La Carnita basically sums up everything I'm looking for in a cool spot. Let's check out the criteria:
Story (check) - Started by ad agency folks, originally as a pop-up food truck. That explains the cool branding and impressive social media presence.
Location (check) - Near College & Bathurst, it's a perfect jump-off for an adventurous night ahead or an easy commute on TTC. The vibe inside is relaxed and uber-hip.
Music (check) - A never-ending classic hip-hop mix, mostly from the early 90s. Illmatic.
Beer & Cocktails (check) - A versatile selection of craft beers on tap with specialty cocktails galore.
Food (check) - Finally, the food lives up to the hype and more. The tacos are fresh, flavourful and full of inspiration - order 3-4 if you want a substantial dinner.
While it's not the cheapest option for Mexican food, it's worth it for the overall experience.