King Street might just be getting some competition as the city’s main district of entertainment. The Annex has just welcomed a brand new Mexican cocktail and tapas bar called Mezcalero, and, between the dancers and fire performers on the floor at last weekend’s opening, it’s already making a statement.
General Manager Anthony Walker describes the interior, which was designed by Alexander Perry as “playful, modern, and industrial,” noting the garage doors on the side of the building. “It’s just this beautiful mix of colours that ties into the food and the whole experience.”
After a 12 years spent working together at Victory Café and Crafty Coyote, Walker teamed up with local restauranteur Knick Ndreka to develop the idea.
“We wanted to feel like you were kind of transported to another place,” says Walker. “Bloor Street is a beautiful street, and we feel like it doesn’t have enough variety of things to eat or entertainment or different restaurants that have an evening vibe. So we wanted to bring King and Yorkville and that kind of energy to the Annex.”
Due to supply limitations caused by COVID, the opening had to be postponed by over a year from its originally planned date. “When you’re trying to make something new, and when you’re trying to make something that’s really important to you,” says Walker, “You don’t want to skimp out on certain things,” he explains, adding that the duo always had a specific image in mind for Mezcalero.
“We have a range of mezcal products that’s available at the LCBO, it’s mezcal for mezcal fans; they’ll know a lot of the brands that we have. But then we also have another completely different variety of mezcal that may be unfamiliar to many, unless they have a deep understanding of Mexican mezcal culture.”
The shared plates menu offers guests the chance to indulge in what Walker refers to as “experiences,” allowing them to select any items from the menu at a fixed price. These experiences vary in size and content, ranging from a selection of six plates accompanied by four house cocktails for $150, all the way up to an extensive offering of 30 plates accompanied by two bottles of tequila or mezcal for $850. This menu structure empowers guests to tailor their dining experience precisely to their desires, finding the perfect combination of flavors and dishes. Additionally, for those who prefer a more individualized approach, guests have the option to order salads, esquites, chorizos, and empanadas separately, a la carte.
All of the menu items are crafted by chef Erica Araujo, who has earned a significant reputation throughout Mexico.
“She is a powerhouse of a chef,” boasts Walker, adding that Araujo has won guacamole contests.
That makes it fitting for Mezcalero to have a guacamole bar. Walker describes it as very simple guacamole and chips, but with the option to add little embellishments on the side, like grilled panela cheese and chicharrones.
As for the drink menu, Mezcalero has all the palomas, margaritas, mezcals, and tequila drinks you could ask for, including tequila flight tasting.
At Mezcalero, the focus extends beyond the culinary offerings, encompassing the entire experience. In line with this vision, Walker explains that on select nights, the bar will transform into a vibrant venue reminiscent of a supper club, with DJs spinning into the night. Walker adds that he hopes to bring back the dancers from the opening for some entertainment.
Walker emphasizes his vision for Mezcalero to be more than just a restaurant or a bar — it’s a destination where people can come to fully embrace and enjoy life.
“It was really important to me that people don’t view Mezcalero as merely a pre-party or an after party destination,” he says. “Mezcalero is the whole moment.”
Mezcalero is located at 509 Bloor St. W.