Introducing: Playa Cabana Cantina, the Junction’s kitschy new taco bar

Introducing: Playa Cabana Cantina, the Junction’s kitschy new taco bar

Introducing: Playa Cabana Cantina
(Image: Karolyne Ellacott)

Dave Sidhu’s Playa Cabana Cantina, which opened late last month in the Junction, is Toronto’s latest taco-and-tequila spot. The menu doesn’t deviate much from sister restaurant Playa Cabana in the Annex, but the room is more boisterous, with a steady stream of reggaeton, bachata and salsa beats pumping loudly overhead. Like Cabana, Cantina focuses on tacos, burritos and bocaditos (appetizers) with tortillas made to order. Taco options include tacos al pastor and the popular ancho-braised shortrib trio ($14), and there’s a six-seat oyster bar with a rotating selection of bivalves. Signature cocktails like the C on the E with a Side of B are available, alongside Mexican beers and plenty of tequila, in the cavernous room filled with vintage Mexican kitsch—movie posters, hat-shaped lights from Guadalajara and bright neon signs pushing all manner of booze.

Playa Cabana Cantina, 2883 Dundas St. W., 647-352-7767, www.playacabana.ca/ @PlayaCabana