A new Kansas City-area Mexican restaurant with a patio is coming soon
A new Mexican restaurant will open in the Kansas City area — and some residents may recognize its menu.
Sol Cocina Mexicana, a sister restaurant of Ixtapa Fine Mexican Cuisine, is opening in the Northland near Liberty at 8600 NE 85th St.
While the new restaurant will have mostly the same dishes as Ixtapa, the ownership will be slightly different.
Ixtapa, 7103 NW Barry Road, is owned by Victor Esqueda and Alejandro Hernández.
Sol Cocina will be owned by Alex Hernández, Ixtapa’s current general manager and Alejandro’s son. The 24-year-old University of Kansas graduate told The Star he’s excited to “spread his wings.”
“I’m just pretty much following in my dad’s footsteps,” he said. “Just growing it, making it bigger, hopefully.”
Sol is aiming to open in November. Alex said his father will help him while continuing to be a partner in Ixtapa.
Alex, who studied business at KU, said he chose to return to the industry he knew and loved after graduating.
“It’s just something I’ve always done,” he said. “I like talking to people, explaining to people about the food.”
His spot will seat 180 people inside and 30 people on the patio.
Some favorites at Ixtapa include the street tacos, chiles rellenos, steak, arroz con pollo, molcajete and elevated Mexican dishes.
In addition to the menu, the Hernández family tequila brand — Estampa Charra – will also be brought over to be used in cocktails.
Ixtapa closed its Overland Park location at 7305 W. 95th St. in February 2025 after less than five years in business. At the time, Esqueda told The Star rising food costs and rent increases made it impossible to operate.
The Northland spot has been open since 2004.
This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 3:48 PM.