Westboro's Little Bones draws crowds with upscale tacos and tequila cocktails
The 45-seat Mexican restaurant opened in late May as a sister spot to Lexington Smokehouse, offering refined tacos ranging from $7 to $12 and cocktails priced $17 to $20.
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Little Bones, which opened in late May on Richmond Road in Westboro, has become a new summer hangout for the neighbourhood. The narrow, 45-seat Mexican restaurant is the sister eatery to Lexington Smokehouse & Bar next door, with chef Kailen Toone overseeing both kitchens.
Unlike the city's authentic Mexican-run taquerias, Little Bones positions itself as an upscale destination. The tacos range in price from $7 for a cauliflower taco to $12 for brisket, which sources its tender meat from the smokehouse next door. Red-meat tacos—the carne asada and brisket offerings—are standouts, thoughtfully garnished with impactful proteins. The fish taco at $9 and cauliflower option at $7 round out the taco selection.
Beyond tacos, the restaurant offers tostadas with raw tuna ($11) or eggplant ($8), and shareable plates. The pork belly with stuffed morels, sugar apple glaze, onion and chili jus ($19) is tasty but modest for sharing. The beef tartare features pickled serrano and celery for crunch, paired with an enoki mushroom emulsion. Fried-to-order tortilla chips arrive warm, crisp and salty, served with guacamole ($12) or salsa ($9)—the guacamole having more character than the salsa.
The standout dish is the substantial rib-eye steak with fries ($78), well-seasoned and perfectly cooked, with a chimichurri that cuts the meat's richness and a beef bone jus that accentuates it. Chunky, crispy fries are showered with cotija cheese. A plate of asparagus ($10) shines with a perky, habanero-tinted beurre blanc.
Cocktails ranging from $17 to $20 are a significant draw. Sophisticated concoctions made with tequila or mezcal dominate the drinks list, which also includes four craft beers on tap. Folks who frequent Little Bones come for drinks and well-presented food to graze on, rather than to fill themselves.
Good to know
Where is Little Bones?
Little Bones is located at 342 Richmond Rd in Westboro, Ottawa.
What kind of food does Little Bones serve?
Little Bones serves upscale Mexican food, with tacos priced from $7 to $12, tostadas, shareable plates, and main dishes like rib-eye steak.
How much do cocktails cost at Little Bones?
Cocktails at Little Bones are priced between $17 and $20.
