El Rey

What is El Rey? Anchoring the south end of Kensington Avenue near Dundas (2A Kensington Ave), El Rey is an amber-lit cantina dedicated to small-batch Mexican agaves and soulful street-level fare. Inside, exposed brick, curved arches, and earthy terracotta tones frame a snug horseshoe bar, complemented by coveted sidewalk patio seating during warm months. It functions as an earnest Oaxacan-style drinking salon where deep spirits knowledge meets casual market hospitality.

El Rey Menu & What to Order Start with house-fried chips alongside creamy guacamole topped with crispy onions before diving into spit-roasted al pastor or rich, braised birria folded into fragrant heirloom corn tortillas. Seafood lovers should target the crispy squid tacos and bright ceviche, while the mushroom pibil offers an earthy, deeply seasoned option for vegetarians. Pair your meal with an artisanal mezcal flight guided by the encyclopedic bar team or a stiff Oaxaca Old Fashioned.

Know Before You Go Tables can be booked ahead on Resy, though bar stools and patio perches remain prime targets for spontaneous walk-ins. Kensington Market’s cramped one-way streets make parking difficult, so hop off the 505 Dundas or 510 Spadina streetcars and walk in. The room opens at 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, running straight from noon to midnight Friday through Sunday.