Blanco Cantina is a lively bar and grill that takes Tex-Mex cuisine to a whole new level. Originally from Alberta, with locations throughout western Canada, this restaurant marks the franchise's first foray into Toronto's food scene.

Though the restaurant has only been open since the beginning of 2025, general manager Trevor King tells me that Blanco Cantina has slowly but surely been finding its niche.

"Most of our customers found out about us through word of mouth," Trevor explains. "People would stumble in, have a good time and then tell their friends about us. The building was also under construction for a while, so it's only natural that people would want to come by and check it out."

Blanco Cantina occupies a large, boxy building that once belonged to Superfresh, an Asian food hall. Though most of the bar fixtures are the same, other aspects of the space have been given a complete overhaul.A huge mural, depicting a traditional Day of the Dead celebration, dominates the restaurant's western wall. The other walls are decorated with sombreros, skulls and other pieces of Mexican artwork.A small arcade can be found near the edge of the dining room, equipped with games such as Pac-Man and Golden Tee Golf.

Blanco Cantina serves a wide selection of Mexican and Tex-Mex staples, from burritos to tacos and quesadillas.

They also have two happy hour periods: one from 2:00 to 5:00 pm and the other from 10:00 pm until close. During these periods, margaritas drop down to $7, while classic tacos can be purchased for $3 each.

True to its name, the tableside guacamole ($16) is brought to the table and prepared right before your eyes.

Avocados, onions and tomatoes are chopped, mashed and mixed, then combined with cilantro, jalapenos, minced garlic and fresh lime to create the perfect dip.

Chicken wings ($17) are served by the pound, with a side of jalapeno ranch dipping sauce. We tried the maple chili and chipotle mango flavours, both of which strike the right balance between spicy and sweet.Classic tacos ($33 / 6) are available in six different flavours, including mojo pork, crispy fish, chicken tinga, garlic mushroom, braised beef and baja shrimp.

The shrimp tacos are topped with jalapeno ranch slaw, pico de gallo and chipotle sauce, while the other options come with cabbage, onion, cilantro and jalapeno.

Since these tacos come in sets of six, you can either try one of each type or load up on your favourite flavour.
Designed to be the "ultimate" Tex-Mex taco, the Pinche Gringo ($17) consists of three hard shell tacos wrapped in soft flour tortillas.

Each one is stuffed with refried beans, ground beef, and shredded lettuce, as well as cheese, tomato, sour cream and red sauce.The Classic Margarita ($11.50) is everything you could possibly want from a margarita and then some.

In addition to the requisite tequila, triple sec and lime juice, this cocktail is sweetened with agave nectar and served in a lowball glass with a salted rim.

Blanco Cantina also sells these margaritas as cocktail kits, allowing you to take these back to the comfort of your home.The Bull Dog ($16) is an odd looking drink that combines the bitter taste of beer with the sweet, tangy taste of a strawberry margarita.

Though I was somewhat intimidated by the upside down Corona sticking out of my cup, I quickly overcame my fears, as the two types of alcohol complemented each other quite well.

The Blue Lagoon ($12) is a bright blue beverage, garnished with gummy sharks and mint leaves. This drink mixes blue curacao with triple sec, Cazadores Blanco tequila, white claw pineapple vodka and lemon lime soda.

Colourful, fizzy and slightly sour, this cocktail was the highlight of my night and will surely appeal to fans of fruity drinks.

Blanco Cantina is located at 384 Bloor Street West.