1. Agave y Aguacate
214 Augusta, at Baldwin, 647-208-3091, agaveyaguacate.blogspot.com. The weekend lineups at this Mexican take-away in a low-rent Kensington Market food court get so unruly that owner chef Francisco Alejandri (ex-Scaramouche, JKWB and Torito) has had to install a red velvet rope to keep them under control. Worth the aggro when plates of extraordinary lime-pickled octopus and melt-in-your-mouth beef tongue go for only 11 bucks each.
Tuesday to Saturday 11 am to 7 pm, Sunday 11 am to 5 pm. Closed Mondays, holidays and Tuesdays after long weekends. Unlicensed. Cash only. Access: three steps at door, no washrooms.
2. Banh Mi Boys
392 Queen W, at Spadina, 416-363-0588, banhmiboys.com. Since opening just last December, this Vietnamese sub shop – with a multiculti twist! – has become a runaway hit with the downtown Twitterati. Just try getting in at peak feeding times without encountering a large-scale queue. But patience has its rewards, most notably Korean bulgogi beef tacos wrapped in Indian paratha flatbread, soft steamed bao stuffed with braised beef cheeks, and untraditional banh mi with five-spiced pork belly. And don’t miss the kimchee fries. Whatever you get, order it spicy!
Monday to Friday 11 am to 10 pm, Saturday 11 am to 9 pm. Closed Sunday, some holidays. Unlicensed. Access: barrier-free, washrooms in basement.
3. Fuzz Box
1246 Danforth, at Greenwood, 416-769-1432, thefuzzbox.ca. Love them or loathe them, Haligonian-style donairs are definitely an acquired taste. Smothered in a special sauce made from evaporated milk and garlic, these beefy pita wraps make most sense after the fifth or sixth pint, something owner Neil Dominey’s new late-night hours will easily facilitate. “Like” the Fuzz’s Facebook page and get a 10 per cent discount on your next purchase.
Monday to Thursday noon to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday noon to midnight, Sunday 3 to 9 pm, holiday Mondays noon to 8 pm. Unlicensed. Access: barrier-free, washrooms in basement.
4. Caplansky’s Thunderin’ Thelma Food Truck
Mt Pleasant, at Belsize, 416-500-3852, caplansky.com. Until its dispute with the city over its weekday lunch location at Queen and Dalhousie is settled, Zane Caplansky’s peripatetic deli truck now does considerable business from in front of a chiropractor clinic across from the Regent Cinema. New this summer: Reuben spring rolls, smoked meat bahn mi and jerk brisket tacos. Coming soon: Thunderin’ Thelma 2!
Monday to Saturday 6:30 to 11 pm. Closed Sunday, holidays.
5. Crepes a GoGo
750 Spadina, at Bloor W, 416-519-7046, crepesagogo.com. Here’s our summer ritual: grab a scoop of Greg’s outrageous roasted marshmallow ice cream next door, then pair it with one of Véronique Perez’s ultra-Parisian chocolate and raspberry crepes. Other location: 18 Yorkville, at Yonge, 416-922-6765.
Monday to Friday 8 am to 9 pm, Saturday 10 am to 9 pm, Sunday 10 am to 6 pm, holidays noon to 5 pm. Unlicensed. Access: barrier-free.
