El Catrin is located in the Distillery District in the former location that housed The Boiler House.
Walking up to the restaurant you can miss the amazing 5000 square foot patio decorated with bright yellow tables and chairs. A large fire cauldron is based in the centre of the patio.
We visited on a Saturday without a reservation but only had to wait 5 minutes for a table. There were quite a few toddlers at tables throughout the patio so we let out a sigh of relief! They seemed to have lots of high chairs, and they even had a children’s menu.
The menu is authentic traditional and modern Mexican cuisine. We went during brunch so the kids menu included Pancakes with maple syrup and whipped cream, Quesadillas, Pescaditos (crispy fish fingers with corn tortilla chips, and Torreja con Jarabe de Arce y Crema Batida (24 hr soaked vanilla brioche, maple syrup and whipped cream.
Our toddler isn’t saying much yet, but he had the pancakes and judging by the fact he ate every last bit he seemed to approve.
We had two of their margaritas (mine was watermelon flavoured) and they were two of the best margaritas we have ever had! We ordered guacamole and chips as well and the guacamole was made fresh at our table and was excellent.
We tried the Ensalada El Catrin ($16 almost their version of a cobb salad) which had peppers, cucumbers, chicken, black beans, avocado, tomatoes, queso fresco and a pumpkin seed vinaigrette. All of the ingredients were very fresh and the portion was huge. We also tried the Tacos Pastor ($14) with shaved pork and I LOVED this. The tacos were amazing.
Overall the food was excellent, fresh, and we liked the tapas style of the menu. Kids were defiantly welcomed for lunch, and judging by the fact there was a kids menu they would be welcomed for dinner as well.
Dinner is served Monday to Friday, but lunch is only Thursday and Friday, and brunch is Saturday and Sunday 10:30-5pm.
55 Mill Street, Toronto – Distillery District
www.elcatrin.com
416.203.2121