A half block of the East Crossroads is getting a wave of new businesses this fall, even as the neighborhood says goodbye to a few familiar names.
Kansas City’s first standalone oyster bar
The Shuckers Union is planned for 1739 Oak St. and is being described as the city’s first dedicated oyster and cocktail bar. It will have no kitchen, stove, or fryer, just oysters, a raw bar, cocktails, and a full bar menu that may include shrimp cocktail and lobster rolls. The space is about 2,300 square feet with seating for around 40. Chef Brandon Hayden, a certified oyster ambassador who organized Kansas City’s first Oyster Fest in May, hopes to host evenings with oyster farmers and offer a mobile raw bar for catering. It is slated to open in December or before the end of the year.
Tiki Taco’s seventh location
The local taco chain opened October 13 in the remodeled former Double Shift Brewing building at 412 E. 18th St. It serves street tacos, burritos, bowls, and beer, opens at 11 a.m. daily, and has a parking lot that validates for up to an hour. CEO Eric Knott said the Crossroads has long been on the company’s wish list.
More coming
Kata Nori Hand Roll Bar is expanding, with a mid-November opening planned. A bar called Moody Sue’s, which will lean into country music and cold beer, is in the works. A former martial arts studio at 1737 Oak is still available for redevelopment, and the owners are negotiating over the former Nimble Brewing space at 1735 Oak.
What’s gone
The East Crossroads lost the Parlor food hall in August after eight years, and Session Taco closed after nine years at 409 E. 18th.
Why it matters
Restaurant turnover is a fact of life, but a cluster of new openings suggests the neighborhood still draws entrepreneurs. The area is also known for First Friday gallery nights, which can bring steady foot traffic.
Planning a visit
Check opening dates, since new restaurants often shift their schedules.
