Gus Tacos

What is Gus Tacos? Occupying 225 Augusta Avenue, this compact counter-service shop is where the citywide Gus Tacos operation began, evolving from its original roots inside Kensington Market into a Toronto street-food essential. The space is spare, utilitarian, and built for speed, featuring a quick-turn counter and narrow standing rails rather than a traditional dining room. When the weather cooperates, patrons grab paper-lined baskets to eat on nearby market curbs or park benches.

Gus Tacos Menu & What to Order The kitchen specializes in California-leaning street tacos, griddled quesadillas, and tortas packed onto double corn tortillas or fresh buns. The al pastor stands out with deeply seasoned, spit-grilled pork cut with pineapple and cilantro, while the tender braised barbacoa lamb and rich beef birria pair naturally with cups of savoury broth. Crisp battered fish (pescado empanizado) hits the right fry crunch, and vegetarians have solid choices in grilled mushrooms and queso fresco with avocado. Pair your order with house-made horchata or a bottle of Jarritos.

Know Before You Go Everything runs on a walk-in, counter-order model with no reservations; lines move swiftly even during peak weekend rushes. Parking inside Kensington is practically nonexistent, making the 506 Carlton or 510 Spadina streetcars the smoothest way to arrive. The counter is open seven days a week from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.