Where to drink micheladas in Toronto
The Mexican version of a Caesar, a michelada (pronounced mee-chay-law-da) uses beer instead vodka with just the right amount of tomato or Clamato juice, lime, spices and a salty rim. In fact, the sky’s the limit when it comes to blends and garnishes on this refreshing Mexican favourite. Here are the top cantinas bringing the michelada north of the border to fans in the Six. Salud! [Image credit: iStock.com/MelMcKay]
La Carnita Leslieville
780 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4Stepping into La Carnita, no matter the time of day, always feels like a party. Between the notes of bass and killer beats by the likes of Biggie and Tribe Called Quest, packed tables of friends indulge in piles of crunchy chips and guac, fish tacos and messy bites of Mexican street corn. You can wash down all that goodness with a spicy michelada combining Corona, Clamato, habanero sauce and lime juice. Or, pucker up on the Bread and Butter, made with a Negra Modelo, lime juice and chili-salt rim.
Grand Electric
1330 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1L4When in Parkdale, a trip to Grand Electric should always be on the menu. Enter through the unassuming door (with the expectation you may have to queue up on Queen Street to wait for a seat) into what feels more cozy bar than one of the city’s most coveted places for Mexican bites. The uncomplicated menu features twists on tacos like sweet yam and crispy cauliflower to classic faves like fish, chicken, beef cheek and pork belly. And there’s a fierce michelada here to pair with all that taco goodness – classic, simple and straight up, it’s chock full of hot sauce, Tecate beer and a spicy arbol rim.
Chadwick's
268 Howland Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 3B6Dupont’s diner extraordinaire serves up plates of homemade southern fried chicken and messy nachos, perfect for catching up with a friend at a cozy booth. In fact, everything here’s a homemade hybrid of North American, British and Latin flavours. And when it comes to a michelada, they don’t fool around. Although not a regular fixture on the menu, you can watch for snaps on Instagram or call ahead to see if the bevvie is on offer. Nosh your way through a serious garnish skewer of prawns, peppers, pickles and gummy bear (yup.) before experiencing the perfectly paired flavours of housemade Clamato, lime and beer with a peppery rim.
Macho Tex Mex Radio Bar
92 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 4A7A newcomer to the Harbourfront hood, this bright, spacious Tex-Mex cantina and cocktail bar is garnering plenty of accolades for its slick interior, impressive covered patio and spin on shareable favourites: nachos with chipotle salsa, beans, peppers; heaping house-cut fries with aioli and queso; and melt-in-your mouth wings cooled off in a dill yogurt dressing. The classic-style michelada (the resto’s Macho clamato mix and draught lager) on the menu here pairs perfectly with all that flavoured goodness.
El Catrin Destileria
18 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4If you’re yearning for Mexico, a trip to El Catrin should take the edge off. To say the interior is exquisite would be an understatement. Between detailed murals bursting with colour and low light streaming from warm, oversized shades, the space is truly a feast on all senses. In warmer months, you can take it outdoors to the patio popping with bright, yellow accents against wood and gorgeous brick (actually, the heated patio is great in spring and fall as well). As for the michelada, El Catrin does theirs with lager, clamato, Maggi, cholula and a lime-salted rim.
Playa Cabana Cantina
2883 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1Y9When a craving for super tasty, street-style tacos that ooze crunch and mad flavour hits, Junction locals know where to turn. While not technically listed on the menu, if you’re hankering for a straight-up michelada to pair with all that pico salsa and guac, the bartender here will be happy to whip one up for you. In fact, we’re told the staff love it when customers ask for custom blends off the menu.
