Friendsgiving in Toronto? Head to Papi Chulo’s
Why Papi Chulo’s Is the Perfect Spot for Friendsgiving on Ossington
Friendsgiving has officially taken over Toronto. It’s that sweet spot between Thanksgiving and the holiday season where your chosen family comes together, laughs a little too loudly, and eats way too much. But here’s the truth: trying to host it at home? Stressful. The grocery store lines, the oven space wars, the turkey that never cooks on time; we’ve all been there.
This year, skip the chaos and take the crew to Papi Chulo’s on Ossington. With our vibrant Mexican street-food menu, buzzing atmosphere, and those legendary margarita towers, it’s basically built for Friendsgiving. Think less “dry turkey at a kitchen table” and more “flavor-packed feast with cocktails flowing and music bumping.”
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about planning your Friendsgiving at Papi Chulo’s: the vibes, the menu, the group options, and why Ossington is the perfect backdrop. By the end, you’ll be texting your group chat to lock in a reservation.
Check out our menu here to get hungry in advance.
A Vibe You Can’t Fake
Walk into Papi Chulo’s and it just feels like something’s happening. The glow from the bar, walls splashed with color, and a playlist that’s equal parts party-starter and background groove; it’s impossible not to settle in and stay awhile. Tables stay full, nachos disappear fast, and the energy feels like one giant hangout you accidentally got invited to.
If your Friendsgiving is more about laughs than table settings, this is your stage. The patio (when Toronto weather behaves) is prime for golden-hour tequila clinks, while the inside keeps things cozy but lively enough to feel like the night could go anywhere.
And let’s not forget the Ossington factor. The whole strip is buzzing with date nights, pre-drinks, and crews bouncing between spots. Even before the food hits the table, you feel plugged into the neighborhood’s energy, like Friendsgiving just got promoted to a full-on event.
Want a sneak peek? Scope out the Papi Chulo's spot here.
Menu Items That Work for Friendsgiving
The best Friendsgiving spreads are the ones that feel communal, where everyone’s grabbing a bite of everything. Luckily, Papi Chulo’s menu was made for sharing. Forget carving knives; here, you’re passing around baskets of chips, lining the table with tacos, and diving into fries smothered in queso.
Here’s how to build your perfect Friendsgiving order:
Nachos That Never Miss
Towering piles of beans, pico de gallo, sour cream, jalapeños, queso, and melted cheese; these nachos aren’t just a starter, they’re a centerpiece. They come out hot, gooey, and impossible to resist. One bite in, and you’ll know why this dish is a Papi Chulo’s staple.
Guac & Chips: Non-Negotiable
Every Friendsgiving table needs guacamole, period. Papi Chulo’s house-made guac is creamy, tangy, and perfectly seasoned. Add our crisp, golden chips and you’ve got a snack that disappears faster than you can say “pass the salsa.”
Fresh Kick: Ceviche
Want to add a little balance to the spread? Order the citrus-cured shrimp ceviche. It’s tangy, light, and served with chips for scooping. Between bites of tacos and fries, this dish cuts through with refreshing brightness.
Street Corn That Steals the Show
Corn on the cob loaded with chipotle mayo, feta cheese, sour cream, lime, and chili. It’s messy in the best way, and honestly, street corn might be the ultimate “pass it around the table” Friendsgiving dish.
Tacos Built for Sharing
Skip the turkey, tacos are the real star of Friendsgiving. Each plate comes with two, making it easy to order a variety and share.
Birria: Slow-cooked beef with cheese, cilantro, and consommé on the side for dipping. Bold, juicy, and unforgettable.
Al Pastor: Pork with pineapple, cilantro, salsa verde, and a smoky kick. Sweet, savory, and just the right amount of heat.
Beer-Battered Fish: Crispy and tangy with pineapple salsa and chipotle mayo.
Vegetal: Sautéed zucchini and onion with feta, balsamic glaze, and microgreens. Proof that veggie tacos can absolutely slap.
Pro tip: order a mix, slice them up, and turn it into a taco tasting.
Churros for Dessert
Warm, golden churros dusted with sugar and served with dulce de leche. They’re light, sweet, and exactly what you want to end a feast with. Order a few for the table and watch them vanish.
Margarita Towers & Beyond
Friendsgiving calls for a drink moment, and Papi Chulo’s delivers with margarita towers. Choose from classic, mango, pineapple, or even blue raspberry, and set that giant tower right in the middle of the table. It’s festive, it’s fun, and it keeps the drinks flowing.
Not feeling margaritas? Sangria pitchers, signature cocktails like the Spicy Latin Lover, or even beer buckets keep the options wide open.
Hungry yet? Peep the full menu here.
Catering & Group Options
If your crew is more into hosting at home (but you still don’t want to cook), Papi Chulo’s catering is a game-changer. We can set you up with trays of tacos, nachos, and all the shareables you need to keep the group fed.
The best part? No cleanup. No one has to “forget” their dish in the Uber, and you don’t spend the night juggling oven timers. It’s all handled.
Check out our catering options here and bring the fiesta straight to your living room.
Location & Access — Why Ossington Works
Friendsgiving isn’t just about the food — it’s about the location. And Ossington delivers big time. Here’s why Papi Chulo’s is perfectly placed:
Central spot: Easy to reach from anywhere downtown.
Transit-friendly: TTC access makes it simple for the whole crew.
Parking nearby: Street and lot options for the designated drivers.
Surrounded by energy: Tons of Ossington restaurants, bars, and nightlife if you want to keep the night rolling after dinner.
In short, it’s a meeting point that works for everyone, no matter what corner of Toronto they’re coming from.
Tips to Plan a Seamless Friendsgiving Here
To make the most of your Friendsgiving at Papi Chulo’s, a little planning goes a long way:
Book ahead: Fall weekends = busy. Reserve early.
Go family style: Share plates like nachos and platters make it easy.
Arrive early: Beat the rush and snag the best tables.
Split the bill easily: Keep it stress-free by dividing evenly or going round by round.
EAT PAPI CHULOS
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EAT PAPI CHULOS 〰️
WE DELIVER TORONTO & GTA
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WE DELIVER TORONTO & GTA 〰️
FAQS
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No, we do not. We are a walk-in-only restaurant! ✅
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Absolutely. Order from our menu or catering options.
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Yes. The menu highlights items like guac & chips, vegetarian tacos, and nachos that work for non-meat eaters.
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Yes, margarita towers and sangria pitchers are perfect for groups.
The Only Table You Want This Season
Turkey is cool and all… but does it come with a margarita tower? Exactly. Friendsgiving at Papi Chulo’s hits different. You’ve got tacos flying around the table, someone double-dipping in the guac (we see you 👀), and that one friend trying to convince everyone that churros count as a balanced meal.
Ossington keeps the vibe alive outside, but honestly, once you sit down here, why leave? Between the tequila, the playlists, and the constant “should we get another round?” debates, your Friendsgiving turns into a full-on night out without anyone having to scrub a single roasting pan.
So stop stressing about who’s bringing the stuffing and who’s burning the pie. Just send the group chat a calendar invite that says: “Friendsgiving. Papi Chulo’s. Don’t be late.” Boom. Done.
Book your table now before your flaky friend beats you to it.