Mas Playas, the Mexican chain of eateries known for high-end tacos and cocktails, is opening another Toronto location this time in the Yonge and Eglinton area.
Playa Cabana Bar Esquina will join the Mas Playas roster that includes the original Playa Cabana in the Annex, as well as Cantina in the Junction, Barrio Coreano in Koreatown and Hacienda on Dupont.
Esquina, which showcases the same trendy and fashionable vibe as the other locations, set up shop at midtown’s busiest intersection. The decor includes brightly coloured tables and chairs, high ceilings, cement walls with multi-coloured murals and stained glass windows.The restaurant frontage invites passersby with oversized, floor-to-ceiling windows. Once construction at Eglinton Station is completed, visitors will be able to walk directly into the restaurant in addition to its street entrance.
“We chose the location because it’s a young, trendy and up-and-coming area, and there aren’t a lot of Mexican restaurants nearby,” says Karon Johnson, manager at Bar Esquina. “It’s an area we really believe in.”
Of course, with the city of Toronto currently in lockdown, diners have not been allowed to take in the atmosphere of Esquina, but the outpost is getting established thanks to takeout and delivery options.
“We provide a great facility, hand-off is seamless with COVID precautions in mind,” Johnson says.
The dinner menu, similar to all of the Mas Playas locations, includes favourites such as burritos, ceviche and guacamole, but also offers up house specialties: Enchiladas Suiza, Tres Tacos Suaves (three soft tacos), Tres Tacos Chorreados (three crispy tacos with cheese) and Postres.
“We try to be as authentically Mexican as we can be,” Johnson says.
Esquina is the only eatery in the Mas Playas family that currently serves lunch. The menu is served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, and includes two tacos with rice and beans, as well as burrito options and a plato bowl. For takeout, they also offer beer and half-litres or litres of the renowned Dave’s Margaritas.
Playa Cabana Bar Esquina is located at 8 Eglinton Ave. E., and is open Wednesday to Sunday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Orders can be placed via delivery apps, on the restaurant’s website, or by walking in.