Shiloh Steakhouse and Bakery

Shiloh Steakhouse

5 S. Veach
Cortez, CO, 81321

(970) 565-6560

Traveling east on Rte 160 through Cortez and just past the entrance to WalMart is the entrance to Shiloh Steakhouse; the bakery is located just next door to the restaurant at number 76 S. Veach. The exterior and interior of this restaurant just shows what surprises can be found in this city. Outside, the building is surrounded by beautiful landscaping with patio seating in a secluded setting of greenery.

The interior shows the diner that this building was once a fine country home, and the owners have retained this setting well. After being cheerfully greeted, we were seated in one of the interior dining areas. It was windy outside, so decided not to enjoy the patio area, but promised ourselves we would at another time.

Jane, our waitress, was very attentive, and her knowledge about the food was excellent; she answered all our questions easily. We started with ice tea which arrived with a slice of lemon and sprig of mint; and were served warm bread, from the bakery, with creamy butter and a berry rhubarb conserve...absolutely delicious. The bread was soft and yeasty; the conserve was not sugary sweet and was perfect smeared with the butter.

We chose the Smothered Steak Fries for an appetizer; large steak fries covered in cheese, served on a sizzling fajita platter and garnished with chopped Anaheim peppers.

For a main course, I chose the Grilled Swordfish served with a flavorful and moist rice pilaf. Instead of a potato side, since we had the smothered fries, I had the salad; mixed greens, purple cabbage, cherry tomatoes and croutons with house made Thousand Island dressing. The swordfish was grilled perfectly, moist, flavorful and while it came with a dollop of avocado butter; it didn't need anything extra as it was tasty as it was.

Hubby chose the Country Fried Elk with peppered gravy and mixed vegetables; he too had a salad as a side with house made Ranch dressing. The Elk, from a local Elk ranch, was excellent; and the sauteed mushrooms and onions that hubby ordered with the steak was a perfect accompaniment. The gravy was good, but we both preferred the taste of the Elk as it was; the gravy only served to cover up its wonderful flavor. The mixed vegetables were a bit over steamed, but that seems to be a norm in many restaurants and didn't think too much about it. Another couple sitting next to us had also ordered the Elk as one of their meals, and they too raved over it...nice folks too by the way.

After eating our meals we were very comfortable indeed and did without dessert. Next time I believe we'll skip the typical appetizer and eat dessert first, just to make sure we try one.

Shiloh is not for the extreme budget conscious, it is a place to go when you want to splurge and feel pampered. However, whether you are dressed to kill or in jeans and t-shirt, you will be very welcomed.

Mary Cokenour