Cafe Roka

In the heart of the creative and historic town of Bisbee lies one of Arizona’s most alluring dining destinations — Cafe Roka. This New American restaurant has long been a magnet for foodies traveling through the USA, thanks to its impeccable reputation and unique culinary vision.

The establishment is located in a historic building on Main St and surprises guests with its interior: the space is divided into three levels, with a lively bar at its center. Despite its small-town location, the atmosphere inside is elegant and energetic, often compared to some of the best restaurants in New York. It is an ideal spot for both a romantic date and a gathering with friends.

The defining feature of Cafe Roka is its emphasis on the freshest local ingredients. The restaurant offers a fixed-price dinner concept where every main course is served as part of a four-course set. This approach highlights the artistic and somewhat bohemian nature of the town, turning a standard restaurant visit into a full cultural adventure.

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for the establishment in the table below. We recommend checking availability in advance, as the restaurant may host private events.

The main reason to visit Cafe Roka is its famous four-course dinner. Your gastronomic journey begins with a delicate soup (try the tomato-green chili) and a salad with a signature vinaigrette, followed by a refreshing lemon sorbet. For the main course, guests often choose the exquisite sea bass in a tamarind sauce, concluding the evening with the stunning banana pudding cake.

Live music nights create a special atmosphere in the establishment. On Fridays, a jazz band performs, filling the space with rhythmic melodies that perfectly complement the clinking of glasses and relaxed conversation. If you prefer a more casual setting, you can grab a seat at the central bar, order a bottle of fine wine, and watch the restaurant's lively scene unfold.

Since the establishment is incredibly popular, reservations are essential. Arrive early to take in the interior details and settle in for a long, pleasant dinner. Prices remain quite reasonable for this level of cuisine, making a visit an affordable luxury for any traveler.

The establishment is located at 35 Main St in the heart of Old Bisbee. This area is famous for its narrow, winding streets and hilly landscape, so if you are staying at one of the town's historic hotels, a stroll to the restaurant will be a pleasant addition to your evening.

For those traveling from other regions of the USA, the nearest major transport hub is Tucson International Airport (TUS). The drive from the airport to Bisbee takes about two hours along the scenic I-10 and AZ-80 highways. Renting a car is the most convenient option, as public transportation in this part of Arizona is limited.

If you arrive by personal or rental car, street parking can be found throughout the historic district. Bisbee is quite peaceful in the evening, and navigating with Google Maps will help you easily find the entrance to Cafe Roka among the colorful neighboring buildings.

The history of this culinary gem began in 1992, when chef Rod Cass and his partner Sally Holcomb decided to turn their dream into reality. Rod first visited Bisbee in 1990, planning only a brief stay, but the town charmed him so much that he decided to stay for good and open his own business.

For over 30 years, Cafe Roka has been a vital part of the town’s cultural life. The owners follow a philosophy of quality over quantity: for a long time, the restaurant operated only four days a week, allowing the team to focus fully on every dish and maintain a high level of service.

The building housing the restaurant is steeped in the spirit of the past. It is located in a former mining district that has transformed over time into a bohemian center. Today, the historic brick walls and multi-level layout create a unique contrast between the town's industrial past and modern fine dining.

For a complete experience at Cafe Roka, we recommend setting aside at least 2–3 hours. This is not a place to rush. The four-course dinner format is designed for savoring flavors and enjoying the progression of dishes, turning a simple meal into a true event.

If your visit coincides with a jazz performance, you’ll likely want to stay longer to enjoy the music over a glass of wine. Plan your evening so that after dinner, you have time for a leisurely stroll through the moonlit streets of the historic center.

Cafe Roka follows a specific schedule focused on evening service. Guests are welcome during the following hours:

• Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday: Closed

Since the schedule may change due to private events or holidays, we highly recommend checking the official website before planning your visit.

A stroll around the area after an exquisite dinner will allow you to fully experience the atmosphere of old Arizona. Bisbee is essentially an open-air museum where every building has its own story.