Heck’s

What an oddly disappointing experience.
Recommended by locals, we expected a quality experience from Heck’s. Sadly they missed the mark.
Service
While we waited for menus, the bar and kitchen staff milled about the place. The dining room was empty, yet service was inattentive and seemed to not want to be bothered.
Bar
We ordered a fairly common cucumber-​based cocktail, but ten minutes later was informed the kitchen had no such cucumber. The Kitchen had no cucumbers?!
Food
The appetizer was a ceviche of wild salmon in citrus and oils with won-​ton chips and a spicy dressing. It was spot on. Salmon was fresh, tossed in lite citrus tinged dressing.
However, the dinner rolls were cold and stale and the cornmeal crusted trout escaped any effort made to season it and was punished by being cooked to the point of dryness. The lobster pot pie was actually a game of find the frustration. That pot pie must have simply been «made in the presence of lobster». Shamefully, the carrots still had green heads, onions still had root bottoms, and no one bothered to trim the green bean ends. Perhaps it was to add a rustic appeal?
Ambiance
A beautiful and impressive three story fireplace with tables and sofas set close gives the that «lodgey» feel. But the red and white picnic table napkins made the dining experience feel cheap.
Tthe outside fire pit with smores supplies was a nice touch.
Price
2 people, 2 drinks, appetizer, 2 entrees $ 150 + tip. The price for the two meals was shameful, considering the food quality and service.

Loved eating at Heck’s today! The décor is just lovely and makes you feel right at home in an upscale/​aprés ski type of way. Being a Tuesday at lunch during an off week, the place was empty, but we were still greeted kindly and offered the seat of our choice. We received very attentive service from Joe K. — he recommended their special of the day, a pulled pork burrito which was AMAZING, the best we have ever had, ever. Also ordered fries and carrots and some potato leek soup. Soup was not as hot as I was hoping it would be, and I was anticipating some potato chunks in there; it was more of a cream broth, but still good flavor. For a $ 40 lunch, this fit the bill.

Great views! Food was good but very expensive, I guess you have to pay for the view. Kind of tough for me since I get to see this view everyday. I think it would be an awesome happy hour spot!

A great ending to our last family vacation of the summer. Such a fun evening dining and relaxing by the fire outdoors! Amazing views for a patio dinner and there were yard games for the kids to play which allowed us to enjoy our meals in peace and quiet! Our dinners were delicious, great trout and delicious Wagyu beef! Kids meal was a bit pricey, but they actually ate it! The staff was wonderful and it was very kid friendly. We especially loved watching the sun set after dinner and the full moon rise while making the complimentary s’mores at the fire pit!

So, this was my second visit to Heck’s. We parked at Devils Thumb Ranch to bike ride for a couple of hours, then headed to Hecks for a late lunch. Last time we came during the winter, and they had special drinks with various spices, really interesting flavors! I had in mind to get a refreshing drink, and the summer drinks really looked delicious. Now, I am not a gin drinker, but this drink on the menu, had an organic gin, yellow chartreuse, peach shrub, and cucumber… sounds wild, but delicious, earthy and refreshing! I had the mushroom pasta, and loved it, perfect al dente! My husband had a different drink with OJ and rye, not my taste, but he loved it! He also had a salmon BLT that was awesome. The side salad that he had tasted like they had fresh picked lettuce out of the garden with heirloom tomatoes, the light vinaigrette was delightful! We admire this Devils Thumb ranch as day visitors, but would really love to stay there sometime! It is so beautiful, and the décor is stunning! It seems off the beaten path, but there seemed to be a lot going on both times we were there… games outside, horses, picturesque scenery. It is pricey for drinks, but the drinks are so unique and if you pick one that you don’t like, they will take it back and get you another! Food is average priced for the valley.

In re-​reading my review, it seems a bit mean-​spirited to me. The bottom-​line was that with the exception of the chicken dish I had, which was good, but not memorable or in any way distinguished, the other food was very good, and I still remember how delicious my honey’s elk was. So I’m upping them a star for their nice response to the service difficulties, and wishing them well.

Heck’s is located inside the main lodge at Devil’s Thumb Ranch. It is modeled after the Timberline Lodge at Mount Hood, OR. It is gorgeous and rustic,