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Eating and Drinking > Restaurants > Mexican

MEXICAN | $

Grand Electric

416-627-3459

1330 Queen St. W. , Toronto , Ontario M6K 1L4

43.641890 -79.430180

Map | Leave a review | User reviews

Colin Tooke and Ian McGrenaghan—both alumni of the Black Hoof—don’t give a rat’s ass whether you like their Parkdale taqueria and bourbon bar. The only decoration in the rundown room is a wall of premium brown booze and a sagging string of Christmas lights. Hardcore ’90s rap blaring on the stereo may remind you of the aspiring gangsters you knew in high school. And there’s a no-reservations policy, so securing a table takes about an hour on weeknights. But once you do, the beautifully bedraggled staff treat you like a good friend. Taco options include Baja fish, arbol chicken and beef cheek. Dressed simply with cilantro, onion and lime, they roll up into superb, chin-dribbling bundles. Wee Mason jars of key lime vaso (graham cracker crumbs, lime curd and a pile of whipped cream) encapsulate the mood of the place—sweet-tart, a little trashy and totally enjoyable.

Grand Electric 2012-02-01

DETAILS

Neighbourhood: Parkdale

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Reader Reviews of Grand Electric

Average user ratings (out of 10):

Overall3.3
Food6.0
Decor3.0
Service1.0

I by Peter D from King West on 2012-11-18

Overall Rating: 3.3 (out of 10)
Food: 6 Decor: 3 Service: 1

Two hour wait and atrocious service for average food.

A few articles in Toronto's go-to literature has put this place on the map but something doesn't add up. We put our names on the list for a table of four and were told to return in an hour - they would not take our phone number. When we returned in an hour, we were told 15 minutes - which turned into another hour. We finally divided into two 2's and got seated. We then joined up when the elusive table for 4 became free.

After an hour and a half, before we were done, the bill showed up without us asking for it. On attempting to order more, our server said she'd have to ask her boss. The answer was 'No', pay the bill and then "We have people waiting, it's time for you to leave". All of a sudden, potential patrons became more important than actual patrons. This 'Boss' character has no clue about customer service. I've never written a restaurant review before, but my experience with this joke was enough motivation to get started.

The food was decent - the fish taco was as good as most people say. Meanwhile, the pig tail reminded me of throw up heading in the other direction (throw down?).

The cocktails were not good, I had the special and it tasted like bog water. My friend had the Caesar and chose to not even finish it.

All in all, we spent more time waiting to get in than we were allowed to stay. Will never be there again. I bet this place doesn't last. The hype can only mask horrible service and average food for so long.

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