The Basque people have their roots grounded in the region between Spain and France, but Nevada is their homeland in the American West. Immigrants of the late 19th century left behind family and friends in the provinces of the Pyrenees Mountains or the Cantabrian coast of northwestern Spain and southwestern France and became sheepherders in Nevada.
Hotels sprang up in rural Nevada ranching communities to cater to the sheepherders, who spent long periods of time with their flocks in the mountains and valleys. Hearty meals served family style are still the signature of Basque fare, which includes beef and lamb steaks, homemade soups, salads, beans, spaghetti, bread, Picon punch and red wine, served chilled.
The Basque tradition of excellent food, hospitality and unique atmosphere can be found in any of Nevada’s Basque restaurants. The following is a list of some well-known establishments in Gardnerville, Winnemucca, Elko and Reno.
For decades, Gardnerville’s Overland Hotel has been proudly serving hearty Basque meals on Main Street South. Across the street is another local favorite, the JT Basque Bar & Dining Room, which displays an amazing hat collection in the bar.
In Winnemucca, a western-style town named for a famous Paiute Indian chief, stop by Ormachea’s Dinner House on Melarky Street. Entrées include meatballs, pork loin, chicken, leg of lamb, steaks and seafood; with pig’s feet, beef tongue and paella topping the list of specials. Not only will you walk away with a satisfying meal, but maybe with a painting as well. The many pieces of artwork by Basque artists that decorate the walls of the restaurant are offered for sale.
In the heart of downtown, you’ll discover the Winnemucca Hotel, one of the oldest Basque hotels in Nevada. Built in 1863, this historic eatery offers T-bone steak, chorizo, beef stew, paella and spaghetti.
Elko’s Basque establishments, which line Silver Street, include Biltoki, the Star Hotel and the Nevada Dinner House. Biltoki, meaning “the gathering place” in Basque, offers a variety of delicacies such as bacalao (a salty fish), beef tongue, squid, and pig’s feet. Those with less adventurous tastes can try one of five types of steak, lobster or lamb.
The Star Hotel, a long-time local favorite, has been serving Basque food since its doors opened in 1910. Dinner entrées change daily and include steak, lamb, pork, chicken and fish. The Nevada Dinner House, with its recognizable sign depicting a Basque man drinking from a bota bag, offers the traditional ethnic fare and its dining room features a number of fine Basque paintings.
Elko is also home of the National Basque Festival each Fourth of July holiday weekend, which spotlights Basque food and culture.
In Reno, Louie’s Basque Corner, recommended by the Frugal Gourmet, is located just blocks from the downtown casinos and has been a popular local eatery since 1967. Waitresses wearing authentic Basque clothing serve specialty dishes including tripe, beef brochette, fried chicken and sweetbread in addition to
the traditional favorites. The welcoming atmosphere is reminiscent of northern Spain and southern France, complete with Basque sayings on the walls and pottery from Ciboure.
Each summer in Reno, the aromas of chorizo sandwiches and other delicacies drift from the Reno Basque Festival as participants cook up delicious authentic food and fun. Festival highlights include a dance, barbecue, sporting exhibition, wood chopping races and more.