Sea Capitán Cocina Costera Opens in Kansas City

News Summary

A new coastal Mexican restaurant, Sea Capitán Cocina Costera, has opened in Kansas City’s South Plaza. Founded by Todd Schulte and Cory Dannehl, the restaurant features an array of seafood dishes, a raw seafood bar, and unique cocktails. With its inviting decor and a commitment to quality, Sea Capitán aims to become a popular local dining destination. The restaurant also introduces a grab-and-go market, Earl’s Provisions, expanding offerings in the neighborhood known for its growing culinary scene.

Kansas City, MO – A new coastal Mexican restaurant named Sea Capitán Cocina Costera has officially opened its doors in Kansas City’s South Plaza, marking the latest venture by local restaurateurs Todd Schulte and Cory Dannehl. The restaurant opened on a Friday at 5 p.m. and was quick to fill up, with patrons at the bar by 5:03 p.m., according to Tony Glamcevski, the director of operations.

Located at 5070 Main St., Sea Capitán Cocina Costera occupies approximately 5,000 square feet, making it the largest establishment operated by Schulte and Dannehl. The restaurant aims to fill a gap in Kansas City’s dining scene by focusing on coastal Mexican cuisine, particularly seafood dishes that are less common in the area.

Sea Capitán’s menu features a variety of highlights, including grilled shrimp, an array of tacos with about six different options, and refreshing frozen margaritas. The cocktail menu boasts unique creations such as La Tormenta, made with Raicilla, Xtabentún, pasilla pepper, pineapple, and lime, as well as Plaza Blanca, which includes Mezcal, tepache, coconut milk, and mandarin. For dessert, patrons can enjoy a selection that includes tequila and lime tarta, tres leches flan, chocolate and meringue, and cheesecake, with the cheesecake being notably favored by staff.

A particularly appealing feature of Sea Capitán is its raw seafood bar, offering an array of delicacies like oysters on the half shell, aguachile, and ceviche, enhancing the coastal dining experience. The restaurant’s interior design combines wooden decor, fish mounts, and light blue accents to create an aquatic atmosphere, inviting diners to enjoy a beach-like vibe in the heart of the city.

Sea Capitán also presents a horseshoe-shaped bar that accommodates 20 guests and includes an outdoor patio with the capacity for additional dining, featuring a sliding window for a tropical drinks bar that aids in creating a relaxed outdoor ambiance. The owners, Schulte and Dannehl, intend for Sea Capitán to become a beloved neighborhood destination for South Plaza residents.

In addition to opening Sea Capitán, the owners have expanded their earlier project, Earl’s Premier, by introducing a grab-and-go market called Earl’s Provisions, which is located nearby at 649 E. 59th St.. Earl’s Provisions will carry prepared foods from both Earl’s and Bacaro Primo, with offerings such as soups, crab cakes, and salads, catering to customers seeking convenient meal options.

The neighborhood surrounding Sea Capitán has recently seen growth, with new establishments like Mildred’s, New York Butcher Shoppe, and Martin City Tavern making their debut. This aligns with the trend of new concepts like T’aha and Lapez Mod Mex popping up in Kansas City, which also focus on modern Mexican dining experiences.

Sea Capitán is inspired by coastal Mexican cuisine from various regions including the Yucatán and the Baja Peninsula, promising a lighter and fresher approach to traditional Mexican dishes. In addition to its seafood offerings, the restaurant will serve non-seafood options featuring duck, lamb, and chicken, ensuring there is something for everyone.

The restaurant plans to integrate a tequila and mezcal-focused bar program, which will include a membership option for tastings and rental lockers for tequila, providing a unique experience for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

With its diverse menu, inviting atmosphere, and commitment to quality, Sea Capitán Cocina Costera is poised to become a significant player in Kansas City’s thriving culinary scene.

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Additional Resources

• Kansas City Star: New Coastal Mexican Restaurant Opens in South Plaza
• Wikipedia: Seafood
• Kansas City Magazine: New Restaurant and Market Opening
• Google Search: Kansas City Mexican Restaurants
• Kansas City Star: Business Openings and Closings
• Google Scholar: Coastal Mexican Cuisine
• KC Today: New and Coming Soon Restaurants in Kansas City
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Mexican Cuisine
• Kansas City Star: New Restaurants Overview

Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER

The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.