La Toxica is a family-run Mexican taqueria in Montréal, and a taqueria is a casual spot built around tacos and antojitos, the small, corn-based snacks of Mexican street food. Since opening in 2022, we have served Villeray at Plaza Saint-Hubert and downtown at Chinatown Saint-Laurent, and the question we hear most is simple: what actually makes a taqueria different?
Ready to eat? Browse the La Toxica menu to see the tacos, antojitos and birria before you visit.
What Is a Taqueria?
A taqueria is a restaurant that centres its menu on tacos. The word comes from “taco,” and the format is simple: a warm corn tortilla, a well-cooked filling, fresh onion, cilantro, lime and salsa. You order at the counter or the table, the food arrives quickly, and you can build a meal one taco at a time.
Because the menu is focused, the kitchen can spend its attention on a few things: the tortilla, the meats, the salsas. Corn tortillas are the base at La Toxica, and the meats are the classics, including birria, al pastor, carnitas and vegetarian options.
What Are Antojitos?
Antojitos translates roughly as “little cravings.” They are the snacks and small plates that sit beside tacos on a taqueria menu, usually built on corn masa. Quesadillas, sopes, tostadas, tlacoyos and grilled corn are all antojitos, and they are meant for sharing and tasting.
Ordering a few antojitos with your tacos is the easiest way to see what a kitchen can do. Each one uses masa, heat and toppings differently, so you get a wider range of textures than tacos alone. Ask the staff which antojitos are on the menu at your location, since the full list is on our menu page.
Taqueria vs. Mexican Restaurant: What Is the Difference?
The difference is mostly focus. A taqueria concentrates on tacos and antojitos, usually in a relaxed, quick-service setting. A Mexican restaurant often covers more ground, with moles, enchiladas, larger plates and a longer sit-down meal. Neither is better; they suit different moods.
- Menu: a taqueria is narrow and deep; a Mexican restaurant is broader.
- Pace: a taqueria is casual and quick; a Mexican restaurant is often slower and more formal.
- Best for: a taqueria suits a fast lunch, a late bite or a group sharing many small items.
What Is the Best Street Food in Montreal to Try at a Taqueria?
Mexican street food is a natural fit for a city that loves eating outdoors and on the go, and tacos are the easiest place to start. Al pastor is marinated pork shaved from a vertical spit, and carnitas is slow-cooked pork with crisp edges. Birria, which at La Toxica comes from Rosa’s grandmother’s recipe, is served with a rich consommé for dipping.
Birria went viral in 2021, and it remains the dish many guests ask for first. Learn more on our birria tacos in Montréal page. If you like street food at festivals, our food truck has appeared at the Street Food Festival, Taco Fest and Festival Fuego Fuego.
Where Are La Toxica’s Two Taquerias in Montreal?
La Toxica has two restaurants, and both are easy to reach by public transit. Founder Rosa Castellanos opened the first in Villeray, and the Chinatown location followed on boul. Saint-Laurent. Details for each are on our locations page.
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| Location | Address | Phone | Nearby |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plaza Saint-Hubert (Villeray) | 7221 rue Saint-Hubert, Montréal QC H2R 2N2 | 514 277-1111 | Métro Jean-Talon, Little Italy side |
| Chinatown Saint-Laurent | 1059 boul. Saint-Laurent, Montréal QC H2Z 1J6 (upper-floor entrance) | 438 380-8995 | Métro Saint-Laurent and Place-d’Armes |
Opening hours
Plaza Saint-Hubert is open Monday to Wednesday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Chinatown Saint-Laurent is closed Monday, open Tuesday and Wednesday noon to 9 p.m., Thursday noon to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday noon to 11 p.m., and Sunday noon to 9 p.m. At Chinatown, use the upper-floor entrance, which is separate from the ground floor.
Parking and getting there
Street parking nearby is paid and limited, and there are paid lots in the area. Taking the métro is usually the easiest option for both restaurants.
Are There Weekly Taqueria Deals in Montreal?
Yes. Our dine-in promotions run on set days: all-you-can-eat tacos at 25,99 $ per person on Tuesday and Wednesday, slush margaritas at 5,99 $ on Thursday in strawberry, mango or lime, and 1 $ shooters on Friday. They apply to dine-in only, not delivery, and alcohol is for guests 18 and over. See the current details on our promotions page.
Can You Order Taqueria Food for Delivery or Catering in Montreal?
You can order through our online ordering page, and delivery is also available through Uber Eats and DoorDash. For events, La Toxica works as a traiteur with several formats: at home, taco bar, lunch boxes, buffet, weddings, corporate and private events. Birria, al pastor, carnitas and vegetarian options are available, and allergies are noted in the quote request.
Our food truck serves Greater Montréal. Capacity and electrical needs are confirmed per quote. Start with the catering quote form or the food truck quote form.
What Should You Know About Allergies at a Taqueria?
Corn tortillas are the base of our tacos, but the kitchen also handles wheat. Please tell the staff about any allergies when you order so they can guide your choices. We do not promise gluten-free preparation or the absence of cross-contamination.
Frequently Asked Questions About La Toxica
Is La Toxica a taqueria or a Mexican restaurant?
La Toxica is a family-run Mexican taqueria in Montréal, centred on tacos and antojitos, with birria, al pastor, carnitas and vegetarian choices.
Where are La Toxica’s taquerias in Montreal?
La Toxica has two restaurants: Plaza Saint-Hubert at 7221 rue Saint-Hubert in Villeray, and Chinatown Saint-Laurent at 1059 boul. Saint-Laurent, upper-floor entrance.
Does La Toxica serve birria with consommé?
Yes, La Toxica serves birria with consommé, based on Rosa’s grandmother’s recipe.
Does La Toxica offer delivery and online ordering?
Yes, La Toxica has an online ordering page and delivers through Uber Eats and DoorDash, while the weekly promotions are dine-in only.
Can La Toxica cater events or come as a food truck?
Yes, La Toxica offers catering formats such as taco bar, buffet and lunch boxes, plus a food truck serving Greater Montréal, with details confirmed in your quote.
How should I tell La Toxica about allergies?
Tell the staff when you order, or note it in your catering quote request, because the kitchen handles wheat and cannot promise gluten-free preparation.
Plan your visit: check our menu, reserve a table, or contact us with any questions.