Sur 16 Bringing Latin American Flavors to Capitol Hill

[Sur 16 is headed for the former Bagel Deli space. Photo: Mo M./Yelp]

Javier Dalzell snagged the keys for the space that will house his Latin American spot Sur 16 in the former Bagel Deli location on Capitol Hill last week, but he's been planning the restaurant in his head for a very long time. "My wife and I started to think about it 15 years ago," Dalzell tells Eater. A former Microsoft employee and trained chef who has worked in kitchens in Mexico City but never owned a restaurant, Dalzell is partnering with family to launch Sur 16 on 15th Ave. this summer.

The owners spent almost a year looking for a location for Sur 16, which just as easily could have landed on the Eastside—Dalzell also considered spaces in the Issaquah Highlands and downtown Bellevue before settling on Seattle. With its 15th Ave. home, Sur 16 fills a gap on the street filled with coffee bars, breakfast spots, Italian restaurants, and watering holes: longtime Mexican eatery El Farol serves classic burritos, beans, and rice just off 15th., but otherwise a walk to Pike/Pine or Broadway is required to find a Latin-inspired meal.

Dalzell is just starting the space's build-out, but alongside his wife and cousin (also experienced cooks) the family is well on their way to planning Sur 16's menu. Dalzell says, "all recipes come from south of the border," and he's bringing together flavors from Mexico, Central America, and South America (CHS has details on the history behind the food.)

Expect to find a menu using as many locally-sourced ingredients as possible that stars spiced-up scallops, oysters, shrimp, and grilled fish topped with a green and red barbecue sauce prepared using two chiles from Mexico and one from Peru. Oaxacan-style beef, chicken adobada, and chicken mole will also be up for grabs, as well as a few options for kids. Sur 16 will also serve light breakfast, including fresh juice, eggs, and tamales, plus daily lunch.

Dalzell estimates that the space will seat just under 60 diners, with room for more than 30 at the bar. Look for doors to open this August.
· Sur 16 [Facebook]
· All Summer Tracking [-ESEA-]