Zoka's Restaurant and Bar

Photo: Zoka's 

Zoka's Restaurant and Bar

7 Miles South of 285
Pine Valley Rd/Hwy 126
Locally Owned and Operated

The perfect place to begin our Colorado Kamikaze Adventure is in the heart of the Rockies, with a restaurant where everyone you encounter clearly loves food, loves their part in bringing you great food and loves the amazing creations Chef Christian Hawks produces. 

We Kamikazied Zoka's when we were driving through the mountains to take in the beauty of Fall in the Rockies. The Aspen were just beginning their change from green to gold on an Equinox weekend, so we drove a visiting family member up Guanella Pass, cruising past breathtaking 14ers Mt. Evans and Mt. Bierstadt. (Breathtaking in a somewhat literal sense, as my East Coast cousin acclimated to the altitude!)  . 

Guanella Pass is accessible either from I-70 through quaint Georgetown, or from Highway 285 west of Bailey, Pine and Conifer. After showing off legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater, we wended our way up the mountain on 285 with a plan to return via 70. Around Pine we decided to search for a place to kamikaze and dine. 

Zoka's looked promising.

Photo: Annie Lopez

And it most certainly did not disappoint. The restaurant lies nestled in a lovely pine valley facing a curving mountain highway favored by competitive bicyclists. The wrap around porch allows for unobstructed views of peaks and pine forests; a peaceful place to enjoy a Colorado craft beer on a sunny afternoon. On the rather chilly day we first dined there, however, we appreciated the warm tones of the decor and the even more measurable warmth of the stove in the dining room. We felt well cared for as we were seated near the stove in consideration of the chilly day and our host turned up the heat.

The language of the menu made it clear that these people love and appreciate food and where it comes from. Fresh greens are grown in the greenhouse next door as were the squashes used in the vegetable medley. The menu also sported game meats and local favorites including Elk, Venison and Bison. Their burger creations, including Bison, are unique and served on a soft-as-silk brioche bun that presents the perfect texture to complement the juicy burger. The Reuben sandwich features in-house cured corned beef served with a choice side of purple potato salad tossed in a vinaigrette dressing complements the creaminess of the potatoes. Hand-battered onion rings complements any lunch choice. Panko battered, golden and crunchy, they are accompanied by an amazing house-made chipotle dipping sauce. Tangy and creamy, it was one of the few dipping sauces served with onion rings I have really enjoyed. 

Our first visit begged for an encore, where we could dig into the dinner entree menu. Again, we were greeted warmly. This time we sat in the bar area and enjoyed the artwork and murals depicting Colorado themes. The mural of the mountain climber in the bar is quintessentially Colorado as is the collection of Aspen paintings in the dining room.

Photo: Annie Lopez

One item on the appetizer menu particularly caught our attention: a savory Bleu Cheesecake. Intriguing. We were told by the Sous Chef, Craig, who stopped by to chat, that it was the savory pastry's debut night on the menu, but that it had been well received and that we were enjoying the last piece. 

This was a magnificent creation! With a crust of bread crumbs and crushed walnuts and a savory cheesecake filling with a bleu cheese base, the wedge was served on a granite cheese board with caramelized walnuts, house-made crostini and Granny Smith apple slices. A creamy and savory delight we will not soon forget. A sirloin cut entree came topped with Brie which was a flavorful, creamy complement to  mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables which included fare from the on-property greenhouse previously mentioned. 

We completed our meal with a tangy, 3-ingredient Key Lime Pie that provided a taste tingling finish to a supreme meal. 

Though Zoka's Restaurant and Bar is tucked away on a semi-remote Rocky Mountain highway, it is a sumptuous side trek well worth the time.