Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill to Close its Bellevue Doors in January
After eleven years of being Downtown Bellevue’s place to get a taste of Southwest/TexMex cuisine, Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill will be shutting its doors on January 26th. “We want to extend a huge thanks to our hard working team members, loyal guests and community for all your support over the past 11 years,” says Steven A. Micheletti, president and CEO of Z’Tejas. “We are sincerely looking forward to enjoying one last holiday season with our team and patrons.” The closing comes as a result of a decision based on the restaurant’s lease. “Recently we were presented an opportunity for another business to assume the three remaining years of our lease, and decided to pursue that because it makes the most economic sense for us,” Micheletti explains.
Z’Tejas will stay open throughout the duration of the holiday season, so people coming to see Snowflake Lane will still have a nearby spot to grab a bite after the nightly show. A longtime favorite for the holiday and happy hour crowds, it’s a restaurant that was one of the first arrivals to the Lodge at Bellevue Square when it opened its doors in May of 2001 on the third level. It arrived to Bellevue bringing fresh ingredients, award-winning margaritas and a menu influenced by the spicy flavors of Arizona, California, Louisiana, New Mexico and Texas. Bellevue was one of its eleven locations throughout the Western region of the country, with the first Z’Tejas opening in 1989 in Austin, Texas.
About the Author: Denise Sakaki is a local foodie who takes her appreciation for edibles through the streets of downtown Bellevue as well as into her own kitchen. She is the person behind the food blog, Wasabi Prime, which covers a wide range of culinary topics and events. You can find her at www.wasabiprime.blogspot.com, on Twitter at @WasabiPrime, or at a restaurant, most likely being the weirdo taking photos of everything and getting strange looks.
Vincent | Nov 19, 2012 | Reply
That’s a bummer. I like both their food and drinks quite a bit.
Any idea on who the “other business” is?
Meredith | Nov 19, 2012 | Reply
This sucks! Love the margaritas, menu & cornbread! I will miss the Bloody Mary bar too!
EnataiMan | Nov 19, 2012 | Reply
Yeah, bummed it see it go. But their interior was starting to look a bit dated. Just hoping that the new business is not yet another steak house. And god no! not a churrascaria either please.
Jo | Nov 19, 2012 | Reply
I think I might actually cry. How many Z’Sticks can one consume in two months? I’ll let you know on January 27th…
DarthVaderLives | Nov 19, 2012 | Reply
good. there menu was kind of meh.
hope to see some good food coming!
squarepetcare | Nov 20, 2012 | Reply
BUMMER!!!
MrBellevue | Nov 20, 2012 | Reply
The new business is a Tapas place…
Vincent | Nov 20, 2012 | Reply
Ooh. Tapas! That could get me excited.
EnataiMan | Nov 20, 2012 | Reply
Also, where is a good place to get some well-buttered corn bread now?
KD | Nov 20, 2012 | Reply
onward and upward
Rachel | Nov 22, 2012 | Reply
Bummer. Bellevue is lacking when it comes to good mexican. I wish Cactus would take over this spot.
Ripper | Dec 17, 2012 | Reply
Won’t miss it. This placed sucked — except for the cornbread.