Los Compas Tacos, a family-run taqueria serves traditional, fresh, and flavourful Mexican food.

Opened in December 2023, Los Compas Tacos began with a simple need for tacos that reminded the Ramirez family of home.

"In Toronto, we would always try to go eat tacos, but we could never find any that truly tasted like Mexico," Oscar Ramirez, Jr. explained.

The family moved to Canada in 2012 from the small city of Tampico, located about 5 hours northeast of Mexico City. Oscar Ramirez is the proud owner of Los Compas Tacos and runs the establishment alongside his two daughters Eva and Andrea, and youngest son Oscar Jr.

The space is reminiscent of a taqueria in Mexico, with white subway tiles, red bar stools, and Spanish music playing in the background, but designed with a more modern approach that considers the shop's location.

Small touches like the LED signage and Mexican Coca-Cola bottle opener add to the fun and playful feel.

"We wanted to create a family-friendly environment here and just make people feel like they're at home with their friends and feel welcome," said Ramirez, Jr.

This sentiment is the inspiration behind the name, with Compas meaning close friends or buddies.

The menu itself is simple. You can choose from four protein selections - Al Pastor, Asada, Pollo, or Nopales. From there, they have the option of a Taco, Quesadilla, Burrito, Bowl, Volcan, Torta, or Gringa.

The star player behind the menu offerings is Chef Roberto.

"Roberto is like the Kitchen Master. He pretty much knows everything from A to Z. He's definitely a key piece here," Ramirez, Jr. smiled.

Los Compas Tacos is most known for its handmade corn and flour tortillas. Each one gets made fresh to order, and the best part is they don't break!

Despite being filled with drippy meats and various toppings, the soft shells always hold up.

The same tortillas get used to make their crunchy tortilla chips, which come with a deliciously chunky and fresh guacamole ($6.50). The chips are perfectly crisp and salted, without being the slightest bit greasy.

Their signature taco is the Al Pastor ($6.25), which Ramirez Jr. recommends getting with the corn tortilla. The seasoned pork is cooked low and slow on a rotating spit until tender and juicy and served with thin slices of grilled pineapple for some added sweetness.

Ramirez Jr. also recommends getting anything you order off the menu, Con Todo, meaning with everything. This includes finely chopped white onions, cilantro, salsa, and guacamole at no extra charge.

If you're keen on adding more toppings, there’s also a salsa bar featuring pico de gallo, salsa, roja, salsa verde, and radishes. The salsa is always fresh and made multiple times throughout the day.

Other tacos worth adding to your order are the Taco Asada ($6.50) and Taco Nopales ($6.25). The Asada made with slices of grilled steak is full of flavour, thanks to being generously marinated the night before.

The Nopales, a popular Mexican vegetarian option, is made with smoky charred pieces of cactus paddles.

For something more filling, try the Burrito Pollo ($14.50), which, alongside tender chicken, comes filled with rice and beans.

Or the Torta Al Pastor ($13.25), where you'll get more of that melt-in-your-mouth sweet pork served on a soft bun that soaks up all the delicious juices from the meat.

One of my personal favourites was the Gringa Asada ($9.75). The grilled steak is served sandwiched between two tortillas and has a layer of crispy melted cheese. Warm and comforting, it’s something I'd happily order time and time again.

To drink, try the homemade Horchata ($4), a sweet beverage with a milky consistency that's perfect if you need to cool your palate.

The refreshing Aguas Fresca ($4) is also very popular. Made in-house daily, the tamarind water is all natural and never comes from concentrate.

For dessert, there's a wonderfully moist and light Tres Leches finished with a drizzle of caramel sauce ($12.50) or the Carlotta ($5), a soft sweet treat made with condensed milk and bright pops of lemon zest.

Popular on weekends or during the weekday lunch rush, Los Compas Tacos is truly the place to get your hands on some Mexican street food.

"We've had very good support from the Mexican community and also the people around here," said Ramirez Jr. A testament to Los Compas Tacos high quality and friendly service.

Los Compas Tacos is located at 140 Spadina Avenue. Entrance is on Richmond St.