(Image: Bonito Café y Mercadito)
One of the more anticipated new Capitol Hill food and drink ventures has announced a grand opening date.
Bonito Café y Mercadito will be ready with an Espresso Tónico for you as the doors open this month at E Olive Way and Melrose with a grand opening planned for Saturday, September 14th.
CHS reported in February on the plans from Daniel and Ismael Calderon to bring the Latino cafe and shopping experience to Capitol Hill after forging the Aqui Mercado events in Pioneer Square.
“The Mercadito part pays homage to our roots of Aqui Mercado,” Ismael told CHS earlier this year. ”Within our cafe obviously we’re going to sell coffee, but our focus is helping BIPOC small businesses to have an opportunity to showcase their product and talents in a storefront environment.”
(Image: Bonito Café y Mercadito)
The couple had hoped to have Bonito open earlier but are now ready for a full September debut. Along the way, they’ve been posting updates to @bonito______________ including announcing Selva Central Goods as the resident Bonito Panadería.
Opening the new venture has been boosted by a crowdfunding campaign and support from the Office of Economic Development as the Calderons took on the challenges of transitioning the in-demand commercial space that most recently was home to a Glasswing plant shop and was once home to John John’s Gameroom.
Sneak peek images show a sleek overhaul and a comfortable cafe with views out onto the nexus of E Olive Way and Melrose. An early menu shows cafe staples like espresso and lattes along with horchata chai, fresh matcha, and cafe de olla.
Bonito Café y Mercadito is located at 1351 E Olive Way. Follow @bonito______________ for updates.
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man i just want to buy some fresh made tortillas and a carnecería without having to go to so far south. couldnt care less about a latin coffee shop with small snacks. hope they do well though
Man, I hope this works out for them! The size and layout of that space have always been great, but being stuck at that car-crazy corner where drivers are roaring on and off I-5 makes it hard to create a attract foot traffic.
Welcome to the neighborhood, Bonito!
Every time I’ve been in, there are anywhere from a handful to a serpentine line of people at the cafe. Great coffee, lovely space, and kind people. I highly recommend trying any of the pastries (the conchas are so good)!