A delicious array of Cuban-Mexican recipes brings a unique twist to the region, and not just uptown Toledo, on the socially busy Adams Street corridor. From the best Cuban sandwich in Toledo ($8) to totally no-competition appetizers like the Drowned Torta ($7 for lunch) and Don Charly (from $15.50 for dinner), Cantina has all the big and hearty vegan offerings, And for late-night drinks and weekend tacos, everything from authentic Mexican street style to American table style is excellent (from $2).
Carne Asada and Al Pastor and Carnitas may be more authentic, but it’s worth noting that there’s nothing to envy about the ground beef here. Making memorable ground beef tacos is tough, and Poco Loco has mastered easy ground beef tacos.
The Drowned Torta has a dark tomato sauce, oregano, and onions, and is covered with pork rolls. But it doesn’t conjure up Italian flavors. It’s like a red sauce invented before the Spanish brought tomatoes to Italy in the 17th century. A must have for every sandwich lover.
You may know Don Charly from Carlos Mendez’s other locations. The owner runs Cocina de Carlos Mexican restaurants in Perrysburg and Waterville, each offering quirky but surprisingly simple dishes. Named for the family patriarch, it’s a grilled pineapple halved and stuffed with your choice of mushrooms, onions, cheese, and your protein—all for tacos and tortillas. It’s still a gem.
Juicy ropa vieja ($10), a traditional slow-roasted Cuban-style brisket, and queso fundido ($6), an appetizer of melted cheese with sausage and cactus, are also great.
A delicious array of Cuban-Mexican recipes brings a unique twist to the region, and not just uptown Toledo, on the socially busy Adams Street corridor. From the best Cuban sandwich in Toledo ($8) to totally no-competition appetizers like the Drowned Torta ($7 for lunch) and Don Charly (from $15.50 for dinner), Cantina has all the big and hearty vegan offerings, And for late-night drinks and weekend tacos, everything from authentic Mexican street style to American table style is excellent (from $2).
Carne Asada and Al Pastor and Carnitas may be more authentic, but it’s worth noting that there’s nothing to envy about the ground beef here. Making memorable ground beef tacos is tough, and Poco Loco has mastered easy ground beef tacos.
The Drowned Torta has a dark tomato sauce, oregano, and onions, and is covered with pork rolls. But it doesn’t conjure up Italian flavors. It’s like a red sauce invented before the Spanish brought tomatoes to Italy in the 17th century. A must have for every sandwich lover.
You may know Don Charly from Carlos Mendez’s other locations. The owner runs Cocina de Carlos Mexican restaurants in Perrysburg and Waterville, each offering quirky but surprisingly simple dishes. Named for the family patriarch, it’s a grilled pineapple halved and stuffed with your choice of mushrooms, onions, cheese, and your protein—all for tacos and tortillas. It’s still a gem.
Juicy ropa vieja ($10), a traditional slow-roasted Cuban-style brisket, and queso fundido ($6), an appetizer of melted cheese with sausage and cactus, are also great.
