Borrowed Donkey

What is Borrowed Donkey? Operating inside Elijah’s Automatic Flame Broiled Burgers at 821 The Queensway, Borrowed Donkey is restaurateur Shant Mardirosian’s dedicated venture into Sonoran-style Mexican street food. The converted brick roadside building channels a moody retro diner vibe with dark timber accents, stained-glass details, counter ordering, and a breezy sidewalk patio out front. While neighborhood regulars drop by for patties, savvy west-enders know the kitchen shares its flame grill to turn out borderland staples built on scratch-pressed flour tortillas and a strict seed oil–free philosophy.

Borrowed Donkey Menu & What to Order The standout across the entire board is the Sonoran flour tortilla, rolled thin with traditional pork lard to achieve a delicate, blistered chew. The chicken chimichanga is a must-order, fried crisp and laden with shredded chicken, seasoned rice, and refried beans, while the steak burrito showcases smoky char straight from the broiling station. Round out the meal with house tortilla chips, rich warm queso, and a fountain cup of black cherry soda or tart pink lemonade. Take note of dietary specifics: because the kitchen champions authentic lard in its tortillas and beef tallow for fried sides, the menu caters squarely to omnivores rather than halal or vegan diners.

Know Before You Go Borrowed Donkey operates on a counter-service and walk-in model, making it equally seamless for a swift eat-in lunch or grab-and-go takeout. Tables are limited inside the shared diner room, so expect lines to crest during the Friday and Saturday evening dinner rush. Drivers can find metered and free side-street parking off The Queensway, while TTC commuters can catch the 80 Queensway bus directly to the front doors.