Smoke’s Burritorie

The poutine is good, as I have had it many times so a buddy and I thought we would give this place a try after the bar one Saturday.
Let me tell you, it was the WORST burrito I have had in my life. It was 2am, and it wasn’t even that busy, so we picked our burritos from the menu and they were pre-​made and pulled from a steam table. The person serving us said they were made 5 minutes prior, but c’mon, really? Why have pre-​made food? Why attempt burritos when you were originally a poutinerie?
They were tasteless and dry, with a lot of rice and filler, rather then a lot of meat.
Will never return. Stick to Burrito Boyz They are 100 times better.

I had the Chorizo Bravo with all the toppings available. It was a large portion but other burrito places are bigger. The price isn’t bad at $ 7.49 + tax. I enjoyed the cilantro and spicy chorizo flavours but it wasn’t as spicy as I was hoping for. There aren’t too many options on the menu but hopefully they will expand it soon or they will lose business from their competitor Burrito Boyz a few doors down.
The service was a bit slow but I think they were training new employees. Unlike Smoke’s Poutinerie, the Burritorie doesn’t have the loyalty cards.

Low hygiene, staff is really slow. The meet looks like it came from last century.
They also gave my order to someone else and I had to wait again for them to remake it.
Won’t be coming here again, the only reason I walked in was line up at burrito boys was too long

They have maybe 6 options and no fish or shrimp (seriously??). I had the La Madre — you’d figure the standard chicken chicken burrito, at the top of their menu would be the best. I made a bad decision in hindsight as the amount of lime ingredients in there had me eating a sour burrito, as opposed to give it a kick. The burrito was unimpressive and bland otherwise. You also have to pretty much stick with the ingredients that each burrito has unless you want to pay more to make your own.
Disappointing considering there are enough successful burrito joints around to learn from. Smoke’s has a lot of fixing to do, and given that burrito boyz has a new, larger establishment 2 doors down, their future may not fair well.

I will forgive the slow pace in service as this joint is quite new. I tried two burritos here (chicken and steak) and was really disappointed. Both burritos were quite dry and lacked failed to match the quality of the burrito joints that we have in Toronto. Furthermore the burrito was not filling at all.

When you decide to open up a burrito place a few doors next to Burrito Boyz, you know you need to bring it. This place didn’t.
Chicken burrito was okay. The burrito size is significantly smaller than Burrito Boyz but the cost was more. I went here only because I forgot to go to lunch early to best the rush at Burrito Boyz.
Service was slow as well and you can tell the staff isn’t as experienced as at Burrito Boyz but I guess you need to start somewhere.
I probably won’t come again even though.

Walked by on the way to a concert in the area, and needed a quick dinner. Figured this was something new, so we might as well give it a try!
Essentially, this is another place similar to Chipotle, with just a couple slight variations. Still offered the same meats, but was nice to see some other options for the rice, slaw and other toppings.
I decided to go for a pulled pork bowl, and thought it was okay… Nothing specifically mind blowing. Portions were smaller than other burrito joints though.
The staff were quite nice, but most of them were just standing around. They may have been training some new guys, but still looked like a lot of them weren’t doing anything. The staff were also moving really slow. Whether that was taking your order, or putting food in the bowl. I was getting annoyed just watching them!
Not the worst burrito place, as there are some unique combinations, but probably won’t be back here considering Burrito Boyz is literally 2 stores down!

Just had the chicken bowl. There is no flavour. I was eating air. Soggy, flavourless.

When I saw the renovations to set up a Smoke’s Burrito shop below the Poutinerie and steps away from Burrito Boyz, I was excited that we would see some serious competition to raise the bar on burrito dining on Adelaide.
Unfortunately Smoke’s does not bring the burrito game, and is only an also ran. The prices are ok, with a $ 7.49 grande size burrito, and a $ 8.99 mucho grande, and the burrito sizes are indeed more generous than Burrito Boyz.
However, you only pick from their handful of burrito styles, unless you pay another $ 0.50 to customize your burrito. The ingredients taste less fresh than the ones next door, and look less appealing, including the neon orange rice. The décor isn’t welcoming either, with the bright green and brown walls.
A bright spot is that when they take your order, they write it on a sticker with your name and toppings so you can remember what you’re getting. If we can get a third burrito place on Adelaide we might see some more heated burrito competition yet.

Poorly staffed. Mediocre ingredients (not fresh). Has the feel of fast food generic with crappy seating and a depressing vibe. There are lots of good burrito places nearby. This one will fail.

I only write to types of reviews really amazing places or really shitty places. Sadly this is the latter.
First of all I already lowered my expectations of this place on their grand opening when I left work early lined up, only to be told they ran out of burritos. That’s like an airline telling thanks for booking with us but we have no plane to take you. In my mind that is unacceptable. Especially since they were hyped up on blogTo.
Now the actual review.
Pros about this place
+ smoke’s brand (known for spin on gourmet poutine
+ Staff seem nice and have high energy but I did have to wait like 30 seconds while the cashier was wrapping up her conversation with her co worker before I got to order
Cons
— I ordered the chorizo burrito and the texture was awful. Couldn’t taste the sausage at all. Toppings were lacking.
— size was pathetic
— the burrito didn’t have a fresh citrus and crunch that Mexican food is known for.
— Smokes a brand known for gourmet poutine disappointed there isn’t a poutine burrito
Summary
In conclusion, on Adelaide street west seems to he’s very highly competitive burrito place, you’ve got much better options out there from competitors who have made a name for themselves in the burrito business namely Burrito Bandidos and Burrito Boyz (and some degree Z-​Teca) your money is better off spent else where.

TL;DR: Valiant attempt at changing up the Toronto burrito scene but the results are mixed
Why: Brand new and from a great brand — how can you not want to try it!
What: Beef Burrito
Who: Went solo
When: Friday at 7:30pm
The Story:
Super excited to try the burrito. First thing that you notice (other than the oddly placed donkey/“ass” photos on the wall) is the limited me of cutely named burritos with set toppings. Guess you can’t build your own?
Was recommended the Beef so went with it. The wait was average and receiving the burrito was great as it had a sticker with my name and order written on it!
The burrito was okay. They’re attempting to add in interesting toppings like crunchy onion, but it just adds confusion to your palate and experience more than anything else. Was also disappointed that I wasn’t asked about toppings, sauces, or spice. I would have made it my own if possible. I’m also not convinced there was that much beef inside.
Next Time: I’d be happier going to the staple burrito joints within walking distance… Or just get the fries upstairs!
Was suggestes the

I was one of the many people who attempted to get a $ 1 burrito on opening day, but the lineup was insane so I came back a day later. (The place was *empty* when I returned!)
I was excited when I saw the menu, as it seemed like Smoke’s was going to be doing something a little different from Burrito Boyz and Burrito Bandidos. I eventually decided to order the «Pollo Diablo,» which comes with «roasted tomato lime chicken, lime cilantro rice, crisp lettuce, citrus slaw, black beans, sweet corn, sour cream, house guac.»
It was prepared and delivered to me suspiciously fast, and I soon discovered why. Where most burrito places finish the burrito on the grill, ensuring that it arrives hot and slightly crispy on the outside, Smoke’s finishes the burrito in a panini press. This is a horrible idea, quite frankly. My burrito arrived quickly, yes, but it had a comparatively soggy exterior and, worse yet, the interior was cold! Not exactly what one expects from a high-​end burrito.
Aside from that, the burrito itself was fine. It did have a slightly different taste than its competition, but the chicken was extremely sparse and it seemed like the rice was meant to compensate (ie there was a LOT of rice).
With Burrito Boyz literally next door and Burrito Bandidos around the block, I can’t imagine ever having a reason to return. Stick with poutine, Smoke’s.

It really saddens me to write this. I had such high hopes for this place — anyone who’s stood in front of the building over the past couple years saw it: poutine upstairs, burritos below… can you imagine if they were combined?! But Smokes should probably just stick to what they know.
I just tried the (only) vegetarian option on the menu, that features black beans and yams, neither of which tasted remotely resh. The burrito was overwhelmed with huge pieces of crunchy coleslaw which felt entirely out of place, and the worst part of all? No cheese.
What it ultimately comes down to is there’s no reason to eat here when Burrito Boyz is two doors down, making some of the best in the city. Smokes has moved into the old BB kitchen, but hasn’t adapted any of the elements that made the previous tenants great. All that said, if Smokes were to introduce a burrito with their veg poutine, cheese curds and french fries in it, I’d be on that shit in a minute.

Veggie signature burrito was bland and dry. Lots of rice filler. Paid extra for guacamole and habanero cheese and can’t really detect either. Pricier than Burrito Boyz next door.
Asked for hot sauce as well and could not taste any heat.
Willing to give it another shot in a couple months though. Was hopeful about a Boyz/​Bandidos alternative in the area.

As far as first impressions go, this was far from good. The service is very slow, understanding that they are trying to figure things out but perhaps they should have waited to open another week to tweak things out. Btw, this was on the regular service day not grand opening.
I was hoping that it was a «worth the wait» experience but not exactly. I got the Desnudo Celoso (pulled pork bowl). The best part were the tomatoes. The pork was so salty it overwhelmed everything else.
There are far better burritos establishments in the area, the probability of a return visit is low.

I would have loved to be the first one to rate this place, but I didn’t know how to create the establishment. I came here on opening day on September 14, 2015.
I have backlogs of reviews yet I decided to review this place immediately — to tell you to stay the hell away (at least based on my experience). So bit of disclaimer:
I overlooked many many many mishaps — because it was opening day and due to the establishment selling their signature burritos at $ 1, they were noticeably busy. Thus, I did not expect perfect ¹⁰⁄₁₀ service at this time. So service was not accounted for the purpose of review score.
Went at 11AM and lined up for 1.5 hours — opening day, $ 1, it was expected. No docked point. However, I would not have bothered to go here if I only knew I could get 1 burrito (wait time is not worth $ 6~7 I am saving). On their twitter, someone asked «how many can one get» and Smoke’s response was «as many as you want». No mentioning during line up nor in any of signs. I am a greedy pig — but don’t put something on press (twitter) then not follow up. Not a good first impression, but did not dock point off since it could have been miscommunication and its also understandable. Just don’t put something on facebook or twitter next time. Evident from this link:
(not sure when this will get «removed»)
I ordered Cerdo Celoso (Jealous Pig) — normally $ 7.50 or $ 9.00.
When I got to the end, a person took the order down saying «it makes them focus on making burrito» — okay, sounds good (the person did say this is not normal procedure). Had some miscommunication with the cashier (which I can overlook). Then waited 10 minutes after my friend got the burrito — asked about where is my food when others after me have gotten the food and the guy who was making burritos said «sorry, forgot about your order» — what? The whole point of getting another person taking order during opening day was so you can focus on making the burrito! Again, fine, its $ 1 and its opening day — I can over look this fact since you can be busy.
Then I had the burrito — it sucked! For one, rice was waaaaaaaaaaaay too sour — there was not enough fat to cut the sourness. It was called kick-​ass rice but they should really look into the name again because I thought I was drinking lime extract. My friend even commented on how sour this was. Rice also felt overcooked — trust me, I am an asian. I eat rice every frigging day. Then the way they made my burrito was almost infuriating — he probably realized that he forgot about my burrito and made it in a rush because I tell you — first half was all rice and beans. one quarter after that, all meat. Then last quarter was all carbs again. I get that its $ 1 but I was not impressed. My guess was that even though they were charging $ 1 now, it was to represent what $ 7.50 or $ 9.00 would have gotten you. However, If this is how they are going to wrap their burrito at full price, I can’t go back. Not only was meat to carb ratio way off, but way they wrapped it was both insult to myself and Mexico. The taste was off too, as balance of flavor was simply not there and due to sourness of the rice, I couldn’t taste anything else. My friend’s steak burrito seemed to fare better — lime cilantro tasted less sour but I would still go back to Burrito Boyz after my experience this time. This was by far the least tasty (if there is «taste» in this piece of mexican insult) burrito I have ever had.
WORST. BURRITO. EVER.
My biggest disappointment, however, is that I cannot give 0 star on Unilocal.So that was the con, what about pros? Well, I was glad I didn’t get to grab more than 1 burrito — because I would have cried about spending additional money for rest of my life.

Smoke’s Poutinere attempted to break into the burrito market and failed miserably. Since today is their grand opening (the burritorie is just underneath the poutinere), all burritos were $ 1.00. There are 2 sizes, grande for $ 7.49 and mucho grande is $ 8.99. They have the usual offerings: chicken, pulled pork, steak and veggie. Where they differ from Burrito Boyz is that their burritos come with their own set of predetermined fillings (if you want to create your own burrito, it’s $ 0.50 extra). The girl who worked there said that the topping combinations were tested in their lab kitchen and promised that it is better than Buritto Boyz — Ha! I had the steak burrito and as seen in the picture below, the majority of the filling was white rice. The menu said that it’s supposed to be cilantro lime rice, but it tasted like plain steamed rice to me. The steak was more like beef jerky, flavourless, dry and crumbly. It was a complete disappointment! If you want to spend money on a quality burrito, go to Burrito Boyz a few doors down. One last thing — they don’t have a flat stove top to heat up burritos in bulk, but rather 2 panini presses that can make 6 burritos at a time. This place is a waste of time and money!

Smokes Burritorie is having their grand opening today. They are offering $ 1 burritos.“The toppings sound pretty typical for a burrito joint and include rice, refried beans, chorizo and pulled pork. All proceeds from the $ 1 wraps will go towards The Donkey Sanctuary, a 100-​acre safe haven for neglected donkeys located in Guelph, Ontario.” (BlogTO) Visit the website for the Donkey Sanctuary:
This place used to be the Burrito Boyz, but they moved a few doors west. Now Smoke’s Burritorie is right below/​beside Smoke’s Poutinerie. I think Burrito Boyz has some competition. Although the $ 1 burrito offer was pretty sweet, the line up took forever, but the upside is that they did come out to give us some nacho chips and salsa which was a nice gesture.
I am sure the quality of the burrito was not up to their standards since they were just pumping out burritos like it was an Asian sweatshop factory (BTW no Asian workers). I will revisit to see if they quality is as great as their poutines are when they are working a normal lunch or dinner rush. Each burrito goes from $ 7.50 — $ 9.00 or you can go for a naked bowl for $ 9.00. Pretty standard prices for the entertainment district. They have different burrito options such as Chicken, Pork, Steak, and Veggie. I had the Steak burrito (El Gran Toro aka The Big Bull) and was impressed with how filling and flavorful the burrito was. It had Marinated Flat Iron Steak, Lime Cilantro Rice, Smoke’s Refried Beans, Sweet Corn, Salsa, Crispy Onions, Crisp Lettuce, Citrus Slaw, Sour Cream, Fresh Jalapenos, and House Guac. Look at those ingredients baby! Only issue was, I felt they could have grilled it a bit better on both sides as only one side had grill marks, and you gotta have that crisp bite when you eat a burrito. Am I right, or am I right? Hope to give an update soon to see if it is worthy of a 5 star. Jimstar Out!

Today was their grand opening and I lined up for 3 hours (1−4pm) to try one of their burritos for $ 1 (with all proceeds going to charity).
The wait sucked and if I had known it would take that long, I definitely would’ve reconsidered and skipped on the offer because it wasn’t worth it. I ordered the steak burrito and really, I would only give it a 2-​star. The steak didn’t even look like steak, it seemed more like ground beef. There wasn’t enough corn and the cilantro rice was pretty bland. The only redeeming factor was the guac that was included. They also only had one salsa option which was relatively spicy and since they never told me beforehand, I realized I couldn’t handle it after a few bites when I found myself sniffling and my mouth felt like it was on fire. I’m assuming on a less busy day, they would ask for which toppings you want instead of just giving you preset options.
However, I’m going to be generous and give this place 3-​stars because they’re just starting up and also because their employees are awesome. They gave out complimentary chips and salsa while we were lining up and thanked us for waiting. I also spoke to one of the employees who told me the backstory of the start-​up of the Burritorie branch and later while I was eating my burrito, she came up to me to ask how it was. I told her it was too spicy for me and she offered to get me some sour cream to help cool off my tongue. Superb service! :) I really appreciated it.