Z’s More Than Just Good Food

Z's Oyster Bar & Steakhouse Manager Kathryn Hanson on the patio.

You may know the spot, the restaurant visible along I-465 W as you head toward Castleton. If you’ve lived here a while, you’ll remember it was once the Tijuana Yacht Club. We discovered a new place to dine in this same unique location. It’s called Z’s Oyster Bar and Steakhouse, and if you haven’t been there yet, put it on your list of places to go as it is well worth the trip.

Owner Mehrzad Sharbaiani opened Z’s at 6220 Castleway West Drive (off 82nd and Knue Road) in November of 2007, but it could be one of Indy’s best kept secrets. We dropped in to check them out just for you.

Z’s menu features Prime Midwestern Beef, seafood that is flown in fresh daily from as far away as Hawaii, oysters from the Pacific Northwest and some homemade desserts.

When it comes to oysters, Manager Kathryn Hanson says they serve the best of the best. “We serve a variety of oysters from the small ones that are kinda sweet, to the large briny ones that are like a mouthful of saltwater.” says Hanson.

We began with the oyster sampler featuring three different kinds of oysters served on ice with a champagne raspberry vinaigrette. They were indeed fresh and wonderful. The cornmeal dusted fried oysters served in a whimsical paper cone were “light and not greasy.”

One of the menu favorites,the Washington salad, served with a variety of greens, apple slices, crumbled blue cheese and a raspberry-walnut vinaigrette was fabulous.

Our dining experience was worth the trip as all the menu items we sampled were very tasty. Adding to our experience is the view that comes with dining at Z’s. Imagine a 6,000 square foot outdoor patio with a soothing waterside view for every table. It’s hard to believe you’re sitting in the heart of Castleton! The patio’s sunset view prompted the “one of the most romantic restaurants” award.

Inside, you’ll find there’s more good seating choices at Z’s from the spacious, formal dining room with an exotic saltwater aquarium, to the “rat pack” inspired lounge. We loved the beautiful granite topped bar, which is perfect for nightly flights to discover new oysters and wine. And speaking of wine, Z’s have over 400 wines in their wine cellar. It’s no wonder they have claimed the Wine Spectator’s “award of excellence” year after year.

If you’re looking for a new “favorite spot,” Z’s has a lot more to offer than just good food. Keep them in mind for the next special occasion, business meeting or just a fun night out. If you’re looking for more, they’ve recently added live music on Thursday nights with half price drink and food specials.

Z’s Oyster and Steakhouse delivers a fun and enjoyable dining experience for lunch and dinner. From A to Z, this restaurant has it covered!