Mar 18

Mar 18 “Annex’s New Tex-Mex Gem”

Okay, maybe that’s a bold claim, but hear me out. We recently discovered a new spot on Bloor Street West, just a few blocks from Spadina, and it might just be a contender.

According to BlogTO, this place is part of a chain from out west, and this is their first Toronto location. The photos from the article looked inviting, the reviews were positive, so we decided to check it out on a chilly Friday night—also known as date night :)

The space used to be a food hall with a handful of smaller vendors. I’d walked past it plenty of times but never ventured inside. Now, though? They’ve completely gutted it, transforming it into a vibrant, colorful feast for the eyes.

I’ve noticed a real boom in Mexican and Latin restaurants across the city lately. One of the originals I remember is the Playa Cabana group, which has several well-regarded spots around Toronto. But with more competition comes more options, and I’m here for it.

The menu here leans more Tex-Mex than strictly traditional Mexican, which is totally fine by me. It’s extensive enough to give you choices but not overwhelming—no six-page menus to sift through! They’ve covered the bases: tasty appetizers, tacos, and hearty mains like fajitas and enchiladas.

We kicked off with drinks: a Classic Margarita and a Frozen Strawberry Margarita. Both featured Cazadores Blanco tequila and triple sec, but the strawberry version added a sweet twist. Both were excellent, though the strawberry one leaned sweeter.

Next up, chips and dip: seasoned tortilla chips served with a spread of refritos, salsa roja, guacamole, and pico de gallo for $14. Solid start.

It reminded me of another favorite spot we used to frequent near our condo in Florida—Vallarta's Mexican Restaurant in Wesley Chapel. Always packed, always good, and yes, I still miss it.

For mains, I went with the chicken fajitas while my wife ordered the enchiladas. Both dishes were great, though I’ll admit to some food envy when I saw hers arrive.

We liked it so much, I returned for round two with Sarah, who gave the tacos a glowing five-star review.

All in all, this place is a win: great food, friendly service, and a lively atmosphere. Whether you’re solo, on a date, or with family, it hits the mark. The prices are fair too—you won’t feel like you need to take out a second mortgage. Safe to say, it’s passed the test; I’ve already been back three times in the past 45 days.