Celebrate Taco Tuesday by visiting these local Kingston’s restaurants and to-go locations. We’ve included spots that accommodate dietary restrictions and serve unique as well as classic tacos.
1347 Gardiners Rd.
This west-end Mexican fusion restaurant is one of the indisputable must-visits for tacos in Kingston. With a menu boasting extensive vegan options and a kitchen filled with local produce and made-in-house dishes, it’s no wonder their Taco Tuesdays have become the talk of the town.
Some recent Tuesday specials? Crispy beef tacos with seasoned ground beef, melted jack cheese, refried black beans, morita + lime oil crisped corn tortillas, shredded lettuce, salsa roja, lime crema, pickled onions, and your choice of side. If you can’t make it on a Tuesday, don’t fear. Tacos that are part of their regular menu including birria de res tacos—spicy birria beef, jack cheese, lime crema, fresh cilantro, onion, chili tomato consomme, and crispy corn—and tacos veganos with tajin sweet potatoes, black bean, corn salsa, vegan morita chili aioli, and shredded lettuce in house corn tortillas.
195 Ontario St.
Some would say Dianne’s is the top purveyor of tacos in the town and based on the amount of “must-try” lists their fresh corn tortillas are on, it’s a claim that’s hard to dispute. The undisputed staff favourite is the Baja fish taco: crispy beer-battered sustainable haddock fillet on fresh corn tortillas with napa, pico de gallo, salsa roja, avocado crema, Napa cabbage, pickled red onions, cilantro, and lime.
All the ingredients are made in-house, making each crunchy warm bite unique. Their margaritas, made with lime juice, 1800 Tequila, and Patrón Cintrónge, are a highly recommended accompaniment.
In the alley behind 265 Ontario St.
Tucked away in an alley is this Mexican joint serving street-style tacos loaded with fresh sauces and spices. Step up to El Gringo’s window, order their chicken tinga tacos—topped with pickled onions, crumbled feta cheese, and cilantro—and walk a few blocks to Confederation Basin (6 Clarence St.) where you can enjoy your authentic Mexican fare while enjoying Kingston’s waterfront. You can order online or call for pickup (613-845-0111).
253 Ontario St. (Suite A)
Baja Craft Kitchen is a locally owned restaurant with a rustic bar lined with high-quality tequilas used in their handmade margaritas and an open patio overlooking the waterfront. They have a variety of tacos from regular chicken to the castacan—crispy pork belly, pico de gallo, and salsa roja stuffed into a flour tortilla. With 12 tacos to choose from—including vegetarian options—there’s a dish for everyone at Baja.
331 King St. E.
Tango is known for many things – artisanal tapas, championing local ingredients, and having an intimate atmosphere. They also serve delicious tacos including the carne picante—grilled soft taco shells with spicy beef and cilantro-lime coulis—and Persian BBQ lamb tacos featuring confit lamb, pomegranate barbecue sauce, sumac-onion salad, cashew dukkah, garlic yogurt, and house-made pickles. Pair the tacos with a generous glass of sangria for an elevated taco experience.
