Overall experience: 8.5/10
Food: 8.5/10
Atmosphere: 8/10
Service: 8.5/10
Looking at photos, you would think that El Rey is a small joint with select bar seating and a few tables near the window behind the bar. My friend and I were ended up being seated in a little seating area, just to the left and up a couple of stairs as you enter. It is a physically transportive experience. You no longer are in Kensington or Toronto, but rather a wonderfully local Mexican joint. The lighting is dim (but not in an obnoxious way) and the decor authentic.
But to the food. We shared the hamburguresa and the empanadas. To top off the night, we each enjoyed a grilled octopus tostada. All in all, I would say what you will enjoy at El Rey is small but mighty. Dishes have been well thought out and each possess their own zest and flavour. An easy add to the list of ones to come back to.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A great little spot if you are looking for something fairly quick, not too fancy, but delicious.