Basque people come from the Pyrenees Mountains region of northern Spain and southern France. Reno and other Nevada cities such as Winnemucca and Elko have significant Basque populations. The Center for Basque Studies is the University of Nevada, Reno.
A Basque restaurant menu can include any combination of items such as lamb stew, roast lamb, paella, Basque beans, scampi, rabbit, steak, lamb and pork chops, brochette, tripe, and sweetbreads. Through personal experience I've found that an acquired taste would help with the enjoyment of some of these dishes.
Louis' Basque Corner
Photo © Stan White
Louis' Basque Corner is just east of downtown Reno at 4th St. and Evans Ave. It's on the ground floor of the old Basque Hotel. In the Basque restaurant tradition, food is served family-style, with seating on benches at long tables. If there is room, another party may end up sharing your table and helping pass around the food. Louis' Basque Corner has been voted best Basque restaurant in Nevada, though I'm not sure when that occurred. It's open Tuesday through Saturday. Lunch is from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and dinner is from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
301 E. Fourth St., Reno, NV 89512
(775) 323-7203
Santa Fe Hotel
Photo © Stan White
The old Santa Fe Hotel is in the shadow of Reno's newer downtown hotels, which makes it within walking distance of just about all of them. It's a family owned business that's been around for over 50 years. This place is known for a Basque cocktail called Picon Punch. The Sante Fe is open for lunch from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and for dinner from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
235 N. Lake St., Reno, NV 89501
(775) 323-1891
Restaurante Orozko
John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks is the location of Restaurante Orozko. Yes, John Ascuaga is Basque. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 1100 Nugget Ave., Sparks, NV 89431
(775) 356-3300 ext. 4232
Overland Hotel Basque Restaurant
Gardnerville is about 30 miles south of Carson City on U.S. 395. Owner Elvira Cenoz serves up Basque food in the traditional family style way. The Overland is open Tuesday through Sunday. Lunch is from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m., and dinner is 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (10:00 p.m. in summer). 1451 N. Main St., Gardnerville, NV 89410
(775) 782-2138
J T Basque Bar & Dining Room
This is another old Basque establishment located down in Gardnerville. It's open Monday through Saturday. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner is served from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. 1426 Main St., Gardnerville, NV 89410
(775) 782-2074
