Bonito's is a retro-style sports bar and diner from the duo taking the Ossington strip by storm. 

Busy running their popular French bistro, Milou, in the midst of a pandemic, Adrian Montesdeoca (Gloria in the Great Hall) and Mikey Kim (formerly Uncle Mikey's) weren't exactly looking to open another restaurant — let alone two. That changed when a nearby laundromat went up for lease.

"It was the place I used to do my laundry," laughed chef and co-owner Kim. "We called the realtor and, half-joking, half-serious, put in an offer because we had this stupid idea that running a laundromat was gonna be super easy."

Not long after, Bar Bowie, a martini and snack bar, was born in the laundromat's basement. 

"We didn't know how to run a laundromat."

With the restaurant business more in their wheelhouse, the idea for Bonito's quickly came together out of a desire to bring something more affordable to the neighbourhood. 

Where Bar Bowie is dark, romantic, and moody, Bonito's is unfussy and laid back. It's a place to catch a late-night game, hang out over a couple of drinks, and get a little messy with an Oklahoma Burger and a pound of Gochu Glaze Wings.

The entrance is a laundromat-turned-convenience store, complete with a magazine rack, candy display, drip coffee, and an assortment of knick-knacks and memorabilia. It's also where you can place an order for takeaway.

That nostalgic, lived-in coziness carries through to the main bar and dining area.

With wood-panelled walls, original tile floors, Tiffany chandeliers, vinyl banquettes, kitschy sports posters, and colourful chrome tables and chairs, the space feels like it's straight out of the '80s or '90s.

Next to the bar, a sectioned-off DJ booth is home to a local radio host.

When it comes to the drink menu, everything was designed to be fun and familiar.

Take the Ocean Breeze ($19), a vibrant blue cocktail that tastes like tropical fruit punch. Made with gin, passionfruit, blue curacao, and fresh lemon juice, it's garnished with a maraschino cherry and a paper umbrella. You can even supersize it into a fishbowl (+$20).

Beyond colourful cocktails, there are zero-proof options including a Yuzu Lemonade, ice-cold draft beers, a house lager, bestselling imports like Modelo ($9), plus a selection of wine and soju.

For food, expect a mix of classic diner-style fare, such as the Chopped Salad and Daily Pie, along with a few unexpected dishes that nod to the owners' roots, including Scallop Aguachile and a Korean Chicken Sando. 

Feeling snacky? The Queso Dip ($14) is several steps above the jarred stuff. Warm and comforting, it's garnished with freshly chopped cilantro and served with crispy plantain chips. 

The Gochu Glaze Wings ($16) are perfectly sticky and saucy, coated in a gochujang glaze that's as sweet as it is spicy. On the side is a house-ranch made with a hint of yuzu. 

Not to be missed is the Oklahoma Burger ($18), also available at happy hour (3–6 pm and 11 pm–2 am) for just $10, complete with twice-cooked fries and a kosher pickle.

Also known as the onion burger, the patty is pressed over a pile of paper-thin onions until caramelized and browned, then topped with melty cheese, sliced pickles, and bodega sauce, all sandwiched in a soft, fluffy bun.

The Tang Tang E ($22) draws inspiration from a popular Korean dish of raw beef and octopus. Served as a finely chopped tartare mixed with pickled daikon and celery, it's topped with perilla seeds and gochugaru (chili pepper powder), with crispy sheets of nori for scooping.

Bonito's is located at 180 Ossington Avenue, next to the Global Coin Laundry and Lotto sign that still hangs out front.