Walking into Anéjo’s new location near St. Lawrence Market yesterday evening felt like stepping into a slice of Mexico that somehow landed in downtown Toronto. The restaurant’s vibrant happy hour scene has quickly become the talk of the neighborhood since opening last month.
As I settled at the bar, watching bartenders skillfully prepare mezcal cocktails, I couldn’t help but notice the perfect balance they’ve struck between upscale dining and approachable comfort. The space features warm wood accents against terracotta walls, with traditional Mexican artwork that manages to feel both authentic and contemporary.
“We wanted to create something that honors traditional Mexican flavors while fitting seamlessly into Toronto’s culinary landscape,” explained Carlos Fuentes, Anéjo’s executive chef and partner. “Our happy hour program is designed to introduce Torontonians to premium tequilas and mezcals at accessible price points.”
That accessibility is notable. From 3-6 p.m. daily, their happy hour offers $8 margaritas, $5 tacos, and half-price tequila flights. It’s a smart business move in a neighborhood that’s seen several restaurant closures in recent months due to rising operational costs.
The restaurant’s proximity to St. Lawrence Market isn’t coincidental. “We source many of our fresh ingredients directly from market vendors,” Fuentes told me while I sampled their signature guacamole, prepared tableside with surprising additions like pomegranate seeds and roasted pepitas.
According to Tourism Toronto data, food and beverage spending in the city has increased by 12% this quarter compared to last year, with Mexican cuisine showing particularly strong growth. The Ontario Restaurant Association recently reported that establishments offering specialized happy hour programs see on average 23% higher weekday traffic.
What distinguishes Anéjo’s happy hour from others is their educational approach. Servers don’t just deliver drinks – they explain the regional differences between tequilas, the traditional production methods, and proper tasting techniques.
“Most people’s experience with tequila is limited to shots in their university days,” laughed Maria Herrera, Anéjo’s beverage director. “We’re showing them how complex and nuanced these spirits can be.”
The restaurant has partnered with several small-batch Mexican distilleries to offer exclusive spirits not available elsewhere in the city. During my visit, I sampled a rare extra añejo tequila aged for five years in French oak barrels – a smooth, caramel-noted spirit that completely transforms what most associate with tequila.
Local food influencer Jasmine Singh, who I spotted at a corner table documenting her experience, told me Anéjo has “completely reinvented the happy hour concept in Toronto.” Her Instagram stories featuring the restaurant’s colorful cocktails and tapas-style plates have helped drive a younger demographic to the establishment.
The restaurant’s timing seems particularly strategic. With summer approaching, their newly constructed patio facing the market will likely become one of the area’s most sought-after outdoor dining spaces. City records show they’ve already secured extended patio permits through October.
For the St. Lawrence neighborhood, Anéjo represents a welcome addition to an area working to redefine itself after pandemic challenges. The City of Toronto’s economic development committee recently highlighted the market district as a focus area for revitalization efforts.
“Businesses like Anéjo that create vibrant social spaces are exactly what we need,” commented Councillor Mary Peters, who represents the ward. “They bring foot traffic that benefits surrounding businesses and contribute to neighborhood safety through increased evening activity.”
As I finished my final taco – a perfectly executed cochinita pibil with pickled red onions – I noticed the happy hour crowd transitioning to dinner service. The seamless flow from casual after-work drinks to evening dining demonstrates the restaurant’s versatility.
Whether Anéjo’s happy hour concept will maintain its momentum remains to be seen in Toronto’s competitive dining landscape. But based on the packed bar area and fully-booked dinner service I witnessed, they’ve clearly tapped into something the neighborhood was missing.
The restaurant is already planning themed events, including monthly tequila pairing dinners and Mexican holiday celebrations. If their happy hour is any indication, these special events will likely become hot tickets in Toronto’s culinary scene.
For now, Anéjo has successfully created that rare third space that feels simultaneously special and comfortable – exactly what many Torontonians are seeking as they return to post-pandemic social routines.
