El Chino Antojitos Bar

What is El Chino Antojitos Bar? Tucked just north of Bloor at 457 St. Clarens Avenue, El Chino Antojitos Bar is the elevated sibling to Annex favourite El Pocho. Helmed by chef Luis Valenzuela and his team, the space trades casual taqueria vibes for dim, moody lighting, warm wood accents, and intimate bar and dining room seating. The concept leans into modern Mexican antojitos underscored by Pan-Asian flavor profiles while maintaining a dedicated 100% gluten-free kitchen.

El Chino Antojitos Bar Menu & What to Order Start with the coliflor a la parrilla before diving into signature seafood dishes like the camarones con matcha and the showstopping pescado zarandeado—a whole butterflied fish charcoal-grilled with citrus and chiles. Pair the plates with thoughtfully balanced cocktails like the bright Yuzu Margarita or a rich Mole Old Fashioned. With a completely celiac-safe kitchen and ample vegetarian options, diners with dietary restrictions can order freely across the entire menu.

Know Before You Go Reservations are available through the restaurant's website and strongly recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings, though bar seats are kept open for walk-ins. Located a quick five-minute walk from Lansdowne subway station, transit is the easiest way to arrive, as street parking along St. Clarens and Bloor West is limited. The bar is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with the kitchen closing at 10:00 p.m.