The place is impossible to find unless you know what you are looking for. With the exception of a small logo on the door, it is totally unmarked. Once inside you will likely have to put your name on the waiting list, and walk across the street to any of the bars and sit down for a drink. Wait times are usually 30 minutes to an hour, depending on when you go. As for your choice of bar, The Rhino is less than one block east of here on the other side of the street. It sports an enormous beer list and at least 25 taps. Once someone calls you back you need to settle up your tab as soon as possible, and run back to the restaurant. (Not because you will lose your table, but because you are starving, and their food is so worth the run). You will be promptly seated. You will also promptly notice loud rap and R&B blaring in the background. Take a look at the west chalkboard for a beer and cocktail list, and the east one sports their bourbon selection, well over 30 bottles long.
Most importantly, stare lustfully at the back wall where you will find their menu posted. The left column features a rotating selection of both authentic and original tacos, the right a set of composed dishes and desserts. Ordering the guacamole is mandatory, it arrives with half foot of chicharon (think Mexican pork rind) jammed into it, a side of spicy pico de gallo and mountains of chips. Tacos I have witnessed there included sweetly spiced braised beef cheek, piquant and traditional pork tinga and chicken with arbol chile, super lightly battered Baja fish as well as creative options like crunchy cauliflower and scrapple. As for the other end of the menu, keep an eye out for their tuna ceviche, albacore gently cooked in lime juice and dressed with what seems to be a blend of mayonnaise and buttermilk. 'Dr. Octopus' was a tasty hit as well with shredded radish salad and a juicy grilled tentacle. Order the chorizo and brussels sprouts carefully, crispy and tender sprouts come well soaked in a puddle of delicious rendered chorizo fat and sausage bits: tasty, but painfully greasy. Desserts are all done in small mason jars, trifle style, and look tasty, but I have never had room for one.
The best part of all is the price, of the two times I have been there, dinner for 2 with drinks was $70 tip included, and dinner for 9 with a mix of cocktails and Mexican Cokes, a meagre $280.
Grand Electric
1330 Queen Street West
