staff on their offerings. Maybe next time.
Need to mention: The prices are incredible. I had a filling dinner, and a beer, for less than $15.
What this place teaches me about myself: I don't know what papusas are. But I intend to find out.Listed in: Latin American Food in Toronto
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Review from Chris P.
This place truly lives up to their sign saying they're the best tacos in Toronto. This is the first place I've had the opportunity to eat a handmade tortilla outside of California (and Mexico of course) and they were pretty good. This place is really authentic as its a Mexican family that runs the joint.
I had a pork taco, chicken taco and the nachos. The pork was really good but I found the chicken to be a little dry, like it needed some guac or sour cream on it. The only other negative was that this place is really small so Mike S. and I had to get our tacos to go and eat them out in the cold on a nearby park bench.
You may want to try the "chrispy" tacos. Yes that's right "chrispy". -
Review from Jennifer N.
Toronto, ON
8/11/2008
Chorizo tacos... mmmm...
This El Salvadoran place is as basic as it gets. The small space is filled with wooden picnic tables and there's a counter where you order. But just because it's basic and simple doesn't mean the food is.
The tacos are full of flavour. The guacamole is creamy and sooo fresh. Try the pupusas filled with cheese. It's grilled cheese latin american style. If you like the heat, go heavy on their homemade hot sauce. I like heat but I like my tongue better so a few drops suffice. Plantains and refried beans are good accompaniment to the tacos/burritos. I wasn't a fan of the tamales. A little stingy on the meat and the masa needed a little more seasoning. Drink it all down with a Jarrito or a Dos Equis and you've got yourself a fine lunch or dinner.
Lunch and dinner gets packed. So come early if you want a shot of the picnic tables. -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
11/20/2008
El Asador, you make dreams come true. The first time I came here, some big soccer match was blaring on the television, and the place was packed with tri-colour painted faces. The staff, too, had their one eye focused on slapping my meal together and another eying the sinewy muscles running across the field. Great introduction to one of the best cheap eats in the city.
Though I'd have to say El Trompo's meats are a little more flavourful, this place is authentic, vibrant and makes me feel like I'm in another country. Above all, the service is so spot on. Water? You done? Everything fine? Need cheese? Above the food, the attention here is what sells the place.
However, its exterior is so unobtrusive that I always seem to miss this place every time I pass by. And it's too bad, because I could always use a dose of the Asador.
Local celebrity spotting: Rick the Temp from MuchMusic. ZING!
Final assessment? GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! -
Review from cailen s.
Oakville, ON
5/7/2009
I arrived here before my friend did and so I parked myself on one of the unoccupied benches that serve as dining tables. This was about 6:15ish. After sitting there a little while one of the employees politely asked me if I could get up because other people needed the spot. I understood and went outside and waited out front for my friend. A few minutes later when we both entered and sat down, this same employee apologized profusely. Almost a little too profusely. Clearly this is a man who cares about his customer service.
You can argue over the relative deliciousness of the food here (an argument that is centered around how good it is, rather than IF the food is good) but what is not open to debate is the authenticity of the experience. This place is so Mexican it hurts. After eating here it made me question whether I should see a doctor to check for swine flu. It's that Mexican.
A stop here would be incomplete without a quick crane of your neck up to the tv screens showing Mexican television. When my friend and I ate here we spent most of our time trying to piece together the obscenely convoluted plot of the Mexican soap that was on.
Little did my friend know, I am secretly in love with her sister while about to be married to her other sister even though that sister spurned my best friend after he got her pregnant. But I am definitely not responsible for the poisoning of her father, that was her jealous uncle who has always wished it was he, not his brother who had married her mother -
Review from Maureen P.
Toronto, ON
3/14/2009
After eating here the other night, all I have to say is...
"OINK OINK!"
I'm a pig!
Sometimes I amaze myself. You should have seen the spread on our table. Crispy pork tacos, crispy chicken tacos, chorizo soft tacos, cheesy chicharron papusas and plantains. Did I mention that there was only 2 of us? And trust me, I ate my share.
Very casual look from the inside and out. But don't let the lack of ambiance fool you. There is no lack in the quality of El Asador's food. Authentic Latin American eats, personable and mindful staff, comfy atmosphere. And all for a price that can't be beat.
There's always a line up, but I'll always wait as long as I have to, to order their food.
I'm a Tacos El Asador regular for life!Listed in: Diverse Tastes
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Review from Nav A.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 7/14/2009
Went back today and it was much better than before. The chicken in the tacos I had was a little dry, but the beef burrito was amazing. And when you learn to take it easy with the salsa that has habaneros in it - wow! It adds enough kick to make me sweat without actually causing pain. Delicious.
I take back my previous lukewarm review and kick this up to a solid 4/5. Stay away from the chewy chicken and you're golden.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/28/2009
I had heard a lot about this place and finally got around to going. Perhaps it was all the hype, but… Read more »
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Review from Noel D.
12/8/2009 1 Check-in Here
We used to order take-out from this place all the time at my old job. I would always get the chicken burrito. In fact, I would get two chicken burritos because they were so damn good. I would also get an horchata to wash it down, but for some reason I think they discontinued that drink.
Now I tend to pop in and get a variety of things as take-away, but the chicken burrito is still my favourite. Only complaint is the place is super tiny and very popular -- which makes for a tight situation. -
Review from Jason E.
2/25/2010
I love this place and come here every time I come to Toronto, which is often. It is as authentic as authentic gets, by which I mean this is Latin American food, not a Californian gringoised interpretation, so it is slightly bland until you add the salsa and squeeze on some lime juice.
There is a gratifying absence of gringos working here and everything on the menu is cheap and very real. The tortillas are all home made, the tacos ($2.70) are the crispiest I have ever had, their salsa picante is hot and vibrant, the onions and jalapenos crisp and fresh.
The pupusas which are stuffed El Salvadoran corn bread parcels are wholesome and filling, chatting ( in Spanish) with the guy at the counter there, he mentioned that in Mexco they have something very similar but called a gordita, I laughed and in English said, " a fat girl?" and then we both laughed.
I love this place and whether you come here to eat "a fat girl", or come here to enjoy the tacos or the burritos or anything else on their menu, if you have ever lived or travelled South or the Border, then I'm sure you will love it too. -
Review from Matthew S.
Toronto, ON
1/28/2010
Judging by other reviews, Tacos El Asador is about authentic as you can get in Toronto. I've never been to El Salvador so I'll have to trust that this is true. But, authentic or not, I'm not really feeling this place. The food is good but not great. I just found things a little on the bland side.
In two visits to Tacos El Asador I've had soft tacos, crispy tacos, and papusas. The crispy is definitely the best. Everything is served with decent salsa and a mixture of onions and jalapenos for those that want to increase the heat. In all cases I had the vegetarian versions, which I realize might be the cause of the blandness, but I had a bite of a friend's pork crispy taco last time and wasn't super impressed with that either.
Service is quick and everything is fairly inexpensive. I'd probably go back to Tacos El Asador but wouldn't go out of my way to do so. -
Review from Anna V.
Toronto, ON
8/22/2008 1 photo
Tucked in the heart of Koreatown at Christie and Bloor is Toronto's best burrito. Perched on the corner of Clinton and Bloor between dozens of Korean BBQ restaurants and cheap, designer knock-off stores is El Salvadorian eatery, Tacos El Asador.
The décor is minimal with brightly painted picnic tables for seating, TVs mounted in ever corner, an order desk and a few small fridges stocked with beer, water and South American sodas make up the whole restaurant.
The menu includes burritos (chick, veg or beef), soft or hard shell tacos, breakfast, guacamole, soup and salad and chorizo.
In the summer it's tight, sweaty and loud if there's a soccer game on. Place your order at the cash and have a seat. You pay when you're done eating. Meal plus tip, tax and beer works out to $12.
My suggestion: chicken burrito with guacamole and an apple soda. Make sure you try the hot sauce, they make it in-house and it's delicious.
Open 12PM-9Pm daily except Wednesdays and 2PM-6PM on Sundays. -
Review from Shaz S.
Toronto, ON
ok for the price, authentic mexican food, got the soft taco and enchilada nothing special. the place is tiny, around 2-3 picnic tables, the service is friendly, the portions are kinda small. apparently the nacho's are really good, so might go back for a try.
we were sort of kicked out right after we were done eating, i guess with a space that small, they can't have ppl hanging around when there're ppl waiting to eat their food. i'd say the small cramped space is overwhelming, so take out is def the better option.
have to add - i'm not a fan of mexican food, but liked this place.
must try: burrtos & nachos - around $7-8 per person. -
Review from Daniel B.
12/13/2009 2 Check-ins Here
All the best of El Salvador without the pesky civil war-relic landmines or CIA death squads.
By far and away the best Central American food available in a city full of spectacular options.
The best thing here in my opinion are the pupusas. But everything seems to be excellent....
Inexpensive. Delicious. Tecate. Hot Sauce. Cha cha cha. -
Review from Alan K.
London, ON
11/18/2011
Saw this place when I was in the Annex after having dinner at Maroli. I dropped by again the next day to give this place a try as it was seriously crowded for a Tuesday night (and so it had to be good). I went there during off-hours but it was still almost completely full. I ordered their beef tacos. They gave me small bowls of salsa and what looked to be marinated onions, cilantro, and jalapeno peppers. When my tacos arrived, I was definitely generous with the condiments and dug in. The jalapenos had more heat than I had anticipated as it's not the spiciest pepper around (wasn't complaining though!). The salsa wasn't the most memorable and I didn't particularly care for the addition of the wilted lettuce but the meat was nicely cooked (it looked grilled to me). Service was friendly and they had a big screen tv where i watched some kick boxing while waiting for my food. A very solid place overall.
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Review from Alejandro A.
Toronto, ON
12/2/2008
There's a lot of hub bub about this place. It's an authentic Latin American eatery, which is primarily a take out joint, but has a handful of picnic benches (indoors) for you to eat at if you wish.
They make good burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas and, of course, tacos. I've read (in NOW and such) that this place is known for its spiciness, but I've never found the heat to be a big deal. Certainly, you have the option to add spicy salsa (red or green) to your eats, but it's not a requirement.
I've enjoyed the food on a handful of occasions, and this is easily one of those spots that you wouldn't expect to be as good as it is. I think part of that is its location. It's located right in Korea town, and nothing in the vicinity hints at a Latino vibe. It's both a good spot on its own, but even better when you consider there's nothing like in nearby. -
Review from Kim B.
ON
11/19/2008 5 photos
From the outside, Tacos El Asador looks like a convenience store. Inside it isn't much nicer. Eight picnic tables crowd the albeit colourful room as the sound of CNN Espanola natters in the background. And yet, every night around seven, it's one of the busiest spots in Koreatown when the Salvadorian smells from its minuscule kitchen coax you off of Bloor street and into a sense of comfort despite décor. Delicious food; fabulous guacamole and chips, papusas, burritos and enchiladas made with beef, chicken, bean, pork or chorizo filling, come served on pink plastic trays with a side of the hottest hot sauce and a bowl of chopped jalapenos. Extinguish the fire with a Dos Equis or one of the weirdest juices/sodas from South America. And CHEAP! Their "Chrispy Beef Tacos" (at $2.70 each) are amazing. True taco lovers (like me!) will find a home here.
Listed in: CHEAP Toronto, My FIVE Star Toronto, Top Restaurants
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Review from Marie B.
Toronto, ON
2/6/2009
We go here at every other week. Food is good & cheap, vibe is casual and pleasant. My faves are chorizo tacos & chicken tostadas. Always order a side of plantains & watermelon soda. Yumm......
Listed in: Cheap Eats
