Traditional Mexican Food
"Antojeria" is the Mexican equivalent of the Italian "trattoria", and means a restaurant providing 'antojitos', that is, traditional Mexican food. This family restaurant started on Commercial Drive as a street stand, and its popularity prompted a move to the basement of the distinctive Dominion Building opposite Victory Square.

True Mexican Ambience
Despite the growing tourist trade in nearby Gastown, the Ascencio family want to avoid becoming a tourist attraction and with music, food and décor are determined to maintain the traditional Mexican ambience in this spacious basement. Some recipes have been in the family for many generations, while others come from different regions of Mexico: Saturday specials like Pozole Rojo come from Jalisco, a broth of stewed pork with juajillo chilis and hominy corn, now very popular throughout Mexico. Other specials are Mole, a stew from the central region, and Cochinita Pibil from Yucatan.

Nothing Like Watermelon Juice on a Hot Day
Everything's made in house, including the watermelon juice. Sides are guacamole, red or green salsa and red rice. Tortillas—flour or corn—come in several sizes and shapes, with choice of accompaniments, such as refried black beans, sour cream, choice of chorizo, chicken or veggies, lettuce and salsa. It's the spices, construction (grilled or deep fried) and trimmings that make the difference.

Tacos and More
Four tacos come ready rolled, while Alambres are a build-it-yourself heaven of separate tortillas and filling of grilled cheese on green peppers and onions with choice of meats or veggies. Torta a la Plancha is a grilled open face sandwich with egg, avocado and the tomato, onions and cheese—with or without meat. Not so hungry? Dobladitas are corn tortilla quesadillas, with two fillings. And if you've taken a Mexican vacation you probably drank Jarritos, the traditional pop, available here.