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Birria CatrinaB+Worth Trying

Name: Birria Catrina
Address: 131 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 2L2, Canada, Toronto, Canada
Rating: 4.7

131 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 2L2, Canada · Mexican restaurant · 4.7/5 Google (1088 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout

Destination for birria tacos and rich consomme with lively vibes; excellent food, mixed service, limited vegetarian options, and creative add-ons like birria ramen divide opinion.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Birria Catrina delivers exceptional birria and deeply flavorful consomme that justify its strong local reputation and 4.7 rating, with quick service during off-peak times and vibrant, lively atmosphere adding appeal. However, inconsistent execution—forgotten orders and variable meat portions—combined with notable safety incidents despite generally acceptable standards and split service feedback prevent a higher grade. The specialty focus and loyal following make it a solid neighborhood destination for birria enthusiasts, though operational reliability needs strengthening.

Restaurant Summary

The room feels vibrant and lively with colorful wall art and an open kitchen where the team chats and sings. Plates land fast when the house is calm, and the signature broth perfumes the air. One diner put it simply: “the birria was juicy and the broth had deep flavor”, though a few mention service misses and heat inside on warm days. Cooking here is all about birria—crispy-edged tortillas, rich consomme, and cheese-laced gringas—elevated by punchy salsas. The approach skews traditional and focused with a couple of playful offshoots like birria ramen and a pizzadilla; purists adore the classics while experimentals split the vote on the ramen. For families, the menu offers kid-comfort picks like plain tacos and quesadillas, but there is no kids menu and spice can creep up via the hottest salsa. Note a major gap: no vegetarian mains. If someone in your group avoids beef, plan ahead or consider alternatives.

At a Glance

Excellent birria and deeply flavorful consomme
Lively decor and quick service at off-peak times
Service inconsistency and occasional order mishaps
No vegetarian main options and limited flexibility
Birria ramen polarizing; several harsh critiques about instant noodles

What Sets It Apart

single-focus birria mastery
rich house consomme
colorful Mexican-inspired decor

What People Love

Tender, juicy birria with crispy tortillas
Rich consomme for dipping
Spicy, flavorful salsas
Colorful, energetic room

Points of Concern

Service can be inattentive at times with missed items or slow follow-ups; experiences vary by shift
No vegetarian mains and limited modification willingness; not ideal for non-beef eaters
Pricing has risen; some feel meat quantity varies by visit
Food safety incidents reported by a few (hair, alleged glass) though most visits are clean

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average CostC$30-42 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Pair two birria tacos (C$7.50 each) with a gringa (C$9.00) and a consomme (C$5.50) for a balanced light meal
For bigger appetites, Combo 2 (C$29.40) is efficient and shareable

Perfect For

A focused birria feast with friends
Quick, satisfying taco lunch
Casual date night with spice lovers
Neighborhood drop-in before a High Park stroll

Location Insights

Area: Leafy, neighborhood high street with cafes and independent shops; popular with families and young professionals.

Safety: Generally safe, well-lit corridor with steady foot traffic into evenings.

Nearby: Streetcar-served corridor near High Park; mix of boutiques, bakeries, and casual eateries drawing locals and visitors.

Roncesvalles VillageRoncesvalles Village is characterized by its cozy, walkable streets lined with cafes, bakeries, and a variety of ethnic eateries. The dining scene is casual and community-oriented, with a focus on authentic and artisanal food experiences, attracting locals who appreciate quality and neighborhood charm.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday12:00–22:00 Tuesday12:00–22:00 Wednesday12:00–22:00 Thursday12:00–22:00 Friday12:00–22:00 Saturday12:00–22:00 Sunday12:00–22:00

Available: Delivery, Takeout

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