Bonito Cafe y Mercadito, the latest venture from Daniel and Ismael Calderón, brings a vibrant slice of Latin culture to Capitol Hill. The duo, known for launching Aquí Mercado—a monthly night market in Pioneer Square—wanted to create a space that celebrated their Latin heritage while fostering a sense of community. Since opening in September, Bonito Cafe has quickly become a cultural hub, blending coffee, food, and commerce with a strong emphasis on connection.
Located at the corner of E. Olive Way and Melrose Ave., Bonito Cafe offers an energetic atmosphere with bleacher-style seating, mood lighting, and music “louder than typical cafes,” reflecting the lively spirit of Aquí Mercado. The Calderón brothers designed the space to be more than just a cafe; it’s a place for story-sharing and cultural exchange, intentionally curated to foster connection.
Everything at Bonito is thoughtfully chosen, from the single-roasted coffee beans sourced from a queer and Latinx-owned farm in Costa Rica to the cafe’s interior design. “This is a culture and experience, and that’s been the biggest thing we’re selling,” said Daniel.
In addition to coffee, Bonito also houses a mercadito—a small marketplace offering goods from Latinx and POC sellers. Many of the vendors at the mercadito also participate in the Calderóns’ monthly night market. “The mercadito has a little bit of everything,” Daniel explained, noting that all of the vendors share a personal connection with the cafe owners. “They have some type of connection to us,” added Ismael.
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