Zona Blanca Ceviche Bar

Shrimptember 🦐
PC:

Dear Spokane Community,

It is with a heavy heart and, deep reflection that I write this letter to share the difficult decision I have to make about Zona Blanca Ceviche Bar. After eight incredible years, filled with unforgettable memories, remarkable achievements, and a deep connection with all of you, I’ve made the heart-wrenching choice to close our doors.

Zona Blanca has been more than just a restaurant; it has been a vibrant part of Spokane's culinary scene, a place where innovation thrived, and a community gathered. We've been honored to receive numerous accolades over the years—recognition that speaks not only to our team's dedication but also to the support and love we've felt from this amazing city. From the Innovator Award by the WHA to being a two-time James Beard Awards Semi-Finalist, and everything in between, these honors are a testament to what we built together.

Beyond the awards and recognition, what has meant the most to me personally is the role Zona Blanca played in supporting our local community. Together, we raised over $150,000 for local non-profits, hosted countless private dinners to support important causes, and created a space where both our team and guests could come together in a fun, unique environment. This restaurant has been a labor of love, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved.

So, why close? The hard truth is that like many businesses in downtown Spokane, we've faced a challenging and rough road. The increasing crime, visible drug use, and the damage to public and private property have made it harder and harder to maintain a safe environment for our team and partners who are like family to me, and for you, our valued guests. On top of that, despite pouring all of my time, energy, and finances into keeping our doors open, I've had to face the reality that I’ve left very little for my own family—in both time and security.

After long conversations with my Alexi my wife and deep introspection, we’ve come to the conclusion that the best path forward for our family’s health and well-being is to close Zona Blanca. This decision was not made lightly, and it comes with a deep sense of loss, but also with gratitude for the journey we’ve shared with all of you.

While we are closing our full-service sit-down restaurant, my intention is to carry out the terms of my lease and continue to utilize the space in unique and creative ways to bring special events, pop-up dinners, catering and culinary experiences to Spokane. Though this chapter is ending, we remain committed to bringing you innovative, delicious gastronomic adventures in new and exciting formats.

To our elected officials, I humbly ask you to recognize the urgency of what’s happening in our downtown. If someone like me, who has been fortunate enough to gain national acclaim and enjoy immense support from this community, is struggling this hard to keep my doors open, I can’t begin to imagine what it’s like for those who don’t have the same privileges. The challenges we face are real and growing, and if we don’t take immediate action to address the safety and well-being of our downtown, many more businesses—especially the smaller ones—will face even greater struggles in the months ahead. Now is the time for us to come together and protect what makes Spokane so special.

To our landlords, we deeply appreciate the flexibility and grace you’ve shown us during this transition. Your unwavering support and friendship over the years has been invaluable, and I am grateful for the opportunity you’ve given us to continue doing what we love most—serving this incredible community.

That said, closing the restaurant doesn’t immediately ease the financial challenges we’ve faced. I’m committed to doing everything I can to make sure that everyone—our team, our partners, and our community—are taken care of as best as possible. If you’re in need of a private chef, catering services, or you're interested in group cooking or cocktail classes, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly at [email protected]. I’m eager to continue serving Spokane in new ways and to share my passion for food and hospitality with all of you.

To my fellow restaurant owners: If you're looking for talented and dedicated team members, I can confidently say that the Zona Blanca team is among the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. It would be an honor to personally introduce them to you—just reach out, and I’ll be happy to make the connection. I remain fully committed to supporting the hospitality industry as a whole, especially restaurants in our downtown core. Together, we can help each other thrive in these challenging times and continue to uplift the incredible culinary community we’ve built here in Spokane.

Thank you, Spokane, for the love, the memories, and the incredible times we've had together. Your support has meant the world to us, and I will carry these experiences with me always.

In the meantime, I have one last request—let’s end this chapter with a big bang. Please come out and visit us one more time. Let us see your friendly faces, share some laughs, and create a few more memories before we close. We’ll keep our doors open until we run out of ingredients, and I hope to see you all before then.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Chef Chad White
Owner, Zona Blanca Ceviche Bar

At Zona Blanca, we’re all about quality. That’s why we use nothing but the freshest fish for our ceviche and crudos. Every bite is a taste of the ocean, expertly prepared to highlight the natural flavors. Come experience the difference that fresh makes! 🌊🐟 Open 4pm-10pm Happy Hour 4pm-6pm

Sorry folks, people suck!

Due to a recent theft we are closed tomorrow!

We will be closed today and tomorrow to give our staff a much needed long weekend! We hope to see y’all come Tuesday!

Sip into perfection with our carefully crafted cocktails at Zona Blanca! 🍹✨

Our talented bar chef and bar team pour their passion and creativity into every glass, delivering vibrant flavors that perfectly complement our menu. From refreshing twists on classics to innovative new concoctions, each cocktail is a work of art designed to elevate your dining experience.

Join us at the bar and discover your new favorite drink. Cheers to unforgettable flavors! 🥂 Open 4pm-10pm Happy Hour 4pm-6pm and 9pm-10pm

Guess who’s back!? 🙌🏻 Chef Chad has returned after two weeks of traveling to the Overlanders Expo! Come help us put him to work in the kitchen!

🌟 **Pollo Asada**! 🍗✨

This vibrant dish is a celebration of bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Our tender, roasted chicken is perfectly paired with hominy, adding a touch of comfort to every bite. We’ve elevated it with the earthy sweetness of golden beet, while the pluot salsa brings a burst of fruity zest. To finish, a drizzle of tomato vinegar ties it all together with a tangy kick.

Come by and savor this new addition to our menu—your taste buds will thank you! 😋 Open 4pm-10pm Happy Hour 4pm-6pm and 9pm-10pm

🚨 **Team Spotlight** 🚨

While Chef Chad is out of town, our incredible Sous Chef, Chef Kiefer , has stepped up in a major way! 👏 His dedication, creativity, and leadership have been nothing short of excellent, keeping our kitchen running smoothly and our dishes as delicious as ever. 🍽️

We’re so grateful to have Chef Kiefer on our team, ensuring that every plate is a masterpiece and every guest leaves with a smile. If you’ve enjoyed a meal with us recently, chances are it’s thanks to his hard work and passion. 🌟

Next time you dine with us, join us in giving Chef Kiefer a big thank you for all he does! 🙌

🌧️ Rainy days call for comfort food, and our warm choriqueso dip is the perfect cozy treat! 🧀✨ Made with chorizo, tomatillos and ooey-gooey cheese, this dip is the ultimate flavor-packed indulgence that pairs perfectly with the weather outside. Open 4pm-10pm Happy Hour 4pm-6pm and 9pm-10pm

Come warm up with us at Zona Blanca and treat yourself to this rich, savory dip that’ll brighten up any gray day. 🌧️🔥

“Craving the perfect summer refresher? 🌞🍻 Our micheladas are made with our bar chef’s house-made michelada mix and your choice of one of our favorite Mexican cervezas. Spicy, tangy, and oh-so-refreshing—it’s the ultimate way to elevate your cerveza experience! 🍅🌶️ Come sip with us at Zona Blanca. Salud! 🍻 Open 4pm-10pm Happy Hour 4pm-6pm and 9pm-10pm

🔥 **New Special Alert at Zona Blanca! 🔥**

Introducing our mouthwatering **Hot Bird Chicken Wings**, roasted to perfection in Chef Chad White’s signature hot bird seasoning! 🌶️🔥 Served on a bed of zanhoria habanero hot sauce and topped with crispy fried leeks for that perfect crunch. 🥕🦅

But hurry—these wings are here only while they last. Don’t miss your chance to taste this fire on a plate! 🔥

🦪 Indulge in Oyster Bliss at Zona Blanca 🦪**
Our roasted oysters are a must-try, served with two bold and unforgettable flavors. Choose between our zesty chile mayonesa for a kick of spice or our rich, charred onion mayo for that deep, savory perfection. 🧑‍🍳✨ Open 4pm-10pm Happy Hour 4pm-6pm and 9pm-10pm

“Cool down with a twist! 🌟 Introducing our new Frozen Saturn cocktail at Zona Blanca: a refreshing blend of gin, falernum, passion fruit, orgeat, and lime. It’s bold, tropical, and the perfect way to elevate your patio experience. 🌺🍸 Come try it and let your taste buds take flight! Open 4pm-10pm Happy Hour 4pm-6pm and 9pm-10pm

“Sip, savor, and soak up the sun on our patio!🌞🍹 Our refreshing margaritas are waiting for you—perfect for enjoying a sunny day. Stop by, relax, and let us elevate your afternoon with bold flavors and good vibes. Open 4pm-10pm Happy Hour 4pm-6 and 9pm-10pm #ᴍᴀʀɢᴀʀɪᴛᴀ

“Picture this: you, a perfectly crafted margarita in hand, watching the sun melt into the horizon on our beautiful patio 🌅🍹. Join us for Happy Hour from 4-6pm and again from 9-10pm – because the only thing better than a sunset is sipping a margarita while you enjoy it.

🕓 Happy Hour Alert! 🕓 Looking for the perfect way to kick off your evening? Stop by for Happy Hour and enjoy **$2 off our mouthwatering appetizers** Happy Hour 4pm-6pm and 9pm-10pm!

El Jackelmelón [ .gin cali orange citrus - snow leopard melon - midori - lime - agave - citrus salt ] by .rage_

📸 Fresh catch alert! 🐟 We’ve just brought in the incredible Mong Chong fish, known for its delicate flavor and tender texture. Chef Chad White is already working his magic in the kitchen—stay tuned to see what delicious creations he crafts with this rare and exquisite fish. Come by and taste it for yourself! Open 4pm-10pm Happy Hour 4pm-6pm 9pm-10pm

🌊 Dive into a sea of vibrant flavors at Zona Blanca Ceviche Bar! Our fresh, bright ceviches are the perfect way to savor summer. Each bite bursts with the zest of citrus, the freshness of the ocean, and a medley of ingredients that dance on your palate. 🌶️🍤

Ready to taste the difference? Come experience the ultimate ceviche, where every dish is crafted with passion and served with a side of sunshine. ☀️ Open 4pm-10pm Happy Hour 4pm-6pm 9pm-10pm

Experience the essence of Mezcal with our Nuestra Soledad flight for just $35! 🍹🌿 Taste the unique expressions of San Luis Del Rio, La Compania Ejutla, and San Baltazar Guelavila. Come savor the flavors of tradition and craftsmanship. Cheers! 🥂🔥

Craving a snack adventure? Dive into Dorilocos, the ultimate surprise in a bag! We won’t spoil the fun – just come and discover it for yourself. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you! Open 4pm-10pm Happy Hour 4pm-6pm and 9pm-10pm

You can’t handle it.

Industry night!! Come let us shuck & shake it for you!

🍹✨ Elevate your dining experience with our vibrant boozy cocktails, perfectly paired with our fresh ceviche and crudos. Dive into a burst of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and refresh your senses. Open 4pm-10pm Happy Hour 4pm-6pm and 9pm-10pm

PULPO ASADO! Savor the taste of roasted octopus, charred sweet peppers, and mayo de chapulines, all perfectly complemented by fresh cilantro and corn tortillas. Pair it with one of our amazing cocktails for the ultimate High five in your mouth! Open 4pm-10pm Happy Hour 4pm-6pm and 9pm-10pm icious

Today we’re taking it back to the groovy 70s and soulful 80s with some classic R&B that’ll have you jamming all night long! 🎶✨

And what better way to celebrate than with a delicious Hanky-Panky cocktail in hand? 🍸 created in the 1930s this cocktail is a perfect mix of gin, sweet vermouth, and a dash of fernet branca to keep the party going. Open 4pm-10pm Happy Hour 4pm-6pm and 9pm-10pm

Join us tonight for a special feature: Bozal Mezcal flights for only $35! 🍹 Experience the rich, smoky flavors of these unique mezcals, perfect for a memorable evening. Don’t miss out—grab your friends and head over for an unforgettable night! Open 4pm-10pm Happy Hour 4pm-6pm 9pm-10pm

Fresh pressed lime juice, agave nectar and high quality blanco tequila. It might be simple but it’s a mighty delicious Margarita! Come sip on Spokanes best! Open 4pm-10pm Happy Hour 4pm-6pm & 9pm-10pm