3 Stars - Since I tried both La Carnita and Grand Electric a few days apart - I'm well prepared to contrast these competing taquerias.
Grand Electric is a very small restaurant with long wait times to get a table. They do not take reservations and are cash only. They play Hip Hop music which I felt was distracting. (Advantage - La Carnita).
Note: They have the deadliest trip to the washroom in history - 1) incredibly steep stairs, 2) winding stairs and 3) if your taller than 5.9 - you will bang your head.
Service was nothing short of fantastic. Staff were incredibly friendly, helpful and genuinely interested in you having a great experience. (Advantage - Grand Electric).
Appetizers were average to good. The chips and Guac. were somewhat disappointing, very basic. The spicy octopus was much better with delicious toppings (good with the chips). The Tuna meat balls were also rather plain. (Advantage - La Carnita).
Tacos were rather small so I had the Chicken, Pork, Baha fish and Cauliflower tacos. Fish was fried and the Pork / chicken tacos had some kick. The standout was the cauliflower tacos - cooked softly but in a tempura batter with amazing complimentary toppings. (Advantage - Tie between Carnita & Grand Electric - neither are as good as Seven Lives in Kensington market).
Grand Electric had a number of interesting beers on tap and the servers understood the differences. Some interesting cocktails as well. (Advantage - Grand Electric).
I will be back to Grand Electric if in the area. I slightly prefer La Carnita relative to Grand Electric on the basis of the appetizers. As far as the tacos go - both disappoint relative to Seven Lives in Kensington market.
BK