Knock for Tac': El Gringo Tacos Brings Street-Style Taqueria Experience to Downtown Kingston
By Rosalyn Gambhir
If you're strolling through downtown Kingston and suddenly catch a scent of smoky, spiced meat sizzling on the grill, don't worry - you've just discovered El Gringo Tacos!
Tucked behind an alleyway on Ontario Street, this hidden gem is bringing an authentic taqueria experience to the Limestone City. Fresh, hot, and bursting with flavour, meant to be devoured right there on the spot.
The culinary genius behind this drool-worthy venture is Rex Schwartz. And what makes it extra special? The recipes Rex uses come straight from the hearts and kitchens of families who have been perfecting these dishes for generations. Every bite is packed with tradition, love, and locally sourced ingredients.
The Backstory
But before we get too far, we have to start at the beginning. Sometimes, life has a funny way of weaving love and adventure into something unexpectedly transformative. And for Rex, that magic took the shape of tacos, community, and a bold leap of faith.
Rex's journey to Kingston didn't begin with a grand business plan - it began with a one-way ticket to Mexico in 2020, mid-pandemic, and a whirlwind romance. Originally from New York and finishing his degree in film, Rex decided to take a chance on life and head to Mexico for an adventure. Little did he know, his biggest adventure wouldn’t be film-related, but rather a love story.
Enter Isabel. They met, sparks flew, and it wasn't long before Rex found himself fully immersed in Mexican culture, all thanks to her and her family. As Isabel pursued her studies, Rex spent time learning from her relatives - soaking in their stories, culinary traditions, and the craft of authentic Mexican cooking. It wasn’t just a skillset he was building, but a deep appreciation for the cuisine he would later share with the people of Kingston
Taking Chances
Fast forward to 2021, Rex, Isabel, and their dog Bosnia found themselves making yet another bold move - this time to their new home in Kingston, Ontario. With Isabel landing a job opportunity in Kingston, Rex followed her north, navigating pandemic restrictions, a new country, and a fresh start. He leaned on his kitchen experience and was welcomed into the team at Atomica, a downtown Kingston hotspot. But what truly struck him was the community.
“The community they have there is unlike anything I've ever been a part of in a kitchen,” Rex recalls. This wasn’t just any restaurant scene - it was one built on support, generosity, and collaboration.
Let's Taco Bout It
As Rex ventured more into downtown Kingston’s culinary world, he saw something unique: a tight-knit community that was rooting for each other to succeed. It was this sense of belonging, mixed with a longing for authentic Mexican food, that planted the seed for El Gringo Tacos.
El Gringo didn’t start as the fully-fledged taqueria it is today. In its earliest days, Rex was serving tacos under the name Queen's Taco, catering to Queen’s University students. But as word spread and Kingston’s foodies got a taste (myself included!), the demand for his street-style tacos grew. Pop-ups at local breweries like Skeleton Park, Spearhead, and Fine Balance became regular events in 2023. And it wasn’t long before the generosity of Kingston’s community kicked in again - musicians, brewers, and fellow business owners introduced Rex to larger events like MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company's live summer concert series and the iconic Back to the Farm festival.
With every pop-up, Rex learned more about the art of tacos and the spirit of Kingston, pulling off massive events and feeding thousands in a single summer. One of his key lessons? “Prep, prep, prep,” he jokes. All of it was made possible by the kindness of businesses like Pizza Monster, who offered their kitchen space to help him grow his business.
Knock for Tac'
After a whirlwind of pop-ups, Rex finally secured a commercial kitchen downtown in the fall of 2023. That's when the vision for El Gringo as we know it today took shape. Rex spotted a window and had a bold idea: a walk-up taqueria where customers could knock, order, and enjoy fresh, hot tacos made to order. The concept of “Knock for Tac'” was born.
By February 2024, Rex and his small but mighty team were slinging tacos to excited patrons, serving up family recipes. Rex’s favourite the Al Pastor taco is a must-try, while the crunch wrap - a nod to his time spent in Southern California, has quickly become a fan favourite, even though it's not traditionally Mexican, it gives your taste buds a fiesta they'll never forget.
Featured Must-Try Dishes
Al Pastor: Marinated pork with onion, cilantro and pineapple.
Carne Asada: Sirloin beef with frijoles charros. crispy onions and cilantro.
Gringos Crunch Wrap: Carne asada, melted jack, potato rings, guacasalsa and sour cream on a tostada then wrapped in a giant flour tortilla.
Horchata: Made fresh with rice, milk, vanilla, cinnamon and water served over ice.
El Gringo is more than just a place to grab a taco - it highlights Rex’s journey from New York to Mexico to Kingston. It’s a love story, a tale of taking chances, and a testament to the power of community. And through it all, Rex has stayed true to his roots, serving up dishes that reflect the warmth and authenticity of his partner’s family recipes passed down through generations.
Want in on the action? When you see that window in the alleyway, just “Knock for Tac'!” and be ready to indulge in some of the best authentic tacos in town! Are you drooling yet? Because I am!
Favourite Local Spots
When Rex isn’t whipping up tacos, you’ll find him enjoying Kingston’s local food scene, which he’s come to love and support wholeheartedly. Among his favourite spots includes Bobby Pecorinos right by Market Square, where he says the vibe is unmatched, and the sense of community is strong. And of course, Atomica holds a special place in his heart, both for its kitchen community and its incredible dishes. Rex recommends trying Atomica’s new bee sting pizza - a sweet and spicy combo!
El Gringo
Where: In The Alley Behind, 265 Ontario Street Kingston, ON
Rosalyn Gambhir
I’m a daydreamer, a foodie, an adventurer, and an explorer. But most of all, a tourist in my own backyard of the limestone city rediscovering old favourites and hidden gems. As a proud Kingstonian for over a decade and an alumna of Queen's University, I has thrived in this vibrant community, which has fueled her creativity and passion for building a strong online community and supporting local businesses through my blogging, social media and freelance writing.
