Most who read my reviews know that my husband is from Spain and we tend to be harsh critics of Spanish food. It has been watered down and Americanized a bit. Right next to the 99 freeway, and surrounded by graceful queen palms, the, , patrons try to manage their calorie intake during the setup so they save room for dessert. Not once did he ask if we were enjoying the food or to check on us. Its a monumental task for even the biggest eaters, but Central Valley. Maitia, an eighth-grade teacher at Compton Junior High, said her husband sold the restaurant in response to an aggressive offer from Stewart and her sons, whom she feels didnt do enough to nurture the business. Address. #tulsaartsdistrict #tulsafood. Phone: 661-589-5292 Address: 10700 Rosedale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93312-3278 Website: www.mauriciosgrill.com 2. Of course, you might wonder why a family (one who had the Misfortune of answering a phone while in a restaurant) was asked by the waiter to leave rather than the table of drunk old Men of are apparently "bar regulars".. Vegetables are very good and plentiful. 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Lunch Tuesday - Sunday 11:30 - 2:00 Dinner Tuesday - Sunday 5:00 - 9:00 Closed Mondays Souffle Article The Bakersfield Californian (1-16-2011) Not many restaurants in town take the time to create souffles. Location: 909 18th St, Bakersfield, CA 93301 Website: Cafesmitten.com Instagram: @cafesmitten 2. A brief history of some of Bakersfields beloved Basque restaurants. Order the garlic paste on the side for added flavor. Basque restaurants in Los Angeles area - Southern California. If there are any restaurants on the list that intrigue you, I encourage you to visit their websites and check out their menus. The. . Their website says they serve Basque family style dinner Wednesday through Sunday from 5-9PM. Basque restaurants in Nevada. This was my first experience with Basque food and I was so excited to be there. The historic Noriega Hotel in Bakersfield, California was brought down by the coronavirus pandemic. The restaurants historic back bar, which dates back to 1940, was purchased with the help of donations and moved to the Kern County Museum. (661) 328-0400, Benji's French Basque Restaurant4001 Rosedale Highway In Bakersfields Old Town Kern neighborhoodalso known as the Basque Blockyou'll findthe largest concentration of Basque restaurants in the United States. Are you sure you want to delete this question? It was cooked perfectly, was tender and melt in your mouth juicy. Need to save room for dessert the next time we go there. The change from daylight to dark took our eyes a bit to adjust. Bakersfield, CA 93301 Susan Maitia said her in-laws, Frank Sr. and Louise Maitia, founded the family business in Old Town Kern in 1946. Of course, you might wonder why a family (one who had the Misfortune of answering a phone while in a restaurant) was asked by the waiter to leave rather than the table of drunk old Men of are apparently "bar regulars".. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Bakersfield, California 93308, 4809 Stockdale Hwy Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Learn more, Copyright 2023 Visit Bakersfield | All Rights Reserved, Wool Growers Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge. Had he known, he might have ordered a different lamb dish. The income went way down and we just couldnt sustain it. We could see the handwriting on the wall, Ladd said, explaining Noriegas closure. Basque meals are similar to French cuisine. Benji's French Basque Restaurant is a family-friendly restaurant that offers a children's menu . Then comes the entree, maybe lamb stew or braised oxtails; after that an enormous plate of spaghetti; after that a platter of ribs or fried chicken and the best French fries in the world; then finally slabs of blue cheese and bowls of delicious homemade flan.. The bread was off the shelf plain sliced bread. We ordered one dinner without entree and one with roast lamb. I feel terrible that it came to this. You may want to ask for it on the side. It was cold inside the bar, which was empty, and only slightly warmer in the restaurant, my wife was shivering when we left. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. top of page. The Elizalde family moved ahead with plans to sell all the items, but cancelled their final liquidation sale because all the restaurants furniture and decor went so quickly. He was a bit disappointed in the preparation, but said it was tasty. About 15 people in restaurant and one waiter. Apparently the answer is that the waiter is in charge in that situation and there isn't anything you can really do about it other than just leave and bad Mouth them all over town! It would easily feed two people who were very hungry. Contact address. By noon, I was at Benji's French Basque Restaurant west of Bakersfield. Frank Sr. passed away April 10, on his birthday. (661) 885-8515, Noriega's Basque Restaurant4809 Stockdale Hwy The bright-lit dining room with long trestle tables is boisterous and friendly, a contrast to the film-noir vibe at the Pyrenees Caf on Sumner Street, two blocks away. Pyrenees breakfast menu offers pleasant surprises: Nab a seat at one of the outdoor patio tables and order the bacon-stuffed pancakes. It happened to be a Friday, so they had clam chowder in addition to the usual Basque vegetable soup. Oops! Read our story about Noriegas James Beard award. Benji's French-Basque Restaurant. I was very happy with the steak and I gave him half. Most of us thought COVID would be the end to family-style dining, said Steve Bass, whose family has held numerous events at the restaurant over the years, including his two sons wedding receptions. Incredibly grizzily. Bakersfield is home to the largest collection of Basque restaurants in the United States. In Bakersfield, Calif., the landmark Basque spot serving a four-course meal including outrageous oxtail and garlic fried chicken. If you would like to experience this in a "family" restaurant I would also recommend Chalet Basque!!! Come join us at Restaurant Basque for a unique exciting dining experience unlike anything else in Tulsa. At lunch if you want all the trimmings you pay $4 extra. Most who read my reviews know that my husband is from Spain and we tend to be harsh critics of Spanish food. Benji's French Basque Restaurant. Since my husband was reading the menu with the flashlight on his phone, we moved to a table that only had 1 burned out lightbulb. now for rental rates and other information about this property. In 1931, Gracianne Grace and Jean Elizalde, who Ladd referred to as Amatxi and Aitatxi, bought the hotel from the Noriegas. Learn more 200 Oak Street, Bakersfield, CA 93304 No cuisines specified Grubhub.com Menu Appetizers Shrimp Scampi $10.95 Mushrooms Stuffed $7.00 With basque sauce. Brought us water and then took our order. Aged Sherry Caramel, Chimichurri, Sourdough. The bar was nice and looked like a cool place to hang out. It was called The Basque Cafe. The waitress was excellent. It came with a sauce on top - tasted good, kind of lemony. https://euskalkazeta.com/noriegas-hotel-in-bakersfield-closes-for-good/#comment-530222. Adress: 200 Oak St, Bakersfield, CA 93304, USA phone: (661) 327-2915 Work Hours Mon 11:00 AM-9:00 PM Tue 11:00 AM-9:00 PM Wed 11:00 AM-9:00 PM Thu 11:00 AM-9:00 PM Fri 11:00 AM-9:00 PM Sat 11:00 AM-9:00 PM Sun 11:00 AM-9:00 PM Specialties We are a traditional Basque restaurant in Bakersfield, CA. The Pyrenees dark wood bar, vinyl booths, throbbing jukebox, and neon Budweiser sign attract motorcycle clubs, indie bands, and Basque old-timers alike. The corporation had to file bankruptcy, said Joy Stewart, 63, who bought the restaurant on Coffee Road in 2005 as an agent of James L. Stewart, Inc. to run it with sons Brian and Greg Riggins. It's sad to see an older establish restaurant going down hill, but that's what our impression was last night, and I doubt we will go back there again, there are just too many other good choices for Basque in Bakersfield.More, I don't know why all the mixed reviews. Breakfast - 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday Lunch - 12:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday Dinner - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (Reserv See more 2,022 people like this 2,089 people follow this 8,617 people checked in here When . We apologize to those who wanted brunch and regret that we are unable to open at 11:00 today. The new Noriega's will open as soon as possible, according to Osathanugrah. You can see him in the second row, 5th from left (next to my sister) in the group photo , Was able to practice my Euskara with everyone at hotel reception and with the taxi driver who took me to the airport. Luigi's Restaurant and Delicatessen Next, we bring you an iconic Bakersfield Italian joint, Luigi's Restaurant and Delicatessen. Service was OK, the waiter was friendly and did well overall, his helper (busboy?) By using this site you agree to Zomato's use of cookies to give you a personalised experience. Bakersfield, CA 93305 (661) 327-9584 In operation since 1954, this is one of the best rated restaurants in Bakersfield, with its authentic dishes from the rich Basque region. I asked my followers recently on Instagram to name their favorite Basque restaurants in the United States. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; 2013-2022 Hella Basque. These are some basque restaurants with a large number of reviews in Bakersfield, CA: Benji's French Basque Restaurant (304 reviews). Mon - Closed . We did notice a large banquet room that faced the front with large windows, so they can accommodate larger parties. We started the little (Basque Cafe) out on Coffee Road around 1997, his wife said. It was cold inside the bar, which was empty, and only slightly warmer in the restaurant, my wife was shivering when we left. It has been watered down and Americanized a bit. Banquet Hall/Venue 4001 Rosedale Hwy . Hooters. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. What are some highly rated basque restaurants in Bakersfield, CA? I would have loved to given the place five stars, however the service really brought the star level done. The theme of which is the outrageous rudeness of answering a phone when in a restaurant. She came from the back and seated us right away. Lunch menu and Dinner menu Bakersfield, CA 93305 amzn_assoc_design = "in_content"; Benji's French Basque Restaurant (661) 437-3925 Own this business? Some new restaurants have popped up and others have closed. since 1901; local landmark serving Basque cuisine ("peasant food") View more restaurants in Bakersfield, CA from other shows - FoodiePie.com. The food was very good and plenty of food for our gathering of ten people. Jessica was our server and the ONLY server (some people might just be impatient). BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) The namesake of Noriega's restaurant was recently purchased by Bill Osathanugrah after previous owners announced its closure. A visitor can expect a Basque meal to be served family style at long trestle tables, with hearty courses, meat or seafood entree and a red wine present throughout the meal. 4001 Rosedale Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93308 No cuisines specified Menu Appetizers Sauteed Mushrooms $8.00 Ravioli $10.00 Escargots $10.00 Scampi with Lemon Garlic Sauce $13.00 Frog Legs with Lemon Garlic Sauce $13.00 The primary reasons behind the familys decision were increasing rent and the pandemic, which prompted government health officials to close restaurants. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Its dining room walls are lined with black-and-white photos of Basque pioneers. I usually order the pork chopsand I'm never disappointed. The food was good, it's the traditional basque farmers food that's been a staple in Bakersfield". Downtown Bakersfield is home to antique stores with unique and hard-to-find items collectibles. A family-style dining experience that once . We waited a few minutes for someone to help us. I will still go here for cheap and plentiful eats. Carl's Jr ($) Burgers, Fast Food Distance: 0.09 miles. Bakersfield, CA 93309. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Since 1986. #Chaletbasque. Everything in the setup, seemed like they were scrimping on ingredients to save money. Salad, soup & tongue was good. This is a review for basque restaurants in Bakersfield, CA: "the practice is to have everyone wait in the bar area prior to the dinner seating. But for California's Basques, a way of life was unalterably transformed. Huell's off to Noriega's Basque Restaurant in Bakersfield where he not only enjoys an amazing meal, but he is treated to wonderful stories about the Basque culture in the area. Thanks for letting me know though. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; The waiters seem to have all worked there forever and know the menu well. Looking for your new favorite restaurant? We would certainly eat here again any time we were in Bakersfield. Basque salsa really spices up the soup, by the way. I feel so bad for the employees and customers that were there regularly, she said. In future, we would order one entre, and one vegetarian meal, which is all the accompanying dishes. With toppingit came to $26. The chowder was great! They did offer to take off the ticket.Lamb shanks were good.More, Went here on a Wednesday around 430. Bakersfield, California 93309, 601 Sumner Street We proudly offer Bakersfield locals and visitors a unique and authentic Basque dining experience. ), Desperate mountain residents trapped by snow beg for help; We are coming, sheriff says, Look up: The 32 most spectacular ceilings in Los Angeles, Winter storms ease drought conditions in California, report shows, 19 cafes that make L.A. a world-class coffee destination, Calmes: Heres what we should do about Marjorie Taylor Greene, You want to put a restaurant where? 2021 by Erock. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) In the city of Bakersfield, one can find a handful of Basque restaurants and delicacies. So yummy! Still love the Pickled LambTongue. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; I agree and consent to receiveemails from Visit California and its partners with special offers and exclusive content and that I am at least 18 years old, Where to findand how to eatthe unique European cuisine in Bakersfield, In Bakersfields Old Town Kern neighborhoodalso known as the Basque Blockyou'll findthe largest concentration of, Anywhere you go, youll be served a similar setup, as its calledsourdough bread, cabbage soup, beans, salsa, boiled vegetables, pickled tongue, and spaghetti. Then theres salad like Greek salad, but with a tangy dressing and a plate of pickled tongue (yum!). They cite that the economy was down and it is, she said. There was only one waitress on duty because it was 3 in the afternoon. Your email address will not be published. Soon we were . Baskin-Robbins adds a hint of waffle, and voila. I must say I liked this place best of the three we have tried so far. and I'm never disappointed. Local Basque Cuisine Loses Master of Sauces. It all needs to be consumed before the main course, which might be roasted lamb leg, beef or oxtail stew, or fried chicken. They have a separate bar and it looked like a band was setting up to play on Friday. amzn_assoc_asins = "157965777X,1784880264,1558321403,1607747618"; A great video on the way things were. He was a bit disappointed in the preparation, but said it was tasty. T / 661-328-0400, 2021 by Erock. It would easily feed two people who were very hungry. She and JB honed their skills as cooks and servers . If you would like to experience this in a "family" restaurant I would also recommend Chalet Basque!!! . Soup and lamb was delicious. I moved from Bakersfield about 10 years ago and truly miss my Basque meals ! Dewar's, across the street from Bakersfield High School, is still the best old soda fountain in the state, and even if it didn't make the world's best nut chews little Tootsie Rolls of taffy . CENTRO BASCO 13432 Central Ave. Chino, California 91710 (909 . 200 Oak St Bakersfield, CA 93304-24. The change from daylight to dark took our eyes a bit to adjust. My all-time favorite was the Winnemucca Hotel, sadly closed. Thats high-dollar rent out there (in Rosedale) as opposed to being out here on the east side where payments are more affordable, said Linda Elizalde-McCoy, co-owner of the Noriega Hotel on Sumner Avenue, another historical Bakersfield Basque restaurant. Bakersfield, CA 93304 Its dining room walls are lined with black-and-white photos of Basque pioneers. This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Chalet Basque Restaurant 166 Spanish $$ Family-owned & operated 51 years in business "of the few things people knew about the town was that it was known for it's Basque population and." more Outdoor seating 3. Lisa loves getting to know her customers and offering them an unforgettable dining experience! Noriega Hotel, one of Bakersfield's oldest restaurants, announced Friday that it would not reopen following its closure due to the coronavirus outbreak. It was too large and too tough to run. A local businessman, Seven Bates, hoped to keep the restaurant alive in an arrangement that would involve the Elizalde family and started a Save the Noriega Hotel Facebook. And one Bakersfield delicacy: pickled tongue. Try their butterfinger pie for dessert! View more restaurants in Bakersfield, CA from other shows - FoodiePie.com. She came from the back and seated us right away. (661) 323-0053, Pyrenees Caf601 Sumner Street I had to scale down, Frank Maitia Jr. said. Soooooo in conclusion, do I recommend Chalet Basque? Unless you and your family want to be traumatized! Enjoying Basque food at the Basque restaurant Harvest Vine in Seattle, Wash. We didnt but were clued in and it was great. The Bakersfield community and the Basque community were devastated. The cuisine has an upscale appeal while welcoming in the casual diner. It was cooked perfectly, was tender and melt in your mouth juicy. This place is not near the same as it was with the previous owners. 0.94 miles. Low 44F. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Oh no, what sad news! Many people have expressed their sorrow over the loss of the iconic institution and what it may portend for other similar family-style Basque establishments across the West. Anne-Marie Chiramberro is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. The April 24 post generated 386 comments and was shared 750 times. Everything was great! They also have a bar/lounge and outside patio area. And far across town at Benjis French-Basque Restaurant, patrons try to manage their calorie intake during the setup so they save room for dessert. Had he known, he might have ordered a different lamb dish. We were in town to see a sick relative and decidedto have a late lunch/early dinner before heading back up to the Bay Area. The place was dark inside, not too many windows. Next in line is the Martin Hotel in Winnemucca, Nevada, established in 1898, and not far behind is the Star Hotel in Elko, Nevada, built in 1910. Bakersfield, CA 93308 Bakersfield, CA 93308 Very clean restaurant, staffed by friendly and professional waitstaff. He called McCoys Bloody Mary an art form.. That was the charm of Noriegas, he said. My filet was huge. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. 200 Oak St Bakersfield, CA 93304 (Map & Directions) (661) 327-2915 Cuisine: Basque, French, Spanish Neighborhood: Bakersfield Website: www.basquerestaurantbakersfield.com Leaflet | OSM See Larger Map - Get Directions Bookmark Update Menu Edit Info Read Reviews Write Review Share Hours Open Today: 11:00am-9:00pm Monday 11:00am - 9:00pm Huell Howser Wool Growers Basque Restaurant - Bakersfield, CA. Now, the food is decent, and you feel like just another customer. He never even came by to refill my husband's water glass. Dining and Drinking, Bar . amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "hellabasque-20"; This has been an incredibly difficult decision for the family to make and one that wasnt taken lightly, the family posted on its Facebook page. Since I aim to please, today Im doing just that! I must say I liked this place best of the three we have tried so far. Home to Bakersfield sound and the famous Kern County Basque festival, the city of Bakersfield has something for everyone. Low 44F. What are people saying about basque restaurants in Bakersfield, CA? We parked in the parking lot and entered through the bar. Some serve traditional Basque American boarding house style dinners, while others just have a few Basque dishes for you to try. What sad news! Im glad to have had a Picon Punch and an ABC (Amaretto, Baileys and coffee) a few days before they closed, Bates said. Proudly created with Wix.com. El Taco Rojo Birrieria ($) Tacos, Food Trucks Distance: 0.06 miles. Bistros in Bakersfield. According to my Spain expert, the food in the Basque restaurants in Bakersfield seem to come from the same region. There was only one waitress on duty because it was 3 in the afternoon. The food is amazing here. The restaurant needs a little upgrade in decor, but it is very clean and interesting. Years and years of mementos and memories left the two-story historic building in recent days, as a June 30 final deadline for the shuttering of the restaurant loomed and people and organizations bought items from the restaurant. Location. Bakersfield, California 93305, 1918 Eye Street When your entre comes, you also get buttery green beans, really French fries, and baked beans. 601 reviews #6 of 551 Restaurants in Bakersfield $$ - $$$ Basque Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options 620 E 19th St, Bakersfield, CA 93305-5619 +1 661-327-9584 Website Closed now : See all hours See all (49) RATINGS Food Service Value Atmosphere Details Special Diets Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Meals We looked up and 2 of the 3 light bulbs above our seat were burned out. Typically, this first course consists of a simple vegetable soup. 4809 Stockdale Hwy. Lisa has been the owner at Chalet Basque Restaurant since 2002, and strives to maintain the Basque authenticity that the restaurant has been known since it opened it's doors in 1969. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; The whole effect is enormous! Start your exploration of Basque food culture at the Wool Growers Restaurant on 19th Street, clearly marked by a neon sheep sign. Read about the Kern County Museum Exhibit. The restaurant was granted the prestigious James Beard award as an American classic in 2011, for its food and appeal. In any event, I think Basque food in the United States is the closest thing to visiting W mainland Europe to eat. Learn more about offering online ordering to your diners. Couldn't eat it. However said waiter won't tell the drunk patrons to leave because the are " bar regulars." I have to be honest and say it's not as good as it used to be. CHALET BASQUE RESTAURANT - 158 Photos & 166 Reviews - 200 Oak St, Bakersfield, CA - Yelp Restaurants Home Services Auto Services Chalet Basque Restaurant 166 reviews Claimed $$ French, Basque, Spanish Edit Open 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Hours updated 3 weeks ago See hours See all 158 photos Write a review Pickled Tongue Highlights from the Business It was less than half packed. We enjoyed the salsa so much that we applied it liberally to the soup, beans and vegetables. Garrett Snyder is a former staff writer for the Food section of the Los Angeles Times. Open. The Basque region is famous for its beaches, ancient culture, and free-spirited people. Its a monumental task for even the biggest eaters, but Central Valley Basque food has been served this way since the mid-1800s, when many Basque traveled from their homeland between Spain and France to seek their fortunes in Californias Gold Rush. Good house wine gets positive reviews. The Noriega Hotel was the oldest surviving Basque restaurant and inn for male boarders in the United States and a civic symbol in Bakersfield. I can remember a tastier menu.